Guardians of Spectrum

By Azure Whitetail

One day, a small group of Guardians called the SGDT were going about their Guardian duties in the Deerlands. But little did they know, their Guardian duties would lead them to a series of unexpected, life changing events, and... the responsibilities of a bunch of young Guardians? How did that happen!? Join the Guardians on their quest for adventure, danger, and self discovery!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Azure Whitetail
• Release date: Oct 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005624033

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Guardians of Spectrum

Published by Azure Whitetail at Smashwords

Copyright 2021 Azure Whitetail

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Author’s Note:

This book was written purely for fun, and in no way should be taken seriously or learned from. Be sure to ALWAYS view all forms of entertainment with a sound mind.

Side Note:

Also, I’d appreciate any feedback/suggestions from anyone and everyone reading this book. Feel free to leave a review/comment, or you can find me on Twitter if you want to speak with me directly.

Chapter 1: How it All Began

Thousands of years ago, humans ruled over the majority of a land named Spectrum. Generations upon generations, the humans have never had a virtuous ruler. While there were some humans that were satisfied with their way of life, there were just as many humans who were not.

Furthermore, things fared no better for the hoofed creatures known as ungulates... in the name of the human lords that ruled over the generations, the humans have continuously destroyed the natural homelands of the ungulates, and all of the animals that inhabited them. Because of this, the ungulates not only had to defend themselves against humans, but they also had to live dangerously close to the predators of their environment.

One day however, a beautiful and heroic ungulate that goes by the name of Galaxy showed up seemingly out of nowhere. By using her elemental abilities, she was able to single-hoofedly pushed back the humans from all of the ungulates' homeland. The humans fought back with everything they had against this single foe, but even their best efforts weren't enough to stop her. All the lands the humans have taken over the generations were taken back by Galaxy, and she gave it back to the ungulates that they once belonged to.

Unable to defeat Galaxy, the humans had no choice but to surrender to her. They begged her to let them keep the land they had left, and she agreed to let them have it, letting them know that all she was doing was setting things right again.

Although she was victorious, Galaxy knew that one day something like this would happen again. So she gathered the most trusted ungulates she could find, and gifted each one of them with their own unique powers. The Zebra was gifted with the power of Lightning, helping him move super fast and giving him control over electrical powers. The Goat was gifted with the power of water, giving her the power to control the waters of the earth to her will, as well as powers over ice. The Deer was gifted the power of nature, giving her control over plants that she could grow in an instant. And the Camel was gifted with the power of Fire, giving him the power to create and distinguish flames at will. There were many other examples such as these as well. Shortly after Galaxy gifted the chosen ones with their elemental powers, she vanished almost as mysteriously as she appeared.

As time went on, the chosen ones eventually had children of their own. These children inherited the elemental abilities of their parents. A few of the chosen ones even had more than one child. However, it appears only certain children inherit their parents' elemental abilities. Ever since the chosen ones came to be, some children were born with elemental abilities, and some children were not.

Because of this, the ungulates have come to a decision that the gifted ungulates provide protection to ungulates without powers of their own, just as Galaxy has done for them once before. These gifted ungulates came to be known as Guardians. The Guardians have been tasked with protecting their respective kind, and have been providing protection for ungulates all over Spectrum ever since. said a shy looking buck, reading a book to a beautiful flowering doe.

Yes Shrub, just about every deer in the forest knows that old story... said a beautiful flowering doe to the shy looking buck. Where are you going with this? she asked.

Well... Shrub started to say nervously. I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm pestering you Zinnia, but... shouldn't we put in at least a little bit of effort in protecting our land...?

Zinnia sighed and began explaining to Shrub. Shrub... we have been over this already. While it is true that we are referred to as 'Guardians' by everyone else, a graceful and elegant doe such as myself could not live up to that title. Rather than using my powers for violent acts like every other Guardian, I prefer to use MY powers to bring out the beauty of not just The Forest itself, but of the bucks and doe of The Forest as well.

I sort of understand where you're coming from, Zinnia. said Shrub. But maybe you can battle enemies in... a beautiful way...?"

Beautifying violence? Do not be ridiculous. Despite my natural talent for beautifying things, violence is a subject that is beyond my control. said Zinnia. Besides, there are already many good looking bucks out there who play their roles as Guardians very well. They find satisfaction in coming to the rescue of damsels such as myself.

