Lilly Williams and the Cheater's Book: Lilly Williams, #1

By J. Lee Grey

Lilly Williams has a first tough year. She has the lowest grades and barely made it to Elemental High School, the most elite school. She has been bullied by her brother and fire benders for not being good with her natural magic of water bending. One day she finds a wish book and everything changes. She'll use this wish book to take her vengeance on the bullies themselves. Will she succeed. Find out in Lilly Williams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Lee Grey
• Release date: Oct 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215969328

Book preview

Prologue

Evil will return. Nobody knows when it will return, or how it will return. Evil will return in the form of a dark lord wizard. He has several different artifacts that will help him make his resurgence. The question is how long will the dark wizard have to wait for the right person with no magical knowledge to resurrect him? If anything, his family would be the most likely culprits to perform such an act. Who knows why, here’s how.

The year was 1065 A.D. in Greenland. Civil war has been going on for a little over forty years to determine who will control Greenland. Now an older Lord Serpious was on his way to conquering it all. The only one that could stop him was his main rival named Sebastian Templeton.

Sebastian was the honorable Earth bender commander who served Greenland and held Serpious off. The noble Sebastian had a plan to defeat Serpious once and for all. Through forty years of fighting, Sebastian would have a battle with Serpious that will change the course of Greenland forever. That battle was about to start.

Serpious was held by a volcano town that had erupted in 1023 A.D. Serpious believed he was safe. While his army was growing, he made three artifacts that would aide him in the war. He was waiting for Sebastian to attack before testing them out.

Serpious was surrounded on all sides. He ordered all of his men to attack all of the forces surrounding the area. He had a small group of civilians escape through underground tunnels. He walked up to the volcano prepared to harness the power and destroy Sebastian’s army when he was ready.

Sebastian knew this and instead met Serpious alone on the top of the volcano. There he blocked Serpious’s path to the doorway. The two of them exchanged swords, then there very elemental magic of fire and earth shook the ground below them.

Serpious used a staff and raised the dead to fight on his behalf. He used a crystal ball next to teleport back in time, He then wrote in his enchanted book now known as the Cheater’s Book. He wrote down his first wish to live on forever. Back in time he met Sebastian across the mountain range. He attacked him when he was alone.

Sebastian was initially shocked by these events. He readied his men and the two of them were in a heavy for control over Greenland. Serpious was defeated by Sebastian who collapsed to his death. Serpious stretched for his crystal ball but died before he could reach it.

The battle was won. Sebastian would allow the fire bender tribes to bury Serpious. Serpious was built in a large underground tunnel. Where it’s located is a mystery to this day.

Evil will return one day. Because of Serpious’s wish, he can be resurrected again. Rumors spread of his return throughout the ages, though none are known to be true. These events will once again change the course of Greenland, forever.

Chapter 1 The First Day

Off the site of Elemental High School lies a security vault. It’s about to be raided. The intruder will be the one to lift the curse of the old evil wizard. With all the magical security, it’s no wonder how the mysterious intruder breached into the roman cathedral-like building.

The entire building was a church on the surface. The height of the ceiling, the stone altar, the overall shape of the building made a cross with the cross of Jesus above the altar. There were no guards stationed inside.

The mysterious intruder covered in a ninja suit slowly moved around the building looking for clues. The intruder pulls out a map with the alter being crossed off of it. He examined the alter and sees the cross is slightly tilted.

Aha, I just need to straighten this cross up now. The intruder thought.

With the cross now straight, gears of shifting could be heard. The alter pushes up revealing a spiral staircase walkway.

Traveling down the stone staircase revealed a large library like environment. Unlike normal libraries where there are books, instead, it was magical artifacts. Whether it be crystal balls, enchanted books, or even ancient staffs of old.

Guards were everywhere and the intruder made sure to be silent. He drank an invisibility potion and proceeded along the maze-like underground. The mysterious intruder pulls out the map again to enter the right underground tunnel that forms catacomb-like structures outside of the main library-like room. It was here that the walkways were much narrower.

