TBATE - Never Ending

// Virion Leywin //

"Arthur would you mind cutting Virion's steak for me?" my mother asked while she was busy feeding Ellie.

"I wouldn't mind." Arthur leaned over, taking the knife out of my hands and proceeds to cut my stake.

"Papa? Are you oh-kay?" Ellie reached out to touch his face. He just laughed as Ellie poked his cheeks.

On the other hand Vincent leaned back in his chair, slightly groaning with his hand on his forehead.

*bam

Vincent slammed down on the table.

Yeah.

He was drunk. Or at least at the edge.

"Rey! I haven't brought this up earlier because Virion is to young but..." he paused, letting out a hiccup. "Since Arthur is here, what if we enroll him into Xyrus Academy? And later down the line Virion as well."

"Seriously? He's only eight though and Xyrus is the most prestigious magic institution in the continent." my father looked doubtful but still interested.

"My drunk husband does make a point though. Rey, Alice." Tabitha agreed with her hubby. "With their level of talent, it would be even worth while for us to sponsor both of them, when Virion turns of age, of course, and so you won't have to worry about tuition costs." 

"We couldn't do that to you... after everything you did for us..." my mother was still filled of doubt.

"And besides... he is only eight, I'm sure they won't even consider him." Alice denied their request. It would make sense, I suppose. I wouldn't want to bother someone who I'm already in debt to.

It will become annoying down the line or some point.

But Vincent, of course, hasn't given up.

"Fufufu..."

What kind of laugh is that? Anyway, I should give credits to the chefs. For a world so behind in technology, it is quite surprising how good their food is.

"I just happen to have relations with the director of Xyrus Academy herself! I can talk to her and--" he was cut short by Arthur before he could finish his proposal.

"Excuse me." he put his fork down. The air around him changed and everybody could feel it.

It wasn't the manners of a mere eight year old boy.

....

And the rest was history.

"Ahh."

I'm so full. I don't feel like walking up to my room in this state. I don't even think I could sleep like this.

"Kyuuu~" Syvie rolled over on her back clearly enjoying her place on my lap. Me being me, I decided to mess with her by tickling her already full tummy.

"Kyu-kyuu~" she was visibly irritated at my antics but couldn't really do anything and just excepted it.

....

"To bad I can't do anything without raising suspicion." I layed sprawled out on my bed. Ellie was already sleeping so I should get to cultivating...

"Hap."

I lift myself upright. Crossing my legs and resting my hands on my knees. Steadily matching the flow of Mana with my breathing.

....

I groggily opened my eyes.

"Ow."

The sun's rays caught me first thing in the morning. Truly the worst way to wake up. And now, I really have to get up.

Agh.

What is that smell? A lift myself off the bed, yawning.

So that's the smell but what is she doing here? Shouldn't she be with Arthur? I looked at the peacefully sleeping Sylvie on the foot end of the bed.

I look around the room. Ellie was already gone. Her bed was also made, suggesting Alice was here. If so why didn't she wake me up?

Anyway, I'm gonna take I bath, I'm afraid Sylvie's smell might have rubbed off on me. And I guess she will have to join me too.

....

I was staring at myself in the mirror. I miss my old body. It wasn't particularly muscular but it was just right. With a sigh, I look back at Sylvie. Who was laying on the counter of the bathtub.

"That was refreshing." I smirked. "Right, Sylv?" Of course, I know full well that she didn't enjoy it as much as I did.

Cold water was truly the best.

"Gyuu~"

"Anyway, where is everyone?"

"Kyuu"

Hm.

Ah.

Now I remember. Arthur, Alice, Tabitha, Ellie and Lillia went in town. And Rey is probably with Vincent. And I'm left alone with Sylvie. I bet the only reason she stayed is because she could eat my breakfast. She is a sly one.

I'm more surprised that Alice has left me alone. Nonetheless, I'm relieved. I don't think I can handle another day shopping with women.

....

Sitting by my lonesome at the dining table has really got me thinking on how big this manor really is. It gives me the creeps.

"Kyuu."

"You sure do love eating, Sylv." I then held out another piece of meat in the palm of my hand. And she gracefully devoured it.

"Seeing you, makes me wish I had a Beast Will of my own." I patted her head while she was eating out of my hand.

"Gyuu~?" she tilted her head to me while licking her lips.

Now I planted the idea in her head. I just need to remind her now and then so that it bears fruit. It was like watering a plant when war is on its way. I suppose you could call me the "warrior in the garden".