But that's the thing. said Shrub. You're not completely helpless when it comes to defending yourself. In fact, you're probably one of the strongest-

Enough! Zinnia shouted. I refuse to hear another word on the subject! It is bad enough that I hear this type of lecture from my brother. You are a dear friend of mine Shrub, but unless you propose a subject change, you and I have nothing to say to each other.

I'm sorry... I didn't mean for it to sound like a lecture... said Shrub Actually... There's a specific reason I brought up this subject. Would you... be willing to help me train on my powers...?

Oh, is that all? asked Zinnia. Well why did you not say so before? It was not necessary to butter me up just to persuade me to help you.

But don't you like it when others shower you with compliments? asked Shrub.

While that is true for the most part, I prefer not to have praises when it comes to being a Guardian... said Zinnia before she smiled while looking at Shrub. However, that does not mean I will not help anyone else play their roles as Guardians.

Shrub sighed and smiled in relief. Thanks Zinnia. he said I honestly didn't know what your reaction to that would be... it's not very likely, but I want to be known as the best Guardian in The Forest. With you helping me, I feel like I am one step closer to my goal.

If you do reach your goal, you can thank me by leaving my name out of your success speeches. said Zinnia, amused by Shrub's words.

Not giving credit to the one who helped me? said Shrub. That's gonna be difficult to live with... but if that's what you want.

Meanwhile, in another part of The Forest, there's a courageous looking buck practicing his powers as a Guardian. As his antlers lit up, seeds of many kinds came shooting out of his antlers into the ground, and they instantly sprouted into many different plants, such as sunflowers, cactuses, bushes full of berries, many kinds of vegetables, and so much more!

Then, a goat slowly emerged from the water of a nearby pond, and said to the buck Wow Birch, look at you go!

Birch jumped from being surprised, but calmed down right away after he saw the goat in the water. Oh, it's just you, Wave... don't startle me like that when I'm in the middle of training!

Don't startle you in the middle of training, got it. said Wave. So when WOULD be a good time to startle you?

That's not what I- you know what I mean! shouted Birch.

Wave laughed and said You're always cute, but you're even cuter when you're angry.

Don't you realize by now flattery will get you nowhere with me...? Birch asked. What are you doing here anyway?

This season's Guardian Competition for the deer is going to begin in one week. said Wave. You didn't think I'd forget, did you?

Of course not. said Birch. If there's anything that involves me specifically, ungulates can look forward to getting information from you...

As your not so secret admirer, it's my personal duty to support you in all of your major life events. said Wave. In fact, you could say that I'm your personal Guardian. BUT... she continued as she moved closer to Birch. If you think of me as something more, don't hesitate to tell me. After all, it's just the two of us here.

Birch backed up and said Cut it out, Wave! Although... I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy having your company around. But don't take that the wrong way. I just wish my other friends had as much dedication as you do.

Suddenly, a big bolt of lightning strikes down right in front of them! Caught by surprise, Birch used his elemental powers to put up a thick wall of vines to protect himself and Wave.

Relax guys, it's just me. said a voice from the other side of the vine wall.

Both Birch and Wave recognized the voice, and Birch lowered the vine wall. Zahavah? When did you get here? Birch asked.

I got here just in time to hear that I wasn't a dedicated friend. She said in a joking manner. This may come as a surprise to you, but I have my personal life and interests just like everyone else.

I didn't mean it like THAT. Birch said. I just wish everyone had more free time.

Wave chuckled and said You're starting to sound like your sister. Are you finally starting to agree with her?

Okay, let me rephrase that... Birch said, feeling a little embarrassed. I wish there was a way all of us could work together as Guardians.

A camel walks in on the conversation and says That's quite a dream you have there. Too bad we live in the real world.

Late to the party as usual, Scorch. said Birch. Are you going to let the girls outshine you on the flashy entrances?

I'd rather not be Responsible for a forest fire. said Scorch. Besides, I need to save my power for our personal Seasonal Guardian Duty Team.

It's always exciting to have the SGDT together! shouted Zahavah in excitement. We should get started right away!

I was in the middle of training, but I guess I can do that while we're on Guardian Duty. said Birch.

Don't worry, Birch. If anything goes wrong, you can count on me to save you. said Wave.

