dis-claim'er, noun: a denial or disavowal of legal claim: relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate; b: a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer; c: a statement made to save one's on ass.

Chapter 2: Rekino

Rekino awoke in a field of flowers. She looked around trying to see if she could locate exactly where she was. Was this even in Japan?

Suddenly, the air crackled with power. The skies became dark. Life was drained from everything around her. She felt a surge of power course through her body. A feeling of warmth took over her as her armor covered her. Was Lady Wildfire trying to protect her? And if so, from what?

She heard a whisper and turned around quickly. Standing in the middle of the barren field was a man. He was tall, well over six feet. His hair was a brilliant blue and white color that went down to his shoulder blades. She could see his pointed ears from the outline of his hair.

He was looking at her with some sort of intensity that she had never seen before. Suddenly, it was as if her armor was pulling her towards him. She couldn't stop herself. As she got closer, she noticed his lips were moving, but all she could hear was the whisper of the wind.

"Who are you?"

His lips continued to move.

"Hey, man. I see you, but I don't have any audio."

She screamed when he grabbed her by the arms. She tried to break free, but he was strong. Physically stronger than anyone she had encountered, even Josephine in her armor. She struggled to get out of his grasp, but he leaned down closer to her.

Rekino stopped struggling when his face was almost in hers. His eyes. She was mesmerized by them. They were like some sort of crystalline blue. It was as if she could see the whole universe in them. Then, she heard it. It was a faint whisper.

"Save me. Save…the…power..."

"What power? Are you delusional?"

He kissed her. It was out of nowhere. Images flashed through her mind like they were a slideshow. She saw destruction, bloodshed, and death. So much death it made her nauseous. She saw her friends lying among the corpses. Then, a bright flash of light destroyed the image. It was replaced by a scene of serenity and love. All the armor bearers were together in the Dynasty celebrating. She was shocked to see herself in the gentle embrace of her brother.

The connection was broken. Rekino just stared blankly into his eyes.

"Two futures. Help me preserve humanity, little one."

Everything was gone. Rekino felt herself falling into nothingness. She reached out towards the image of the man. He was replaced by the image of her brother. He was beaten and bloody.

"Ryo…"

She kept falling as tears streamed from her eyes.

"NOOOO!"

Rekino shot up so quickly she fell out of her bed. The cold floor brought her back to reality. She looked around her room as if it was the first time she was there. Compose! She thought to herself. She took in her surroundings and concentrated on her breathing. Finally, her heartbeat slowed and she steadied herself.

You're in your room. You're in your pajamas. You're safe.

She slowly got on her feet. She glanced at her bedside table. Her cell phone was plugged up and at 100%. Her armor orb laid beside it. Her alarm clock flashed in big red letters 0400. It was four in the morning. She sat down on the bed slowly, clicking the bedside lamp on to give the room some illumination.

Weapons adorned her wall. Swords, sais, and a polearm. Next to it was a bookshelf with some of her favorite fiction books. There was a book written by Masaaki Hatsumi, the current Ninja Grandmaster of the Bujinkan Dojo and the master of all the art of the nine schools. There were several pictures on the wall of her family and her with the Guardians. A chest of drawers was on the far right of the room on the wall. Above that was a sword she was gifted by her adoptive parents.

Mom. Pop.

She had been named Candace Askea. Her adoptive parents never hid the fact that she had been adopted, but they loved her immensely. Renee and Keith Askea were great parents. Keith was a little rough around the edges and awkward, but Renee was above and beyond this world. She was a hard and rough child. She remembered throwing temper tantrums and breaking several pieces of furniture. That was when her pops suggested she take up some sort of discipline to control her outbursts.

She didn't know why she wanted to study ninjutsu, but the Bujinkan Dojo called out to her and her parents immediately let her join. It was almost like it sang to her in the same way her desire to be a doctor did. The art of the ninja taught her how to control her emotions and keep her temper in check.