"I should probably train today." I looked out the window, catching the sunset's rays shining through the buildings. I should also draw another portrait sometime in the future.

....

Dealing with Mana is quite simple yet it is also such harsh endeavor. For one must posses a clear mind to increase the effectiveness of your casting or augmenting.

Or rather, just a singular, well thought out goal in mind.

Especially in dire situations. That is when one truly shines. But it is perhaps also the only time one can cultivate this peculiar skill.

To be collected. To have control over your thoughts. Some might even go as far as to say that it is the pinnacle of strength.

"Hmm."

My butt feels sore though.

I stand up from the concrete. Stretching out my limbs never felt so good if I'm being honest.

Where's Sylv?

....

Walking in the living room, my eyes were immediately drawn to a figure clad in purple robes, accompanied by a pointy hat, that your average wizard wears. The robes had brown trimmings down the middle.

Her face indicated she was way past her prime as well as her grey hair. Overall she looked very dignified and carried a air of cunningness that comes with age, I suppose.

"Ah. Virion. I thought you were with the others." my father was the first to speak up.

"No. When I woke up everyone was already gone." I replied, glancing in his direction.

"And sorry if I'm being rude but who is she?" I tried to be as respectful as possible.

"She is the founder and director of Xyrus Academy, Cynthia Goodsky." Vincent introduced me to her.

"Vincent has told me much about you, Virion." She extended her hand. "It's not the first time I've seen such unusual eyes."

"Thank you?" I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not. "I've read great things about you as well." I bowed my head and stood up straight. I wasn't sure what to do so I did the second most logical thing.

"So until the others arrive... how about you give the director a demonstration? " Vincent proposed.

Seriously?

I'm just a four year old, almost five, not some fighting machine like Arthur.

"Aren't I to young for school? Isn't she here for Arthur?"

"Huh? Where did you hear that?"

"You mentioned it last night" I deadpanned.

"Yeah, well, I also mentioned you, didn't I? And besides you can already secure your spot in Xyrus." Vincent waved it off.

"Who said I want to go to school? Maybe I want to become a adventurer." I countered.

Vincent stayed quiet. He gave side Reynolds the side eye.

"You will first need to convince your mother. And to do that you must become stronger. So while you have the chance, don't you wanna test how far you've come?" That's the first time I heard dad make such a good argument.

Sigh.

"But I've also never had a spar before."

"It's fine. You just have to show your capacity for magic." my father assured.

....

I was now facing the director on the courtyard. My father and Vincent were to the side of the courtyard, spectating while trying to encourage me a thumbs up.

" Umm... So... What do you want me to do again? "I looked at the Director.

"Come at me." She boldly stated. I guess she thinks I can't do much. Then again, she isn't wrong but it still wounds me.

I sigh.

// Third Point Perspective //

Virion swiftly threw his arm across his body. Bringing forth a row of stone pillars at the Director. But with a flick of her wrist she shattered the columns of stone within her range into dust.

With a another flick of the wrist she conjured a tornado heading Virion's way. He leaned in, resting his weight on his front foot. And with his hands he pushed outward and erecting a singular pillar in the way of the tornado, and the winds slowly dissipates.

He claps his hands together, breaking the column down into shards.

Goodsky was frankly surprised. Vincent had promised a strong potential student but that was an understatement in her opinion. Not only did this kid awaken at the tender age of three, he was already advanced enough to be a solid red mage in just a little more than a year later.

Virion launched the shards at her but they were slowed down by a shield of sorts. Was she erecting a barrier by "condensing" the air around her? And with a snap from her fingers they violently vibrated before shattering, falling to the ground.

She had used sound magic to amplify the snap of her fingers while extending the range of it just enough to encase all the debri.

Another flick of her wrist followed, hurdling a whirlwind parallel to ground right at Virion. Virion raised his hand and conjured the same phenomenon but just rotating it in the opposite direction.

'He had an aptitude for wind as well?'

The two attacks collided, canceling each other out, resulting in strong gusts of winds blowing all over for a moment. This was getting to fun gir him.

"I don't think I can hold this up much futher." Virion didn't visibly look exhausted but it was more so a matter of his accelerating heartbeat. It caused him much more discomfort than he imagined.

His condition was akin to that of a heart disease but not really. His heartbeat reflects the rate at which his blood travels through his body but in his case, that also accounts for the amount of Mana he absorbs and expels.

He could even burst his arteries if he were not careful.

