Guardian: The Great Beginning

By Peter Houtman

Lunaria is a perfect world of peace and balance, located in a different time and universe than the Earth we humans live on.
It is ruled by divine creatures called Spirits, who are in charge of all the energy that flows through the planet and its inhabitants.
When the youngest Spirit, Asura, in a desperate attempt to follow along with his older siblings, whom he feels left out and mistreated by, accidentally meddles with the Darkness that lurks within Lunaria, things go desperately wrong.
It is up to his eldest sister, Akilah, to find a way to save both her little brother and the world from the Darkness and prevent it from consuming the entire world.
The question is, however, whether or not Asura even wishes to be saved anymore.
A battle between light and dark commences, with Lunaria's fate in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peter Houtman
• Release date: Mar 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463279250

Peter Houtman

Publishing his first children's book at the age of 12 in 2013, Peter Houtman has always had a deep passion for literature. Despite her young age, Peter is ambitious and writes books in his free time to be able to share his stories with the world. Nowadays, Peter also manages a small YouTube channel where he posts animations, draws, and talks about art. youtube.com/c/pantastique

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Guardian:

The Great Beginning

Peter Houtman

Titles available in the Guardian trilogy

(in reading order):

Guardian: The Great Beginning

Guardian: Protectors of Light

Guardian: Darkness Rising

Guardian:

The Great Beginning

Copyright © 2019 Peter Houtman

All rights reserved.

Evil isn’t forged from birth, but from one’s experiences and the choices one makes.

Sunrise in Lunaria, a perfect world of peace and balance, located in a different time and universe than the Earth we humans live on. 

Things were silent and peaceful in the Castle of Light, as most of its inhabitants were still fast asleep – save for one particular boy. 

A young Spirit was already up and working, despite the fact that the rest of the Realm of Spirits still seemed to be in a deep slumber. 

He was young, no older than 19, his skin a shade of cobalt blue. His hair looked as if it was a floating blue flame, with dark fumes of smoke at the edges. His eyes, the irises a shimmering golden, were full of hope and life. Despite his dark appearance, the young Spirit seemed kind and content. 

While humming a bright and happy tune, the boy swept the floors of the grand castle he lived in. He’d often had arguments with the Pixie servants that usually took care of tasks such as cleaning and cooking about his habits. They felt as though he was above doing such menial tasks, but the young Spirit enjoyed to do the work he saw them doing on a daily basis by himself from time to time. Because after all, what else was he supposed to do? 

His siblings, known as the Spirits of Light, were the rulers of the world of Lunaria. They ruled and balanced the world for the safety of its inhabitants, the Lunariae. 

Asura, the sixth and youngest of his siblings, had no part in this. He lacked the one requirement; an Element. 

Elements were parts of Lunaria’s energy that were passed down to Spirits when they were ready to rule. From that moment forward, they’d become responsible for maintaining that Element within the world and balancing its energy. 

Asura, considering he had yet to gain an Element, had to find other things to keep himself busy with, as he wouldn’t be allowed to take part in the Spirit Council as long as he didn’t have an Element.

It seemed as though his siblings didn’t have an explanation as to why Asura didn’t have one yet, as every time Asura asked, they came up with the same excuse; that Asura was ‘too young’. Yet, knowing that his siblings knew that this wasn’t the true answer, Asura had always considered this to be no more than normal. After all, he’d never been in a situation with different circumstances, so he had no experiences to compare anything that was going on in his life to.

He simply lived his life the way he had been designated to do so, never thinking any more or less of it.

But that still didn’t mean he didn’t have hope, or that he’d ever stop trying.

Every day offered new opportunities. Every day, Asura was given a new one, a chance at finally being granted that one greatest honour. The greatest honour that could be granted to a Spirit; the reason they even existed at all.

Perhaps today, things would finally change and he’d be granted his Element at long last. He’d been waiting for so long, after all… it had to be about time.

Asura had just allowed himself to take a break, sitting down in the windowsill at the end of the long hallway that lead to the castle’s sleeping quarters when he noticed a figure passing down the intersecting hallway. She was tall and her skin had a golden colour that seemed to have a glow to it. Her hair consisted of long, golden locks and she was dressed in a long, free-flowing dress. Both her hair and dress seemed to be floating around her gently like clouds as she walked.

Akilah! Asura called out, dropping his broom to run towards the figure. Sister! I beg you, wait up!

The young female Spirit stopped and turned to see who had called her name. When she saw her youngest brother tripping over his own feet to hurry and catch up with her, she smiled kindly and decided to wait for him.

Asura, she said, good morning. Do you have any plans for today? It’s your day off from lessons and duties today."

