The tunnel opened into a vast room that took Kai's breath away. Books filled the space from floor to ceiling. But these were not normal books. As Kai watched, words were floating off the pages like tiny glowing butterflies.
The words flew around the room in slow circles, then faded away forever. These were the words that people had forgotten how to use. Words like "thou" and "verily" and "wonderment."
In the center of the library sat a young girl about Kai's age. She had long black hair and wore a simple white dress. She was reading from a book that glowed with soft golden light.
"Hello," Kai said quietly.
The girl looked up. Her eyes were the color of deep water. "You must be Kai Thorne, the Memory Merchant. I have been waiting for you."
"Who are you?" Kai asked.
"My name is Luna. I am the Librarian. I take care of all the words that people forget." She closed her book and stood up. "You are looking for the second crystal."
"Yes," Kai said. "Do you know where it is?"
Luna smiled sadly. "I am the second crystal."
Kai stared at her. "What do you mean?"
"The crystals are not just objects," Luna explained. "They are living beings who chose to become crystals to protect their power. I became the second crystal fifty years ago to keep my abilities safe from the Shadow."
"But you look human," Kai said.
"I can take human form when I need to. But my true form is crystal." Luna held out her hand, and it began to glow with silver light. "I have the power to read the true meaning of any word ever written. Even words that were never meant to be read."
Suddenly, the library shook. Books fell from the shelves, and the floating words scattered in all directions.
"The Shadow has found us," Luna said. "We must hurry. Are you ready to receive my power?"
"What does that mean?" Kai asked.
"I will become a crystal and join with you, just as the first crystal did. But unlike the first crystal, I will still be able to talk to you. We will be partners in your quest to save all worlds."
The walls of the library began to crack. Through the cracks, Kai could see dark shapes moving.
"I'm ready," Kai said.
Luna nodded and touched the first crystal in Kai's hand. Immediately, she began to glow brighter and brighter. Her human form faded, and she became a beautiful silver crystal.
As the second crystal joined the first in Kai's palm, he felt a rush of new knowledge. Now he could understand the meaning behind every word he saw or heard. He could see truth hidden in lies and lies hidden in truth.
"Can you hear me?" Luna's voice spoke inside his mind.
"Yes," Kai said. "It worked."
"Good. Now we must find the third crystal before the Shadow breaks through. The third crystal is the most powerful, and the most dangerous to obtain."