The Battle at Sidwell High

The soft glow of a bedside lamp bathed the room in a warm, calming light. Valerie sat in front of a mirror, carefully removing her makeup. The day had been long and grueling at Dragon City Central Hospital, and the weight of exhaustion clung to her shoulders.

Behind her, Charles sat on the edge of the bed, hunched over with hands clasped tightly together. His gaze was distant, unfocused. Shadows lined his face—evidence of sleepless nights and unrelenting stress.

"Oh, Charles, something interesting happened at the hospital today," Valerie began casually, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

No reply came.

"Charles?" she called again, glancing at his reflection. He didn't react. The smile faded, replaced by a worried frown. Valerie turned around and called louder. "Charles!"

His head snapped up, eyes wide as if startled from a nightmare. Valerie's brows knitted together. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Charles muttered, forcing a weak smile. "Just… thinking about everything that's been happening lately."

Valerie's expression softened, but doubt lingered. "Are you sure?"

Charles sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Yeah, Val. Don't worry about me."

Valerie crossed her arms. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?" She stood and walked over to him, leaning down to place a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Talk to me, Charles."

He met her gaze, the mask slipping to reveal the turmoil within. "I've been having these visions. I see a figure—wreathed in blue flames, full of rage and destruction. It feels so real. I can't shake this dread, like something terrible is coming."

Valerie's hand tightened. "You've faced threats before and overcome them. You'll handle this too."

Charles managed a weak chuckle. "Yeah… I hope so."

Valerie straightened and flashed a sly grin. "Well, I'm about to hit the shower. Care to join me?"

The tension melted from Charles's face. "Yeah, sure. I'll meet you there."

As she sashayed toward the bathroom, Charles watched her go, the vision still gnawing at his mind.

The early morning sunlight filtered through the blinds in Charles's suiting room. The air was heavy with the scent of coffee, steam rising from the black mug clasped in his hand. He stood silently, eyes fixed on the horizon beyond the window, the city skyline jagged against the soft glow of dawn.

His phone buzzed on the counter, the notification pulsing urgently. Charles's jaw tightened as he scanned the message.

Crime in Progress - Sidwell High School - Multiple Hostages

He set the mug down, the liquid sloshing as he turned away. Shadows curled around his body, engulfing him. In a surge of black flames, the Black Pyron was unleashed, shooting out of the apartment and into the sky.

Sidwell High School

The school grounds were a cacophony of chaos—students screamed, huddled together in clusters, terror etched onto their faces. Teachers attempted to maintain order, but panic had already claimed control. The source of their fear stood atop the school building—a towering figure cloaked in blue flames.

Charles's eyes widened as he landed. The image from his vision had come to life—Varion stood there, the malevolent aura radiating power.

"David?" Charles murmured, disbelief evident.

The figure smirked. "Oh, was that his name?" he taunted, his voice layered with mockery. "Well, David was considerate enough to let me out of the eternal agony you put me in."

Charles's eyes narrowed. "What did you do to David?"

"Oh, Pyron," Varion purred. "Don't be upset yet. We have plenty to do. David's greed got him exactly what he deserved. But now, let's have some fun, shall we?"

Before Charles could react, Varion's arm lashed out, seizing a terrified student. Without hesitation, he hurled her from the rooftop.

"No!" Charles shouted, diving off the building, flames igniting as he plummeted. He caught the girl midair, landing gracefully on the ground. "Run!" he urged.

Varion's laughter echoed ominously as he repeated the cruel act, hurling student after student. Charles pushed himself to the limit, catching each one, the strain evident in his panting breaths.

When the last student was safe, Charles collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. Varion descended, landing before him with an evil grin.

"Is that all, hero?" he sneered.

Before Charles could respond, Varion's grip tightened around his neck, hoisting him skyward. The battle that ensued was brutal—Varion's strikes were merciless, each blow pushing Charles closer to defeat. Varion relished every second, taunting and mocking as he battered the Black Pyron.

Broken and battered, Charles plummeted to the ground. Varion smirked, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.