After traveling the long walkways led to more open space. Not quite as grand as the library-like environment, but still.

The room had a medieval look to it with its stone and there were cameras everywhere watching the vault. The intruder had to get into the vault. A magical incantation of a Latin language caused the door to open by itself.

The intruder proceeded and the door closed behind. In there was a preservation of the Dead Wizard’s artifacts. There were three main ones he used. With the small bag in hand, the intruder was ready to snatch every artifact there. However, the vault was opening and the intruder had to remain silent in the corner while two wizards approached the three pedestals displaying the artifacts.

The two wizards were highly respected in the wizard’s world. It was Principal Ricarda who was dressed up in her business suit along with her brother and vice-principal Richard. He always dressed up in suits.

They were discussing what to do with the artifacts before the school year began. Ricarda, why are we here. Unless you want to destroy them? Richard was very blunt as always.

Richard, you know we can’t destroy them. We’ve already tried that. I just wanted an opinion about what to do with them before the new school year begins. If any students stumble upon these artifacts, it could be dangerous.

Just keep them here. It’s already protected underneath me. No student can get them. It will require a master thief to get them. Besides they have plenty to steal from besides this. It would have to be pretty specific to take these items.

I guess you’re right. You can take care of these matters while I prepare plans for the new school year.

Ricarda walked out of the room. Richard examined the artifacts and then left the room as well putting an incantation on the door. The intruder was now sealed inside and could not get out the same way.

There was a backup plan. The artifacts were put into the bags once again. One at a time led by a skeleton staff, then a crystal ball, followed by a mysterious book. The intruder drank a teleportation potion. It was a clean escape.

The next day Richard was brought back into the vault by a guard. He saw the three missing pedestals and thought about telling his sister. Instead, he opted to keep it silent and ordered the lead detective to keep it a secret and to find a subtle way to learn who stole these artifacts. No news was coming out of this on his watch. Nothing should destroy the great Richard’s reputation.

Richard was not willing to lie to his friend Ricarda and that night went to see Ricarda up in her wizard’s tower. She was preparing papers for the school year when he interrupted.

Richard, what’s wrong? I’ve known you long enough to know that you wouldn’t bother me for no reason. She began.

You’re right. I didn’t want to disturb you. I hate to admit it, you were right about the vault. Now the artifacts are gone and it’s the beginning of the year. Richard was a man of integrity and though he felt very wounded, he couldn’t lie to his dear friend.

Well thank you for your honesty. I know you want to keep this hidden.

Just leave it to me Ricarda. I will see to it that I retrieve the items.

No. You’ve lost them. I’ll be the one to retrieve them. I’ll fix your mistake.

Richard turned his attention to the matters of the school. The year was beginning and Ricarda needed to send out all the acceptance letters to the students who made it in terms of talent or grades.

But what about school You’re the principal, new students are coming in.

I know. I’m almost done with all the acceptance letters. I just have two more left.

Richard takes a look at the last two applications. He’s impressed with the stats of Ian Williams and has great admiration for the family in general. For generations, the Williams family proved to be very capable wizards and students.

Richard glanced at the other file and noticed that Lilly Williams did not make the cut. Richard was not happy about the whole thing. He confronted Ricarda after she just stamped the two acceptance letters.

Ricarda, what are you doing? You can’t bend the rules and accept her. Richard protested.

Richard, I must. If I don’t, then I won’t get Ian. He’ll balance him and Lilly. Trust me. Besides, while I’m making up for your mess, I’ll accept these students. Do whatever you want. Tie them to a tree for punishment for all I care.

Really. You won’t regret this. With that in mind, Richard leaves the room, and Ricarda is ready for the year to begin.

