Knock Knock

Time passed as I lay down staring at An Eternal Family.

Then I picked up the other sheets of paper that Glyffe had brung, my hands swaying relentlessly.

Swish! Swish!

I churned out drawing after drawing, capturing everything I'd seen. The images were sharp and real. It wasn't just fiction—it was my past life. Memories buried so deep I could only dig them up in my dreams.

I drew the moment I saw my mother again. Her concerned but soft smile, the gentle sound of Japanese wrapping around us like a warm, forgotten lullaby—I captured it all.

I recreated my father sitting at his messy desk, the scent of old paper and plants lingering in the air. His faint smile blooming as he worked calmly on his craft.

I outlined my old room. The faint scent of fresh sheets, the cool touch of Moon Knight covers, and the quiet calm that settled there. And of course, the little boy whose eyes sparkled with glittery innocence.

I sketched Marino and Nagisa embracing each other. Their warmth seemed to pulse from the paper, a quiet heat tingled in the hands holding the sketch.

Then came the moment we all boarded the train, the hum of wheels beneath us starting the journey.

I stopped there. That was enough.

I woke up from my daze, taking in everything I'd drawn. The pictures were beautiful. So clear and alive. Yet beneath that beauty, a strange unease began to settle in, gnawing quietly at the edges of my mind.

How had I forgotten all of this? And more importantly, why?

Why didn't I remember my parents names? Did I know my dad was a biologist? Did I know my mother was stressed from her work at the hospital?

How come I'd forgotten such important details? Like even... the meaning of my own name.

I stared down at the drawings spread before me. I didn't know what to call them yet but—names could wait. What mattered was that I'd finally poured all the memories I'd locked away deep inside onto these pages. For now, that was enough.

A slow, heavy sigh escaped me. I couldn't stay tangled in this nightmare forever. Not when I knew that wasn't what either of my parents would want. I pushed myself up, steadying my breath. I had to keep moving forward.

After getting everything out, I felt much better. A good first step. Before leaving, I took a few deep, steady breaths.

What's this?

A plain brown book sat on the desk where Glyffe was sitting. It was the coupled book Cindy gave me. If I remember correctly, she said it works in the way that if one person writes in it the person on the other side can see it too—the books are linked.

I opened it and flipped through the pages.

Empty.

Just as I was about to close it, words began to appear on the page.

'Dear Reno,

I will be visiting soon.

From your Magic Teacher, Cindy.'

Woah. Just how vague did she want to be? Soon? How soon?

I guessed it meant a while. Maybe she meant tomorrow? Soon could mean anything, really.

"Mum, is breakfast ready?"

"Yes, Reno, it's your favourite! Come eat while it's hot."

"On my way!" I glided down the stairs eagerly. I didn't dwell on her letter. I'd worry about it tomorrow.

"I'm glad you're in better spirits," Glyffe said with a smile, for once he wasn't outside training. Strange. He always trains at around this time.

"Mhm, I'm feeling better." I smiled. A real, genuine smile this time. I felt much, much better than before. Sometimes it was better to focus on the sweet memories so the bitter ones wouldn't swallow you whole.

"Tadah!" Silvia set a bowl on the table.

"Silver Oat Porridge!" I grinned. "Mum, you didn't have to..."

"Of course I did." She smiled warmly.

She finished setting the rest of the food and sat down once the table was ready.

"Thank you for the food," Glyffe and I said together as Silvia settled in.

"No problem," she giggled.

I took a bite.

"This is so good!" Just one mouthful reminded me why Silvia's Silver Oat Porridge was my favorite.

"My, thank you, Reno."

"Will you teach me how to make this one day?"

"Of course."

We ate slowly. After a while, Glyffe spoke up.

"Are you ready to talk about... earlier? Or what happened at Bridges?"

The room felt heavy all of a sudden. At least, for me.

"I..."

Silvia looked me in the eyes.

"It's okay if you're not. We can talk later, whenever you're ready, okay?"

"I'm ready..."

Glyffe nodded.

"It was a dream. I was watching a family's daily life as some kind of watcher. I saw the kid go to school and come back to his loving parents."

Silvia and Glyffe listened quietly, letting me speak without interrupting as I explained why I'd shouted.

"Then, an accident happened…" My voice trailed off, growing softer. "I watched the boy's parents die."

"Oh no." Silvia covered her face, tears welling up. Glyffe's expression hardened.

"You were mumbling 'Mum' and 'Dad' for almost thirty minutes before you woke up, Reno. We weren't sure whether to wake you."

