Sorry for the late update. Lost my Internet connection, but it gave me time to work on this chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

The Shaman's Awakening

In the void of darkness, nothing existed. Suddenly, a wide blue light appeared with a blonde girl wearing a light white-brown dress with brown shoes. The young girl's head was lowered. That combined with the surroundings suggest that this was a dream. The bright light began speaking to the girl who showed no reaction whatsoever.

"Shaman… receive my thoughts… Guardians' shaman…"

"… … … … Are you calling me?" The young girl looked up with her green eyes. She realized that she was in an area unknown to her. But, instead of being afraid, she felt strangely calm.

"Where am I?" The young girl asked to herself. "I do not know this place… but I feel connected to it…"

"Can you hear my thoughts?" The girl started to look around. But saw nothing except the light in front of her. "Answer quickly! There is no time!"

The girl saw that the light was speaking to her and nodded reluctantly. "Guardians' shaman… …Give me your name… Then the contract of old will be made once more…"

"Who are you? Who is calling me?" The young girl demanded. "And I'm… I'm not a shaman."

The young girl added quietly, lowering her head.

"Hurry, Shaman, give me your name… … … …Filgaia will be covered in darkness again." The voice urged the girl sternly, before speaking in a softer, pleading tone. "Shaman… please give me your name..."

The girl sighed in defeat. "… … … My name is… 'Cecilia'."

Before the light could answer, it began to disappear. However, it was able to leave one final message to Cecilia. "Shaman Cecilia... Release my power from the 'sealed library'…"

It then flashed so bright that it could have blinded her. But, it didn't. Instead, Cecilia perfectly looked around in wonder. She stretched her arms at the light pleadingly.

"Please wait! Who are you!" Cecilia asked desperately. "What do you mean by the sealed library!"

The area turned completely white. Cecilia was blinded by a bright light. However, she could still hear its voice. "Cecilia… Guardian Shaman, Cecilia…"

"…Cecilia…" A voice said. Cecilia kept desperately calling the light.

"…Cecilia…" "Who are you? Why do you keep calling me?" She asked desperately.

"…Cecilia…" Cecilia frowned. "Is that light deaf or what?" She complained.

"…Cecilia…?" "Finally, I'm getting an answer!" Cecilia thought, annoyed.

"Hey, Cecilia! You're so absentminded!" The voice scolded. "Well, that's different."

Cecilia opened her eyes and found herself kneeling under a desk inside a classroom. Cecilia blinked three times and saw a brown-haired girl wearing a blue school uniform kneeling beside her.

"Oh… What was I doing? Was that a dream?" Cecilia yawned.

The brown-haired girl sighed. "Were you daydreaming again? You're almost 17. You shouldn't daydream so much." She shook her head. "You are so strange sometimes…"

"I guess I am strange…" Cecilia turned to the girl, frowning. "But Holly, you're strange too. Why are you down on your hands and knees like that?" Cecilia asked curiously.

The girl Holly scowled at Cecilia and hit the floor with her hand. "Because I'm checking on you!"

Holly glared at Cecilia and snapped. "And I'm not the one who's under the table!"

Cecilia stared at Holly and suddenly remembered, smiling sheepishly. "Oh, that's true…"

Holly groaned. "Don't you remember?" Cecilia shook her head. "Right after the bell, there was an earthquake." Holly sighed. "You really don't remember?"

Cecilia nodded slowly. "…Yes, I crawled under the desk."

Holly rolled her eyes. "Uh, yeah."

"And, I heard someone's voice. Whose voice was it, calling me a shaman…?" Cecilia was in deep thought.

Holly felt rage welled up inside her and hit the floor again. "Hey, are you daydreaming again! You don't have time for that."

Cecilia sighed. "You're right, Holly. I'm sorry for worrying you."

Holly decided to change the subject. "How soon until you return to Adlehyde? Time goes by so quickly."

Cecilia looked sad. "Yes, I know."

"You're turning 17, right?" Holly asked. Cecilia nodded. "You should start telling everyone goodbye."

"Goodbye?" Cecilia asked, startled.

You're not really leaving without saying good bye?" Holly asked in a mock expression of shocked. Cecilia quickly shook her head, hiding her face, flushed red. "Relax, I'm just kidding."

"If it was not a dream… whose voice was it? What was the voice trying to tell me? And, what is this 'Sealed Library'?" Cecilia thought deeply.

"No use in worrying now." Cecilia shook her head. "Thank you, Holly. It seems I don't have any time to waste."

Holly nodded at Cecilia. Cecilia made a move to stand up. Momentarily forgetting that she was under the desk, Cecilia hit her head hard. She doubled over and winced in pain.

"Ouch! Ohh…" Cecilia rubbed the spot where it hurt and winced, feeling a lump. Holly was laughing uncontrollably at Cecilia's accident.

"Oh Cecilia, you're so absentminded!" Cecilia glared at Holly. The latter's expression was changed from amused to concern. "Are you OK?"

Cecilia nodded, moving out of the desk and standing up. "I heard your head hit the table, and it was so loud! Is your head OK?"

Cecilia rolled her eyes. "Yes, Holly. I'm fine."

"Let me look at it…" Before Cecilia could complain, Holly felt Cecilia's head. Cecilia winced in pain.

Holly gasped. "…Oh no, you've got a huge bump!"

Cecilia waved her hand dismissively. "It's nothing to worry about."

"I'm worried about you." Holly said, not convinced. "You were already pretty strange… I just hope it doesn't get worse!"

Cecilia blinked, apparently having remembered something important. "Oh, yeah. Have you seen Lin?"

Holly shook her head. "No, I haven't. But you didn't forget to see Sister Mary and Master Anje, did you?"

Cecilia laughed sheepishly. "Actually, I did."

Holly slapped her forehead. "And when where you going to see them?"

"I was planning on going after the bell rang," Cecilia said, defensively. "But the earthquake came all of a sudden and you know the rest."

"I know, Cecilia and I know they are always busy," Holly sighed in defeat. "But you should go see them at some point."

Cecilia nodded before leaving. Cecilia walked out of the door when something collided with her. Cecilia hopped a few steps back before regaining balance. However, a small thump was heard. In front of Cecilia was a girl the same age as her. She had black hair, wearing a school dress similar to the ones the one Holly wears, except it was a bit longer and the sleeves were yellow. She was rubbing her head out of embarrassment than out of pain as she looked up with her blue eyes and saw Cecilia.

