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| − | From time to time, [[Akashima]] have been visited by fantastic creatures masquerading as humans and even mundane animals in their effort to help guide this rebuilding nation. Among them, seven Guardians are the most prominent and often found in both local folklore and national archives. They are listed below.
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| − | Ruka – Guardian of the Forest
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| − | The mighty Earth Serpent known as Ruka resides deep within the forest somewhere between [[Concordia]] and Akashima. Despite his titanic size, the Lore Guardian has been known to disguise himself as a wandering druid or even as a tiny tree snake. Using the ancient art of Illusion Magic, he can change even his size and weight, deceiving the senses of perception of all but the other ancients of Althanas. Ruka is also known to Akashiman as the Guardian of the Harvest, legend saying that his very presence will cause small seedlings to sprout instantaneously from the ground. Ruka is fairly amiable, though he is also known to be quite slow as well.
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| − | Maira – Guardian of the Beasts
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| − | From time and time again through its relatively young history, Akashima would be filled with festive music as a wandering band of street performers graced its streets. Among them is a wild and lively dancer, her flame-red hair fanning through the crisp, cool air like embers of fire in the dead of winter. The Scarlet Dancer, however, is none other than Maira herself – The other performers being the wild animals disguised by her Illusion Magic. She is known for her exuberant and lively personality as well as her fiery zeal in combat. Because of this, Akashiman soldiers consider her their very own Guardian and have on them a small bone-carved image of a saberlion – a reminder of her zeal and as a prayer of protection. Her natural form is that of the Akashiman Saberlioness.
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| − | Hadaja – Guardian of the Sea
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| − | Calm and serene, the Maiden of the Sea is known for her wisdom and charm reflected in her elegant turquoise locks and sapphire eyes. In her natural form, she known as the Great Eel of the Ocean and also acts as the Matron Protector of Yanbo Harbor, ensuring the continual flow of harvest as long as nature is respected. The Maiden of the Sea is also known to hold deep philosophical discourses with the sages of old times. She is seldom seen nowadays, but legends have spoken that she rarely even appears in full human form – at most having long, tail-like fins in place of her legs. Most of the locals know her as Hadaja, though some also call her by Hadaj.
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| − | Kazen – Guardian of the Wind
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| − | The Wind Dragon is regarded as one of the most widely-known in Akashiman Lore, appearing in many legends and tales dealing with the Guardians. The Emerald Dragon, however, resembles nothing from the Draconian legends of the Thayne Lore – Resembling more as a large wingless serpent who darts through the air on emerald winds. In his human guise, he resembles a young sage wandering the rice fields with small birds flocking wherever he went. He is a rather jovial fellow, but he is also known to be ever-changing in temperament.
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| − | Gingitsu – Guardian of the Spirits
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| − | The Silver Fox Gingitsu is the Patron Guardian of Ninyama Village and the Spirit Warders within. Widely regarded as the Trickster, he is often times encountered on the Shirayama Mountains near the Sacred Crystal Cavern to play illusion tricks and mind games with the wanderers in the area. Whether it was to protect the Cavern or just for kicks, no one could really tell. Legend has it that his natural fox form has nine tails, though it could also be an illusion as well. Then again, the Master of Illusion Arts is unrivalled and equally hard to catch, making him an ever elusive target to find. In his human form, he can often be found garbed in traditional clothes and flowing silvery hair, a childish grin perpetually plastered across his face.
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| − | Koriko – Guardian of the Final End
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| − | Koriko, though not as well-known as much as Kazen or even Maira, is thoroughly feared by many who have heard her tales. Also known b the titles of “Shirahime” and “Shinigami,” the Snow Maiden serves as the guide to the Akashiman afterlife. According to legend, when the time of death approaches an Akashiman, A black-hair maiden dressed in snow-white kimono would appear at their side and whisk them away to the mountains. Other time, acquaintances of the deceased have said they would see a white ferret scuttling about around the final moments of their loved ones. Not much else is known about her asides from her cold, enchanting stare and emotionless expression. Who knows what lies beyond her quiet demeanor…
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| − | Aozor – Guardian of the Capital
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| − | Aozor is said to manifests himself as a gigantic heron who soar through the sky above Akashima, lending the tiny kingdom protection and guidance from afar. In fact, the very clan this nation had risen from regarded the Snow Heron as their sacred totem guardian. Not much is known about Aozor, though, nor has anyone ever seen him in his human disguise. To date, the most anyone had sight of his existence was the enormous bird-like shadow far above the clouds. Even still, his mere presence assures the Akashiman of the Guardians’ eternal protection.
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