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SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 11 • Michael
North POV••••••"Yesterday was great" I said while wearing my sneakers."I hope she goes for prom. Michael needs to know she's okay and it is possible she might be my date. I couldn't reach him last night, which was odd. His line is always available" I uttered while reaching for my phone on the table.I stood up, dialled his line and walked to the door to leave the room. "Still no response. Crap! I hope he didn't get kidnapped. If he did, and his parents do pay ransom, they will definitely start to home school him. Damn! I hope that is not the case" I said as I reached the sitting room.*It is a little bit chilly today. Maybe I should get my hoodie...Nah, I'll be fine*I yourned, shutting the door behind me.It's a Saturday, so I usually go for morning jogs. I started doing that since I was 14. Because, before my dad died. He would always tell me, "A man should always make out time to exercise"I wanted to start from the age of 9, but my mom didn't let me.She would always say, "You
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 12• Michael: ii
•••••"Alright, I'm on my way" I exclaimed while turning off the TV to grab my house keys."No wait! Stan is on his way to get you. He'll be there soon""Yeah.... I see him now" I said while locking the door behind me and seeing Mr Stan's black E200 Benz roll in next to the tree."Great, see you later""Yeah... later" I replied ending the call."How did you get here so fast? The hospital is like 40 blocks away" I whispered as I watched him open the back door for me."Hello, Mr North. Your lift is ready" Mr Stan in his sweet professional voice."Hey, Mr Stan" I said while walking down the stairs to get in. "Fancy ride. Thanks" I voiced as I got in.He entered and we drive off.About 11 minutes later we reach the hospital. 11 minutes of torture I'd say."Thanks, Mr Stan. But could you please slow down next time" I said while exiting the car, my voiced laced with distress."Sorry Mr North. But I did go slow because that was our first ride. I normally go faster than that""Oh, okay. Great
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 13• Michael: iii
Michael POV•••••••*You mustn't be that cold Stan.*"Now tell me, why would my own son, who has a personal driver, let himself drive a bicycle" Dad exclaimed. "I got you a personal driver, a good one! So I do not see why you would want to drive a bicycle instead. When you turned 13, you decided you didn't want to school at the best school in the state, which was allowed! I didn't want to force you. You said you preferred a public school instead, and your mom and I let you. So we got a professional driver who also could protect you"His expression turns thoughtful. "Look son, you have your free will, but you are still my son, and as your father, I'm disappointed in your recent choices" "Sorry, Dad. I just didn't want to feel entitled. I want to do things for myself. I don't want to be known as the son of a wealthy man, I want to be known as Michael. Not for what was handed to me, but for what I do. I appreciate everything dad, even for flying all the way back here to see me, I really
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 14• Michael: iv
•••••An hour laterMy phone rang, waking me up from my sleep."Hello?" I asked."Yes, Mr North, is it?" The person asked."Yes, it's North. Who's this?""I am calling from Jill's store. This is to inform you your violin has been fixed. Could you come pick it up""What! It's fixed. That's great! Yeah, I'll be there in about 25 minutes" I said, my voice laced with excitement."Alright""Wait, is Joe there?""Yes, he was the one who asked me to call you""Okay, thank you!" I said, then ended the call."YES! Finally! I can get to play it again. It's been a week, now I can't wait"I exited the house and got on my bike. But before I could hit the road, Ashlyn called."Hello" "Hi, North" "Hey, Ashlyn, watsup""I'm good. Are you free?""Hmm.. No, not really. Is something wrong?""No, nothing is wrong. I was wondering if you could come to the skate park""Oh, yeah sure. Are you there right now?""No, but I'm about to leave""Alright. Tell me when you get there. I'm about to go get my violin
