Creature Hunters

Chapter 1: Guardian

A world known as Cologa. The old tome's speak of a time of darkness that devastated the world of light. After much rebuilding it was decided that to prevent such disaster from ever happening again the strong would protect their communities. The strong were given the title, Guardian. Guardians were unmatched in their use of weaponry and magic and protected the people of Cologa.

This is the second generation of the Guardians. Bandits have been far more active than before, and are causing panic among the people. Bandits are usually those down on their luck, acting out against society. Never are the attacks an organized movement like they have been lately. Guardians have no problem holding back attacks from time to time, but with increased numbers, that could prove to be problematic.

The Aqua Town Guardian, William Aqua, is well-known for his use of double-bladed swords, imbued with water magic. He is capable of holding back large waves of foes with wide attacks; no pushover to close combat, while his trusty weapon is by his side. The years have been catching up to him, however, as he's been showing signs of aging. Though, his mind stayed sharp as ever. Each bandit attack seemed to take more out of him each time. His father before him had set the stage for Aqua Town's growing prosperity. Once an empty marsh, Aqua Town had become a town of traditions and history.

At moments of quiescence, William spends time with his family at their loving home. Their only son was near the age to become a Guardian, almost 16. William wasn't distressed about John taking his place, in fact, he'd be quite proud.

"Dad, could I start training with your weapon for once, this time? I'm sure I'm ready for the real thing! All those wooden weapons are getting really boring." John sighed.

"I'm sorry my son, It's in your best interest to avoid using an advanced weapon so soon. We'll train with that weapon another time." William shook his head.

"You always say that..." John said under his breath.

John continued his research magic at the dinner table. His understanding of the arts bothered William, as his family has only ever used their water magic. Other magic elements were foreign to him and the same goes to the other Towns and Settlements. It's just frowned upon; to learn magic against your town's traditional magic.

"John. Why do you want to be a Wizard?" John stopped writing, but continued to stare at the pages. William spoke again, "You want to be Aqua Town's Guardian, but we've been people of the water, and haven't traveled out too far. Guardians always stay by those they protect. Wizards travel all over to learn their spells and academics."

"Well, yes," John said nodding. "But books can come to us too. Our library is fully stocked with writings from Magma City, to Lightning Village. I just want to learn as much as I can is all. Of course I'd stick with the town."

William stared at his son with much intrigue, then continued to finish his meal. His wife, Liana, smiled at both of them during the conversation. It's actually unheard of for aspiring Guardians to learn arcane arts to this degree. As said before, it's best to stick to your town's attuned magic, as it's more potent in the area and it's an on-going tradition. But John apparently sees that as a weakness.

"John, we're very proud of your academics. You've improved very quickly. We're just concerned about others not being able to rely on you." Liana smiled with a twinkle in her eye.

"It's not that, really." William added, looking at Liana. "You know as well as I do, that John wants to see the world." William looks to John. "I'm proud of you, and I understand if you want to pass up carrying on the Guardian responsibility, like your grandfather before us."

John looked troubled by his fathers words, as he still dreams about becoming a Guardian. John replies: "Dad. I want the opportunity to guard this town, and protect everyone in it. I'd even go so far as to drop my academics to do it. That won't be a problem. I'm just concerned that, people rely too much on their traditions and should use other means to fight. On top of that, I feel like the magic isn't being used properly. There's more to this world's magic than we use it for."