My gaze changes direction towards new energies entering the room. A large man with auburn hair that curls like a pig’s tail walks with dominance to the front of the room with a sphere of lightning hovering above him. He is flanked by two large body builder types, who seem to be his guards. Once he reaches the front of the room, his security spreads out and he sends a lightning bolt to the ceiling, silencing the room and gaining everyone’s attention.
“Welcome to your new school, your new beginning and your new life. I’m Wayward, the Headmaster of Cognosco, and I welcome you with open arms. Five hundred years ago our species experienced a change—new Celestials started to arrive on Earth by the dozens—uniting Michael and Adem’s factions together. Creating a unified Celestial race.” A roar of cheers echoes through the Grand Hall. Wayward lets the cheers die down, then continues his speech like the showman he is. “I’m proud to say that this facility has been open and thriving for exactly 500 years today. Though the world around us has changed, the message is still the same. You are blessed by God to protect and guide humans on Earth, and our school will help you do it successfully. There is no higher calling.” The room applauds as Wayward takes a quick pause, then pushes his voice through the cheers.
“New Celestials—you endured fifteen years as a human to understand what their plight on Earth is. Those fifteen years have served you well, but they were just steppingstones to bring you here today. You will leave the painful memories of your human life behind as you move forward into a better life as a Celestial. On the eve of your sixteenth birthday your human memories will be removed, allowing you to come into your full Celestial abilities. We are the only defense against the spread of evil on Earth, so we must be diligent in erasing any trace of sinfulness within each new Celestial.”
Panic spreads through my energy as the room closes around me. My premonition is already unfolding, and I just got here. Why would the school erase our human memories, and if it’s to stop the spread of evil, why did I see darkness in my dream?
Though my mind is spinning, I try to refocus on Wayward’s speech again.
“Over the next three years you will learn everything you need to be successful in the Celestial world. Your first year of training will push you to your brink, testing your personality, loyalty and abilities. First years will have an assessment in October to determine your natural abilities, then another assessment at the start of your second year, which will determine the classes you will be placed in. The assessments will reveal your gifts and help us focus your second-year training on your natural strengths.” The room claps as Wayward raises his hands. “In a custom as old as the school, every first year will partner with a second year who will mentor them to ensure a successful start to your training here at Cognosco. The list with partner pairings is on the left of the door as you exit. First years please stay, so I can meet everyone new to the school. Second and third years, you may leave.” The majority of the room gets up and exits. Only about 25 students remain, waiting to talk to Wayward.
Nora intensely watches his every move, trying to quiet her inner voice telling her to swarm him. “I hope he still lets me ask my questions. His speech was vague, and what’s up with erasing our memories and the factions?” Nora’s worries are mine too, but I’m in full shock and unable to form the words.
I jam my hands in my armpits to stop the cold. James takes his jacket off and puts it on my shoulders. The warmth feels nice and my mind is in no condition to argue, so I say, “Thank you. I promise to give it back.”
James playfully responds, “You were shaking throughout his entire speech. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
I look away, trying to hide my inner turmoil. In my dream there was a dark energy, and I wonder if it’s already here in the school, waiting to attack me. Even though my abilities are restricted, I search the energies inside the room. I don’t find any menacing darkness nearby, allowing me to take a deep breath for the first time since learning about memory eradication.
Wayward’s gaze turns our way as he begins walking towards us. Nora’s eagerness springs forward, and she races to meet him with her Gnosis open and ready. Wayward seems to be taking Nora’s eagerness in strides as she grills him for information.
James’ eyebrows arc as he turns to me and says, “She’s intense. I wonder if she will chill out once her memories are erased?”
James’ judgement of Nora seems harsh, causing me to come to her defense. “That seems cruel. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
James’ face shifts emotions, landing on concerned as he debates what to say next. “I didn’t mean that. I just…I don’t know. I make jokes when I’m uncomfortable. I don’t want to lose my memories. I had a good life and the best mom I could wish for.”
