The Twelve Guardians

By Shaine Lake

An Excerpt:

“Not only can I see it, I can smell it,” he grunted as he got into the driver seat.

Vivien climbed into the seat beside him and then struggled with pulling the heavy door close. “That’s cheating!” she heaved.

Upon seeing Vivien’s difficulty with the door, he arched his body over the passenger seat, right in front of her, just a notch away from brushing his biceps against her chest, to grab hold of the door’s inner handle.

Feeling the heat radiated from his body, catching a whiff of his cologne and watching the toned muscles of his forearm flexed as he shut the passenger door, Vivien became aware of the beating of her heart and the rush of heat to her face.

When the man retreated halfway back into his seat, he gazed into Vivien’s eyes, capturing her undivided attention. “Not that I can help it. And the cues I’m getting are especially strong right now.”

“And I can hear your heartbeats quicken,” she whispered, almost breathlessly.

“In a position like this, naturally ...”

Every single exhale of his was grazing against her lips, teasing them to part for his tongue. She could feel the currents of his breath getting stronger and warmer as he sought for her lips. Unnoticeable, tiny trembles of anticipation travelled across her body.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shaine Lake
• Release date: Dec 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311651914

Shaine Lake

Shaine Lake may seem like the unlikely candidate to write romance novels, given her background of reading Dungeons and Dragons books, HP Lovecraft's novels, Junji Ito's works, heart-warming stories about animals and news regarding politics, culture and science. She ventured into novel writing, namely in the genres of Romance and Action, not only seeking to inject refreshing concepts and crazy ideas into the said genres, and also to fulfil her desire: To incite intense emotions in readers. To make them swoon, laugh, cringe, sob and ponder. Her route to achieve these is through compelling tales that combine fantasy, paranormal romance, sensuality and furious action.

Book preview

The Twelve Guardians

~Does the Treasure exist within the Heart of Tribulations~

Shaine Lake

Published by Shaine Lake

Copyright©2015 by Shaine Lake

Discover The Custodians Trilogy:

Tome of Crimson - Blood or Flesh

Tome of Blaze - The Twelve Guardians

Tome of Shadows - Chains of Condemnation

All characters and events in this novel, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author.

Book Cover Design, Effects, Layout by Shaine Lake

Zodiac Design by Delphotostock (fotolia) Augusta Font by Dieter Steffmann

Stone Texture by Jacob Robinson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/darkviper/), licensed for use under Attribution CC: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

A pure heart is the greatest deterrence against evil. (The Shield)

Table of Contents

Prologue

Translation of The Three Warriors

Chapter 1 Awakening

Chapter 2 Inu

Chapter 3 Tori

Chapter 4 Inoshishi

Chapter 5 Protector

Chapter 6 Ushi

Chapter 7 Hitsuji

Chapter 8 Usagi

Chapter 9 Sacrifice

Chapter 10 Uma

Chapter 11 Ryu

Chapter 12 Saru

Chapter 13 Affinity

Chapter 14 Tora

Chapter 15 Nezumi

Chapter 16 Signs

Chapter 17 Hebi

Chapter 18 Calamity

Chapter 19 Team

Chapter 20 Neko

Chapter 21 Trial

Chapter 22 Treasure

Prologue

A legend goes like this: The Creator of the world is an all-powerful and influential celestial being, known as The King. There are three loyal generals under him: The Shield, The Scales and The Sword.

All was good in the beginning until the world was corrupted by the selfish ways of the humans and began to decay into oblivion.

The King was going to destroy the entire world, but the three pleaded for leniency since they were unwilling to witness the world’s pummelling into the whirlpool of void. Thus The Scales declared that he would create a superior race of beings to bring the humans under control. The Sword announced that he would gather all the negative energy of the world to be transmuted into grotesque beings that were wired to devour humans, the very source of the mess.

Despite his disappointment with the humans, The Shield believed in the existence of the inherent kindness in them—he could not tolerate the thoughts of their demise. So he sought for the bravest and purest souls from the animal kingdom to counter the imminent disaster. All animals were invited to compete in a race across a river called The Trial. The first twelve to reach the opposite shore would be appointed as the guardians of the zodiac to seal away the hellish minions created by The Sword.

