The six of them finally landed at Neonexus the next day…
"Callister! What are you going to do if you come face to face to Ellie and which is obviously going to happen?", Mizuki asked Callister. She was really concerned about him and also somewhat miserable after hearing everything about what transpired at 'Merlin High' 7 years ago.
"Mizu, you don't have to worry about anything. I don't think she even remembers us", Callister assured Mizuki.
"I didn't ask about her Callister. I asked what you were going to do. Anyways, I got my answer", Mizuki stormed ahead.
Everyone got out of the airport and found some officials from 'The Elite Guardians' who were waiting for the candidates.
The six of them followed the officials and were led to a bus where there were several other candidates and it seemed that they were last to arrive.
"Oh finally! Can we just please go now? We have been waiting for 2 hours now", A girl with blonde hair and a really cute face spoke up and said what everyone was thinking.
"Everyone is counted for. We are ready to leave now. Please take your seats", One of the officials announced.
There were five seats at the back and Mizuki went ahead and sat at the window seat in the corner without saying anything to anyone. She settled herself and looked outside through the window. Callister was about to go and sit beside her but she glowered at Callister conveying her disapproval.
Callister receded and let the others go and sit in the back. Callister kept looking for an empty seat and found one beside that blonde girl who spoke up earlier…
He settled himself down beside her and the vehicle started to head towards their destination.
"Hi, I am Callister Oakwood. May I know your name?", Callister asked the blonde girl with a really charming look on his face.
The girl didn't seem to be charmed and replied somewhat in a cold way, "I am Nicole and I would really prefer if you didn't try to make any moves on me."
Nicole (Fire)
Callister was offended and it was clear from his expression, "Excuse me but what made you draw the conclusion that I was hitting on you. I just asked your name. I am really sorry if that's how people are from where you are but from where I am it's called being polite. So, I am really sorry for bothering you."
Callister furiously took out his headphones and put them on. He rested his head on the seat and closed his eyes but he was still annoyed at everything that's been happening to him since the Ice Princess was mentioned.
Nicole realized that she misjudged Callister and felt guilty but her pride didn't let her say anything for the rest of the journey.
The ten people who were on the bus were quite anxious and were trying to assess their peers throughout the journey but Callister was the only one who didn't even open his eyes until the bus arrived at the campus.
Nicole was hesitant but having the unsaid duty of being the neighbor she nudged Callister, "Hey, we are here."
Callister opened his eyes and kept the headphone in his bag and rushed got down from the bus as fast as he could.
"Hey Cal, wait up. Are you mad because of not being able to sit with us?", Yuri chased behind Callister.
After a while Yuri came to a sudden halt. She was glued to the place and couldn't move a finger. The rest caught up and everyone had the same reaction. The sight was so overwhelming and unreal that everyone couldn't even distinguish if it was a dream or reality.
The huge building where "The Elite Guardians" was engraved and in front of that were standing three from the top ten. Miss Aurora who can manipulate light and with her twin sister Aine they are known as the "Blades of light" and then there was Miss Ashley who can invade your dreams and defeat anyone even without lifting a finger and finally Master Patrick who can evaporate cities and change landscapes in his dragon form in an hour.
Patrick (Dragon)
Aurora (Dawn Light)
Ashley (Dream walking)
Jerome snapped out of the enchantment and spotted Callister ahead. He rushed to him and asked, "Cal, are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine Jerome. Don't worry."
"I hope that's the truth"
"STOP BICKERING AND LINE UP YOU IMBECILES!", Patrick shouted at the top of his lungs and scared the soul away from every mortal's body. Only one person didn't flinch and Callister's eyes looked at that person wistfully. That silky bright silver hair was something Callister was very familiar with from a long time back. He couldn't turn his eyes away. After a couple of seconds, he got a side look and he was right. The face was angelic and could make anyone fall in love at first sight. It was the same elegance and beauty that he once lost his heart to but those sapphire eyes were as cold and dead as he remembered from their last meeting. The air surrounding her was so ominous, cold and reeked of death.
Ellie (Snow)
"Hey Cal, isn't that Ellie? She looks like a goddess but at the same time I don't know but she sends chills down my spine every time I glimpse at her." Jerome said to Cal pointing towards Ellie with his eyes.
"So that's the infamous Ice Princess and now I can understand what's been bothering you." Mizuki came in from behind and hugged Callister.
"I am sorry Mizu. I thought after all this time it wouldn't even bother me at all but it still does. The things she told me at last were more than I could bear", Callister was visibly apologetic.
"You don't need to be sorry Cal. You're forgiven.", Mizuki smiled at Callister.
"You're really great Mizu", Callister drew Mizuki in for a kiss.
However, they were interrupted by Patrick's monstrous voice,
"LINE UP IN 5 SECONDS!!"
"That dude sure is a dragon", Alejandro commented while cupping his ears.
"He might as well breath fire on us", Yuri offered a playful jab.
"You know he might really burn the six of you down if you don't follow his instructions to perfection and on top of that on the first day", Miss Aurora appeared behind the six of them out of nowhere and had a menacing look on her face.