Yeah, I do, actually, Asura replied, between deep breaths. I’ve been waiting to see you all morning, right from the moment I woke up. There’s something I wanted to ask you – something I believe I shouldn’t ask our brothers or sisters… He smirked nervously. They just simply wouldn’t understand, you see.

What is it, then? Akilah asked her brother. She felt slightly worried that she already knew the question her brother was about to ask – and she knew he wouldn’t like the answer to that question.

Well- Asura’s golden eyes nervously darted through the hallway. He, too, felt nervous at the thought of doing so much as proposing his idea.

The siblings ceased to walk, having made their way halfway through the corridor. As Asura caught his breath, Akilah held hers. 

I was wondering, Asura continued carefully, if I could finally take part in Spirit Council. I mean – isn’t it about time I joined one? Just one, to see what it’s like."

Akilah swallowed, unable to hold back the sigh that followed. Asura had asked this same question many times before, and had been denied every single time.

Asura... Akilah began, intending to let her brother down easily. We’ve gone over this before.

Asura rolled his eyes. I’m too young, he mumbled. Akilah, it’s been nineteen thousand years! I’ve waited long enough by now, don’t you think?

Akilah raised an eyebrow. Her brother was right. I know, she said, but aging doesn’t work for us the way it does for mortals, Asura. Following human standards, we’ve lived forever. But following ours… you are technically a teenager.

Asura spread his arms. "Am I always going to be a teenager to you? he said. I’ve waited long enough, Akilah, I’m serious! Please, I’m ready for this!"

Akilah moved her hands to her hips. She was very well aware that her brother was convinced he was ready, he most definitely wasn’t. Both she and Lunaria knew that – that’s why he hadn’t been granted an Element on his eighteen-thousandth birthday, as was the usual. In Asura’s case, Akilah understood why – the boy was far too impulsive to be able to make reasonable decisions.

Just wait a little longer, Asura, she said. You will be able to join us soon, just not now. Not yet.

Asura, unable to control himself any longer, let out a loud, frustrated grunt. "Akilah! Come on! He knew he was throwing a tantrum and not helping his case. His desire to move past this stupid ‘rule’ he considered at this point his siblings might as well have made up, however, made him disregard that fact. It might take ages before I receive my Element!"

Akilah didn’t give in. "If it takes ages… then that is exactly how long you’ll have to wait, she said firmly. I’m sorry, Asura, but rules are rules. You know Ince only got to join us when he was nineteen-thousand years old, the same age as you."

Only barely, Asura grunted. I’m getting closer to twenty thousand every year. What happens if I never gain the approval of any sort of Element? Asura really was concerned with this – it’d been so long and he’d never shown any signs of Magic. Outwardly he pretended everything was fine, but deep inside, he was worrying more and more with every passing week. What if it was too late already?

Akilah smiled. Then perhaps that’s just not your place to be, she said. "You know, not every Spirit is granted an Element. Some decide their place is elsewhere in the world; others choose to be free from their burden of immortality and go live as a mortal, a human, somewhere else in Lunaria.

The choice, ultimately, is entirely yours – if you are not granted an Element, that is, of course.

Asura let out a sigh and turned around. I guess I have no choice but to wait then, huh?he said. He looked off into the distance for a brief moment before letting out another long, disappointed sigh. Perhaps forever.

Akilah sighed as though she was responded to the sound her brother made as she watched her brother turn his back on her. She wished she could help him, through whatever means possible. Still, she knew she simply could not I’m sorry, Asura. That’s just how the rules work.

Asura rolled his eyes. Rules, he muttered, before walking away from his sister. Sure. That’s all you care about.

Akilah watched her brother as he abandoned her in the corridor, turning the corner at the end, not even bothering to look out the window as he always did when passing by. The look on her face expressed sadness. For a moment, she considered going after him so she could try to calm him down, but for some reason, she didn’t.

Perhaps it was better if she treated her brother like an adult for once, and let him solve this problem himself. After all, she couldn’t decide which Spirits received an Element and which ones didn’t. That was up to Lunaria; the planet divided its own energy over its rulers like a living, breathing creature, and therefore chose them herself.

Even Akilah didn’t have any say in that matter.

I

The Light

Chapter One

Daydream

This particular morning, Asura decided it’d be best if he skipped breakfast. Not only because it meant he ‘d have more time to enjoy his day off and get out of the castle for a while, but also because he’d already had breakfast – in the kitchens just before the first Pixies would start preparing the Spirits’ official breakfast. An unfortunate miscalculation on Asura’s part had caused the Pixies to find him raiding the kitchen pantry, and they chased him out of the kitchen with blasts of Magic as a result. Despite their size, one should never ask for a Pixie to unleash their wrath upon them.

