Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Guardians Of Fantasy-Volume 1 ❯ Selena's Story ( Chapter 1 )

Guardians Of Fantasy

Volume 1

Far away, in another dimension, caught somewhere between reality, and Fairy Tales, lies the World of Fantasy. A world of princes with dreams bigger than themselves, daring princesses, majestic unicorns, lovely mermaids, and all things magical. But something's wrong, the evil in this world is slowly taking over. Who's going to stop it? The Guardians of Fantasy.

 

***************************************************************** ********************
A/N: This story will be nothing like my others. There will be no sex. That's right, I said NO SEX! If you choose to read it please do so for the literary quality. I'm sure as the series progresses there may be sex, but right now, in Volume 1, there will be none.

There will however be a good story, lovable characters, and plenty of angst, violence and torture.
************************************************************** ***********************

 

Chapter 1
Selena's Story

Hi! I'm Selena, (I also go by Selene) princess of Jewel Crest, a kingdom at the heart of Fantasy. I am also a member of The Guardians of Fantasy, a rebel resistance group, and this is my story:

{Selena's 14th Birthday Party, November 18th, Fantasy Year 5000}

“But mother, I do I have to?!” Selena whined.

“Selena, there are a lot of people waiting down stairs, that came just for your party. Besides it would be rude not to show up for your own party! What would people think? It certainly wouldn't be very princess-like!”

“But I don't even know half of those people!”

“Every Lord, and Lady, King, and Queen, in the land has been invited. Some of the guests have traveled very far. There are lots of other nice young princesses for you to make friends with.”

“Yeah, young would be the appropriate word, I'd be lucky to find a nine-year old.”

“What about your cousins Mary, and Marie? You could play with them.”

“But they're So stuck-up!!! ”

“Selene! They are not 'stuck-up', they simply act as princesses should act: polite, and lady-like, in a royal manner.”

“Yeah, right, the only thing royal they even come close to, are royal pains.” Selena muttered.

“What did you say dear?”

“Oh, nothing, just talking to myself.”

“Well, let's try and break that habit, shall we? There's a lot of good-looking princes down there for you as well.”

“Mother!”

“Well dear, it's never too early to start looking for a fine young man, for you to be wed to.”

“Oh, mother, please, I don't want to think of boys as anything more than the sheer nuisances they are.”

“Mm Hmm, you shall change your tune someday, my beloved little Lena.”

” Mom! I hate that name, it sounds so childish!!”

“Maybe so, but you will always be my little Lena. Come now, we must join the party.” said Mom as she put my cheap gold crown, which I received at my birth, on my head and walked out.

Okay, I'll admit it, I was a little nervous. Royalty, and other important people from all across the land had come for My birthday party, and now awaited my arrival down stairs. This, being my fourteenth birthday, began my official princess training, where I must learn culture, history, how to use magic, how to be a lady, how to rule, and most importantly it is the year that my courtship begins.

I must find a prince of a kingdom within the other six points of the Jewel Star, (I'll explain that in a minute) that I think I may want to marry, then, they court me so that I may decide who I want to choose as my King, of course it works both ways, they have to like me too, and then they must propose to me.

If I have chosen someone by the age of eighteen, then we may be wed, but if I have not, I am granted more time to choose. If I don't make my decision by the age of twenty, my father, and mother must choose a husband for me. If they are unable to choose for me, or there is no one eligible at the time, the next princess (my little sister, if I had one) would be given the right to the throne. In dire circumstances, where there are no princes at all left, and the possibility of becoming extinct is a threat, I would be required to marry my older brother. If I didn't have an older brother, (which I do, somewhere,) I would have to marry an outsider.

So, turning fourteen is a very big thing, and my father, the King of Jewel Crest, gets to give a speech. I just hope he doesn't say something like: ` Since my daughter is fourteen now, I'd like all you gentlemen to know, my daughter is now open for courtship' THAT would be embarrassing!

