Gifted

By Deion Mitchell

Landen Washington lives in the technologically advanced, lively city of New Vega. He is about to graduate from his last year of high school at his Advancement School (a school for people known as Gifted who possess telekinetic and elemental powers). Upon graduating, he seeks to follow in his mother’s footsteps of joining the Black Starlight Gifted Armed Force in the military. Landen's future plans are cut short when he breaks a galactic law stating Gifted are not allowed to use their powers on a non Gifted to save his sister from vicious bullies. This act sends Landen off-world to a planet called Desoleden 9 where an arena known as the Battle Dome awaits. Landen must fight other Gifted to the death in order to be forgiven of his crimes by the rulers of the galaxy known as the Seat. Along the way, Landen learns of two sibling alien beings known as the Celestials who hold a terrifying plan that threatens Landen and the rest of the galaxy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Dec 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781684714919

Book preview

published."

CHAPTER 1

A Deal with the Seat

Lords and Lady of the Seat, you have visitors. Rina and Raphael of the Celestial race ask for an audience with you. Along with them is Dhuma, who also calls for your attention, said Argorgen as he approached three beings sitting in thrones before him. They tell me their message is of great importance for the welfare, security, and stability of the galaxy.

Cairo paused. His ears perked up to the call of his servant standing before his throne. He extended his attention to him, awaiting his response.

Joined with Cairo were three other beings who sat in similar chairs as him. Two of the three beings were otherworldly; one was human.

Very well, Argorgen. Please send them in, answered Cairo, reclining into his golden-gray throne.

Argorgen bowed his head. As you wish, my lord, he said.

Cairo watched his attendant rise up and turn his attention away from the rest of the Seat and him before walking toward the throne room sliding doors, which instantly spread apart. Outside, two armored guards stationed on opposite sides of the entrance awaited him.

Two pale beings with white eyes also awaited outside the doorway, facing the guards. Standing beside them with his arms crossed was a large being with plate armor covering his white robe.

The trio was surrounded by several guards dressed in yellow and black armor. With weapons and shields in hand, the sentry stood still, circling the two Celestials and large figure.

Dhuma, Rina, Raphael, said Argorgen. The Seat has agreed to speak with you. They shall see you now.

The pale, white-eyed pair smirked before proceeding to walk past Argorgen and the throne room guards. They were followed by Dhuma and the watchman initially surrounding them. They maintained distance from the Celestials, keeping their weapons drawn as they closely followed with the clanking of their heavy armor echoing with each step they took.

Cairo, Zexl, Kumira, John, Lords and Lady of the Seat, a pleasure in seeing you all today, said Raphael cordially. It’s been a long time, friends.

Indeed it has. Since the construction of the first Battle Dome on Desoleden 9 many millennia ago, replied Cairo graciously, gazing into Raphael’s eyes before turning his attention to Rina. This meeting must be important to bring you all to us instead of tending to your own people.

Correct. My brother and I desired to talk with you in person rather than over hologram, said Rina.

Cairo turned his eyes over to Dhuma. You look quite well for yourself, Cairo said.

As do you, Cairo. I’ve traveled far from the order’s home world to speak with the rest of the Seat and you.

Please explain the nature of this talk. What brings you all to us today? asked Zexl. Celestials, you begin first.

Very well, said Raphael. Rina and I have come desiring to know the location of Kora Amelia Clark, a past victor of the Battle Dome from Earth.

Cairo raised one of his eyebrows. The human hailing from Earth? he asked.

Surprising, Raphael. Out of all things in galactic space, your sister and you are concerned over a human woman? asked Kumira concerningly. "What draws you to her? Kora was another Awakened sent to the arena for her disobedience and crime against galactic law. It’s been years since her match in the Battle Dome. We’ve assigned her into Earth’s Black Starlight Gifted.

We’ve foreseen a child. An Awakened child unlike any other in the universe who’s strong in the sixth sense. He’s inherited his great power from Kora. He wields the strength to shape the entire universe into any way he sees fit if he so desires.

An Awakened child such as that could become a great asset. With enough training, he could become the mightiest warrior galactic society has ever known, said Dhuma.

An Awakened child with that kind of power threatens the galactic community and its citizens. The child challenges everything we’ve done to ensure the universe remains unified, said Cairo, arching his back away from his throne. We do not need a rival or more fear being brought into the community. Kora must be eliminated.

