Alex lay on the cold ground, his back throbbing with pain as he struggled to stay conscious. The rift creature loomed over him, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent. Just as it prepared to strike the final blow, a sudden burst of light illuminated the park.
Officer White stepped forward, his presence commanding and his eyes glinting with determination. He raised his hand, and a surge of energy pulsed through the air, pushing the creature back. The entity roared in frustration, its form wavering as it struggled against the unseen force.
Alex watched in awe as Officer White moved with deliberate grace, his every gesture imbued with power. The officer extended his other hand, and the air around him began to swirl, forming a vortex of wind that encircled the creature. The wind picked up speed, its force lifting leaves and debris into the air as it grew stronger.
With a swift motion, Officer White directed the wind towards the creature. The vortex tightened around the entity, compressing it within a swirling tempest. The creature thrashed against its confines, but the wind held firm, its power undeniable. Alex could feel the pressure of the wind even from a distance, its force palpable.
The creature let out a guttural roar, its eyes flashing with anger and desperation. It struggled to break free, its limbs flailing wildly. But Officer White's control over the wind was absolute. He manipulated the vortex with precision, guiding it to constrict tighter around the creature.
"Stay back, Alex," Officer White commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos. "I can handle this."
Alex, his back aching, could do nothing but watch. He felt a mix of relief and frustration, knowing he was powerless to help. The officer's wind magic was unlike anything he had ever seen, its raw power both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
With a final, decisive motion, Officer White clenched his fist. The wind vortex intensified, its force compressing the creature further. The entity's roars grew louder, then abruptly ceased as the wind crushed it into nothingness. The rift in the park flickered and began to close, the energy dissipating into the early morning air.
The park fell silent once more, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Officer White lowered his hands, the wind dying down as he turned to face Alex. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a depth of knowledge and power that Alex had never noticed before.
Alex struggled to sit up, wincing at the pain in his back. "What was that? Who are you?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Officer White approached him, offering a hand to help him stand. "I am a Hidden Guardian," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
The officer's words echoed in Alex's mind, creating a whirlwind of questions. "A Hidden Guardian?" Alex repeated, still trying to grasp the enormity of what had just transpired. "What does that mean? Why was that creature here?"
"There's a lot you need to know," Officer White replied, his gaze intense. "But first, let's get you somewhere safe. You're hurt, and this park isn't secure right now."
Despite the throbbing pain in his back, Alex forced himself to his feet with the officer's help. The early morning light was starting to paint the sky with hues of orange and pink, but the serene beauty of the dawn was lost on Alex. His mind was racing with the events he had just witnessed and the implications of Officer White's revelation.
As they walked slowly towards the edge of the park, Alex's curiosity couldn't be contained any longer. "How did you do that? The wind, the way you controlled it... it was like magic."
Officer White glanced at Alex, a hint of a smile on his lips. "It is magic, in a sense. The power I wield comes from the same source as the rift that opened here. It's a part of the hidden world that most people aren't aware of."
Alex's mind struggled to process this new information. "So, there are more creatures like that out there? More rifts?"
"Yes," Officer White confirmed. "Rifts can open anywhere, and they serve as gateways between our world and other realms. The creatures that come through are often dangerous, as you've seen. That's why the Hidden Guardians exist—to protect our world from these threats."
They reached the edge of the park, where Officer White's car was parked. He opened the passenger door and gestured for Alex to sit. "Get in. We need to talk more, but not here."
Alex complied, his body grateful for the chance to sit and rest. As Officer White started the car and drove away from the park, Alex looked out the window, the events of the morning replaying in his mind. The creature, the rift, and Officer White's incredible display of power—it all felt surreal, like a scene from a movie.
After a few minutes of silence, Alex turned to Officer White. "How did you know the rift would open today?"
"It's part of my duty as a Hidden Guardian," Officer White explained. "We have ways of sensing disturbances in the fabric of our reality. When I felt the rift starting to form, I knew I had to act quickly. That's why I called you to meet me so early."
"But why me?" Alex asked, genuinely perplexed. "I'm just a kid. What can I do against something like that?"
Officer White glanced at Alex, his expression serious. "You have potential, Alex. There's something unique about you, something that connects you to the hidden world. I sensed it the first time I met you. That's why I wanted you here, to witness this and understand what's at stake."
Alex felt a chill run down his spine at the officer's words. "What do you mean, unique? What are you talking about?"
Officer White took a deep breath. "After you returned home from your disappearance, two officers, Martinez and Williams, conducted an initial investigation. They reported your family's story, but I sensed something was off. The story didn't add up, and there was an energy about you that I couldn't ignore."
Alex's eyes widened. "Energy?"
"Yes," Officer White continued. "When I crossed paths with you, I felt a surge of magical energy emanating from you. It was far greater than what any average human possesses. It was the kind of energy that only a Hidden Guardian would have."
Alex was stunned. "A Hidden Guardian? But I'm just... me."
"I decided to observe you more closely," Officer White said. "I needed to be sure. Over time, it became clear that you were the source of this immense magical energy. None of your family members had it—only you. The amount of energy you possess is extraordinary, Alex. It marks you as someone special, someone with a connection to the hidden world."
Alex's mind was spinning. "So, you spied on me?"
"I had to be certain," Officer White replied. "The presence of such power in someone so young is rare. It means you have the potential to become a Hidden Guardian yourself. That's why I needed you to see this, to understand the reality of the world you're now a part of."
They drove in silence for a while, the weight of Officer White's words hanging heavily in the air. Alex's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, struggling to comprehend the new reality he was being thrust into. The concept of rifts, other realms, and hidden guardians was overwhelming, yet it also sparked a sense of excitement and curiosity deep within him.
As they pulled into Alex's driveway, Officer White turned to him. "Remember, Alex, this is just the beginning. There's a lot you need to learn, and I'll be here to guide you. But you must be prepared for the challenges ahead. The world is bigger and more complex than you ever imagined."
Alex nodded, his mind still reeling but also filled with a newfound determination. "Thank you, Officer White. For everything."
The officer smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Call me Jack. And remember, you're not alone in this. We'll face whatever comes together."
Before Alex got out of the car, Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small card. He handed it to Alex, who looked at it curiously. The card had Jack's name, a phone number, and an email address.
"This is my contact information," Jack said. "If you ever need help, have questions, or if you notice anything strange, don't hesitate to reach out. It's important that we stay in touch."
Alex took the card, feeling a sense of reassurance. "Thanks, Jack. I will."
Jack nodded, watching as Alex got out of the car and made his way to the house. "Take care, Alex. And remember, you're not alone."
Alex watched Officer White drive away, the card clutched tightly in his hand. The connection he now had with Jack made him feel a little more secure in the face of the unknown. He took a deep breath, trying to center himself before heading inside.
As he climbed the stairs to his room, he replayed the morning's events, the image of Jack using his wind magic to defeat the creature burned into his memory. Just as he was about to lie down, a thought struck him. "Jack called himself a Hidden Guardian," he muttered to himself. "What does that mean for me? What role do I have in all of this?"
As sleep finally claimed him, Alex knew that his journey was just beginning. The mysteries of the hidden world were starting to unfold, and he has to be prepared for it
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Author's note
This chapter is reposted due to a few issues
Sorry guys no chapters for this month, exams are coming
Wish me luck 🤞