The forest was silent, save for the crackling of dying embers.

Luna sat by the small campfire, knees pulled to her chest, watching her protectors sleep. Jin was sprawled on the dirt, his breathing shallow but steady. Maya lay curled up next to Minou, the small Cabbit acting as a living pillow. They looked broken—bruised, bloody, and exhausted.

"What do we do now?" Luna whispered, the weight of her new reality settling heavy on her shoulders.

Maya stirred, one eye cracking open. "We sleep," she mumbled. "Jin is out cold. Minou and I... we need to recharge."

"Shouldn't we get you guys to a hospital?" Luna asked, eyeing the nasty gash on Maya’s arm. "Those injuries look really bad."

"No hospitals," Maya yawned, a faint pink aura flickering around her skin. "We will be fine because of our Ki. Guardians can focus their energy to accelerate cellular regeneration. It’s slow, but we should be movable by morning."

"Oh," Luna said, watching the pink light dance. "That's... actually really cool."

Luna eventually drifted off, lulled by the rhythm of the forest.

Morning sunlight pierced the canopy, waking Luna with a start. The camp was quiet. Maya was stretching, her wounds significantly reduced to scabs, but Jin’s spot was empty.

Panic flared instantly.

"Maya! Maya, wake up!" Luna shook the younger girl. "Jin is gone!"

"Huh? Wha—?" Maya wiped drool from her mouth.

"Jin! He’s gone!"

"What?! We have to go find him!" Maya scrambled for her bow.

"Find who?"

A calm voice came from the tree line. Jin stepped into the clearing. He looked better—not fully healed, but the deathly pallor was gone. He held a handful of wild berries.

"Where were you?!" Luna demanded, her voice cracking.

"Scouting," Jin said, tossing a berry into his mouth. "I went to a high point to check the perimeter. I wanted to make sure there weren't more swarms."

"Do you really think there would be?"

Jin’s expression darkened. "I don't know. The rules have changed. That swarm was massive—more than I’ve ever seen. And Grandmaster Miyamoto said the attack on Toji was led by a human-looking demon with mid-class power. I didn't see anyone fitting that description yesterday."

"So... the leader wasn't there?"

"Exactly," Jin said grimly. "Which means he—or she—is still out there. Maybe gathering another army."

"I don't like this," Maya shivered. "I really wish Grandmaster Miyamoto was here. We need guidance."

"We're on our own," Jin sighed, adjusting his gauntlets. "Come on. We need to get moving. The city is a few hours away."

By the time the skyline of the city came into view, the mood had lightened slightly. The transition from the blood-soaked forest to the familiar sight of skyscrapers and paved roads felt jarring, but welcome.

"Hey, random question," Maya chirped, skipping slightly to keep up.

"Yo, what's up?" Jin asked.

"So... are we going to school while we're in the city?"

Jin stopped. "School? Again? Why would you want to go to school?"

"Because I've never been to a regular one!" Maya beamed, her pink hair bouncing. "I've lived in Toji Village my whole life. It was just training, meditation, and more training. I want to see what a normal high school is like! Can I go? Please, please, please?"

Jin looked at her pleading eyes. "Maya, focus. We have a mission."

"I know, but..."

"Jin, stop being a jerk," Luna interjected. "Let her go. It’s not like she can train twenty-four-seven."

"You are really casual about your life, you know that?" Jin grumbled, resuming his walk. "You do remember our mission is to keep you safe? To keep you out of the hands of the Demon Lords?"

"I know," Luna said softly. "But we can't just stop living."

Jin sighed, defeated. "Fine. Maya, we will get you enrolled in Luna’s school. It actually makes tactical sense. If Balthazar sends agents, they won't care if you're in algebra class. You can watch Luna’s back where I can't."

"Yay!" Maya cheered. "What about you? Are you coming?"

"I guess I have to," Jin groaned. "I can't leave Luna unprotected."

They turned onto Luna’s street, the suburban normality a stark contrast to the magical war they were fleeing.

"LUNA!!! LUNA!!!"

A voice bellowed from down the block.

"Who is that?" Maya asked.

Luna groaned, covering her face. "Oh no."

Running toward them was a boy about their age. He had fiery red hair and wore the distinctive blue and black uniform of the Soto Martial Arts Academy.

"Luna, my love! I’ve missed you!" the boy shouted, sprinting with surprising speed.

"Friend of yours?" Maya asked, eyebrows raised.

"Ugh, kind of," Luna muttered.

The boy skid to a halt in front of them, panting slightly. He was tall, about 6'3", with a boisterous energy that took up all the oxygen in the area.

