Chapter 2: Akane / The Front Door

“Yukio. Yukio.” Mom said, gently nudging Yukio awake.

“Mmh? Oh… Mom. Gmorning.” Yukio said.

He yawned.

“You were a lot sleepier than I thought. The entire night and most of the day already went by, it's already evening. We arrived, so let’s get out before you fall asleep again.” Mom said.

She went out to get the luggage.

“Madam, I’ll do that for you. You mustn't strain yourself any further. We will take the luggage to your room.” A voice said.

“I would rather bring it in myself.” Mom argued.

“Why? Aren’t they trying to help us?” Yukio asked.

“That-...Yeah. They are.” Mom relented.

“We already listened when you insisted on packing all your luggage on the carriage by yourself. We cannot let you do such a menial task again.” The voice said.

“Burlet, I’m fully capable of doing it myself.” Mom said.

“Apologies, madam Akane, but this is our job.” Burlet said.

“Yeah...yeah, I know. I just... Nevermind.” Mom said.

“Mom, is that your name? Akane?” Yukio asked.

“Eh? Oh, yeah. It’s fitting, right? With such bright red and pink hair?” Mom asked, playing with her bright redish pink hair.

“It looks like it’s glittering.” Yukio said.

“Oh, that’s because the sun is setting. It seems to sparkle in the orange light. Sunsets are pretty, right?” Mom asked, smiling.

Yukio nodded.

“Why did you never tell me your name?” Yukio asked.

“You never asked me.” Mom said.

“Well, Mom’s Mom. But it is fitting. Your hair is beautiful. It always has been. Now that I think about it, I always was curious as to why we had different colored hair than everyone else. Is this why? Why were we in the village if we could live here, instead?” Yukio asked.

“Well… I didn’t want to drag you into this, but you seem to show genuine interest in magic. As well as an insane talent in it. You already condensed a core, didn’t you?” Mom asked.

“What?” Yukio asked.

“Huh? A core. The crystal in the middle of your mana?” Mom asked.

“Oh, that thing? I have no idea what that is. It just appeared when I was practicing one day. It did startle me, though.” Yukio said.

“Yeah. I guess it would seem rather odd. Do you know what category it is?” Mom asked.

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“What? What do you mean?” Yukio asked.

“The core. The mana core, that crystal. What type of magic does it rule over?” Mom asked.

“I- I don’t know. How do I find out?” Yukio asked, slightly overwhelmed and confused.

“Well....It will be quicker to go and find my mother for that. Let’s go inside.” Mom said, gesturing to the tower.

“Huh? The tower? People aren’t normally allowed in there.” Yukio asked.

“Yeah, but this isn’t normally. You always said you wanted to see it, didn’t you?” Mom asked.

“I mean, yeah. But why would they let us in? Weren’t we going to be heading over there?” Yukio asked, pointing to a building.

“For what?” Mom asked.

“For staying at.” Yukio replied.

“Yukio… I know you don’t always pay attention to things, but that’s a school. It’s the academy. The one you’re going to be attending.” Mom said.

“Oh! Wait, then why would we be here? The only other place here is the tower.” Yukio said, as they approached the entrance to the tower

Two women stood guard, and they crossed their weapons to stop their entry.

“Leave. You have no business with us, child.” The one who was on the right, her right, and held a great sword, said.

“See? I told you they wouldn’t let us in, Mom.” Yukio said.

“They won’t? You two idiots. What the hell are you doing?” Mom asked

Her hair blew in the wind, the pinkish red once again glittering in the light of the setting sun.

“Ah!!! Madam Akane!” The one on the left yelled.

“Yes, it's me. Hi Hidari. So, you do recognize me. That’s good. I thought I might have to break in.” Mom said, scowling.

“Mom? You sound angry, are you all right?” Yukio asked.

“Huh? Ah! Sorry, this place frustrates me a little bit. I might grumble occasionally. Please forgive mom, okay??” Mom begged, hugging Yukio.

“Mom you’re coddling me again. I’m not a child.” Yukio said, squirming.

“Nonsense! You’re my child, I have a right to hug you whenever I want!” Mom said, going full on mom mode.

“Moooom! There’s people here!” Yukio complained.

“Huh? What’s that matter?” Mom asked, squeezing him even harder.

“Um. Madam Akane? That is you.... right?” The one on the right asked.

“Huh? Oh, Tadashi. I’m busy. Leave me be.” Mom said, suddenly scowling at her.

“Ah! Yes!” Dashi yelped.

Mom went back into mom mode.

“This is lasting longer than normal. Ack! Mom. Mom, not there. Ahhhh!” Yukio fell to the floor, laughing. His mother was tickling his sides with a mischevious look in her eyes.

“Um. Dashi, what exactly am I looking at?” Hidari asked.

“I’m...not too sure…” Dashi responded.

A few minutes passed. Mom had exhausted herself quickly.

“Mom? Are you ok? That was a bit much.” Yukio said, still trembling from being tickled.

“Huh? Ah! Sorry, Yukio! I lost myself. You’re a bit too cute!” Mom said, smiling.

“Thanks Mom. But didn’t you say something about the tower?” Yukio asked.

“Oh. Right. Hidari, Tadashi. You don’t mind letting us in now do you?” Mom asked.

“Ah. Of course, please enter.” They said nervously.

Yukio and Akane walked into the bottom floor, the lobby.

“Mom, where are we? Why did they let us in? Who are you?” Yukio asked.

“Oh.… I’m the daughter of the tower master. Akane Suzuki. I’m in charge of everything around here. I left here over 15 years ago. That’s when I had you. You were the reason I didn't come back. I’m not going to put my child through this. That’s what I thought, at least. But this is what you wanted to do. So here we are. This is mom's tower. Welcome to my tower of magic, Yukio!” Akane said, gesturing to everything around her, smiling, with a massive grin.

It was impressive. There were a great many things going on at once. Birds and beasts seemed to flow through, letters and packages in their possession. Machines that ran on magic littered the entire lobby. Tv screens were everywhere, playing things from random shows or the magic towers ads. There were little checkpoint looking things, which had little dials. He had no clue what their purpose was. There were posts and magic circles on the walls and floors. Odd globes floated around in the air. The entire floor was massive, much larger than the small exterior suggested. He had heard about it's space distortions and manipulation, but it was still incredible.