They all hurried and formed a line. Then finally Patrick began in a more normal voice, "You guys are supposedly the best power users in Solara and we have high hopes for you. However, your best is not enough. Your best couldn't even land you a spot in the top ten with a few exceptions of course like Ellie, Anneliese and Aurelius who are the twelfth, fifteenth and sixteenth respectively. They are acknowledged by the associations and the top ten and with this pace if they keep developing, they will soon be in the top ten. However, that can't be said about the rest of you. The rest twenty-seven are absolutely no ones. You're here because you're young and might have shown some potential somewhere but it might as well have been a fluke. Here, there aren't going to be any flukes and you can't survive with your luck alone. The training is going to be intense and is going to be on the level of the top candidates from the lot. Therefore, as you know the top of your class is Solara twelfth and the top ten are going to train everyone equally on that level. IF YOU CAN'T KEEP UP, YOU DIE! So, prepare yourselves mentally and physically and try not to end up dead. The classes are going to start from tomorrow."
Ashley smacked on Patrick's back of the head, "Oh just stop being all scary and stuff. We all know you are a big old dragon. We have a handsome lot of students here. We can't let them lose their glamour."
"Stop drooling on the young dudes, grandma", Patrick taunted Ashley and it worked. She punched right on Patrick's chin and knocked him to the ground.
Then she walked towards a tall handsome boy with brown hair and brown skin. He was really well built and wore some kind of armor.
Bhumi (Earth)
"You're Bhumi, right? The earth manipulator? I wanted to thank you personally for saving my sister the other day. Thank you so much and don't feel that you got this chance just because you were lucky. This spot of yours is well deserved and goddess of luck only smiles upon those who deserve it" Ashley expressed her sincere appreciation to Bhumi.
"Thank you, Ma'am. You are too kind. At first, I thought that all the top tens are going to be like him (gesturing at Patrick) but I guess there are some really nice ones too." Bhumi replied.
"Best of luck for tomorrow", Ashley told Bhumi and stepped back.
"Alright everyone we have sent you your room numbers and schedule from tomorrow. No matter what don't be late and follow the rules and regulations. Breaking the rules might even cost you your life and might be treated as treason. I am not trying to scare you but you have to understand the gravity of the situation here. Best of luck for tomorrow and give your best", Aurora announced and soon after the gathered crowd scattered. Some went inside the buildings to their assigned rooms while few tried to get to know their peers and socialized.
Callister saw Ellie giving him another side eye before she headed inside the facility most probably to her room. The six of them stayed back and tried to get to know a few of their comrades.
Nicole walked up to Callister and said, "Umm, Callister? I am so sorry. I was very rude to you in the bus. Now to redeem myself I wanted to introduce myself properly to you and your friends."
"Hi Nicole, I am Mizuki. Callister's girlfriend. It's so nice to meet you. By the way I am a water manipulator if you are interested to know my powers that is."
"Oh wow! That's really cool and worrying at the same time. You're my worst match-up. I am a fire user. What is your power Callister?" Nicole looked at Callister curiously.
"Oh, he hasn't even told his best friend who has known since forever. I am Jerome by the way. I am a speedster. It's really nice to meet you, Nicole."
"Yeah Cal, I think now is the best time to reveal your powers" Yuri said and everyone looked at Callister with curiosity.
"You guys are really pesky and persistent. Fine I'll tell you what it is." Callister gave up to their demands.
"You also have to show us telling is not enough anymore", Mizuki looked at Callister with a really smug face.
"Mizu be thankful that I really love you", Cal feigned his annoyance.
"Alright step back a bit everyone. I will show you" Callister ordered everyone and snapped his fingers and immediately clenched his fists for a couple of seconds and stretched his fingers. Several small red pellets came out and the surrounding started to heat up all of a sudden.
"What's happening Callister?", Yumi asked.
"Well, you guys see these pellets these are concentrated flames and really really hot at that. I can control them and almost melt through anything with ease." Callister explained his powers.
"Wow! We are bonded by flames. I am really happy to meet another flame user" Nicole was overjoyed after discovering Callister's powers.
"Callister you bastard those are some really sick powers. And you said you can melt through anything what have you tried your powers on?" Alejandro enquired Callister.
"Actually, I sliced of a building and turned it into practically dust."
"Wait, what building?", Yuri asked.
"The 50-story building that came crashing down on the crowd."
"That was you in Willowbrook!! It was all over the news that some fucker knocked the building down and it almost fell on everyone and killed them until something completely sliced and diced it up to tiny pieces, almost to dust! Dude that was you and you didn't even tell us" Jerome was aghast.
"Yeah, that's what got me the spot in 'The Elite Guardians'"
"Callister you know that's crazy right. Why did the media report it as anonymous? Why didn't you take the credit?", Nicole asked Callister.
