Prologue

    I walked into the large room with high hopes. I was going to get this job. It was hard, getting a job, when you don't know where you come from, or who you are. I was found, wandering in the woods, when I was 15. I don't remember anything before that. That's when I found the legend of the Ronin Warriors. I thought it was fascinating. So, this job would be a synch to get. It was to be a tour guide at the Ronin Hill Museum. I picked up an application form and started to fill it out:

Name: Crystal Kiel

Age: 17

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 115 lbs.

Description: long, black hair; green eyes

Previous Jobs: Not Applicable

Why you want this job: The best job. The legend of Ronins fascinating.

   I handed in my application and took the elevator downstairs to grab a bite to eat. I checked my watch. It was nearing five o'clock. Soon, call backs would be announced. I took the stairs for some exercise and arrived in the waiting room just in time. The lady who ran this place, Ms. Collins, walked out of her office.

   "Ladies and gentleman, there is no need for call backs. I have found our new employee. Would Crystal Kiel please come into my office immediately," she said. I was surprised at this and entered the office in a state of awe. She motioned for me to sit down. I complied and placed my bag onto the ground.

   "Ms. Kiel, you are our new tour guide. You begin tomorrow and please come dressed in your best at seven a.m. Understand?"

   "Yes, ma'am," I said as I stood up and shook her hand. I walked out the door happily. Tomorrow night was New Year's Eve and I had a job. I pulled my coat on tighter as I walked up Ronin Hill to see the place one last time as a guest. The nine shrines, each dedicated to one of the nine warriors, stood proudly atop the hill that overlooked the city.

   "Tomorrow starts the end of the thirtieth century. Tomorrow night begins the year 3000," I said to nobody in particular. Behind me, the sun set and I walked over to my car. Driving home, I wondered, for the first time, why was I given the job? It was a shock to think I got it without a call back. Maybe someone wanted me to get the job. But who? I wasn't the type to believe in angels, but maybe . . . na . . . couldn't be . . . , could it? Could it really be, the work of an ancient? I didn't know, but I was going to find out. Even sooner then I thought.