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 15• Michael: v
••••••10 minutes later.."Okay, where is she?" I muttered as my eyes scan the park.I picked out my phone and called."Hey, are you here yet?" She asked."Yeah, but I can't find you""Uhmmm, are you wearing a grey hoodie?""Yeah""Okay, look to your right, I am waving my hands""Okay! I see you" I said as I noticed her next to a tree.While riding toward her, I noticed two other people with her - A tall guy and an average height girl."Sorry, I brought my bike instead" I voiced as I reach them."Yeah, it's cool. So, how is it?" Ashlyn asked."The violin? Yeah, it looks good. They fixed it"She smiled. "That's great. Come on, let me introduce you to my friends""So.. This is Hima, and that's Dave" she said while giving an introducing gesture. "Hey, nice to meet you" Hima said."Sup, dude" Dave greeted."Hey" I replied."So, the famous North! The one who plays the violin!" Hima grinned."Famous? What..?" I smiled, blushing a little."Yeah. Ashlyn told us about you. She says she has a
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 16• Michael: vi
My heart skipped a beat, but I knew with their support, I was ready to take on the skate park.Yeah! Bring it on!•••••3 hours later."Well North, you're a natural" Ashlyn said."Thanks! It took a while to get the hang of it though""Yeah! Well, it did take you 3hours to get you moving a short distance on your own" Hima said as she laughed, which caused Ashyln to release a little chuckle.I quickly turned to look at her, which made her stop. I chuckled, "Well, you're right, I guess I suck at skating" . Then began to laugh, which caused us all to bust into laughter.Still laughing, Hima asked,"Hey, where's Dave with those snacks".I looked to my left, "Oh, see him coming""Okay, guys. Sorry for keeping you waiting, I had a little hold up on my way back" Dave said as he dropped a bag filled with snacks."Oh really. Is your hold up the counter girl you've been crushing on" Hima exclaimed. "Don't mind Dave. He takes his time to get here whenever he goes to buy our lunches. And that's b
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 17• A New Beacon
••••••I sighed and asked, "Are you an Avatar?"There was a pause on the other end. Then Michael finally replied, "An Avatar? Is that what this is?""Holy shit! I knew it. You are sensing it right? How different your body feels, and how your senses have heightened. You feel it, right?""What! You too?" He asked."Yes! So, you are one! Or have just become one""Avatar? I do feel changes though. But I'm not sure I can bend elements. And I thought there could only be one Avatar?""No! Not that kind of Avatar. It's a long story. Can I come to the hospital tomorrow?""I'll be discharged tomorrow. So you could come to my place instead""Alright. I'll be there. Send me the address""Why don't I just ask Stan to pick you?" "No! Don't worry about that. And I'm sure he's tired. So I will get there myself""Okay... Cool. You know you could text me the info about this whole Avatar thing, right""I wish I could. But if I did, I'd sound unrealistic""Oh. Well, now I'm just really curious. I'll see
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 18• A New Beacon: ii
•••••12 minutes later"Tengen said we get powers. I thought mine was phasing, but it's not. I wonder what Michael power would be" I voiced, finishing my last push up.I exhaled."That's 50 push ups done. Usual routine checked. Now to shower"On reaching to grab my towel from the wardrobe, I quickly drift my gaze towards my window. A respond to fear and uncertainty.*What was that?!*I paused, staring at the window. Then gently walked towards it to find out what I had felt, but saw nothing unusual."Why are my hairs standing? What was that?! What did I just feel! Goosebumps?.. No, that was more real than a goosebump" I said under my breath.I stretched my head further out and saw my neighbor, Denise, kissing her boyfriend, Steve, by the tree outside.Mr White, the convenient store owner across the street locking up his store. A normal scene I expected late at night.Shifting my gaze towards my right, I noticed a man at a distance, walking with a ferret. Nothing unusual was happening.
