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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
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 31• The Exams: ii
••••••"So, the exams are today, huh?" Tengen utters, then fill his mouth with a spoon of ice-cream."Yeah. Over 300 Avatars and 207 Kaleekis. Both from our Sector and Sector B" Mark replies, face down on his phone."That's nice. Hope they will come out well"" 'Nice'? No, that's barely enough numbers""It's better than none. Remember, it's quality over quantity. And I feel like this generation is special""Let's hope so"Tengen smiles. "Yeah" "Your sister is taking the exams, I'm sure she'll do well""Yeah... She'll be fine. So far the newbies I met all showed potential. So, I'm sure they'll all do well" Tengen says, then fills his mouth with a bigger chuck of ice-cream."Next time, let people responsible for the first interaction, do their job. If you decide to go again, I won't follow you" Mark says, his voice laced with annoyance.Tengen smirks. "Huh? Common, it was fun""No it wasn't. Maybe for you it was. But for me it was a drag""Ugh, you're no fun! And why haven't you touche
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 32• The Exams: iii
•••••We follow her to a separate building. A building still connected to the main building, but had more floors. Over 15 floors. She leads us to the lobby at the ground floor."Each floor has doors labeled with a number. Kindly locate your room door, a guide is already waiting for you. From number 1-25 on Floor 1From 26-50 on Floor 2From 51-75 on Floor 3From 76-100 on Floor 4From 101-125 on Floor 5From 126-150 on Floor 6From 151-175 on Floor 7From 176-200 on Floor 8From 201-225 on Floor 9From 226-250 on Floor 10From 251-275 on Floor 11From 276-300 on Floor 12.The elevators can carry a maximum of 25 people. There are currently 5 elevators. So you guys will go in sets" she exclaims.We begin moving, locating our doors. It takes a while, but Michael and I finally reach our doors."See you on the other side" I voice, a little bit anxious."Yeah!" Michael replies.I walk into my room and a see a lady. An Avatar just like Mia.She has white long hair with light blue eyes. She we
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 33• The Exams: iv
•••••"Alright, kindly step into the circle. The timer will start 5 seconds after you're in"I take a deep breath.*I got this.*I step into the circle, grab the floating staff. The suit makes it feel real, the gloves have some magnetic properties, so my hands does not close completely.I stand 5 feets away from the holographic trainer, and wait for it to begin. Suddenly, it flickers and takes my form, then a staff forms on his hand.*Oh.*A drop of sweat forms on my face as the clock goes down to 3 seconds before the session starts. I stare at Diana, then back at the trainer.It then begins.I hesitate, unsure to move. The trainer charges forward, its staff flashing in a blur of light. I flinch, raising my staff in defense. The impact shudders through my arms, and I stumble back.Breathing heavily, I know I have to fight with everything I have.••••••"Time elapsed: 5 minutes" the AI announces.I force myself to move, swinging my staff widely. The trainer parries each strick with eas
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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
