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SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 23• Meet A
••••••"North, are you there yet?" Mom asked, curious to know if I had reached the bank."Yes mom! I just arrived" I replied as I stood outside the Elven Stone Bank."Okay, be careful now""Alright, bye" I hung up.I walked into the bank to open an account. Elven Stone Bank let's people who are under 18 open accounts with them, but those accounts were given limits.While waiting in line, I noticed a girl in front of the line with a bracelet in her left arm. A bracelet I had seen before. She was also wearing slides with white socks.*Wait. Isn't that Ashyln?*"Ashlyn?!" I exclaimed as I tilt my body over to the left, to get a full glance of her."North?" She replied with a turn."Excuse me" I said, while exiting the line."Hey!" she uttered as we met outside the line."Hi, Ashlyn""Dude, what are you doing here?""Ah... I came.." I uttered as I gazed on her feet.*Damn! She looks good on those slides though.*"Huh?" She voiced."Yeah, I came to open one of those under 18 accounts. I n
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 24• Meet A: ii
•••••"Okay"Suddenly, the man brought out a knife, those type the military use. And threw it at a fast paste towards the guard.The guard crumpled to the ground, hands on his neck trying to stop the bleeding.Panic erupted in the bank. Customers screamed, and the remaining three guards rushed to respond. The man immediately threw three knifes, swiftly towards them, making it slice their throats.Now, four guards that were in the building laid dead on the ground. As everyone panicked, few customers tried running out the door but got stop by a lightning fast knife throw. Before they could exit through the doors, he quickly turned towards them, and threw a knife at the hard solid ground, leaving it to stick, and make a crake.They stopped, frightened by what he could do next. He brought out two more knifes, gave a dead stare and placed one hand with a knife on his mask at the position of his lips, indicating he wanted silence.While the other hand holding the second knife, he pointed
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 25• Meet A: iii
••••••Now***Red.The color of Ashlyn's blood was red. I could hear her heart beat slow down without even trying.It slowed down until it stopped beating. And I just watched, I watched as she took her last breath.*Red! My hands..... Ashlyn's.. Now all I see is...*"That man has a Demon Avatar's sign on his left wrist. He is one of them. A demon possessed host. The demon that killed Ashlyn" I mutter under my breath.She's gone, the ambulance took her with the rest of the cops that died today."Sir? Sir!" The female medic giving me a quick check up exclaims, snapping me back to the present. "You can go now" she adds."North! North! Oh my god!" Mom's voice pierces through the chaos, her tone laced with worry.I turn to see her rushing towards me, her eyes scanning me from head to toe as if searching for injuries."Mom" I say, my voice barely above a whisper.She reaches me and wraps me in a tight embrace. "Oh North. Are you okay? I rushed in as soon as I heard" she releases her embrace
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 26• Meet A: iv
•••••4 hours laterMy phone rings, it's an alarm reminding me tomorrow is graduation day.I set an alarm a while ago to remind me to check if I had iron my outfit, both for the ceremony and prom.I switch it off immediately. I exhale, getting out of the bed to stare out the window."I could not save Ashlyn. What...? Why...? How can I save the world, when I can't even save one person. I'm useless. I can't be an Avatar. I can't be a beacon of hope. I have no purpose. This was a mistake. Given a second chance was a mistake. Why....? Why am I still here? I should be dead. It should have been me, not her. Why her? Why not me! I have no purpose. An Avatar? I... I can't, I can't" I mutter and wipe."I need to... I'm just a burden. I can't save anyone. These responsibilities, I'm not worth them"I stare at the ceiling for a moment, and thought*Maybe.*••••••Now on my roof top, standing at the edge. I gaze at the night sky, a night delight. Filled with stars, stars so bright. The cool wind
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 27• Meet A: v
•••••"It's okay, it's okay""No, it's not. I watched you die. I let you die. I couldn't save you""It's not your fault. What happened today wasn't your fault. And I'm sure she'll say the same. You need to be strong, okay""How? How can I be? When I couldn't do anything. I just watched as a man killed today""North, strength isn't found in people who don't know fear. Strength is found in people who know fear, but decides to face it. To move forward no matter what it may be. That's true strength. So North, don't back down now, move forward, face it. Take brave but easy steps, and you'll see how much strength is within you" she voice softly.After saying those words, everywhere goes silent. I lay there in her embrace, letting her words sink in.After a while, I ask, "So, you're my Angel, huh?""Yes. I am""And is all this about fighting to restore balance real?""Yes. It's all real""Oh. Okay""Yeah. You're beacon. A beacon of hope. My Avatar""So what should I call you?""Any name you
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 28• Graduation Day
••••••Michael and I put on our caps and gowns, taking a deep breath as we prepared to face the crowd. As we walk onto the stage, I couldn't help but think of Ashlyn.She should have been here with us, smiling and laughing as we accepted our diplomas.Mom waves from the crowd, I wave back. She blows a kiss, I smile, then turn my gaze to the principal giving his speech.I sigh. But as the day goes, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. We made it through high school, now a new chapter begins. Not as a high school graduate, but as an Avatar."Hey, mom" I wave as I approach her."Congrats to my boy. I'm so proud of you!" Mom says as she place a kiss on my forehead, then gives me a hug."Thanks mom"She smiles."So, are you still going to work?""Yeah. I told them I'll be there by 1""Oh. So you still have 40 minutes more""Yeah""Thanks for coming" I smile. "Also, I decided I don't want to go to prom""Oh. That's fine honey. If you don't want to go, you don't need to"I give a fain
