She laughs in response, then says, “If you think that, then you’re more of an idiot than I guessed you were. You might as well just lay down and get it over with, so he can move on to another girl.”
Her words sway in the air as another one of Easton’s friends joins our table, sitting right next to me. He has a shaven head and a rough voice that reminds me of a pitbull. His high set eyes look me up and down as he introduces himself. “I’m Miles, and who are you?”
“Lili.” I hurriedly try to say something else, so I’m not known as a one-word mute. “Nice to meet you.”
Easton threateningly glares in Miles’ direction as he continues to talk to me. “Lili, what a beautiful name. Very fitting.”
Gwyneth interjects, “No need to get to know her, Miles. She’s just the flavor of the week.”
Miles looks at Easton and leans his head to the side, squinting his eyes in a knowing look. “I don’t think so.” He then turns to me friskily and says, “I’d cherish you if I had the chance.” Miles’ words disgust me, making me feel horrible and small.
I struggle for the right words to make this horrible exchange end, then Easton interjects in the conversation. “Lili, you should head to class.” He then turns to Miles and says in a dangerous and threatening tone, “You and I will have a discussion in my room.”
I decide to accept Easton’s advice, leaving the table in a rush without saying a word to defend myself.
Lili - Energy
I walk into my Energy class just as my professor is talking, finding an empty seat by James. The room has a wooden floor with wooden benches in the front half in a circular design. The back half of the room has mats laid out, and there is a black simmering ceiling with a large circular energy current flowing between panels.
My professor, Blake, wears all black with a sparkly black shirt underneath his open golden robe. His voice even sounds like a rockstar’s with an overly vibrato quality to it. “Energy is present in all things in the universe. It’s what a soul is derived from, what gives us energy to breathe, to talk. It is the essence of all things that are alive and the power behind our abilities. All Celestials can manipulate energy in some way, shape or form. But we are all different, just like the humans we are meant to protect. Energy manipulation is about understanding the source of energy and being able to direct it into power.”
Suddenly a lightning bolt forms in the center of the room and hits a four-foot tall tree, burning it into black ash. Everyone in the class is on the edge of their seats, fascinated by our teacher’s show of power. Like a great performer, he waits until the silence becomes palpable then continues his lesson.
“Energy can be your greatest asset or greatest weakness. It is not meant to be controlled like an animal. If you do, it will fight back and become unmanageable. I’ve seen powerful Celestials driven insane by its call.” My professor uses his energy to move the tree ash through the room, making it dance in the air in a magical swirl.
“If you listen closely, you can hear the flow of energy. It is calm, soothing, yet fierce. If you listen and understand, you can allow it to move through you and use it as a furnace of power for your abilities. But in order to truly do this, you first have to understand yourself and your purpose.” Blake opens a window and the ash blows into the forest.
“Our first lesson will be to get in groups and discuss what you believe to be your purpose in the universe. Then we will all meditate and try to connect our energy with purpose. This is very critical to energy manipulation and will be one of the things you will be judged on during your first assessment. You have 20 minutes to discuss.”
Everyone remains silent as we look around trying to figure out what groups we want to form.
James wastes no time turning to Nora and me. “Want to be in a group?”
Nora and I both reply, “Sure,” laughing at our unison.
James shakes his head. “You two are too much.”
Nora gets down to the lesson quickly. She openly says, “Purpose, is a cavernous conversation. It’s hard to pinpoint for me, but I was reading a bit about it last night and a purpose can manifest itself as a passion. I’d say my passion is reading and learning. Being knowledgeable. Maybe I’m meant to be a librarian or something.”
James retorts, “I could totally see that. ‘Silence in the library. Everyone silent.’” I can’t see Nora managing books, more like running the world, but who am I to say so.
Nora rolls her eyes at James then asks our group, “Okay, enough of that. Who’s next?” James looks at me, and I look at him, neither of us wanting to expose ourselves. I silently wait, hoping for James to volunteer as tribute. I’m no Katniss Everdeen.