She threw herself into mastering the martial arts. She knew several of them – Kung Fu, Northern Praying Mantis, and Wing Chun – but Ninjutsu was her mother art. She was a fourth degree dan and was a certified instructor. They had been instructed in the school to choose two arts to master. Even though most of the arts were obsolete in the modern world, she chose to master Hensojutsu, the art of disguise. She had several items at her disposal to completely turn into someone else. She knew sign language in case she ever had to pretend to be deaf as well as several spoken languages.

Her second master was Taijutsu, the system of unarmed defense. She had been bad at first, but intense training improved her skill greatly. She had started using the Iron Body and Iron Fist techniques from the Shaolin Temple. These conditioning techniques helped her to develop her body so that she wouldn't be harmed as easily. Her fists were honed into deadly weapons. She started out punching bags of sand and beans then gravel and rocks until she was able to punch lead or concrete without feeling a thing. She would stand outside in the hot, Southern humidity for an hour and do punching drills on the side of her parent's garage. Over the years, she had left several indentations from her fists in the bricks.

At fifteen, she had actually used her martial arts offensively. She had several nicknames in high school, but they all knew she protected those who couldn't protect themselves. When a group of seniors had tried to jump the book club she automatically jumped into the fray. She used her skills to grapple and dispose of her opponents without hurting them, but when one of them had grabbed a pair of scissors with the intent of hurting them she didn't hesitate. She punched him right in the middle of his forehead. She had rendered him unconscious.

The act led her to being suspended from school for a week, but when she returned there were very few that picked on her or anyone else. She was often challenged at places outside of school and was never defeated. She broke bones, rendered people unconscious, and even gave one person a concussion from the impact of her Hammer Fist.

When she started her senior year, she had been the queen of the school and even gained some sort of fan club that nicknamed her "the real life Superwoman". Despite years of violence, she had finally decided on a career choice. She wanted to be a doctor, but not just any doctor. She wanted to work with babies and children. She had been – and still was – stuck between being a pediatrician or a neonatal doctor. She had pushed herself into her studies and started taking college courses in high school while still practicing martial arts and even finding time to be on her high school softball and track team.

That was also the year she got her armor. She remembered that too well. Some punks had been kicking stray dogs and cats. She witnessed the horrific act. When the gang of shitheads threw the poor animals into an abandoned building and set it on fire was when she had enough. She pushed past the teens and into the fire. She covered her face to keep from inhaling the smoke. It didn't take long for her to find the poor babies. The minute she jumped to save them was when she felt something burn on her forehead. The fire surged into her body. Seconds later, she was enveloped in her subarmor and with it the secret of her past.

Her real name was Rekino Sanada. She was born in Japan. Her mother was a published novelist and her father was a wildlife photographer. She had an older brother named Ryo Sanada. While her father had been off on a profitable trip her mother had fallen ill. Pancreatic Cancer. Her grandparents had moved into the house with them to care for their daughter and grandchildren. Rekino remembered her mother slowly fading away. There were nights Ryo held her while they both cried. Their father had returned home two days before their mother passed. After that, her father threw himself into his work and she and Ryo were cared for by their grandparents.

When she was ten years old their house had caught on fire. She and Ryo had been the only ones there. The heat of the flames had been so intense. She remembered her brother screaming for her. She had made her way out of the backroom and to her brother. She heard the crackling above them as they made their way to the door. The ceiling was going to collapse. Just mere feet from the door she pushed Ryo out of the fire just as the ceiling fell and the floor collapsed underneath her. The next thing she remembered was waking up in the hospital with no memory.

During Christmas break, Hana Utano showed up on her doorstep. She automatically recognized her old friend. They had been in school together for years before the fire incident. Best friends are what you would call them. They had spent the night at one another's houses many times. After hugs of joy, she realized that Hana wasn't there to talk when the other girl showed Rekino her own armor orb. She found out that Hana had been an armor bearer since she was thirteen and explained the destiny she was supposed to fulfill.

Mystical armors, another realm, crazy demons. That's what she got out of the talk. Rekino had needed time to process all this information. Her parents had agreed to let Hana stay the night. When she went to sleep is when she had a dream. Kayura and the Ancient One had been in that dream. They described her destiny.

