Hitomi: Hello! For those who favorited and followed this story, thank you very much!

I'm also letting you know that I've replaced the prologue with this story's first chapter. So, what you're about to read in a moment is the second chapter, actually.

I need to make an apology, though. I apologize if things are going slow/boring for this story, especially this chapter (which was surprisingly hard to write due to Lily's personality). However, I hope this won't put you to sleep or drive you away since the Guardians will popping in officially soon.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, despite... Well, how boring it may be since not a lot's happened yet. But don't worry~ With the Guardians' help, I'm sure Lily will be able to overcome anything in no time.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rise of the Guardians and Guardians of Childhood. They're owned by Dreamworks and William Joyce. I only own my character and the plot here.

Locked Heart

II

The Wallflower's Dilemma

Warmth was fading little by little, leaves of red, yellow, and brown falling. It was already the time again for the students to start another school year.

In her case, it was the start of a new chapter in life as she was officially a high school student. Her hair had grown out some, falling to the middle of her back while her bangs were long enough to cover her eyes. She threw on whatever she wanted to wear and today was no exception. Though she had her occasional refinement, she thought better to tone down her appearance.

I should be able to fit in. Lily Hawthorn thought while walking in the school corridors. I came here, so nobody would know about my past or who I am. It's better that way.

The memories flashed through her mind and she clenched her fist as a reminder, as a sign to stop them.

Don't think about it, Lily. Don't think about it. Remember you're here now, as a high school student. You have another chance.

Stopping in front of a classroom door, Lily took a deep breath, letting herself stay put in the present to come out of the past. Then, as quiet as the wind outside, she turned the doorknob and stepped inside to the unknown waiting.

By fifth period, it was lunchtime for the students. For Lily, she had ate quickly and spent the rest of her break in the library. As expected, it was quiet, so it gave her a sense of belonging for she found herself poring through books.

It's nice to escape through reading. She thought with a sniff, contemplating about the day's events as she thumbed through a page of a book about the hidden language of flowers. My day hasn't gone well, as expected...

It was hard to adjust here, something Lily wasn't able to keep her mind off of. The school was bigger than her last one and there were so many students. She saw how students chattered with one another as if they were longtime friends. Others who were just as new as her were able to form bonds with each other quickly before she even batted an eye. All she could do by then was watch with a blank stare on her face, sensing the lively, warm atmosphere.

She felt her face heat up, a sure blush showing. Shaking her head, she only made a heavy sigh, her expression as heavy as stone.

I don't know if I want to continue, even though I have to.

The sound of the bell echoed from outside the room. Absentmindedly, she still kept the book of the flower language in her hand as she stood up. Going to the librarian's desk, she handed over the library card that she took from the book's back with her name printed on a slot without a sound. Then, as quietly as she came, she strolled out to head to her next class.

Walking from school to go to a bus stop, Lily hung her head and kept her gaze at the ground. As if by second nature, she avoided the grass, shrubbery, and anything associated with plants when she happened to be around them. After all, the plants were at the cycle when they would wilt and die. The last thing she needed was attention just because the reversal happened instead.

I couldn't do anything, after all. She felt her heart shrinking at this thought, thinking back on what happened while she boarded the bus, paid her fare, and took a seat by the window. She heard a couple of snickers and whispers when she was trying to introduce herself in her classes. She couldn't tell who was trying to be friendly towards her for they all seemed to judge her silently with their eyes, whether she looked at them or not. Her heartbeat was fast all day long, so it was hard for her to truly concentrate, and she avoided all eye contact as much as possible. I guess their first impression of me is a weirdo, a mute, though I wouldn't know.

Maybe I can't change. A painful lump went up Lily's throat at that one thought, her chest tightening. I'm not good at all. Maybe if I had a different personality, I could be normal.

Once she got off at her stop, she walked a few blocks until she reached her house. As she unlocked the door and went inside, she went straight to her room upstairs to remove her bag and changed clothes. Going onto her bed once done, she took a small harp that rested against the wall, embracing it for a moment.

I wonder who can understand me. She plucked the instrument's strings with a finesse that came with years of practice, letting the music flow out into her solitary world. The potted plants she had at her window sill looked like they were listening to her song; swaying to an invisible wind for the room's windows were sealed shut to keep the chill out. In a strange, fascinating way, they were alive as small but numerous voices chorused to her notes. She felt her stiff posture relax when she heard the usual noise, her gaze faraway. Is it even possible?

What would the Guardians think of me? If I were to see them now, though it's been years, what would they say? It is expected as a teenager to not believe in fairytales and stories, but...

Is it okay, the way things are now?

As she kept running her fingers through the strings, the plants kept singing on.

From outside the window, two pairs of wide eyes watched on. One pair was colored a leaf green, the other amber. Both of the owners nodded a silent agreement.

It was time to contact the other Guardians about this case.