Wild Guardian: Issue 1 Chapter 11
By: jungleboy69

Chapter 11: Explanations

Max stared around in amazement. He found himself in the jungle again. To his surprise, he saw the massive tree in the large clearing from his last dream and there was also a large lake near the tree. “I’m back here, again.” Max wondered to himself. “I wonder if I could meet Mother Nature, again.” He wondered. Nevertheless, it was great to be back here again.

“Welcome back, young one.” A deep voice spoke up. Max looked around in surprise. It wasn’t Mother Nature’s voice. At once, the trees rustled and to his great shock, the largest tiger Max had ever seen, walked into the clearing. It was a majestic white Bengal tiger, with large paws and shining gold eyes. “We have been expecting you, Max Yamato.” The tiger spoke. “We?” Max asked.

All at once, more animals arrived, many of them from different habitats. A wolf, a black panther, a ram, an African elephant, a white rhino, a bison, an African lion, a polar bear, a boar, a gorilla, a king cobra and an elk with large antlers. From the sky, a golden eagle swooped down and landed on the ground, along with a great horned owl, a swan and a peregrine falcon. Out of the lake, a saltwater crocodile crawled up to the bank. A magnificent dolphin leaped out of the water and did a triple flip before landing back in the water while an octopus emerged from the water with its tentacles waving.

Max was amazed, all of the creatures were gigantic, even the falcon was the size of an eagle. He was about to say something, “ARRRRRROOOOOWWWWWWGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” a loud cry sounded before two mammoth-sized shadows cast before them. A humongous white Eastern dragon flew down and landed gently in front of the tree. A magnificent phoenix with massive flaming wings, orange feathers and long tail feathers joined him.

If Max’s eyes weren’t wide enough, they would have popped right out of his sockets. The dragon bent his head until it was close enough for him to touch. “Welcome, young Max” the dragon sent gently. “How do you know my name?” asked Max. The dragon smiled. “We know who you are, Yamato” explained the phoenix, her feathers glowing like embers in the ashes.

“We have sensed your pure heart and love for all creatures,” The elk told Max. “and know that you have been chosen to protect mother Earth and all of its creatures from an ancient evil.” Max was surprised to hear this. “Mother Nature told you that you’ll be responsible for great things and we know that the spirits of Nature blessed you with a special gift.” Added the tiger.

The dragon breathed softly, sending puffs of smoke on his forehead. “You are about to embark on a great journey, Max Yamato.” He spoke. “With the power of the Animus totem, you are the New Wild Guardian.” “Wild Guardian?” asked Max. At that moment, a bright light enveloped him and the creatures, before Max pass out and everything went black.

“Urrgh…” Max groaned, opening his eyes slowly. “Max!” a voice cried out before someone tackled him to a hug. Max looked to see his friends and family, even Grandpa Misoto and Shiro crowded around him with worried faces and found himself at home. “Max, you’re alright, thank goodness!” Jenny explained in relief.

“Jenny?” Max asked. “What happened?” he asked. “You’re at home, Max” Shen Li spoke worriedly. “Yeah,” Hamato added “Misoto called us and said you passed out.” “Anyway, thank heaven, you’re all right.” Shen Li said, clasping Max’s hand for comfort. Shiro nuzzled him affectionately, making Max pat him gently on the head.

“Thanks, obaa-chan.” Max smiled. Misoto spoke up. “I was lucky to be passing by when I saw your friends.” “Yeah.” Hamato added “Thanks, onii-san.” “Well, some gangsters ambushed us while we were walking back to the bus stop.” Max explained, causing Hamato and Shen Li to gasp in shock. “Don’t worry,” Mikey exclaimed excitedly “but Max saved us!” surprising Hamato and Shen Li. “Wait,” Shen Li asked, confused, “you saved your friends?”

“Yeah!” David added. “You should have seen him! Max went…” “Uhm, David.” Max spoke “Can you stop shouting? It’s giving me a headache.” Clutching his head. “Oh,” David said “Sorry about that.” “Still, what happened?” asked Jake. “Well, I’m not sure.” Max said “I just saw my friends in danger and I got so mad that they were going to get hurt that I…” he stopped short.

“Well, I’m just glad that you kids are safe.” Misoto smiled. “I’ll make some tea for you all.” Before heading off to the kitchen “I’ll help.” Shen Li added, joining in the kitchen. “I’ll let your parents know that you’re alright and that they can pick you up.” Hamato said before heading off, leaving the kids together with Shiro.

The dog whined and licked Max’s face. “It’s okay, Shiro” Max assured, rubbing Shiro’s head. “It’s alright.” Jake smiled “I didn’t know you had a pet dog.” Max chuckled. “I wouldn’t call Shiro a pet.” He said “He’s part of my family.” “Can I pet him?” asked Jenny.

“Sure, Jenny.” Max said. Jenny placed her hand to Shiro. Shiro sniffed at her hand cautiously then realizing she was a friend, he nuzzled her gently and panted happily. Jenny giggled and rubbed him on his head. “Awww~~~, how sweet.” She cooed. Max smiled “Shiro likes you.”

“Anyway, Max…” Mikey started to say. “you were amazing!” he exclaimed. “What do you mean by that?” Max asked. “What do I mean?!” Mikey asked, incredulously. “You turned into a white tiger and sent those gangsters packing!” “Yeah!” Jake added. “I knew you were strange, but you didn’t know you could shapeshift!”

Jenny nodded her head “Max, you have to tell us!” she added “How did you do that?” “Do what?” asked a voice. Everyone jumped and turned to see Hamato coming back. “What are you all talking about?” he added. “Oh, nothing, Jii-chan. Just chatting about our day.” Max explained.

“Okay.” Hamato said “Anyway, everyone,” he added “I’ll called all your families and they’re on their way to pick you up.” “Thanks, Mr Yamato” David said. “Tea’s ready!” Shen Li called out and together with Misoto, they came out of the kitchen, with Misoto carrying a tray of tea.

Shen Li passed the tea to everyone. While drinking, Misoto asked “So, Max, what’s this about your dreams?” Max nearly choked at his tea and all his friends looked up in confusion. “Dreams?” asked Jenny. “Jii-chan!” Max exclaimed. “Well, you’re grandmother told me of the strange dreams you had.” Misoto explained. Mikey looked at Max in confusion “Max, what kind of dreams is your grandpa talking about?” he asked.

“Guys, it’s nothing.” Max assured “They’re just dreams of my childhood, nothing more.” “Oh, I wouldn’t say that, my boy.” Misoto said. Everyone, including Max, looked at him in surprise. “What do you mean, Jii-chan?” he asked.

Misoto gave a wry smile. “You know, Max,” he explained. “dreams don’t always come from your imagination. Some of them are messages or visions from the past or even future.” This made everyone stare at him in confusion. “Mr Yamato, what do you mean?” asked Jake. “I mean,” Misoto said “Max’s dreams are much more than just memories. I believe that they are visions of something far ancient from our world.”

There was a silence. Everyone was even more confused. “What do you mean by that?” asked Jenny. Misoto stood quietly then exclaimed “How should I know?! I’m just an old man!” before laughing, causing everyone to sweatdrop. “Oh brother.” Muttered Hamato.

“Well, you must admit,” Mikey said. “he does know how to make life interesting.” Everyone chuckled. Max, on the other hand, stared at his fox totem and taking his grandpa’s words by heart, started to wonder if he was right about his dreams.