Ascension

By Ashlee Harry

Jake and Laura Adams just had their lives turned completely upside down. After they discover that they were the chosen ones of Artemis and Apollo with powers to control fire and water, these siblings no longer know the meaning of normal. After fighting against the leader of the Filii Tenebrarum, Jake and Laura now find themselves living on Delos Island, home of the guardians. Their new life now focuses on controlling their powers, learning the daily life of a Guardian, and finding out what happened to their parents. Daily threats and taunts from the Filii Tenebrarum plague the twins as tension grows between Jake and Laura. Can they overcome their own differences to save the ones they love, or will they be consumed by the darkness in the end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524501792

Ashlee Harry

Ashlee Harry is a senior at Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. She has lived in Northeastern, Pennsylvania, all her life. She is an only child, but her cousins have made her their honorary sister. She has her work published in her school’s award-winning Interim Literary Arts Magazine. She will be attending Penn State University in the fall. The Guardians is her debut novel, but certainly not her last.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

D ARKNESS. DARKNESS WAS the reason it had called to her. It wanted to have her among its ever expanding blackness. She knew what it wanted from her, but knew what had to be done. She intended to become what was needed and accepted the unknown with openness. Jake's screams filled her head along with everyone else in the room. Face after face flashed through her mind as she closed her eyes. Jake, her mother and father, Brandon, Aurora, Will, and finally . . . them. She lingered on their godly faces until the light consumed it all.

Laura accepted it as it finally began to consume her. She expected to feel their godly presence, but all that surrounded her was icy coldness. She searched for a way out but all that made itself known was the pain that burned in her stomach. The black darkness traveled through her veins and consumed everything within her. The golden light began to fade as the darkness invaded and slowly started to take its control.

CHAPTER 1

D ELOS CASTLE, HOME of the Guardians, gleamed in the sun's morning light as the day began. On the grounds, movement could be seen as morning training began for the younger Guardians. Among the trainees, nature sprites and faeries zipped through the air. Laughter filled the air along with excitement as rumors and stories were still being spread throughout the grounds. Guardians were excited about the new arrivals to Delos Island. The Artemisia and Apollon, chosen ones of Artemis and Apollo, had finally returned home to the Guardians. Laura and Jake Adams had been brought back when they had fought against the leader of the Filii Tenebrarum.

Laura and Jake had to face Eddie and his shadow children when he had captured them. They had gained the blessings from the god and goddess and used their powers against Eddie. Laura had used her manipulation over water and Jake, his fire, and fought him, but had ultimately suffered a loss. Afterward that, they had to stay on the island and live among the Guardians, who needed their protection.

Inside the castle, the hallways were bathed in the early morning glow of the sun. Pieces of moonstone sparkled and shined as the light shone on each. A light breeze filtered through the windows as Laura Adams ran down the hall and slipped into the open door. She held her books tightly against her chest and leaned against the door as she caught her breath.

You're late. Maddie King said to Laura as she walked over to the desk and collapsed into her seat. Her long wine red hair fell across her heart shaped face as Maddie rolled her sea green eyes. Laura's breathing was heavy and coming out in gasps as she took her seat behind the desk.

Sorry, I was told to go and talk to Chloe Mason before I did anything else. Council's orders. Besides, you can't stay mad at your best friend. She explained as she placed her books on the desk and pushed her long, curly, chestnut, brown hair off of her face.

No excuses. No matter if I'm your best friend or not. I need to teach this lesson before you go with Brandon for training. Laura finally caught her breath when the door suddenly opened and then slammed shut. Glad to see you could make it. Maddie said as she turned her back to Laura and looked down at the book on her desk.

Jake Adams walked over to the desk and sat down next to his twin sister, Laura. Along with their age, Jake and Laura had similar qualities and appearances. Each had chestnut, brown hair that naturally curled. He only had two inches over her with his six feet of height and had a sun-kissed tan compared to her ivory skin. His upper body was tightly packed with muscles from all his weight training especially compared to Laura's slim, slender body. Laura's oval face was slightly slimmer to Jake's round face, but their eyes were what really set them apart. He had the same gray eyes as their mother while Laura had a mixture of green, gold, and brown in her eyes.

Wouldn't miss it, Mads. Jake said to her with his usual charming smile as he stretched back in his chair and placed his feet on the desk. He ran his hands through his tangled chestnut brown hair. His gray eyes found hers as he winked and his smile grew wider. Maddie shook her head in frustration before she began to speak.

Today, I want to know what you have read about our history. Both of you know that the Guardians were created in order to train and protect the chosen ones of Apollo and Artemis. The prophecy states that they, meaning the two of you, will keep the evil within the earth from taking itself over.