It was a beautiful morning at the Williams Household. The William’s had a regular house in the water wizard community. It was largely full of loose pipes in the walls to give them the comfort of the sound of water flowing. The outer areas had waterfalls surrounding the roof of the house. The house was two stories with a lot of room in each room. There was an office downstairs and the normal things you find in a home. Upstairs had bathrooms and bedrooms.

Lilly Williams was asleep in her bedroom and she wanted to sleep away school for the year. She was too nervous about high school. She wanted her middle school friends again. Now she hates the fact she moved back home away from her friends.

Lilly’s brother came in and woke her up. He was as smart and talented at water magic as he was at being fat. He crushed the poor Lilly who was thin as a toothpick. He got off of her. Lilly could not pretend to be sleeping anymore.

It’s time for school. He combed his blue hair as Lilly felt the dye fading from her blonde hair. I guess it is. She dressed formally as she looked in the mirror sadly. She could feel the old dress speaking to her when her mother gave it to her.

Ian approached the room again. He was impatient and called Lilly. Are you coming? We’re going to be late for orientation. He said in his blue suit that could barely fit him.

The twins were ready to go to Elemental Highschool for the first time. But it was the Williams tradition to give individual advice before embarking upon this school. Lilly’s father was blocking the doorway to their special bathroom before they entered the school.

Ian was first as he was very impatient to go. Dad. I’m going to be late if you don’t let me go. Don’t worry about it. You’ll be there on time. Besides I have something to say. What is it? Look up, stay grounded. Okay, father. Ian shrugged it off and opened the door.

Now it was Lilly’s turn for advice. Remember yourself. Remember others. Lilly didn’t know what that meant. But she thanked her father and walked through the door.

The door opened up to a golden shower. Once Lilly stood in front of it, the water turned on and she was transported to the school.

The school was magnificent looking both inside and out.

On the outside, there was the middle building that connected all the magical elements. There were four walkways to four separate buildings for the four elements. All of the buildings had a cohesive medieval castle feel. The middle building has a wizard’s tower that spiraled up.

The insides of the buildings were the most magical. Each elemental building consisted of dorms and specific classrooms for those students. They were smaller buildings. The middle building had a normal school cafeteria, office, and other normal high school areas.

Lilly was amazed when she woke up in the bathroom outside the iron gothic gates outside the property. However, she was humiliated by the other boys. Ian joined with them.

Look at the new water bending girl. She can’t even keep herself dry. Then the brother chimed in. That’s my sister for you, hopelessly retarded with her born magic.

Lilly fell to the ground sobbing. Nobody seemed to care. Even the ones that did, stayed out of it.

Some fire benders arrived there and they were led by a muscular boy who scared all the water benders straight.

What’s going on here. He demanded. Nobody said anything and all stayed quiet.

Lilly stood up and was ready to thank her rescuers. Thank you for that. Can I get your name? She wondered. Why? Don’t you know that fire and water don’t mix? You stupid girl.

He pointed for his friends to grab a trash can and to throw it over Lilly’s head. They used fire magic to catch it on fire. Lilly was panicking and ran around the front gate with her hair completely on fire.

Ian backed away into the crowd pretending nothing was going on. The lead bully then said. Oh, it looks like your hair dye was flammable. Who would have guessed? Thanks for making your fellow water wizards look bad.

He was ready to walk back to his iron gate to his fire benders. He was stopped by a rock that formed out of the ground creating a wall. Air rushed in with a strong wind and blew out the fire of Lilly’s hair.

Lilly was now looking to her real saviors. It was a blonde hip air bending girl and a built earth bending guy.

Thank you for putting out the fire. The boy said to her. She disappeared into the wind returning to her elemental gate.

He began making a speech before letting us in.

Listen, everyone, you are already on a bad start coming here. I am the new hall monitor for both Earth and Water. You guys and fire are already at a bad start. Remember that whatever I report to the principal can be reported quite quickly.

Just like that, a note appears in his hands out of thin air. He gives the note to the wind as it flies to the top of the wizard’s tower.

