Disclaimer: All the characters except for the little child are not mine. So give me a break!

Eternity and a Day - Prologue

There's a myth about the Ageless or Sans âge as they were called. Nobody knew how they came about, or where they were from, but they were believed to be a product of Divine Intervention, children descended from the Gods themselves. They lived in a time different from the rest, bridging the gap between the Human Realm and Above, never to perish, forever existing as guardians of both worlds.

Tales of their bravery, chivalry, valour and wisdom were told through the ages, entertaining little children and enthralling adults alike. They were mythological creatures believed to have lived in mountains, consumed ambrosia as delicacies and never rested, for the job of a guardian never sleeps.

But like all tales, their origins and truths fade with time, reality blurring into fantasy as the story was passed from mouth to mouth. Eventually, even the legends of the Ageless died, as the new Era of Science was heralded by the foolish and incipient.

From then, the Ageless died from the tongues of man, but lived on in the shadows, watching and waiting for the day that the Gods will re-emerge and call upon them to return to their duty as guardians.

~

"Grandmother, do the Ageless really exist?" A little voice piped up, asking the question that was repeated every night, just for the sake of it.

A thin, bony hand reached out to pinch the child's cheeks as the frail elder woman answered.

"Yes dear, they have existed since the world started revolving, and they would continue to do so until the Gods have no need for them anymore."

It was at this point where all questions should end for the night as the boy rested. However, perhaps it was fate, or curiosity, but the child was restless that night and one more question popped out of his mouth.

"How do you know grandmother?"

The lady paused, unsure of whether the child was asking the question truly desiring an answer, or just for the sake of a question in itself. But she was never one to lie to someone she loved, and before she knew it, the answer left her lips.

"I know child, because I met one before. It was a long long time ago, but I'll never forget her face, her eyes..."

"Her?" The child's shock caused the answer to be squeaked out as he did not believe a guardian of all people to be a female.

A chuckle.

"Yes child, her. To guardians, it matters not their gender, but the tenacity of their heart, because ultimately, that is what they relied upon for their strength."

"Really grandmother?"

Pulling the covers up to the child's chin, the old lady bent down to kiss her grandchild on his forehead.

"Yes child, it's true. One day I'll tell you the entire story. But for now, rest."

With that, she flicked the switch off as darkness engulfed the room, leaving her to her memories, memories of the cigarette butts and blood red hair that started it all over again.

"It's been far too long... far far too long..."

Amber eyes glowed in the dark as strong youthful arms encircled the old woman as she drifted off into the night, gaining solace in a dream of bravery and love.

AN: This is real short, yes yes, but it's a prologue, any longer and it's going to be another chapter. This story has been sweeping through my mind every single night, so I decided to write it down and give myself a break. Do let me know what you think of it, I'm eager to know. The entire idea is pretty sketchy, so any suggestion may be included in my future chapters! Do help!

~Haruko