"You should learn to be more careful, Lin." Cecilia giggled.

The girl Lin laughed embarrassingly. "Sorry, I was checking the classroom in a hurry and didn't see where I was going."

Cecilia shook her head. "That's just like you. You never pay attention to anything you do."

Lin stood up from the floor and stared at Cecilia, looking slightly offended. "I can't believe you'd say that. And what about you? You're so absentminded that you wouldn't know the time of day."

Cecilia decided to change the subject. "I have an idea! Why don't you walk with me? I need to see Sister Mary and Master Anje."

"All right! I will." Lin nodded. "But, could we go to the library first? I need to check if everything is in order."

Cecilia nodded in agreement. The two walked to the library. The inside was practically in order and shape with every book in place. On the counter was a young, librarian girl looking through some files. Lin slammed the counter with a sly, mischievous grin, getting the girl's attention.

"Hey, Trish? Was anything damaged in the earthquake?" Lin screamed. The girl Trish jumped out of surprise and threw some of the files and a book into the air. Trish made to grab the files, but tripped over the book and fell face-first to the floor.

Trish winced and glared at Lin. "Of course not, everything is in place. And I would appreciate it if you didn't scream the next time! This is a library!"

Lin and Trish began to argue. The argument lasted for a few minutes before Cecilia decided to intervene. "Trish, calm down. We're only here to see if there are any damages."

Trish calmed herself down. The librarian went into thought and her face lit up. She turned to Cecilia, smirking. "All right, Cecilia, but do you mind if I ask you for a favor?"

Cecilia nodded curiously. "All right, but only if Lin helps."

Lin stared at Trish with a smug look in her face. Cecilia glared at Lin. However, Trish nodded, still smirking. "Of course. See, I was arranging the books and noticed that a book which should be here is missing."

Her expression changed to frustration. "I'm irritated since it does not look good to have only the first volume of the series."

Lin narrowed her eyes at Trish. "Let me get this straight. You're interested in reading all of the series?"

Trish's face was slightly red. "Don't get me wrong, it has nothing to do with me caring about how the stories end."

"Well, if you say so." Lin replied, not entirely convinced.

"Are we going to talk all day? Or are we going to look for the other volumes?" Cecilia reminded the two with a small grin.

Realization dawned on Lin and Trish, and both of them turned away, smiling sheepishly. The three of them began to search the library. Cecilia searched the bookshelves, while Lin searched the back and Trish searched the desks. After a while, Cecilia walked over to Trish in disappointment. She arrived to see Lin, who was annoyed.

I couldn't find any sign of a volume anywhere." Lin complained.

Cecilia frowned, nodding in agreement. Lin tapped her fingers at her arms. While, Trish took Lin's words, strangely calm. Cecilia cocked her head at her side.

"You don't seem to be bothered by this!" Cecilia commented. "I figured you would act the same way as Lin, or worse!"

"I don't blame you, especially since I couldn't find any after searching last time." Trish blurted out.

"WHAT!" Lin screamed.

Trish started laughing sheepishly. "Oops!"

Cecilia stared astonished at Trish, more out of the thought that she tricked her than playing a prank at Lin. "You knew there were no volumes here! Yet you still asked us to help you look for them!"

Trish shrugged. "Sorry, but I wanted to be sure to check every nook and cranny."

Surprisingly, Lin sighed out of exhaustion, instead of trying to pick a fight or at least, start an arguement. "Don't worry about it. Just remember next time to be honest when asking for help."

Cecilia and Trish stood in shock, staring at Lin. They never heard words of forgiveness and encouragement coming out of her mouth. Cecilia grinned out of pride, while Trish's face lit up.

"Thank you, Lin. I'm glad you undestood." Trish replied gratefully. "Well, anyway. If you find the next volume somewhere, would you mind bringing it back?" She gave Cecilia a green book. On the cover were four different crests with a young girl in the middle. The upper one was that of wind, known as Wing. The lower crest was that of earth called Geo. The left crest was water, Muse. And the right was fire, Fray. On the top read a title 'Witch Ep. I'.

Cecilia nodded, pocketing the book. Lin walked over to Cecilia and both of them made to the exit. Suddenly, Cecilia turn to Trish with an embarrassed look in her face.

"Oh, Trish. Have you seen Sister Mary or Master Anje?" Cecilia asked.

"I haven't seen Master Anje anywhere." Trish replied. Cecilia sighed with a frown. Lin walked over to Cecilia and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. However, Trish's face lit up. "But I heard Sister Mary was in her room!"

Cecilia thanked Trish and left the library. They passed through a huge courtyard. The center square was surrounded by four statues of maidens. Cecilia took a moment to enjoy the beauty of the place, with the birds singing and the wind blowing. She found it to be peaceful and enjoyable. Only to be hit in the head. Cecilia turned to see Lin frowning at her.

"What was that for, Lin?" Cecilia asked. She glared at Lin, who returned the glare.

Lin narrowed her eyes. "Because you're absentminded! We're going to see Sister Mary and all you're doing is admiring the scenery!"

"At least, I take the time to admire the scenery!" Cecilia sneered. "Unlike someone I know who's always too distracted to even see where she's going!"

Lin rolled her eyes. "Whatever! Let's just go and find Sister Mary!"

The two left the courtyard. They passed a hallway identical to the one in front of the library and entered a room. The room was very neat with a table besides the door, a bed in the corner and shelves close to the wall. In the middle of the room was a nun in a blue robe whose kind, aged face wearing glasses showed boundless wisdom. She greeted the two girls with a kind smile, like a mother that was happy to see her child.

"Hello, you two! What brings both of you here?" Sister Mary said, a warm smile in her face.

Cecilia frowned. She didn't know how to tell Sister Mary. Lin ignored Cecilia's expression and replied. "Well, the two of us were looking for you. It seems Cecilia wanted to speak with you about something."

"Hmm... Oh!" Sister Mary blinked, remembering something of importance. Cecilia looked down at her feet nervously. However, Lin looked confused at what was happening.

"Well, Cecilia, isn't your departure day near?" That caught Lin off-guard. Cecilia shifted her feet nervously.

"Didn't you know, Lin? Cecilia just turned 17. She'll be leaving us soon." Sister Mary explained.

Cecilia tapped her fingers nervously and stared at the floor. Lin scowled at Cecilia. "I can't believe you didn't tell me!"

