章 14: I am Seraphina
As soon as my head hits the pillow, I'm pulled into a deep, dream-filled slumber. The darkness envelops me, and I find myself in a familiar place—the sacred temple where I met the woman who bestowed her powers upon me. The temple's obsidian walls are adorned with the same intricate drawings of angelic wings. Torches flicker to life, casting an eerie glow that accentuates the ethereal beauty of the temple.
I look around, my eyes scanning the surroundings, half-expecting to see the magnificent statue of the woman with golden wings. Instead, I hear a soft, melodious voice that sends shivers down my spine.
"Welcome back, Jade."
I turn and there she is—the woman with the golden wings, her presence as awe-inspiring as ever. Her long, snow-white hair, streaked with golden strands, frames her face, and her enchanting golden eyes hold an otherworldly allure. She radiates a warmth that makes me feel both comforted and intimidated.
"Who are you?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. "Why did you give me your powers?"
She smiles gently, her golden eyes softening. "I am Seraphina, the guardian of the celestial powers you now possess. I chose you because you have the potential to wield these powers with grace and strength."
"But why me? What makes me so special?" I press, needing to understand the reason behind her choice.
Seraphina's wings flutter softly as she steps closer. "It's not just about being special, Jade. It's about the heart and soul you possess. The courage to stand up for what is right, the strength to protect those you care about, and the resilience to overcome your past. These qualities are what drew me to you."
I take a deep breath, trying to absorb her words. "You mentioned that I have to learn how to use these powers. Can you teach me?"
"Of course," Seraphina says, her voice soothing. "But first, you must understand the origins of these powers. They are ancient, passed down through generations of guardians. Each guardian imprints a part of their essence into the powers, making them unique. When I chose you, I merged my essence with yours, making you the next guardian."
She gestures for me to follow her, and we walk deeper into the temple. The walls shimmer with golden light as we pass, the drawings of wings almost seeming to come to life.
"Your katana," Seraphina begins, "is not just a weapon. It is the key to unlocking your full potential. It holds the essence of every guardian before you, including myself. Now that it is a part of you, it will grow stronger as you do."
We arrive at a chamber filled with ancient scrolls and artifacts. In the center is a pedestal with a glowing crystal. Seraphina picks up the crystal and holds it out to me.
"Hold this," she instructs.
I take the crystal, and the moment my fingers touch it, a surge of energy courses through me. Visions flood my mind—images of past guardians, each wielding the powers in different ways, their stories intertwining with mine.
Seraphina places her hand over mine, the crystal pulsing with light. "To harness these powers, you must connect with the essence within the katana. It will guide you, teach you. But you must also listen to your own heart. The true strength of your powers lies in the harmony between the katana's essence and your own."
I close my eyes, focusing on the crystal's energy. I can feel the katana's presence within me, a constant, reassuring pulse. It's like a heartbeat, synchronizing with mine.
"Now," Seraphina continues, "let me teach you the first technique—the Celestial Slash. This technique channels the pure energy of the stars into your blade, creating a strike powerful enough to cut through anything."
She demonstrates, her own katana appearing in her hand. With a swift motion, she swings the blade, and a beam of blinding light shoots forth, slicing through the air with an almost musical hum.
"Try it," she encourages.
I grip my katana, feeling its weight, its balance. I take a deep breath and swing the blade, focusing on channeling the energy I feel from the crystal. A beam of light erupts from the blade, not as powerful or controlled as Seraphina's, but enough to make me gasp in amazement.
"Good," she praises. "With practice, your control and power will grow. Remember, the key is to remain calm and focused. Let the energy flow through you naturally."
We spend what feels like hours practicing the Celestial Slash. Each time, the beam of light grows stronger, more refined. Seraphina's patient guidance helps me understand the intricacies of channeling the energy, the delicate balance between force and finesse.
As we take a break, Seraphina begins to tell me more about the history of the celestial powers. "These powers originate from the celestial realm, a place of pure, untainted energy. Long ago, a great war threatened to consume the realms. The first guardian, a warrior named Elysia, forged a pact with the celestial beings to protect the balance between worlds. She was gifted the celestial powers and the katana as symbols of this pact."
"Elysia's strength and wisdom allowed her to defeat the dark forces threatening the realms," Seraphina continues. "She passed her powers down to a chosen successor, and thus, the lineage of guardians began. Each guardian adds a piece of their soul to the katana, ensuring that their legacy and strength endure."
As she speaks, I can see the lineage of guardians in my mind's eye, each one a beacon of hope and strength in their own time. Their sacrifices, their victories, all leading up to this moment.
"Now," Seraphina says, her tone more serious, "it's time for you to learn the second technique—the Guardian's Shield. This ability allows you to create a barrier of light that can protect you and those around you."
She demonstrates, raising her hand, and a shimmering barrier of golden light envelops her. "This shield can withstand any attack, but it requires immense concentration and willpower. You must focus on your desire to protect, to shield those you care about."
I nod, feeling the weight of her words. I raise my hand and try to conjure the shield. At first, it's difficult, the barrier flickering and weak. But as I focus on my friends—Gadjeel, Jubia, and even those I've yet to meet in Fairy Tail—I feel a surge of determination. The barrier strengthens, becoming a solid, protective shield.
"Excellent," Seraphina says, her voice filled with pride. "You have the heart of a true guardian, Jade. Remember, your strength comes not just from your powers, but from your connections, your love for those around you."
We practice the Guardian's Shield, and with each attempt, my control improves. I can feel the power flowing more naturally, the katana's essence guiding me.
As we take another break, Seraphina looks at me with a thoughtful expression. "There is one more thing you need to know about your powers, Jade. The katana, as I mentioned, is now a part of you. It will grow with you, adapt to your needs. But it also holds a secret—a hidden potential that only the worthiest guardian can unlock."
"A hidden potential?" I echo, intrigued.
"Yes," she confirms. "In times of great need, when your heart and will are at their strongest, the katana will reveal its true form. This form grants unparalleled power, but it comes at a cost. It requires a deep bond between you and the katana, a complete harmony of mind, body, and spirit."
I nod, understanding the gravity of her words. "I will do my best to be worthy of that power."
"I have no doubt that you will, Jade," Seraphina says with a gentle smile. "But for now, rest. Your journey is just beginning, and you will need your strength for the challenges ahead."
As she speaks, the temple around us begins to fade, the light dimming. I feel myself being pulled back to the waking world, Seraphina's final words echoing in my mind.
"Remember, Jade, you are never alone. The essence of every guardian lives within you. Trust in yourself and in the power you now wield."
The dream dissolves, and I slowly become aware of the real world. The soft light of morning filters through my window, and I hear a familiar, insistent voice.
"Jade! Wake up! It's time to go to the guild!" Jubia's voice cuts through the remnants of my dream.
I open my eyes, still feeling the warmth of Seraphina's presence and the lingering energy of the celestial powers. I sit up, stretching, and smile.
"Coming, Jubia," I call out, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and strength.
As I get ready for the day, Seraphina's words stay with me. I know my journey is just beginning, and with the power of the katana and the legacy of the guardians behind me, I'm ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
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