Guardian Of Ancient Wood

Chapter 29

As Furie and Leaf walked back to Leaf's house, they delved into a discussion about the revelations from Cyclone. The news of Furie having a sister and the unexpected responsibility of potentially challenging for Queen Gaya's throne left both of them in a state of surprise. Furie expressed her reluctance to be involved in a power struggle for the throne, emphasizing that she never aspired to take Gaya's position.

The conversation shifted to the amber-eyed girl, who Furie suspected could be her sister. She described the girl's features—amber eyes, dark red hair, and a tall, confident posture. The idea that the mysterious visitor in the human world might be connected to Furie stirred a mix of emotions within her. Furie wondered if merely knowing a Guardian's appearance was enough to send them a message, to which Leaf clarified that having their name was a prerequisite. Feeling a tinge of sadness at the realization, Furie retrieved her backpack from Leaf's house, ready to face the challenges awaiting her in the human world. It was time to return home and prepare for the unfolding events in her increasingly complex new life.

As Furie raced around her house, Leaf observed her with a calm and amused demeanor. She seemed to be in a flurry of activity, throwing things around, unpacking and repacking her backpack, and attempting to do some laundry. The contrast between Furie's fast-paced movements and Leaf's composed presence on her bed was stark. While Furie continued her energetic endeavors, Leaf took advantage of the moment to multitask. Seated on her bed, he began creating different spheres of power, each designated for a specific Guardian. With practiced ease, he sent messages to Rain, Zephyr, and Ash, updating them on the recent discoveries involving Cyclone and the revelations about the prophecy. The room filled with the soft glow of the spheres as they traveled to their respective recipients.

As messages started flying back to Leaf, he found himself engaged in three simultaneous conversations through sphere messages. The room was abuzz with the magical exchanges, creating an interesting juxtaposition to Furie's dynamic activities. Leaf handled the communication efficiently, ensuring that the Guardians were informed about the unfolding events while Furie was immersed in her shower, seeking solace and understanding.

When she came out of the bathroom, Leaf told her about all the messages he exchanged with the other Guardians. Furie thanked him and was about to ask him more questions when a loud noise interrupted her. As the unsettling scream pierced the air, Leaf and Furie were immediately on alert. Leaf, ever protective, was prepared to investigate the source of the disturbance, but Furie insisted on joining him. She hastily grabbed her backpack, her hair still damp from the shower, expressing her determination to be part of whatever was happening in the woods.

However, Leaf was initially hesitant about allowing Furie to accompany him, concerned for her safety. He was putting his shoes on, so he could go find the beast that made the scream in the woods. He expressed his worries and emphasized the potential danger they might face. Furie, with a hint of frustration, argued that she could control the four elements, a significant advantage that could aid them. Leaf resisted, still unsure, but Furie managed to change his mind by reminding him of her unique abilities. With a resigned sigh, Leaf agreed, and they both rushed outside to follow the eerie sounds emanating from the forest. Along the way, Leaf took a moment to lay down ground rules, making Furie promise to stay behind him and follow his instructions. "You have to do everything I will tell you to do. It is for your safety, Furie."

Furie, although not a fan of being told what to do, reluctantly agreed to comply. As they continued their sprint towards the unknown, Leaf emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging Furie to take his guidance seriously. "Fine, I'll listen. You have been a Guardian for a longer time than me. I'll be a good support." Recognizing her stubbornness, Furie promised to listen and follow Leaf's lead, understanding the gravity of the impending situation. The tension in their conversation reflected the urgency of the mysterious event.

