A Tale Of Old: Part One

     The sun rose above the tall and looming mountains, which stood against the pink and orange sky, almost wanting to block out the shining ball of intense fire itself. The mountain failed, as the sun rose into the sky, giving warmth and light to all the things around it. Some rays shined through the emerald leaves of the trees, casting a greenish light down upon the ground. Other rays touched creatures, stirring them from their deep and long sleep, causing them to get up and forage about for food or stretch their stiff limbs. Water poured from a waterfall nearby, cascading down the rocky ledges and tumbling into a large pool of water at the bottom. The sun's rays danced on the sparkling water, making the water seem as if it was made of fragile glass.

     Creatures appeared to cool their dry throats with the nurishing liquid. A branch creaked slightly as a blue Pteri that was resting on it spread his sapphire wings and landed gently on the soft dirt and grass, his talons digging into the ground to prevent him from landing too hard. He quietly walked over, admiring the beauty of the new day, and sipped the pure water. Many other creatures came to drink and enjoy the scene that was laid before their peaceful eyes. It seemed like no human had touched this place, that no hand had harmed this land of wondrous beauty. It was true. No human had ever set hand or foot in this place.

     At first glance you might think that this land was only inhabited by the creatures which had come to drink from the large lake, but that was not true. Apart from the singing Pterii who filled the air with their melodious songs, apart from the timid Cybunnies who bounded through the fresh green grass, were the guardians of this forest, protectors of this land. Although this land was ancient, they were still youthful, as they were decedents of the guardians that had once been the protectors of the forest, but had died, not because of any creature killing them, but because of old age, for they did not live forever, as with all creatures of this forest.

     A white Uni stepped over the smaller creatures of the forest, not wanting to give them an early and unpleasant death. He was taller and stronger than normal Unis, and probably his most amazing feature was the long, spiraling, golden horn that grew out of his forehead. As he neared the lake, the creatures took notice, then turned back to what they were doing after he had smiled at them. Some of the younger creatures stared wide eyed at this creature, as they had heard many tales about the guardians, and their mothers told them they were being rude, firmly turning them around. The Uni smiled again at this and bent his head down to the water, drinking it and letting it refresh him.

     After he was done, he started off in the direction from where he came, his hooves touching the soft terrain as he walked. A red Ixi appeared, striding up next to him, his fur seeming to almost burn like fire as the sun's rays warmed and comforted him.

     "Greetings, Taron," he said, meeting the gaze of the Uni.

     "Greetings, Wesar," the Uni replied. Taron was the guardian of light, and Wesar was the guardian of fire, and sometimes had the burning temper when angered, as any intruder that stepped into the forest soon found out, realizing that it wasn't wise to make the Ixi mad.

     "Where are the other guardians?" he asked, scanning the area he was in for the others.

     "I do not know, my old friend," he returned, also turning his head to see if any other guardians were there. After they had spoken some leaves rustled behind them, and Wesar lowered his two horns, ready to attack.

     "Do not be afraid, Wesar. It is only me," a green Krawk laughed gently, her eyes revealing her amusement. The guardian of earth strode over to the other two, almost laughing again as the Ixi tried not to be embarrassed.

     "Are you coming?" she questioned to someone behind her.

     "I am," announced a blue Shoyru, the guardian of wind. "The other guardians are on their way." After he said this a brown Peophin and a shadow Kougra appeared. The Peophin was the guardian of water, and the Kougra was the guardian of darkness. You might have not noticed this before, but each of the guardians was different from any other Neopet. The Ixi didn't have a collar, instead, he had a golden chain, with a small golden flame hanging from the end of it; the Krawk had a green leaf hanging from a brown chain;the Shoyru had a sort of dark blue bracelet on his right ankle with intricate designs carved carefully into it; the Peophin had a wave attached to a blue chain, and the Kougra had a sort of bracelet like the Shoyru's on his left arm, only it was black with outlines of yellow on the sides.

     "It has been peaceful today. It brings me joy to see that no one has invaded this land," stated Taron.

     "Erina, Rilan, Inar, Dranes, Wesar," he said and turned to the Krawk, Shoyru, Peophin, Kougra, and Ixi. The five turned their attention to the Uni. "You must always remember to keep this land safe. I am only reminding you of this to prevent any human or creature, other than the creatures that abide in here, from invading and destroy this peaceful land."

     "Why would anyone enter when they would have to face me?" smirked the Kougra, Dranes.

     "Because, Dranes, we do not know what the creatures beyond this land can do to us or the creatures of this forest," Erina, the Krawk, growled.

     "Quiet. We have no need to fight among ourselves. It would be as bad as someone invading the forest if we caused arguments between us," said Taron in a firm, yet gentle voice. Dranes almost spoke again, but a quick glare from Erina stopped him.

     "Let us hear the tale of our past," Taron implied and began to sing in a low, but beautiful voice.

      "When this land was but young and new,

     And the sun shined and the wind blew,

     After years had passed years had come,

     There were six pets, bold and strong,

     That decided to fill this land with song.

     Song that would be passed down for years,

     Song that would battle evil and chase away fears.

     They decided it was their duty to protect and guard

     This beautiful land from any harm.

     But they grew old and their story had been sung

     And they decided that they should start something new,

     And they passed down their duty to their children.

     They taught them to guard and to protect

     The land which they were to respect

     And which would stand strong and erect.

     After they lied in peaceful sleep and death,

     Their children went on and started anew,

     And monsters and evil they battled and slew.

     Now, my fellow guardians, have heart

     And try your best to do your part,

     For we have not yet grown tired and old,

     But the ancient story of our past has been told."

     Taron sat down and rested, looking at his fellow guardians who were staring at him intently. Even Dranes seemed to have been listening.

     "That was very good, Taron," complimented Erina, who smiled at the Uni.

     "I suppose it was good," muttered Dranes, flexing his claws. Erina glared at him for the comment he gave, but Dranes appeared not to see it.

     "Let us hope that no evil will disturb this place," said Taron. "Otherwise this peaceful land will be destroyed." This silenced all the guardians from saying anything, each hoping that the land would not come to that.

~~~

"Ranar!"

     A yellow Gelert burst through the polished oak doors, cowering before a throne which was decorated with diamonds and other rare and precious gems.

     "Y-yes, Saran?" he stuttered, trying not to show his fear.

     "Have the troops discovered anything yet?" growled the voice, making the poor Gelert shiver more.

     "N-no, Saran,"whispered the Gelert. This made Saran bang his paw on the arm of his throne, shattering the wine glass that he held in his it, causing Ranar to nearly yelp out of fright.

     BANG! The two in the room turned their heads to see that a blue Eyrie had charged in.

     "Saran, the troops have discovered it. It's a week's travel from here," he panted, holding his paw to his chest.

     Saran leaned forward, revealing a red Lupe, his face curled into a vile grin.

     "Good."

To be continued......

Author's Note: I know the poem wasn't good.*ducks to avoid being hit by wet snowballs* I hope you liked the first part. Comments are welcome, but no hate mail, please