Goodsky, on the other hand, was stunned. He was a dual elemental and could even hold the possibility of Deviant forms of those elements. His talents could on day overthrow this country. That is, if he were to be raised in the right environment.

This enough had made her more than satisfied. But this boy wasn't why she had come here initially. Is there more surprises waiting for her?

She could only guess but it looked promising.

Unknown to any of them present, they hadn't considered the fact that Virion might potentially have other affinities. Maybe they were just dormant? Or maybe he didn't have others at all.

Who knows?

"If we could stop here if want." she hummed. "I'm satisfied with the performance."

"That's hard to believe when you haven't even moved an inch." Virion was skeptical of her enduring tone.

"This wasn't necessarily a duel so I cannot gage your fighting capacity but you're still but barely four so I'll overlook that." she criticized. "Your understanding of the elements and how to counter them were brilliant." a little smile graced her thin lips as she thought about how this little boy oddly fitted the reputation that his name.

"I'm gonna pretend I understood all of that." Virion chuckled. It would be strange if three year old could understand all those words in one go.

"What I'm saying is that I'm willing to take you in as my student." she declared. "Until you can attend Xyrus."

Virion wanted to bargain but he saw no need ad Arthur would be doing that for him or them. So he just complied with her words. And besides, he needs to lay low.

"Being taught by the Director would be an honour." Virion bowed his head lightly. "But my parents would need to consider this first."

"Of course." they walked over to the others on the bleachers. "I suppose it would be your turn now." she looked at Arthur. A glimmer of eagerness hiding in her eyes.

"Virion. Are you okay?" My mother inquired as he sat down. "You didn't get hurt did you?"

"I'm fine." he replied. "Just a little tired."

"Hey, Arthur." he called out. "Put up a better show than me. You don't wanna lose to your younger brother."

"I won't lose. To you at least so don't worry."

Wow.

Such encouraging words to your brother. Virion taught sarcastically.

"It's an honor to meet you." He bowed infront of the director and Alice followed suit.

"Excuse us for our late introductions." Alice said.

"There is no need for such formalities and besides, I'm the rude one for coming at such a late hour. But I couldn't exactly refuse a favor from Vincent." the man in question just smiled nervously, scratching his head.

"I'm just helping the academy that I want my Lilia to one day attend." Lilia herself looked conflicted between having such a supportive father and the indirect expectations that's placed one her.

She was jeolous of the two brothers but she knew it couldn't be helped.

"Shall we start?" the Director looked at Arthur.

"Yes of course." He walked onto the platform standing opposite from the director. Sylvie had scurried over to Virion's side, laying with he head on his lap.

"Bwother? Awre you okay?" Ellie voiced her concern fir her brother who had just done something spectacular but also dangerous.

"Just sleepy."  he yawned.

.....

// Virion Leywin //

"Slow down and chew, Rey. Nobody's is going to steal your food." Alice said exasperated.

Rey swallowed hard before speaking. "I'm just happy to be enjoying a meal without getting rushed."

What?

Is that what you call enjoying your food? You are practically scarfing it down. It looks to me like you are enjoying it more when you're in a rush as compared to now.

Sylvie stealed a chicken leg from me while I wasn't looking. This little... no, Virion. You must stay calm.

"What do you guys have planned today." Arthur through the question in air.

"We are preparing some things for the upcoming event at the Auction House. We're taking your sister and Lilia. You can come with if you want to." Tabitha informed.

"What about Virion?"

"Yeah, that's a no."

"He doesn't like it." my mother sighed.

"Then I think that I'll also stay behind today." Arthur declined.

*cough

"Have you guys decided on what to do with Arthur and Virion?"

"With me?" I asked confused.

"Yeah. The Director offerd to take you under her wing." father recalled yesterday's events. I almost forgot about that. Everyone looked at me.

Why?

"You don't have to if you don't want to." My mother, of course, expressed her concern for her child's choice and comfort. But I'm starting to think it's more of a default thing.

"I did say yes but... maybe after my fifth birthday?"

I caught Sylvie as she was trying to sneak my food.

Again.

She struggled against my hold for awhile but gave up. And now that I have her I decided to tickle her since she hates it so much.

"And what about Arthur?" Tabitha asked.

"We'll let him go under certain conditions." My father answered. I tuned out the rest of the conversation, already knowing it's contents. And I'm all of you who are reading this, do know as well.

On another note, today, I will be starting my training with father. I wonder what we will do?

________

A/N:

Criticism is welcome.

Till next time.

If you have any questions leave them in the comments.