"That… I think it's because I felt like I was that boy. Like it was my real Mum and Dad dying. But…" My voice cracked. Tears slipped out. "My r-real parents are here… alive... so…" I didn't want to finish that sentence. I didn't want to know what I was about to say.

"It's okay, Reno. You don't have to say any more. These dreams happen to everyone, okay? So don't worry."

"Okay." I sniffled, wiping my tears.

"I understand, Reno. If it happens again, tell us, alright? We'll be here to help."

"Mhm, alright." I took another bite of the porridge.

"Are you still okay?" Glyffe asked.

"I'm fine." I forced a smile, feeling lighter than before. "I'm glad I could explain and that you both understand"

He nodded, taking another mouthful.

"So, what happened at Bridges with Jamie?"

"Glyffe."

"What? He said he was fine?"

"But is now really the time?"

"It's best to get it out of the way, then focus on the positives, don't you think?"

Silvia narrowed her eyes, about to reply.

"It's okay, Mum. What happened at Bridges isn't as serious as the dream. Don't worry." I smiled, though inside I felt slightly bitter. Jamie's words at Bridges had been: 'Sometimes, I'd rather not have parents'. How to soften that…

"Well, Jamie said something like, 'Parents can be so annoying. They never let me play outside. I'd rather be alone, with no one telling me what to do—so I can play whenever I want. Wouldn't you like that, Reno?'" That was basically it, but less harsh. Much less harsh.

"Oh. I see." Glyffe said. "So that's why you shouted no."

"I hate the thought of... not having parents." I paused, composing myself. "I couldn't live without you two."

"Awww, see? You really are my little baby boy. Come to momma!" Silvia stood and hugged me tight, pressing my face to her chest. Glyffe smiled as he watched us.

This time I didn't say anything. I didn't mind being called a baby. I missed this feeling, and I didn't want it to go away anytime soon.

Knock! Knock!

"Oh? A visitor?" Silvia looked around. "Is it for you, Glyffe?"

"Not that I'm aware of?"

"Reno, do you know anything?"

I thought back to about twenty minutes ago.

'Dear Reno,

I will be visiting soon.

From your Magic Teacher, Cindy.'

It couldn't be, could it?

"Well, I don't think it's Jamie and my friends. We promised to go out much later and it's still quite early. And besides, they shouldn't know where I live..." And neither should Cindy.

"Glyffe, could you get the door?" I was still being coddled by Silvia, so she was a bit busy.

"On it."

Step. Step. Step.

Why's he walking so slowly? He got to the front door. Then the door pulled towards him with the break neck speed of a tortoise.

Wait, who is that?

"Good morning, could I interest you in a newspaper?" The young man at the door said calmly.

He had black hair and eyes and looked quite short, but perhaps that was because he was next to Glyffe.

"Why yes, actually. How much will it cost?"

Glyffe was actually interested in the news? I guess it made sense considering how often they discuss the general news in the morning.

"That'll be fifty Teaves, sir."

"Here." Glyffe fished out a coin from his wallet.

"Thank you, sir. Are you interested in being a repeat customer?"

Oh? A true businessman.

"We'll see." Glyffe narrowed his eyes, his cheapskate energy returning once again.

"Well then, have a great day." The young man put his hat down in respect and moved on, his newspapers swaying in the wind.

"Is that common?" I asked, looking up at Silvia from her lap.

"Yes but not so much out here. It's more common in the housing areas closer to or in Butter Town. He must be quite the hard worker to come all the way here." She explained. "What's the headline?"

"'Greatest Harvest in Years! The Moon Festival will be the best yet!'"

The Moon Festival? Well, if there’s a Sun Festival, then a Moon Festival makes sense. Jamie said the Sun Festival was for dancing and praying for good crops. So the Moon Festival must be to celebrate the harvest.

"The Moon Festival is still so far away—I wonder why they're advertising it now? Let me see that." Silvia said, calling Glyffe over.

Knock! Knock!

Before Glyffe could sit down there was another knock at the door. He flung the door open.

"I've already got a paper." He groaned loudly.

Eh?

"Pardon?" The lady at the door said, confused.

She was tall, but quite noticeably shorter than Glyffe, with short blonde hair. Her lilac dress and sleek black tights clung to her voluptuous figure. Her red eyes sparked with a captivating allure, while her elegant purple cloak and pointed hat crowned her mysterious charm.

Unmistakably, it was...

"A witch!" I shouted.

"Reno, it's rude to point. Also that's a mage, not a witch." Silvia corrected. The lady at the door tilted her face upwards as if to say, I told you so.

As childish as ever. That was most definitely, Cindy.

