After walking for about ten minutes I felt that there was a large enough distance between me and the village. We were way out in the mountain forest now and there was nothing but untouched nature as far as the eye could see. No one would have been able to follow me due to the rate my strides and though my voice was booming from here there would be no chance of someone overhearing me. It was very cold out here though and there was the first snow of winter on the ground. Goddesses never felt the cold however.

"You're hand is very warm" Elentra said.

The three humans in my palm were all wearing winter clothing, bundled up in their furs and cloaks. Clearly despite not feeling the cold my body still produced enough heat to be felt by those around me. For someone that tiny on someone this big it would likely be pretty toasty touching my skin actually. I had to put them all down on the ground now, but before I did I used my boot to scrape an area free of snow.

Once all of them were safely deposited on the frozen earth I settled down myself. First I sat down with a resounding earthquake and then I lay down in the same position as before with my face directly in front of them. It would be best if they spoke to Miya a bit more now that we were in private. With a thought down into the goddess zone I notified her and positioned myself accordingly.

"I suppose you should speak to Miya a bit more" I said.

They all gathered around my eye again and looked deeply into my eye, the usual overwhelming fear negated by the girl standing in the midst of the swirling universe within them.

Elentra was first to speak. "Oh my precious daughter! I'm so sorry this happened to you!"

Miya responded and I passed it on to them. "It's alright mother! The goddess is going to take care of me and help me get back into my body as well."

"What's it like in there?" her father Duncan asked. "Inside the goddess I mean..."

He looked up to me a bit nervously but I took no offense. It was natural to be curious about such a bizarre situation.

"It's very strange here" Miya responded through me. "Though it's not frightening at all! Goddess Jenna is taking good care of me here and it seems I don't need to eat or drink anymore. That takes some getting used too. There's even a couch in here! Its like a soft bed but with sides you can lean on!"

Both her parents smiled with relief for their daughter's safety and comfort.

"Thank you goddess" Duncan said up to my other eye.

I simply nodded. "Mhm."

Jackson was next to finally speak. He had been quiet for most of this to allow the family to speak to each other. Someone as old as him was socially aware of these kinds of things having grown children of his own. He was likely more curious about my plans for the three living people in front of me.

"Great goddess" he started. "When you brought we three out here you had said something about us becoming proper guardians for the village. Pray tell what does that entail?"

My eyes shifted to lock on to him, giving the man a start as it wasn't something you got used to.

"Well it involves giving you the same powers Miya had" I explained. "Then I'd be equipping you with some super equipment and even training you some so you can better protect everyone. With your permission of course."

They all looked at each other in both confusion and wonder. Such a thing was likely never thought possible. Certainly in their minds there were others the goddess would have chosen over them.

"Why us goddess?" Duncan asked.

My brow furrowed into a frown as my face became serious. "Because you're the only three I can really trust."

This seemed to take them all by surprise. They stood there in shocked silence for a few moments before Jackson spoke up.

"Erm. Forgive us for being surprised goddess... We just never thought a goddess would need to trust humans at all."

This was nothing unexpected. To them I'm a massive all powerful deity but really I'm just a big person with super powers. From my perspective the only thing that's changed is my size and authority compared to my previous life. Honestly having people I can trust in spite of my new role was something I didn't know I treasured until recent events.

I cleared my throat. "You see its not as simple as me being the big scary goddess that rules over everyone. I'm not everywhere at all times and as of now I'm not all knowing either. Trust is just as important to goddesses as it is to humans. How am I supposed to have happy and productive worshipers without a small number of them being ones I can freely speak to and tell of my plans?"

Miya was very happy and her voiced echoed inside of me.

"You really are the most amazing and kind goddess ever Jenna! To think you would care so much about us."

The people outside were lost in thought for a few moments as they processed this revelation. Its certainly not something you'd expect your deity to tell you. That they want to be vulnerable with you.

"Well we are honored that you think so highly of us" Jackson said with a bow to me. "To be trusted by a goddess... It's something beyond human understanding. We will do our best to fulfill your expectations."

Miya's parents both voiced their agreements with similar declarations of praise and devotion.

Them all agreeing to become my guardians sent a wave of relief over me. There really weren't any other people I could really trust and getting these three together proved to me how little actual support I really had in this world. Honestly it was pretty scary for me knowing I was for the most part completely alone in whatever I did with only an old man, an aging couple, and their daughter to rely upon.

The relief was visible on my face as my entire complexion shifted into one of happiness. My teeth became visible as my smile beamed joy and my eyes lit up. I shifted into a sitting position with my legs curled up and to the side, my form once again looming over the tiny folk below.

"That's wonderful!" I said happily. "Thank you all of you!"

"So what happens now?" Elentra asked up to me.

I lowered myself down again and put my eye before them.

"Well first you'll need to say your goodbyes to Miya for now. We'll need to focus on yourselves as we start your training."

Her two parents walked up to my eye and looked up into it. Their faces sad and yet filled with hope.

"Be strong Miya" Duncan said. "We'll wait for your return. I love you."

Elentra put her hands on her chest. "I love you too my little dear. I know the goddess will take care of you and bring you back to us."

