Chapter: 1

Prologue: The Zetes Warrior's come from my imagination. They're a private group of Warriors. The Vanguard is a little bit like them. Only I couldn't come up with a cooler name.

This is a short story on how Anna became a Warrior…

I've never admitted to anyone that I never wanted to be a Warrior. When I was thirteen, it was my dream to become a concert pianist. Like my Grandmother. Palmacosta had the best music school in the world. The only way a person could get in is through auditions. I auditioned and made it in. My parents were proud of me, and agreed to help pay for my schooling.

While I was going to school, I met a handsome man who was a year older than me. He liked me. For a long time, my world revolved around him. One day, I returned from playing at a concert, and I found him with someone else. I was horrified. So, I left him, and dropped out of school. I didn't want to look at him again. After that, I returned home to Luin angry and broken hearted.

After that incident, I helped my Father, Alester in his Weapon Shop. It was his wish that Argos, my older brother, would take over his business. But, Argos was never much of a fighter. He always loved the sea. My Father soon realized that. Instead, he taught Aaron and me how to run the family business. He always believed it was a man's job to defend the family. He taught Aaron how to use a sword. But, he never encouraged me to fight.

At that time, my Mother, Abby was pushing me to marry all these people in Luin. She wanted me to marry. But, I hated all the men she picked for me. I got tired of it.

When Alester was young, he was a gifted warrior to Palmacosta. He proved to be fast and precise with a sword. He did very well. He ended up befriending Master Zetes.

Master Zetes forged some of the greatest Warriors in all History. Palmacosta raved about how lucky they were to have the best warriors on their side. Not everyone could find Master Zetes and you had to be pure hearted to train. Plus, insanely fast on your feet. It was that quick blinding speed that everyone all raved about.

A long time ago, Master Zetes asked my Father to train. He was a gifted Warrior, and he would have done well as a Warrior of Zetes. Before he left to train, he and his friends were messing around with the Desians. He got shot in the knee by a poisons dart. It's a long story. After that, he never did recover. He now hobbles when he walks. My Father's career as a Warrior ended.

When I turned sixteen, Alester got a Letter from the Governor General of Palmacosta saying, "He needed to return and fight." There was a shortage of Generals. So, they demanded my Father to leave home and join? If he didn't show up, he would die?

My Father hadn't touched a sword in years. But he did what he was ordered. He took Aaron with him. Argos stayed a sea.

It was just Mom and I suck at home in Luin. My Mother Abby's a Lady. She's never held a weapon in her life. I thought I would be nice and help Dad out. My Dad warned me about Rolf.

Living in Luin we were constantly targeted by the Desians. Rolf was one of Kvar's Puppets. He was the worst. He would go around taking great pleasure in finding young virgins and raping them. After they were sexually abused, they were usually half dead. If they survived, they were sent to the Human Ranch.

My best friend Alice was killed by him.

To my horror, Rolf found me alone at my Father's store. Being a weak, innocent girl, I couldn't fight him. He knew that and I was desirable to him. I tried my best to punch him away. But, he caught it in his strong grasp. He laughed at me for being a weak little girl. When he was about to touchier me further, his friends came in the store and stated, "Leave that girl alone... We've got to go."

Rolf was disappointed when his friends showed up. He questioned, "You ruined it for me?

The angry man replied, "You're going to be reported for what you've done… Leave her alone."

Rolf smiled and stated, "I'll miss my fun…"

After that, the jerk finally disappeared…

After Rolf left, I did pass out for a moment. When I finally revived, I was grateful I was still a virgin. I never wanted to go though that experience again? It was the fear of him coming back that made me get up. I hobbled home to my Mother.

My Mother was crying over what happened? She knew he might possibly come back… She tearfully questioned, "You can't stay here anymore? You have to find you're Father in Palmacosta?"