"An academy badge? And from Aquateelia no less, you must be quite distinguished." Glyffe analysed.

"Aquateelia?" I murmured.

"It's the top academy in the archipelago. The headteacher there, Professor Melinda, is quite... unique." She smiled with nostalgia.

"Can I help you?" Glyffe said with a polite smile.

"I believe you can. Does a Reno live here?" She returned the smile.

Uh-oh.

"He does... why?"

"I believe your son, Reno, has been scouted by the academy."

"What?" Silvia and Glyffe exchanged shocked glances.

Is it that impressive being scouted by the academy? Well, in any case, I'm sure she was just using that as an excuse to not say 'I forced your son to be my disciple'.

"Already?"

"Woah, Reno, look at you! Scouted by the academy and Aquateelia no less. This is a huge chance for you." Silvia smiled.

"And so, I will be taking him to Aquateelia. Tomorrow."

Pffffrttt!

The water in my mouth spewed onto the table.

"What!?" I shouted.

"Isn't that a bit too sudden." Glyffe said narrowing his eyes.

"No." Silvia said, a bright smile on her face.

Cindy's face turned pink and she scratched her cheek. "I was kidding, he's not that talented."

"......"

If you were kidding, then give me back the water I just wasted.

"Haaah..." Silvia sighed, the tenseness in her face easing rapidly.

"Kids, am I right? Haha!" Glyffe bellowed heartily. "Good one!"

"I was joking about taking him away, of course. But I wasn't kidding about him being scouted."

Glyffe and Silvia's ears perked up again.

"I'm a scout sent by the academy to find blooming magical talent. Yesterday, I met him and noticed his genius. He was gathering mana subconsciously, something that even more experienced magicians still struggle with. And he even managed to use a spell chantlessly, under pressure."

Glyffe and Silvia nodded along listening attentively. Since they're reacting like this, I guess it's a serious opportunity and the name Aquateelia holds weight.

"This sort of ability isn't normal for someone his age, as I'm sure you can both tell."

"Agreed."

"It was pure chance that I met him. He was lost on the street and I managed to point him in the right direction."

Wah, who would've thought Cindy had this sort of professional side to her. She was insanely good at lying. I don't know how she did it but she definitely trapped me somehow. Right?

"When I came across him I instantly noticed his ability and I gave him a small book, you've both seen it, yes?"

They nodded.

"It's an artifact which is connected to another artifact I have. He can use it to ask me any sort of magic questions on any topic or difficulties he's facing. And eventually he could use it as a recommendation to get into the academy islands."

Her final words caused both Silvia and Glyffe to lean back in surprise.

"So he'd be able to skip the entrance exams?" They said in unison.

"Yes." She smiled.

"Then what rank school would he end up in?" Silvia followed up.

"At least sixth-ring."

Glyffe nodded. "Not too bad then."

"I can guarantee that as long as Professor Melinda is still there."

"She's still there?" Glyffe and Silvia said in unison.

"So you’re both graduates." She sighed. "Only people who’ve endured her tyranny firsthand would react like that," Cindy mumbled. Careful, Cindy—some of your professionalism is slipping. "Oh yes, she’s still there. As if she could ever bring herself to leave."

"So the Ocean's Voice is still kicking, huh? Didn't you beat her in a duel back then, Silvia?" Glyffe reminisced. Cindy’s brows shot up as if she’d seen a ghost at Glyffe’s words.

"She was holding back, and it ended in a draw," Silvia smiled innocently.

"You were winning for a bit, no?"

"Glyffe, you don't have to exaggerate it."

"If I don't who will? You're always too humble, someone has to give you some credit."

"No way. No way. No way. No way..." Cindy repeated endlessly, her expression drained, as if all her energy had left. Uh, hello? Cindy? Are you there?

"We were evenly matched, but she didn't use a single one of her famous original spell series. She said she didn't know how to hold back if she used them. If it was an all-out fight, I would've definitely lost."

"How many years ago was that, Mum?"

"Maybe ten?" Silvia tilted her head.

"And you fought the headteacher of the number one academy to a draw?"

"She wasn't going all out, but I was. In that sense, I lost."

"No way. No way. No way. No way. No way. No way. No way. No way. No way. No way. No way... "

Oh no, I think Cindy broke. Is Silvia fighting this professor to a draw that crazy? Why is she so shocked?

"A draw is a draw." I insisted. "What would happen if you fought now?"

"Who knows?" She smiled, choosing not to answer. "Hm—scout? What's wrong?"

Cindy blinked, waking from her daze, her eyes regaining some spark. "Oh... it’s nothing. Just remembered a bad memory or two."