"You left without telling me!" he gasped dramatically. "I was so worried! I missed one day of school, and when I came back, you were gone without a word! And who is this weirdo?" He pointed an accusing finger at Jin.

"Who are you calling weird?" Jin retorted. "You're the one screaming in the street."

"Hi, Noah," Luna sighed.

"Luna, what are you doing with this guy?" Noah demanded, puffing out his chest. "What are you doing with my future wife?"

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Luna shouted.

"But Luna, the pact!" Noah pressed his hands together. "Don't you remember? We promised!"

"That was ten years ago!" Luna rolled her eyes. "We were six! I also wanted to be a Unicorn Princess back then. Things change, Noah."

"My love for you will never change!" Noah declared, striking a pose. "One day, you will realize I am your destiny!"

"Okay, Lover Boy," Jin stepped forward, his patience thinning. "Out of the way. We have business."

Noah’s eyes narrowed. He looked Jin up and down, sensing something. He didn't like the energy radiating off this stranger.

"Oh yeah?" Noah gripped the strap of the staff on his back. "You think so? Bring it on, punk!"

"No, no, no!" Luna stepped between them. "Noah, go home. We really have to get to my house. I will talk to you at school."

Noah hesitated, then pointed two fingers at his eyes and then at Jin. "Okay... but I got my eye on you, jerk face."

"Blah, blah, blah," Jin waved him off. "Move."

Inside the Yi household, the atmosphere was tense. Mrs. Yi sat at the kitchen table, listening as Jin recounted the destruction of Toji Village, the cabbit, and the demon swarm.

"So," Mrs. Yi said, her face pale. "Why aren't you on your way to Montavelo now?"

"We aren't ready," Jin admitted. "Even with Maya’s help, Luna isn't trained enough, and Balthazar knows she's awakened. The roads are too dangerous right now."

"Then count me in on protecting Luna!"

Thump.

Noah landed in the middle of the living room, having vaulted through the open window.

"Where the hell did you come from?" Jin snapped.

"I never left," Noah smirked, leaning on his staff. "I was listening the whole time. Good thing I did, too. No way a wuss like you can protect my Luna."

"Get out of here, Noah," Luna groaned. "There is absolutely no way you could help."

"Have you forgotten?" Noah spun his staff. "I'm the number one junior candidate for the Protection Squad Academy next year".

"Whoop-de-freakin-do," Jin scoffed. "I’m a full-fledged Guardian. You aren't even in the same game as me. You're playing patty-cake while I'm fighting wars."

"I train at the Soto Academy!" Noah argued.

"Noah," Luna said coldly. "Didn't you hear about Leven Soto losing a fight to Jin?"

Noah froze. "What? Leven lost?"

"Yeah. That's right. So why don't you sit down and shut up before you get hurt?"

Noah’s face turned red. His pride stung, he glared at Jin. "I don't have to take this crap. I’ll leave. But mark my words, punk... this isn't over."

He climbed back out the window.

"I swear there is something wrong with that boy," Mrs. Yi muttered. "Anyway... Jin, what is the plan?"

"We stay here," Jin said. "I train Maya and Luna. We get stronger. Then we move."

"Mom," Luna added. "Maya has nowhere to go. Can she stay with us?"

Kit, who had been staring at Maya with wide eyes, jumped up. "Oh! Oh! I second that! I second it!".

Maya giggled, hiding her smile behind her hand.

"I don't see a problem with that," Mrs. Yi smiled. "As long as Kit behaves himself. Jin, what about you?"

"I'll find a park nearby to camp out," Jin said.

"No," Mrs. Yi said firmly. "You stay here. The best way to keep an eye on Luna is to be under the same roof."

"What?!" Luna choked. "Mom, no!"

"Yes," Mrs. Yi insisted. "We have the space. Jin, you’re sleeping on the couch. End of discussion."

Night fell, and peace was short-lived. A pounding on the door heralded the arrival of Hurricane Lynn.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Lynn stormed in, pointing a manicured finger at Luna. "You leave for five days, say nothing, and come back with him? Noah told me everything!"

"Lynn, let me expl—"

Lynn marched up to Jin, getting in his face. "And you! Where do you get off running away with Luna? Did you two elope? Are you married?"

"What? NO!" Jin backed up, hands raised. "Chick, are you crazy?"

"I want answers! Dish, bish!"

"Um... hello?" Maya waved from the couch.

"Who the heck is that?" Lynn snapped.

"I'm Maya."