My eyes swell in commiseration with James. I guess I’m not the only one worried about losing my human memories. I wipe my eyes and grab James’ hand, pushing positive energy beyond the magic barrier and into him. He catches his breath and looks at me with puppy dog eyes, free of worry.
I see Wayward start to walk our way as Nora waves at me and exits with a determined look on her face.
Panic fills me as I hear a familiar spirit’s voice inside my head, “Keep your abilities hidden from everyone. You are in danger. You must find out the origin of memory eradication.” The spirit quickly disappears, and I suddenly realize I made an error. Celestials don’t receive their abilities until sixteen, and I just revealed my difference to a practical stranger. I look at James with panicked eyes, begging him to remain quiet. I squeeze his hand for way too long, desperately praying for his silence as I turn towards Cognosco’s headmaster.
Wayward looks at James’ hand in mine with curiosity and begins talking, “James and Lili, it’s a pleasure to meet you two. How are you liking the school so far?”
I respond before James. “It’s beautiful. Thanks for having me.” I actually have a thousand things to ask and opinions to share with Wayward, but after my warning, I don’t dare rock the boat.
James squeezes my hand as he begins to talk to Wayward. “May I ask you a question, sir?”
Wayward turns towards James with openness. “Sure James, what can I help you with?”
“I don’t mean to step out of line, but why do we need to forget our pasts? What if we are sure we are free of evil influences?”
Wayward grimaces and pats James on his shoulder. “Well, there’s no way to know if evil is or isn’t already a part of your being, and in order to achieve absolute dominance of malevolence, we must first ensure it doesn’t reside in any Celestials who will be fighting it. I hope you understand.”
James boldly continues to grill Wayward, and I feel gratitude for his bravery. “I completely understand that, but I don’t understand why we had to live with humans for fifteen years if we can’t remember our experience. What’s the point?”
Wayward takes a deep breath shaking his head up and down in commensuration. “I understand your confusion, James. It does seem non-sensical, but the skills acquired in your first fifteen years of life are necessary when learning how to control your abilities and build your foundation. The memories will vanish, but your skills learned will remain. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time with this. If you need to talk further, I am always available. It was a pleasure meeting you all.” Wayward walks towards the next student, like a politician on stage.
James and I move to the mentor list by the room’s exit. James turns to me and asks, “What did you do to me earlier?”
Without time to prepare an explanation, I tell James a small piece of truth. “I’ve always had a very slight ability with energies. Please don’t tell anyone.”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about. I would never tell a soul.”
I see kindness in James’ eyes, and I trust what he says. “Thank you, James.”
I turn to the mentor list, finding my name at the top, and slide my finger to the right to locate my new advisor. The list reads “Gwyneth Babcock.” The only Gwyneth
I know of is Gwyneth Paltrow, but if she’s anything like her, I’d be happy.
I turn my attention to James and ask, “Who did you get?”
“Someone named Easton Smith.”
I’m shocked to hear James’ mentor is Easton, but I hide my surprise and respond tightly, “I better get going. Best of luck with your mentor. See you tomorrow.”
I exit the room, heading toward my meeting with Gwyneth as I try to push thoughts of Easton out of my mind.
CHAPTER SIX
Insight
Easton - Mentor meeting
I impatiently wait outside for my new mentee. Everyone seems to be enjoying the nice weather, but I’m more of a “hide in the shadows and sulk” Celestial. I was briefed that I might have an initial attraction to Lili before her arrival, but hopefully the Darkness is unaware of the true effects her energy has on mine. Her closeness put my energy on edge, like I’m standing under a lightning bolt. I’ll have to be diligent to keep my head screwed on and my other desires squashed if the Darkness’ plan is to be successful. If I don’t, it could mean my death, and I’m not ready to die yet.