In the wee hours of the day of competition, the early-rising, good-natured Ox acceded readily to the request of the Cat and the Rat to ride on its back to get across The Trial. With no other animals in sight, the trio was set to be the first three to reach the shore. As the waves of the raging river lashed mercilessly at them, the Ox’s great strength allowed him to trudge through the opposing forces of nature while the Rat hid securely behind one of Ox’s ears. However, the poor Cat got swallowed up by the huge currents. In the midst of the turbulent waters, the Rat and the Ox did not have the means to retrieve the Cat back to safety. With heavy hearts, the duo focused on getting to their goal instead.

When their destination, a beautiful shore covered by luscious grasses, was right before their eyes, the Rat jumped off from the Ox’s back to claim the first place in the race. And the Ox was decreed to be the second animal of the zodiac. Then the ferocious and strong Tiger arrived soon after to take the third spot. Right behind the Tiger, there were thumping sounds announcing the Rabbit’s landing onto the shore.

Knowing that The Shield was astonished at its ability to cross the river, the Rabbit clarified that the feat was achieved by leaping from stone to stone and holding onto a log during the last lap. With that, the brave little creature was awarded the fourth place.

Strong gushes of wind ruffled the grasses as they heralded the arrival of the mighty Dragon. The Shield was puzzled by the late appearance of the Dragon since it could soar through the skies with ease to clinch the first place in the zodiac. The majestic animal explained that it was delayed by a more urgent matter of creating the rain for the dying crops. In addition, while on its way to the finishing line, he had decided to help the Rabbit by blowing the log towards the shore. The pleased general honoured the Dragon with the fifth position in the zodiac.

Next up, the Horse galloped in, reaching its goal in just two more steps. However, the Snake claimed the sixth place when it slithered off from the Horse’s hoof where it had been coiling around at. That caused the Horse to get a scare and step back, therefore finishing behind the Snake to get the seventh place instead. After the waves of the river had calmed down considerably, the Goat, the Monkey and the Rooster arrived together through cooperation. For their efforts, the Goat, the Monkey and the Rooster were granted eighth, ninth and tenth place respectively.

Then a yelp was heard, and The Shield realized that the playful Dog had just turned up. Despite getting side-tracked by the scenery along the way to The Trial, the Dog was lucky enough to secure the eleventh spot.

It was almost noon, and the race would be ended when the sun reached its highest point in the sky. The Shield quietly sighed at the prospect that only eleven were gathered when a loud shriek pierced through the air. The Pig charged towards the congregation at great speed, with the Cat hanging on to it by biting tightly onto its tail. The feline loosened its bite the moment it noticed that they had reached solid ground, and the relieved Pig collapsed due to exhaustion. Everyone was surprised that the lazy Pig had managed to earn a place in the zodiac.

As for the Cat, even though it had finished the race on time, it ended up with nothing because there were only twelve seats available.

Translation of The Three Warriors

Lyrics by the Awesome, Handsome Takeo!

Here comes the Prince of Guards

Long flowing hair resembling silky silver threads

White glowing armour akin to blinding sunlight

Piercing unwavering eyes looking like molten platinum

In the face of the winds of intrusion

He, who does not speak what is Unnecessary

Holds up his Great Shield to protect

Spans of the all realms to the ends

*Chorus:

The powerful three in their prime

They remain undefeatable

A swing of one’s hand will change

The very fate of mankind

Comrades in battle

Serving the same king

Yet having opposing ideologies

The three seek to maintain

The delicate relationship for eternity

Here comes the Archmage of Sorcerers

Short unruly hair resembling streaming hot lava

Heavy long robes akin to blood soaked drapes

Alert calculative eyes looking like dazzling rubies

In the face of the waves of havoc

He, who does not regard what is Deceiving

Lifts up his Delicate Scales to sway

All imbalances back into equilibrium

*Chorus

Here comes the Commander of Fighters

Shoulder length hair resembling wild raven tendrils

Polished chain mail akin to black onyx

Judgmental fierce eyes looking like darkened amethysts

In the face of the avalanche of malice

He, who does not hear what is Irresponsible

Draws up his Exalted Sword to slice

Through millions of evil-doers mercilessly

*Chorus

Pureness, Balance, Judgement!