The six pointed star is our nation's symbol, it has a different Gemstone in each point, and one in the middle. Each gemstone stands for a different good kingdom in Fantasy. There is a Ruby, a Sapphire, an Emerald, a Topaz, an Amethyst, and a Pearl on the points, and a Diamond in the center The Diamond represents the Kingdom that is the heart, and soul of Fantasy, Jewel Crest. All the other Kingdoms, are known as the outer, or guarding Kingdoms. Therefore, the Diamond, is our kingdom's symbol, our mark.

As for my older brother that I mentioned I have somewhere, his name is Drake, he was rebellious toward my father, about being prince, he did not want people telling him what his future was, so, he did what any high strung thirteen-year old would do: he ran away. I was only eight at the time, but we were as close as any brother and sister could be. He told me of his plans to run away, and said good bye to me, he seemed so happy at the thought of being free to do what he wanted, that I was glad he was pursuing his dream. Then, he got caught. He was tried for disloyalty and treason to the throne, found guilty, severely beaten, and sentenced to a lifetime serving as a Jewel Star guard, protecting, and fighting for royalty. I never even got to see him at, or after the trial, because he was considered a dangerous criminal. The night he said good-bye was the last time I ever saw him.

“Alright,” I said as I took a deep breath before entering the room, “You can do this.”

As I entered the room, the band began to play `Happy Birthday to You', and every eye turned on me, as my mother, who was standing on the stage smiling, gestured for me to join her. When the band finished playing, my father began his long speech, I could tell it would be long. The longer the speech went on, the more fidgety and nervous I became. I started looking around at people, playing with my dress (Which was semi-dark pink, my least favorite color in the whole world, but unfortunately, the color that looks the best on me.) and changing positions, I felt like a little kid who couldn't stand still. Then, I don't really know how, but I just started day dreaming.

I was wishing I could be out riding Star Flake, my Pegasus. A Pegasus is like a unicorn with wings, but more elegant, larger, and sturdily built.) I was pulled out of my dream by my mother saying: “Selena,” I snapped to attention, seeing every one looking expectantly at me, and my father, looking a little worried, gesturing me to the front of the stage.

“Um, what was that, I didn't catch what you said.” I said, hoping it fit in with whatever he wanted me to do.

“You will grace us with your lovely voice, won't you dear? How about singing that song you are always humming, what was it called?”

Sing! Me? Yeah right!

I had never sang for anyone but My brother, because he loved my voice so much, I told him I wouldn't sing for anyone but him. After he left, I only sang for myself, I had never even sang for my parents ever.

“I'm not really up to singing today, I'm sorry” I said.

“Sure you are, honey” said Dad as he laid his hand on my shoulder, and squeezed it so firmly I had to bite my lip to keep quiet. I looked into my father's eyes. He had that, `if you embarrass me you're grounded for the rest of your royal career' look. I knew what song he meant, it was called `Best Friends', it was a song only my brother and I knew, it was our song. We wrote it, and sang it together every day. There was no way I could sing that song without him present, let alone for complete strangers! It was supposed to be special!

“Mirage?” I asked, hoping he would see my pleading eyes, and let me sing that instead.

“No, that's not it. You know, the one you…” He trailed off for a moment, not wanting to mention my brother. “Started singing a few years ago” He recovered, and then glared at me.

My father has this thing about being able to force people to do what he wants them to, - he loves it. Loves making others feel like fools, by letting him humiliate them. I bowed my head, and stepped to the center of the stage.

I told the violinist what to play. My lips quivered as I raised the microphone to my mouth and began to sing. It was all I could do to keep from crying, but not very far into the song, I started to lose it, and the tears started coming. Thankfully though, my voice stayed steady. Then, for some reason, my attention was drawn to the back of the room. There, on the patio, outside, was… my brother?

No, no! it couldn't be, I mean, they wouldn't allow him here. Would they?