But that's not the only reason that it was allowed to be created. The sun god and moon goddess granted the Guardians this island as a safe haven for any supernatural creature. Laura said as she remembered from her last lesson. These lessons had become a daily routine for them by the High Council's order. They needed to know everything from the very beginning. The council believed that it was the best way for them to fully understand where they came from.

True, but never forget about the real reason we all live on this island. Maddie glanced expectantly at the two of them as they struggled for an answer. Before either one of them could think of an answer, a voice came from the doorway.

We live to train and to find the group named the Filii Tenebrarum. Then, we find a way to end them. They all turned and watched as Kaine Mason walked into the room. His tall, muscular six foot three body frame called for attention immediately. His blond hair was buzzed short and his eyes were steely blue. As a member of the High Council, he strikes fear into every single one of the Guardians.

Actually, that's not what I was going to say. The main reason is - Maddie began to say but was cut off by Mr. Mason.

Sorry to cut the class short today but you two need to go and train. Maddie stared at him in shock as he began to walk back to the door. You can't keep the world safe with a history lesson, can you now? He asked Maddie, who was struggling to keep her outrage in check, before he looked over at Jake and Laura. Let's go.

They followed him out of the room and down the hall. They made their way throughout the castle and through another set of doors. They stopped in front of the enormous doors and Kaine went forward and placed his hand on them. He pushed open the giant oak doors of the training room as Jake glanced at Laura with a smile. The walls were covered with weapons of all kinds as they stared in wonder. Swords of all shapes and sizes lined the wall. Daggers were scattered between the longswords and broadswords that gleamed in the sunlight. Underneath them were two shining bows, one silver and one gold. Arrows littered the floor since they had not found a proper place from them yet. Across the room, on the other wall, were books on self-defense and other fighting techniques that were there for them to use.

This place amazes me each time. I love the concept of having a place that has weapons for me and people who willingly let me beat them up. Jake said to Laura as they went inside and saw the other Guardians that were in the room. Mr. Mason walked past all of them and went over to the boy who stood in the middle of the room.

Brandon, I want you to start the training earlier then we discussed. Brandon Fay with his auburn hair and almond gray blue eyes stood in the middle of the training room. Years ago Brandon was assigned as Laura's protector and after almost fifteen years, he was finally able to find her in Washington. He had helped Laura and Jake fight against Eddie and his fear demons. He was in the middle of preparing for their training lesson when Mr. Mason yelled to him.

Where's Aurora?

Right here, Aurora Mason said as she came over to her father and the others. Similar to Brandon, she had been assigned as Jake's protector and also helped them fight against Eddie's force. She had long straight raven black hair and bright crystal blue eyes. She held a sword in one hand and a book in the other.

What's going on?

I decided to extend the training longer today, so you now have two and half hours to practice with them. I want to see daily improvements in their power uses along with their fighting techniques. I want this to run like a normal class and no holding back.

Sir, that wasn't what the other council members told us. They said that- Brandon stopped himself when he noticed Mr. Mason's expression. I understand, sir.

Alright, he said as he turned away from Brandon. I'll leave you two in charge of this training session. They all watched in silence as he left the room. When he was out of sight, Laura glanced over and smiled at Brandon.

What are we learning about today? She asked as she stared at the wall of weapons. She ran her hand over the silver bow in longing. Laura had not shot it since the night of the attack and missed the feel and rush of power. She could still remember that feeling of power she felt when she held the bow in her hands. Brandon's voice broke her out of her memory as he walked by her and the bow.

Long distance shooting, he said as he set up the target. With your hands.

* * *

After an hour of non-stop power use, Laura had to stop for a break. They had been first practicing with her creating ice arrows from her hands. After that, he wanted her to focus on pulling water from out of the air. Brandon then wanted her to try and see what she could do with the water when it is already there for her. Laura glanced at the newly refilled bucket of water before she threw herself on the ground. Brandon slowly released his breath as he walked over to her.

Come on, we still have an hour and a half. No quitting on me now. She slowly lifted her head off the ground and looked at him with pleading eyes.

I need a break. And as my protector, you should be more than willing to give this to me. Don't you think so? She stuck out her bottom lip as he came and sat down beside her.

You're going to get me in trouble. You know that, right?

I won't tell if you don't. She smiled innocently at him but he could see the sparkle of mischief in her eyes.

How do you suppose that we sneak away from the others? Brandon asked with his own smile on his face. She nodded her head in approval as she sat up. As Laura pulled herself to her feet, she doubled over in pain. She felt a sharp pain in her stomach and quickly found herself in the golden room.

The golden room, a connection with Laura and Jake's Sight, was brighter than ever before. Everything shimmered luminous gold as she walked over to the middle of the room. She looked down at the floor and watched as images began to appear. Her mother and father began to take shape. Laura noticed that they seemed to be held in something similar to a jail cell. Bars were surrounding them along with the shadows that refused to take shape. As quickly as they appeared, they disappeared in a matter of seconds. The golden room dimmed into nothing and Laura found herself back in the training room.