Cairo, please reconsider that. Power such as that child’s shouldn’t be wasted. We’ve never had an Awakened like him exist, much less a human! said Dhuma.

There’s enough Awakened roaming throughout the universe. This child could one day bring them all together to rebel against us. Not only that, but a human being the head of this potential uprising? We open ourselves to full-out war throughout many systems in the galaxy.

John raised his hand out, signaling the attention of Dhuma, the Celestials, and the other Seat members. Hold on. Are you absolutely sure of what you’re saying, Celestials? We’ve never doubted you before, and you two have helped us in creating the closest to a unified, perfect galaxy under our rule, but you’ve never mentioned anything like this before, he said.

We understand your reluctance in believing us, but we assure you that this is true. This future Awakened child threatens not just your power but also the various Battle Dome arenas you’ve built. My brother and I have been shown their future destruction in powerful visions, said Rina.

The visions have shown our own deaths by the child’s hand. We wish to train him. Perhaps we can change our vision’s outcome and use the child for a greater purpose. Rina and I have also sensed a disturbing presence looming over the galaxy … an evil greater than the rogue Awakened kind, said Raphael.

A force greater than the Awakened in the galaxy? asked Zexl in disbelief.

Yes, answered Raphael. Unfortunately, my sister and I won’t always be here to help guide you when you need it. We are dying—our entire race is. The only cure may lie in finding a worthy successor who can be trained to carry on our work and knowledge and whom you may also allow us to perform tests on.

Cairo’s eyes widened, and his voice shook while he attempted to form the words to say to the Celestials. You aren’t suggesting experimentation on our own people, are you? he asked.

A necessary sacrifice, we’re afraid, said Rina.

Cairo’s chest grew heavy at the Celestial’s request toward him and the other Seat members. He thought how the two had helped the Seats’ respective races in the early days of their existence. The Celestials had never asked for anything in return until now.

Still, he struggled with stooping to the level the Celestials asked of him. A part of him wondered if it was the right thing to do. For as good as the Celestials were to the Seat, Cairo knew allowing them to perform scientific tests on another being would be considered unethical if word reached out to the galactic community.

Cairo, if the Seat and you desire to protect the galaxy from Awakened and even larger threats, we strongly ask that you reconsider, said Rina. You’ve already allowed for the construction of numerous Battle Domes to punish lawbreaking Awakened, and this request by us is just another step to maintain order and security.

What about the other regions of galactic space controlled by the four other beings of its territory that govern its people? We have no influence over them. If Kora has fled over to them, we risk war attempting to take her by force, said Cairo.

Leave that to us. We have a good relationship with the people in that region of galactic space. Besides, the human can’t stay on the run forever. We will find Kora if she tries to escape.

I stand with the Celestials. If a lesser evil is required to maintain order in the universe, as well as save the Celestial race, I say so be it, said Zexl.

I stand with the Celestials as well, said Kumira.

As do I, said John.

It appears your fellow Seat members side with us, Cairo. You’ve been outvoted, friend, said Raphael.

So it appears I have, answered Cairo. However, you’ve given us no reason in the past to not trust you. Very well. You have a deal and our word that we will help you. We will find Kora, and we will deliver her to you.

Cairo, are you and the rest of the Seat certain of your decision here? Old friend, they wish to experiment on a member of the galactic community. Be it human or otherwise, I just don’t know if it’s right to—

Cairo raised his hand out, silencing Dhuma.

A decision has been made. The Celestials have always been good to us. They brought us out of a war with the early barbaric races that plagued us before Elysium was founded, before even the Seat was founded, he said. They helped us with a solution to the Awakened plaguing the galaxy with the many Battle Dome arenas erected to combat them. We owe them a great debt.

Excellent. Rina and I knew you and the rest of the Seat would come around and see reason.

Cairo rose out of his throne, walking toward the two sibling Celestials. Thank you both for bringing this situation to our attention. As always, you two have proven to be loyal and true friends to us, as well as the galaxy, he said with a smile.

Our allegiance will always remain to you and the rest of the Seat, Cairo. We only want what’s best for the galaxy, said Rina, returning Cairo’s smile.

Beside the images of what may come in the future, did your visions reveal anything else worth noting, Celestials? Such as the name of this coming child? asked Cairo.