When he looked up, I looked straight into his eyes. Yes! Yes! It was my brother! His eyes were a deep, cool, blue, but right now they, like mine, were red with tears. I hadn't seen Drake in five years. How did I know it was him then? I can't really explain it, I just… knew. I paused for a moment in my song, then hurried the rest of it along, I had to get to that patio.

After my song was over, I hurried to the patio, ignoring everyone's compliments, and questions, but by the time I got there, he was gone. Disappointed, I turned to go inside.

Wait, what is that noise?

In the distance I heard a snapping noise, overcome with curiosity, I went to investigate, as I stepped out on the lawn, I realized it was coming from the guard's quarters. Carefully, I made my way to the guard's barracks, and peeked through the electric chain- link fence (it has to be electric, since a majority of the guards are criminals) I shuddered at what I saw, there was a captain of the guard beating another guard, he was saying something, but I couldn't tell what, so, being the nosey princess I am, I got closer.

“You- don't- snoop- around- the- palace. What- the- royals- do- is- none- of- your- business, got- that?” said the captain, every word brought the whip down hard on the poor young guard.

I cringed with every slash, knowing how hard it must be to live under such control. I couldn't stand it anymore, the body of the young guard was now laying almost completely still, I was about to order the man to stop, when another, older, officer came out from inside the barracks.

“I think he's had enough of the whip, you can stop now.”

Oh thank goodness

I felt relieved for the young guard, but then the older man pulled out a knife!

“Now, we'll just give him a constant reminder of the lesson he has so thoroughly learned today.”

I felt sick as I watched the man draw the knife across the side of the young man's right arm, and then stab him in his left shoulder. The young guard laid still and let them do this, (clearly respecting their authority) but he protested with his painful cries. The older man grabbed him by the hair, and slapped him across the face, he threw him to the ground and kicked him in the stomach.

“Go clean yourself up.” The older man said gruffly as he walked away.

With the noise of the other two guards gone, I could hear the young man's quiet sobs, and his slow, painful, breathing. I felt so sorry for him, I wanted to go and see if he was all right, but as I took a step forward, I turned my ankle on a stone.

“Ow!” I cried, then, as I turned and ran, I heard the young man behind me:

“Who's there?” he asked in a surprised, pain-filled, voice.

As I returned to the palace grounds, my mother came out onto the patio.

“Dear, what are you doing out here? The party is inside, and it is almost time to open your presents.”

“I was just getting some fresh air, that's all.” I replied, following my mother inside. Once inside, my parents led me to a chair on the stage, and again, every eye was on me. My father handed me a nicely wrapped present.

“This one is from me honey.”

I slowly and carefully unwrapped the present and opened the box inside. I lifted the lid of the box, and gasped, as it revealed a diamond encrusted, white gold, crown, with the design, and gems of the six pointed star in the middle.

“Oh, Father, it's beautiful!!” I exclaimed.

My mother handed me another box, this one was long, ornately decorated, and had a card taped to the top. The card read:

`My Dearest Lena,

You are my daughter, and I love you dearly, I am so proud of you, you have grown into such a young lady. I know you will learn how to use this gift properly, and make me proud once again.

Love, Queen Carina, Mom.'

After reading the card, I was sure I knew what it was, I threw open the box, and there it was! I was right! My very own, royal scepter!

“Oh, Mom, thank you! It's wonderful!” Mom and Dad smiled, and exchanged one of their all too rare loving looks.

I received lots of other presents that night, but none of them were as special as the ones from my parents. I thought one might be, it was a small box, from my aunt, that looked like it might have the thing I wanted so bad in it. You see, from the time I was about three, I have wanted a locket, not just any locket, a heart- shaped locket, that was unique, in a way that I was the only one that had one. Every year at Christmas I would ask for nothing but a heart shaped locket, and every year, it was the number one item on my birthday registry, but every year went by without any locket. My hand shook at the thought of finally getting what I actually wanted. I carefully opened the box, to find, a butterfly brooch. It was pretty, but I was disappointed. It wasn't at all what I had hoped.