Asura made his way out of the castle as quickly as he could. He had no desire to stay there any longer; he’d decided to spend the remainder of the day in the fields, the only place where

Asura truly felt as though he was free, allowed to be himself, with no one telling him what to do. Inside the castle, there was always someone nearby. Someone listening, someone watching, someone watching. Whether it was one of his siblings or a servant who could possibly spill the beans to their fellow servants and causing whatever thought Asura might’ve been foolish enough to say aloud to end up reaching his siblings’ ears anyway.

Here, out in the field, Asura could be sure no one would be watching or listening if he didn’t want them to. He was completely alone, with a single friend to accompany him. One that didn’t speak, and thus never asked questions or spoke of judgement.

The young Spirit usually spent every moment of what little free time he had out in the fields – playing or simply hanging out with his only, ever so silent friend.  

As Asura ran to the top of the hill, beginning to run out of breath as he reached it, he called out to his friend. 

Naga! he yelled. Where are you? 

The young Spirit stood at the hill and waited, calling his friend a few times more. Asura noticed he grew impatient more quickly than usual today. Yet, he still stayed right where he was and waited for his friend. 

After a while, the sound of mighty wings flapping in the wind finally reached Asura’s ears, causing him to look up at the sky expectantly. 

The sun was still rising. It had just risen above the horizon when Asura noticed Naga in the sky, approaching him. 

A miniature dragon, barely larger than a horse, skimmed the sky, headed for the hill Asura was waiting on. Its cobalt blue scales seemed to have a silverish glimmer in the morning sun. That’s where the species’ name had originally come from, Glimmer Dragon. Asura had given the species its name, because he didn’t think it had one already.

Asura had found her, about two thousand years ago, in a cave up on the mountains. Asura had joined his siblings on a mandatory trip there, as they didn’t trust him enough to leave him home alone.

It’d been the first and last time Asura ever left his home Realm.

While his siblings were in the middle of a meeting with the Queen of the Fairies that lived in the mountains and her royal advisors, Asura took off to find something fun for himself to do.

It was that moment when Asura found the cave. He heard strange noises coming from the inside, and felt compelled to see what was going on.

After having some minor troubles climbing up the platform that lead to the cave, Asura was quick to notice where the sound came from; a dragon, dying.

He carefully approached the creature to see if there was anything he could do, when he noticed Naga – curled up by her mother’s side.

Unable to save the mother and not wanting to leave the baby dragon to fend for itself on the mountain, Asura took it down to the foot of the mountain, where it’d be able to find food far more easily.

To his surprise, Naga followed him home after the meeting concluded; the little dragon had already learned how to fly, and thus hadn’t actually needed Asura’s help getting down the mountain – but she was still grateful for it, and decided to become a friend to the young Spirit.

Naga! Asura smiled, happily greeting his only friend as the creature landed before him. There you are! What took you so long? I was getting worried! 

Spirits never worry, the voice of Asura’s oldest brother suddenly echoed in his head. They know the outcome of every situation. They know every outcome, as there are many outcomes to the same situation across many timelines. A Spirit ought to know this if they are to reign the Realms.

Asura let out a sigh. His siblings were thousands of years older than he was, so there was still time for him to learn everything he was expected to know before he could rule beside them. Still, the young Spirit’s patience was running out.  

He was tired of constantly being left out of everything his siblings did. They loved him, Asura knew it, even though at times they didn’t show it – or, at least, Asura didn’t feel it. 

Naga pushed her muzzle against Asura’s chin in an attempt to wake him from his thoughts. The dragon must’ve noticed Asura had slipped away into his mind again. 

Oh. Yeah. I’m sorry, he said, remembering he wasn’t alone. I kind of almost got in trouble again today, and I suppose it’s taking up most of my thoughts. 

Naga responded with a soft snort and another push from her muzzle. 

Hey, it’s not my fault, Asura defended himself, almost feeling offended by the dragon’s response. "They’re so stuck on following the rules by the absolute letter. It’s not my fault Lunaria is ignoring me and everything I try to do." 

Asura sighed and sat down on the grass; Naga, though hesitantly, followed his example and lay down, putting her head in Asura’s lap. The young Spirit instantly began to absentmindedly pet the dragon’s scaly muzzle as he continued his trail of thought. He’d started it, now he had to finish it. 

"I mean, honestly – everything just seems to be so perfect. It’s as if no one in this world knows negativity – except for us, the Spirits. It’s strange…

"Things are too perfect, in a way. He paused for a moment to actually think about what he was saying. I mean – not that I have been out of the Realm often, but whenever people from other Realms came to visit us, they never once wore a negative facial expression. They never expressed worry or fear. It’s… strange." Another pause, as if he expected a response from the dragon sleeping in his lap. 

