On why characters defend those they love...

Characters defend those they love by attempting to outwit the opponents, and using courage, honor, and abilities attributed to their personality. More so, when a character tries to protect someone they love, a ripple effect occurs, sparking more threats in the future. This example can be seen in “Lord of the Rings” in which Frodo and Sam attempt to separate from the party for “the greater good” only to find trouble in Smeagle. Regardless, helping defend those you love happens on a physical mental, and emotional level. Frodo protects the group by separating (an act of morality), while his best friend Samwise Gangee protects him physically and mentally from the curse of the One Ring.

Another case is in the Dresden Files in which an ability, such as Magic, is used to protect those we love. Dresden has a multitude of abilities to help those in need such as an amulet, a ring, and a staff. At one point, he is also assisted by his ghostly assistant, Bob, the talking skull, who helps him to identify some of his crutches within the storyline. Nonetheless, people will always need friendship to get through struggles.

In Harry Potter, wit isn’t the only thing to save the day. Sometimes good ole’ fashion intelligence will help to incorporate the necessary treatments to protecting those you love. With Hermione Granger, that was exactly the case. Harry, a bloodline Wizard with immense abilities that needed to be awakened, was complimented by his friend Ron Weasley, though nothing could stop him and Hermione from trying to help their scarred friend. Ron, while clumsy, helped Harry in any way he could, whether it be with life issues, helping to teach him (Harry) his own solutions in life, or physically protecting him through magic through the source of a wand and incantations. Hermione, on the other hand, complimented and helped Harry through her intellect, harnessing much of her strength in a mental capacity.

All three of these examples exemplify how heroes can save those the love, though the common fact of each is that they all need to help each other, not just one-sided-wise. Regardless, the purpose of helping those you love is not to anticipate further perils, but to initiate stronger ties with other people, to showcase the strength, and ultimately inspire generations before you.

Frodo, Harry, and Dresden all have abilities and tributes of leaders, but all three relied on others for their ability to save loved ones. Not one of them could have done it alone, but all of them had the will, courage, and heart to take up the mantle of the hero. Overall, the heroes of a tale need to find something more than themselves to accomplish anything in the world. Hesitation can kill you, but so can lack of trust for those around you. The reason characters, in my opinion, defend those they love, is so they can help to exemplify their own personalities.

Growth, power, and wisdom come from these personality traits, but nothing can stop a hero who is trying to save a loved one. Few people will admit that heroes can ever take away something from themselves without first giving. As such, in real life, heroes are crafted by their actions. So too are we, and the characters. The just is that while many rely on powers and those around them, it’s what comes inside that helps to define who we are as heroes, saving out loved ones.

Creative Assignment: Part VIII

Chapter VIII: The Beginning of the End

            “Gah!” Tamara cried as flesh melted off her shoulder. She dealt the finishing blow to the Flame Giant and her attention was now on the Wooden Man.

            The fight between The Faerie of the Wind and Lady Ice escalated into the clouds and out of site. Lightning, cold rain droplets, and thunderous sounds emerged from the clouds, but the two sister’s physical forms were not seen.

            “Focus… Focus…” Tamara concentrated, shrugging off the pain.

            She had just defeated a giant. Her confidence levels spiked. With a quick dash, she ran towards the Wooden Man, slashing through the vulnerable tree-creatures in her way.

            The Wooden Man turned to her, looked over at the fallen Flame Giant and sighed.

            “What a pity. One more homo sapien to eradicate… Oh! And this one has a shiny sword.” He licked hi solid lips and gazed at the woman coming towards him. “This should be fun!”

            The fight between the Wooden Man and Tamara raged on. Tamara came out victorious and falling from the sky came The Faerie of the Wind. Rushing to meet her, Tamara was met with a cold hand.
            “Foolish child… Did you think you could beat me?!” The Lady Ice threatened. 