Now, this may come as a warning as it’s your first day. But there will be no bullying on my watch. None of you better do it otherwise I will find out and I will report you. Remember, you don’t have to be at this school. You’re at the best school and there are plenty of schools you could do way worse in. Remember that when you take advantage of the rules. Now follow me.

The whole Water group followed the hall monitor as he led them to the central building. It was directly connected with the lunchroom which was then directly connected by several double doors to the auditorium. It was a dark auditorium and four separate sections separated the four elemental groups.

Lilly was sitting in the back row as she was too busy keeping her body down in the seat to avoid all of the gossip and paper balls that were thrown at her head. Ian was directly in the seat in front of her. He turned around in disapproval.

Lilly. I can’t believe we’re related. You’re ruining our reputation. He turned around talking to his new friends. Lilly could not make out the words they were saying but could tell it was about her.

She was ashamed and felt so alone. But there was another girl that sat next to her. Other students looked shocked and everyone knew she wasn’t meant to be there. She laid in the seat like me with her bright red hair that revealed her to be a fire wizard.

When is this thing going to start, am I right? The girl said. Lilly simply sighed and said, I don’t know. I guess they want to leave it up to suspense. The two of them giggled and that pissed Ian off when he looked back.

What is your name? The girl asked. Lilly was back to her old cheerful self when she responded. I’m Lilly. I’m glad to meet you. Hi Lilly, I’m Heather.

Lilly had a lightbulb moment and then asked, Are you, Heather Ashford? I am. Are you Lilly Williams? Lilly then got a little giddy by this realization and said. I just didn’t recognize you, how’s life?

Heather seemed a little annoyed by the whole thing. You need to chill out. You’re already being targeted. Just fade into the background and live this life with as little misery as possible.

Lilly was worried about what Heather was saying. Before she could say anything, the assembly started. Principal Ricarda stood at the podium after fading into existence with her air power. She began to make an opening speech for the school.

Welcome to the school. All of you here are first-year students. Congratulations on being accepted to this elite school. Elemental Highschool is a community school where all four elements come together. I am hoping that in continuing to combine the elements we can overgrow our prejudices against each other. These four years will change you all and I can’t wait to see another set of students grow into the adult wizards that I know you all can achieve.

Lilly was moved by the speech. However, Heather was not. She was too busy messing with her dolls that were in her book bag. Lilly ignored her and continued to listen.

There are a few rules that all wizards should know that could expel them from this school. There are only a few so that nobody could forget them. Rule one, there will be no fighting or bullying. Just don’t do it. Rule two, don’t skip class, otherwise why be at this school. Rule three, Study hard and make passing grades. Follow these three rules and you will not be expelled from the school. Break the rules, then you will have consequences. Now let’s bring a safety video for magic.

The video was quite something. It had the popular earth bending model describe safety with his big muscles. Hey I’m a big guy and you might think I can take a potion going wrong, or I can take a blast to my chest. But that’s not true. Without proper safety, you could cause terrible damage to your body. Use magic properly, use it safely.

He goes off to list the steps of finding one’s balance first before careful consideration of performing the magic. He then scares all the kids with images of people who were damaged by magical backfires. Just remember, be safe and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

With the video ended the principal continues to speak for the shocked kids in the audience.

Well that’s a wakeup call, am I right? She laughs but then realizes through her awkwardness that it doesn’t work.

Anyways, I have a few more announcements before you start your school year. After this meeting, you will be taken for lunch and then taken to your dorms. After this week you will sleep in your dorms until you go back to your family on Friday. Now I will introduce you to the teachers that will teach you whether this year or next year for the arts that are not related to your elemental magic.

One by one the teachers revealed who they were.

An older man with glasses walked up to the podium and stated who he was and what he did. I’m professor Carl. I teach Potions.

The next one was in a hood and kept his face hidden. I’m professor Luther. With that, he vanishes and proclaims the art of illusion.

A caring young woman comes up in magical robes. I am Dr. Rachel. I teach the art of restoration.

