"The elements know when there is a threat, and the Heart knows when it needs a Keeper."

"Humans again?"

The murmurs spread across the crowd. Such dissent was uncommon here - when eternity was one's reality, petty arguments could barely ripple the surface of one's peace. This subject, however, was one that could never be discussed lightly.

The Oracle looked out over the sea of pale green robes, trying not to focus on the worried faces. She was sure of her decision, even if her companions were not.

Today was a very important day for Kandrakar; therefore, the entire Council had been summoned from their residing worlds. Dozens of different races and ambassadors from different worlds flooded the stands.

They quieted as she began to speak. This was a good sign, she thought. Although they were uncertain, her authority had not been compromised.

"I must remind you that the last Guardians were among the most faithful to ever serve Kandrakar," she said, calmly, yet her soft voice echoed through the chamber with the power of her conviction.

"And one of them was your granddaughter!"

The Oracle did not look to see who had spoken out. Their worry was understandable, for this was an important job to be assigned and the choice could shape the future of all the worlds. She would not allow herself to become biased against those who challenged her.

"Their success speaks for itself," she assured the Council.

This statement was met without argument, and the Oracle smiled. The five girls had their difficulties, of course, but the strength of their friendship had always carried them through. They had protected their world and many others from countless threats.

"That is all well and good, but let me remind you they abandoned Kandrakar AND their duties to us all."

These constantly interruptions became a slight grind to the Oracle, but it was useless trying to challenge them. This person had a very good point. The Guardians had abandoned Kandrakar not two years ago, after their victory in Lyuranda. Victory. The word tasted bitter in the Oracle's mind. That was no victory in her eyes. Nevertheless, it was no reason for them to relinquish their duties to Kandrakar. Still, the Oracle was a very considerate woman and understood completely why they did what they did. Something similar happened to her generation, after all.

"But why now?"

The whispers began again - this was a question that many wished to have answered. The Oracle faltered slightly. To this question, she feared, her answer would not be satisfactory.

Her visions were densely clouded every time she tried to meditate, bringing forth small visions of the future and an overwhelming sense of disharmony. She knew it only meant one thing, and after two years without Kandrakar's Guardians and Champions, they could wait no longer.

She bowed her head, clearing her mind until she saw nothing but the aurameres, locked in their endless dance. Within the past week, each had begun to reflect the face of its new Guardian, brief flashes of the girls living their ordinary human lives. Lives that would now be forever changed. The Heart floated to the front of her inner vision, moving closer and closer until she could see nothing but a pair of wide blue eyes.

"The elements know when there is a threat," she said. "And the Heart knows when it needs a Keeper."

Again she raised her head, casting her eyes over the assembled crowd. "It is time..."