I did run away to Palmacosta. Everything felt meaningless to me. I felt like I didn't deserve anymore men. He had to be an extremely Special man. Those kinds of men don't exist in my world? Even my Father, who normally I could tell anything? For the first time, I claimed up on telling him. I knew he wouldn't understand because he was too busy Commanding… He was working really hard and I didn't want to get in his way.

I did stay in Palmacosta. I tired all kinds of jobs in Palmacosta. Nobody would hire me? The military was the only thing hiring. I thought maybe if I got stronger, I could finally defend myself? I was really weak and they all laughed at me for even attempting? I was kicked out and left galdless in Izoold.

When I was in Izoold, I saw a tall domineering man with black hair take out a bunch of Desians. I never saw a man fight with such skill? After seeing him fight, I followed him outside town. He stopped, and noticed I was following him. He turned around and asked, "What are you doing here?"

I glanced at him and replied, "I noticed what a great Warrior you are? I was wondering if you would please train me."

He took one look at me and laughed. Then he questioned, "I don't train weak little girls like you?"

I glanced at him and replied, "That's hardly fair… Won't you give me a test?"

He started to chuckle to himself and question, "I don't need to test you to know that you know nothing about fighting?"

I angrily replied, "If you're worried, I won't give my whole heart in it. You're wrong…"

He fearlessly gazed at me and stated, "Look... Many people have died to get their hands on my technique? It's because of that... I must say no."

Before I could say anything else, the Mysterious Warrior took off running. The speed he ran was mind boggling. Before I knew it, he had completely disappeared.

I returned to Izoold, saddened that I might have to return home again? I took a room at the Inn. While conversing with the Inn Keeper Lady, I asked, "Do you know anything about the Mysterious Warrior who fought off the Desians?"

The Inn Lady replied, "You must be speaking about Master Zetes. He comes to this town to buy supplies. He's a Hermit who lives out in the middle of know where."

I frowned and asked, "Do you know where he lives?"

The Inn Lady sighed in thought and replied, "Hmm... I don't think anyone knows…"

I frowned and questioned, "This is bad... Do you know any jobs in town?"

The Inn Lady replied, "Actually, we're looking for someone to clean the Inn."

I opened my mouth in joy and stated, "Oh really… I'm a good cleaner."

The Inn Lady looked me over and questioned, "Very well… You can start today... But if you slack off, I'll have to give the job to someone else?"

I smiled and replied, "That's fine."

Having a job at the Inn proved to be a good strategy. I gave my whole heart into cleaning. In my free time, I would try to ask various people in Izoold about Master Zetes. None of them knew where he lived?

Two months had passed, and I was still working at the Inn. I happened to see Master Zetes getting a meal at the Inn. I decided not to say anything. I figured it would do more good to follow him.

This time, I lucked out… Master Zetes was carrying a bunch of supplies. On his way back, I followed some distance behind. It was a lot of trampling through endless forest. Master Zetes finally approached a small wood house. The house was sitting at the bottom of a beautiful valley. Surrounding the valley, were beautiful mountains that hid the house from view.

Rather than speaking to Master Zetes, I got an idea... I would return to the Inn in Izoold, and ask him what he liked to eat? Maybe, bringing him a decent meal I could convince him to train me?

When I returned to the Inn, I asked the Inn Lady, "What type of food does Master Zetes like?"

The Inn Lady responded, "Master Zetes loves Tenderloin."

I smiled and replied, "Thanks…"

The next day I cooked Master Zetes a Tenderloin Dinner, and brought it to his home. I knocked on his door, and he answered the door. When he saw my face, he turned crimson and asked, "What in the devil are you doing here?"

I handed him his meal. I smiled and replied "I brought you you're favorite Dinner… It's Tenderloin."

Master Zetes took the Tenderloin Dinner, and gave me an evil look. In anger he questioned, "I get it? You're trying to come in here and bribe me? I have you know I don't give in that easy?"

Trying to be as nice as possible, I replied, "I was just trying to be nice... I heard you liked Tenderloin."

Master Zetes frowned in irritation and asked, "Is there anything else, you know about me?"

