The Goddess And Her Four Guardians

Who Are You?!

The large door slowly opens, releasing a strong gush of wind with it. Blinding light peers through with a short but buff silhouette.

"Moko, it's a pleasure to see you again." I walk closer to him, as the blinding light dims away.

"My, my. Could you really be? Oh, I've waited so long for you to come here. You'll be so happy to see him. He's grown strong. Really strong, in fact. He's training right now? Would you like to see?" Moko wraps his arm around me as he leads me farther in.

"How about some tea first. I'm in dire need of something to drink right now." I nod to the dojo.

Well, actually I'm just fine but I would want a minute with Moko before going to see one of my guardians. Moko, the wise man he is, catches this.

"Of course, go ahead and take a seat miss." Moko leads me to the tatami room. It's just as I remember with a view of the training grounds and privacy from most of the others. As Moko get some tea ready for us, I study Moko. Wrinkles and gray hair has started to settle on him.

"Has my guardian been tough on you? You're age is starting to show." I comment to the old friend.

"No, actually" he chuckles. "But he is coming isnt he? That's why you're here." Moko grows solemn, his face growing in age in seconds.

"Can you tell, too?" I look seriously at the old man as he sits across with the tea and starts pouring us each a cup.

"Things aren't the same lately here. There is more corruption on the street. And I'm worried they're not ready to face the danger when it comes knocking on our door. My training might not be enough to prepare them. They might think this is normal. But we know better, don't we miss?"

"I'm sorry, I won't be able to protect you. But when the guardians are all together and ready I will come back for you, and the dojo Moko."

Moko sits in silence comprehending what I said. Nodding in acceptance, we sit enjoying our tea. The calm before the storm. We must be ready to sacrifice for this peace, he wishes to take. As training for the day grows to an end, Moko stands up.

"I must meet with the others. Will you be okay waiting here, miss?"

"No need to keep calling me miss, Moko. You have done a great deal for me. May is fine."

"That is very kind of you." Moko
Bows before leaving my presence. I know he will be retrieving Ren for me.

I wait patiently, until I start hearing a lot of running and shouting outside. It can't be. I get up quickly, running out to the training ground. As I get outside I see Moko, and a few others with him fighting. Moko turns to the one on his left.

"Ren, you need to get to the tatami room. She is waiting for you. You two need to leave right now." It's five against three. The one to his left seems to be struggling as Ren seems to hold his own against two of the intruders. Must be his spies. How did they get in? Ren shoves one of them off him and knocks him out with a swift kick to his head. Four against three.

"Do you really think this is the time to run? You need my help." Two more joins Moko. Five against four. We have the numbers. For now. We need to leave before more come.

"Ren." I simply say. Ren turns his focus on me. The bond quickly holds and he nods. He understands who I am. Or who I might be at least. One of the guys quickly takes Ren place as he shoves the other guy off him, and starts approaching me.

"Miss, I've been awaiting for you." He bows down on his knee with his head down, awaiting my response.

"Stand Ren. We must leave, if we wish not to trouble Moko and the others. You have your dagger with you?" I speak quickly. This wasn't how I wanted to meet the guardians.

Ren stands showing his dagger to me. I nod, turning around and heading for a secret passage out of here through the tatami room. There is one all throughtout here for a day like this. Knowing Ren is right behind me, we waste no time. Within what feel like minutes we reach the exit, coming out of the dark passage into the bright ruins. Unfortunately we are not alone. There is a man standing with his back to us.

Ren immediately takes a stance in front of us. "Who are you? Are you with the guys who chose to attack us?" Ren grabs his dagger and points at him as his dagger transforms. With no time to admire this the man turns.

"Long time no see, Goddess of innocence. Is this how you treat a friend?" The man throws a wicked smile in my direction as he turns his full attention on Ren. One of his henchman who was in charge of my turture. "I see you have found one of your lackeys. Allow me to congratulate you." He bows while looking us in the eye. This bastard.

"Who are you?!" Ren shouts as he steps closer.

"Relax, I'm not here to kill you. Not today at least. I just wanted to check in on my favorite prisoner." He says as he gives me a unctous look. "I still have that pretty scar you left me." He smiles as he take leave and flee away.