Without Rhythm (The Lament)
by P. S. Power
After seven years of hard work, Pran is kicked out of art school on her last day, left with nothing and sent into the world to fend for herself. It should have been a slow death sentence, but a bit of bravery and a few clever lies set her up to be an apprentice Guardian instead of a street walker. Now she just has to hold on to her new position for as long as she can. If she can do it at all. Becasue the nearly superhuman Guardians don't play around and they're a lot more than glorified bodyguards as she first thinks. Theyre the protectors of the entire world agains the greed of mankind and the folly of run away technology. When they catch wind of a "techno cult" tryin gto start a new army to take over the world, Pran is thrown into the action, becasue, fake Guardian or not, she's the one that there to do the the job. And Guardians don't fail.