Oh well, there's always next year I suppose…

After opening the presents, I just kind of mingled with everyone. I was getting some punch, when I felt someone at my side.

“Hi!” I turned to see who it was, and to my surprise, was looking up into the face of a boy, a little older than me, but quite a bit taller.

“Hi!” I said a little uneasy talking to a boy.

“Happy birthday.”

“Thank you!”

“So, nice night tonight huh?”

“Yes, I love the third moon tonight, it's beautiful.”

“Oh, I haven't seen it yet.”

“Would you like to go out on the patio and see it then?” I asked, flashing him a smile,

What am I doing?!! Am I crazy? Am I flirting?

“Sure” he replied to my utter dismay. We walked out on the patio, thankfully, there were some other people out there, so it didn't seem as uncomfortable.

“You're right, the third moon is very beautiful tonight.” The boy commented with a smile. The smile looked odd on his face. It was a happy gesture, but his eyes spoke volumes about the sadness he felt, and it confused and disturbed me.

My father asked for every one's attention, and said they were about to start the fireworks. The Patio got decidedly more crowded as the fireworks began, causing the boy and I to be forced closer together, luckily, we both turned our attention to the sky distracted by the purple and white streaks of fire.

“Wow,” He said “you're really lucky, Princess Selena. That is your name, isn't it?”

“Yes, but I never caught your name.” I said.

“Corin. Prince Corin, of the Outer Celestial Sapphire Sanction, it is a pleasure to meet you, Princess.” He said, smiling and giving a slight bow.

I couldn't help but giggle a little, but stopped when I heard a stern voice behind me.

“Corin, come here. Now!”

“I gotta' go, I'll see you around.” he said, as he hurried off.

“Well,” I said to myself, “that certainly was interesting!”

I was on my way back from the bathroom, when I heard a gruff voice yelling about something, and I went to investigate. You would think I'd fed my princess curiosity enough for one night, but my appetite for trouble seems to be insatiable.

I was shocked at what I saw. The man that had called Corin over to him had him pinned against the wall, holding him up by the collar of his shirt.

“Boy, you do anything to embarrass me, and I'll make it so you won't talk to anyone, ever again. Is that clear?” said the man with the gruff voice.

“But, Father,” Corin protested.

“That's `Your Majesty' to you, brat.” said his father, as he slammed him into the wall.

I had heard of this. Kings who treat their sons worse than slaves, and sometimes even sell them as slaves, but I never would have dreamed such things existed in Fantasy!

How awful!

“I didn't say anything, I swear! We were just talking about the fireworks and the moon!” Corin sounded scared. “Please don't punish me, I'm telling the truth!” He pleaded desperately.

“Ok, I'll believe you this time,” the man said, dropping Corin, “but you stay close to me for the rest of the night.”

“Yes Sir.” said Corin, relief thick in his voice. I quickly hid behind a plant as they exited the room, and went back to the party.

Around midnight, the people started leaving, and by one I was in my room putting away my presents. I had just finished putting the last thing away, and plopped down on my bed

“Ow!!”

Something was under my pillow! I sat up, and lifted my pillow .“

No wonder it hurt,” I said, as I looked at the shoe box under my pillow, “how did that get there?” I wondered aloud, as I looked inside it. Inside the box, was toilet paper, lots of toilet paper!

Gee, what a… useful gift, I thought, as I took the toilet paper out, to throw it away, at least it's not used.

I was just about to throw the box away when I saw something. Something gold! I reached for it. It was…

a chain?

I pulled on the chain, and a gold charm was at the other end, it was a heart, and on the front of the heart, were the engraved words `Best Friends', and engraved on the back, was the word `Forever'. I felt around in the box, and found a handmade card that said:

`To my best and only friend, Selena,

I hope you like the locket, and remember, I'll always be with you, and I'll always be there for you. When you look at it, think of me.

Love forever,

Someone from your past.'