As Furie and Leaf entered the clearing where the horrifying scream originated, a brutal scene unfolded before their eyes. In the center of the clearing, an earth Guardian, a woman with messy, long green hair, was engaged in fierce combat. She fought not against one, but two shadowy creatures that seemed to have emerged from the depths of darkness. Despite being visibly injured, the earth Guardian displayed immense determination, fiercely battling her assailants. The Guardian's ponytail dangled on the side, with her once vibrant green hair now marred by dirt, grass, and moss, a testament to the intensity of the struggle. One of her arms appeared injured, clutched protectively by her other arm, yet she pressed on with unwavering resolve. The two shadowy creatures encircling the earth Guardian were a manifestation of cloudy darkness, their forms elusive and menacing. With an unnatural number of limbs, they appeared to have too many legs and arms, making their growls even more threatening. The shadows seemed to writhe and pulse with an otherworldly energy as they menaced the beleaguered Guardian. The stark contrast between the light emanating from the earth Guardian and the inky darkness of her assailants created a scene of intense drama and danger in the clearing.

As the woman earth Guardian noticed Leaf and Furie, a genuine smile brightened her worn and dirt-streaked face. Swiftly, Leaf tapped into his earth magic, summoning vines adorned with sharp spikes that shot up from the ground. With a precise and practiced hand, he commanded the vines to ensnare the two shadow creatures menacing the earth Guardian. The vines wrapped around the creatures, squeezing tightly like constricting serpents. One of the creatures let out a deafening scream as the spikes pierced its shadowy form, and it collapsed to the ground. The vines, relentless, continued to tighten until the creature exploded into shadowy fragments, sinking into the earth.

Furie, witnessing Leaf's effective maneuver, turned her attention to the remaining shadow creature. She attempted a water spell, but it proved ineffective, only fueling the creature's anger. Frowning in determination, Furie shifted to another element, creating a spell to target the elusive shadow. However, the creature proved agile, dodging Furie's efforts with ease. Leaf, sensing Furie's struggle, whispered a cautious reminder for her to be careful. He remained focused on his own task, making sure the first shadow creature was completely eradicated. Meanwhile, the injured earth Guardian, now able to catch a moment of respite, sank down to the ground, her energy drained. The circle of vines that had surrounded her enemies now receded, and she observed the ongoing battle with gratitude in her eyes.

Leaf's urgent shout jolted Furie into immediate action. As the shadow creature lunged towards her, its claws poised to strike, Furie swiftly obeyed Leaf's command. She threw herself to the side, rolling on the ground to evade the creature's imminent grasp. Rising to her feet, she listened intently to Leaf's instructions. With Leaf's voice urging her to tap into her fire element, Furie hesitated for a moment. The unfamiliarity of the element made her uncertain, but the urgency of the situation propelled her to try. Summoning her newfound power, she focused on the fiery essence within her. In her outstretched hands, a swirling ball of intense flames materialized. The fire radiated heat and light, creating a mesmerizing dance of orange and red hues. Furie's eyes widened as she marveled at the manifestation of her own power. Determination fueled her as she directed the fiery sphere towards the shadow creature. The blazing ball of fire struck the creature with explosive force. A giant hole seared through its shadowy form, the flames consuming its very essence. The creature's face contorted in a shocked expression before collapsing onto the ground. Just like its predecessor, the shadows that comprised the creature dissipated into the ground, leaving no trace behind.

Furie, panting and exhilarated, felt a surge of empowerment coursing through her. The fire element, once unfamiliar, now made her feel strong and invincible. The victory over the shadow creatures left her breathless but triumphant, realizing the depth of her capabilities as a Guardian. Leaf, filled with a mixture of relief and admiration, rushed toward Furie. His eyes held a hint of pride as he approached her, acknowledging her success with the fire element. "The fire element has always been the most effective for destroying a shadow creature," he shared, a sense of camaraderie evident in his voice. As Leaf spoke, he shifted his focus from the victorious Furie to her well-being. Concern etched his features as he examined her, checking for any signs of injury. "Are you okay?" he inquired, his worry tempered by the smile that graced Furie's face.

Furie responded affirmatively, her smile widening. "More than okay," she assured him, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through her veins. Leaf, satisfied with her response, nodded approvingly and offered a heartfelt, "Good job." With Furie confirmed to be unharmed, Leaf redirected his attention to the other earth Guardian who had valiantly fought the shadow creatures. He knelt beside her, his gentle yet attentive demeanor evident as he checked on her well-being. Leaf's caring actions showcased the bond among Guardians, a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of their own.