Don't you mean he can count on US to save him...? Zahavah said with a stern look.

Wave rolled her eyes and said Yes... That too...

With that being said, the SGDT has set off for their first Guardian Duty for the Season. Birch has suggested that their first destination should be the Mossy Swamp, a watery wooded area that is beloved by insects and aquatic creatures alike.

Out of all the places to be on guard duty, why did we have to come HERE...? Scorch asked in an annoyed tone.

You're only saying that because this place is out of your element. said Zahavah. But he might be right... why would any of your fellow deermates come to a place like this?

I'm afraid I'll have to agree with them... said Wave in slight disappointment. While I do enjoy a good swim, I'm not very fond of swimming in water of this condition...

First of all, Birch began explaining. The unappealing look of an environment is EXACTLY what we're looking for when we're looking for danger.

But we're not looking for danger, we're looking for a deer in need of our help. said Zahavah.

Will you let me finish...? said Birch. There are some plants that grow in this part of the Deerlands that are hard to come by anywhere else. Therefore, the Mossy Swamp is a bit of an attraction for both Guardians and non-Guardians alike.

Oh that's right! Wave said with a smile. The Guardians of Nature basically need to live around certain plants in order to use the plants' powers as their very own. That explains why Guardians would come here. Right after her explanation, Wave looked confused. But... you'll have to explain why non-Guardians are so fond of this place.

Oh, that's easy to explain. said Birch. Non-Guardians sometimes come here to gather the plants for food, decoration, and even medicine.

Sounds like there's more risk than reward to this place, if you ask me... said Zahavah.

Let's just hurry up and patrol the area so we can get out of here... said Scorch.

As they were patrolling the Mossy Swamp, the SGDT saw a few deer around, both Guardians and non-Guardians alike, but none of them seemed to have been in any real danger. They've decided to go into the deeper parts of the Mossy Swamp, in hopes to find a deer in need of rescue.

Alright, this is getting ridiculous... said Zahavah. Why would anyone in their right mind even come THIS deep into these woods?

The only reason I can think of is the change in taste, quality, and variety of the plants, said Wave. But even taking the plant life into consideration, coming this far, especially by oneself, would be suicide.

I know it may seem like a long shot, but there's still a possibility someone in need is here. said Birch. You can call it a Guardian's instinct.

Then your instincts must be way off, cause we're not sensing anything. said Scorch.

Birch looked around for a bit, and saw a deer off in the distance. Look! There's a deer over there! he shouted.

Wave looked in the direction Birch was looking. Oh no! The small piece of land he is on is surrounded by water! There could be alligators in there! she shouted.

What are we waiting for? Let's get over there and save him! said Zahavah.

The SGDT rushed over to the piece of land surrounded by a body of water as quickly as they could, and decided to take a quick look at the area.

Uhh... this body of water looked a lot smaller from a distance... Scorch said worriedly.

So what's the plan, Birch? asked Zahavah.

Wave, have you learned how to freeze water yet? This will be a quick rescue if we can have a solid path between that island and the rest of the land. asked Birch.

Sorry Birch, it's still a work in progress... said Wave.

Then can you find a safe diving point, and scout the water to see what we are dealing with? Meanwhile, the rest of us will figure out a safe way across. said Birch.

I won't let you down! Wave said as she went off to silently dive in the water.

You know, I could have just boiled the water to eliminate any potential threat that might be in there. said Scorch.

Those potential threats aren't just gonna let themselves burn and die, Scorch. said Birch. If there ARE alligators near that island, that's exactly where they will go for safety. Besides, I don't want to take an animal's life unless it's necessary.

So... I guess using my electrical powers to zap the potential threats is out of the question? asked Zahavah. After all, it will be faster and more effective than just boiling the water.

Didn't you hear what I just said? I REFUSE to take an animal's life unless it's necessary. said Birch.

Then what's the plan, genius? asked Zahavah.

Just then, Wave made a big splash on land, along with the deer in need of rescue. Whew... that was a close one... she said.

You saved him already!? I keep forgetting how talented you are at your Water Element... said Birch.

Aww, thanks. you're such a flatterer. Wave said while blushing. But this prey didn't come out unscathed... by the time I got over there, his hoof was already in the jaws of an alligator, and although I was able to fight it off, some of the blood dripped in the water, which started to attract MORE alligators! So I did the only thing I could think of in the heat of the moment, and used my surfing abilities to bring him over here.