Pureness, Balance, Judgement!

*Chorus

Disclaimer: Translation does not take into account the use of puns, rhyming and syncs in the song’s original language.

Chapter 1 Awakening

After the elderly woman had drawn her last breath and passed on in peace, her family members quietly mourned her death. To them, it was the loss of a loved one. To the world, it signified the end of the last life force that powered the seal on the portal to and fro the abyss. As loud thunderous claps tore through the foul, stale air and the fabrics of the cold, nightmarish underworld, earthquakes began to rattle through the foundation of the place. Cracks immediately appeared on the sandstone surface of a massive door decorated with twelve animal motifs, which served as the barrier between the two dimensions.

On the side of the underworld, thousands of hellish-looking apparitions and bloodthirsty ghouls flocked to the door, clawing at whatever that was within their reach, including each other, and squeezing through the cracks to gain access to the mortal realm. The cracks would slowly be ripped further apart until the whole gate collapsed, allowing those unholy creations to feast on human’s flesh at will and with no inhibitions.

The animals could sense the impending doom, and the spirits of the chosen ones set forth to scout through the accursed land of Accastle—a city state surrounded by waters and situated at the west end of Europe—in search for the new guardians. The ones who would have to shove aside their own selfishness, take it upon themselves to make sacrifices and brave untold dangers to save the world.

***

In one of the posh apartments nested among the skyscrapers-populated central of Accastle, where a perpetual spring hung over the area, the alarm clock rang non-stop until a fair, slender arm reached out from under the plain, baby-pink blanket to disable the alarm function.

Right after that, the petite woman sank back into the comforts of her fluffy solace. Her shoulder-length hair spread out across the pillow, like the golden honey being poured onto the pink sheet. Those wide, innocent-looking eyes of the shade of evergreen laurel forest stared blankly at the ceiling. A soft, slightly high-pitched sigh escaped from between her lips, which were slightly full, short in length and had natural, curled up ends, resembling the angel’s wings.

Jilted by the boyfriend of four years. And at a super ripe age of twenty-five! Tsk, tsk, Vivien Conning.

She began to mock at herself.

With all your counting skills accumulated from years of working as an accountant in one of the big five accounting firms … yet you didn’t count on that to happen.

Those messages from Kirk might be deleted from her phone, but the last one that read, its over between us was imprinted firmly into her mind.

Coward! He didn’t even have the balls to say it to my face.

Ruffling her hair in frustration, the dejected woman reminded herself furiously that the jerk was not worth getting upset over. After staying in the bed for another hour, she hauled herself up to get ready for work while dreading the possibility of seeing a particular colleague of hers: Zoe, her department’s secretary and the third party between the ex-couple.

She’ll definitely grab this chance to show off her new-found victory … over me.

Still donning her silk camisole and underpants, she tried to cast aside the negative thoughts and wobbled out to the living room to turn on the television and greet her twin dwarf rabbits before unlocking the metre square large cage to let them out for a brief morning exercise. While the rabbits were roaming around, their owner replenished the supply of Timothy hay in the food tray and cleared away the litter.

When those were done, she held up two tiny pieces of treat and called out affectionately, Carrot, Cabbage. Want a bit of alfalfa?

The rabbits wasted no time to hop up to Vivien in hopes of getting their tiny paws on the delicious chucks of nutrients. They quickly snatched up their respective snack from her hands when the alfalfa pieces were within reach. As she gently stroked their soft, warm fur, her troubles were dissipated into nothingness at that moment.

Hey babe. Are you okay? It’s so unlike of you to miss your morning jog.

Vivien whirled around, towards the direction of the kitchen where the slightly husky voice came from.

Leaning against the kitchen’s doorway was her room-mate, Eira Walters, who had a mug of coffee in her hand. The look of concern was evident on her face. In spite of having her medium-brown hair cut in a boyish pixie style with layered, long bangs, Eira’s feminine charm had not diminished one bit. It was in part due to her flawless cream-coloured complexion, thin waist with round hips, and delicate Eurasian features—results of her mixed parentage.

Vivien forced out a smile. Not that great, but very alive. Ugh, I want to take urgent leave, just to be spared of seeing that backstabbing vixen.

Just do it then.