"I was busy! And how could I mention that with was been happening to me?" Cecilia said defensively. "Besides, you know how absentminded I can be!"

"I guess you're right." Lin replied unconvinced. Sister Mary has been watching the conversation with interest. However, the elderly nun decided to intervene.

"Excuse me, Cecilia, but how are preparations going? Do you feel ready?" Sister Mary asked.

"Yes, Sister Mary. Thank you very much for all your kindness." Cecilia sighed. "But, there is one thing that I would like to ask you about... Lin, I want you to listen as well."

Lin looked curiously at Cecilia and nodded. Cecilia began explaining her dream to Sister Mary and Lin. She explained everything from the voice to it calling her Shaman. Lin listened to the story with interest while Sister Mary listened with a smirk. When Cecilia finished, Lin looked on amazed. However, Sister Mary was lost in thought.

Lin noticed this and attempted to talk to her. "Umm, Sister Mary? Are you all right?"

Sister Mary ignored Lin. Cecilia moved closer to Sister Mary and Lin. Suddenly, Sister Mary began to murmur some words.

"...Sealed library... Guardians shaman..." Cecilia raised an eyebrow while Lin shook her head, confused. Sister Mary opened her eyes and stared at Cecilia.

"I see, you had such a dream…" Sister Mary replied. Lin nodded in agreement, placing a hand on Cecilia's shoulder. Cecilia looked at Lin, then Sister Mary.

"Sister Mary, what should I do?" Cecilia asked pleadingly. "A sealed library... the voice which called me the Guardians' shaman... There's so much I don' t understand..." Cecilia put her hands on her head and shook it as if trying to wake herself up. "I'm so confused... Please guide me."

Sister Mary placed her hand on her shoulder comfortly. "It's easy to go wherever other people might direct you. But now you are an adult with much responsibility and so you will have to behave like one. You will have to chart your own course and then face whatever may happen along the way. For this reason, Cecilia, I will not give you any advice in regards to this revelation." Cecilia frowned. That wasn't the advice she was expecting. Lin, on the other hand, had an annoyed look in her face. Before Lin could complain, Sister Mary held her hand in the air.

"Please, Lin, don't interrupt." Lin looked wide-eyed in surprise. Sister Mary kept talking, ignoring Lin's reaction. "But you will be fine, Cecilia. There is nothing that you cannot overcome; just remember all that you learned at Curan Abbey."

"Yes, thank you, Sister Mary." Cecilia left the room with Lin in tow.

"Well, that didn't go well." Lin groaned. "How does that help you?"

Cecilia nodded. "Yes, I know. But I don't think we should worry at the moment."

"I guess you're right." Lin sighed. "By the way, where are we going now?"

"We're going to look for Master Anje. She must be in her room at this moment." With that, they left to look for Master Anje.

Inside a room in the abbey was a woman with light-gray hair tied in a small low bun wearing a dark-brown dress examining a round crystal globe over a table. She heard the door open and smiled as she saw two young women enter. A blonde girl in a light white-brown dress and the other one black haired in a longer blue school uniform with yellow sleeves. The two appeared to be arguing.

"I don't care what you say about that statue! There's nothing wrong with it!" Lin replied stubbornly.

Cecilia groaned. "And I keep telling you there's something strange about that statue! Most of the statues look at the center, but the top one looks at her right!"

Lin rolled her eyes. But before she could answer, a giggle was heard. "I never thought I'd hear both of you argue over something so trivial." Master Anje said, smiling amusingly.

The two laughed sheepishly. "Oh, hello, Master Anje."

"Hello, Lin. Cecilia." She greeted them with a warm smile. "You two appear to be healthy today. You have a very good timing, Cecilia."

Master Anje moved to the table. "I just finished the Layline device, or as I call it, the FLG."

"What does it do exactly?" Lin asked. Master Anje grinned, gesturing the girls to get closer to the table.

"This device measures the Guardians' power that flows in the layline veins through Filgaia. It should be able to observe the whole planet if it works as planned." Master Anje explained.

"So, its supposed to study the Guardians?"

"Yes, Lin, it does." Master Anje placed a finger on her head, racking her brain for anything else. She smiled, remembering something important. "It not only supports my study about Guardians, but it might solve the mystery of Filgaia's deterioration and reverse the process."

"Reverse Filgaia's deterioration? If that happened, many lives would be saved. I will pray for the Layline device to help you in this." Cecilia's expression changed to confusion. "But, Master Anje, what do you mean by good timing?"

Lin agreed with Cecilia. "And since we're asking questions, what does FLG stand for?"

Master Anje giggled. "First, FLG stands for Filgaia Lay Globe. Second, it's related to the Teardrop Cecilia possesses. I heard Sister Mary the Teardrop is a family heirloom that connects girls in Adlehyde's royal family to Guardians. I would like to observe the FLG while you use the Teardrop to connect with a Guardian's mind. If you are successful in connecting, it might affect the Layline. If this device observes a reaction to the connection between you and a Guardian, it will confirm that my device works."

Cecilia frowned. This was a big task and her mind was filled with doubt. "But, Master Anje... I have never heard of anyone actually communicating with Guardians just by wielding the Teardrop. I don't think I can meet your expectations..."

Master Anje gave Cecilia a warm smile. "Even if you fail, can you please try?"

Lin gave Master Anje a questioning look. "That doesn't make any sense. Would you please explain?"

Master Anje giggled. "What I'm saying is that I don't mind if it doesn't work, but if it does, I'd like to see if it affects the Layline."

Cecilia thought for a moment and nodded. "I understand, Master Anje. I will give it a try..."

Lin thought of complaining, but decided against it. She didn't want to convince Cecilia not do what she said. Cecilia got closer to the FLG. She searched her side pocket and pulled out a small, crystal blue, tear shaped stone. Cecilia closed her eyes and began to concentrate the Teardrop on the device. She bows her head to improve her focus, but a voice begins to speak to her.

"Shaman... Cecilia... Concentrate on the Teardrop..." Cecilia did what the voice said and the Teardrop shined a blue light. "In the sealed library... release me from the book of Nelgal..."

"The book of Nelgal?" Cecilia wondered. The voice continued, ignoring Cecilia's thoughts. "By your shaman's blood of royal descent... as the one who inherits the Teardrop... Release me..."