Yes. His name is Landen Washington: the greatest Awakened from Earth and all of the universe who has ever existed, said Raphael.

I see. Then we shall ready for him come the day he’s born, said Cairo before facing his attention over to Dhuma. Dhuma, you had also come to speak with us on important matters.

Yes, it seems that in an ironic twist of fate, I had also come to you relating to Kora. I had intended to try and convince you to have her join the Gifted order. Rather than have her serve in the military on her own home planet, we could’ve used her among our ranks. But I see a decision has already been made on the matter, and you all have decided to give her up to the Celestials.

Our decision remains with her being taken in by Rina and Raphael. It isn’t an easy decision. The fate of the galaxy and it having order weighs heavy on our minds.

I understand and respect your decision. I look forward to meeting the future child that Kora will give birth to that is said to wield great power.

As do we, said Cairo. We have the utmost faith in our Celestial friends. They’ve never steered us wrong before.

Thank you, Cairo, said Raphael with a smile. You won’t be disappointed. Your galaxy shall remain safe and secure just as you’ve always intended.

CHAPTER 2

The Test

Let me guess … Mom and Dad sent you out here to get me again, right? asked Landen.

Small droplets of sweat raced down his olive-brown skin as he turned his attention away from his practice dummies set up in the family’s backyard to face his sister, Kenzie.

Sighing as she rolled her eyes, Kenzie returned her brother’s gaze, and with it, she saw his bright hazel eyes meeting hers. Don’t act surprised to see me. You basically live out here, considering how much you train with these dummies. Your buddy Dez is going to need a new best friend soon at this rate, she said.

How much do you want to bet he isn’t training right now just like me? Besides, I have to stay on top of my game if I plan to get away from New Vega and actually join the Black Starlight Gifted. Plus, I bet you wish you could do this.

Landen turned his attention away from his sister and back on the practice dummies in front of him before he raised his hand out. His eyes locked on to one of his inanimate targets as it reacted to his power’s call. The dummy levitated into the air before it became still, suspended in the sky.

Cool. You can lift things with your powers, and you’re a show-off practicing at seven in the morning. What else is new? Either way, Mom and Dad told me to tell you to come inside for breakfast.

Landen crossed his arms. I’m not a show-off. I’m just proud of how far I’ve come with my abilities. Are you okay? You’re usually annoying, but not this annoying.

Kenzie silently stared at Landen for a few moments before breaking eye contact with him, looking down at the ground, and then staring back into his eyes. No. Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine. I just wish you wouldn’t train so much.

Kenzie, you know I have to train. Today is a big day for me. Tell Mom and Dad that I’ll be inside in a second. Thank you.

Sighing, Kenzie turned away from her brother, sliding both her hands into her jean pockets as she slowly walked back toward their house. Yeah. You’re welcome. See you inside, she said.

Landen watched his sister go back inside the house. He could sense that something was wrong with her with each step of her way there. Her very walk was masked with pain. Landen knew Kenzie couldn’t hide this from him.

While one of the abilities Landen’s powers granted him through a strong bond he shared with his sister was sensing her emotions, he couldn’t trace what was the cause of her negative feelings. A part of him figured that it was because he trained so much out in the family’s backyard. It kept him away from them most of the time.

Landen glanced over at the several other hay-filled dummies set up in the backyard. He noted the various amounts of force and damage he’d inflicted on them. Some of the dummies were burst open from the torso with straw falling out of them, while others had their limbs severed from their bodies.

When Landen entered the kitchen, Giovanni, his father, greeted him. He was sitting nearest to Landen at the square kitchen table with the family’s robot, JAX, beside him. Sitting nearby Giovanni on the right side was his wife, Kora, and across from him on the other end of the table was Kenzie.

Well look who made it to the breakfast table this morning, said Giovanni.

Yeah, Kenzie told me you guys wanted me to come inside for breakfast.

Correct. Your sister was our messenger. Even though your mother and I don’t mind you out there in the backyard training, your attendance at school and spending time with your family are important too.

Well, I’m training to be the best Gifted in my Advancement School. That’s what Mom and you want, right, Dad?

"Your mother and I want you to be the best Gifted son we can be proud of, yes. That doesn’t mean we want you to overdo it and neglect to spend time with us. Now, come sit down. We have an open spot for you."

Yes, sir.