Creative Assignment: Part VII

Chapter VII: The Battle

“We’ve arrived, Savior.” The Faerie of the Wind said. Her arm lifted, pointer finger outstretched towards the chaos that lay just beyond the mountains that they stood.

“It’s… a massacre… So much worse than I thought.” Tamara replied.

Without turning her head to look at the young warrior, The Faerie of the Wind pointed in another direction. Towards the other Elementals. “Those are your targets.”

Tamara turned her head to see what the Fae had pointed at. A small brown figure with a cloak in the distance, his arms waving left and right, ordering the minion below. Millions of them. The trees that had once been planted stationary were now moving, destroying civilization left and right.

Her gaze tuned in more to see a large body made of flames and thick rock thrashing his mighty weapon through cities. Though without hesitation, Tamara gripped her sword and inhaled deep, focusing her energy on what was to happen next.

“Well, hello Big Sister…” A soft yet seductive voice came from behind them. “I didn’t think you’d show…”
            The Faerie of the Wind reacted with calm. She turned towards the Lady Ice and glared. “What you are doing. It is against the prophecy.”

Tamara turned to see the gorgeous blue-skinned woman and raised her weapon in reaction.

“No.” The Faerie of the Wind put her hand up. “This one is mine, Savior.”

“Oh… Heh-heh… You have a Savior now?” Lady Ice cackled in replied.

Tamara nodded, then turned back towards the other two Elementals, deciding on which one to fight first.

“You’re going to lose you know.” Lady Ice cursed. “Die a horrible… horrible death… Sweet dear little child.”

“Don’t listen to her.” The Faerie of the Wind interrupted. “Her words poison the mind.”
            Ignoring the Lady Ice, Tamara jumped down the side of the cliff, sliding down and rushing towards the Flame Giant.

Scoffing, Lady Ice glared and attempted to blast a ray of ice cones at the Savior, only to be blocked by the energy shield of The Faerie of the Wind as she moved in the way.

“Like I said… You are my fight, Sister. The Savior is not your fight.”

Creative Assignment: Part VI

Chapter VI: Training

            Several months passed by and Tamara had learned the horrors of the world, but also accomplished incredible feats of strength, speed, endurance, and skill. Her training with the energy sword had also been far outclassed from her previous days. The sky was dark, as it had been since The Day. Tamara stood outside looking up into the grey sky as droplets of rain dripped from her face.

            “I never realized how beautiful it was.” Tamara said.

            “Sometimes we find beauty in the darkest of times.” The Faerie of the Wind replied.

            “Yeah, but… In just a few days I’ll be taking on these beasts… The ones you call ‘Elementals’. But you haven’t told me anything about them. Shouldn’t I know their weaknesses?” Tamara questioned, her eyes still starring into the cloudy sky above.

            “Knowing the weakness of our opponent won’t always be why makes you the victor.”

            “But it will most of the time…” Tamara replied, chuckling as she looked down at the beautiful fey.

            Without a verbal reaction, The Faerie of the Wind turned to face the young girl. She lifted her hands and chanted a few words in a foreign language. “Juis allor’a endei arta!”

            The world in an instant became brighter. The dark clouded receded overhead and the bright sun shined down upon the land, caressing Tamara with its warmth and creating a reaction of an even larger smile.

            “H-how did you do that?”

            “Sometimes… instead of knowing an enemy’s weakness. We simply outwit them at their own game.” The Faerie of the Wind winked. 

Creative Assignment: Part V

Chapter V: The Savior

            “I sure hope my parents come back soon.” Tamara said with a look of gloom on her face.

            The weather continued to get worse. Heavy rain poured all over the crops and Tamara was forced to stay inside.

            “Ugh. I’m not going to let a little rain get me down.” She said. “Now where did I put that bokken?”

            Remembering she put her wooden sword in a corner of the kitchen, Tamara left her bedroom and went to find it. But when she got there it was missing. The dark clouds outside covered what little light protruded through the windows. Tamara lit a candle, searching once again for the bokken.    