I glanced at him and replied, "Not very much... I just know you're a great Warrior who's living the life of a Hermit?"

Master Zetes crossed his arms and stated, "I was married once... But, my Wife and Daughter were killed by greedy men."

I opened my mouth in shock and questioned, "Oh… That must have been a horrible thing to go through?"

Master Zetes sighed and replied, "It was my fault... As usual, the Desians wanted my technique."

I frowned and asked, "What happened?"

Master Zetes replied, "One day, I left my family to go to Izoold to get supplies. When I returned, I found my Wife on the floor, dead. At first, I had no idea who had killed her? As I searched the house for clues, I found a letter from her murderer. In the letter, I found out someone had captured my Daughter. He wished to fight me in exchange for my Daughter's life. The murderer wished to meet me at the Ozza Trail."

I asked, "Did you meet the killer?"

Master Zetes thoughtfully replied, "Yes… When I reached the Ozza Trail, I found a full force of Desians waiting on me. Off in the distance, I could see my Daughter about to hang on a tree. When the Desians spotted me, they drew their weapons ready to fight. Beside my Daughter, appeared one of my former students Trystan…."

I questioned, "One of your students planned it?"

Master Zetes sighed over the loss and replied, "Yes... I had high hopes in Trystan as a warrior. He was one of my best students. Somehow, the Desians managed to manipulate him to join. He hoped he could convince me to join the Desians. That way, they would have complete control over the Manuel of Zetes Swordsmanship?"

I opened my mouth in shock and questioned, "That's horrible?"

In irritation, Master Zetes replied, "I would rather die the fate of a Warrior than give the Desians the Manuel? The first Master Zetes wished for a peaceful world. He only believed in fighting to help the weak and oppressed."

I frowned and questioned, "What else happened?"

Master Zetes replied, "I fought off all the Desians with everything I had… I managed to kill all of them, and get to my Daughter. Just before I reached her, Trystan interfered. He threw his dagger at the rope. It sliced through the rope causing my Daughter to chock… When I tried to reach her, it was too late? Her neck had been broken?"

I opened my mouth in shock and questioned, "To see her die that way? That must have been horrible?"

Master Zetes replied, "After that, I charged full force on Trystan... We fought a long time… I was finally able to get the upper hand to kill Trystan. After he died, I couldn't help but think what happened to him to do such a thing?"

I frowned in concern and asked, "Did you ever find out what happened to Trystan?"

Master Zetes glanced at me replied, "For five years, I've been asking myself that same question. But, I was never able to discover what happened to him?"

I frowned and questioned, "I see?"

Master Zetes sighed and questioned, "After that incident, I've refused to train anymore people? Somehow, Master Zetes Teaching has become stained with too much blood? I would rather see the style die… Then let anymore greedy people have it?"

I nodded at Master Zetes and replied, "That's such a sad story… I'm sorry for bothering you… Well, I better go... I just wanted to make sure you had something to eat?"

So, I left Master Zetes house. After hearing that story, I felt sorry for what he had to endure? He had to be a lonely man. Though, he never stated it. I thought I would continue to be nice to him by visiting him almost everyday.

Nearly everyday, I would ask him, "Will you please train me?"

Master Zetes favorite reply would be, "Not in this life time..."

Master Zetes did finally crack... After asking him the same question for five months. On the day he gave in, Master Zetes angrily questioned, "Anna… You're the most stubborn female I've ever met?"

Trying to stay calm as possible, I replied, "I am?"

Master Zetes folded his arms and asked, "Why don't you just marry like a normal girl and get out of here?"

I crossed my arms and angrily replied, "As I told you before… I have no interest in tying my life down. Having a bunch of kids isn't for me. I want to do something?"

Master Zetes laughed at my response as usual…. He questioned, "You're too beautiful to be a fighter? A lot of men will despise you for it? That's a lot of pressure on a weak girl?"