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52• A Promise: ii
•••••Ken, the Uber driver, waits outside.We walk into the car and take our seats."Hey, where to?" Ken asks, oblivious of my presence, as he tries to reach his fallen air pod case."Two drops," I reply. "First, Michael's place, then mine."Ken nods."Sounds good," he says. "Wait, I know that voice" he grabs the air pod case and seats back straight."North! My man" he smiles.I smile. "Hey, Ken""It's been a while. Are you doing?" He asks."I'm good. So, I used my friend's account to book the ride, but she's not coming. Hope you don't mind" Ken smiles. "Yeah, of course not""Cool. This is my friend, Michael""Oh. Oh... Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Ken" Ken says, then stretch his hand to shake Michael."Same" Michael takes his hand.Ken nods then starts the car."Saint Estate first, right?" Ken asks as we begin to move."Yeah" I reply."Alright. Music?" Ken asks.I look at Michael, he nods."Yeah" I reply."Great!" Ken voice then turns on the music. "So, Michael?""Yeah?" Michael repli
51• A Promise
•••••••"What do you think happened to him?" Michael ask."I don't know, but whatever it is, it wasn't normal" Claire replies.Their voice echo in my head."Should we contact the school?" Michael asks."Not yet," Claire says. "We haven't found out what happened yet" I open my eyes and see a ceiling light. My head aches like it's going to split in two as I begin to sit up from the sofa.I groan to the pain, which Informs Michael and Claire who are sitting around the dinning table across the room that I'm awake."North!" Michael exclaims.Claire turns, Concern etched on her face.Michael walks to my side, his eyes scanning my face."North, man, thank God you're awake," he says, relief laced in his voice.I try to speak, but my throat feels parched. Michael hands me a glass of water from the table near by."Slowly, dude," he advises as I take a sip.Claire rises from her seat, her expression a mix of worry and curiosity as she walks towards the back of the couch to my right."What happe
50• Mastering Intent: iv
••••••SaturdayI push open the pharmacy door and greet Craig with a nod. "Hey, Craig."Craig smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, North! How's your mom doing?""Oh, she's doing well" I reply and wander down the aisles, searching for Mom's prescription medication. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a sterile glow, and the air is thick with the scent of antiseptic and perfume.While searching for the medication, a sudden presence prickled the hairs on the back of my neck. My senses tingled, alerting me of the sudden change in the air.I slowly turn my gaze towards my left, stare towards the glass window for a brief moment, but I see nothing out of the ordinary. So I get back to looking for mom's medications on the shelf.As I round a shelf, I feel the air become more dense. *Am I sick?*Someone push open the doors, then I hear a man walk in. His boots making an echo with each step he takes.But I ignore it. The man approaches the counter, his movements economical."The
49• Mastering Intent: iii
•••••We assemble before a large, open area. "I'll demonstrate each one, showcasing their unique capabilities."He gestures to a nearby rack, adorned with an array of weapons."First, the sword."Professor Nog unsheathed a gleaming katana, its blade shimmering in the sunlight. With a fluid motion, he assumed a battle stance."Watch closely" he says, eyes focused on the tennis ball in his hand With lightning speed, he tossed the ball forward. In a blur, he closed the distance, sword slicing through the air. Time seemed to slow as the blade intersected the ball, splitting it cleanly.The two halves fluttered to the ground, their trajectory revealing the sword's swift path. Professor Nog stood poised, several steps ahead of his initial position, his stance unwavering.I felt the air vibrate with the hum of his sword, the only sound in the stunned silence.Next, Professor Nog selects a pair of daggers."Dagger techniques require agility and stealth."He wields the daggers with deadly gr
48• Mastering Intent: ii