He nervously looks at his hands as he begins to talk. “I’ve never really thought about it before this conversation, but if it’s based on what makes us happy then I’d say my purpose is based in the physical. I’ve never been happier than when I’m playing sports, throwing the ball and having it caught. Being the hero of the game. That’s when I’ve been my happiest.” James’ eyes nervously lift up, looking at us for understanding.
I respond by kindly smiling at him and saying, “Maybe you’re meant to be a warrior or something.”
His eyes dance with visions of his future. “Yea, that could definitely be it.”
Nora laughs in dismay and I shoot her a look before I begin my turn. “Purpose, it’s a complicated subject… If I focus on what brings me happiness, it’s also complicated…”
Nora interjects my stumbling monologue, “Just list things that make you happy. We will figure it out.”
I aimlessly start to list everything I can think of hoping that something stands out more than the rest. “Happiness… I like to help people, to connect with others, honesty—I love honest people. Nora, you seem very honest. Adventure, problem solving, puzzles, Star Wars—I love pizza and my family. I like to read…”
Nora puts her hand on my shoulder and interrupts my mouth diarrhea. “So many things… You are an impassioned person. Maybe you and I can focus on your purpose another time. Let’s just pick something from your many passions…maybe Star Wars.” James burst out in a loud chuckle that instantly lifts my spirits.
“Yea, maybe Star Wars.”
Blake loudly interrupts our laughter. “It’s time to meditate.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Classes
Lili-Studying
Every day I rise with a coffee in hand and quickly hurry to class with Nora. Our relationship has been growing as we spend day after day together, learning the weird world of Celestials. School is harder than I thought it would be. We get quizzed daily on what we learned the previous day, and Nora and I study in our room nightly until it’s time to start anew. History, fundamentals, lunch, channeling, energy, then dinner and my check-ins with my mentor, Easton.
Tomorrow is our first assessment, and everyone has been on edge trying to prepare. Nora and I have been studying for hours going over her comprehensive list of possible questions. Nora is obsessed with obtaining a perfect score, where I’d just be happy with anything above passing.
We drink a Celestial brain enhancer beverage called Klug Juice. The name is horrible, but the drink is sweet and flavorful, providing more energy than coffee. Celestials are obsessed with natural foods and drinks, believing the earth provides everything needed to survive and artificial foods poison our energy. They have drinks and food for every need and occasion, but I really miss some of my human favorites, like cheese balls, Twix and street tacos. I take another drink of Klug Juice and try to banish the thought of yummy, delicious junk food from my mind.
Nora gleefully uses her self-created study guide to quiz me. “How did the factions form?”
I answer before Nora buzzes me. She has zero patience, always wanting things done quickly. “The Celestial leader, Michael, lost connection to God, and then his second in command, Adem, lost faith in him. They both had different ideas of how Celestials should battle the darkness, separating into two se
parate factions and creating a rift and the first ever Celestial war.”
Nora smiles proudly. “You’re right! And what wonderful thing brought the factions back together?”
“New Celestials. Our arrival brought Adem and Michael back together and stopped the Celestial war.”
“Two out of two correct. Last one. Ready?”
I nod my head yes as Nora transforms into a game show host, holding a pretend microphone up to her mouth. “Who is the best new Celestial?”
She moves her pretend microphone to my mouth, and I respond like a contestant. “Hard question, but I’d have to say that the best new Celestial is of course….me.”
Nora makes a buzzing noise, yelling, “Wrong! I believe the right answer was, me.” We stare at each other for a long second before breaking into laughs.
After our giggles die, I ask Nora a question. “Do you think tomorrow is going to be crazy and stressful?”
“Absolutely, but you have nothing to worry about. You are the most un-Norma person I’ve ever met.”
I’m touched by Nora’s compliment. “What could we call a non-Norma? Should we make up a name?”