"I don't know. I just sliced the building up. Then chopped off the hands of the culprit, picked up the power user who was almost beaten to shit by the culprit and ran straight to the hospital where I met Sensei Felix and he said that the culprit was one of his students who went rogue and the power user was also from his dojo and that he would take care of the rest and finally offered me a spot for 'The Elite Guardians'. I was so happy that I was also selected and that I could come here with you guys. I reached Ashenreach as fast as I could to give Mizuki the news. I reached our place she was looking at the news of the building in the TV but I just bombarded her with the news of my selection and she was so happy and teared up. I switched off the TV and we gradually got intimate and we ended up having sex and the rest just slipped my mind because no one really asked me about how I got my spot or anything until today" Callister justified.
"YOU STUPID FUCK!!!", the whole group and Nicole unanimously shouted at Callister.
"How can you act as if it's not a big deal? You're unbelievable" Nicole was completely stunned by Callister's character.
"You met Sensei Felix, you sliced a whole building and saved hundreds and chopped off someone's arm and all you told me was that you got selected in 'The Elite Guardians' and ALL YOU COULD THINK ABOUT WAS HAVING SEX! You are the best but at the same time just so baffling. I REALLY LOVE YOU!!", Mizuki yelled at Callister and her actions and words were totally capricious. While yelling at Callister she wound herself around Callister in the tightest hug possible.
Renate (Invisibility))
"Hi, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation given the pitch you guys were talking in was not quite secretive. Anyways, I am Renate. I heard a lot of impressive things from my pops about you Callister. He seldom appreciates anyone but you are an exception", A pretty girl with black hair and blue eyes came forward with a couple of other people.
"Hello, Renate. It's so nice to meet you. I am Callister as you know and this is Jerome, Alejandro, Mizuki, Nicole and the twins Yuri and Yumi", Callister introduced everyone to Renate.
Mateo (God's Blessing)
"Hello everyone and these two are my childhood friends Mateo and Hikari", Renate introduced her friends and everyone had a few small conversations with the people present there before finally heading inside the facility and to their respective rooms.
The boys headed towards the east wing and the girls towards the west wing.
Mizuki and the twins checked their assigned rooms on their phones…
"Mine is room no W203. What's yours Riri?", Yumi asked Yuri.
Hikari (Healer)
"Oh! I am in W205", Yuri replied.
"YIPEEEE! I am also in W205", Mizuki yelled and jumped on the twins from behind and wrapped her arms around their necks.
"Hey! That's unfair. You are separating twin sisters. How dare you, Mizuki? Nicole and Hikari what are your room numbers?", Yumi was jealous at the fact that Yuri got the room with Mizuki but hoped that someone she knew ended up with her.
"Yumi actually we both have the same room W206", Hikari laughed nervously.
"Kami Sama what have I done to deserve this? Please, Renate don't disappoint me", Yumi was throwing a tantrum in the hallway.
"Sorry Yumi, mine's W204", Renate replied with a nervous laughter too.
Yumi's soul left her body, "I have no one except for that idiot Jerome."
The girls went in their respective rooms. Yumi opened her room and found a really sweet girl wearing navy blue t-shirt with orange stripes was lying on a bed on the left side of the room with her headphones on. She was really pretty and elegant and Yumi felt a bit nervous regarding how to break the ice and talk to her. Soon the girl noticed Yumi and sprang up sitting on the bed. She was visibly embarrassed and very awkward and kept looking here and there not knowing what to do or say. Then she opened her headphones and that flustered her even more. This whole set of actions brought out a hidden extrovert from within Yumi. She went straight ahead to the girl's bed with her chest out and a mouth full of smile.
"Hey there, I am Yumi your roommate. You don't need to be so nervous and awkward. I was nervous too but your sequence of actions told me that you were ten times more nervous than me", Yumi out her right hand for a handshake.
Niyati (Foreseer)
"I am Niyati and its not like that. You caught me off guard. I was listening to something private then you whooshed in and stood in front of me and I completely lost it and couldn't figure out my course of actions. Anyways let's have the competition to who is more introverted later. It's really nice to meet you Yumi. Please settle in first", Niyati shook Yumi's hand and they both laughed their hearts out.
Meanwhile, Renate entered her room and found out her roommate was none other than the Solara fifteenth Anneliese.
Anneliese (Telekinesis)
"Welcome, you're Sensei Felix's daughter, right? I am not quite off the mark your name is Renate?", Anneliese confirmed with Renate.
"Yup, that's right. It's nice to meet you officially. I have seen you a couple of times before when I was tagging along with pops but this the first time, I am officially meeting you", Renate looked pleased with her roommate and smiled at Anneliese.
"Renate, did you meet the other candidates? I actually don't quite thrive in social settings that's why I rushed in as soon as possible. However, I was curious about one person from that group of six that was creating a ruckus back there."
"Yeah, I actually did speak with them. They are quite nice."
"What did you think about the boy with black hair? How strong do you think he is?"
"Are you talking about Callister? Actually, my dad recommended him and he was the one in Willowbrook who saved the civilians from the crashing building. So, I think he is pretty strong but why do you ask about him all of a sudden?"
"Oh, it's nothing important. I'll tell you later. Please make yourself comfortable first."
"Thank you and I am really happy to have you as my roommate."
"The feeling is mutual Renate."
Meanwhile at the east wing…
"I'm room no E206. What about you guys?", Jerome asked the Callister, Alejandro and Mateo.