As Landen joined his family, he noticed the nearby table covered with a variety of different breakfast foods. There was a plate of stacked pancakes, a plate of stacked waffles, eggs, bacon, oatmeal, muffins, and boxes of several types of cereal he enjoyed.

What’s with all the food lined up on the table? Mom and JAX don’t usually make this much. What’s the special occasion?

They put in the extra effort to make sure you were ready, Giovanni explained. Can’t have our boy starving on his big day, can we? After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Landen smirked. You’re so corny, Dad. Is this about the Advancement School training test?

Of course, Giovanni replied with a proud grin. Your mother and I know that if you keep up those high scores in your sparring matches, your results on the test could be given to the Black Starlight Gifted. Serving you breakfast might not be much, but we want to help you succeed any way that we can.

I didn’t think you guys remembered what today was.

Of course we did, Kora chimed in. You’re following in my footsteps. Here’s to hoping you can survive boot camp on Kreilov.

You have a chance to get away and do good for the world, Giovanni said. I can see you becoming respected and not having to worry about the larger possibility of you being hurt or worse because people on Earth think you’re some kind of menace to society like all Gifted supposedly are—much less the rest of the galactic community.

Landen may not be a menace to society, but he sure is annoying training in the backyard all the time, said Kenzie before leaning over to take a bite of her cereal. But before she could, her spoon quickly flung away from her hand and into Landen’s hand, splashing milk and bits of cereal on her clothing.

Kenzie’s face lit up bright red, appearing as though she’d pop at any moment. She breathed in heavily, and her bright hazel eyes began to well. Landen smirked at Kenzie as his eyes met hers.

Hey! You know I hate it when you do that! You’re so stupid, Landen! she cried out.

That’s enough, you two. Landen, stop teasing your sister. JAX and your mother prepared all this just for you, and all you’ve done is steal your sister’s spoon and make a mess!

Sorry, Dad.

"And to who else?" asked Giovanni sternly, raising his eyebrow as he glared at Landen.

Sighing, Landen turned back toward his sister. I’m sorry, Kenzie.

Whatever, said Kenzie coldly, focusing her attention on the stains on her unbuttoned checkered flannel shirt.

Master Landen, said JAX, his bright yellow metallic eyes meeting Landen’s eyes as he moved over toward him with a loud, cranky walk. I hope you slept well last night and that you’re eager for your day at the Advancement School! We’re all looking forward to hearing nothing but great things from you.

JAX, you know I’m not going to disappoint you. You’ve been around since my sister and I were kids. You’ve seen what I can do, said Landen as he started in on his own breakfast.

So, what is this training test about exactly? asked Kenzie. I know today is special, but what exactly makes it so special compared to all the other times you’ve been training, Landen?

Since we’re graduating this year from our Advancement School, the Black Starlight Gifted want to know who would be a good fit to join them. Mr. Riley, the history teacher and training coach, is supposed to test each student’s performance in their matches against each other. The results go to the Black Starlight Gifted. If they think the scores are impressive, they send the student a holo-letter in the mail inviting them to join their branch after graduation.

Well that shouldn’t be a problem for you then, should it? All you do is train. I’m surprised you haven’t made the dummies Dad set up for you outside in our backyard explode.

Part of being a Gifted, Kenzie, is learning to control your powers. Which is why you’re lucky and should be thanking me that I haven’t used my powers to mush that big brain of yours or used them on the guys at school you flirt with.

Kenzie’s cheeks brightly lit up in a pink tinge as she sat stunned by her brother’s remark. Take it back! she cried out. Mom!

Softly laughing under her breath with a smile, Kora looked over at Landen and Kenzie. Hey, that’s enough, you two. Landen, what did your father just say to you about teasing your sister? Now hurry and finish your breakfast before you’re late for school.

Landen didn’t know what was going to happen after today, but he did know he wanted to be a part of it. He couldn’t show he was nervous. He thought about how since the first Advancement Schools opened up in 2029, every Gifted student around the country was required to take the test before graduation. He would be no different.

You’re my boy—a Washington, said Giovanni. You’ll do just fine with your test. Like we’ve always talked about: believe in yourself and your power. Seeing you crush those dummies outside in our backyard is impressive. With your abilities, you’re even stronger than your mother was at your age.

Thanks, Dad.

Smirking, Kora looked over at her husband as he returned her gaze.

