Dawn Of The Guardian

(Alarm rings)

7:00am.

"If you don't get out of bed right now, you're gonna be late for school" Mom called out as always.

"And don't forget to wake the twins up... I can't afford them ruining this year's perfect attendance again" she finished going down stairs.

Mom usually wakes up early to make breakfast every morning as busy as she was cause she and Dad ran the family business together.

Some years back My Grandfather put all his money into purchasing this big hotel that was about to go bankrupt at the time. It seem like a waste at first, but he worked day and night to make it a success.

And after 45 years of hard work with his only son, my Dad... He became the owner of not one but fleets of 5 star Hotels.

Sometimes, He even buys small businesses that are about to go bankrupt and bring their sells up. Anyways, Mom always believed eating home made food and eating as a family gave you the strength needed to push through any day.

Well, I got out of bed and walked pass the twins room, Thankfully they're rooms were before mine so she usually always woke us up about the same time.

"Zack! Zoe!! out now!!!, and make sure you brush your teeth" I said as I banged their doors in.

I went back to my room, took a shower and came out drying hair.

I picked up my phone and saw a message from my best friend.

'I'll be over in the next 20 minutes. You better be ready'

My best friend ABJ. Alexander Beatrice Jefferson the First. AJ was kind of a big deal, in the sense that her Dad is first, a twin and her grandfather was a grand duke back in London.

While her Uncle and his family took care of business in back in London, her Dad thought it would be a lot more easier to live a normal life somewhere else and like that we ended up being best of friends from the first day we met at the park.

I and AJ are practically in the same age group although she's months older than me and that could be why she has her driver's licenses, maybe.

While I on the other hand am too chicken to take the test. It was kinda weird given that I'm one of the most popular and smartest students at our school unlike those brainless Cheer squard.

Now don't get me wrong, not all of them are like that but if you met the ones at my school you'd say the same thing.

I got dressed as usual and since I don't really have a preference I dress according to my mood so today, I curled my hair from half way through to fall into four simple curls, I wore a black and white sleeveless turtleneck, a pleated chiffon deep black skirt, black combat boots paired with a choker and other accessories.

Now, now... I know I'm giving off that bad girl vibe but really... I'm the sweetest thing you'd ever come across in the whole of west Virginia.

I rushed down stairs with my backpack, a little cute black one, walked over to the table where my Dad and older brother Tyler and the twins were seated.

"It's about time... You're going be late young lady" Mom said handing over a plate of French toast, bacon and scrambled eggs. Yummy.

"AJ is coming to pick me up, She'll be here any minute from now" I said as I started chowing down on my food.

"Ok, that's nice. Tyler could you be a dear and drop the kids off at school" Mom said as she sat down with her own plate.

"Sure, but I'll be heading to the gym right after" Tyler said with food stuffed in his mouth.

"Remember, you still have to sort your internship out at the office today. Remember don't be late, I won't tolerate tardiness even if you are my own son. Got it" Dad said and on cue, there was a knock on the door.

"That's for me, bye Mom, bye Dad, see you later guys" I said stuffing the remaining food on my plate into my mouth, grabbed my phone running out.

"Alright, have a nice day" my parents chorused together.

I paused, ran back to the dining room gave my Dad a hug and my Mom a kiss then I made my way out this time.

I got out of the house and saw AJ sitting in the driveway.

"Took you long enough" she teased.

"Hey, don't sound like my Mom" I gave her a smile and got into the car, while she rolled her eyes at me and did the same.

With AJ, being bored could never the case. AJ worked with the school paper so she had eyes and ears on the ground everywhere, meaning all the latest gossip. Not that I cared anyways.

We talked all the way to school while enjoying the music playing on the radio. We were seniors now and being seniors had its privileges, like having our own car park amongst others.

Today was our first day as seniors and honestly I was feeling a bit nervous about it but I had my best friend with me, so sure it'll be a breeze.

St Andrew high school had a thing for nature, the entrance of the school was a garden with a walkway path in the middle. They also had a big garden in the center of the school where students could hang out and around the school yard buildings were rest areas and big trees planted with benches around them.

They said being one with nature enhances learning or whatever.

Me and AJ made our way to the front entrance and saw part of the gang: Morgan, Jack and Valery.

