Chapter 16

"You should wake up now."

Miran's head was pounding as he rose from the bed at the voice's command. He was back in the room he kept waking up in. The owner of the voice was to his left and instinctively he sent out a beam of Light. He knew it wouldn't harm the person, just restrict their movements until he could collect his thoughts.

"Refrain from using your powers in such ridiculous ways, they are already too low as it is."

A woman sat primly in a dark seat that faced his bed. Her polished copper hair shone in the daylight that brought out the red and orange tones in it even in the . Her tanned skin was made even more so by the black dress she had on. It was as stiff as the woman who wore it. Her posture was straight, her back never touching the chair. Held back in a conservative updo, her hair gave her a strict look. A string of gold twirled around her fingers. She stroked it as one would a furry pet.

"I am the spirit of Light, so do not waste my time asking."

A spirit? Impossible. Every record the Isle had on the ancient spirits ascertained that no physical form of the spirits remained. Only small pieces of their powers and consciousness could be found in every the realms. The Sages had sent out researchers to investigate on countless of sightings but most of them proved to be misinformed. The biggest fragment ever found was that of the Air spirit and that had only been as big as a his thumb.

"It was also impossible for a Light Guardian to exist but here you are and yes, I can hear your thoughts."

Then why are you here?

" Someone needs to teach you how to handle your energy, otherwise you will die sooner than I thought."

The spirit seemed more interested in the golden strand that wound around her arm and tugged as if needing her attention.

"You can have this back, be careful were you point it next time."

The string detached itself from the spirit and became a beam of Light once more aimed straight for Miran. The energy was refined and the force with which it entered his body, shook him until he lost his bearings once more. Whether it was his head or the room spinning, Miran couldn't tell. He heard a bang but wasn't sure what it was exactly.

"Miran, it is good to see that you are finally awake. We need to talk."

Serena. She stood next to the door, her arms behind her back. In her official white silk robes, she was back to her role as a lady-in-waiting to the Matriarch. He didn't need a psychic to know what they were going to talk about.

"For the sake of the Isle, I think it is better for you to just go back home."

Her eyes were yet to meet his. They roamed all around the room before staring at the spot Serena was standing on. She didn't acknowledge the spirit sitting beside him.

"It was an honor to have you here with me on my first case but I can't allow you to risk your well-being anymore. The future of the Isle depends on you and that is why I have decided to transfer the case to another team.

A doorway will be opened after the Sage finishes checking up on Reyna. He has insisted that you be present for it. Come to the study when you are done."

Serena was gone even before he could react to what she said. She hadn't mentioned the Light spirit next to him, whose presence was too powerful to be ignored. Could it be that Serena wasn't able to see her?

"Took you long enough. In this form, only you can see me. Even Aqua's tears, as clear as they were, can't see what is hidden in Light."

Her words were laced in nostalgia, her eyes still on the spot were Serena had been standing. The memory of the water spirit must have been brought back by Serena's presence.

"What is your name?"

He couldn't resist asking, not only to sate his curiosity but if possible take her mind off the distressing topic.

"If I had one, it is probably lost in time, otherwise it was the first thing I would have told you to avoid the unnecessary questions. Now get dressed, let's not keep your Sage waiting more than he already has."

****

Meeting a Sage, even one relocated to the mortal realm was considered a formal matter, of which protocols were spelt out for the same. The occasion called for official Isle wear which Miran had not had the chance to be in since they came through the doorway into the human realm.

The Matriarch's visit had been unprecedented, there had been no time to change. Miran walked down the hall, his formal outfit out of place with his surroundings. The modern technology of the humans contrasted with the refined delicate clothing of the Isle. His attire was a black piece that was embroidered with fine gold. His hair was bound in an intricate tie that kept strands from straying into his eyes.

The spirit only he had the ability to see, walked behind him. Her barefoot steps were muffled by the plush white carpet, her posture as perfect as ever. She had been quiet for a while and Miran wondered what she was thinking. She didn't breath or stumble into anything and the only indication he had of her presence was the massive waves of energy that radiated from her.

As the door to the study neared, Miran built up his facade. Years spent in the palace had taught him that almost no one was to be trusted. That the image he portrayed was as important as any words that came out of his mouth and so as he stepped into the room every single emotion he had could no longer found in his face.

The chosen heir of the Isle surveyed the study before him as one would any battle field. Serena stood behind the desk, her head slightly bowed as respect to the Sage. The latter sat on one of the leather seats scrutinizing the copper haired woman seated while facing him. Reyna's gaze on the man was closed off and wariness written in it. Tension rung clear in the not big enough study.

The Sage stood up and held out his hand towards Miran. Although the Sage's appearance was that of a middle aged man, Miran knew that it was nothing to go by. He bowed deeply honoring the man's presence before him.

"So many years in this realm have made me forget our culture, forgive my discourtesy."

The Sage's short silver hair and his lavender-like eyes spoke of his Air descent. He wore simple black pants and a cream turtle neck that was splattered with what seemed to be paint. Seeing Miran's glance at his get up he was quick to add.

"I was working on a project for my gallery when I got your message, the discovery of another kind of Guardian could not wait on trivial things like changing clothes. I made a doorway to the nearby town as soon as I could."

It was funny to think that one of the Isle's most reverent people had settled down as an artist. Miran didn't allow the humor appear on his face neither did he let the powerful aura which was close to his skin slip.

"My apologies for the inconvenience, I will see to it that you are rightfully compensated for your time and troubles."

From the corner of his eye, Miran saw Reyna's eyes shift to the space next to him, where the Light spirit was. Could Reyna also see her? In his thoughtful state, Miran almost missed the "no needs" that erupted from the queer Sage. He nodded his acknowledgement just in time.

"I left my bag downstairs, forgive me but I will have to fetch it myself, the tools inside are very delicate. I'm afraid I dare not trust anyone with it. "

As if wanting to escape from the room, Serena spoke at that moment, offering to show the Sage the way around the house. Only Miran, Reyna and the Light spirit were left.

"Only while in the darkness can you see what is in the light."

The spirit's words were left hanging in the already tense air.Both women stared at each other for a while before Reyna turned to Miran.

"Explain."

He finally saw it. Reyna's resemblance to the spirit was so uncanny that it was irrefutable. From the copper hair and light colored eyes to the disdainful personality. How could he explain that?

"Darkness and I are opposite in every way, it is not unlikely that even our Guardians were switched. For why only you two can see me, it is simple, you my dear," referring to Reyna she continued, " are Darkness personified, it is obvious that you can see through light and as for my Guardian he is equipped with the same energy. Anyone without these two cannot see or feel my presence."

The spirit moved closer to Reyna and held Reyna's cheek in her hand.

"The question that should be asked, is how you came to be my dear?"