"SHIT! I am with you, Jerome. Cal, please switch rooms with me", Alejandro looked at Callister with pleading eyes.
"Hey Al, that's rude. I know you are not my best friend but the rules are rules", Jerome said.
"So, I am stuck with this dickhead for the rest of my life", Alejandro sighed.
"This dickhead is going to keep you happy for the rest of your days in this room", Jerome seemed to enjoy Alejandro's frustration.
"You are already getting on my nerves. JUST OPEN THE DOOR AND GET IN. We'll see you guys in the evening after we settle in and text us your rooms numbers", Alejandro and Jerome entered their room.
"So, Mateo, what's your room number", Callister asked.
"It's E201, what's yours?"
"Mine is E202"
"Guess we are neighbors then. If not roommates."
"Yeah, you're right."
"See you later, Cal"
"Yeah, bye"
Both of them entered their own rooms…
Mateo saw a black man with an exceptionally muscular body doing pushups in the middle of the room and had several workout equipment on his side of the room.
"Hi, I'm Mateo. I am your roommate."
The guy paused his workout and stood over 6ft tall.
"Ah! Nice to meet you. I am Thorax. What are your powers?"
"You don't beat around the bush, do you?
"I don't like it bushy"
Mateo chuckled…
"Hey it's not like I will not tell you mine. Mine is barrier creation…"
Mateo couldn't react fast enough to the reveal and so Thorax went on.
"I know it's not as cool as you'd expect. I am just the goalkeeper."
Thorax (Barrier)
Mateo looked up with a resolve and replied, "What's good an ace striker in a team when you can't even protect your own net. Without a strong goalkeeper a team is completely dysfunctional. Defense is an integral part of any battle. It protects people, it protects the people we care about. Therefore, I don't think your powers are lame. It's because of people like you that others can fight on the frontline and give their best because they know there is someone reliable at the back who will protect everyone even if they fall. You are the impenetrable wall that the enemy can neither break nor pass through."
"Dude, I feel like a god now", Thorax was completely blown by Mateo's reply.
"A team also needs a midfielder. An anchor who can assist the finishing blow. Yours truly is just that. I am a support and my power is called God's blessing", Mateo continued.
"Dude that's lame!"
"You son of a bitch. What's wrong with you? After everything I said."
"Hahaha…I meant it as a joke. I am looking forward to see you in action thought."
"Me too, you, stupid wall", Mateo said with a grin on his face.
Callister entered his room and saw two people already in that room.
"Excuse me, but I think there has been a mistake. It's actually my room."
"Yeah, we know…You need to go down to G03 to talk with the officials regarding your room", A dude in a ronin attire with a katana on his back said.
"Ok", Callister looked confused.
"I'm Yahiba by the way and that, who you might know already but if not, is Aurelius the Solara 18th."
Yahiba (Samurai)
Aurelius (God's Spear)
"Nice to meet you both. I'm Callister."
"As far as I know you are here on recommendation, right? Therefore, you didn't go through any proper background checks and 2 months observation. You were also the last as in the 30th member in The Elite Guardians. I guess it has something to do with your loyalties", Aurelius told Callister.
"My loyalties? You think so?", Callister asked.
"Yeah, you know how it is. Since the resurgence of 'Night Flames' nothing and no one is easily trusted by the Associations. They are desperate for strong fighter and that's why they brought in so many 'promising' young adults and are making the top 10 train them. But don't worry. I think you'll be given a special room with the top 10 maybe so that you don't try to pull of something crazy and backstab all of us", Aurelius elaborated and gave Callister some clarity.
"Thanks Aurelius. I will go and see what's going on. See you later and you too Yahiba"
"Bye!"
Callister stepped out of the room and went to G03 on the ground floor.
Callister came in front of the room and knocked on the door.
"Come in", an old voice came from inside.
Callister opened the door and was taken aback…He saw Dr. Reginald, Patrick, Ashley, Aurora, Sir Oliver and last but not the least Ellie.
"Please come in, Callister. It's not often that Sensei Felix recommends anyone. Therefore, you must be someone really special", Dr. Reginald said.
"It was an honor to have been recognized by Sensei Felix himself", Callister replied.
"Well, that said. The issue in hand is that Sensei Felix recommended you but you didn't go through any of the checks. Scratch that, we only know what your powers are only on the basis of what you showed during your full body examination in Ashenreach. Therefore, there is no way to confirm whose side are you actually on and there is also no way to prove that you are not a spy or something like that. We have let you in one of the most secure facilities in Solara just because we respect Sensei Felix so much but we can't risk you jeopardizing the whole continent's future from within. And a mere background check won't be enough to prove anything. All the candidates went through a 2-month isolation and rigorous testing and each candidate has proven that they are ready to kill or die for Solara. However, your application came in just 2 weeks prior. I hope you understand what I am saying and also, I expect you to understand our point of view", Dr Reginald looked at Callister with a deadly stare.
"I completely understand Sir", Callister replied.