When morning had come, she and Hana sat down with her parents and let them know what was going on minus all the other world shit. Keith and Renee didn't fight with her. In fact, they had told her that they knew this day would come. She would have to wait until graduation, though. The spring of the next year she graduated high school in the top twenty of her class. For her acknowledgments and grades, her parents gave her a lump sum of money and told her to follow her heart. It was a gracious amount of money and one they had been working on for years. It was also enough to get her to Japan, buy a car, and help put a down payment on the house with Hana and the other girls.

She had met Josephine first. She was tall, muscular, and had big boobs. Those were her first thoughts. But she automatically clicked with the Chinese girl. She and Hana sat around and swapped stories for hours. Josephine was just as foul mouthed as she was. They had the same taste in music and media. She didn't share the same connection with her as she did with Hana though.

Amaya was probably one of the gentlest people she had ever met. Rekino had immediately noticed the way she dressed and the crucifix around her neck. Those let Rekino know that Amaya wasn't just any Christian; she was Catholic. Her point was proved when they sat down to have dinner. Amaya had her rosary wrapped around her left hand in a beautiful pattern while they ate. She didn't understand how much faith Amaya had until she dropped her first "f-bomb" in front of her. Sometimes the spot on her hand still stings where Amaya smacked it with a wooden spoon.

Then, she met her. Mia Koji. She didn't know what to think of the older girl. When Mia approached her, they stared in absolute silence. Rekino started to squirm under the scrutiny of Mia's green eyes. Then she spoke…

"You look so much like him, except your eyes."

Mia seemed to get lost in her fiancé's sister's amethyst eyes. Rekino almost shrunk back when the elder woman's hand reached out to touch her hair and cheek.

"I would say I get that a lot," she smacked her lips together, "but I haven't seen my family in a decade, so, yeah. But thanks anyway!"

"He's going to be so happy that you're alive."

The mistress of fire took a step back, "About that…"

She hated asking Mia to do it, but the secret had to be kept. Mia agreed reluctantly. It was hard enough on Rekino being in the same city as her brother, but it got worse when Mia would call her and tell her Ryo had another dream about her and cried for hours. She put up with it, though, because the Guardians had to stay together.

They became close knit in a matter of weeks. Rekino had and always would be closer to Hana than any of them. Maybe even Mia to some degree since she would be her in-law soon. They spared together every day. Josephine gave her a run for her money. She had never fought against anyone who studied Iron Body Kung Fu. In fact, Jo was the first person aside from herself she knew that used Iron Body techniques. Amaya had been the one to surprise her the most. The French girl used a combination of Savate – French boxing – and Water Dragon Kung Fu. She proved to be fast and deadly; however, Rekino was faster. Even Amaya couldn't get the best of her. Joint manipulation and nerve strikes put her down easily.

There was a reason Ninjutsu was nicknamed "the Pathway to Pain".

The first time they had gotten together to armor up was something hard to describe. The power she felt when all five called upon their armors was unimaginable. The link they shared seemed to strengthen. They were able to communicate through the power of the armors. The more time they spent together and trained the stronger it got. Eventually, they could communicate telepathically as long as they had the orbs on them.

Stop reminiscing. You got work to do.

She looked at the clock again. Thirty minutes had passed since she sat down on her bed. She got up and stretched her arms above her head. It was time for her run. That would take her about thirty minutes. She would do technique simulations and punching drills. That would be another thirty. It would be close to 5:30 a.m. By that time, Amaya would be up making breakfast for everyone. Rekino would take a shower and sit down to eat breakfast with her three roommates. They would all head out to class around 7:30 a.m. They had decided that it would be best if they didn't attend the same university that Mia taught at. After her classes were over, she would have a couple of hours to herself before going to work at the hospital. She had been hired on as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Phlebotomist in the E.R.

Her job at the hospital was something she coveted. She enjoyed healing others. She felt that it was her calling. Well, aside from being a mystical armor bearing ninja.

As she changed into her work out clothes, the dream came back to her. What was she supposed to do about it? Did she tell the others?

Go run.

Rekino grabbed her iPod, earphones, and headed out the door. A run with good music always helped her think.

The Balance stood atop of a house. He watched Rekino Sanada exit her house for her morning run.