Oh, so are you trying to say I was a weak Gifted growing up, Gio?

Not at all. In fact, I think I misspoke. I don’t think I give you enough credit, honey. For instance, this breakfast JAX and you made is delicious.

Smooth save, Dad, said Kenzie sarcastically before Kora and her began laughing.

All I’m saying is that it’d be nice to see you stick it to the Quayletiv people, Giovanni noted. Ever since the Galactic Migration happened and the first human joined the Seat, humanity has been in a constant rivalry with other races from the galactic community. We can’t slow down now.

"Gio, you’re too competitive and deep in that galactic manifest destiny crap. You’d love to see Landen stick it to any race that isn’t human. He will do just fine. He’s worked hard all of his life to get to this day. Now hush. You’re going to make him nervous!"

I just want to see our son do well, Kora. I want him to be safe and respected. Humans are looked down on enough—not just on Earth but in the galactic community too. Everyone in the galaxy thinks we’re too powerful of a people only second to the Seat themselves.

After Landen finished eating, he said goodbye to his family and set out in his Hyper X car for school. While driving, he couldn’t stop thinking about how excited he was to impress his training instructor and teacher, Mr. Riley, who had beaten the rest of the competition at his school back in his day, and join the Black Starlight Gifted after graduation.

Earth had changed a lot since 2019, including how vehicular travel operated. As Landen passed by other hovercar vehicles flying along the skyline on his way to school, many buildings stood as tall as skyscrapers in the hustling and bustling city of New Vega.

There were many buildings designed as skyscrapers containing many different floors and levels that housed some of the most intricate, cleverly built elevators and transits for speed trains. Some buildings were smaller and rectangular in shape, reaching only half the size and length of their bigger counterparts.

Once Landen saw the image of his school come into his distant vision, he disembarked from his hover car. He parked his Hyper X in a nearby parking space before he set out to enter his Advancement School.

Leading up to the premises, there was a flight of steps with railing on both sides. The structure was painted white and red, with the upper-middle section of the main building having wide glass windows that the morning sun’s rays bounced off of. At the main entrance of the school was a pair of sliding doors serving as the primary entrance to the facility. Other nearby edifices resting on the site that made up the school were connected to the main building. They too had a section of their design possessing glass windows with sliding door entrances.

Landen! a voice cried out from behind as Landen entered his school.

When Landen turned around, he saw his best friend and rival, Dez, trying to meet up with him. Dez was slim and had fair skin, straight medium-length brown hair, and green eyes.

Hey, man, said Landen warmly, fist-bumping Dez.

You’re looking extra ready for today, I see.

You do know what today is, don’t you, Dez?

Yeah, I do.

You actually remembered. I stand here amazed.

Entertained by Landen’s witty reply, Dez formed a broad, amused grin on his face. Yeah, yeah. So between the both of us, you’re the comedian now, huh? I thought that was my job.

As the two boys walked through the crowded school hall together, Landen vividly remembered how much of a jokester Dez was growing up. He remembered how quirky and spontaneous he could be with cracking a joke no matter what the situation was. This was a defining trait of Dez that Landen loved. While Landen was normally the more serious of the two, Dez was the comedian and reminded Landen not to be so serious all the time and that it was okay to be a teenager.

Sorry, man. You were an easy target there, and you know you don’t normally pay attention to most things unless you’re interested.

Well, I definitely know what today is. Just like you, Landen, I’ve been waiting for this day.

Yeah, man. I want to prove myself and be able to join the Black Starlight Gifted so I can get out of our town and help people. Gifted like those in the Black Starlight Gifted get respect. No one is afraid of them like they are with regular Gifted here where we live, much less the galaxy, said Landen with reverence ringing from his voice.

We’re not all so bad here in this town, are we? I mean, yeah, a lot of people in our city can’t stand Gifted. People with unusual powers they don’t understand tend to scare them, but there are also people here who don’t mind Gifted, Landen. Even far out in the galaxy. They’re worth protecting and not forgetting.

You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ve just been so eager to show Mr. Riley and everyone else just what I can do. Plus, I get so tired of hearing that non-humans in the galactic community hate humans, especially the Gifted ones.

You know they only hate us because we managed to get the Seat’s attention and join their rank before the rest of them did, right? I wouldn’t sweat it, Landen.

"Yeah. I try not to, Dez. You know, though, that joining the Black Starlight