Sir Oliver stepped in and began, "Therefore, everyone in this room has decided that you are going to share a room with Miss Ellie. In normal situations you'd be sharing with Sensei Felix but given the current circumstances we can't spare a top 10 to always keep an eye on you. Ellie being the strongest is our best option to keep you in check and is permitted to even harm you or even kill you if she senses even a faintest hint of betrayal from you."
"Sir Oliver, if I may? The top 10 can't be there but I have to babysit an absolute nobody?", Ellie was furious.
"Ellie, even if he is a nobody, we can't out rule the possibility that he can just leak information and all our powers and strategy to the enemy and that might just be enough to decide the outcome of a forthcoming battle", Aurora explained to Ellie.
"Ellie, and we all know that no one in this room knows how fights go. You have been rigorously fighting your way up since you were fifteen and that has bore some great results too", Ashley added.
"But that result is not enough because even the 1st couldn't do anything what we are currently up against. I honestly don't know what the associations are thinking bringing him useless trash like him (pointing to Callister) who just know how to take it easy and wasting top 10 and even serious candidates time", Ellie went on with her rant.
"Ellie, we have to play all the cards at our disposal. Even a bug can sometimes change the result and turn tides", Dr Reginald tried to justify their decision to Ellie.
Callister thought to himself "Did he just call me a bug and Sensei Felix what were you thinking bringing me to place like this and disappearing into thin air. It's like they called me here just to humiliate me and kill me with self-loath. Geez these fucks are brutal."
"Alright Grandpa Reggie. I'll agree to this proposal but I hope that I won't be bothered in any way and my training will not be slowed down due to something this insignificant. Also, I can't ensure his safety. During my training if my icicles hurt him, I hope I won't be made responsible for that.", Ellie agreed to the proposal of keeping an eye on Callister and sharing a room with him.
"Thank you, Ellie. Just like always the associations are really grateful to you and regarding Callister's safety he has to be able to defend himself and not be bothered by a mere scratch", Reginald concluded.
"But sir, a mere scratch from Solara 12th can kill me in an instance and also do I have a say in this matter of sharing a room?", Callister asked.
The whole room gave him death stares that was enough for anyone's soul to leave their body.
"I guess not", Callister said in a low voice.
Callister in his mind, "Bad timing Cal, bad joke and wrong audience. I am dead, I am just dead. What's wrong with that prick Oliver. He just allowed Ellie to kill me at her will. Who even does that even to an enemy. Oh lord how am I going to explain everything to Mizu and others and how am I even going to survive. I have to get to the bottom of all these quickly.
"Your room number is 305. There is Aine and Aurora in room number 304 and Patrick in 306. Therefore, it'd be wise of you to be in your best behavior and listen to Ellie and all other superiors. We are watching you!", Sir Oliver threatened Callister.
Callister was stiff and yelled, "Yes sir yes. I have no intention to betray the brotherhood and I shall prove my loyalty."
"What the hell are you even saying? See Grandpa Reggie, this is what I was talking about. Everything is just a joke to him", Ellie sneered at Callister.
"Well, if I am being completely honest that was funny", A brunette entered the room.
Aine (Dusk Light)
"Hi, I am Aine. You must Callister, right?"
"Sis, aren't you back early? Your flight was supposed land at 7 in the evening but it's just 3'o clock", Aurora questioned her twin.
"Well, I kind of grew impatient of all the waiting and decided to use my powers and now I am completely exhausted and can't even move a muscle", Aine explained how she was able to reach the facility before the expected time.
She walked to the couch and jumped on the sofa lying down with her face sunken into the pillow.
"Don't wake me up before evening snacks."
"I can't believe you're the Solara 3rd with that attitude and in some cases you're even worse than Callister. I am sure the two of you who don't have a care in this world will hit it off great. You should be the one sharing the room instead of me", Ellie was irritated at Aine because of her carefree display and immature use of powers.
"Geez mom, I don't mind him. If my sister agrees to exchange with him, I have no issues", Aine looked at Ellie with a devious smile.
"Nobody is doing anything. All the rooms have been finalized. Callister and Ellie head to your room at once and Aine just go and sleep in your room and leave the office. The rest of guys are free to go after you submit the progress report of the training plan", Reginald commanded everyone.
Ellie and Callister left and headed towards their room. Ellie walked ahead in her usual stuck-up manner and Callister followed her behind wondering if he should start a small conversation or not. He pondered over it for some time.
"Umm, Ma'am?", Callister said.
"Callister don't call me El like we are some old friends. Refer to me as Ma'am or Miss Stockholm"
"But I said Ma'am"
"Oh sorry! I must've misheard"
Callister tried hard to stop a smile sneaking into his face.
"Callister, I hope you're not going to waste this opportunity that you received by sheer luck go to waste. I have very little hopes for the people like you but I am still willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, try to improve yourself instead of trying to fool around."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
Ellie opened the door and entered the room first and headed straight to the changing room.
Callister thought to himself, "This room is sick. It's so big and we have a sofa and everything. Also, there are two bathrooms. The other rooms were also nice but this is beyond comparison…"
Callister sat down on the sofa and rested his neck for a bit. In the meantime, Ellie came out from the changing room in her sportswear.