"Look Jess and AJ are here" Valery shouted and ran over to us.

Val is the youngest in the crew, why, because she's Jack's little sister and I think she's cute and she was also a class below us.

Jack and Valery Tucker were the kids of Mr and Mrs Tucker the owners of one of the biggest bull ranches in Texas.

"Hey Val, how've you been, I really love your dress, Tots' Cute" I said admiring her floral sundress.

"Hi Jess, Hi AJ" Morgan greeted.

Morgan Morrison, the only child of Mr Louise Morrison or as he's popularly known as the King of scents.

Mr Morrison partners with the biggest names in the industry when it come to scents.

From perfumes to scented candles he's into it all, Morgan says her Dad had a nose for all these stuff, so Morgan usually got the samples of most of the products tested by her Dad.

"Hey Seniors" Jack called out turning his attention to us.

"Hey guys... How are you feeling, it's finally senior year, right? Are you ready??" I said almost confident.

"I was born ready... Last year of high school... Let's make the most of it" Jack said.

"Hey, there's Ace... Hey Ace... Over here" AJ called out.

Ace as usual was with his blue bing headphone trying to block out the world. Could you blame him, Dude's got it rough, see Ace's family has been in the bamboo business for ages and from his fourth great great great grandfather, his family has indulged in the business of from selling bamboo to being the largest distributors of the bamboo in Asia and the world.

Almost 60% of the bamboo used by industries around the world comes from them. So it's safe to say his family was filthy rich.

But Ace being Ace has never really been interested in the family Merchandise, sure it got him cool stuff but he didn't want to spend the rest of his life dealing bamboo.

Ace wants to pursue being a freelance photographer and travel the world, but of course his family were against him. Ace's older brother, Kim Tan, had to move back to China to keep up with the family business, his sister, Kim Sheila, was married off to the son of a big company, as they said to expand the business hands.

So you could say his life is like one of those heartbreaking Asian series where the parents impose their will on their kids. Yes, I watch a lot of Korean and Chinese series... Deal with it.

As you may have noticed we all come from big families and as St Andrew may sound like a public or Catholic school, it's actually a Private school but not confined to the rich only that's what makes it special to all of us.

We don't get special treatment and are treated as normal kids here, as we all stood together at the entrance of the school catching up not knowing what this school year held for us or what adventures await us all but with all my friends with me... I'm more than ready to take on anything.

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*

The school halls were filled with students as usual.

Everyone were happy to see each other and were catching up on lost time since we rounded up the last session.

When we walked into the school, I still felt the dominance and respect we were usually accorded.

Students got out of the way, some whispering at the side, some junior girls blushing at the sight of the guys and some sending us shy waves from the side.

I wasn't a bully... No no, but the students at St Andrew high knew where their loyalty should laid.

With us, the Good kids.

We walked over to our lockers which were lined up together... Well maybe I lied abit.

Being rich had it previlages but trust me we never abused it.

"Well, well, well looks like the whole crew's here, ready to sail to dockvill".

I know that disgusting voice anywhere... Its always made my skin crawl.

Samantha Peterson, Head Cheerleader, Queen of sluts, Master of foul words and daughter of the Law representative of our distinguished school.

"Hey... Look who just walked in Ugly and the minions" AJ mocked.

"Hello Peterson" I greeted coldly.

"Anderson" She replied with the same cold shoulder.

"Didn't think you'd make it to senior year, given the airbag you call a brain still functioned, or did you seduce the entire Exam committee this time" I said as my friends oohed behind me

"Well I guess you've finally taken notice of what killer features I have, unlike some people" Samantha said in her cheer uniform that was so short, it had to be illegal.

"Why I att... " AJ almost stormed at Samantha.

But the guys caught her in time... Its our first day of our last year at school... Wouldn't want to mess it up over something of less importance.

"I see you still haven't learned to tame your animal, and I've always taught so highly of people from England, they're always so sophisticated, am I right Beatrice".

Now you see why I hate cheerleaders, Samantha went too far this time.

I was about to drop the thunder on her when Ace put his arm on my shoulder.

"You know, for once you could atleast try to act mature" I think Ace being older than most of us made him more calm headed.

"Hi Ace, I didn't know you still hung out with the breakfast bunch, why not come with us... There'll always be a place for you" Samantha said and winked at Ace.

