Hey guys, this is my first G. I. Joe story, and my first fanfiction altogether. I hope you enjoy it.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of this except for the plot and my OC's

Read and review! I'm o.k. with flames!

~Prologue~

The clang of metal striking metal and wood striking wood could be heard throughout the large room. Children ranging from barely three years old to full grown adults could be seen fighting with each other, some in large mock battles, others in one on one duels. Walking around monitoring said battles were the students' instructors, their hands behind their backs, eyes closing watching the movements of each individual. If they spotted a wrong movement, the student would be called out, reprimanded, and be made to perfect the technique, before returning to the fight.

However, sooner or later, one by one each student dropped their weapons, the younglings from fatigue, and the rest from interest at a duel occurring in the corner of the room. A young woman with dark brown eyes and dark hair, braided and folded over itself, had engaged with one of the instructors, a feat many walked away from with nothing to show for except a loss. The fight had been going on for a long time now, but neither side showed any signs of letting up. The girl's coppery skin glistened with sweat, and tiny rivulets formed, flowing down her temples. And suddenly, as soon as it had begun, it ended. The girl stood with both blades in her hand, and her opponent, having lost his footing, lay on the ground.

She sheathed both blades and lent her hand to the instructor. Then both proceeded to show the customary sign of respect through bowing, and left each other's company. The girl wandered down to her small dorm shared with three other girls, and washed herself. Then she dressed in her dinner robes, a plain sari, white in color, with black flowers stitched along the hem. She sat down to meditate, and thus passed her time, until a loud bell echoed throughout the temple and the valley beneath it, signaling the time for dinner.

Students and instructors from all corners of the temple hurried to the main dining hall. If one were to stand in the middle of this scene, one would notice the diversity of all the students. A group of African children could be seen conversing with students from Russia. The same could be said for almost all other nations of the world. The students all wore their traditional cultural clothing, making the temple seem like a crowded bazaar with people rushing to and fro.

Walking into the main dining hall was the young woman, now established as having Indian heritage, walking with her three dorm mates. One girl, having hailed from Sweden, could be confused with some beautiful ice queen, her fair hair pulled back into an intricate bun, and a pale blue gown flowing down her frame. The second, born in Nigeria, stood at a tall height, her mocha skin glowed in the lantern light and her face shone warm and welcoming. The third girl had obvious Latin American background. She stood at an average height with beautiful raven tresses that cascaded down her back and small, delicate facial features. Lastly the Indian girl could be seen in the middle of the group. Her sari seemed to ripple with each step she took, and she walked with a regal air about her.

However, that was only her exterior. Once seated with her friends, and after saying the customary thanks for the food, she seemed to open up, blossoming like a moon lily drinking in the light of the moon. She laughed and conversed with all those around her making sure everyone got her attention equally.

After dinner, the students all retired to various places. The younger ones to bed, their stomachs filled and minds peaceful, and the older students to more private places, some to steal a kiss, others to simply discuss the news and other such things. However, when the three aforementioned girls exited the dining hall, their fourth companion, the Indian girl, was nowhere to be seen. Upon further inspection, one could see her walking in the opposite direction, further into the temple, following the intricate twists and turns of the passageways until finally, she reached her destination.

Large wooden doorways which reached the ceiling slowly opened before her, and she entered into the Room of the Elders. Seated around her in the form of a semicircle were the masters of each discipline taught at the academy. She bowed before them all, and then entered a sitting position upon the ground.

"Do you know why you are here child?" asked Xing Li, headmaster of the academy.

"I know not masters, but would be of great appreciation if you would kindly inform me," she formally responded.

" Madhuri," began headmaster Li," over the time you have spent in this temple, you have mastered each and every discipline taught here. You have done so in half the time others might have taken to do so. We, the teachers, are pleased with what you have done." A pleased smile crossed Madhuri's face as she thanked her masters.

"However," continued Li," as much as we would wish for you to stay with us in the temple to continue teaching the younglings, it has come to our attention, and the attention of many others, of just how talented you are. Some of these people are good, but others are evil. We realize that as a young woman, you would rather roam the world than remain here, and while you travel, you will meet many people who will do anything to have you working for them. In fact, already has there been an attempt to gain you, and your friends Hanne, Suri, and Olalla. We have thought about this, and have also checked the background of these people. We have come to the conclusion that they are good people with good intentions. Tomorrow, they will be arriving here to pick you up. If you and your friends choose to do so, you will leave with them to help them in their cause; however, if you choose not to, then you are free to do as you wish. Having said that, I, and the rest of the masters here wish to congratulate you on your accomplishment, and hereby award you with this parting gift."

Master Xing Li stopped speaking to reach to his left and obtain from one of the other masters a cloth wrapped package. He beckoned Madhuri forward and placed the package in her outstretched hands. She replied by saying," I am honored to receive this gift from you my teachers."

"Don't just sit there and say that," said one of the teachers with a twinkle in her eyes. "Open it!" And so Madhuri did with a small giggle of delight, and gasped when she saw what was contained in that simple cloth wrapping. Out came two beautiful dual blades that, although they shared the same shape, consisted of two different styles. The first was made of a bronze colored metal with small streaks of silver running through the veins. The handle had the insignia of a sun on it, with intricate designs and patterns surrounding it. The other blade was the exact opposite. The blade was largely composed of a silver metal, with this time, the bronze colored metal streaking through the blade. The handle had the insignia of a moon on it, and was also surrounded by the complicated patterns found on the other. Madhuri discovered that both blades, when she wished, could join together at the hilts to make a long staff out of both blades. She was in awe of the beauty of the blades, and she sat there, for what seemed like an entire lifetime just tracing the swirls and curves that composed them. She then sheathed them, thanked her masters, bowed, and exited the room, the grand doors closing with a groan and a thud behind her.

Once she was out of the inner temple area, she ran at breakneck speed, narrowly dodging and avoiding the couples who were still wandering about. Once she reached her dorm, she relayed the events that had occurred to her friends. Pretty soon, the bell signaling curfew tolled throughout the valley, and lights could be seen fading from each of the dorms that dotted the valley floor. However, one light stayed on, and the hushed voices of the four girls could be heard discussing what was to happen tomorrow, and how it would affect their lives. It was only at three hours before dawn did the shadow of a figure rise and extinguish the lantern that hung in their room, before collapsing onto one of the beds.

So what do you all think? Should I continue?