"Oh," Lynn paused. "Hey Maya. You’re super pretty. I’m Lynn—WHAT IS GOING ON?!"

"SIT!" Jin used his 'Guardian voice.'

Lynn sat.

Jin explained everything again. The demons. The magic. The danger.

"Okay, calling BS," Lynn crossed her arms. "If you're a Guardian, prove it. Do something magic."

"Fine." Jin held out his hand. He focused his Ki, and a ball of swirling blue energy manifested in his palm, lighting up the room.

"Okay," Lynn whispered, eyes wide. "That... is legit."

"You can't tell anyone," Jin warned, closing his fist. "Luna is a target. Balthazar's army is real, and they kill people. Knowing this puts you in danger."

"Does Leven know?" Lynn asked. "You have to tell Leven."

"Why?" Luna asked.

"Because everyone thinks you ran off together! Leven is going to be heartbroken. You guys are totally shipped."

"We went on one date!" Luna argued.

"You went on a date with that donkey porker?" Jin sneered.

"You sound jealous, Jin," Lynn smirked.

"Shut up," Jin muttered.

"Whatever," Lynn stood up. "I won't tell. But you better keep her safe, Guardian Boy. Since I'm Luna’s bestie, protecting her means protecting me too." She winked at him. "See you tomorrow... Jin."

She sauntered out.

"Jin," Luna glared. "What was that?"

"What was what?"

"You were flirting with Lynn."

"I was not!"

"You totally were. 'Um, see ya,'" Luna mocked his voice. "Why don't you just drool on her?"

"Why does it matter?" Jin threw his hands up. "I’m not a monk! I’m a seventeen-year-old guy. Your friend is hot. Sue me."

"Ugh! Just focus on the mission!" Luna stormed off to her room.

Midnight. The house was silent.

Jin sat on the roof tiles, watching the street. Luna climbed out the window to join him.

"Can't sleep?" she asked.

"Guardians don't sleep much," Jin replied, not looking away from the street.

"Hey, Jin?"

"Yeah?"

"Sorry for being a jerk earlier," Luna said softly. "I don't know why I acted like that."

"It's cool," Jin grinned, glancing at her. "I'm sorry I flirted with your friend. If I knew you had such strong feelings for me, I would have been more sensitive."

"WHAT?!" Luna punched his arm. "In your dreams, Jin!"

"Are you sure it's not your dreams?" Jin laughed. "I mean, look at me. I'm pretty awesome."

"You're impossible," Luna laughed, shaking her head.

The next morning, the group headed to school. Kit walked beside Maya, looking up at her with adoration.

"Maya, you look so cute in our uniform," Luna said.

Maya smoothed down the skirt of the blue and red uniform. "Thank you! It feels so light compared to armor."

"You really do," Kit whispered.

"Focus up," Jin ordered, stopping abruptly.

"Sir?" Maya snapped into soldier mode.

"We are being followed. Human Ki."

"Luna, get behind me," Jin warned.

From behind a hedge, Noah leaped out, landing in a superhero crouch.

"Hey guys, what's up?"

"You dumb bastich!" Jin yelled. "Do you have any idea how close you came to getting a Kodachi to the face?"

"I'm sorry!" Noah held up his hands. "I just figured Luna needed a real man to escort her. For protection."

"Zip it," Jin growled. "If you walk with us, you keep your mouth shut."

"Alri—"

"Zip it."

They continued walking. As they neared the school, Lynn appeared.

"Well, well," Lynn smirked. "Look at Miss Important with her entourage." She walked straight up to Jin and looped her arm through his, resting her head on his shoulder. "Hey, Mr. Guardian. Did you miss me?"

Jin stiffened, his face turning pink. "Um... hey Lynn."

"Aww," Lynn whispered loudly. "Is Luna getting jelly? I mean I get it his muscles feel really nice."

"I DO NOT GET JEALOUS!" Luna yelled.

"Good," Maya chirped. She skipped up and grabbed Jin’s other arm, hugging it tight. "Then you won't mind if I hold on too!"

"Maya?!" Jin stammered.

"Just kidding!" Maya laughed, but she didn't let go. "Mmm, actually, Lynn is right. These muscles are nice."

"Stop it!" Jin tried to shake them off. "I can't fight if you're hanging on me!"

"Oh no, Jin!" Lynn giggled, clutching tighter. "I'm scared! Protect me!"

Luna walked behind them, fuming, as Noah walked beside her.

"You can hold onto me if you want, Luna," Noah offered, flexing a skinny arm.

"Shut up, Noah!”