"Wait a minute? With the Teardrop, the voice is sent directly into my heart?"

"At the sealed library, release me..."

"Who are you! Please tell me... What can I do? What does the Teardrop do?" Cecilia begged.

"Cecilia...? What happened, Cecilia?" A voice familiar to Cecilia asked.

"Cecilia, wake up! Stop daydreaming so much!" A second voice replied annoyingly.

Cecilia felt herself shook out of her dream and was startled, only to find Master Anje trying to speak to her and Lin reprimanding her for worrying her to death.

"Oh, it's all right... You are awake now." Master Anje sighed. "At first I thought you had started to daydream, and then I was worried when I realized you weren't. Maybe I shouldn't have asked you to do this..."

"I'm OK..." Cecilia replied, pocketing the Teardrop. She turned to Lin, who looked worried.

"Are you sure, Cecilia?" Lin asked, not entirely convinced.

"Yes, I'm sure." Cecilia replied, stubbornly. "But it felt like with the help of the Teardrop, I was able to sense this mysterious voice..."

"Teardrop...?" Master Anje pressed her fist against her cheek. "The glow of the Teardrop caused the Layline observation machine to react. Perhaps the Teardrop you wear is tied to Layline origins."

"W-wait, are you saying?" Lin stammered. Cecilia stared at Master Anje wide-eyed. The elderly scholar rested her hand.

"This voice you heard..." Master Anje stopped for a moment, smiling at the suspense, before continuing. "... might be a Guardian."

"Are you serious?" Cecilia could hardly believe it. Lin was too stunned for words.

"This machine observes the Layline..." Master Anje giggled with a smile. "In other words, this device may be able to sense the power of the Guardians."

Cecilia got excited. She couldn't believe that a Guardian was calling her. While she talked excitedly with Lin, Anje reached to her back pocket, withdrawing something.

Master Anje coughed, getting the girls attention. "Anyway, it appears I was correct with my little experiment. Thank you for cooperating." She handed Cecilia a strange device. It was a small, yellow device.

"What is this thing?" Cecilia inspected it, but when she motioned her hand to the Layline device, a yellow circle marked it.

"It is called the Target Tool. It uses yellow layline energy to mark any distinctive object with any trace of layline energy on it." Master Anje explained.

Cecilia thanked her and left. In the hallway, Cecilia breathed out a sigh of relief. Lin, however, was still surprised by everything she heard.

Cecilia grinned. "I'm glad I wasn't dreaming. Now if I could find out where this sealed library is?"

"Well, we could ask Peleira." Lin suggested. "She has the scoop on everything in the abbey."

Cecilia nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's go."

Cecilia entered a room, which was issued to everyone who stayed in the abbey to study, was a girl waround Cecilia's age with light-brown hair. The girl turned around to see Cecilia and Lin, and smiled.

"Hey, you two. What brings you here? Need the scoop on something?" The girl greeted.

"Hey, Peleira. We were wondering if you heard anything about a sealed library?" Lin replied to the point.

"A sealed library?" Cecilia nodded. "I heard about it, but it's not a scoop. I heard it is one of Curan Abbey's seven wonderful secrets."

"Anything that you can tell us about it would be of great help." Cecilia grinned.

"Okay, just don't daydream again." Peleira joked. "If memory serves me right, the story is..."

Peleira coughed. " ''Stand before the holy woman who guards the door and raise the light of life. Then the way will be open...'' But this story is a lie!"

"What do you mean when you say it's a lie?" Lin asked. Peleira looked annoyed at Lin. "Exactly what I mean, Lin."

"Please explain." Cecilia asked.

"Well, I threw a lamp at the holy woman statue, and it didn't show any reaction!" Peleira explained.

"That's because the story says to raise the light of life! Not throw the light of life!" Lin explained.

Peleira laughed sheepishly. "I didn't know that." Lin gave her a smug look.

"It's alright, Peleira. People make mistakes." Cecilia consoled her.

Peleira shrugged. "Don't worry. I tried raising the lamp first and it didn't work either."

Now it was Peleira's turn to grin. Lin was shocked that she was tricked. Cecilia giggled, earning a glare from Lin.

"Maybe a different sort of light would make it work." Peleira suggested.

Cecilia thought for a moment and smiled. "Thank you for your help, Peleira."

"Think nothing of it." Cecilia left for the courtyard with Lin in tow.

Cecilia stood in front of the holy statue in the middle of the courtyard. Cecilia took the time to stare at the statue while waiting for Lin. Her mind wandered. Would her plan really work? And wha t happened to Lin? As soon as Cecilia thought the last question, Lin appeared, panting and catching her breath. She looked at Cecilia as if she was out of her mind.

"What's wrong with you?" Lin complained. "Couldn't you wait up?"

Cecilia laughed sheepishly. "Sorry! I couldn't help it!" She turned to the statue. "I think I know how to open the sealed library."

Lin raised an eyebrow. "This should be good. Please explain."

Cecilia giggled. "I'll do you one better. I'll show you." Lin looked confused. Cecilia brought out the Teardrop and concentrated it on the statue. The statue resonated with the Teardrop, causing it to shine. Lin turned to where the statue was facing and sees a door open to the west.

"I see! The light from the Teardrop resonated with the statue, opening the door." Lin realized. "I always wondered why that door never opened in the first place."

"Let's go." Cecilia replied. Both of them walked through the recently opened door. The room looked like it was used for storage with shelves filled with boxes. Except on the right side of the room, which had an engraving of a huge, light-blue tear.

"This is where the sealed library is hidden?" Lin said in disappointment. "Inside an old, banged up storage room that was closed by a statue?"

Cecilia nodded. "Looks like it." She inspected the tear relief on the wall. "I wonder if this is the entrance?"

"You might have a point. That relief looks like the Teardrop." Lin agreed.

"Lin, stay here to keep an eye on anyone coming here. I'm going alone." Cecilia said.

"Are you crazy? I can't let you go alone." Lin complained.

"I have to go alone! It's like Sister Mary said, I have to chart my own course and face whatever may happen along the way." Cecilia explained.

Lin sighed. "Are you sure, Cecilia?" Cecilia nodded. "Might as well let you. You're getting as stubborn as you are absentminded."

Cecilia smiled. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

Lin took Cecilia's right hand and gave her some small berries. "Here, this is for you."

"These are Heal Berries!" Cecilia said, astonished. "Lin, I don't know what to say."

