TBATE; My Written Destiny

Chapter 6; a Dream.

Once the room cleared again, Virion re-entered, his gaze direct. "You wanted to speak to me alone, brat?" he asked, a blend of severity and anticipation in his voice.

With the day's events weighing heavily upon me, I struggled to find the right words. "I did," I finally managed to say. "Something's happening to me, Virion. During the battle... I lost control. It wasn't that I couldn't harness my magic, but rather, it seemed to take over me, as if it had its own will." I clenched my fists tightly, recalling the near-disastrous moment when the black flame nearly consumed Curtis. Virion's gaze intensified, urging me to continue with a nod.

I delved deeper into the recount, detailing my body's refusal to obey, the emergence of the black flame, and the chilling vision about the terrifying figure. Virion's focus never wavered, his eyes locked on mine as if trying to decipher an unseen mystery within my words. When I finished, a heavy silence enveloped us. It was clear Virion was processing my words, searching for the right response.

After a moment of silence, Virion spoke, his voice carrying a mix of seriousness and disbelief. "Normally, I'd dismiss this as the wild imagination of a brat, but with you, Arthur, nothing surprises me anymore. However, this is beyond anything I've encountered. Have your abilities always felt... instinctual to you, as if they're second nature?"

I nodded, trying to articulate a sensation I'd always taken for granted. "It's like I was born knowing how to wield my magic. My body just... understands, as if it's been doing this for longer than I've been alive."

Virion leaned back, his expression pensive. "This is uncharted territory for us, Arthur. I'll consult with those I trust, but for now, I'm at a loss."

"What if I lose control again? I could have killed Curtis!" The fear of repeating my earlier near-fatal mistake was palpable in my voice.

"I'll speak with Gideon about creating a device to help you suppress your mana," Virion proposed, a plan forming in his mind.

"Gideon?" The name didn't ring any bells.

"You don't know him yet? Gideon is Dicathen's most renowned inventor. If anyone can craft a solution, it's him. He's recently begun teaching here at the academy. But for now, you should refrain yourself from using magic. I'll inform your instructors, so don't worry about that," he assured me.

"Thank you, Virion," I said, a wave of gratitude washing over me.

"Don't mention it. After all, I owe you for saving Tess. But, brace yourself," he added with a sly grin, "Your days of anonymity are over."

"My attempt at a low profile didn't even last two days, did it?" I mused, half amused, half resigned.

Virion's laughter filled the room, breaking the tension. "Two days in, and you're already famous for wielding three elements and besting Curtis. Just try to keep any more 'surprises' under wraps, alright?"

With a final chuckle, Virion left the room, leaving me alone with Sylvie, who's been sleeping through our whole conversation. As I lay there, the door to my room opened again. This time it was Tess who entered. She wore a somber expression, her concern for me written plainly on her face.

"Art, are you really okay?" she asked, taking a seat on my bed, dismissing the chairs around.

"I will be," I replied, offering her a reassuring smile.

"Just remember that I'm here for you. Whatever you need." she said softly.

"I know, Tess." And I can't tell you how much that means to me." We talked for a while longer, not about anything particularly important. It was a welcome distraction, a return to normalcy. Eventually, Tess stood to leave, promising to visit again soon. "Take care of yourself, Art. And no more scaring us like that, okay?"