The school’s stoned exterior is old, grand and reflective, reminding me of a palace from a ridiculous children’s fairytale. Celestials love opulence and perfection, but I like realness and mess, alienating me from my peers. A floating line of flowers levitates next to my head and invades my space. I smack at one of the glowing buds, which shifts up to avoid my energy. I swear it shines even brighter than before, taunting me from the air. Why can’t they just grow in the ground? Stupid Celestials, always trying to make everything float and sparkle.
I watch a couple on the bench next to me holding each other and kissing in the pure sunlight shining down like golden rays amplifying their love. Their happiness irritates me in its simplicity, and I wonder what it is like to feel so light and free. I am much more complexed than sun + kiss = happiness, but anything is better than the constant darkness and pain.
Before Lili enters my view, I feel her irritation and an unexpected flutter in her energy as our eyes connect across the yard. Her energy is crystal clear and vibrant, and I can link with her easily, even through the school’s active barriers. The closer she gets the more my heart races, causing emotions I’m not used to experiencing. She sits down across from me on the stone picnic table trying to avoid eye contact like it will lead to her demise.
I try to ease her obvious discomfort by being the first to break the silence. “Nice to see you again. I hope you don’t mind, but Gwyneth had to switch with me, so I’m your new mentor.”
Lili takes a deep breath, then tightly replies, “That’s fine. I hope she’s okay.”
Gwyneth was pissed I switched with her, but she didn’t have a choice. It was a direct order. “She’ll be fine. Don’t concern yourself with her.” Lili’s face twists in disapproval. Crap, I’m losing her. I knew it was going to be hard to convince her to trust me. I change the subject. “How’s your first day going?”
She flutters her long eyelashes before answering. “I’m not sure yet. Confusing, terrifying, fun—a combination of all three.”
Her honesty surprises me. “That seems like a lot of emotions in such a tiny body.”
The mention of her body makes her shift uncomfortably, and she covers herself even more with her coat. “I don’t know why everyone is so obsessed with exteriors. Do they have curves? Are they fat? Pretty? It has no bearing on what’s inside. It’s ridiculous.”
“I guess so. But, I’d much rather be attractive than not.”
Her energy is full of irritation, which enters her voice. “So would the rest of the world, but with everyone focusing on the outside, no one has time to worry about feelings.”
I try to push her theory. “Have you ever dated someone who hasn’t been attractive to you?”
She shifts uncomfortably before answering. “I don’t have much experience with that. I wasn’t the most popular person at my old school. It was hard for me to fit in.” I feel an echo of pain from her energy, which is quickly squashed. “What about you?”
I decide to answer her honestly. “I’ve always been with people who are attractive. I have never had any real connection with them, so maybe I’ve been doing it wrong.” Her eyes meet mine. I feel electricity course through me, which I swear she feels too. I try to ignore it and continue to gather information. “Why didn’t you fit in?”
“I–I don’t know. I have trouble in large groups, and I guess I live in my head a lot trying to quiet the voices and the noise.” She looks at her hands, then looks up at me. “I also have a hard time keeping my opinions to myself, though I try my best.”
Her answer leaves a pit in my stomach. “Did you have trouble in groups because of your abilities?” Her energy spikes with fear, and I try to calm it quickly. “I just ask because I had abilities before sixteen too. My experience sounds similar to yours.”
I see a glimmer of hope spark in her eyes as she lets down her guard. She’s far too trusting. “You had abilities before sixteen too? What kinds? Does anyone else have this problem?” The questions come pouring out of her, confirming my assumptions.
I’ve gotten her to divulge a secret, which doesn’t feel as good as I thought it would. I try to respond quickly, before she realizes my nefarious intentions. “I’ve had abilities since I came to school. I’m sure I had them before that too, but I can’t remember my human life, so it’s hard to tell.” I feel a spike of sorrow from her and am almost engulfed in her pain. I’ve never felt sadness like that before, making me nervous to experience it again. I attempt to build up my own walls and try to ignore my reaction to her. I want to continue to see her as an enemy.