That's... quite impressive actually. Not too many ungulates can think straight in a life or death situation. said Zahavah.

What can I say? Keeping a calm mind is a specialty of mine, and also a necessary skill to have to be a successful Sea Guardian.

Thank you all for saving me! I thought I was done for... said the deer. But... What are the Guardians of Fire, Lightning, and The Sea doing here? I thought Guardians only protected their own kind, or their homeland.

It's a seasonal tradition that my friends and I do. said Birch. But enough about us. What were you thinking!? And how did you even get all the way over there!?

Getting all the way over there was the easy part. The deer started to explain. I just jumped off a branch of a tree reaching far enough to get over there. However, that same branch was too high up to use to get back, so I guess I didn't think things all the way through...

And what was so important over there that you needed to get!? asked Scorch.

Oh, nothing anyone else would find important. I was just getting-

But before the deer could finish his sentence, a giant alligator swiftly launched his head out of the water at the deer, snapped his whole body inside his mouth, and went back in the water! Thankfully, the SGDT had high enough reflexes to get out of the way in time.

HOLY ANGELFISH! Wh-Where did that thing come from!? shouted Wave in a fearful tone.

Who cares!? Let's get out of here before WE'RE next! Zahavah shouted. She started to run, but stopped when she noticed that Birch was trying to use his Nature powers to pull the giant alligator out of the water.

Forget it Birch, he's a loss cause! yelled Scorch while shooting fireballs at incoming alligators. Now hurry up and get out of here before you die in vain!

I don't normally agree with Scorch's ideas, so you know I'm saying a lot when I say 'PLEASE LISTEN TO HIM!' Shouted Wave while trying to get Birch away from the water!"

NO! I can't leave him behind like this! We were so close to saving him! What kind of Guardian would I be if I just left him to die!? Shouted Birch.

Zahavah sighed, and went to where the rest of the group was. Sorry Birch... you're gonna hate me for this, but this is the only way I can knock some sense into you. Wave, I'd highly recommend you getting as FAR back as possible right now. Wave somehow knew what Zahavah was up to, and got far away from the water. Afterwards, Zahavah dipped her hoof in a safe enough part of the water, and discharged a MAJOR amount of electricity into it, killing most, if not all, the creatures in it. She went back to Birch, who appeared to have given up on rescuing the deer. If he wasn't dead before, he's most certainly dead now. She said. Now let's get out of here. I don't know if that monster is still alive, but I don't want to stick around to find out.

Birch sighed sadly. You're right... he said. It's just another failure under my watch... I should be used to this by now...

With that being said, the SGDT has travelled out of the deep parts of the woods. For a while, nobody said anything to each other.

Zahavah decided to break the silence going on between them. Look Birch, I'm sorry about what happened. She said. But you must realize that as Guardians, sometimes we fail. It's unfortunate... but it happens. Don't let this one failure be a distraction from any other ungulates that could potentially need our help.

I know we've failed rescues before, but we've NEVER failed our first rescue of the season before. How in Spectrum did THAT happen!? said Scorch.

You're not helping... said Zahavah. We just had a bit of misfortune with our mission, that's all.

Misfortune or miscalculation? asked Scorch. Wasn't Wave supposed to scout the water for any potential threats? Some help she turned out to be.

Miscalculation!? Wave shouted in anger. I don't see YOU coming up with any better ideas! Besides, I would have made note of something like that giant alligator if I had noticed it. It must have been blending in with the bottom of the lake or something.

Birch, you really didn't know something like that existed in these woods? Zahavah asked. It's not like you to wander off somewhere uninformed.

Although I've never been that deep in the Mossy Swamps myself, I've spoken to some deer that have. But not a single one mentioned anything about an abnormally-sized alligator... said Birch.

Because no one ever lived to tell the tale? asked Scorch.

Somehow I doubt that... Birch how long have you known about the deep part of the Mossy Swamps before you've decided to come here? Wave asked.

Actually... I've known about it for a long time now. Everyone I talked to that has been that deep told me it wasn't all that different from the rest of the Mossy Swamp. And I'm pretty sure they would've mentioned what we just witnessed if they had seen it for themselves. said Birch.