I then conveyed Miya's response. "Thank you! Both of you! I love you both and I'll be sure to learn as much as I can while with the goddess so I can help the village better when I'm back!"

They all waved at each other through the lens of my retina. With a final blink the camera inside my mind was shut down and the image of the girl vanished from my eye. I did leave the actual tv itself running so that Miya could always watch what I was seeing. This was thought down to her as well so she could find comfort in at least witnessing the outside world.

After sitting back up again I let out a sigh and clapped my hands together, the sound echoing around the silent winter forest. I was super excited for what comes next. Now it was time to make my own team of super powered defenders!

"Alright everyone!" I said with excitement in my voice. "Its time for your upgrades!"

Stolen story; please report.

"How does this work goddess?" Duncan asked curiously.

I smiled down at him and lowered my hand closer. "Just stand still and let me touch you all ok?"

They all complied and didn't flinch back as my huge finger came down, each one easily as big as they were or bigger. It was a simple touch on the top of each of their heads and a insertion of super powered mana to enhance them. First I did Jackson, my fingertip gently tapping him. I decided to speak as if casting a spell as it seemed my thoughts were what manifested magic. The old saying of course being speak your thoughts into reality.

"Permanent enhancement! Super strength!"

After my words were spoken as a declaration a glowing magic circle appeared around him and then fused into his body. It seemed speaking my thoughts aloud really did have an effect and helped me infuse me mana into him more easily. Perhaps I'd start making a trend of this though obviously it wasn't entirely needed.

Once the light was gone I removed my finger and waited to see what happened next.

"I feel..." Jackson said staggering back. "Different."

"Go lift that log" I said pointing.

He walked over to the huge fallen tree I had indicated and looked down at it in hesitation. There was no need to doubt his goddess but he was still unsure of what had actually happened to him. To obey he did crouch down and grip the bottom of the log with both hands. Then with a grunt he tried to lift it up and to his great surprise it simply flew into the air as he hefted it.

They all stood there in shock, most of all Jackson as he witnessed his own new power in action.

"It- It was as light as a twig!" He said exasperated.

He looked down at his hands and flexed his fingers in disbelief before turning back around to me.

"You truly grant me such power goddess?"

I simply nodded and smiled a bit smugly. "Yep! You're all gunna be entrusted with protecting everyone in the villages around here you know. I need you to be strong enough to fight those who would do my people harm."

With a deep bow that turned into kneeling he thanked me with tears in his eyes. "Thank you Goddess Jenna! You choose me even though I'm an old man. I won't disappoint you!"

It seemed best to leave him to himself for the moment and so I turned my gaze to Miya's parents.

"You're turn now!"

Both of them stood there obediently as my huge fingertip came down and touched their heads.

"Permanent enhancement! Super strength!"

Once it was done there was a feeling of tiredness that came over me. Not exhaustion or anything like that, but there was a notable difference as the power left me. It was probably because making permanent magical affects took much more mana, as my mana bar clearly showed. It wasn't like a huge amount as of now but it would have been my entire reserve back when I first started as a goddess.

"Well I'll let you three test out your powers and then we can move on to your equipment alright?"

With my permission they all began testing out their new power on the world around them. IT was your usual "I just got super powers" sort of thing: tossing logs and lifting big rocks. Even seeing how high they could jump now and such things. After a few minutes of that I called them all over again.

"Alright you three. Now its time to get some sweet gear."

As I said this my hand lowered in front of them and revealed the items I had fabricated earlier. There were three sets of items: each containing the sword, shield, suit, and breather.

"Here take these all" I instructed. "Now take up the little device first."

"This one?" Jackson asked picking up the rebreather.

"That's the one" I said. "That there is a rebreather. If you ever have trouble breathing or even want to go underwater for long periods of time you can put that in your mouth. See the little part sticking out? That goes in your mouth and it will release oxygen into your body. You know that part of air you breathe."

He tried it as the others fiddled with theirs. You could hear the little wooshing sounds as it functioned as intended. He took it out of his mouth and marveled at it.

"This is truly amazing goddess!" he said. "What manner of magic is this?"

Going with the magic angle was fine for now as it pretty much was. "Well its just some air magic I suppose. That little part that goes in your mouth though? If its ever damaged don't use it! It becomes very dangerous if its broken and you'd need to tell me right away got it?"

"Understood goddess" he responded.

I nodded in satisfaction. "Good! Now put on these suits. I'll wait."

"Do we put our clothes back on after?" Duncan asked.

Good question actually. It'd probably be best to have it shown off without their bulky clothing.

"Actually no. Just come back and stand here."

With the snap of my fingers a blazing pier of fire erupted from the ground in front of me, the blazing bonfire a simple manifestation of my will. There were of course fallen logs to help fuel it but this really was showing how much control I had over the world around me now. Even I was kinda impressed. The warmth however would allow them to walk around without their winter clothing on.

All three of them went to the edge of the small clearing to change into the carbon fiber body suits. The cold of winter was dangerous to be exposed to but it wasn't for very long. They put on the skin tight suits and then carried their clothes back over to the fire in front of me. Their clothes were set down on the now thawing ground and they stood there awaiting my next instruction.