Lin waved her hand. "Just take care and come back safely. If you need me, I'll be in our room with Dinah."

Cecilia nodded. Lin left the room as Cecilia used the Teardrop and teleports to the sealed library. The inside looked more like a ruin than a library being lit by torches. When Cecilia appeared, she found herself on a ledge facing an unlit torch. Besides her was a winding staircase. At the bottom, she found a chest on her left and a door at her right. She opened the chest and found a long, red staff with a shining ruby gem at the top. Cecilia smiled, remembering what she learned in the abbey about this particular staff.

"The Tinder Staff. I heard it could emit fire. It could be useful for lighting torches and melting ice." Cecilia then remembered the unlit torch. She went back up the stairs and used the Tinder Staff. A stream of fire came out of the staff, igniting the torch. Cecilia heard a sound and turned around to see the door open. Cecilia ran down the stairs again and went through the door.

She appeared on a ledge overlooking a room with a ladder and a door on each side. Cecilia went down the ladder to find herself in an alcove. She noticed two statues on each side and a stairway that ended at the door at the front. Cecilia made several attempts at climbing out of the alcove, each attempt faililng miserably.

"Well, it looks like I'm going to have to find another way to get in." Cecilia thought. She went back up the ladder and took the door to her left. Inside this room was another chest, which Cecilia opened to find two Heal Berries. She returned to the room and went through the other door.

Cecilia walked down the hallway, when she was attacked all of a sudden. Cecilia leaped back and avoided the attack. Cecilia looked at her attacker and gasped. It was a small, insect-like creature covered in spines with four orange eyes, four paws and a small, round mouth. It made a small, menacing shriek at Cecilia. Cecilia brought out her weapon, a long, golden staff and took a defensive position. The creature began with a Thorny attack, lunging at Cecilia with its spiny back. Cecilia sidestepped to the left and began to wave her left hand. The creature stared at Cecilia in confusion. A bright, red glow gathered around Cecilia as she waved her left hand and a symbol flashed from it. Cecilia aimed her staff at the monster and fire erupted from its surroundings, burning the creature. It shrieked in pain from Cecilia's spell and made another lunge at her. Cecilia blocked the attack and pushed the creature back. It made another lunge at Cecilia, but this time she was ready. Cecilia steadied herself and dogded its attack. The creature turned around and saw its opponent already waving her left hand. The creature made a desperate attempt at using its Stealthy maneuver to escape, but it didn't work. Cecilia aimed her staff at the small monster and burn it to ashes. Cecilia dropped to the floor, regaining her breath.

"That was a Pillbug!" Cecilia realized. "What are monsters doing here?" Cecilia remembered there was no one with her and kept moving on.

The next room contained stairs leading to a ledge with unlit torches at the wall and a locked door opposite to her. Cecilia climbed up the stairs and looked at the torches. Cecilia remembered the torch from earlier and lit the torch with the Tinder Staff.She did the same with the torch to her right. But when Cecilia lit the torch to her left, Cecilia saw that the torch she first ignited went out. Cecilia re-ignited the first torch, only for the second one to go out as well. This was how it went for Cecilia, lighting the torches, only for one to go out when she lights the third one. After a while, Cecilia got frustrated and turned while lighting the torch on her left. Amazingly, the flames from the Tinder Staff moved in a wave instead of ceasing. Cecilia saw this and repeated this, lighting the last two torches. Cecilia heard the door open and left the room.

Cecilia passed through another hallway uneventfully and entered the next room. It had two ledges, one in a crescent form, so high that Cecilia couldn't see what was on top of them. She shrugged and walked to the door, only to find it locked. "Great! I have to light more torches!" Cecilia complained. She turned around and found a ladder to her right. She climbed up the ladder and saw five torches on the opposite ledge to her left. Cecilia looked to her right and found a door on the same ledge as her and went through it. Inside, she found five torches with the center torch, the leftmost torch and the rightmost torch lit and a tablet under the center torch. It had an inscription, saying: Light up the ends. Light up the center. But only three, then you may enter. Cecilia read it and left the room, confused.

Back at the ledge, Cecilia took another look at the torches on the opposite ledge. It reminded her of the torches she just saw, except the ones on the ends and the center were lit. That also reminded her of the inscription and she smiled. With her Tinder Staff, she lit the torches in the center and the ends, and the door in the floor opened. Cecilia went down the ladder and left the room.

She found herself on another hallway with a staircase and went through it uneventfully. The room Cecilia entered was similar to the first torch room, except there were five torches instead of three. She stood on the ledge, spun her Tinder Staff in the air and tapped it hard on the floor. Waves of flames shot out of the Tinder Staff and lit the five torches, opening the door.

Cecilia walked down the stairs and stumbled onto the floor. "I must've used more magic than I thought. I'm going to have to rest for a while." She sat on the nearest wall and started to rest for a while.

Meanwhile...

Lin was waiting in the bedroom, which she shared with Cecilia, with the Abbey's Memory Bird, who was called Dinah. The latter stared at Lin with a quizzical look.

"Worried about Cecilia, are we?" Dinah asked amusingly.

Lin glared at the Memory Bird with an insulted look. "No, I'm just worried about my next test in the Filgaian History class! Of course I'm worried about Cecilia!"

"Calm down, Lin. I understand what you're going through."

"Really?" Dinah nodded. "How so?"

"When Cecilia's mother left for the library, Mary was behaving almost the same way as you were."

"Hey!" Lin retorted. Dinah ignored Lin's retort. "Mary decided to wait near the entrance, since this was something Cecilia's mother had to do."

"How did she know everything was going to be fine? Wasn't she worried?" Lin kept asking.

Dinah lift a wing in the air. "Because she had faith. Mary knew her friend was going to be alright because she had faith in her. All you need is to have faith in Cecilia."

Lin smiled. "You're right, Dinah. I'm gonna go keep a watch at the entrance. Thanks for everything, Dinah."

"It was nothing." She waved goodbye to Lin, who left the room, and smiled to herself. "After all, it's not like Cecilia is going to regret not asking Lin for help."

Back at the library...

