The Guardian's Blade, Episode I

The Guardian's Blade. Rumored to hold incredible spiritual power and ability. Formed from a blessed sword and two holy artifacts, creating such a sword was the final test to becoming a Guardian.

Or so Corona said.

Paul stood at the entrance to the Brook, seeming uneasy about entering. Sure, his spiritual ability had indeed increased since he arrived at the school. And he had Corona with him for when things got hairy. But would it be enough? It was said that dangerous mermaids lived in this area. The fact that there was a sword he needed to obtain from this place wasn't exactly thrilling in his mind. Surely what he needed was guarded.

[Corona]> I told you, the sword will help you unlock your true powers. It's kinda necessary.
[Paul]> But I don't understand.. how do you know all this?
You'll know in due time. But until then, be on guard. This will be your first task that I've given you that could end your life.
What are you talking about!? I've nearly died SEVERAL times since you've entered my mind.
Yeah..well..you know...flukes...

"I had heard you made it this far, Corona. I guess my other minions really weren't enough. Perhaps some modifications to the wolves would be in order?"

A voice came from seemingly nowhere. Paul was startled and began looking around, not quite sure of what to make of the situation.

It's him...that voice..

"Who!?" Paul cried out, both to the voice and to Corona.

From the other night..the night the wolves attacked you. I know that voice...but who is it...

The voice echoed again.
"It doesn't matter.. I won't let you get ahold of the Guardian's Blade.. its bad enough we have humans with the ability to control fire, frost, metal.. we don't need some kid becoming a Guardian, too. I'll let the residents of this place deal with you, they don't take well to intruders, afterall."

The voice stopped at that point, as soon as an arrow shot passed Paul's ear and a couple creatures shot their upper bodies above the surface of the water.

Paul jumped when Moonlight landed next to him. The last thing he expected was assistance.

"Wh-What are you doing here?" Before he could say anything else, more arrows came from around them as more mermaids began their assault.

There's too many of them. You're going to be overwhelmed. Make your way towards the shrine, now! Quickly!

An arrow grazed his shoulder as he took Moonlight's hand and pulled her through the trees. More mermaids surfaced from the water and launched their attacks at them, the further and further they went in, the more grim the situation seemed.

He found a spot that seemed to be out of the mermaid's line of sight. He figured they would be safe..for now. He layed back against one of the trees to catch his breath. Then looked over at Moonlight.

"This place is freaking insane. I always thought merfolk were kind creatures."

Not when you're invading their homeland and trying to get one of their sacred artifacts...heh

Paul suddenly slumped down and sighed. No wonder they're so upset. Why didn't Corona tell him he was going after something SACRED to them?

"...you're in danger, here. You should leave."

"To be honest, I have little clue as to why I am here. I just.. need something. But I can take care of myself. I'd rather not get you in any trouble. You're still young yet, you don't need to face killer merfolk. You could die here."

Corona actually agreed with Paul when it came to this. but he wasn't going to get involved with the argument. His reasoning was that if God deemed it necessary for Paul to have help in this task, then that was how it would be. Besides, he wouldn't let the girl be harmed if the situation arose. And at this point, he was more interested in why the merfolk hadn't made another assault yet. They weren't exactly hidden very well. Something was wrong.