Whoa, she said as she felt Brandon's hand on her back. That hasn't happened in a while. I forgot how powerful it can be when it wants attention. She rubbed her head as she stood and glanced around the room. Apparently she had not been alone with the vision because she watched Jake pull himself off of the ground.

I definitely think it's time for a break. Brandon said as he led her out of the training room and went outside for some fresh air.

CHAPTER 2

S O, HOW ARE you adjusting with your grandparents? When Laura and Jake had been told that they had to live on the island, they were also introduced to their father's parents. Their grandparents, along with the rest of the Guardians, had assumed that they were lost forever. No one had heard or seen them for eleven years until a few months ago. The huntress of the goddess Artemis had found them in Washington. Maddie King had kept her identity secret for three years as she watched Jake and Laura, to see if they were the missing Guardians. When she discovered Laura's dreams, she knew for certain and sent for help.

The High Council dispatched their assigned protectors and two Guardians-in-training to guard them. They watched as Jake and Laura discovered their powers and had planned to bring them back to the island when the Dark Wizard, the leader of the Filii Tenebrarum, attacked. He had kidnapped the chosen ones and tried to force them to his side. Fortunately, they were rescued by Brandon, Aurora, and their parents, but they had suffered a loss.

It's okay. Grandpa Nick is just as bad as Jake and Grandma Rachael just keeps baking us cookies and telling us about how much we look like our parents. She crossed her ankles as she stretched and made herself more comfortable in the grass. Brandon sat beside her and secretly kept checking on her. She had recovered from her vision, but he could tell it had weakened her.

So you're telling me that they're a pain. He smiled at her as she playfully punched his arm.

No. I wouldn't have been able to adjust to this place without them. Aside from Jake, they're the only family I have here. They were quiet for a moment as they stared up at the sky. The clouds were puffy and white and held her attention.

Speaking of family, she asked him as she watched the clouds. Have you heard anything new about my parents? Lindsey and James Adams had sacrificed themselves in order to save Jake and Laura. Their parents had saved them from Eddie's deadly black light, but the result was their mysterious disappearance.

No, he said quietly. Nothing seems to be working. We keep trying to track them, but it just leads us to a dead end. She noticed how his voice slowly faded by the end. She looked over at him and watched as his eyes shined with passion. But don't worry, we will find them. That's a promise.

* * *

Brandon led Laura back to the training room just as Jake walked out the front doors. When he noticed them coming, he ran over to meet them. As he came closer, Laura was able to see that the skin on his fingers were bright red. Jake was still having trouble maintaining his hand-held fires.

There you are. I've been wondering where you went. Did you have the vision too? She gently grabbed his hand and wrapped her fingers around it. She felt the air slowly transform into water before it formed around her fingers. The water seeped into his skin and the angry red color became its normal sun kissed tan color.

Yeah, she said as she released his hand. I had the vision. It was a nice excuse to finally be able to take a break.

So that's how you left. Should've used that it get away too. Of course, there's always next time.

Alright you two, it's time to go back inside and train. Brandon said as he began to walk up the front steps of the training center. Laura began to follow him, but Jake placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her.

Actually, it's time for the two of us to go home. Special requests of High Council members Adams and Adams. Also known as grandma and grandpa.

Convenient timing, I'd say. Brandon said as he stood on the steps. I have the feeling that I'll somehow be paying for all of this.

And that's why you're the protector. Laura yelled back over her shoulder as she followed Jake. They went down the pathway that led to the main street to Delos Castle. On the sides of the street, small houses were scattered among the trees. Occasionally a store would be among the trees and houses. As they walked toward the castle, one of the stores caught her eye. The store was bright white and the front door was painted gold. Charms hung around the windows and within the trees in front.

Jake, Laura said as she pointed to the building. Let's go see what's in there. She felt her curiosity beginning to surface as they started to make their way to it. Jake opened the door and Laura stared in wonder. Weapons and charms were mixed together in the room as the sun shone through the hanging crystals.

What is this place? It looks like a hoarder's hideout. Jake said as he picked up a black crystal and held it in the light. The inside of the crystal began to swirl and turn a smoky white as it escaped from the stone and twirled into the air. He swatted the smoke away as he placed it back on the table and continued to explore the shop.

I think it's more of a collector's shop of some kind. She ran her hand over the charms hanging from the ceiling. But I think it's abandoned. After a quick glance around, they left the shop and went further down the road until they came to the last house. At first glance, the one story house was a plain, washed out yellow color with simple windows and an antique wooden door. However at a closer look, the details were hidden within the old house.

The window frames were carved with multiple laurel and cypress leaves designs. The concrete steps had finger painted