            “Now where could it be…”

            Just then her candle whished out. A beautiful blow glow formed in the middle of the kitchen and floated gentle to the surface of the table. As the brightness disappeared, a small yet beautiful creature appeared.

            “Greetings Tamara.” The Faerie of Wind said with calm.

            Tamara stood back, her eyes wide with curiosity. Her father taught her long ago not to fear those which she does not know, and instead to accept each moment as if it were a different one. With a light bow, Tamara greeted the creature in return.

            “Y-your… beautiful…” Was all she could manage.

            The Faerie of the Wind chuckled. Her voice carried with it a peaceful melody that melted young Tamara’s heart. “Thank you, mortal lady.” She replied.

            “What are you doing here?” Tamara decided to ask.

            “You’ve been chosen, Tamara.”

            “I have? For what?” Skeptical, Tamara took a seat and leaned forward closer to the naked creature before her. “I mean… I’m just a young girl.”

            “To be the Savior, of course.” The Faerie of Wind replied. In her hands was a smaller version of the bokken she was looking for. Recognizing it, Tamara’s eyes widened with surprise.

            “That’s my…” Tamara managed.

            The Faerie of the Wind fluttered back, leaving a trail of golden sparks. When she was off the table, the beautiful creature transformed into a more human-like form. The bokken, held in her hands the entire time, now a radiant sword, crackling with energy.

            “Sword…?” The Faerie of the Wind finished. “Yes, and now you will learn to save the world with it.” 

Creative Assignment: Part IV

Chapter IV: The Faerie of Wind

            Overlooking the world below The Faerie of the Wind began to cry. Her diamond-like tears caused the Earth to shower in rain, causing windstorms all through the land. Oh, the dread she felt in her soul as the inner-demons of the world took over… drawing the real ones out.

            “No… Please not again.” Her voice like a bell, each word rung like the melodic beauties of angels singing. “Poor humanity… again the world shall be covered in darkness, only to be replenished by the Wave that once destroyed your demons.”

            The Faerie of the Wind, covered in fluorescent white robes, glided down towards the planets stratosphere. Her nipples perked from the excitement of dread, though her stomach was solid and tight from the horrors that she knew she was about to face. Angelic in body, but without emotion save one: Fear.

            As the angelic being floated down to the earth’s level, she saw them. The others. The Flame Giant had already begun his destructive march across the European continent. The Lady Ice, her very own half-sister, had begun her rampage of covering Asia and the Australian coast in a wasteland of frost and death. And the Wooden Man, marching through the America’s, activated his armies and was slaughtering everything in his wake.

            “Am I too late!?” The Faerie of Wind cried.

            But a spark of hope soon filled her vision. Down below in a rural area of the coldest reaches of the Upper Peninsula of the World, there shined a beacon of hope. While the world’s armies had been obliterated, a young woman, unaware of the chaos around her planet, was practicing with a wooden sword.

            “I see… hope in this mortal… For once.” The Faerie of Wind reacted. “Perhaps she will be the New Savior.” 

Creative Assignment: Part III

Chapter III: The Flame Giant

The mountain atop the highest point of the world began to rupture. Nothing could stop its flames. Impending doom harked for those nearby, and within several hundred miles’ alarms blared. Men, women and children scuttled as quick as they could to find transport far away, but the eruption came too fast.

Charred and stained by the fabrics of the earth, those caught in its wave of terror melted to the ground below, mixing with the dirt. Those who survived were caught in a terrible stroke and collapsed moments later from lack of oxygen. Soon from out of the volcano seeped a nightmarish liquid. A combination of blood red with black veins, it creeped down the side of the mountain and to the city below, covering it in its glory.

With a sudden movement, the ooze formed into a humanoid body, towering above the entire land and peering around as if to take in his wonderful masterpiece of death and carnage around.

“Finally… I am awakened… But for what purpose?” The Flame Giant said.

