The Magitrix: A Flame Awakens

Chapter 10: The Concilium (Chris's Perspective)

"S-summer?" Chris stuttered frantically. He bent down beside where she'd collapsed just a minute before and shook her lightly by the shoulder. She didn't wake up.

Why did she faint? Was she afraid of thunder or lightning? Chris turned her on her side. That's not likely. She didn't seem like the type of person who was, but then again, he didn't know her that well. Even though he wanted to. He shook his head lightly. Summer just collapsed. She didn't need him to daydream, she needed him to help her.

"Oh my rays. What happened?" Chris turned his head to see Ace. They must have come up without him seeing. They crouched down beside him, concern lining their face. Her eyes were closed. She really just seemed to be in a peaceful slumber. Until, that is, she started twitching.

"Ace?" Chris asked the mysterious warrior. "Do you know what is happening?"

Ace's head darted to the side to face Chris, and their eyes narrowed into slits. "Do I look like I do?"

He recoiled. "No. Sorry. I'll shut up now."

They only had to wait another second for something else to happen. Summer shuddered a little, gasped... and then opened her eyes.

"Summer!" Chris smiled in relief. Ace tensed beside him.

Summer blinked at Chris, her eyes not seeming to focus on him. "Careful," Ace mumbled. "She's probably going to pass out again."

And they were right. Sort of. Summer convulsed, and her eyes rolled into her head. However, instead of closing her them, they were wide open, showing the whites. Chris involuntarily shuddered, nearly toppling himself over. What's wrong with her? Chris was confused and anxious, but mostly freaked out.

"I have seen a lot of strange things, and this is one of them-" Ace stopped mid-comment, something catching their eye. "Oh my rays, what is wrong with the Electron's eyes?"

Chris took a glance at the plaza to look at Kazuma. Even though it was far away, he could see what Ace was talking about. His pupils were gone, swallowed up by gray.

"Who's there?" Kazuma cried, clapping his hands over his ears. "Who's in my head? Get out!" Kazuma's previous look of calm was completely replaced by fear.

"I don't know!" Chris looked back at Summer. She was still convulsing, and her eyes were still milky white, but she was now muttering. "Does this have to do with her?"

Ace turned to him. "Hmm..." they placed their chin on a knuckle and thought for a second. "I didn't pay attention much when it came to the Magitrix, but I think she's the Concilium."

"Concilium!?" Chris nearly shouted. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, it means... she can control minds." Ace's eyes widened. "Oh no."

Kazuma screamed, causing Chris's attention to snap back to the plaza. He started running toward the edge, but he abruptly stopped, almost falling.

"I know exactly what's going to happen," Ace deadpanned, their large white scarf swaying in the wind, "And it's not going to end well."

A rumble sounded above. "Strike him," Summer murmured, "with his own power."

Chris barely had time to be in shock at her words and puzzle over them when he heard the crack of lightning touching down. A scream came from the plaza. Summer gave one last shudder, and her eyes finally closed, letting herself sleep.

"Did the Electron kill someone?" Chris asked Ace worriedly. He didn't want anyone to die because of him. Plus, being struck by lightning sounded like a horrible death. He winced just thinking about it.

"Quite the opposite," Ace responded. "It seems like he killed himself."

"What?" Chris turned his body back around to face the plaza, and he craned his neck to see a bit better.

Kazuma was lying in the center of the clearing. Chris could see the burns covering him, and smoke arose from them. He put a hand on his mouth. Don't puke, don't puke, Chris, he told himself, resisting the urge. It could be worse... right?

The council members swarmed around the fallen boy, and King Lumos bent over him, seeming to check out his wounds.

"Summer's okay for now," Ace observed. "You can go check it out. Tell me what happens later."

Chris nodded, glad that he was able to get a better look. "Will do." He stood up. Chris gave Ace a light wave before running down the stairs, practically flying.