"Mom, Dad, look what I can do," Tanaka says as a small purple smoke puff pops up from his hand.
"TANAKA, NEVER DO THAT AGAIN" Naruhito yells, startling both Masako and Tanaka. "But, Dad, it's just dark magic, and it's not that big of a deal. I thought you would be proud I got my magic well before eight."
"Calm down, dear, let's explain the war of darkness," Masako tells Naruhito.
Naruhito calms slightly but is still very red and seems angry as he speaks. "100 years ago, in the time of your grandfather, there was The Dark War. All the dark mages banded together and attempted to take over the world. Their leader Akunin was the worst of all. He would torture innocents and do his best to wreak havoc. Since the war's end, dark magic has become illega for the massesl, and anyone caught using it without direct permission from the king will be put to death."
Tanaka hears Kurayami gasp in his head, "how evil, in this world, darkness isn't just for destruction."
Tanaka parrots these words exactly as Kurayami did as well as a request that he be allowed to practice dark magic as well.
"Very well, this is a unique situation. I will petition the king with your ice cream in tow. However, you must not use dark magic until the decision is made, deal?"
"Deal," Tanaka says reluctantly.
"I guess I was right to start looking for a magic tutor as you looked for a swordsmanship instructor" Masako smiles warmly, excitement brimming from her soul.
"I should have word from the king in one month about our visit. We should also be able to have your swordsmanship instructor meet us in the capital," Naruhito says matter of factly.
"And I can arrange for your magic tutor to arrive at the same time," Masako beams.
Little did Tanaka know, but at that moment, his life was about to get much more intense.
---
One complete cycle of the moon had come and gone without a second glance. Tanaka was so busy with household duties that he had forgotten the meeting.
"Tanaka, dress in your finest today is the day we visit the royal capital," Naruhito said nervously.
"Don't worry, dear, the king will recognize our son's greatness and the blessing of the gods that have been bestowed upon him," Masako reassures Naruhito and Tanaka both.
" Can we visit the cathedral before our meeting, father?"
"That's actually a good idea, Tanaka. We are going to need all the help we can get in this endeavor. The kingdom only allows for 1,000 mages of darkness at any given time."
"Also, remember to mind your manners, Tanaka. We may have standing within the kingdom, but that doesn't mean we can run amuck" Masako chimes in
"Master, the carriages are loaded and ready for your departure," Miss Ellie appears from seemingly nowhere.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
"Well, time to move out. It's 10 days travel, reminds me of our adventuring days. How about your dearest Masako" Naruhito beams remembering the glory days
Masako nods as she climbs into the carriage. The first half of the trip was completely uneventful, so much so that everyone began to go stir crazy.
"Why don't we stop for the night?" Naruhito says with the words spoken, the carriage lurches to a stop for the night and the camp set up, Masako holds out her hand, and a puff of snow steadily rises like a fountain.
"Tanaka dear, how would you like to see if you have an aptitude for water magic?" Tanaka's eyes light up. He knows he has the aptitude, but he plays it off.
"I read that people who have an aptitude for darkness and light magic also have an aptitude for one of the natural elements but do you really think it could be water?"
"But of course, you're our son gifted to us by the gods, which means you'll likely have an aptitude for water or earth" she smiles as she looks to Naruhito as he starts juggling handballs that seem to have appeared out of thin air.
"Oh, I'd love to. Since we are so far out of civilization, may I invite my friend Kurayami"
Naruhito's face starts to pinken, and he starts to stand. Masako waves her hand.
"Remember your promise, dear, no darkness until we have spoken to the king."
"Hmph, I want out, thoughhhh," Tanaka hears Kurayami in his head.
"She really wants to be with us and is part of the family too, just as I am."
"True, and if the situation were different, we would be more than happy to meet her, but until we have the king's blessing, it puts all of us in danger."
Tanaka sighs for a moment, then remember the task at hand.
"Oh yeah, water magic, I want it, I want it," Tanaka starts excitedly.
"Here, hold out your hand," Masako explains
As Tanaka holds out his hand, Masako gently takes it, and Masako slowly pushes mana into his hand. An icy sensation gently creeps up Tanaka's arm and slowly envelops his body. When the mana reaches his mind he feels a switch click into place. The original icy feeling replaced with a gentle sea breeze.
"SHIMIZU!" Tanaka exclaims
"W.. what why the water goddess?" Masako asks
A small puddle forms at Tanaka's feet, slowly growing and taking a humanoid shape. When it reaches Tanaka's height, it turns into a beautiful little girl with blue hair and a white sundress. The little girl leaps into the air and nearly smothers Tanaka in a tight hug.
"TANAKA!" Shimizu exclaims
Both Masako and Naruhito nearly jump out of their skin as they realize what just happened.
"Wh- wh- why is the water goddess here?" Masako stammers unsure what's going on.
"M- m- mom? Where? I'm not sure I'm supposed to be here yet" Shimesu hides behind Tanaka, clutching his shirt.
Naruhito laughs out loud and Masako snorts. Tanaka holds up his hand again. Snow flows from it like as though he was holding a snowglobe and everyone at the campfire claps.
"Don't worry, dear. We won't tell if you don't. Just help our young Tanaka grow into a wonderful man," Masako says as she gently hugs Shimizu.
"Of course we al-" Tanaka quickly covers Shimesu's mouth and promptly looks her in the eye.
"I think it's time for bed. We still have much of our journey left, don't you, Masako," Naruhito says as he wraps Masako in a gentle hug and whisks her away to their tent.
"Don't stay up too late tonight. We will start practicing your swordsmanship in the morning."
Tanaka and Shimesu spend a couple hours talking quietly, and Tanaka explains his thoughts and why he hasn't told his parents about his aptitude in all the elements of magic. Both Shimizu and Tanaka pass out rather quickly after the excitement of the day.
The next day comes almost too quickly, and Naruhito begins instructing Tanaka in the art of the sword. "Good, good, you still have much to learn, but that is enough for today. Before bed tonight, you will do one hundred overhead swings to help build your strength" This continues over the next four days spending the mornings learning the art of the sword and the evenings learning the artistry that is water magic.
On the morning of the tenth day, the royal capital comes into focus, and Tanaka is awestruck by the appearance of it all. At the noble gate, Naruhito presents his seal and states his intentions of meeting the king at the king's convenience.
"Move along, make it quick," the guard states loudly due to the noise in the area. The Eiyu family proceed to their estate to meet the new swordsmanship and magic instructors.
"It's gonna be a busy couple of weeks. Hope you're ready, Tanaka" Naruhito smiles.