I angrily glared at Master Zetes and replied, "Being beautiful has gotten me nowhere… In fact, it's mostly caused me grief. That's why I want to learn how to defend myself?"

Master Zetes frowned in defeat and questioned, "I hope you realize that if I teach you? You must take full responsibility for your actions? No girl in history has ever learned Zetes Swordsmanship?"

I nodded at him and replied, "I know... I promise to work extra hard because of that."

Mater Zetes questioned, "A true warrior of the style lives to help the weak and unjust? If you fail this, then you will die for your mistakes?"

I glanced at him and replied, "I would be glad to help those who need help..."

Master Zetes glanced at me and questioned, "Fine… I'll train you. But, you must promise me. You'll work harder than you've ever worked in your life?"

I thoughtfully gazed at him and replied, "I swear to uphold the laws of Zetes Swordsmanship."

Tough it was out of charter for him to smile. Master Zetes smiled for a second and questioned, "You might as well forget your cleaning job? Now, you're a slave to my training? I'm sure you'll find my training to be too demanding?"

The truth is I had no idea his training would be that intense? He pushed me harder than I would have ever imagined. When I slowly got use to the training, Master Zetes would step up the pace a little at a time. Before I knew it, two years of training flew by…

A friendship formed between Master and Student. Master Zetes appreciated me. I did try my best as a Warrior to please him. I never settled for anything but the best... He never mentioned it. But, I think he was proud of how far I managed to push myself?

A former student came to visit Master Zetes. His name was Senku. Senku had trained under Master Zetes thirteen years ago. He had proved to create a name for himself in the Palmacosta Government.

When Master Zetes noticed Senku approaching, he folded his arms and questioned, "It's been a long time Senku? You left? Just before you were starting to get good?"

Senku bowed before Master Zetes and replied, "Master… I'm sorry for leaving you."

Master Zetes angrily questioned, "You must have something dam important? Or else, you wouldn't comeback?"

Senku crossed his arms and asked, "Did you know the Desians are making children work in the Ozza Mine?"

Master Zetes frowned in surprise and questioned, "What? I never heard anything about it?"

Senku smiled at Master Zetes and replied, "It's true, Master… The Palmacosta Government is trying to stop it. I was wondering if you would help."

Master Zetes nodded at Senku and questioned, "If there's any way I can be of assistance? I'll help those children?"

Senku thoughtfully smiled and shook Master Zetes on the hand. He replied, "Master… I knew I could count on you."

I heard what they were discussing? Then I gazed at Master Zetes and questioned, "I was listening to your story, and I want to help?"

In irritation, Master Zetes replied, "Anna… You're still learning… This is a Master's job."

I concernedly frowned and asked, "Are you sure?"

Senku took one look at me and stated, "This mission isn't for girls..."

I gave up and replied, "Ok… I'll wait for you to return."

Senku and Master Zetes left for the Ozza Trail. The two men were gone for a long time... I got impatient, and I decided to leave on my own…

When I got to the Ozza Trail, trouble was brewing… In the background, there were many children working in the Mine. Desian Whip Masters were scattered everywhere to oversee the children.

Master Zetes and Senku were fighting each other at the entrance of the Mine. From what I could observe, Senku had the upper hand…

Senku angrily questioned, "Now, it's my turn to be the next Master Zetes?"

Master Zetes thoughtfully gazed at Senku and replied, "I have always sensed a jealousy about you? Now, I see what a fool I was to teach a stuck up boy like you? You should know you're supposed to fight to honor the weak?"

Senku angrily questioned, "Don't preach to me about fighting to uphold the weak? There'll always be suffering in this world?"

After that, Senku charged on Master Zetes showing the ultimate technique. Senku executed it with such speed that it threw Master Zetes off guard. When the technique was finished, I saw blood coming out of Master Zetes right side…

I knew it was time for me to step in and help. Without thinking, I blindly charged in on Senku. Master Zetes saw me and angrily questioned, "What are you doing girl? Always remember the first rule..."