The blonde shook her head and explained, No way is Frierson going to approve my leave. The whole office is going crazy because of the mountain-high workload from quarter-end closing.

With a shrug, Eira replied, Got to bite the bullet. At least you know that any guy can stray.

Vivien laughed heartily at Eira’s response. A believer in not judging a book by its cover, the ditched girlfriend did not see it coming when hit by the betrayal of the average Joe she had chosen to entrust her youth with.

Half-eaten remains of the victims were found at the gruesome scene of crime. Based on the initial evidences, investigators believe that this may be related to the recent spree of murders committed, reported a female newscaster in the television.

The two ladies stared at the television in silence, horrified at the brutality of those atrocities. Vivien murmured dryly, The frequency of these cases happening has been increasing lately.

Yes, kind of disturbing, isn’t it? Like heralding the end of the world or something.

I’m definitely not ready for that. I’ve goals not achieved yet, Vivien stated as her mind conveniently struck marriage off from her list of wishes.

Though this world is cruel. Anyone’s life can be taken away on a whim regardless of his aspirations or unfulfilled wishes.… Eira painted a grim outlook of life while her face remained impassive.

Vivien frowned. Ugh, Eira. I’m pretty depressed already. These kind of dismal words are the last things I need.

The brunette’s mouth broke into a smile. Sorry, I’ll stop at that. Anyway, I need to go already. As much as I want to be here for you, there’s a need to be early on my first day of work.

Vivien waved her hand to brush off Eira’s concerns. No problem. Hopefully, your new colleagues are more into working for a common good than screwing others in the backside.

Putting on her dark grey suit, Eira replied, I’m not counting too much on that, but a new workplace provides the refreshing change I need. Will you be okay by yourself?

After a nod, Vivien said with confidence, Sure. I’m a strong woman. Besides, I’ve Cabbage and Carrot—best pets in the world. Then she carefully cradled them in her arms to give each a kiss on the back of the head before putting them back into their cages.

Eira gazed at the pets with fondness before saying, Cool. Message me anytime if you need a listening e— Her words were cut off when a monstrous, reptile-like head covered in black scales suddenly appeared and rammed into her stomach.

The force of the impact sent the fragile woman flying into a nearby wall. Vivien watched in utter shock as the rest of the seemingly charred body of the uninvited guest manifested in an instant from within a column of black whirlwind. Before Eira’s injured body could even hit the floor after the crash with the wall, the lizard-like abomination, standing at a head taller than a man, pounced onto her. Then its sharp, saw-edged teeth ripped off a chuck of flesh from her left shoulder near the neck. Eira screamed in pain as her right fist rained futile blows on her attacker’s thick and hard hide.

I got to help Eira! Just as that thought ran through Vivien’s head, a wave of energy rushed into her body. A bundle of hot air started to envelope her, and molecules of unexplained nature began to tunnel through her skin and into the core of her body. Right after that, a vision of lush grasses swaying in the wind flashed before Vivien’s eyes. Ignoring those weird occurrences, she grabbed a standing lamp to yank it free from the electrical socket and proceeded to charge towards the monster.

Then Vivien realized that she was running at a more rapid speed than usual. In fact, faster than that of a first class athlete. In a split second, Vivien ended up standing behind the huge lizard, and she swung the lamp with full force to smash it into its nape. The flimsy stand of the lamp bent upon impact with the creature’s body, doing nothing to deal out any damage. However, that blow served to divert that reptile’s focus from Eira. Spinning around to face Vivien, it snarled angrily at the woman’s audacity to attack it and then dashed forward to make a grab for its second prey.

Vivien dropped the useless lamp as her fingers went numb from fear. She managed to snap out of her stupor in time to dart out of its attacking range. There was an impulse to head for the main door and get out of there, but she refused to leave her friend and pets in the lurch. Throwing a sideward glance at the motionless Eira laying in a pool of blood and then at her rabbits, who were at another corner of the living room, the blonde knew that there was a need to get that monster far away from them.

Need something sturdy to whack the balls out of that monstrosity!

The feisty woman rushed into the kitchen at an amazing speed, with the enemy tailgating her. She grabbed the handle of a huge frying pan that was on the top of the stove and then used it to conk her pursuer squarely on the head. That strike proved to be more effective as the lizard groaned in pain and tried to stay steady on its webbed feet.