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 29• Graduation Day: ii
•••••"Now, that was a cannonball!" He exclaims with a laugh."Hey, guys!" I say as I reach the pool."North...! Finally" Gabriel exclaims. "Do a bigger splash than Michael's"I grin, "Okay"I take few steps back, stare at the spot I decide to land on, then run towards the pool's edge and jump.But instead of landing into the pool, I jump over it and land in the tall bushes close to it."WHAT?!" Gabriel yells with excitement. "That was cool!""Shit! North, are you okay?" Michael exclaims, exiting the pool.Ella just stares, speechless, shocked by what just occured."Yeah.. I'm fine. I'm okay" I say, trying to get up."You're sure? Cause you went over" Michael says, trying to help me up."Yeah, I'm good. The bush broke my fall""Ah... What was that?" Ella asks."I... Play basketball. Yeah, so I work on my legs. I have strong jumps. Yeah, high verticals!" I say, trying to sound convincing."Yeah! Basketball. We get our strong jumps from that" Michael exclaims, trying to back me up.Ella
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 30• The Exams
••••••As we stepped into the building, we immediately get struck by its serene atmosphere. The interior is sleek and modern, with soft and calming colors.We get greeted by a friendly receptionist with a warm smile."Welcome, your name please" she voice softly.We reply."North Davison""Michael Gadreel" "Okay! North and Michael," she says, checking through her computer. "Welcome, please come this way"She lead to us a sleek, modern desk, where we dropped our phones. Then she hand us each a small black wristband. "Please wear these wristbands at all times during the exams. They will track your progress and monitor your vital signs"We take the wristbands and place them on, feeling a slight tingling sensation as they synced with our bodies."Thank you," she says. "Now, please proceed to the examination area"We follow her directions to a large circular room filled with other new Angel Avatars. Few looks nervous, others determined, while few showed no emotions.We recognize none of t
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56• Adapt: iv
•••••••Moments later.I shut my eyes, feeling Mana surge through me. I imagine wings unfolding from my back, strong and majestic."Now, reach out with your mind," Saint guides. "Connect with your wings, feel their presence."As I focus, a searing pain erupts in my back, like bones splintering and reforming. I grit my teeth.Michael cries out, clutching his back. "Ah, god!"Claire's face contorts as she tries to focus.Saint's voice remains calm. "Let the pain fuel your growth. Trust your wings, trust yourselves."I force myself to breathe, focusing on my Mana and visualizing my wings.Saint's voice guides us. "Imagine the sensation of wings unfolding, the weight of feathers, the stretch of muscles."Michael grunts, his face contorted.Claire's eyes are clenched shut, her jaw set.Saint continues, "This process will take time, patience, and endurance. Your bodies must adapt, transform. It's not just about willing your wings to appear; it's about reshaping your very essence."The seari
55• Adapt: iii
•••••Saint continues. "So, who is ready to break some bones?" "Break some bones?" I ask as the three of us get up."Yeah. Break some bones, they heal up, then we break them again" Saint replies with a smile."Oh, that doesn't make it sound less painful" I utter. "But yeah, let's do that"Saint smiles."How exactly are we gonna break some bones? And are we talking about our bones? Or did I miss something?" Michael asks, staring at me then back at Saint."Yeah, it's our bones. At least you guys bones. I don't need to break my bones, I've already done that. And it was painful" Saint says as he tries to push away a horrible memory. "Man, I don't want to experience breaking my bones. But if it's necessary, then yeah, let's break some bones" Michael says with nod."Yeah, if bone breaking is what we have to experience to get stronger, then yes, let's do it. Let's break some bones!" I utter with nod."Man, I wish I had this fire in you when I was a first year student. You know, determined
54• Adapt: ii
•••••Now sitting on the floor, Michael and I focus on Diana's soothing voice, while Saint focus on training Claire on how to control her Mana at the other side of the training room."Imagine resonance, a harmony of thoughts," she guides. "Envision your minds as two tuning forks, vibrating at the same frequency."Michael's eyes meet mine, and I sense his concentration."Feel the resonance build," Diana continues. "Allow your thoughts to synchronize, like two rivers merging into one."I breathe deeply, focusing on the mental image. Michael's presence in my mind grows stronger."Resistance is natural," Diana says. "Your minds will rebel against the connection. But gently coax them, like a summer breeze rustling leaves."Michael's thoughts begin to trickle into my consciousness, fragmented and unclear."Patience," Diana says. "Let the resonance deepen. Trust the process."Suddenly, our mental doors swing open. Michael's thoughts flood my mind, and I sense his excitement."We did it!" Mic
53• Adapt
••••••Tengen POV••••••Monday 9 amI soar through the sky, my wings beating effortlessly as I gaze down at the city sprawled beneath me. The wind rushes past, whipping my hair into a frenzy, but I revel in the freedom. Section B comes into view, and I bank, diving toward the sleek high-rise housing Jane's office.My wings fold seamlessly against my back as I land smoothly on the pavement. I stride toward the entrance, as my wings begin to flow into my back.Two guards - an Avatar and a Kaleeki - step forward, blocking my path."Sorry, we're not expecting visitors today," the Avatar, Dickson says, his expression stern.I flash a disarming smile. "Come on, guys, this is important. Just let me in."The Kaleeki, Tara voice is firm. "We aren't expecting visitors today. Come back another day when you're actually invited."I chuckle, backing away to gaze up at the towering building. I look back down with mischief as I smile."Don't you dare!" Dickson warns, sensing something amiss.My hand
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