I was totally shocked and breathless, doesn't this chick know when she's being insulted.

"I'm sure Todd Wilson will be very pleased to know his girlfriend is inviting me over, now that'll be rich".

Everyone at school knew the bad blood that ran between Kim Ace and Todd Wilson. All because his Ex left him for Ace who then dumped her within a week.

Ace might not look it but, his a Super Play Boy, behind that cold mask is a master of heart breaks.

By now the smile on Samantha's face was flushed and her face turned red.

She looked like she was about to say something when one of her minions Tasha whispered something into her ear.

She looked back at us "I'll deal with you all later" then she stormed away.

"Bye princess" Jack teased still holding AJ in place.

"Thanks Ace, I almost lost it there" He smiled and put a hand on my head before heading back to his locked.

Ace didn't talk much but he was one of my best friends and we always had each others backs.

(Bell rings)

Since it was a new session, we all had to move to the Gym for Orientation, like I wonder why I'll be sitted for the same thing every year.

But The principal always says you can never be over informed. I'm beginning to think the man's actually a hippy.

*Two hours later*

"I wonder why every teacher had to give a speech this year" Val complained.

"Atleast you didn't have to give a speech as an honorary student" I said thinking about how that one speech gave me sleepless nights.

"You should be use to it by now, you've always been a top student" AJ tried cheering me up.

"I hope we all can get along and have a great school year ahead of us" Jack said imitating my speech in front of the whole school, which made all of us laugh.

"For what its worth, you did great back there" Ace said smacking Jack at the back of his head.

"Ow... Uh come on" Jack said rubbing the back of his head.

"Too bad she's sucks in the boyfriend course" Morgan said nonchalantly looking at her nails.

"Hey, don't do that, you know how sensitive Jess is about that subject" AJ said blocking my ears.

"But its true... Ugh fine, see you guys later, I'm busy anyways".

Morgan's like this most of the time, what you call.... straight forward and blunt.

Sometimes she goes too far but she's still our friend and apart of us. I took what she said personally but I won't hold a grudge.

"I'm sorry Jess, You know how she can be sometimes" AJ said apologizing on Morgan's behalf.

"You know, you can always come to me if you need someone to cuddle right" Jack said with a bright smile and we all laughed.

Jack's very playful but he has a sensitive and soft side to him which makes him special to each of us.

The warning bell rang...

And since we all had our class schedule on our phones we knew exactly who had what and classes we shared.

"The bell'll be going off soon, so I'll get going, see you guys at lunch" Val left with her other friends.

Its nice seeing Val hang out with kids her age, sometimes I feel like she's growing too fast hanging with us.

It'll break my heart to see Zoe like that, but its her choice.

"Well it seems first period, Me and Jack have Advance Math"

"Yea, a bunch of brainiacks, I guess that leaves me with Ace, we have English" AJ said.

"Its more of a composition class" Ace said.

"Alrighty, catch you guys later" Jack said as he took my bag and dragged me along just before the bell rang.

"Bye~~~~~~" I shouted from down the hall way.

As usual Mr Belon's class went by a breeze, Advanced math was harder than the normal Geometry and Calculus the others practice.

But we've made it this far, all we have to do is to work hard towards the state Exams.

After advanced math I proceeded to History where I would meet up with Ace and AJ.

As usual, History was boring even with AJ sitting beside me, like no one in the 21 century cares about the bad decisions our past leaders made, the Country's already screwed up.

So I got out this romance novel I've been reading, Its about a handsome but poor man who meets this beautiful maiden but she's the daughter of a duke.

Her Father wants her to become the concubine of an old but wealthy merchant who is older than her father, so she elope's with her lover.

I've always wished someone would take me on a romantic adventure, even a high school romance with dram would do.

I needed some excitement in my life, not always getting it from a book.

I sighed.

"Hey, are you ok?" AJ asked with a concerned look on her face.

I smiled back "I'm fine" but I don't think she was convinced.

She gave my hand a little squeeze and went back to what she was doing while I went back to my book.

*Few Classes later*

Its finally lunch time, I'm starving. I walked with Ace to the cafeteria to meet the others and get lunch

By the time we got in line we saw the gang at our usual table.

Another perk of being a senior is you don't get the same crappy food everyone gets.

