Guardian Of Ancient Wood

Chapter 42

The morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold as Furie was getting ready for her fire lesson and Leaf was sending a couple of message spheres to their friends. He wanted to share Furie's plan with the rest of their group and see what their friends' thoughts were. When Furie was about to descend the wooden cabin stairs, ready for her fire lesson with Ash. Leaf, however, had different plans for the day. As Furie made her way down, Leaf halted her with a gentle touch on the shoulder. "Just so you know, Furie," Leaf began, "I'll be heading to the human world while you practice with Ash." Furie furrowed her eyebrows, questioning Leaf's sudden decision. Leaf explained that he felt a sense of duty towards the Ancient Oak Tree, one of the Guardian relics in the human world. He expressed a need to ensure its safety and fulfill his responsibilities as a Guardian.

Understanding Leaf's commitment to protecting their shared heritage, Furie nodded in agreement. However, a hint of worry lingered in her eyes as she thought about the shadow creatures she had encountered in the human world. She urged Leaf to be cautious. With a kiss of encouragement, Furie bid Leaf farewell, and he set off on his mission to safeguard the ancient relic. Furie, on the other hand, continued her descent, eager to meet Ash for the upcoming fire lesson.

As she approached the clearing where Ash awaited her, the warm morning sunlight cast a golden glow on the surroundings. Ash, with his fiery spirit, stood there with a charming smile, his damp hair hinting that he had just emerged from a refreshing shower. The moisture didn't diminish his allure; instead, it added an air of vitality. "Hi, Ash!" Furie greeted him, and Ash responded with a salute, his infectious enthusiasm radiating. "Are you ready for the best day of your life?" Furie chuckled at his fervor, appreciating Ash's passion for his element. Positioning herself in front of him, she then caught him off guard with an unexpected question. "Before we start, I just have one question for you, Ash." Intrigued, Ash prompted her to go ahead. Furie's smile widened as she inquired, "I was just wondering how old you are?" Ash's face went through a rapid transformation, a mix of surprise and laughter. "I am 95 years old, why?" he responded.

Furie explained that she and Leaf had discussed the longevity of Guardians and the ages of their friends. She was merely curious about Ash's age, wanting to know more about the experiences that had shaped him over the years. The question added a lighthearted note to the beginning of their practicing session.

The fire training session with Ash unfolded in a spectacular display of warmth and light. The clearing, already bathed in the soft morning sun, now danced with the vibrant hues of flames. Ash, with his expertise in the fire element, guided Furie through various tricks and techniques, each more captivating than the last. As they experimented, the flames took on different shades, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Red flames crackled with intensity, blue flames flickered with an otherworldly glow, and purple flames intertwined gracefully. Furie marveled at the versatility of the fire element, realizing the myriad of expressions it could take. The clearing echoed with laughter as Furie tried to replicate Ash's tricks, a playful competition unfolding between the two Guardians. The vibrant lights cast shadows that danced around them, adding an extra layer of magic to the scene.

To Furie's surprise, Ash even introduced her to the concept of green flames, a hue she hadn't associated with fire before. The emerald flames shimmered with an enchanting radiance, creating an ethereal ambiance. Throughout the training, Furie felt a deep connection with the fire element. It responded to her commands with ease, as if it recognized her innate affinity. As the session progressed, Furie decided to experiment on her own. With a confident and graceful motion, she conjured a flow of lava that poured out of her hands, meandering through the clearing like a river of molten light. The spectacle left both Guardians in awe, the radiant glow of the lava contrasting beautifully with the vibrant colors of the flames. In this harmonious dance of fire, Furie discovered a newfound appreciation for the element and her own capabilities. The clearing, once serene and tranquil, now echoed with the crackling energy of the fire they had summoned.

Suddenly, the two Guardians heard a voice say, "Hey! What are you doing?" Furie and Ash, caught off guard by the unexpected interruption, instantly shifted their focus toward the source of the voice. Their playful expressions morphed into expressions of alertness and readiness, as they instinctively assumed defensive postures. The trees rustled slightly as if whispering secrets, but the voice remained hidden among the foliage. Furie's eyes narrowed, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. Ash, with flames dancing in his eyes, extended his hand, conjuring a small flame to illuminate the surroundings. "Who's there?" Furie called out, her voice firm and commanding, as she attempted to pierce through the concealment of the trees. The air in the clearing seemed to tense with anticipation, both Guardians prepared for any potential threat.