Despite her lack in strength, Vivien deduced that she could bring down the hulking mass by overwhelming it with multiple attacks. Using her speed to her advantage, she avoided the creature’s swipes by ducking and sidestepping while battering its head with her good-old, trusty pan. Tar-like blood was spewed all over the wall tiles, stove and table top.

When the monster finally couched down due to the unbearable pain, Vivien snatched the meat cleaving knife from the holder to plunge the blade in one of its eyes. In a last ditch attempt to retaliate, it bit Vivien’s right forearm, sinking its serrated teeth deeply into her flesh and causing her to yelp in pain. She tried desperately to pull her arm out from between the jaws.

The creature’s mouth went slack after the final bit of life ebbed out of the body that soon collapsed into a foul-smelling heap on the floor. Vivien gaped at her hideous wound and felt faint at the sight of her torn flesh. Getting progressively weaker from the loss of blood, she staggered to the phone in the living room to dial the emergency number. The moment her call was picked up, she hollered, Help, we’re hurt. Seventh floor of Serenity Apartm—

After the fight for her life, her strength was thoroughly spent, and the spirited lady blacked out with the thoughts, Ugh, I’ll need two whole days to clean up the mess!

***

Hey there. Cool that you’ve connected to your true self this early, greeted a harsh male voice with a ring of haughtiness in the timbre.

Huh? Vivien tried to make sense of his words and the foggy surroundings where nothing could be seen. Why am I here? I should be on the hospital bed! Then her eyes widened in horror. Am I dead?

She went on to ask with trepidation, Are you an angel?

There was a chuckle before the guy mocked, Fat hope! You’ve to wait until the mission’s done before you can see one, he paused to gather his thoughts before continuing with a more empathetic tone, ah well, I guess you’re at a loss on what’s up. Bad news: you’re the guardian representing one of the twelve zodiac signs. And the second one to discover her destiny. Since the first one can’t be counted on, you’ll be the one to find and gather the others in order to seal the gate.

It still sounds vague to me. She scratched her head in confusion.

Those monsters, they escape through the cracks on the gate and teleport to our world, with the sole purpose of devouring humans. When the whole gate collapses, an avalanche of them will flood your world, bringing doom to the human race.

She could not believe what she had just heard. Wait, wait. Are you saying that I’m one of the persons being tasked to save the world? How can it be? I’m just an ordinary accountant who got dumped by my boyfriend.

The guardians were chosen based on the time of birth and affinity with the respective zodiac sign.

Sounds like some kind of scam …

The impatience was obvious in his voice when he said, Look, you’d found yourself being endowed with superior agility and speed, surpassing those of a normal human. This is the proof that you’re the chosen guardian. You wouldn’t think that those were given to you for fun, no?

She agreed reluctantly, It’s making a bit of sense now. But how do I find the other guardians?

If they’re within your line of vision, an image will appear before you. As if you’re seeing it through the eyes of an animal. Another way is through the kiss.

I can’t be going around kissing people to find them! complained Vivien, her face was riddled with scepticism.

His voice began to fade out as he assured, Don’t worry. Finding them is not difficult since all of you should have great affinity with each other. Convincing them to join your cause will be the real headache … and try to keep low profile on this. I got to go now. With the awakening of my successor, my role as the guardian is done. I can no longer linger on this plane. Have to move on to afterlife already. Bye!

Vivien quickly asked, Hey, how do I know through the kiss that the person is the one?

The only reply came in the form of a blinding light that stung her eyes.

She’s not going to make it!

Stop the bleeding. Get this one in first.

As Vivien slowly opened her eyes, she could see flashes of bright light obscured by several moving shadows hovering over her. She had the impression of being wheeled to somewhere.

To where? Oh no… Superhuman research facility?

***

The moment the nurse disappeared around the corner, Vivien utilized the short frame of time to sprint across the corridor and steal into one of the rooms, right before a doctor and a nurse walked into the corridor.

Yes, made it in time again! This superpower is pretty handy. She tried to contain her excitement and keep it down in case the occupant of the room was still asleep.