They say its to leave a good memory of the school with you.

So today's special was Pizza with different toppings.

I went for Pepperoni with green peppers, my favorite, I knew Ace was going to get the cheese and bacon.

We went to the vending machine and got our drink.

"I totally forgot how boring classes were, I bearly survived" I heard Morgan say as me and Ace arrived the table.

"There's our Junior Shakespeares" Jack said.

I smiled and sat down joining in on the conversation.

"Hi Jess, long time no see" I lifted my head and there he was.

"Hey babe, I've been looking for you everywhere".

Ethan Floyd, Captain of the school's male soccer team, My former best friend and big time crush, now Morgan's boyfriend.

"Hello Ethan".

Third person's POV:

In an unrelated world, The forbidden book shines bright as the prophecy is being unleashed.

"I think we've finally found our Savior....."

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*

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"Hello Ethan" I said void of any emotions left for him.

"Ouch... And the Ice queen scores again... Hold me babe I think I'm about to get a frozen heart too".

Ok, heres the gist... Me and Ethan were basically your average childhood friends, only difference was that I had a crush on him while he had a crush on tons of girls which I was not a part of.... (I'm actually grateful for that now).

I'm pretty sure Ethan has been aware of my feelings for him, so I decided to come clean during the school's spring dance in 5th grade.

It took all the courage I'm me to speak up and...

"Save it, it isn't worth my time. I'll never see you as a woman Jess so stop trying so hard. You look desperate" he said while walking away with a smirk on his face.

I cried my eyes out that night and swore no guy would ever make me cry again and that was also the end of our friendship.

"Jessica be nice, you know my Ethy's very sensitive" Morgan said cooing Ethan.

I rolled my eyes.

"Ew... I think I'm gonna throw up" AJ said making a gag face, making the rest of us laugh.

"Alright, alright... There's a party this Friday night hosted by yours truly, to mark the beginning of another school year. There's gonna be food, drinks and a little extra something..." He said as he winked at me. Gross.

"... So I personally came to invite you all... And I hope you can make it" Ethan said with a smile and eyes looking directly at me.

Like we were practically shooting darts at each other with our eyes.

I'm sure Morgan noticed the exchange Cuz she spoke up.

"Sure... I'm sure we can make it to your party, right guys" She said turning Ethan's face her way.

Everyone turned to look at me, sure everyone knew our history by now, they were my best friends.

"Uh... Fine, we'll come to your stupid party" I said rolling my eyes again.

"Cool, see you at 8" Ethan said leaving the table.

"Ethan, wait for me" Morgan called after him

I was about to roll my eyes again when "If you keep rolling your eyes like that, they are eventually gonna fall out" Ace spoke up.

"I know, but you know how he gets under my skin... He makes me go crazy" I said practically fuming.

"Then why'd you say yes to the party, you know we'd understand if you'd said no" AJ said giving me the worry look again.

"I know again, but I don't want you guys to be deprived of fun just because of me" I said feeling guilty, my friends are always there for me, they needed a break even if it was at Ethan's party.

"Plus, the party is written all over your face Jack" I turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised.

"Hey, they don't call me the party Animal for nothing" Jack said with a sense of pride

"Hey, Alex I need a ride to the bookstore after school, you up for it" I asked AJ as the laughter died down abit.

"Ooh... I forgot to tell you... Grandma Margaret is in town so I have to be home early. I'm sorry" AJ said apologizing.

"Its fine... I guess I'll see you tomorrow then".

I was abit disappointed but its Grandma Margaret, A scary Old British Lady.

No matter how best behaved I am, she still finds faults in everything I do....

'Young Ladies do not slouch while sitting'

'Stand up straight and keep your chin up'

'Elbows off the table'

'Young ladies shouldn't prance around in such tight trousers'...

An it goes on and on and on... So I basically try to avoid her but still be polite.

..............................................................................

After school, I took a bus to town and made my way to a regular bookshop I sometimes visited

I walked in to see the shopkeeper "Hy Jonathan" I greeted the old shopkeeper

"Why, isn't that Jessica, my favorite bookworm" Mr Jonathan answered friendly.

Mr Jonathan owned an old library in town that I loved to visit... It had an ancient feeling to it like from the medeval age.