"I can't believe I didn't ask Lin for help! I could sure use it!" Cecilia said as she avoided the thorns of another Pillbug. She was resting for a short while, before continuing her trek through the library. While in another hallway, she was surprised by another Pillbug. Cecilia received a cut in her left shoulder. In retaliation, she used a fire spell at the monster, burning only it's left side. It shrieked in pain. Cecilia took advantage of this by casting a healing spell on her shoulder. Which led to the situation she was in. The monster made another attempt at Cecilia, but she swatted the Pillbug away with her staff. The Pillbug opened it's eyes and the last thing it saw was a huge flame consume it's very being to ashes. Cecilia panted for a moment and continued on her way.

Cecilia gasped when she entered this room, for it was the same area she couldn't access earlier. "I can't believe it! I went in a full circle!" Cecilia said frustrated. She took a closer look and saw a statue similar to the one in the courtyard. Smiling, she brought out the Teardrop and prayed. The statue, resonating with the Teardrop, lowered the wall behind Cecilia. She turned around and walked over the lowered wall to a second statue. Cecilia repeated the same process with the second statue and lowered the second wall. Before walking up the steps leaving the room, she saw a door behind the statue andtried to go through it.

However, she attempted to open the door, but couldn't. A closer look revealed a crest seal on the door itself.

"The lock is made of powerful magic," Cecilia stated. "It looks like I won't be able to open it at the moment."

Cecilia went up the steps to the next room. She found herself in a small room with a handle in the middle and a ladder on the wall behind the handle. Looking around the room, she saw three ledges, two which were inaccessible. Cecilia walked up to the handle and gripped it. She shook it a bit and saw a small movement in the ladder.

"This handle seems to control the ladder," Cecilia remarked. "I wonder if I could use it to reach those side ledges?"

She turned the handle counterclockwise, which caused the ladder to move to the left and settled on the left ledge. On that ledge, Cecilia found a chest and opened it to find three hundred Gella.

"This much Gella is the closest I ever had to an allowance!" Pocketing the Gella, she returned the handle and turned it clockwise twice, which moved the ladder to it's original position and settled it on the right ledge. Cecilia found another chest, this time containing a Gimel Coin.

She returned to the handle and turned it, returning the ladder into it's original position and climbing it. On the center ledge, Cecilia found bookshelves lined up on the wall with another handle in the middle and a ladder at the center of the wall.

"I can finally see why it's called the Sealed Library." Cecilia said. She began to go through each shelf and reading every book in hopes of finding a Guardian.

In the Abbey...

Lin came out of the storage room that served as the entrance to the Sealed Library. She took a peek around the courtyard to make sure no one was there. After making sure no one was there, she started right through the courtyard.

"Might as well go to the kitchen for some of Logan's famous Chow Mein." Lin said to herself.

"What are you doing, Lin?" A voice asked.

Lin frozed, she recognized that voice. "It can't be!" She slowly turned around and there was Sister Mary standing right behind her. "Hello, Sister Mary."

"Hello, Lin. Where is Cecilia?" Sister Mary asked.

"There's an easy explanation for this." Lin quickly tried to think up an excuse.

However, Sister Mary seemed to know the answer. "She's still inside the Sealed Library, isn't she?"

"H-how did you... I mean you..." Lin stammered.

"I knew all along what Cecilia was talking about." Sister Mary answered.

"Then why didn't you just tell her what she wanted to know in the first place?" Lin complained.

"Because it was time she learned to deal with her problems on her own." Sister Mary replied.

"Then what was I supposed to do? Leave her to get herself killed?" Lin asked histerically.

"You're supposed to have faith in her. Besides, it was time for Cecilia to truly become an adult." Sister Mary replied.

"Oh. I see." Lin said disappointingly.

"Don't worry. You and I will wait for Cecilia right here in the courtyard." Sister Mary assured her.

Lin nodded in agreement. " Besides it's not like anyone has ever gotten into trouble for reading a book."

Back in the library...

Cecilia has read many books in the past hour. Some books like ''Property and its Meaning'', ''Guardian Belief Heresies'' and ''First Wanderer'' only had theories and different points of view written in them. Others like ''Book of Genesis'', ''World's Lifeline'', ''Abandoned World'' and ''Infinite Sequence System'' offered a much more scientific view on Filgaia. The books that caught her attention were ''Lost Guardian'' and ''Guardian of Filgaia''. Both books answered some questions to Cecilia, but raised many others. Right now, she was reading a book she just found called ''Book of Destruction''. It was about the Guardian Blade, a sword of great power that was used to defend Filgaia, but also brought great destruction. Cecilia noticed the words ''Guardian Blade'' were in a different color and tone. Keeping the words in mind, she got up from the table she was reading and climbed the ladder. At the top, she saw a plaque in the center. She read the following engraving.

"I'm the alpha and omega... Past and future united... The future is made by my edge... Speak my name and remember the loathsome history..."Cecilia was confused. "Its asking for a name. Is it some sort of password?"

"And what did it mean by loathsome history?" Cecilia wondered. "Of course, history is normally written in books. And by loathsome, it means something terrible and destructive must've happened."

She recalled the ''Book of Destruction'' she just read and remembered the words. Cecilia placed her hand on the plaque. "You are the Guardian Blade." The plaque glowed and Cec heard the sound of a door opening behind the wall of the ledges. She climbed down the ladder and tried to get to the handle. However, she heard a sound coming from one of the bookshelves. Cecilia went to investigate and found the location of the sound. Suddenly, two blue books flew out of the shelves.

Cecilia brought out her staff and casted a fire spell on one of the books. It was incenirated into ashes. The surviving book prepared a spell of its own. Cecilia looked at her surroundings, noticing a blue aura on the floor. She involuntarily shivered as the book's freeze spell took its effect on Cecilia, an ice pillar rising from the ground and encasing Cecilia inside it momentarily before breaking into pieces, leaving her cold and weak. Cecilia healed herself and used a fire spell on the book, burning it into ashes.

Panting from the battle, Cecilia reached the handle, turned it counterclockwise, moving the ladder to the left and climbed it. Collecting the VIT gems on the way, she made her way to the unlocked door.

The last room was different. It looked more like an office than any part of the library. It had a desk in the center, bookshelves on the side walls and behind the desk on the back wall in between the two torches was a portrait of a nun. However, what caught Cecilia's attention was a strange book on the desk, which she picked up, opening it to a random page and reading it.

"...Book of Nelgal?" Cecilia asked herself. "When was this book written..."

She flipped a few pages, reading the book. "It seems to be about an old monster who was born from magic and consumes magical power. I think I've heard of it before."

