by T5
The ancient man walked slowly in his garden toward a set of lawn chairs and a small table with a lemonade pitcher on it.
In one of the chairs, a girl dozed in the sun.
"I'm sorry, Jackie. It's time."
"Hmm?" She looked up with a smile and rubbed her eyes. "I guess I fell asleep."
He patted her shoulder. "Yes, and a well-deserved sleep it was, my loyal friend."
She sat up, and the old man poured her some lemonade. "Here... it's still cold."
After the refreshing drink, she asked, "How did you know they will be needing my help?"
"I didn't, but I feel that they are honest people and will make the right choice when the time comes. That is why I want you to be one of them, for awhile at least."
"So you want me to be a spy?"
He laughed. "No, child. Just an observer."
"There's a difference?"
"Well... yes. You only need to report on their moral behavior, how they use their abilities. Is it for their own gain or for the greater good?"
"Okay, then," she said with a smile that could melt any man's heart. "Solomon!" she commanded, and her armor appeared, covering her from head to toe.
"I promise you that Ameristar will make you proud." And with that, she disappeared.
The old man finished his drink with a sigh. "Of that, I never had any doubts, my dear."