Childish War

Chapter 3: a Strange guardian

I couldn't see anything..

I couldn't move..

I could hear screams..

Explosions..

But the closest screams sounded like they were right in front of me

They sounded like mum and dad

I tried to go towards them but I couldn't

It felt like I was being held in place

I felt a whisper in my ear

"It's all your fault"

I shot up.
I was breathing quickly.
"Honey? Is everything alright?" a voice said from behind my door.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied calming down.
"Oh good. We're going out today!"
"Really? Where?"
"Get dressed and I'll tell you!" she laughed.
I slid out of bed and changed into my favorite dress.
I wear it just about all the time.
It's a beautiful lilac color and has violet patterns around the sleeves and neck.
I brushed my blonde hair, put on my tiara and went downstairs.
"So, where are we going?" I asked.
Taiyang and Luno were up and dressed already, waiting for me.
"We are going to get you a protector," Luno said.
"A what?
"I'll tell you on the way."
I took mum and dad's hands and we exited the castle, leaving the guards in charge.
We walked down the street.
Buildings and houses lined the busy street, which was filled with anymals going about their business.
When people saw us they smiled, bowed respectfully and carried on their way.
If you're thinking 'kings and queens don't usually wander the street, they're usually in some kind of carriage';
Well, Dregshky was a pretty laid back place.
Also, Mum and Dad believed that going out in a carriage would make people look down on others.
"'We are all the same," they once said, "we may be royalty but we are all the same species."
As we continued walking, the street got a little calmer.
"So, what are Protectors?" I asked.
"Protectors, or Maximals, are a sub-species on this planet." Luno said, "They are a bit like us but they can't turn into different animals like we can, instead they are part of a specific animal loosely matching their personality"
"Wait, they have two names...?"
"Not exactly," Taiyang replied, "some Maximals go to a special training school to become Protectors. Protectors and Anymals have a certain bond that is only shared between certain pairs; only some Maximals are destined to become Protectors, and they know if they are because they are born with markings on their wrist that let them know that they were made to protect a certain important Anymal."
"Wait a minute... is Scorch a Protector?" I asked.
"Yes, he is Lily's Protector"
"Wow... do you guys have Protectors?" I said curiously; this was becoming very interesting.
"Yes, we do," Luno said, "but our Protectors are back at the school training other Maximals to become Protectors like them."
"So... how do you know that there's a Protector for me?"
"Well, one of the teachers said that a Protector has arrived with a peace symbol on their wrist." Luno carried on, "They said that they are not sure though... apparently he's not from here..."
"How did he get here?"
"Well, aren't you the curious one." Taiyang laughed, "they don't know, according to them he just appeared."
"Oh... ok"
"Aanndd we're here!"
We came up to a rather big building.
As we walked through the gate I noticed , engraved into the stone, a message that read

CRANBERRY'S SCHOOL FOR GIFTED MAXIMALS

We entered the building, and were greeted enthusiastically by a man;
"Ah your Majesties! Welcome!"
"Hello, Cranberry." Luno gave him a firm handshake.
Cranberry was a rather tall man with dark red hair that just touched his shoulders.
He had kind brown eyes and a stubbly beard.
He wore a dark red shirt with a brown tie and brown trousers.
I could see what Mum said when she said that Maximals had animal characteristics,
Because I noticed two round bear ears on top of his head.
"I expect you are here to find Grace's supposed Protector, correct?"'
"Yes," luno said, "I'm rather happy that she's getting one... with all these Gancid attacks we have to be careful."
Cranberry knelt down.
"My name is Cranberry," he said with a gentle smile.
As soon as he knelt down, I couldn't help but stroke his ears;
I was fascinated.
"Haha! You like my ears, huh?"
"They're so fluffy!" I giggled. Cranberry stood up.
"C'mon, let's go find your Protector." I took his hand.
"Taiyang, Luno, how about you stay here. We won't be long."
"Alright," Luno said, taking a seat in the lounge.
"See you in a bit, sweetie!" Taiyang said as Cranberry and I began walking down the hall.
"Excuse me, Mr Cranberry. Are you my dad's protector?" I asked.
"Yes, I am." he replied, "How did you guess?"
"I had a feeling..." I said, spying the moon symbol on his wrist.
We walked through a door with a brass plate on it that said