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SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 36• The Exams: vii
•••••••Michael and I walk into the pizza place, scanning the bustling atmosphere.But then our eyes land on Jake and his friends, laughing loudly at a table.Michael's expression turns sour. "Should we go somewhere else?"I nod. "Yeah, don't feel like dealing with him."Jake's eyes catches mine as we turn to leave, and as we exit the pizza place, he gets up from his table and follows us outside."Hey, North!" Jake calls out.We slow down, turning to face him."What do you want, Jake?" I asks warily."I wanted to talk to you" he replies."What about?" He grins shifting his gaze towards our right, then looks back."I'm..I'm sorry about your violin and what I said about your mom. I was out of line, and I feel terrible about it." He apologies."What?" Michael and I utter simultaneously.My expression softens slightly, surprised by his words.Huh? Is he serious?He continues. "I was a jerk, and I hurt you. So I'm sorry!""Oh," I reply. "it's cool" He nods. "Yeah"The three of us stand t
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 37• Pre-term Classes
••••••15th, Monday, April.I step out of the car, gazing up at the Essence Academy's imposing structure. Michael joins me, his expression a mix of excitement and nerves."Ready for this?" he asks, shouldering his backpack.I nod. "Yeah, let's go"We walk towards the entrance, where a crowd of students chats and laughs. Some glance at us with curiosity, while others seem entirely focused on their own conversations.Inside, the lobby bustles with activity. A large screen displays a welcome message and class schedules. We join the queue to collect our student IDs and orientation packets.As we wait, I notice a girl with striking brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She's chatting with a group of students. She looks timid.Michael follows my gaze."Who's that?" He asks."No idea," I reply. "She's just..."Michael grins. "Okay"Then I hear someone call her name."Luna"She responds, turning towards the direction the voice came from, and waves with a smile.The queue moves forward, and we co
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 38• Pre-term Classes: ii
•••••The Avatar Fundamentals class was a introduction on who, and what Angel Avatars are. How they get born. How their senses and reflexes increases as they train. What their purpose are. There abilities and uniqueness between themselves. And all what they're capable of and how they should act.Our next class is for Angel Avatar History. Professor Thompson greets us warmly."Today, we'll explore the origins and evolution of Angel Avatars" she says.The lecture delves mystical events, and the discovery of Avatar abilities. We learn about notable Angel Avatars throughout history, their accomplishments, and struggles."The first Avatar came into existence when the first gate opened up. It happened about 500 hundred years ago.When the gate opened up, Demons started coming out from it. We call that time 'The First Era'. They were Strong Powerful Demons that corrupted everyone they came in contact with. After their presence caused a disturbance in the balance of things, Angels began making
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 39• Pre-term Classes: iii
••••••Our next class, Angel Avatar Physiology, provides insight into the biological and spiritual aspects of Avatar abilities. We walk into a training hall.Professor Patel explains. "Avatars possess enhanced senses, strength, and agility due to their Angelic energy we call Mana"Then a student walks in.Professor Patel smiles. "Now, it's time for a practical demonstration. I've invited a 3rd year student, Saint, an advanced Avatar. He is here to showcase the capabilities of an Avatar in their awakened state"Saint, a tall, athletic-built student, walks into the training hall and stand next to the professor. Confidence radiating from him. He looks humble with a lax expression on his face."Saint has graciously offered to demonstrate his abilities" Professor Patel voice."Actually, I was kinda forced too" Saint mutters, placing his hand on his neck, turning to face the wall to his left."Ready, Saint?" The professor asks.Saint nods."To begin, let's test Saint's strength" Professor P
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 40• Pre-term Classes: iv
•••••"Big Sis!" Saint exclaims. "Oh, sorry Saint. My hand might have slipped" she replies with a chuckle."I bought this shirt last week. And you know I hate shopping""Why weren't you wearing your uniform?""Today is my day off. And you said I didn't need to show my wings" "Do not worry, I'll get you another one""Well, it's not like I have an extra. How do I get home?" Saint says, as his wings begin to slowly retract into his back."Check my car, you'll see my hoodie" the professor says, throwing him her car keys."That wasn't cool!" Saint utters, then begins to walk out the hall."Okay, everyone, as you saw, Avatars also have wings. They use those to fly in the sky really fast. It also can be use as shields. I'll go into more details in our next class" she says with a smile.••••••The final class, Angel Avatar Ethics, raises thought-provoking questions. Professor Rodriguez encourages debate and discussion."As beacons, you'll face complex moral dilemmas," she emphasizes. "Your
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 41• Claire's Past
••••••We enter Professor Patel's classroom, eager to learn more about our Avatar abilities."Today, we'll explore your unique talents," Professor Patel explains. "Each Avatar possesses distinct abilities, shaped by their Angelic heritage."She gestures to a screen displaying Essence Logo."From now on, you'll be divided into groups of three. These groups will remain consistent until graduation, and even beyond, if you choose to continue working together. It use to be Avatars partnered with Kaleekis, but the system has changed. Now the School wants to focus on Avatars and Kaleekis differently. But eventually you all will have a Kaleeki partner."The room erupts into chatter as students discuss potential groupings.Professor Patel continues. "Your group members will become your closest allies, supporting each other through challenges and triumphs."The group assignments appear on the screen behind her."Each group will be assigned a Team leader. An experienced Avatar that will guide yo
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 42• Claire's Past: ii
•••••Now it's my turn. I explain to Saint what I felt and did when I activated my powers.Saint presents me with a series of sound-based puzzles, testing my auditory sensitivity.As I focus, my eyes glow silver, and I sense the vibrations around me."North, you have vibrokinesis!" Saint says. "You can manipulate your body vibrations and are extremely sensitive to sound.""Waw!" I grin.Saint smiles. "Together, you'll learn to harness these powers and become formidable Avatars."Claire's reserve softens slightly, replaced by curiosity as she glanced at Michael and I.With our abilities revealed, our journey as Avatars begins."Now, let's learn how to manifest our weapons. It's an ability every Avatar welds" Saints voice."Isn't that till later after we've learnt to control our Mana?" Claire asks."Yeah! But I just wanna test something" Saint replies. "So, watch closely. I'm gonna manifest my weapon really slowly"He raise his right hand, palm facing outward. A faint, pulsating glow be
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 43• Claire's Past: iii
•••••He leads us to a vast, huge obstacle-laden training area. The air is thick with the scent of sweat and exertion."Today's exercise will push you to your limits," Saint warns, his eyes glinting with intensity. "You'll run the course three times. Each lap will increase in difficulty."The course stretches before us, a grueling gauntlet of dark tunnels laced with cannons on different sides, ramps, and barriers.We see other teams sweating from exhaustion, as others continue to struggle across all the present obstacles."Go!" Saint barks, starting the timer.We sprint through the initial 50-meter dash, our hearts racing. Then, we stumble into the Dark Tunnel, its blackness disorienting.Claire slows, her Eagle's Eyes struggling to adjust. Michael's Mind's Eye flickers, but spatial awareness eludes him. My vibrokanesis senses the tunnel's vibrations, but I stumble, uncoordinated.Dozens of tennis balls bombard us, adding to the chaos. We flinch and dodge, struggling to maintain momen
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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
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