Her energy reaches out to mine as she cautiously asks, “What does it feel like to not remember your family? To have a life you lived but can’t remember?”
Her question triggers an emptiness in me I’ve never noticed before. “I don’t know. I was told my life was full of horrible things, that I’m happier to forget the pain attached to them.”
Lili listens, pausing before responding. “I think we all have drama in our pasts, things that are hard to move on from, but for me those are the things that make life more precious and give us perspective on the pain of others.” Her answer sounds like a scripted response the light always tries to use to explain the darkness in the world.
I once again try to show her the fault in her thinking. “What tragedy happened in your life? How are you sure you’re better off remembering it?” I see her eyes reflect a disaster I’m not sure I want to know.
Lili tries to hide her pain by looking down at her fidgeting hands as she fumbles with her words, causing an unexpected reaction from me. “Don’t worry about it. It’s none of my business.” Lili’s eyes creep back up and link with mine, sending a flash of pure light energy through my body.
My breath catches and I stand up, trying to break our connection. “What do you want to know about the school? Any questions?”
“Do we ever get to leave the campus?”
“We can leave on weekends and holidays. But Celestial holidays are a little different from human holidays.”
She tilts her head in a quizzical look. “In what way? What holidays do Celestials celebrate?”
“Celestial holidays are all based on the seasons. We commune with the Earth. It’s a whole thing, full of formality, but there’s also dancing and drinking, so it’s not all bad.”
Lili looks at me like she understands me, as her voice becomes teasing. “It sounds like you enjoy celebrating the seasons.”
“Enjoy is a strong word. I don’t really enjoy anything.”
“I can’t imagine that to be true, maybe you just haven’t found something you enjoy doing. We will have to try to remedy that.” She smiles at me in a frisky way, and I almost genuinely smirk back. What is happening to me?
I compose myself as quickly as possible and try to get back to my original plan of gathering information. “What abilities do you have?
I can read energies, talk with spirits, move things, basically anything they teach at this school.”
Her eyes light up with excitement as she says, “Move things? I don’t think I can do that.”
I shouldn’t help her, but the words come out of my mouth before I can stop them. “I bet you can. Let me show you.”
I get up and grab her hand, leading her to a hidden spot behind the trees and away from prying eyes. Her skin is soft like silk and she smells of lilies, just like her name. I don’t want to let her hand go, wanting to find an excuse to hold it longer than necessary.
I gently move her hand with the palm facing out, though the power really lies in her mind. I instruct her with a too flirty tone, unable to stop myself. “Imagine what you want to move with your mind and funnel all your energy into the object until it is overflowing from your core, then slowly move your energy to where you want the object to move.”
She looks at her golden toned hand in mine. “What do I do with this?”
“I just wanted to hold your hand a little longer. You don’t need your hands at all.” Did I just tell the truth? I’ve got to end our meeting soon.
A joyous laugh escapes her causing me to jump into the air, which only makes her laugh harder. As her boisterous laugh dwindles, she says, “Sorry I scared you. That was a high leap into the air.” I ignore her joking tone, though I feel a slight grin spread across my face without me having to force it for the first time in my life. She lets go of my hand then continues talking, “Where do I get the energy from?”
The fact that I’m training my enemy how to use her abilities isn’t lost on me, but I proceed anyway. “You find your energy from your own supply or from the electricity of the Earth.” I model this for her, causing lightning to surround a small twig on the ground and move it across the forest.
I see Lili squint her face as she tries to call the energy from the Earth. She’s unable to connect and I’m filled with relief. I begin to comfort her in her failure when lightning surrounds us and strikes the earth with such force I’m almost electrocuted. I take a deep breath, then turn to an embarrassed Lili, who runs towards me with worry.
New Celestial : A teen paranormal romance series (The Celestial Series Book 1) Page 5