Hey babe. Your mom was here just now to check up on me, stated the bed-ridden Eira who could not turn her head to greet her friend because of the bandages around her neck and shoulder.

I sneaked here when she was not looking. Vivien skipped to the side of Eira’s bed before settling down in a chair while heaving a sigh of relief.

She’s worried about you.

I know. But staying in the bed all day is killing me. So do the nagging. Boredom and frustration eclipsed over the feelings of gratitude towards her mother’s immense concern—the matronly woman took the first available flight from New York to Accastle, just to be there for Vivien in the earliest possible time.

Eira smiled and changed the topic, I know you need to see me in person to be convinced that I’m okay.

Vivien laughed at her housemate’s accurate assessment. Yes, glad to see the colours returning to your face.

The nurses were talking about how I was practically at death’s doorsteps. Then Eira noticed Vivien’s right arm that was set in cast to allow the healing of the crushed bones. How’s your arm?

The itch is killing me, but I can’t scratch it. With great irritation, Vivien clawed at the plaster, which was depriving her of the little sweet relief she had always taken for granted.

The pain?

More bearable than the itch and the news from Tim that Frierson is going crazy over the lack of manpower. She knew that she was going to be bestowed with a barrage of sarcastic remarks from her boss when back in office, and Zoe would be adding fuel to fire.

Not easy being an accountant.

Yes … you know, my heart will bleed when I see the bills incurred from the hospital stay. The thrifty woman frowned at forking out the extra money for expenses that were beyond her expectations and budget.

Money can be earned back. Most important thing is that we’re alive, the dark-haired lady consoled.

Vivien let out a huge sigh. You’re right. Anyway, I got to share with you the strange things that had happened.

Eira’s eyebrows rose up in curiosity as Vivien confided in her about the gain of inhuman speed, and the dream about the guardians.

The blonde then pondered, Hmm, twelve zodiac signs. I’m Aries, but why me? There’re so many Aries out there. How am I going to screen out the guardian from so many people of the same zodiac sign?

The Eurasian had another theory in mind, and her eyes lit up with enthusiasm. Can you get my tablet from the drawer?

Vivien did as requested and offered to key in the entries since Eira’s injured neck disallowed her from using the device with ease.

Okay, Chinese Four Pillars. Done, said Vivien after following her friend’s instructions and tapping the search button.

Choose the one that allows you to input your birthday.

After Vivien selected one of the search results and typed in her birthday as told, she informed, Four columns showed up. But I can’t understand a thing.

Show me the chart, instructed the bed-ridden one.

When the screen was held up in front of her, Eira gasped in surprise. This is too much of a coincidence.…

What? Some kind of big secret revealed?

Trying to control her excitement and not to make huge movements, Eira informed, According to the Chinese Calendar, all of your four pillars, based on the year, month, day and time of your birth, are under the zodiac sign of the Rabbit.

Oh, I vaguely remember there’s such zodiac. Not sure on the details though. Vivien recalled a high school classmate telling her about the Chinese Zodiac, but she did not probe further into it.

Yes, twelve animals in it. Eira then read out the list, in order, from her tablet, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

Wow, interesting. A friend had mentioned about me being born in the year of Rabbit.

Eira went on to explain, The eleven out there should have all of the four pillars under their respective animal.

Let’s try your birthday. You could be the … something guardian. Vivien was looking all raved up.

Dragon, Eira filled in the answer.

Knowing that Eira was younger than her by a year, Vivien remarked, Oh, so the Dragon is after the Rabbit.

When the result of Eira’s birthday was shown to be negative, disappointment immediately manifested on Vivien’s face.

It’s okay. I’ll try to help if within my ability. I’ll compile a list of birth dates for you. It’ll be easier to look for them based on it, assured Eira.

Thanks! I’ll give my all to find them. Vivien was thinking that having been a virtual heroine countless of times in her videogames, perhaps it was time for her to be a real one in reality. Not to mention that it would help to take her mind off the break-up. I’ll show him that I’m better than ever!

***

When back in her apartment after discharge from the hospital, Vivien felt especially lonesome without her housemate around. It reached a point where she could not stand one minute of being alone and doing nothing. While waiting for her mother to be back from the grocery shopping, she came up with the idea of keeping boredom at bay by doing housework. Without the use of her right arm, it proved to be challenging for the injured woman to get anything done. Getting frustrated with the mopping of the floor, she gave up, lounged on the sofa and turned on the television to watch the morning news instead.