See? Like I said, it's just a bit of misfortune. We were unfortunate enough to be the first ones to run into that creature. We'll do better next time. said Zahavah.

But next time we're rescuing an ungulate from a basket of alligators, it would probably be a good idea to get out of the danger zone first. said Scorch.

Thanks guys... Birch said with a smile. I'll keep what all of you said in mind. I'll guarantee our success in the next rescue, even if it means sacrificing my own life!

Whoa whoa whoa! I'm happy you got your enthusiasm back, but I hope you're not thinking about throwing yourself into danger without thinking... said Zahavah.

Zahavah is right! As a Guardian, you have to realize the value of your own life. You must survive if you wish to live to rescue another day. said Wave.

Okay, I get it... now I see why I keep you guys around whenever I can. said Birch.

Where would you be without us? said Scorch.

Alright, that's enough chit chat. I want to be able to get in at least ONE rescue before sundown. said Birch.

What do you guys think that deer was trying to get anyway? asked Scorch.

I’m going to assume he was after some cattails. said Wave.

I guess that’s another plant to add to my ‘plants that I need to learn how to grow through my element’ list.

After cheering up their leader, the SGDT continued to patrol the Mossy Swamp, though not as deep as they originally were. They would eventually find another being in trouble, but this helpless creature would not be a deer as they expected it to be...

Meanwhile, Zinnia and Shrub were on a mission of their own at Maple Woods, an area of the Deerlands where it's seemingly always fall. Zinnia figured it would be helpful if Shrub practiced his powers while they were out helping other deer in need. Zinnia, Shrub, and the deer in need were all hiding in the bushes until the right time came, in order for them to pull off a successful mission.

Careful now Shrub... whispered Zinnia. A single mistake could bring disaster to us all.

I'm doing the best I can... whispered Shrub.

No matter how things turn out, I'm grateful to you guys for helping me out when the other Guardians wouldn't. whispered the deer they were helping.

After a short time, Zinnia let out a quiet but demanding Now! signaling Shrub to use his Nature abilities.

Shrub used his Nature powers on a tree branch to use them as arms, in order to tilt a honeybee hive just right so he can slowly pour honey into a pot.

Those Honeybees are smart... whispered Zinnia. If they realize we are using our nature powers to gather their honey, it is all over for us... so handle the situation delicately, but be quick!

Zinnia, can you please stop putting pressure on me...? asked Shrub worriedly.

You are a Guardian... whispered Zinnia. You are supposed to know how to perform your duty under pressure. 'Why?' you may ask? Because being a Guardian is nothing BUT pressure.

I know, Zinnia. whispered Shrub. "But can you please let me focus on the-'' with his Nature powers being out of focus, Shrub accidentally knocked down the beehive, bringing alarm to the bees on their surroundings.

Run! the deer in need yelled before running off.

Shrub was just about to run off with the deer, until he was immediately stopped by Zinnia. Oh no you do not! said Zinnia with a serious look on her face. Obtain the honey jar first, THEN flee for your life!

But..." Shrub started to say before he was interrupted by Zinnia.

I will do what I can to distract them, now make haste! Zinnia demanded. As Shrub closed in on the honey pot, the bees started closing in on Shrub. But before any harm could befall him, Zinnia used her Nature powers to grow Peppermint Plants all around Shrub, causing the bees to move away from them. While this was happening, Shrub couldn't help but stare in amazement at what she pulled off. Do not just sit idly by, Shrub! We have to go! Zinnia shouted.

Shrub shook his head to come back to his senses. Sorry... the plants caught me by surprise. he said before he started running off, with Zinnia following close behind him.

Once the two friends were safe enough, they located the deer that requested the honey, and gave him the honey jar. He offered them a reward as gratitude for helping him, and although Zinnia was tempted to accept the reward, Shrub turned it down, letting the deer in need know that being able to help him was enough of a reward for them. Although it wasn't entirely true on Zinnia's part, she decided to agree with him anyway. Afterwards, Zinnia and Shrub went off on their own and started discussing everything that happened on the mission.

Hmm... now that I think about it... Shrub said. You could have done that Peppermint trick from the start, couldn't you? Wouldn't it have been safer if you would have grown the peppermints in the first place? he asked.

"Why yes, I could