Telestic (The Transcendent File_002)

Prologue

"We are Transcendents. Part of us lies in the energy of the town while the rest of us lives amongst the stars. We are celestial beings with gifts unimaginable to humans. People would categorize us as in-humans or Telestic. Don't let them label you. Alex Grey once whispered, 'The purpose of truly transcendent art is to express something you are not yet, but something that you can become.' Your transformation is far from complete; but you will be a universal beauty that will be a force to be reckon with. Remember the rules as you choose between the light and darkness. We are the keepers of secrets and the seekers of the truth. Don't forget who you are. Transcend."

- Transcendent Book of Life

Life use to be simple. When I was younger, I was naïve and in the dark about the world I lived in. I was meant to be scared of the dark, but I never let fear define me. As a kid, I was adventurous and bold without a care in the world. That I would be happy until the end of time; that nothing would ever change. All the happy memories and celebrations; and weekend getaways; and the dancing – I thought it would go on forever; that our happiness would be with us until we died. Believing in imagination led me to be the dreamer I am today. I remember reading Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll on my swing during the summer; and a quote caught my eye. It read, 'Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.' I suppose Lewis knew about Transcendents and that a war would indeed be brought upon us.

How was I supposed to know this as a little girl? Sheltered in her own world to protect her from the very darkness she was fond of as a child. It's scary to think back to a time where life wasn't a huge disappointment; and that there wasn't this big battle between light and darkness – but we're not little kids anymore and this isn't a dream. This is our reality.

To be frank, I never wanted to grow up and have to face veracity head on. Life continues to have a bone to pick with me; whether it was comical or sadistic or just plain sad. It kidnapped my undying happiness for good; and transported me to a different universe.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Questions use to follow me. Find me when I wouldn't even be searching for them. Have you ever wondered why our skin shimmers blue and grows too cold to touch? I have. Experienced it firsthand. It's because we're Transcendents, but there is far more to it than meets the eye. I always asked questions; and it is what cost me my happiness. Never can I get that kind of happiness again.

Everything in my life was staged for normalcy and perfection. We do what we have to do. Follow codes. Abide by the rules. Don't stand out. Blend in. Honestly, the town of Willoughby was never a fan of following directions or rules or living by codes. In this town, secrets are the only thing attached to our names – and without them – we are nothing.

Our secrets are our lifeline.

Welcome to my world.

Life took a slight curveball in the last six months. My emotions have been all over the place. How was I supposed to foresee the events that would follow Matty's death? That my world would continue to change in a blink of an eye after his accident? The memories that I locked away when I was younger have finally surfaced. When I learned that I was a Transcendent with powers, I didn't take it lightly. Who does? When your world does a flip-flop, what are you supposed to do? Sit back and relax? No, I just run away from the problem to think about said issue.

When my world crumbled, I never thought I would have to learn the ropes of being supernatural in a matter of days. It didn't stop there...and it wouldn't...because a war was brewing and heading towards Willoughby, California.

The war is here.

When we went into Eddie's final week at Willoughby High, no one suspected the events that would come. People are out to get Transcendents and take them down once and for all. We are the species of humans with celestial capabilities that people are afraid of. Now with this darkness gearing down our backs; and snatching up others like us – we have to fight a battle that has been written amongst the stars for as long as anyone can remember. If we don't stand up for what we believe in, there won't be a town of people to protect; and there won't be people to fight for. Sometimes I miss the days where it was: countless stares, endless gossip, and Eddie trying to gain my affection. Sadly, I knew things couldn't last forever – because nothing with me last forever.

Matty was gone.

My old world was stolen out from underneath me.

My secrets were exposed.

I was no longer the same person.

Nothing is meant to last forever.

My friendship with Nikki didn't last. She became my sister instead in this crazy twist of events in the last six months. I trusted my life with Eddie; which was a hard pill to swallow at first. Speaking of pills, I get to take them for the next seven months. Aren't I lucky? My empire came tumbling down, but I am slowly rebuilding with an army to protect my kingdom. I should have known that nothing would be the same after my brother died; and I'll always blame myself for not trusting my visions, my gift, or even my gut.

I used to think October ruined me.

I was wrong.

It was just the beginning.

The day he died...something awoke inside and caused a huge uproar in Willoughby. Every accident lead me closer to my death; until I gave in and found a way back to Matty. Knowing what I know now, I can promise that with everything changing...it's not going to stop and things will continue to either get worse or get better. Change will persevere.

I remember when I used to think I was alone; but I'm not. The town of Willoughby, California feels more alive and more like my home now more than ever. Maybe it's because I've accepted that I am part of the stars? That I am the leader of the Secret Seekers a.k.a. the Transcendents.

Life is different; but I'll take different over dead any day.

Still, with others like myself vanishing into thin air; there's only so many precautions we can take.