I stopped my charge, and stared at Senku. Then I said, "Know your enemy…"

After that, Senku charged in on me with the same attack he had executed on Master Zetes. From watching it performed on Master Zetes, I knew what to expect. I waited for him to come. When he got closer to me, I blocked his attack with my swords. Then, I turned around and started to thrust at Senku. The two of us fought for sometime like that.

After awhile, Senku laughed and questioned, "I never would have imaged Master Zetes would train a weak girl?"

I angrily replied, "Yeah well… I still have a few surprises yet."

I charged on Senku, showing him the final technique. The final technique is a test of speed. I managed to accomplish this, and pierce Senku in the stomach. He went down grabbing his side.

After that, I walked over to Master Zetes. I frowned at him in concern and asked, "Are you ok?"

Master Zetes glanced at me from behind and replied, "Don't worry about me... Look behind you…"

At that instant, Senku was about to attack me from behind. I turned around, and stabbed him in the stomach. He went down saying, "Dam, I lost to a woman."

After that, the great Warrior Senku was defeated.

I returned to Master Zetes side. Then I frowned in concern and asked, "You've lost a lot of blood. Are you going to be ok?"

Master Zetes weakly glanced at me and replied, "You're such an idiot. You have too much of a caring heart to be a warrior? But I got to say, I did manage to mold you into a great warrior? Don't make the same mistake I made in training trash like that? Train someone with a pure heart?"

I fondly smiled at him and stated, "I promise to follow the Teaching of Zetes..."

Master Zetes smiled at me and replied, "I've got to admit I'm disappointed that I won't get to see you using my skills for good? There's no hope for this old Warrior. I have a younger brother who knows this style. He's the next one in line to become Master Zetes."

I frowned at him and questioned, "I never knew you had a Brother?"

Master Zetes sighed and replied, "We were never that close… He's cockier than me…"

I frowned and asked, "What's his name?"

Master Zetes replied, "His name's Bardock O'Hara…"

I glanced at him and nodded. Then I questioned, "I'll try to find him, and explain the situation?"

Master Zetes weekly gazed at me and replied, "Thanks Anna… Now, I can die peacefully."

After that, Master Zetes peacefully passed away. He was one of the few men I greatly respected. I was extremely lucky to learn from him.

I couldn't cry because I had a job to complete? The Desians were still in the background beating little children. They had to labor long hours in the mine. I quickly counted fifteen Whip Masters.

I pulled out my double swords, and stabbed the nearest Whip Master. He went down grabbing his side. Then I raced towards another Desian and kill him in the same fashion. As I was killing each Whip Master, I could hear the voices of children cheering in the background...

Finally, all the Desians were dead. After that, a heard of children came running towards me. A dirty little boy glanced up at me and said, "The Pretty Warrior saved us."

I turned crimson at his words and questioned, "Where are you from?"

A dirty girl in a brown dress replied, "We came from the ranch. Our parents were killed in various ranches."

I frowned in concern and asked, "You're all orphans?"

The girl replied, "Yes... There are 125 children."

I cried out in shock, "125!"

After that, I covered my mouth and composed myself. Then I asked,. "How long have you been here?"

The girl sighed and replied, "We don't know… But, it seems like we've been here forever."

I glanced at all of them and said, "That's ok… I'm going to free all of you."

All the children jumped up with delight to be free. There was a huge amount of commotion.

I frowned at all the commotion and asked, "Do you know where the key to unlock your chains is?"

A different girl spoke up and replied, "It's in the Desian's pocket."

I searched one of the dead Desian's pockets, and found the key. Then I started the long task of unchaining each child. When I finished, there was 125 children between the ages of three and twelve. Together we walked out of the mine.

Truthfully, I didn't know what to do with that many children? But then I remembered Senku mentioning something about the Palmacosta Government. They would have to know what to do in a situation like this?