Cecilia thought for a moment then gasped. "It's Nelgal!"

Suddenly there was a flash. The pages started moving on their own. Cecilia jumped back from the book.

"Are you seeking wisdom for power?" The book spoke, asking Cecilia. The latter stared in shock as the book began speaking again. "Or are you the one who heard the wisper of water...?"

Cecilia was too shocked to answer. The Book of Nelgal ignored her. "No matter which one you are. Read this as a book written by dark forces."

"D-dark forces?" Cecilia repeated.

"Everything is Nelgal's flesh and blood!" The book screamed as it transformed into a monster that's bigger than Cecilia. It had pale gray skin with yellow eyes, sharp teeth, two long horns growing from its eyebrows, big muscles and long bright orange hair. Cecilia finally recovered from her shock and brandished her staff, assuming a defensive position.

She stared at the monster and knew what it was. "You're Nelgal, aren't you?"

Nelgal chuckled. "That I am."

Cecilia glared at the monstrous Nelgal. "What is it that you exactly want?"

Nelgal sniffed at Cecilia's direction. "As a human being, you radiate magical power..."

Cecilia raised an eyebrow, not letting her guard down. "What do you mean?"

"Nelgal deems you worthy of consumption." Nelgal simply said.

Cecilia couldn't believe it. She was called to travel a dangerous library that was sealed away just for her to be eaten by a monster born of magic.

"You're the voice that's been calling me!" She blurted out. Nelgal seemed confused at Cecilia's blurting. However, Cecilia recovered from her thoughts and felt a desire to kill and destroy. A desire that came from Nelgal's direction.

"No, I only feel sinister thoughts from you!" Cecilia said.

On the other hand, Nelgal was muttering to itself. "Hear the water whispering?" Nelgal gave a vicious grin at Cecilia.

"Convince me of your power if you are the shaman." Nelgal stated.

Cecilia was confused at Nelgal's statement. "The whisper of water? ...Shaman?"

Nelgal's vicious grin grew wider. "...If you would like to hear the voice, you should defeat me and see. The whisper of water is there!"

The battle started with Nelgal charging at Cecilia. The monster crashed its arm down on her, but Cecilia avoided the attack. She casted a fire spell at Nelgal. However, the spell barely zinged it.

Nelgal laughed. "Foolsh girl. Fire cannot harm Nelgal for it was born from flames."

"That's the only attack spell I have." Cecilia said. "What should I do?"

Her thinking was cut short as Nelgal scooped her to the air, grabbed her and threw her at the wall. Cecilia got up, grimacing in excrutiating pain and casted a healing spell to cure her injuries and make the pain more bearable for her. Nelgal charged again, thrusting its fist at her. She dogded the attack and the fist hit the wall instead. Nelgal tried to retrieve its fist, but found itself stuck. Cecilia took advantage of the opportunity and swung her staff at the monster's neck. Shrieking in pain, Nelgal backhanded Cecilia with its remaining arm and freed its other arm. She got up and saw Nelgal glaring at her with hateful eyes.

"Foolish child! Now you shall witness the true power of Nelgal!" Nelgal screamed with rage.

The monster hunched over then with chest out and arms wide roared. "Curtail Image!"

A flash of light appeared, reflecting three shadows around Nelgal, one behind him and one on each side. From those shadows appeared three smaller versions of Nelgal, also known as Nelgal Clones.

Cecilia looked hopelessly at the situation. "One Nelgal was bad enough. Now I have to face four? What can I do?"

A voice suddenly appeared. "Shaman... Cecilia... listen to me... release... Guardian's power..."

"Its that voice again. And what does it mean by releasing the Guardian's power?" Cecilia asked. A small flash of light appeared and on Cecilia's left hand was a stone slab with the etching of a turtle on it.

"Use the medium and call upon me." The voice explained. Before Cecilia could ask any questions, half of her body was suddenly covered in a blue glowing light. "Use your Force Power. Call upon your awakened Force Ability and summon me. I shall take care of the rest."

Nelgal, who's been watching Cecilia intently, saw the accumulated Force Power and jumped back. "No, you carry the Aqua Wisp. You truly are the shaman."

Cecilia remembered Nelgal, who attempted to charge at her with his clones. Cecilia concentrated her Force Power on her staff, levitated the medium, spun her staff and tapped the medium with it, her Force Power being transferred to it.

"Assault Tide!" Cecilia screamed, before disappearing. In her place came the ocean and under the water appeared a giant, blue turtle. The turtle swam few strokes before stopping. It opened its shell and, with the force and pressure of the water, burst straight towards Nelgal and his clones. The force of the water was so strong that it sliced Nelgal and his clones. The water disappeared and Nelgal was still standing, but not for long. Nelgal began to dissolve away along with his clones. Nelgal shrieked one last time before exploding into a huge blinding flash, consuming his clones in the process. When the explosion cleared, only the Book of Nelgal remained. Suddenly, the book is consumed by a purple light and emiting a flash. Cecilia took several steps back in hopes of escaping the flash. The flash glowed so bright that at last Cecilia had to cover her eyes.

"...Shaman... The Guardian's Shaman, Cecilia... I appreciate that you listened to my whisper... Please release me..." The voice spoke.

"Its that voice again." Cecilia opens her eyes and finds herself back in the dream-like world with the blue light in front of her. "The voice... calling me... Who are you?"

"I am the Guardian who rules water, Schtudark... Long ago, I was captured and imprisoned in a book by Nelgal's magical power... Shaman... I have longed for you to listen to my whisper..." The light known as Schtudark explained.

"...Shaman... Why do you call me a shaman?" Cecilia asked.

"Because you are the one who can understand our spirit and change it to power... Our shaman, inheritor of the Teardrop... After this long period of time, Filgaia is about to be enveloped in darkness. Shaman, can you hear it in your mind? The sorrow of the sky and ocean... The anger of earth and wind..." Schtudark explained.

Cecilia closed her eyes and places her hands over her heart. She could feel the pain, anger and sorrow coursing in the Layline netwok throughout Filgaia.

Cecilia opened her eyes. "...Yes, I can... I can hear... the Teardrop... connecting me to those voices..."