I wonder what it’s like to live outside this Realm, Asura pondered quietly. Life just seems to be so different out there. 

He quietly stared into the distance for a brief moment and sighed. He could almost see the boundary that separated the Realm he called his home from all the others. He then briefly turned his head in the direction of the castle. 

Perhaps, he said quietly, as though he didn’t want to admit it, "Akilah is right. Maybe… if I never gain an Element… Perhaps if I’ll never be able to rule beside my siblings, it’d be better if I left. 

Perhaps my place lies out there, in another Realm. 

Naga let out a snort of disapproval. Asura chuckled softly. He knew exactly what she meant to say.

As if I’d ever leave you behind, he said. You could come with me, no problem. It’d be just the two of us. He grinned. I wouldn’t mind having a bit of protection out there in the Realms, in case their lives aren’t as blissfully perfect as I assume they are. 

Another snort came from Naga, sounding far more pleased this time. Asura rubbed her head and smiled. Afterward, he allowed himself to fall back in the grass. It had a silverish, rather than green, hue – all the plants in this Realm looked like this. Outside this Realm, Asura wasn’t sure, but for the Realm of Light, silver plants were standard.

They weren’t entirely made out of silver, but they just had this particular… shine to them. At times, it unnerved Asura just as much as it usually calmed him down. 

Whenever he had issues, whether they were personal or between him and his siblings, Asura would flee the castle and go into the fields not too far away – this place allowed him to set his mind to things other than the issues that plagued him. 

It was always his fault rather than someone else’s, or so it seemed. His siblings never seemed to have as much trouble in their lives as he had. They were always happy, unless Asura joined their conversations – Asura would always upset his siblings one way or another.

And Asura never understood why things had to be this way. 

*

It seems as though he will never stop trying, doesn’t it?

Akilah had decided to confide in her eldest brother about Asura’s latest attempt to get into the Spirit Council.

Aharnish was the oldest male Spirit, being about three thousand years younger than his sister Akilah. His silver hair was always up in a ponytail, one lock of hair at the front hanging over the front of the platinum headband that signified his royalty. All Spirits wore a similar headband, either golden, silver or platinum in material. His right iris was dark blue, his left iria golden; these colours represented his Element, Night and Day. His standard Spirit armour, which Aharnish and his two brothers both wore (although Asura never wore complete armour, as he wasn’t a full-fledged Spirit just yet… that and he felt it was uncomfortable) was blue and silver with golden details.

It seems so, unfortunately. She sighed as she responded to Aharnish’s comment. Sometimes I doubt he actually believes we’re telling him the truth.

Aharnish and Akilah stood in silence for a moment before Akilah spoke again.

I think it’s just him feeling left out, she said in attempt to defend her youngest brother. He’s at an age where he’s got a lot going on; he’s on the edge of childhood and adulthood, having trouble finding the right direction to head for.

I admire his eagerness, Akilah, I truly do, he said, moving his hands to his hips, but you know exactly why it’s also a cause of concern.

Akikah couldn’t help but feel a bit upset with Aharnish’s comment. Corruption? she asked. It’s a myth, Aharnish, nothing more. It’s impossible. You either receive a Light or a Dark Element, and the nature of that Element cannot and will not be changed either way around.

So you keep saying, Aharnish said. So the Dark War never happened?

Akilah let out a loud groan as she turned away from Aharnish. He didn’t understand the situation at all; the Dark War wasn’t caused by corrupted Elements.

It was impossible to corrupt an Element, even. It was simply a case of Darkness being too strong for beings of Light to control. Aharnish didn’t believe that to be true; he simply believed Light Elements could be corrupted and become Dark. He didn’t believe in the existence of Dark Elements as natural occurrences in general. It didn’t matter how many times Akilah tried to explain the truth, Aharnish refused to believe.

Aharnish, Akilah said, how many times do I have to keep reminding you? She let out a loud, exasperated sigh and turned back around. "The Dark War was against Dark Elements, not corrupted Elements.

Again, so you keep saying, Aharnish retorted. "But who says that our history books are telling the truth?

I mean – it’s written by another Spirit. By one of us, someone who didn’t even bother to sign their name in them. How can we trust an anonymous author?

Enough with the conspiracy theories, Aharnish! Akilah shouted at her brother. You can either accept the facts, or live a life of delusion. Akilah had grown too tired of her brother’s suspicions and strange delusions. For some reason, he’d always preferred to create his own version of events that had occurred in the past. A past he knew nothing about – other than