First, I had to deal with Master Zetes body. I had the children stay at the cramped Inn in Izoold, while I buried Master Zetes. On my own, I managed to bring back Master Zetes body back to the school. Being a special man, I made certain he was buried in the grave of all the previous Masters. I cried and said, "I'm glad I was able to train under you. You were a great man and you're cause will live on in this Warrior's heart."

After that, I returned to the sound of the children at the Inn. The place was still standing when I got back. But, that many children are draining on anyone? The following day, I did mange to get a boat to Palmacosta. The children enjoyed the ride, which helped the situation.

When we reached Palmacosta, I had the children help me bring Senku's body to the Government Building. I didn't bother knocking? I just barged in with all of the children.

Governor General Atkins was head of the Palmacosta Government. He and his Assistant were discussing some paperwork. When the door opened, I stepped in the building with Senku's body and the children.

Governor General Atkins stopped what he was doing, and stared at us. Then he stood up from his seat, and asked, "Why are you barging in here unannounced?"

"Look. I'm sorry. This is an emergency," I replied. "Do you know anything about a Warrior named Senku?"

Governor General Atkins folded his arms and replied, "Senku's is a traitor... He left our services."

I had the children bring Senku's body closer to Governor General Atkins. Then I said, "Senku's dead… All the children are free."

Governor General Atkins stared at Senku's body, and then he glanced at all of the dirty children spread throughout the room. Then he replied, "This is Senku's body… How was he killed?"

I sighed and replied, "My teacher fought him, and he died in battle. After that, it was up to me to fight him."

Governor General Atkins appeared shocked by my words. When he recovered, he asked, "How's it possible for a normal girl to defeat Senku?"

I gazed at him and replied, "I had the best teacher around…"

Governor General Atkins frowned and asked, "What was your teacher's name?"

I nodded and replied, "Zetes..."

Governor General Atkins opened his mouth in shock and questioned, "Zetes the Double Swords Master? I have heard rumors of his amazing ability to fight with speeds that blind the eye?"

I gasped at his words and replied, "Yes… That's him… But, he is no longer alive."

Governor General Atkins frowned in concern and questioned, "It's too bad he's gone? He was one of the greats? There aren't many people like that left?"

I sighed and replied, "You're right… It was his dieing wish to make sure all children are safe? I asked the children about their families? They're all orphans from the Human Ranch?"

Governor General Atkins looked troubled by my words. Then he questioned, "This is terrible how bad the Desians are? No child should have to become a victim to slavery? How many children are there?"

I glanced at him and replied, "There are 125 children..."

Governor General Atkins opened his mouth in shock and questioned, "125? I'm not sure we have an orphanage big enough to house that many children?"

I got an idea, and replied, "Why don't you have a meeting with the residents of this city? Tell them about what happened? After the meeting, you could hold an adoption program for those who want to adopt?"

Governor General Atkins smiled at my idea and questioned, "That's a great idea... What's your name?

I replied, "My name is Anna Celmus..."

Governor General Atkins glanced at me and questioned, "Hmm… I like you. Would you like to become an Agent for me?"

After saying this, his Assistant frowned at the Governor General and asked, "Are you sure a Woman can handle the job?"

Governor General Atkins nodded at him and replied, "That's true... How about I give you a small test?"

I firmly questioned, "I'll never kill someone in cold blood? I only use my skill to save the weak and unjust?"

Governor General Atkins nodded and replied, "You won't have to kill anyone, under those circumstances. The person you're assigned to kill is a criminal. He's sneaking information to the Desians."

I glanced at him and stated, "Ok... I'll accept the Assignment."

Governor General Atkins smiled and questioned, "That's great... I'm looking forward to see how you use your skills?"

I managed to complete the Assignment, and earn a place among other Agents. The Governor General's Agents would meet once a month in the basement of the Government Building. We would mostly debate about Desian Motives.

I had finally found my purpose? Through five years of service, I was able to use my skills to help people. I found joy in helping others. In the back of my mind, I'll always remember Master Zetes last wish to see a peaceful world…