"Haha... Very funny... Anything new" I asked as I searched the bookshelves for anything new.

"Well... We had a donation come in last week, so knock yourself out".

I smiled at him before I went back to looking for a good book to read.

As I was browsing thorough the books "We had a few book which are quite old... They should be good" Jonathan said from the front.

"Okay... Thanks".

I picked up some books and went to the next aisle and sure enough there were so many old book.

Now don't get me wrong... I hate history at school but history from an old book... Had something different about it... You could even say there was something special about an old book.

As I walked by dragging my fingers across the old books... The texture felt fine and cool underneath my fingers.

Then suddenly... From the corner of my eye... I thought I saw some golden glitter, I turned around but didn't see anything.

I turned back confused but decided to move on... That's when I saw it.

The golden glitter wave above my head moving in a direction.

I instinctively picked up my phone to record the whole thing as proof to show to my friends.

I was contemplating if I should follow, I didn't want to worry Mr Jonathan about this, so I followed the trail of glitter before it disappeared.

It led me all the way to the back of his library and I saw a book that looked really old.

The glitter settled on top the book and disappeared... It was all so magical and beautiful.

I picked up the book... It had an old cover with brown pages.

I opened it and the pages were blank and dusty... I think its an old journal

"I do need one of these" I said as I added the book to the books I wanted to check out.

I spent a few minutes before going to the counter at the front to check out the books.

I connected my air pods to my phone and turned on my playlist as I waited for Jonathan to pack the books for me.

I watched him package the book... But he stopped when he saw the old journal... I knew I shouldn't have taken it.

"Where did you get this dear" he asked calmly.

"I'm sorry I took it... But if I told you how I found it you wouldn't believe me" I said.

"Is that so now... Do tell" he said smiling... So I narrated the whole thing to him.

".....I even have a video to prove it" I took out my phone in a hurry to show me.

"Ok... Ok... No need for that... You can have it" Jonathan laughed and packaged the remaining books.

"Are You sure its really ok... Isn't it yours" I asked abit guilty.

"Its yours now and I want you to take care of it for me" He said with a smile on his face.

"Come... I have something for you".

"But its not my birthday... Is it?" I asked confused.

He only smiled again at me and brought out an old chest.

He opened it and I saw the most beautiful purple amulet... I mean that would cost a fortune.

"I want you to have this with the book... It'll come in handy" he said handing it over with a smile.

"No... I can't take that... It looks like it would cost a fortune... You should sell it and live comfortablely... You're not exactly as fit as you think you are" I said but Jonathan bursted into a loud laughter... It was almost scary.

"I appreciate the concern dear... But my time as guardian has come to an end... Its time for a new star to rise".

He's words were really confusing me... What guardian and star??

"Mr Jonathan... I think you need to rest" I said and now he pulled a serious face.

"Listen to what I'm about to tell you now Jessica... This world is not everything... Those books you read are worlds created by a fragment of someone's imagination but they are all real... Nothing is as it seem and the balance between these two is being britched...".

I couldn't understand what Mr Jonathan was saying but I listened with full attention.

"When The time comes this Jewel will be your only source of power. But with power comes great responsibility... You'll know more when the time come" Jonathan said as he set the amulet into my hands.

He gave me my books and walked me out... "Be careful... That book will test you... You must never give into your darkest desires less you become prey to the book" that was the last thing Jonathan said to me.

I kept walking in silence with only the faint music playing in the background of my air pods... When I snapped out of it... He was gone.

I ran to the shop to try and convince him that I was not the one he was looking for or maybe this was a prank played on me by AJ

"Ok... This isn't funny... You can come out now" I shouted but There was no answer and the library was locked.

I was abit scared now... Well actually... a whole lot scared... I ran to the nearest bus stop home, it was getting and Mom must be worried.

Third person POV:

"Are you sure she's the one?.. That poor thing looked as pale as the moon... She might not be able to handle it".

"Trust the judgment of the book... Its not everyday you see a mere human being guided to the book talk less of being able to see it.

"I wonder what test she would face and If she fails... You know what'll happen".

"I've been watching her... hoping she would be the one, she has a kind heart... Atleast have faith in me... For old time sake".

"(Sigh) I can't believe our fate is in the hands of a mere girl child... Fine, We'll be watching".

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