Excitement flashes across Nora’s face. “Yes! We absolutely should!! A nickname for us. It has to be a normal name, that no-one would get the meaning of.”
We both begin to brainstorm ideas, with me going first. “What about Dev, for deviant?”
“That’s a good one. What about Uni for unique?”
“Uni?” I laugh loudly, before adding, “Uni for unicycle—we only have one-wheel spinning.” We both snicker then go back to brainstorming “What about Ab for Abnormal?”
Nora raises her eyebrows in excitement, “I love it, Abbi—for Abnormal Bitch.”
“It’s perfect!”
Nora stretches, like she does every night before she goes to bed. “That’s the one then. Ab-Bi. I’ve got to get my beauty rest.” Nora smiles at me, climbing under her covers. “Goodnight!”
I grab Sax from my desk and jump into bed, making myself comfortable. I gossip with Sax almost every night before bed, discussing everything that happened that day.
Sax springs to life, communicating with me inside my mind. “I think I’ve finally found the book on memory eradication. It’s titled ‘Celestial Messages and Notes from the 1500’s.’”
I almost jump out of bed, excited to finally have a lead on Memory Eradication. “Really? What does it say? Anything helpful?”
“I’ve been unable to attain what’s inside the book. It was never digitized and doesn’t have another copy. I had heard of its existence hundreds of years ago, but its location was hidden well by evil.”
I take Sax’s words in, responding cautiously, “Where is the location of the book?”
Sax’s energy becomes scared. “All paths seem to lead back to the school library, though you’ll have to do some investigating to locate its exact location.” Sax suddenly disappears from my Gnosis.
I’ve never been to the library, so I may need help figuring out where to start my search. Without a lot of friends, I may have to involve my library loving roommate in my quest for the book.
Sax returns with a warning, “Someone doesn’t want anyone to see the book, so I’d be extremely careful trying to locate it.” Her words make my stomach tense. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble hiding the book, but I’m still unsure why. All I know is that my best bet of discovering what the Darkness has planned is to find the book and learn why and who started the procedure.
Easton - First Assessment
Today is the first assessment for the new crop of Celestials, and all mentors must be present to help in the procedures. So today I’m going to try my best to be like the helpful Honda guy instead of Resident Evil. The first assessment is a huge deal for Celestials and has major ramifications within our culture, so all Celestial leadership participates. It’s their first chance to see what power the new Celestials have and, in my opinion, if there is anyone they need to keep an eye on.
Adem, Michael and Wayward all wait at the front of the hall, talking amongst themselves and waiting for the newbies to arrive. Every Celestial in the room surrounds them trying to be noticed and a part of the cool group. Their peacocking doesn’t interest me in the slightest. I spot Gwyneth and Miles within close proximity to Adem. Gwyneth stinks of desperation, trying to gain Adem’s favor in a skimpy red dress and perfectly curled hair, and Miles and I aren’t on speaking terms after his flirting tone with Lili.
I notice that only me and one other Celestial are across the room from the Celestial clingers and the commotion. The other anti-social Celestial is none other than Sebastian. Sebastian always wears bright outfits and makeup, regardless of the situation. I admire his lack of concern for others’ approval, but we are far from friendly. He was my mentor during my first year, but we barely talk now.
Sebastian seems to be talking to himself as he creates mini lightning bolts in his hand, like a twitch he can’t stop. He notices me and arches his eyebrows right before the new celestials begin to arrive.
I see Lili enter the room and am immediately hit with a stomach full of nerves like a python is trying to break free from my gut. I can tell she’s anxious to expose the magnitude of her abilities, and if I’m telling myself the truth, I’m nervous for the same reason. Lili’s open eyes linger in my direction as she passes, causing a spark that I’ve grown to crave. I follow her to the front of the hall, rolling my eyes at myself in disgust.
Sebastian moves beside me, shifting his stare from Lili to me. “How’s life as a mentor?”
