A/N: Chapter's here! I was intrigued by a specific entry in Daniel's diary, the one that you find (I think) around the Cistern area. I enjoyed working on this one; I came up with the idea today, and listening to Hans Zimmer and Mike Oldfield do the trick, like, too much xDDD I hope you enjoy this one and to celebrate the 20th chapter after a long time since the story's posting, I'll get a special chapter inside. Look out for that one!

Disclaimer: Apply the usual here; copyright goes to Frictional Games.
PS: I'm SO getting the OST when it comes out...

XIX

The Guardian

I was tense, looking all around the Inner Sanctum with apprehension.

I was well aware of what Alexander planned to do with the Orb and even though I kept telling myself to calm down, I felt as a tiny mouse before an open-mouthed viper. The Shadow was the guardian of the Orb; if its power was used, the Shadow would come for the user. And even if that hadn't been the situation, the guardian would still come. Now, it was coming for me, and I was afraid that it wouldn't turn out as Alexander had planned.

In my anxiety, I couldn't help taking solace in Alexander's calm demeanour, but I nevertheless wondered how it was that he wasn't rattled. Just by what he explained to me about the Shadow, I assumed he'd seen one of those Orbs before and its guardian, so it was natural that he was experienced, but it was still unsettling. The Orb rested on his hands covered in cloth, and as if on cue, when I swallowed one last time, Alexander removed the cloth.

I was suddenly blinded by a fiery blue light, which was coming from the Orb, and then my head was spinning. It was the same as Algeria: I found myself in a whirlpool of images and sensations, and it was like it was reserved for my mind alone, as if the Orb was trying to show me something. I don't know if Alexander was also affected, but I could not but marvel at the visions. It was like an open book, information overflowing in rivers, and a small smile tugged at my lips. It was marvellous.

But as people say, genius resides in madness.

It was then that the roar came. I was paralyzed in fear. I watched how the walls became covered in red tissue all over, like a net quickly building all around us. It pulsated as the light became more intense, fierier, and my fear transformed into panic. It was the first time I had felt so scared. It wasn't entirely because of the Shadow or the light, but of the pain that seized my head. The images were still flashing through my mind, and I could feel it like a box stuffed up to its brim with contents: I couldn't hold it anymore.

No physical pain will ever compare to the one I felt back then, and I could not help screaming out. Alexander quickly hid the Orb again, and the Shadow withdrew. I didn't even notice that: I was down on all fours, shaking like a leaf, tears welling up in my eyes. I was in a state of pure, raw shock. I hadn't even imagined that provoking the Shadow like that would trigger something as searing as the pain that coursed through me.

"Daniel!"

As sensitive I was, I jumped back as Alexander's voice suddenly came booming. It was as if minutes before, I'd gone deaf. It took me some time to regain my wind and wits; when I did, I looked back up at Alexander.

"You're much more affected that I originally foresaw," he said, helping me up. I'm sure he noticed my shaky legs.

"If that's supposed to be criticism, then I accept it," I replied, averting my gaze. "I've never dealt with this before, that much I can say in my defence. On the other hand… my mind's not unscathed."

"Hm… This is bad news: the Shadow's closer than I thought."

My heart began racing; I could even feel it in my ears. "Oh God…" I raked a hand through my hair, turning away from the baron, my stomach lurching. Even though I was not meant to panic, even though I knew Alexander was there to help me, I could already feel Death's cold grip around my neck.

"There are certain warding rituals that will work to fend off the Shadow," Alexander continued. I was about to face him, but I thought it twice. If that was what would work, then I was determined to save my life. Eventually, after a moment of silence, I turned, my head ducked, and hesitantly met Alexander's gaze.

"Didn't you see it?" I asked, my voice thin.

The baron cocked an eyebrow. "You should've seen it, too. It did make quite the grand entrance."

"I'm not talking about the Shadow," I said, shaking my head. "I've felt everything I did back in Algeria, when I first found the Orb. There was… so many information flooding my mind, visions flashing in front of me; it was… simply astounding, though today I haven't been able to hold it anymore. It's just that it unsettles me. To think that there's something like all that hidden inside that Orb…"

"I have seen something like that, but I suppose not as much as you have," Alexander spoke with a nod. He started for the door and with his hand upon it, he then said, "I recommend you get ready for the rituals, Daniel. We will start tomorrow, agreed?"

What other choice did I have?

"Very well."

The next day, that pain became something worse.

Reviews are appreciated! And people, we WILL get to the 50 chapters.