"Shaman, unite us... Use our power to fight the steel menace, which threatens all life in this world. The battle for sky and earth is about to begin once more... The gate to death 'Lolithia' will be opened, a messenger of armageddon will appear, but don't give in. You must defeat it... That is your mission..." Schtudark said before the light flashed. Cecilia found herself back in the room. Startled, she looked around and found no sign of the book. Cecilia looks at her hand and finds herself holding the medium she obtained earlier. On the floor were four blue gems and a small cube where the book was placed. Cecilia pocketed the items and left.

The trek through the library was uneventful. However, when Cecilia appeared back out in the courtyard, she was surprised. She expected to see an impatient Lin ready scold her. Instead, Lin was calm, greeting Cecilia with a smile and Sister Mary was beside her, eagerly awaiting Cecilia herself. "Welcome back, Cecilia."

"Sister Mary? Did you know?" Cecilia asked as she approached the nun.

"Yes, I knew... I know everything. I know that you are carrying something very heavy, too." Sister Mary replied.

"...Sister..." Cecilia murmured.

Lin frowned. "What exactly do you mean, Sister Mary?"

"I believe that Cecilia will have to face many trials if she is led by the Teardrop." Sister Mary answered clearly.

"Then why am I called a shaman?" Cecilia asked.

"Because the women of the Adlehyde royal family are born shamans; those who can commune with the Guardians of this world. And, they are often faced with the hard and difficult path of destiny..." Sister Mary explained.

Cecilia closed her eyes. "...Yes. But, even though, I'm..."

Sister Mary interjected. "Yes, I know you are always trying to be strong..."

"Don't worry, Cecilia. I'm here for you and so is Sister Mary." Lin said.

"Yes, Cecilia. No one can do your suffering for you, but friends can most definitely help to lighten the load." Sister Mary said, staring at Lin.

"I'm there for you, Cecilia. Just as you would be there for me." Lin commented.

"Cecilia... Find friends who can share the burden of your destiny like Lin. And perhaps you will reduce their burdens, as well..." Sister Mary said.

Cecilia looked down. "Friends... yes... you are right... But I am ... ...a princess of Adlehyde... Even if I consider them friends, will they do the same and consider me theirs?"

Lin coughed. "What about me, Cecilia?"

"You are an exception, Lin. Please tell me, Sister. Is it even possible to find friends that would accept someone like me? Friends that are as wonderful as Lin?" Cecilia asked.

"Well, we will see. Friends are not something you make, but rather something you discover. Your mother was born in Adlehyde, and she was able to find wonderful friends here at Curan Abbey." Sister Mary winked at Cecilia.

The three females erupt into chuckling at Sister Mary's little joke. After a few minutes, the three stopped chuckling and Sister Mary puts her hand on Cecilia's shoulder.

"Always remember to smile and... have faith in yourself! Everyone else who knows you places their faith in you easily." Sister Mary encouraged Cecilia.

Cecilia frowned. " Yes, but still... I am a..."

Sister Mary took Cecilia's hands. " You are a princess of Adlehyde, but first and foremost, you are your own person. There are many dictates and duties, but in the end you alone choose your life. Do you understand?"

Cecilia nodded. "Yes... I think I'm ready..."

"Cecilia, wait for me at the entrance. I need to look for something in our room." Lin hurriedly said as she ran out of the courtyard in the direction to the dorms.

In the dorms...

Dinah was napping peacefully on her perch, dreaming of Cecilia's safe return and that life was in the Abbey was the same. However, when Lin burst through the door, Dinah woke up abruptly.

"Lin! What do you're doing making that racket?" Dinah asked startled.

"I'm looking for something important!" Lin replied.

"What would it be and what is it for?" Dinah asked curiously.

Lin began rummaging through her own belongings. "A gift for Cecilia. "

"She's back already?" Dinah asked surprised.

Lin nodded. "Yeah, but she is getting ready to leave for Adlehyde. As such, I'm looking for something special I've been saving for her."

"Hmm. I see the time has finally come for Cecilia to leave." Dinah mused.

Lin groaned. "Where is that stupid thing?"

"Calm down, Lin. I'm sure you will find it." Dinah replied.

Lin snapped her fingers. "Of course. I hid it under the bed." She crawled under her bed and found a box.

Lin grinned. "I've got to go meet with Cecilia."

Dinah coughed. "Aren't you forgetting something, Lin?" The Memory Bird pointed her wing at the mess Lin made.

Lin laughed sheepishly. "Oops. Better clean that mess up fast." She began to tidy up the mess she made.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Abbey...

Cecilia was making her way to the entrance, when she stopped and saw many of her classmates before the entrance itself.

"Everyone..." Cecilia said, surprised.

"I knew that you would have to return to Adlehyde's castle when you turned seventeen years old... But I didn't know that was today!" Peleira said, shocked.

Cecilia laughed sheepishly. "I'm sorry... I was being absentminded as usual..."

All of Cecilia's classmates groaned, she was apparently known for being absentminded. Trish stepped forward with a frown. "Do you have to return so soon?"

Cecilia closed her eyes briefly, thinking momentarily about Lin and what Sister Mary told her earlier. She opened her eyes and nodded.

Holly sighed, then smiled, putting her hands on her hips. "Well, even though you weren't here long... I'm glad I got to know you. I'll miss you. We all will."

All of the girls crowd around Cecilia.

A few minutes later...

Lin ran through the hallways and arrived at the entrance. She saw many of her classmates, but Cecilia was nowhere in sight.

"Has anyone seen Cecilia?" Lin asked.

"Oh, Lin! Cecilia just left!" Trish replied.

Lin couldn't believe it. She was too late. Cecilia had already left. "No! I told her to wait for me here! Now I can't give it to her!"

Holly frowned. "BTW, where were you, Lin?"

"..." Lin didn't answer. She was too sad to pay attention. The expression on her face told her classmates that she wasn't in the mood to talk.

"Maybe we should leave Lin alone for a while." Peleira suggested. The other classmates, except Lin, agreed and left through the right doorway. However, standing in the left doorway was Sister Mary staring at Lin.

"By heading the Guardians' call, Cecilia joined the great wheel of destiny as it turns torward the unforeseen future. Everyone starts off by following, but eventually there comes a time when everyone must choose their own path. The path that Cecilia has chosen by answering the Guardians' call will be fraught with danger." Sister Mary thought. Lin sat down and began to cry at the thought of never seeing her best friend again.

"Will you find your way through, Cecilia?" Sister Mary whispered and left, leaving Lin to cry alone, tears streaming down her face and onto the frame she had in her hands.