Due to increased activities of illegal smuggling, the police department had dispatched the various units to work around the clock to patrol the airport, seaport and checkpoints. Let’s go over to our on-site reporter, Jeanette, who is now at Accastle Airport. The bespectacled newscaster then turned to the screen behind her.

While the on-site reporter was describing the tense situation at the airport, the camera began to close up on a team of K9 police officers in dark blue uniform—each had a dog accompanying them.

Vivien then took note of one exceptionally good-looking, lean officer in his mid twenties. His short, chestnut brown hair was combed upwards, portraying a suave and stylish image. The sharp, boyish, clean look of his was exactly the type that Vivien preferred. Though that man was not the reason that her eyes stayed glued to the television. Instead, it was a vision of the full moon that hovered before her eyes for a few seconds.

A phenomenon sighting! Means … a guardian!

Wasting no time, the upbeat, restless one changed out of her shorts and into her ten-year-old faded jeans. Still donning the cartoonish fitted T-shirt meant for home wear, she careered out of her apartment building to catch a cab to the airport situated in the east of Accastle.

***

When Vivien reached her destination, a fleeting figure zipped by her, catching her by surprise.

Stop! It was that handsome officer whom Vivien had noticed during the live broadcast on the television. With his black Labrador dog running slightly ahead of him, he was giving chase to the fleeing man.

The helpful Vivien immediately took heel to pursue the officer’s target. With her newfound speed, she caught up to the criminal in no time and grabbed his collar to stop him. The pulling force on his back was enough to send him stumbling around for a moment before regaining his balance. But by the time he had done that, the law enforcer had arrived to hold him down.

After restraining the offender and informing him of his rights and obligations, the policeman turned to Vivien. Thank you for your help. By the way, is your arm okay? He seemed worried about her arm in the cast.

While stealing a peek at the man’s name tag that read Gavin Knight, she replied, Sure, and don’t mention it. I love to help to fight crimes … if within my abilities.

She laughed in slight guilt since the truth was that she had mainly fought crimes in her virtual world of videogames she had gotten from either bargain bins or second-hand stores.

It must be our lucky day to have a pretty lady such as you to support us on this. He flashed a boyish grin that was melting her heart.

No need to hesitate, I’m single now. Go for it! Vivien cleared her throat before requesting shyly, Can I get a kiss from you as a form of gratitude? Her face was turning all red and for a brief moment, she was taken aback by her own impulsive actions.

Before Gavin could answer her, he was interrupted by a serious voice that was low-pitched, authoritative yet smooth and had hints of edginess, Officer Knight, please remember that you’re now in the uniform, representing Accastle Police Department. Your behaviour and actions will affect our image. And I wonder about your dear wife’s reactions if she knows of the statement you had made just now.

What? He has a wife? No way am I kissing another’s man! The irritated woman spun around to glare at the one foiling her plans.

She saw a tall uniformed man walking towards them. The man had the physique of a commando officer and appeared to have just hit his late twenties. A huge male Belgian Malinois was walking closely beside him. It was hard not to notice him because of his imposing and immaculate appearance: strong angular jaws and hair of raw umber colour that was in a clean crew cut, where the slightly longer hair on top were spiked up. The shine and focus in his alert eyes were highlighted by the dark copper sheen of his irises.

Vivien was unmoved by his good looks since she was frustrated by his sudden presence and the haughty, no-nonsense attitude.

Gavin immediately clarified, Sir, I’ve no intention of receiving a kiss from a member of the public who wishes to show her gratitude for the blood and sweat we had shed.

Well-noted. Please keep in mind your actions, at all times, reminded the superior.

Definitely, sir. A look of relief showed up on Gavin’s face.

Vivien glanced at the name tag of the interloper to realize that he was a deputy superintendent by the name of Rand Lowell. Officer Lowell, I’m not going to kiss a married man or someone with a girlfriend. So this will spare you of any possible paperwork and reports need to be done on this. She folded her arms. The hostility was clear in her voice and eyes.

"We still need to do the reports related to the apprehending of this criminal. Please