•••••*Did I imagine interacting with my Angel that night?*I wonder."Hey, North" Michael calls out, pulling me from my thoughts."You are not hungry?" He asks."What?" "You've barely touched your meal. What's going on?" He asks, leaving Claire who's next to me shift her gaze towards me."Oh. Ahhh..""Did that class make you loss your appetite?" Claire asks, then stares back at her meal."No. Nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about something. Nothing to worry about" I say then pick my fork.Michael nods.A moment later, a guy walks in, the room's atmosphere shifts. Conversations pause, eyes drawn to his striking figure. His charming smile spreads as he navigates through the crowd with ease.Someone whispers, "Isn't that Larson Ray?"Another whispers, "Hey, that's Larson."Larson's gaze scans the room, locking onto Claire. He smiles and makes his way towards her, his stride confident."Hey, Larson! Congrats on acing the exams!" A random guy calls out.Larson, attention still on Cl
47• Mastering Intent
North POV••••••"Okay. Specials aren't limited to the Adams family" Professor Thompson says, then picks the marker off her table.She draws four human figures on the marker board. Each representing an Avatar. Three of them holding hands, while one is centered in their middle."Now, this is called 'Celestial Alignment'. This is when three Avatars pour in their Mana into one Avatar at the same time. The three gather up their Mana, then at once, they release it into the Avatar in the middle. This causes the Avatar the middle to unlock a different level of potential. Imbuing one with lots of Mana will create a Special. But note, this method of creating special is not recommended. In fact, it's only when you've reached a certain level that the higher ups permit such method. You may ask why?"She drops her marker and takes a sit on her table's edge."The reason is because of the amount of deaths it has caused. The first Avatars that did this, Kevin, Clark, Rachel, and Finn, weren't success
46• You Never Asked: ii
•••••Thinking about it, it must have been horrible to get your blood suck out regularly."No it wasn't. I was fine" Stan replies to my thoughts."What?" I asked confused to if he just heard my thoughts."So why did you become my driver if you needed to keep a low profile?" Michael asks, immediately Claire walks back and takes her seat."That? I was simply bored" Stan replies, then sips his coffee. "Aren't you guys drinking your coffee?" He asks."You were bored?!" Michael utters with confusion etched on his face."Yes. I was bored of the life I was living. After 9 years of study and intense training, I just got bored of everything. So, I asked your dad for a job. Anna didn't stop me because I would have force my way out of that life if she had tried. And I was already strong enough to be on my own, so she let me""Okay. So why didn't you say anything before? Why now?" I ask.He smiles. "Cause, not until recently, My family did not give me the freedom I wanted. They didn't know I was
45• You Never Asked
••••••As we approach the gate, a guy suddenly reveal himself from behind a near by tree."Hey, guys" He says casually as if he knows us.For a moment it seems I don't recognize him because I have never seen him in casual clothing, but after I scan his appearance, I realize who is standing in front of us."Stan?" Michael and I exclaim with widen eyes.Claire stares as us. "You guys have met?"Stan smiles."Mr Stan, what are you doing here?" I ask."Yeah, you didn't inform me you were coming. And I thought you wouldn't be back anytime soon" Michael adds "Mr Stan?" Claire voice with a confused expression."Yeah, Mr Stan is Michael's personal driver" "Hmm? Stan? You're still working?" Claire asks."Hello Claire! Good to see you again. Well, since you two are surprised to see me here, why don't we go for a cup of coffee so I can explain why. There's a near by coffee shop here"We stare at Stan, surprised he is here on school grounds, because the school only permit it students and teache
44• Claire's Past: iv
•••••2 minutes laterSaint gestures to a holographic projector. "Time for teamwork training. Your objective: land 20 hits on the hologram within 12 minutes. He is on adaptive mode, so go easy on him"The hologram takes form, a sleek, agile fighter.Now in our jumpsuits, we prepare to face the hologram.I take a deep breath, Michael does the same."Let's move!" Claire calls, charging forward.Michael and I follow, forming a triangle around the hologram.In the initial flurry, we land a few hits. Claire's swift kicks connect, while Michael's powerful hooks send the hologram stumbling. My punches find their mark.It feels so easy. Maybe because we are Avatars, or because the hologram's fighting level is on 1.Suddenly, the hologram adapts, its movements becoming more fluid.Michael's attempts multiple strategies, but his execution falters. Claire's eyes track the hologram's movements, yet her timing is off. My vibrokanesis overwhelms me with vibrations, disrupting my focus.As the cloc