"I am off to training. I am unable to waste my time and slack off like you. Unfortunately, there is only one changing room and so I have shifted all my clothes to one cupboard. You can keep your clothes in the other one and don't you dare try anything perverse because I'll know."
"I wouldn't dare to do something like that even in my wildest dreams."
Ellie stormed out of the room and Callister started unpacking his stuff. After an hour or so he took a bath and fell asleep.
A phone was vibrating…
Callister picked it up half asleep, "Hewoo?"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HELLO? WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU, CAL?"
"In my room! I was sleeping and can't you be anymore louder?"
"Me, Alejandro and Mateo went to your room and there we were greeted by Aurelius and Yahiba. Where the hell are you man?"
"It's a long story. I will meet and tell you."
"Come to the courtyard. A lot of the candidates are here and the girls made new friends and they are asking about you. Be quick!"
"Unlike you I'm not a speedster Jerome. I will be there as soon as I can. Don't worry."
Callister hanged up the phone and dragged himself to freshen up.
He got out in about 5 minutes and rushed to the cafeteria. There was no one there and so Callister quickly grabbed a snack and ran out to the courtyard.
There he saw his friends with some new faces. He was about to approach them but someone called out, "Oi prick…"
Callister turned towards the direction from where the voice came from and said, "Who are you calling a prick? Just come with me. Let me introduce you to my friends."
"As you wish 'The Mighty Hero of Willowbrook'."
The person followed Callister…
"Hello guys!", Callister shouted as he jumped onto Alejandro's shoulder.
"Where the hell were you? And where are you even staying. We couldn't find you anywhere", Jerome asked Callister.
"It's a long story", Callister tried to avert the question.
"I think we all agree that we have enough time", Mizuki said in a real cold manner.
"Okay, I'll tell you everything but before that I see a lot of new faces. Mind telling me your names?", Callister looked curious.
"You would've known if you were here just like we planned in the afternoon", Yuri replied to Callister.
Niyati stepped in and began, "No issues, I know how important it is to be punctual and I'm sure you had your reasons. Anyways I'm Niyati, Yumi's roommate."
"And I'm Thorax, Mateo's new roomie."
Callister then looked at Anneliese but she didn't say anything and stared at Callister with a cryptic smile. Callister was surprised as he couldn't make sense of her strange look. He broke the eye contact and Renate jumped into the conversation, "This as you might know is the Solara 15th Anneliese and my roommate."
Anneliese nodded her head looking towards Callister and still didn't say anything.
Then Callister spotted Yahiba and Aurelius in the group and laughing with Mizuki and Yuri. It seemed like long lost friends were reunited.
"Since when are you two hanging out with my friends?"
"Since Jerome asked us if we were free and we said yes and came out to meet these lovely souls. You can't have them all to yourself Cal", Yahiba replied with a smile.
"Why does no one give a straight answer?", Callister looked fed up.
"Hey, what happened to you regarding the room and who is that behind you?", Aurelius asked Callister.
"Yeah, let's go to the benches and then let's talk about my room and this guy over here is Bhumi"
"Your roommate?", Mizuki asked.
"No, my cousin. He lives in Willowbrook"
"Of course, you have a cousin and we get to know about it today. What else do you have up your sleeves, more cousins, siblings perhaps?", Jerome was agitated at Callister's habit of leaving out significant details about himself.
"Hello everyone, I'm Bhumi and it's so nice to finally meet you especially bro's OG friends from school", Bhumi greeted everyone with a charming smile, "Hey, Ann."
"Hey Bhumi, you made it", Anneliese said in a very indifferent manner.
"Wait do you guys know each other?", Callister asked.
Anneliese turned around gave Callister a cold look, she seemed suspicious of him and replied in a very nonchalant way, "We are neighbors."
"Alright everyone let's take some seats, my feet are killing me", Jerome yelled
"And you are supposed to be the speedster", Alejandro made a casual remark and then everyone decided to head to the benches near the lake to continue their conversations.
Anneliese, Bhumi and Callister were at the tail and Anneliese suddenly called out, "Hey, Thunder Boy!"
Callister and Bhumi were a bit stunned but they kept walking.
Anneliese called out again and grabbed Callister arm this time, "I am talking to you Thunder Boy. Tell me what's going on."
"What do you mean?", Callister looked confused.
"What's going on Ann?", Bhumi asked Anneliese.
"Bhumi ask your brother that question", Anneliese restrained Callister using her telekinetic powers, "Callister, I saw you that day in Willowbrook. I was scared and froze when the building started to collapse. My powers were not enough to hold off the whole thing afloat but all of a sudden you swooshed in like a lightning bolt and sent a big jolt of thunder to practically turn that huge building into practically dust. Not only that but you ran away with the victim and the perpetrator. And everything happened in a matter of seconds. Therefore, what's going on with this condensed fire pellets and bullshit?" Anneliese tightened her restrain.
Bhumi was confused, "Ann, I also wanted to ask Cal about the same thing. I was with him in a restaurant when I saw the guy punch down the massive under construction building. I got up to rush to the. I remember, I got up and looked towards Callister but he was gone. I reached the site just when the whole building was turned into rubble. Later, when I called you Cal, you said that you ran away because you were scared and thought the aftershocks from the building's collapse would've injured you! But my point is, why are you trying to restrain him? He just might be stronger than he pretends to be but that doesn't justify this!"
