Daily Life (School Arc begins)

A few hours passed and before I knew it the school day was over. The students started to pack up, Rory was already out of the class. In front of me Ryusei stands up and stretches his arms.

"Finally the day is over with." He rejoiced.

He turns around to me. I was still putting my books inside my bag.

"Suika, are you doing anything after school?"

"Nope not really, but I just wanna sleep when I get home. On my first day I had some… unique interactions I can say."

"Yea, you can't lie about that."

He grabs his bag that was beside his desk and puts it on his shoulder. He pulls out his phone seemingly to check the time.

"Well Suika I have to go, I'll see you tomorrow ok."

I nod my head, as I see Ryusei leave the classroom. I soon did the same with my things fully packed. As I walk out I feel someone tug at my shirt.

I turn to see Takamei, seems like she was standing outside waiting for me.

"Hey Takamei. You were waiting for me?"

"Yep, I wanted to walk and talk for a bit. I wanna see how your first day went."

"Yea sure I don't mind that."

We started to walk the hall, but kept our pace slow, so the walk wouldn't be so quick.

"Sooooo how was your first day? I hope you didn't get into too much trouble." She giggled.

"Well sorta kinda. I almost got in trouble for fighting on the field today."

"Oh, I think I heard some of my classmates talking about it after lunch. You were fighting Ryusei right?"

"Yep. He's a strong guy. We even became friends after it."

"Ugh. You were fighting each other and then became friends? Sometimes I just don't understand guys."

"Hey, it just happens. He's a cool guy, I think you'll get along with him."

"Me and Ryusei went to the same middle school together, we were in the same class but never really talked to each other. We only talk when we are on class duty or doing a group project."

"I see. Well how was your day Takamei?"

She smiles warmly at me, her lighting up as I asked her about her day.

"My day was pretty good, thanks for asking. I spent most of it in classes learning about advanced magic techniques. It's some fascinating stuff, really."

Before I knew it we were at the front gates of the school. Some students walk or get picked up by their parents. Students were still chatting before they left their friends.

"I didn't realize we were here already. I guess I was so into our conversation." I chuckled.

"Hehe, i didn't realize either." She chuckled also. 

"Well Takamei I should get going. Thanks for showing me around the school, I really did appreciate that.

She smiles and reaches out grabbing my hand giving it a gentle squeeze, her touch soft and comforting.

"No problems Suika. I'm glad I could help you get acquainted with the school. And don't worry, I'm sure you'll find your place here in no time. I heard what happened between you and Rory. Just keep your chin up ok. To me he's handsome but he is a little twisted, don't let his words get to you."

She releases my hand and takes a step back, she puts her hand behind her back and smiles. Her eyes are full of kindness.

"I'll see you tomorrow Suika. Take care now."

I nodded and with a final wave Takamei turned and started walking away, heading home. As I watched her go I did a little small wave myself. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for her kindness and the friendship she offered me.

I turn the opposite way from her and begin walking home myself. I pull out my phone and earbuds and start to play some rock music on my way home. Seeing the many cars drive past, the trees blowing in the calm wind. Or the people walking with their partners or friends. I like it here in Kyoto. 

First day of school was hectic, first it was almost late. Then fighting Ryusei and then getting the king himself mad, Rory. Knowing it was hectic, it was hella fun. I can't wait for the Kyoto Magical Event. This is just the beginning of my new life here in Kyoto.

10 minutes later I made it home, I opened the door and entered. I took off my shoes and walked into the living area and saw my younger sister laying down on the couch watching tv. Haru, she's a year younger than me and is a freshman not in a Magical High school.

I walked over to the couch and leaned over the backside of it.

"What are you watching?" I asked

Haru turns her head, her black that falls down to her shoulders, and those dark grey eyes that seem to stare into my soul. She looks at me.

"I'm watching this drama show. Did you just get home?"

"Yea i just got in. How was your first day at your school?"

"It was boring to be honest, I met some girls who are pretty cool but other than that it's just normal school with normal work." She scoffs, turning her attention back towards the tv.

I stop leaning on the chair, and look around.

"Where's mom at?"

"She's outback. She's watering her precious garden. Sometimes I think she takes that garden over her own life.

"Oh don't be like that, she said before she liked gardening since she was young."

I put my bag down behind the couch and walked towards the abc door. I open it up, seeing mom watering her garden. The flowers are blooming with such light and color. The sun shines on them making them look beautiful.

I walk over to her and bend down beside her.

"Hey mom. How long have you been at this?"

She tips her hat up, her short black hair that hangs around her face. I could see the sweat covering her face and moving down her neck. She smiles warmly.

"Oh, hey Suika." She sighs. "Ever since you two left for school this morning. I've been working hard on this all day."

"You should take a break mom. I know you love it but I don't want to pass out over a garden. Here, let me get you a glass of water."

I stood up and headed back inside the house. After a few moments I came back with a glass of water. Mom was now seated on the small porch we had.

I sat down beside her and gave her the glass. "Here mom."

