-AU DOAS UNIVERSE

- four year old Vlad

Guardians

"Falco!" a four year old Vlad called at his companion as he searched around for the ghost falcon. They were playing hide-and-seek on their island home. It was Vlad's turn to 'seek', except… several minutes had passed by and he could not find his friend!

His companion was still a hatchling. His father had given Falco to him a present for his fourth birthday just yesterday.

They had become instant friends. But Falco's parents were still around since his friend still needed to be with them. But that was okay, because Falco's parents lived on the same island. There were many ghost falcons where he lived. It was a very big island with a lot of natural flora. But in the center of it all, was a palace. That was where Vlad lived.

See, Vlad's father was the Head Ancient of the Ghost World. And his mother was the Ghost King's only sibling. His parents had a lot of responsibilities, especially his father. But Vlad was already use to it. It did not bother him too much because his parents loved him and only left him when necessary.

Currently, his father and mother had gone on an important trip; so they had left him at the palace under the care of his Guardian, Horris.

Vlad was always happy to see his guardian. He was a lot of fun. And speaking of his guardian, he needed to get back soon before he noticed he was not in his room where he had last left him!

"Falco, I give up! Come back, please!" the four year old Vlad called worriedly.

Right then, Vlad heard his young friend screech softly.

Alarmed, the young ghost quickly flew forward towards the sound, only to halt at the sight before him.

"Well… Hello, nephew…"

Vlad's core dropped. "Uncle…" He bit his lip as he saw his companion struggling in his uncle's grip. The little ghost bird was so tiny compared to his uncle; and Falco looked very upset at being restrained by his neck.

"Is this a friend of yours?" Pariah asked innocently.

Vlad hesitated. He did not like his uncle too much. He was scary sometimes.

"Yes…," he finally answered. "He… His name is Falco. He's my new companion… Can you let him go now please? He… He is scared."

The King laughed and lifted the little falcon higher to look at him better. "This pathetic creature is your companion? Your father has a feeble imagination! How is this thing supposed to protect you?"

"Ummm," Vlad answered. But he was growing more upset. "Uncle, please—?"

"I have it! Let us be rid of this thing. I will get you a companion worthy of you. How about a dragon ghost? Yes, I am sure I can find one young enough. I will bring him here, and he will be yours to keep. He will serve you. And protect you. What says you, my nephew?"

"But I… I like Falco." Vlad eyes began to swell with tears.

Pariah frowned deeply. "Come here, Vlad."

The boy's eyes widened before he fearfully walked over to his uncle.

"Do you know who I am?"

Vlad nodded. "My uncle."

"And your King. Do not forget that," Pariah said seriously. "And what I say is law. Do you understand?"

Vlad nodded again.

"Then, it is settled. We are getting rid of this scrawny hatchling!"

"No!" Vlad cried out.

"No?" Pariah hissed.

But when the King took a threatening step towards his nephew, the ghost bird in the older ghost's hand reacted, and screeched.

A flash of blue light exploded out of the bird, and the King cried out as he was forced to let go when the ice energy burned his hand.

Falco dropped and quickly ran over to his friend, who wrapped his arms around the bird.

"He… He didn't mean it," Vlad whispered quietly when his uncle glared furiously at the young bird.

"Vlad!"

The boy whimpered at the sound of his guardian's voice, and he quickly called back, "Horris!"

Right then, the cloaked, red-eyed ghost appeared next to the young ghost. "There you are." But he readily frowned at the sight of the Ghost King.

Vlad quickly wrapped his arms around his guardian with sudden relief. He did not like his uncle at all.

"Horris," Pariah said as his angry expression melded into a frown. "I was here to see my sibling. How unfortunate to find you here, for it can only mean my sibling and her mate are not."

"You are correct, my King," Horris answered soberly as he held his shaking protégé against him.

"Hmm…," Pariah answered before lowering his eyes down to his nephew. "That creature with my nephew… "

"That is his companion. And they have formed a strong bond… I hope you can be happy for your nephew. This ghost will always protect him. He will fight for him to the death… As I would…"

Pariah stared at Horris for a long moment before the King chuckled smugly.

"That sounds… acceptable. Although a dragon ghost would be more fitting for him. A ghost with a hot core should have a companion with the same kind of core to assure they can help each other develop their powers… That ghost there has a cold core… It will hinder my nephew's growth."

"I happen to think opposite core types help each other grow stronger… Besides, Vlad has your energy-line, my King. You are powerful… I do not see why he would be any different. Do you not agree?"

Pariah frowned deeply. "I suppose."

But as if suddenly losing interest, the King said, "In any case, my time is short. I best take my leave. Until next time, Horris. And… Vlad?"

The young ghost fearfully looked back at his uncle who smiled at him.

"I will see you soon."

Horris watched as the King vanished in a flash of green flames.

"Did he hurt you, my protégé?" Horris asked quietly.

Vlad pulled away and shook his head. He looked at his companion, and quietly said, "He scared Falco…"

"Do not worry. Falco is a strong youngling. And so are you…"

"He called Falco a weakling…"

Horris knelt down in front of his protégé and further said with a smile, "Your uncle is wrong… You both are strong. And you both must protect each other. And if you are brave, Falco will be, too. He is your companion, your best ally, and friend, Vlad... But you are his guardian. And nothing your uncle can say will break your bond with Falco. Do you understand?"

Vlad smiled and nodded. But right then, Falco came up and nudged his friend.

With a small laugh, Vlad hugged the little falcon. "Don't worry, Falco. I will keep you safe."

Falco chirped and flapped his wings happily.

"Yes, and I will keep you safe," Horris assured the four-year-old, as he pulled him against him. "Even from our King…"

Vlad hugged him tightly, and replied, "I will be a good guardian, like you!"

The older ghost chuckled. "I know you will..."

"Can we go see the Novas?" Vlad suddenly asked with a grin.

Horris smiled. "I would like that, too."

The cloaked ghost took his protégé's hand and flew them towards the outskirts of the island. Falco chirped and followed with them.

Soon, they made it to the edge.

Vlad watched with wonder at the spinning energy clouds in the distance.

"Look Horris! That one is blue!"

Horris glanced at the blue Nova and smiled. "Oh yes, that one is quite rare…"

They and Falco settled down at the edge of the island, and continued to point out the differences between the swirling stars.

"Can you tell me the story again about how our home was made and the Novas?" Vlad asked excitedly.

Horris chuckled. "Of course… Let's see… There were once four Ancients… They were guardians..."

"Like you?" Vlad questioned.

"I think so, yes," Horris answered. "But they were not as lucky as I was."

"Why?"

"Well, because they did not have a protégé as special as you," Horris answered with a grin.

Vlad laughed and hugged the older ghost against his side as he replied, "You are the best guardian, Horris! And we are going to be together forever. Like Falco! And we can watch the Novas every day! And you can tell me stories every day, too!"

"What a grand idea," Horris agreed before he continued to share the story with his protégé.

Neither of them new that that they would indeed sit together to gaze at the Novas for many years to come…