Then there was the grumpy redhead lady who walked over to the podium. I’m Professor Elizabeth. I guess I teach first-year students reading, writing, history, and math. So, yay. I’ll be seeing most of you.

The final member to walk up was a very suspicious man. Lilly even noticed Principal Ricarda staring at him with suspicion. If he’s so suspicious, why doesn’t the principal just get rid of him? Lilly thought.

I’m Professor Reeves. I teach alteration. Should you want to alter someone’s surroundings or even their minds. I’ll be happy to have you in my class. He gave a smile before returning to his position in the line of teachers in the back.

The principal ended the assembly with one last closing statement.

We’ll have lunch now. Please use this time to make friends. You will be shown to your dorms afterward and meet your elemental mentor. He will be with you all four years, but may only teach you for three. Don’t get on your mentor’s bad side now. Enjoy lunch everyone.

With that, the assembly was over and everyone packed together like ants to reach the lunchroom.

When Lilly did reach the lunchroom, she was witnessed the lines of all the first-year students. Her father knew that she would not like to wait in line. He always encouraged her to spend the time to talk to friends.

She surveyed the lunchroom and noticed how the wizards mostly stuck to their elemental group. She was kicked out of the water group for not having the brain. Fire wizards were known for their passion and create wonderful art. But water and fire don’t mix.

She saw the other two elements. Lilly wondered if the other two elemental groups would be too different. Earth wizards were known for their less elegant dress and a more minimalistic lifestyle. They were the workers of society.

Air on the other hand usually held powerful positions. But they would move from place to place or people to people like the wind.

Lilly thought about it more and more. The only conclusion she could come up with that she didn’t belong to any of the groups. She was just an upbeat girl who was shy when she gets sad. She decided to sit at the losers table with Heather.

Hi, Heather. I’m glad I get to see you so soon. Lilly couldn’t hold it in. Her enthusiasm almost sparked life in Heather.

You say soon. But you mean like four years. Heather retorted

I know. Father can be such a pain. I can’t believe dad moved us away.

Don’t you remember almost killing me?

What? I didn’t.

No, what about the fact that you were so sad when your mom died, you created rainstorms everywhere you went. You almost killed me with that water.

Yeah sorry.

That’s why your father moved you away from me.

That would make sense.

With that end of the situation the air lady from before along with the earth bending hot guy appeared. The lady had a very squeaky voice like a diva. She was also a busy body the way she presented herself. She was the old lady you would find gossiping at church.

Whose mother died? The lady wondered. Never mind, who wants a picture? She takes the picture and before Lilly could say anything, the lady uploaded the photo on Instagram.

The guy held the girl’s hand and lowered the phone away from her. Emily, please be more mindful before taking other people’s photos.

Emily seemed very saddened by this. She apologized for her behavior. She was the type of person who would jump into something without thinking.

The two of them sat down and the man introduced himself with a handshake from Lilly. Lilly smiled and was very giggly. I’m Greg. Who are you? He wondered. Lilly. She said.

Heather was in the background rolling her eyes. When Lilly and Greg started getting a little flirty and close, that’s when Heather lost it.

Heather lit a flame underneath Greg’s butt and said, You better get out of here pretty boy, or I’m going to light your ass on fire again. Just like that Greg and Emily left.

Lilly was not happy with Heather. Heather, what are you doing? Listen to me, Lilly. We don’t need anyone else. You and I are the only friends. Understand. I understand.

Then a man with biker boots, a bad attitude, and all the brass knuckles walked up to Heather’s table. Lilly should have been scared by the sight of him. But in fact, she was all into him. Heather, do you need anything? He asked his sister. No Tyson. I’m good.

Lilly could not control herself she was too into the guy. Even though it would make Heather mad, no actually that’s exactly why. Lilly would make Heather so pissed off if she dared date, Tyson.

Hi, Tyson. I need something. I need to be fed with some food. Is that fine, babe?

Tyson was quite