Me and My Shadow - The Rise of the Guardians - Chapter 1

Shadow remained close to home for several weeks following his return from the Grave Yard Shift. As a result our Halloween adventure together we had truly become brothers in arms. Shadow and I had established a powerful bond of mutual trust and respect and although I knew I could not be physically with him during most of his future adventures I would nonetheless always be with him in spirit. I had his back and he had mine.  Together we would share whatever joys or hardships life might throw our way.

It was during this time that Shadow revealed to me through his nocturnal purring many of the mystical and wonderful secrets known only to familiars and their most trusted companions. I had been chosen by a feline with a long and distinguished bloodline and history. Although he was but a young kitten within his present incarnation his was an ancient spirit perhaps as old as time itself as we reckon and understand it. 

Shadow is the material reincarnation of one of the nine “Guardians”. These powerful, mystical creatures are demi-gods in their own right and among God’s first and favorite creations. They are beneath angels but are honored above virtually all other animals. Only man is held in higher esteem. It has been said that God was so pleased with the felines that he spent a little extra time on them. It is for this reason the felines have held many high positions and performed sacred and trusted functions one of which unfortunately being guarding the gates of Hell. This task was assigned after the “Great Angel Uprising” resulting in Lucifer and his coconspirators being cast into Hell. Prior to that unfortunate incident almost all of the angels shared a playful and loving relationship with the felines. Many angels actually had felines as pets. There were of course a group of angels that preferred the company of canines. As Shadow would say …if he could speak… “There’s no accounting for tastes.” 

After the rebellion was quelled there arose a need for guards to prevent the renegade angels from re-entering the material world and causing mischief. God realized that such duty was below the stature of his loyal angels. There was some discussion as to whether felines or canines would better serve this vital function. It was a close deliberation however it was finally decided that the felines were better suited to this task. Although canines were good hunters, powerful fighters and dutifully followed the instructions of their masters they were too high maintenance, too needy and too easily befriended by those they would be responsible for guarding. Felines were smaller but more agile. They were very loyal but more independent. The felines did not always follow orders to the letter however they were very intelligent and adapted well to any given situation. Among their greatest strengths are patience and persistence. They are nearly silent. They are relentless hunters. They are less needy than canines and more selective about with whom they form alliances and friendships. In the end after much consideration it was decided that the felines would guard the gates of Hell. 

The creation of the feline order known as the “Nine Guardians” occurred at a much later time in response to other evolving needs and priorities, however the precedent and ground work leading to its creation was a direct result of the success of this initiative. Through their loyalty and exemplary performance of this heinous task the felines proved their mettle leading to further refinement within their lineage and ultimately to the creation of the mystical “Guardians” themselves.  

The guardians, however in more recent times had suffered some unfortunate “incidents”. During the early to mid 20th Century a major breach of “the Gate” released demons responsible for massive world political corruption, two “World Wars”, a Presidential assassination and an ongoing and active political initiative seeking worldwide domination and control. Most of these devils currently inhabit aged and rapidly deteriorating human host bodies, however they occupy high political positions or command large financial resources. They are therefore considered to be very dangerous. Protection of the Gate has since become an even greater priority in order to prevent their “replacements” from passing through. 

Shadow’s heroic and highly successful defense of Hell’s Gate during his recent “Grave Yard Shift” has served to greatly enhance the Guardian’s somewhat tarnished current image. These startling revelations were but a fore taste of what I was eventually to learn about my house guest and his historical significance…. which begs the question…Why had Shadow chosen me to be his trusted friend and confident?