Gritting his teeth, Atlas forced the memories away. He didn’t need to see a police-accompanied Esper put that damn collar on him anyway nor did he want to experience his drug-laden time in the hospital. He tried to stop the energy surging from him, but he couldn’t control it no matter how much he struggled. If anything, the power surging out had grown stronger since the force surging through him had awakened, as if angered by its suppression.
Atlas could feel his hold growing weaker as whatever powers surged through his body fought to regain control. His muscles strained from fighting against the foreign instincts running rampant through his body, and his head pounded from pressure as emotions not fully his own ran through him. The pain was beginning to overwhelm his mind, and spots popped up in his vision as the edges turned gray.
Why am I fighting this? He thought. All the pain would go away if I just… gave in…
At the thought, Atlas’s eyes widened. For the first time since his powers had awakened, the anger he felt came completely from him. “No way in hell!” He shouted out as he pushed himself to his knees. He didn’t have any idea of what to do, but with all the strength he had left, he let loose a scream of frustration. The only thought on his mind was trapping the aura of energy back in his body.
He didn’t even have the strength to wonder if it was possible or doing anything. Soon even the thought itself lost coherency, and all that remained was a defiant refusal to give in to something else. His vision grew dimmer, and when he seemed to lose the fight, he finally felt the power break first. It lost its color and shifted to a sharp, electric purple. In the inverse of how it had been released, the aura pulled back into Atlas’s body, and with it, all the strength he had spent came rushing back into his body. He could tell that it was still there, just locked away putting a strange pressure deep within him.
At the same time, he felt strangely better than he had even before the power had appeared. He felt complete like a part of him that had been suppressed had been released. However, that just made him realize something else. “You were testing me, weren’t you?” He muttered, even though he didn’t get an answer back. He didn’t need one.
A clapping behind him reminded him that he had an audience. He turned and looked at the two women, unencumbered by drugs, suppression collar, or strange influences for the first time. He raised his eyebrow when he saw them standing about ten feet further back than when the power had broken free. The Hispanic officer who had brought him here, Officer Montoya if he remembered right, stood behind the blonde in the pantsuit who had yet to introduce herself. The blonde was the one clapping.
“I must say, Mr. Driscol. That was an impressive demonstration, especially for an esper who hasn’t fully awakened to their powers yet.” Though her words were complimentary, her tone held a mocking lilt to it, and Atlas couldn’t help but feel condescended to, like a child who had just shown a parent their crayon drawing.
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Still, anti-social as he was, he knew taking the compliment offered the best way forward on whatever was going to happen next. “Thank you, Miss…” He trailed off.
The woman took the hint. “Ah, my apologies. How rude of me. My name is Sharon Helsing. I’m the director of student affairs, and depending on the choices you make, I may be one of your professors this semester.” Despite her words, she didn’t seem the least bit apologetic, and Atlas got the feeling that the second part of her introduction held more significance than it first seemed.
Rather than commenting on it, he turned his attention to Officer Montoya. “I’m sorry if I caused any inconvenience or distress. I haven’t exactly been in my right mind since all this began.” He tried to smile at her, but he was sure it came out as more of a grimace.
She stepped out from behind Director Helsing and walked over to Atlas. “No worries kid. I don’t really know what just happened, but it seems like you're doing better.”
Atlas let out a light chuckle. “Yeah, I think I am. Thank you.” He tipped his head in thanks and held out his hand.
Officer Montoya took it and gave him a firm shake. “You’re welcome. Take care of yourself,” she said before she reached into the pocket of her uniform and pulled something out. “Give me a call if you’re ever back in town and need some help. As a member of the Siren City police force, I’d be happy to help.” Atlas took the card and nodded.
Officer Montoya turned to Director Helsing. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Sharon. I appreciate you shielding me from… whatever just happened. It’s nice to know who to call if Siren City has any more esper incidents.”
“The pleasure was mine, Rene. I found our conversation quite… informative. Have a safe journey back to Siren City.” Atlas couldn’t help but notice that any resentment over the drugs or suppression collar had seemingly disappeared, making him wonder what the two had talked about while he’d been dealing with whatever he had been dealing with.
He watched as Officer Montoya walked back to her car. As she opened the door to get in, he called out, “Thanks for visiting me in the hospital!”
A look of surprise crossed her face before quickly being replaced by a smile. “You just stay out of trouble!” She shouted back before getting back in her car.
Unable to resist, Atlas retorted, “No promises!” He saw Officer Montoya just shake her head and smirk before driving off. He watched her car for a moment before turning to Director Helsing, who had moved to his side during the exchange.
“Shall I show you to the office, Mr. Driscol?” She asked, her tone still tinted with a mocking lilt.
“Lead the way,” he responded, gesturing her forward with a mock bow. Two could play at that game.
Director Helsing’s eyes widened for a second before she smiled. Atlas got the impression that he had impressed her. “Right this way, then.”
Atlas grinned at the small victory as he followed her into the building.