Fire and sparks crackled from his forehead, causing a smoky atmosphere in the clouds. His eyes were the shape of a dragon’s, while his lips were formed like a man. Scaled armor decorated his body in the bloody black color ooze he formed from. A large malice appeared in his hands which oozed with lava, causing giant holes of emptiness to form in the earth below.

“Mmm…” He mumbled, scanning the geography before him.

“So the others have acted. The homo sapiens have begun to fall… It is indeed the time to strike…” The Flame Giant let out a deep laugh which shook the earth, causing a quake that decimated what little buildings still stood.

Marching forward to the battle, The Flame Giant went. Causing chaos in his wake. 

Creative Assignment Part II

Chapter II: Lady Ice

“Death may take us, but life will break us…” The Lady Ice announced, her bright blue lips exhaling a subtle mist of air at each word she spoke.

The thousands of soldiers dressed in metallic armor made of ice stood at attention as she spoke. Their eyes only on the mistress before them that would command and ultimately demand their lives. Crackling sounds emanated from the frozen walls all around the inside of the cavern as they spoke.

“Aye ma’am!” They called in unison, snapping their feet together at parade rest. “Long live the Lady Ice! Long live the Icy Wonder of the World! Long live the forever Hel of frozen solitude!”
            The Lady Ice grinned wide. Her majestic form swaying back and forth in a melodic trance. She was covered in a long winter robe made of materials never seen by mortal eyes. In her hand was a large staff with a single blue gem atop it, held fast by a dragon’s claw.
            “Now go. Go my army of Frozen Tundra. Destroy what remains of the humans, for now in their final hours they will succumb to eternal winter!” The Lady Ice demanded, her cackle echoing through every soldier’s ears.
            As if in a robotic trance, the army performed an about face and marched out of the tunnel. The Lady Ice floated into the air, crossing her arms and the staff about her bosom and chanting in a foreign tongue.

“N’yet da’it inguit. N’yet da’it inguit. N’yet dait inguit!” She spoke with ease.
            A large orb of ice began to form around her, covering her body in a three-hundred and sixty-degree vortex of power. The crackling force burned into the frozen walls around her. Her voice and mood changed as quick as she had cast the spell. Dark violet eyes now took over what baby blues she once had.
            “Destroy them all!” She said with malice.

Creative Assignment I

Chapter I: The Wooden Man

 “With that wretched Chromatic Queen gone we can finally achieve our goal of world domination,” the Wooden Man declared. “And once we have taken out the Metallic King… more than just the world will be ours… The entirety of all inhabitants upon this planet shall be under our control.”

A soft breeze wisped past the Wooden Man, his brown hooded tunic flapping in the wind to the rhythm of the air, helping to give his yellow fangs an even more monstrous appearance. To his side stood a woman at shoulder level. Her fiery hair matching the pace in the wind of his own jet black hair, though her face was less cynical than his and more angelic.

“Yes, your Lordship…” She said in obedience, nuzzling her pink cheek against his swollen muscular arms. “All shall be yours.”

The air was damp. The sky above fell into darkness as the golden orb retreated and it seemed as though Father Time Himself was fearful of the days ahead. Echoes of laughter could be heard down the steppes on the surface below them. Mortal men and women cheering away at the celebration both of kindness and guilt as they drank their worries away.

“The fools.” The Wooden Man said.

“My love?” The Fiery Hair woman asked out of curiosity. Her jade eyes meeting his. Though without turning to look into her eyes, the Wooden Man stared down at the mortals.

“They celebrate their achievement of grandiose imagination… Illusions! Trickery! That’s all these mortals dabble in… Barely holding together. Each year more chaotic than the last. Yet they think they are superior. These homo sapiens will find themselves inferior by the eve of ‘morrow’s end…”    

Down the hills the sound of the Wooden Man’s haunting cackle of laughter could be heard. But not a single soul below heard it, for in their partying and celebration of life they knew nothing of the death that was to become them the next night.