"Bhumi, I can't trust your brother. Why are you even hiding your powers Callister? What if the whole incident in Willowbrook was scripted and it was so that you could enter 'The Elite Guardians' and destroy us from within? Tell me honestly Callister, who are you working for and are you a spy or not? What is your intention?", Anneliese kept on tightening her telekinetic powers on Cal who seemed to be suffering but was not struggling and had a confident look on his face.
Mizuki turned around and shouted, "What's going on? Come on guys."
Callister with a fluid twist of his body and a jerk of his hand broke through Anneliese's bind like it was some paper.
"It's Bhumi and Ann. They are catching up Mizu. We'll catch up don't worry", Callister turned around and replied Mizuki.
"How did you break…" Anneliese was cut short by Callister and he began in a very calm yet confident voice. He was like a completely different person. The aura he emitted was so strong and so pure.
"Ann! Tell me one thing honestly don't you sense some ominous presence across the whole facility? It's hard to pinpoint but I think you can also tell given your powers and how strong you are. I don't expect this from Bhumi but I think you can detect it clearly."
"Yes, I do feel something is unusual and I even sense some horrible presence. But how is hiding your powers going to help it."
"I've seen the associations turn humans into emotionless battle weapons before too, Ann. It was an instinct Anneliese that I didn't reveal all the cards and also, I am a dual wielder of flames and lightning."
"Alright, I'm really mad at you for hiding things from me Cal, but Annie, he is my cousin and I know him since he was a baby. He always didn't say much about anything until and unless asked specifically. I am myself completely baffled at the fact that he easily broke your bind but that doesn't mean he is a spy", Bhumi spoke up for his cousin.
"Ann, it's my personal issue with the Associations but I promise you that I won't do anything to hurt you or anyone else here. I care about the people present here. I can't show you who I am but given the opportunity I promise, I won't disappoint you. It's my suggestion to you too to be a bit careful while you are in the presence of the higher ups."
"I am sorry Cal; I hope you don't mind me calling you Cal."
"Absolutely not, I have already been referring to you as Ann anyways."
"It was really difficult for me too you know. You were technically my savior. I wanted to thank you for saving me there in Willowbrook and I was so delighted to see you here. However, when Renate mentioned your powers, I was really dumbfounded. But thank God Cal you didn't turn out to be a bad guy. Therefore, I am really sorry again and thank you so very much."
"It's too much, Ann. You are weirding me out."
"Jeez, finally I can relax", Anneliese let out a heavy sigh.
"Do you two overpowered people sense someone looking at us?", Bhumi asked all of a sudden.
Ann and Cal smiled at each other a bit and looked up at the right side upwards at an angle of sixty degrees or so…
"I think he has a crush on Anneliese. He has been tagging along with her since the orientation. It's a spatial presence, Bhumi", Callister said.
Anneliese continued, "Don't be absurd Cal, he has not been there for so long"
"No, he was there observing you all the time. What does he even call his power?", Callister asked frivolously.
"Soul Stalking", Bhumi replied.
"Guys it's not funny. Let me pinpoint his location", Anneliese closed her eyes and let out an aura burst. The spatial presence disappeared.
"He is near the lake. Let's catch that bastard", Anneliese ran towards the lake.
"Ann, wait for us", Bhumi and Callister ran behind her.
The three of them ran towards the lake overtaking the whole group that was ahead.
"What's gotten into them? Are they running to occupy the seats or something? There are plenty of seats", Renate was confused just like the rest.
Anneliese reached the lake and caught a guy in her telekinesis. He had white hair and had monk attire. Anneliese asked sarcastically, "Would be so kind to introduce yourself and your reason for stalking me?"
The man calmly replied, "I am Zayne and I don't have any solid explanations but your powers seemed to call to me. It was easy for me to hang around you given our exceptionally synchronous brain waves."
Zayne (Omnipresent)
"What do you even mean?", Bhumi asked.
"It means that we all have aura. The aura that Miss Anneliese emits is very calm yet bright and powerful. My power is omnipresent and I can use astral projection. I was really curious about Miss Anneliese's powers and that's why I was observing her", Zayne replied.
"That's called stalking", Callister interrupted Zayne.
"The thing that shocked me the most is you. I can't sense anything from you at all! However, you were the one to detect my presence easily. I really didn't think that anyone except the top 20 or maybe top 25 Solara can detect my presence and on top of that hide their own aura. Also, Miss Anneliese please have some pity on this blind man. I agree I should've asked for your permission first but can you please let me study your aura? Given my powers and physical impairment I'm of very little use in real combat. My strength lies in recon and research of the powers."
"So, you are saying that you are not a combatant nor a support?", Bhumi was shocked.
"That's exactly what I said. You need to know your enemy locations and about their powers, right? That's where I come in. Don't worry, I do have some tricks up my sleeve that can even make Miss Anneliese bite the dust", Zayne said with a really confident look.
