quickly so I'm not concerned about academics. Where my current level of worry is centering on is the magic portion of the curriculum. I have no clue how to control whatever magic I have within me, and that scares me a little. To be out of control of my circumstances when I'm a powerful person, you know?"
"I understand." He gave me a stern look while he nodded slightly. "That's why we're going to help you. Gabriel is making breakfast, and we're going to give you a speedy Blazing 101 lesson while we eat. We still have an hour and a half before orientation. Plenty of time to give you some pointers."
He patted my shoulders and massaged them a little as I returned to looking at our reflection.
"As for the magic portion, you only need to worry about the final exam. Magic isn't the primary focus for the first semester due to multiple factors. The main one is exactly what you're worried about. Surprisingly enough, a good seventy-five percent of the student body is new to this world of magic. Many are from a family where they're either adopted, have one parent with magic abilities and another who remains a human, or are within a family that decided to return to a life without magic, which leads to their children losing that experience," he explained. "Therefore, many students are just like you. They know that some sort of power follows them around, but they don't know how to control it, and that starts with the knowledge that helps us maintain control over our element."
"That means this semester is more focused on learning about how to play with fire?" The wave of relief was already flooding through me at the thought.
"Essentially." He seemed pleased with my response. "It's still going to be a lot of work and studying, but we'll help you along the way. All the classes involving some form of magic of survived and you don't get in trouble for blowing things up or certain items catching on fire. Most of the main classrooms are fireproof, so there's nothing to worry about when your magic goes a little over the wild side."
"What about...shattering glass?" I whispered as the worry from my confrontation with Rick came rushing back. "Before I got expelled from my last school, I somehow shattered all the glass in the entire school. For a moment, it felt like the wind was protecting me, and the glass was merely a way to ensure I wouldn't get hurt. What if that happens again?"
"What you're saying sounds like Wind Flare."
"What's that?" I inquired.
"We'll explain downstairs, I promise," he assured me. "But to answer your main worries, that won't be an issue and if anyone threatens you to the extent of you having to use such tactics in defense, I'll personally kick their ass. No one is getting away with tossing you around."
His defensiveness made me smile in gratitude.
"You barely know me though," I whispered.
"Don't need to." He smirked. "From the few interactions we've had, you're a pretty cool girl who can rock some flames. If anyone has a problem with that, they're missing the joys in life. Plus, we're attending school together so I'll get to know you with each day that passes in this semester. Tons of time to learn about one another, and seeing as you've been super cooperative, I don't see anything interfering."
"You're pretty confident."
"When you face the world without doubt, you'll jump further than someone withering in worries and fears," he declared with a wise tone of voice. "Fear only stops people from obtaining their highest self. Don't let the fear of the past stop you from enjoying and reaching the true potential within each new experience. Our mistakes are what help us get back up and move forward. Let the pain from the past encourage you to make a better future."
"You should be an inspirational speaker," I acknowledged.
"Gabriel said the same thing, and then he usually teases me because my moments of wisdom are just that." Keru laughed. "I should write them in a book so I can refer back to them."
"That's a good idea," I reasoned. "Hmm. I wish my dad was here, though. He never gets to see me in my school uniforms since my grandparents never want him around the house," I admitted.
"Have you taken a picture yet?" he asked.
"No. I don't have a phone," I admitted. "During school I carry an emergency one, but it's not the type where you can