"These suits are made of something called carbon fiber weave" I began. "They're pretty resistant to temperature and highly resistant to cutting. Not immune mind you but in this world pretty much."

"What's carbon fiber?" Elentra asked.

I might as well explain that. My left hand rose to my chin as I spoke.

"Well I think you were there when I was explaining carbon right? Its what charcoal is made of. Its an extremely hard material due to its density. Now its not to say this suit and charcoal are exactly the same, but they're made of the same material in a different way. Does that make sense?"

She nodded back to me. "Yes goddess thank you."

I pointed to the sword and shield on the ground in front of each of them.

"These swords and shields are made of carbon steel. Its the same principle: carbon infused into the steel itself to make it many times more durable and sharp than any other sword you'll ever find at a blacksmith. It wont even rust even if you hold it underwater! Go on pick em up! See how light they are!"

They obeyed and picked up their weapons, gasps of surprise as they felt the weight. They weren't weightless of course but they were enough that even a middle aged woman could heft them easily.

"It feels like almost nothing!" Duncan said in surprise.

Jackson was swinging his sword around a little and watching it as he did so. "You know we don't know how to use such things of course goddess?"

"Of course I do" I said with a slight sigh. "That's why I'm going to teach you! But first a demonstration of what I mean for protection power."

I pointed to Duncan and then to a place nearby. "Stand there and put your stuff down." I then pointed at Jackson. "Go slash at his chest with your sword!" I paused. "Just not with full power ok? You are stronger than you used to be."

While Duncan obeyed it was clear from Jackson's hesitation that he wasn't sure this was a good idea. He did walk over in front of the other man but stood there with clear nervousness.

"You trust me don't you?" I asked.

Elentra looked slightly concerned for her husband but it was clear they all trusted me. Duncan of course stood there stalwart without a hint of fear in his eyes as he puffed out his chest.

"Come on!" he said. "You heard the goddess! Strike me!"

Duncan set down his shield and took the sword in both hands. There was determination on his face as he nodded. "Here I come then!"

With a grunt he swung the sword, its deadly edge slicing the air and across Duncan's chest. It scraped over the suit with the sound of metal on metal and then flew out into the air as the swing was completed. To both men's surprise there wasn't a trance of the weapon on the carbon fiber itself. There were no cuts and no wounds.

"I... I felt the blade over me" Duncan said in shock feeling his chest. "But look! Its not cut and I'm not either!"

Jackson let the sword drop to his side as he walked over. He put his hand on Duncan's chest to feel himself.

"Its true! This carbon fiber is quite amazing! Here do me!"

This was where I stepped in. I've seen enough boys playing with each other to know these sorts of things can end badly.

"No no! Hold on now." I then pointed to the forest edge. "Go try it on those trees instead ok? I don't want you actually hurting each other. Please remember these suits are resistant to slashing attacks but the stabbing of a spear could still really hurt you."

They both looked at each other and then up to me almost disappointed. Yeah that's men for you I suppose. Even though they were old or middle aged they still were the rambunctious boys of their youth at heart.

All three of them went to a tree at the edge of the clearing and swung their swords at them. It was like a hot knife through butter and the trees fell with a resounding crash. It actually worried me that the carbon steel wouldn't hold up but thankfully their enhanced strength made the cutting impact more powerful. Even a nail can pierce steel if fired at a fast enough speed.

The men cheered in excitement giving each other a side hug as Elentra looked almost sad. It made sense she didn't want to be a fighter. I'd have to address her separately than the two men who were both celebrating the strength of the swords.

"Now you two" I said to the men. "I know how excited you are about this but don't go doing that with those swords unless you have too alright? Even they won't hold up to such abuse for long."

"Yes goddess" they replied almost disappointed.

Then I turned to Elentra and smiled down at her. "Now as for you."

She looked up at me as she was addressed, jumping in surprise as she had been deep in thought. Thinking about the implications of her new role no doubt. Worries I would soon ease I hoped.

"I know what you're thinking. You're not a fighter." I continued. "I certainly hope you won't ever have to fight but its important you at least learn how in case the time arrives. I won't make you do anything you're not fully comfortable with ok?"

This did seem to ease her worries and she smiled weakly and nodded. "Yes goddess."

After that was taken care of I stood up and smiled gleefully. My two massive boots boomed down as I placed my stance with legs apart. Focusing my mind I summoned a blade of light from my hand. It wasn't a physical blade or anything, but merely a sword made from light itself. I had thought that making a real one my size would be too much mana and thankfully my plan of an illusory one was simple enough. It would just be reabsorbed back into my body afterwards anyway.

The blade extended from my hand until it was a full length longsword made of brilliant yellow light, fully a hundred feet long easily for the humans below. From my memories I remember doing a bit of swordplay myself and even the little I know would be more than enough for these complete newcomers to defend themselves. It made me feel fierce and powerful, standing here with a sword as immaterial as it was. It showed on my face as my expression was one of blazing determination and fierce will. My smile beamed as I spoke out with great excitement in my voice.

"Now we begin your training!"