"Zayne, that's just creepy. Just ask me before from next time onwards", Anneliese told Zayne.
"Of course. Do you mind if I join you?", Zayne asked.
"Yeah sure. We would be happy to let you in", Anneliese looked at Bhumi and Callister in hope for approval.
"Just don't stalk us without our knowledge dude. Other than that, anything is fine", Callister said.
The group from behind caught up and they all took seats in a roundtable. Now there was this huge group which consisted of 17 people and they were, Callister, Mizuki, Jerome, Yumi, Alejandro, Yuri, Nicole, Renate, Hikari, Mateo, Niyati, Anneliese, Thorax, Yahiba, Aurelius, Bhumi and Zayne. Everyone got familiar with each other and then Jerome shouted, "NOW EVERYONE!! Time for the main event. Callister, please reveal your whereabouts since the afternoon in details."
Everyone glared at Callister curiously but Yahiba and Aurelius had a devious smile on their faces.
"OK, here we go…", Callister took a deep breath in and held Mizuki's hand who was beside her and began, "Mizuki, please don't get mad. I am assigned room no 305. Since I didn't go through all the official procedures and was admitted on the basis of recommendation only, the officials decided to keep an eye on me all the time so that I don't try anything 'funny'."
"Yeah so? Why will I get mad?", Mizuki asked impatiently interrupting Callister who seemed to gulp and gradually became even more tensed.
"Since, Sensei Felix is not here and all other top 10 Solara are busy preparing for the fight that's due any day now, Ellie was chosen to be my roommate to keep me in check", Callister finished and looked at everyone's reactions.
Almost everyone had a blank face of disbelief and some were disgustfully looking at Callister and Yahiba and Aurelius were trying their best to not to laugh. However, Mizuki looked down and the aura she emitted was almost palpable. She loosened her grip and raised her head full of tears.
"Callister, this is too much for me to take in. I am sorry but I just can't accept the fact that my boyfriend is sharing a room with the girl he had a crush on. I hate to be that kind of girlfriend Cal, but I think we need a break", Mizuki spoke in a soft tone while wiping off her tears which just didn't stop.
Yumi and Niyati got up to console Mizuki and she completely broke down hugging them.
Everyone looked at Callister with murderous and eyes full of disgust. It was as if Callister could hear their thoughts which screamed…
"ASSHOLE!! You are unbelievable Cal. Just what is wrong with you? Why did you even say something like this in front of everyone?", Yuri got up and yelled at Callister.
"And the worst boyfriend award goes to the one and only Callister Oakwood the certified Asshole", Alejandro gave Callister the disappointed stare.
"Cal, you're supposed to a smart guy but even I know that this is not something you say in front of so many people whom we just met few hours ago. No offense guys", Jerome told Callister.
"None taken", Anneliese represented the new acquaintances with an amused smirk on her face.
Callister was left speechless and he realized that what he did was utterly stupid and was ashamed of himself. Before he could ask for forgiveness from Mizuki, she darted away still bawling. Yumi and Niyati ran behind her and everyone dispersed. The only ones who remained at the table were Anneliese, Bhumi, Jerome, Alejandro and Renate.
"Well, that was an eventful first day. I really hope you get yourself together and solve your issues as soon as possible. The training starts from tomorrow so I would suggest get rest and embrace yourself. You see neither the trainers nor the Night Flame is going to wait because someone's heart got broken", Renate said.
"It might sound cruel but what Renate said is absolutely right. I understand that you can do nothing about the situation that you find yourself in but don't let that hold you back.", Anneliese added. She and Renate soon got up and left.
"Cal, you fucked up but the situation you are in is more fucked up. I really don't know what to say. Also, I can't even imagine you and Ellie sharing a room after all the humiliation she caused you. I know it's not time for explanations or picking sides but I am with you man", Jerome assured Callister.
"Jerome is not completely wrong. I am more worried about you than Mizuki. She just had a heart break but you are facing death's cold stare. Be careful, Cal", Alejandro also seemed to support Callister.
"Thank you. You both can leave. I want to sit here alone for a bit", Callister replied.
"Take your time", Jerome patted Callister's shoulder and he and Alejandro left.
Callister was left alone at the roundtable and he looked at the lake. The lake was so peaceful with the starry night sky's reflection perfectly complementing its beauty. Callister grazed at the full moon which calmed him down. However, Callister in the back of his head that this serenity was going to be short-lived and any day things can turn upside down. The peace and joy the Elite Guardians shared on their first day was just the calm before the storm.
All of a sudden, a flash of vision shot through Callister's head: He is surrounded by black flames with no ray of light. Helpless and engulfed in complete darkness he couldn't even cry out for help.
Callister snapped out of it and his eyes had this burning passion and determination. It was the look of a leader, a fearsome warrior who was prepared to face the worst of challenges head on. Then he got up and stood tall, took a deep breath in and let out every bit of air he had inside him and with that all his self- doubt and weakness. He thought to himself, "Night Flame who the hell are you? Why have you been invading my dreams since my earliest memories? I will get the answers out of you before I get my vengeance for breaking someone I loved, beyond repair!"
Callister got up and left…