"Thanks sweety." She grabs the glass and begins slowly drinking the water. She stops for a moment and puts it on the side. "So how was your first day?"

"It was hectic mom, but it was fun. I already made two new friends."

"Aw that's great. Is one of them a girl?" She bumps my shoulder and smugs at me.

A small blush comes across my face, I look away from her. 

"Y-yea but it's just the first day ok! She's a kind person, she even showed me around the school."

"That was sweet of her."

We both stared at her garden, the rows of different flowers flowing across the ground. They were all portioned perfectly in sets. The mixture of the different colors make it look beautiful. 

"Suika, just remember to make good choices ok." She turns and points her finger to where my heart is. "Never forget who you are in here."

"Trust me I never will."

Mom grabs the glass of water and finishes it. She stood putting a hand on her hip, she looked at her garden and smiled.

"Well I should get back to work."

"Don't overwork yourself mom, if you need help me and Haru is always here."

"NO!" Haru shouted from inside the house.

"...Well, I guess you can always call me for help then."

We both laugh. Me and mom always have a strong connection with each other. Without her love I don't know where I would be today.

So the day passed by, and soon it became night time. Mom just finished her dinner and me and Haru make our way into the kitchen to eat. 

I plop down at the table, the wooden surface cool against my elbows. Mom's already set out the bowls and chopsticks. Steam curls up from the big pot in the center – tonight it's oden! I love oden.

First, I snagged a daikon radish. It's huge and round, soaking in the savory broth until it's almost translucent. I pick it up with my chopsticks, careful not to let it slip, and take a bite. Mmm, sweet and soft, with the broth seeping into every fiber.

As we all continued to eat, the tv was on. Specifically on a news station. The reporter talks about the recent events that happened earlier in the day.

"Today, at 4:00pm a hazard level demon appeared in the city. The demon went on a rampage causing mass chaos and destruction. But luckily the A.W.A came in to stop the demon before it could cause any more harm. Nobody was killed in the event and only one person was reported injured. We had a word with one of the agents."

A man with red spiky hair appeared on the screen. You could see some purple liquid on his face and upper neck, probably the demon's blood.

"Yea, the demon was kinda easy for real. But i'm glad nobody was killed, cause I don't want to get yelled at by my boss. But yea stay safe out here, A.W.A is always here to protect."

The screen goes back to the reporter.

I've never seen a demon in person. Sometimes I don't even think they are real. We barely even see them because the A.W.A takes care of them so easily. I wonder how it's like becoming an AWA agent?

I looked over at mom, who was sitting across from me. She was still staring at the screen. Her eyes hooked onto the screen. Mom watches the news but when it talks about demons, all her attention goes to the tv. Ignoring her surroundings. 

"Mom." No response.

"Mom." I said again but again no response.

"MOM!" Still focusing on the tv.

"Mom, your garden is on fire." Haru said.

Mom quickly turned her head. Really that's what gets her attention, she really does care about that garden. She looks worried.

"What about my garden Haru?!"

"Oh nothing Suika was trying to get your attention."

"Yea I called your name three times and it seemed like you didn't hear me."

"I'm sorry, sweety. I was too focused on the news."

She turned her head back to the tv but the news was talking about the weather now.

"Mom, what's with you and demons? Each time the news even mentions it, all your focus goes to that."

Mom turns back, she puts her chopsticks down on the side. She looks into the bowl in front of her. She must be thinking, did I hit the wrong spot?

Mom's face came back up.

"I-it's a long story, sweety. let's just eat for now ok. I don't want the… mood to get shifted. So come on, let's eat.

I didn't question her about it. I knew it was going to come back up sooner or later but for right now, we're going to eat and be at peace.

After dinner, I helped mom clean the dishes. Haru helped yesterday so it was my turn. Mom was cleaning out the bowls.

"Suika, are you going to become a mage?" she asked.

"Well I am going to magic school, so I would say yes. Why?"

"...It's a lot of danger in the world, and knowing you want to become a mage. Well it kinda scares me. My son could get hurt out there or even lose his life. As a mother that would be devastating."

The room falls silent. Mom's words kinda hit me straight in the heart. What if I died out there fighting against a demon, mom would be sad and I don't want that. Suddenly I feel mom's hand on my shoulder, I look and see her smiling.

"But I know you won't die out there so easily. You're a strong kid, I personally know that cause you carry all the heavy things in the house." She chuckles. "I don't know if that's your dream but go for it! Show the whole world how strong you are." 

I was a little shocked but slowly a smile creeped onto my face.

"Thanks mom, I won't let you down." 

"That loser becoming a mage? Ha, if he does I'll become a gardener like mom." Haru said, closing the fridge and holding juice in her hand.

"I'll hold your words to you. So you better not forget." I smirk.

We finished cleaning up and everyone went off to bed. I changed into a regular shirt and shorts. I layed in my bed looking up at the ceiling, my hands behind my head.

"Show the whole world how strong you are." You said mom. Can I really do that? Only time will tell. I believe the Fight Show will prove something to me and maybe other people. Just have to wait and see.

I turned to my side, putting the covers over me and began falling asleep.