"Haha! Looks like Melinda hasn't been going easy on you guys either!" Glyffe laughed heartily.

"Why don't you come in for a chat?" Silvia suggested. "I'm sure you'd prefer to talk about this over breakfast. Is that okay Reno, Glyffe?"

I nodded and Glyffe did too.

"A-are you sure?" Cindy stammered, her professionalism fading by the second and her childishness showing slowly but surely.

"Of course! We’re alumni of the same school. In fact, you should even be calling me Senior Sister!" Silvia winked.

"Ah, then I'm coming in, S-senior Sister."

Glyffe fetched a chair, and I moved back to a seat, leaving Silvia's lap. Usually the seating arrangement was me and Silvia on one side and Glyffe opposite. Today there was someone added to Glyffe's side of the table.

"Do you like porridge?" Silvia asked, beginning to serve.

"Yeah, my older sister and her friend used to make porridge all the time."

"Oh, then it's a good thing I made plenty today." Silvia said softly before pausing. "How rude of me, I forgot to ask what your name is."

"My name's Cindy."

"I'm Silvia."

"Wait, Silvia? Silvia...." The mage hesitated, then her face suddenly lit up. "Silvia Frostworth! You're the Silvia Frostworth!"

"What?" Silvia giggled, surprised at her sudden outburst. "Am I famous?"

"Yes! You are!"

What?

"You were the top student ten years ago, right? Professor Melinda never shuts up about you in her lectures."

"Oh..." Silvia smiled, embarrassed.

"Do you remember me?" Glyffe suddenly asked.

"Oh, I didn't catch your name earlier."

"It's Glyffe."

"Glyffe... Wait, Glyffe?" Cindy's eyes brightened.

"Yeah!" Glyffe said, getting fired up.

Don't tell me not only Silvia's famous but Glyffe als—

"I've never heard of you before, mister." Cindy teased.

Glyffe's face darkened. Silvia giggled. Damn, that's rough Dad.

"Anyways, can I get your autograph, Senior Sister Silvia?"

Woah that rolled off the tongue a bit too smoothly Cindy... you went from a scout, to a fangirl that quickly? And she's fangirling over... my mum?

"Sure, you can have it later." Silvia smiled.

"Actually maybe I have heard of you, mister Glyffe..." Cindy said looking up into the sky as if she was searching for her memories up there. "Was your nickname 'The Wind Spirit's Child' back at the academy?"

Silvia burst out laughing, the hardest I'd seen her laugh to date. Glyffe's expression darkened even more. I couldn't help but smile.

Mistaken for Relentia of all people. Looks like Zecko and Glyffe didn’t make it into the history books.

"Ah... you've got the wrong person." Glyffe said, despondent.

"Oh, then sorry... I was sure I'd heard that name before from around that time, but I guess I was wrong." Cindy said as she stuffed her face with porridge.

Glyffe ground his teeth.

It's okay Dad, hang in there! I'm sure some older teachers remember you!

“No wonder Reno is a genius—you must’ve taught him everything he knows,” Cindy said, looking at Silvia. “I was hoping to teach him a bit more, but with you here maybe there’s not much I can add.”

“That’s not true. There’s still a lot we haven’t gotten around to teaching Reno. I’m sure you could help. Do you know how to teach wind, earth, or light magic? Or maybe summoning? What are your affinities?”

Cindy’s expression shifted. “I can teach everything to an advanced level. I’m especially good at water and fire magic.”

"Wow, even for an Aquateelia student that's impressive. You must be quite accomplished too."

Cindy blushed. "A little... hehe."

Hehe? What do you mean by 'hehe', Cindy? Aren't you enjoying my mother's praise a bit too much?

“We’re about to go gardening. You can come with us, and once we’re done you can teach Reno. So far he’s learned beginner spells for two of the five elements. Oh—wait, do you know about his evaluation?” Silvia paused.

"I... checked." Cindy nodded politely while smiling.

"Oh, alright. Then any of earth, wind or maybe even light magic would be great for you to teach him." Silvia’s smile widened, as if she trusted Cindy more now that she knew she knew about the evaluation.

"Okay! I'll see what I can do!" Cindy smiled brightly.

"Then I'll be counting on you!" Silvia returned the smile.

Looks like I’ll have to explain that I learned wind magic on the fly. Light magic doesn’t have many uses, but I guess it could catch people off guard—like a flashbang or something.

What I’m really interested in is earth magic. Could I summon soil or plants? Rocks, maybe turn them into different ores? Could I use it to help plants grow?

A magic lesson from Cindy, huh? This was starting to get interesting.