He trailed her without being noticed. He had to admit, she was beautiful to be a human. She, along with her fellow Guardians, were all blessed with looks that most men couldn't refuse. But Rekino, with her beautiful amethyst eyes and raven hair that almost trailed the ground, was different than any human he had known. But he knew he would feel this way. His millennia long visions had never been wrong.

He was trying to warn her without playing a direct role. His job was to even the odds and to be as passive as he could be. He couldn't choose a side to support. It was against the law.

But it appeared he would have to this time.

He felt them arrive two days ago. The energy surrounding them made him aware of their presence. They were masking it at the moment, but he knew if they had already arrived then the Zendlar's wouldn't be far behind them.

He had to move quickly and quietly as to not make it aware that he was helping the side of good. A plan was already starting to form in his mind.

He just hoped it wouldn't be too late.

Name: Nasuti Yagyu / Mia Koji (Mee-uh Koh-jee)

Category: Lawful neutral
Age: 22
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 130lbs
Birthdate: May 28
Birthplace: Unknown
Astrological sign: Gemini
Blood Type: AB
Favorite Sport: Bicycling
Martial Art: Ba Gua
Interests: Romance literature, driving.
Dislikes: Secrets, waterfalls

Language: Japanese, mild French

Armor: Lady Tenku/Lady Strata

Virtue: Wisdom

Weapon: Collapsable hankyu, Sho Ha Kyu
Family:

Mother: French

Father: Japanese

Grandfather: Deceased

Ryo: Fiancé

Rekino: Future sister-in-law

Nasuti has held a driving license since 17. She probably only came over to Japan recently and likely is holding a temporary license. The large house shown in the series and OAVs is located in Odawara, a town in Kanagawa Prefecture and south of Tokyo. The dock and the other house are located on the shores of Yamanaka lake which must be very close to the house.

With the data her grandfather collected, Nasuti serves as the support for the Troopers. The Yagyu family is very wealthy, hinted at by the large house within driving distance of Tokyo. Nasuti states it as a fact in Kikoutei Densetsu volume 3.

Mia acquired her armor after the event with Suzanagi. She was doing some research at home one evening and came across an old legend that had not been deciphered. She spent weeks decoding the ancient manuscript and was led to a cavern in the forests of Toriyama. Inside the cavern was a lake that reflected the sky and in the middle was the Lady Tenku, Lady Strata, yoroi.
Mia's dark blue yoroi is Tenku, Strata, and draws power from generally air. She has a metal collapsible hankyu, Sho Ha Kyu, that can be hooked on her quiver which supplies an endless amount of golden energy arrows. Her special attack is called "Eight Way Storm". Once she unleashes an arrow and it hits the target, winds from eight different directions converge on the point where the arrow struck. She is able to harness the ability to fly.

Armor of the Lady Strata: Mia is able to summon a protective sphere made of wind in times of distress. The power and longevity of the shield depends on Mia's strength and amount of damage she has taken at the time. While the shield is a defensive maneuver, it also acts as an offensive technique as well. Any outside force that comes near the shield will be torn to shreds by the rushing winds. She is able to harness the wind of the direction it is moving.

Mia's Closet: Her favorite colors are shades of Navy Blue; also pink and yellow. At home, Mia can be found in ordinary clothes. When out in public and teaching at the university, she dresses business casual. When she goes out with her friends and fiance, Mia can be seen in fancy pants suits that are free flowing. When training, she dresses in 80s workout wear. Her shoe collection consists mainly of flats and a few pairs of running shoes.

Notable Facts:

She thought she had feelings for Sage at one point, but realized that she loved Ryo by staring into a fire for two hours.

She is excited at the thought of having a sister.

She wants to have children, but is unsure because of the situations with the armors.

Keeping Rekino's secret is a torment for her because she cannot stand to see Ryo in pain. She has almost told him several times.

She loves to discuss theology with Amaya.

Her favorite flower is Lily of the Valley.

She was amazed at how much knowledge Josephine has on the history of the world.

Meditating with Hana has helped keep her anxiety about the armors under control.

Secretly, she loves to sit and watch Rekino train; she is mesmerized by the younger girl's movements and flexibility.

She wishes to compete in archery with Rowen.