Magic
Although it is set in a semi-futuristic, very technologically oriented world, the story that these characters follow still contains many fantasy-based elements. This includes, of course, the element that may simply be termed "magic." Magic, however, follows its own rules and patterns, even if logic is not completely suited to it, it is not completely random. This will attempt to explain how magic works in the FFC world, although in regards to something as chaotic as this, no rule is absolute.
Ra'grathon and Kyar'tonis
(The power of the Keepers)
The swords which were created for the use of the Light and the Dark do stand opposite each other and draw on opposite power. Even so, in many ways, they are the same. Each sword obeys only its Keeper. That Keeper is, of course, chosen by Fate, and is the only person the sword will recognize and respond to.
One of the first uses of the sword for a Keeper is to summon the Guardian. The sword is what binds the Guardian, and what holds him in between battles. The Keeper is able to call the Guardian to assist him (or her) when the time for a conflict between the Light and Dark is to begin.
This is not, however, the only function of the swords. Summoning the Guardian is usually the first role of the sword, but it is far more than merely that, or a simple weapon. In most cases, the sword is the sole source of the Keeper's power. When the proper Keeper takes the sword, that Keeper has the concentrated power of the Light or the Dark at their command. In the case of the Light, the power is symbolized as Fire, and for the Dark, as ice.
As long as the Keeper has the sword in hand, both the weapon and that power become and extention of him (her). Most times a Keeper comes to command the sword without conciously trying or even realizing that it's happening. It simply becomes second nature.
The power and abilities of each sword are equal to one another and in exact opposition. So although the Keeper stands out as the leader of their respective side by conquering the sword, when it comes to facing the opponent, their power is an exact match. Thus, it comes down to the Keeper him(her)self to succeed or fail.
Guardians
The power of the Guardian is completely in sync with the power of his Keeper. It was by design that the power of the swords and the power of the Guardian would be nearly the same. This allowed the sword to control the Guardian. The power of the Guardian, however, does not lie in the sword. The Guardian's power comes from an immortal spirit bound to them. The swords keep the immortals in check and limit their power.
The abilities of the Guardians are fairly simple and straightforward. They are, as many magic-beings of the FFC world are, a bit stronger and faster than normal humans. They also heal much more quickly, since a wounded protector doesn't do much good. But with the prescence of the sword their abilities in that area go beyond simply healing quickly. If an injury is directly caused by magic (say, a spell that breaks your arm as opposed to a spell that throws a big rock to break your arm) then the power of the sword through the Keeper can comepletely heal it. In addition, when a Guardian is drawn back into the sword to await a new Keeper, all ailments are completely healed up to and including loss of limbs, which is why Guardians rarely carry scars.
As for an offensive, Guardians can concentrate their power around a fist. As stated, it syncs with the Keeper's power, so for the Guardian of Light, it burns, and for the Guardian of Shades, it freezes. However, this ability is very limited (the initial creators not wanting to give Guardians too much power) and can only be effective when actually touching something. It cannot be projected through the air to strike a target. There are ways around this, however. It can be projected along something the Guardian touches (for example, spreading ice or fire along a floor or wall to strike the victim). The Guardian can also use the trail it leaves behind when moving quickly, which can form a sort of barrier.
Dragons
Dragons are powerful and ancient creatures. They are beings of magic, and only the dragons themselves truly know all that they are capable of.
In FFC, one of the main abilities of dragons, is to transform into a cat (or a winged-cat, an in-between form which has long, dragon-like toes). Most dragons can do this fairly easily and in only a few moments. A dragon-cat can usually be spotted by strange colorations (Chaerius has purple eyes, Sadryn is a grey and blue bobcat)
Other spells dragons can cast include both attack spells and healing spells. All dragon magic is white in color, and with the exception of the transformation spells, are cast from the dragon's mouth. (this is where the myth of dragons breathing fire comes from - attack spells cast from their mouths.)
Other Magic
There is in this world what we might consider to be "normal" magic. That is, spells that can be cast by anyone and are not innately connected to any particular person or creature. These spells are always greenish or purplish in color (neutral). Magic that can be used by everyone are spells that draw on power that exists out in the world, rather than power within one's own self. These usually require gestures, spoken word, or symbols to be cast, and aren't very reliable when speed is necessary. However, these spells cover a variety of areas, and can often be set-up in advance so that only the final word or gesture is needed to finish and cast the spell.
Creatures that have innate magic can use these as well, and can either draw on outside power rather than deplete their own resources, or adapt them to use their own magic. An example of this is Elrek's transportation spell. It is not a Guardian spell, but he uses the Guardian's power to cast it, though he cannot travel great distances with it (especially when weakened), since it uses his own power, he can cast is quickly in a tight situation, and does not need to go through the formalitiies to reach the magic.