I couldn't believe it! `My best and only friend,' `Remember, I'll always be with you,' ”I'll always be there for you' `Think of me,' `Love forever,' and even `Someone from your past,' they were all lines to the song Drake and I had wrote!!!

I opened the locket, to reveal a projection of the entire kingdom, and Star Flake and I riding out of its gates, to a hill with a tree on it outside the kingdom, when we reached the tree, the figure of someone swung down out of the tree, he was eating an apple out of the tree, I crossed my arms, and looked away, as if to say: `Hey, what about me!!' The figure then went back in the tree, and came back with an apple. He rolled the apple down his arm toward me. Then the scene changed, the apple now took up the entire projection, then the figure and I came back into the picture, and the big apple was in the back ground, then the figure and I hugged, and the apple melted into a heart then the figure picked me up, and twirled me around, and around, as the projection got smaller, and smaller. Even more amazing than the clever hologram was the music that played, it was `Best friend,' the same song Drake and I wrote together, and it was played on the harmonica the exact same way my brother used to play it! The music was pretty, but it made me cry when I thought about never seeing my brother again, and the possibility of him not even being alive anymore.

But I'm sure I saw him tonight…didn't I?

“Dear, why don't you come down and model your crown, and scepter for your father and I ?” called Mom.

“Ok, I'll be right down.” I said, grabbing an outfit to throw on in place of the awful dress I was wearing. I swung open my closet, and reached for my favorite outfit. I had one favorite outfit, in a zillion different colors, but wouldn't you know, the only color that wasn't dirty, was the pink one.

Yuck! I thought, as I put it on.

I put the locket on, slipping it under my blouse, set my crown on my head, powdered my face so no one could tell I'd been crying, grabbed my scepter, and hurried down stairs. I found my parents in the party room, overseeing the clean- up.

“Oh dear, you look lovely!” said Mom.

“You look like such a grown up young lady! said Dad.

“Thank you,” I replied.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise, and a cloud of green smoke arose from the floor and took shape of a human. It was… my mom's older sister, Kale, the Empress of Evil.

She is a bitter, evil woman. She hates my mother for getting to be the heir to the throne. You see, there were no princes the proper age to be married when she young, so the title to the throne was automatically passed down to my mother. She also blames my mother for the death of her son. He rebelled against the throne, much like my brother did, and was given the same punishment as my brother. One day, he made a mistake, and shot one of his fellow guards, during a war. He was caught, and tried for being an enemy spy, found guilty, and sentenced to one of the cruelest punishments ever: being tortured to death, in public. (When I become queen, my first act will be to abolish that form of punishment.)

So instead of becoming queen like she wanted, she became an evil sorceress.

“What?! A party! and I wasn't invited?!! How Rude of you!”

“What do you want here, Kale! You were bound from the city, remember?” said my mom.

“I only wanted to give my dear little niece her birthday present.” Mom clutched her scepter tight, and moved in front of me, as did my father.

“Oh really, what is this present?” Asked Dad.

“A one-way trip for her family, to oblivion!” At that moment, she opened a little treasure box, that shot a powerful blast toward us, my parents blocked it, with great effort,

“Lena!! RUN!” Mom shouted over her shoulder as she struggled to hold the box's power at bay.

“But…”

“Go!” commanded my father through clenched teeth as his concentration began slipping.

I didn't want to, but I turned and ran. I looked back, just as the blast overcame my parents, and the blast trapped them inside the box.

“NO!”

Star Flake appeared at my side. “Princess, we must get out of here, now!”

“Ok.” I replied, as I climbed on his back, and we took off. From the air, I saw the entire palace had been destroyed by the blast, and Kale was now using her dark magic to turn the whole palace into a gloomy castle of doom.

“Princess, what do we do now?!” asked Star Flake.

“I don't know how, but we're going to stop my aunt.” I said, as I lowered my eyes into a glare, at the thought of what she had done. She had changed my life- forever.