Mike's POV
As I placed my things down on the bed, Dice began to roam around and set up protective charms in the four corners of my room. This room used to be mine when I came here to teach with Kagura as a Mission.
This was before… everything.
My heart squeezed when I thought of her again. Coming back here was definitely a mistake, I was being constantly reminded of her. But I needed to know how to make Undertaker's memory to battle against the Black Pearls, a fearsome invention created by Dark Shadow's people to control others. Plus, I have to awaken my new ability as the leader of the Guardians. I needed every advantage I could have to go against them.
I sat down on my bed and rummaged through my spatial dimension bag. Even though I could have used the Guardian ring, I have always opted for something that could give a little more feel and would bring less suspicion.
Think about it, seeing an object suddenly popping out of nowhere would have frightened others so much.
Being a Guardian isn't about being flashy. It was all about stealth; looking after the forests and books as well as safekeeping Imagination. We were not into saving worlds and stuff like that. Yet, the current circumstances have forced us into that role.
I took out the pocket watch that used to belong to the Creator.
Running my fingers across carved images of fire and water on the cover, I recalled my conversation with Leonardo.
Not only did the Creator survived from Astorath's stab, she was running around like a busy bee doing her work. Work which included passing this to Leo.
Why couldn't she pass it directly to me?
What exactly happened in the past? Why did she disappear after the attack on the Library? Where did she go after she gave Leo the watch?
Why… Why all these secrecies?
Whatever questions I have, they could not be answered unless the said person was in front of me.
I clicked opened the watch.
A blue light beamed out from the face of the watch, revealing the face of Ravenna Cross, the Creator. I almost dropped it in shock.
"Hello, Mike."
Hologram Ravenna smiled pleasantly as she greeted me.
"This is a pre-recorded message specifically for you and will only activate when you are truly alone, physically. By now, I should be finishing off the last of my works around the Worlds."
I frowned.
"Unfortunately, I will not be able to answer your questions in person. Astorath got me good. Although I have deflected most of his attack, I am still critically injured. There's poison coated on his blade."
She shook her head in sadness.
"It won't be long before I really die."
Then, she looked at me seriously.
"Before that happens, I will say what I need.
Firstly, I'm sure that by now, you know your fate as the next Head of the Library. Leonardo has shown you how to use the basics of this watch but I have included another set of instructions and manual for you to awaken your ability. Remember, time is NOT to be trifled with. Eventually, when you have gained enough power, you can choose to place the watch back where it belongs.
Secondly, I am certain that you have received help from the Dark Horse Organisation."
My eyebrows lifted up in surprise. Almost as if she could see my expression, she chuckled.
"What? You think anything can escape from me? You wished. You can trust them. That, I can vouch for. After all, they are Kagura's friends, no?"
Despite the limitations of the hologram, I could have sworn I saw a tingle of amusement at the corner of her eyes. As quick as lightning, it was gone and she reverted back to her stern expression.
"However, gaining back your memories will not be an easy task. Overcoming the pain is more of a difficult one. But I have faith in both of you that you can do what Zac... Dark Shadow could not. I know this will go against the Guardian contract so… I have nullified all of the contracts in advance.
Thirdly, I have granted you and Omen permission to access the forbidden records.
I know you have questions.
Many… many questions. Why I was sleeping under my statue… Why I disappeared and reappeared here… Why I am telling you all these now after all my refusals before… How… How are you remembering your past life despite the contract…?
… Everything that you need to know will be there…"
Her hologram buzzed for a moment. Ravenna looked as if she wanted to say more but she didn't continue her torrent of questions.
"This recording is limited so I cannot say more. You are given access to search the archives for a Guardian called Zacharias Smith and other restricted access records. Even… the reason behind the existence of the Guardian contract."
All the mysteries that I needed answers to…
Will they all be solved once I returned to the Library and accessed the forbidden records? Could… it be that easy after so long?
"And for the final part of the message....
I am deeply sorry that fate has not really allowed us to meet each other formally. I have always been proud of your achievements. Kagura's death… was not your fault."
I know.
My eyes hardened. Unfortunately, it was not easy to acknowledge that fact. No matter how many times I envisioned the scene in my mind, I could not change the outcome. Yet, it felt like if I did something, she would not have died at all.
"It is not your fault." As though knowing the state of my mind, Ravenna repeated again. "Never is. Never will."
Ravenna paused for a brief moment, as though reluctant to end this recording. After all, this would be the last time we would see each other again. At this thought, my heart squeezed.
I won't be able to see her again.
Flashes of memories of our moments together went across my mind. Ravenna Cross had been my confidant. Someone I could easily talk to without facing judgements. Yet, she was also my teacher.
No.
We were… more than a teacher-student relationship.
She was almost like a mother to me. Sweet and kind for one moment, yet stern and firm the next.
"… Farewell."
She gave a small smile before the device shutdown. Clenching the muscles in my jaw, I held the pocket watch tightly to my chest while closing my eyes. A tear squeezed out from the corner of my right eye.
Goodbye.