I’m surprised Sebastian is talking to me after months of silence. “It’s interesting. I’m not really the mentor type, but it is what it is.”
“You’re the perfect mentor for Lili. You’re the only one who can keep her safe.”
I glare in Sebastian’s direction, unsure of what he knows, though it’s evident that he knows something. Luckily our conversation ends as the room’s attention shifts to the front of the hall.
Lightning surrounds Adem, lifting him up into the air. He moves as though he’s a God among men. The type of Celestial everyone wants to sleep with or be best friends with. Well, everyone but me. Then just as smoothly as he went up, he comes down landing on the stage like Thor.
Once everyone’s eyes are on him, he begins to speak with a masculine voice that calls for everyone to obey. ”I’m Adem, one of your Celestial leaders. This is your chance to impress us, to show us your God given abilities. After you receive your powers on your sixteenth birthday, you will be re-tested at the start of your second year, but people rarely change their scores. Each Celestial has different abilities and different power levels. This is your chance to show us who you are meant to be.”
Adem stares at Lili, pausing his speech. He then clears his throat. “Each assessment is designed to judge your natural God given abilities. The school’s barrier will be removed completely, and the room will be filled with energy, so everyone is able to access their full potential. You will be tested on your empathic abilities, energy manipulation, and your channeling skills. Each of you have 10 minutes to meet with your mentors and prepare for the assessment. God’s will.” Adem’s eyes once again linger on Lili like she’s a bright light in the dark. He quickly exits the stage and the room becomes chaotic.
Lili walks towards me, with her long hair flowing behind her. I can tell her nerves are getting to her and all I want to do is help her calm down. “You’re going to be fine. Just breathe.”
Her eyes meet mine, and I’m all but lost as her fears come tumbling out. “What happens if I don’t pass the assessment? Or if I accidentally kill someone with a lightning bolt? What if I’m found to be evil?”
Her evil comment surprises me. “You have nothing to worry about. You are pure light, not an evil bone in your body. Just pull back your abilities. And if you kill one of your teachers, I’ll hide the body.” She chuckles and finally takes a deep breath of air.
I hear Adem’s voice pene
trate everything in the room. “Please head to your first assessment stations.” The room once again becomes hectic—what a bunch of animals. Lili’s first assessment is energy manipulation, which is run by Harper, the Celestial History professor. She’s not my biggest fan, but today is about Lili, not me. Lili and I wait behind some unremarkable boy in her class. He tries to lift a piece of paper with his energy, but he can’t seem to draw any power. He strains like he’s trying to lift a thousand-pound boat. What an idiot.
Lili smiles at him kindly then turns to me and says, “It’s so awful to watch Ben struggle. I wish I could help.”
I’d say Lili has a bleeding heart, but it wouldn’t describe her properly. Her heart isn’t just bleeding; it’s gushing. “Don’t worry about him. It’s very rare for anyone to pass every subject.”
Lili’s eyes widen at my response right as Harper calls her forward. “Lili, you ready to begin?”
Lili shakes her head yes and steps forward to the assessment line. Her hands shake slightly as she begins her first assessment. Lili quickly lifts the paper in the air, floating it gracefully through an electric circle. She flips the paper in the air so it lays flat and slips it through a thin space the size of a letter slot. Oh man, I can barely watch as she makes it to the last challenge, flying it through an electric current, shielded and unharmed by the energy current. She then lands it perfectly in a glass box. Oh crap. I should have told her to only lift the paper. No first year ever floats it through the obstacle or the electric field unharmed. That’s even hard for graduates.
Harper’s face is troubled as she stares at the paper and then Lili. She grabs her Gnosis making notes, then walks to Lili’s side. “How did you do that?”
Concern flares on Lili’s face. “I…did I do it wrong?”
Harper takes a long beat to gather her thoughts. “No, I just have never seen anyone do it on their first time.”
New Celestial : A teen paranormal romance series (The Celestial Series Book 1) Page 7