"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."

-Khalil Gibran

Celeste~

..."Aw lighten up Celeste, you'll be fine, you have nothing to be scared of your powerful. And if it's suitors you're worried about worry no further as all of your darkest desires stand right here in human form." He winked at me and while he was giggling along with the rest of them there was definitely truth in his flirtation.

He was cute i'll admit. But when it came to being actual relationship material he was bottom of the barrel.

His looks and power granted him a surplus of female attention, and while he didn't become a womaniser or a complete player because of it, he still ravished in the attention he received and I had a feeling he definitely wouldn't be ready for commitment any time soon.

Not that I wanted commitment anyways, he knew this. Which is why he continued to flirt with me as he knew it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he proceeded to speak to another girl as well.

He was more of a brother figure to me than a potential partner and i'm glad I never had to deal with the awkwardness that came with having feelings for your best friend's brother.

A trope many loved but one that I just unfortunately couldn't get into.

"Oh please Markan, you may be hot but my darkest desires don't usually consist of a boy who thinks that monogamy is a shade of brown."

He chuckled, knowing it was very true. Over his antics his mother Amy changed the subject and said "How are you guys feeling about the Trial chambers of Eden" What an amazing question. To be completely honest, I was okay with the defence and attack parts. I was confident in my ability and it's not like you could get seriously injured anyways. I was especially good at non magic combat.

I never really wanted to completely rely on my powers to get through difficult situations. And while not many had the ability to take away someone's power, the Angels are always watching.

And they had a dirty little habit of using

spells to remove Demon magic.

They did this in their territory mostly. While small in numbers, the Angels had wards that could completely dismantle the magic of a Demon within a certain area and while still being able to use their powers, they were also more than good at hand to hand combat. Leaving Demons at a terrible disadvantage when dealing with them.

Thankfully they weren't the most aggressive creatures.

More....Cunning I would say.

The war between Demons and Angels began a long time ago, and it definitely wasn't the type of war that had major emotional investment thousands of years later.

Of course we still hated each other. If not by choice, our blood simply repels one another and goes as far as to causing illness if exposed for too long.

I remember vaguely the story behind our feud, something to do with the past leader of demons sleeping with the ex wife of the leader of the Angels or something like that. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if this all was caused by something so menial. Men are very prideful and emotional In my opinion, pair that with a society that put men at the very very top and destroys any place for a woman to rule or to even be in the government, ultimately, creates chaos.

Apparently one of the Angel leaders upset someone otherworldly, our "creators" they call them, and got their powers stripped.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Over time the Angels became weaker and weaker.

While seeming unfair, surprisingly while the Angels were going through their...um "tough phase" , we were also prohibited from using that to our advantage in regards to our war.

We had to leave them alone. And we did.

Not wanting to end up like them we listened, but they couldn't take it.

Couldn't take the thought of always being inferior.

Ignoring the commands from those

above they used dark magic to reimburse what they believed that they deserved.

Continuing to attack our cities, our towns.

Those above grew tired of ignored commands, tired of the Angels, the 'Pure' ones disobeying out of sheer greed and pride.

They didn't do anything. That was their punishment, all connection to our creators gone.

The Angels didn't succeed in their efforts, their lack of magic causing great disadvantage in battle. They grew smaller and smaller in size over the years, finding safety In their little covens instead.

Now though, they bother us occasionally.

sometimes destroying our buildings, preying on silly teenagers who venture places like the woods alone. When feeling extra spicy, assassinating some of our government as well though the Royals usually get left alone.

We unfortunately couldn't just take them out. While the Demon leader was too busy bartering with those above about them staying, The Angels were putting most of their time into building their defences.

Born naturally constructed to defend with the gift of Shielda, did a great job at it.

They were able to create wards that didn't allow for our magic to work.

That, among other things they've made to defend against us are the prime reason they are still standing.

"I'm kinda looking forward to seeing where I rank to be honest" I didn't really care what place I ended up I just needed to be in the same school as Chloe.

With a hiss Chloe replied "Helll nahh I

'm scared as fuck for that"

"Why, it doesn't matter where you end up it's not like you're destined to be in the government or anything."

"Yeah but stilll, it makes for an easy entrance into a rich family if i'm powerful."

"Fair enough, wait so are those less notable then you just crossed off?"

"Hell yeah they are, no point in going down, the only way is up my friend" She firmly stated.

I giggled and Markan spoke "I'm nervous as shit. If I don't at least get Into one of the top 20 schools it's all over" While neither me or Chloe wanted to be anything particularly aspirational, Markan needed thrill.

And that meant working for the National Defence League.

There was practically no chance of him getting into the top positions at entry level, he would have to climb his way up once he got an 'in' in order to even dream of being a top member. Thankfully for him, while his dreams were up there, he only wanted the lower end positions within the faction.

He would still need to at least be in the top 20 schools.

And that was a very very difficult process.

Filled with positivity for her brother Chloe spoke and said "You'll definitely do fine, top 20 isn't the biggest reach in the world and you've been training since you were like 6 you'll be okay."

"I know, I just really need this to work out."

I could see the desperation on his face, and I just really hoped it would all work out for him too.

4pm—Later that day

I peered through my bedroom window with Chloe perched up next to me.

My room was the only room facing the outside and therefore the room we all decided to ponder in until the fateful time arrived for the coach to come.

Not even there yet and I already have to meet and sit next to random people. Great.

Me, Chloe and Markan all said goodbye to Amy and Saul early, knowing that we would all need a second or two alone before going for good.

They said goodbye back with teary eyes and I couldn't help but miss them already. They took me in when no one else would and they treated me like one of their own and I would forever be indebted to them because of it.

Standing outside the door of my house I looked at the gold and purple coach in front of me. Flashy was an understatement.

"Ready guys." Markan said.

"Hell no." I replied

Chloe just laughed and took one for the team as she was the first to step onto the Blue Phoenix Coach.

I followed of course, with Markan behind me, we begun our adventure.

Admiration boiled in me as I positioned myself in a lovely spot at the back of the coach. I assumed we were the last ones as there was no other vacant seats.

Chloe and Markan were next to me with Markan deep in thought staring out of the window and Chloe at the aisle seat, appearing to be observing our competitors or maybe future husbands.

Taking a quick look at them myself I saw them all, some deep in conversation with i'm assuming their siblings, while some, either only children or people who's siblings had already gone the year before them or were to be going the year after them, sitting alone in thought.

I couldn't imagine how daunting it was to be going to this place alone.

Looking at the two people next to me I was very grateful to have such loyal individuals by my side.