In the early morning light, a gentle breeze drifted through the windows of the Hayagashi residence. Birds chirped softly outside as the golden rays of dawn painted the wooden floorboards.
Reyna Hayagashi, mother of the twin sons, walked quietly down the hallway with a small smile on her lips. In her hands, she held a folded piece of clean cloth and a fresh shirt.
> "Raizo, it's morning," she said softly, knocking on the wooden door. "Wake up now, dear. Breakfast is almost ready."
No response.
She knocked again, just a little louder. "Raizo?"
Still nothing.
Her smile faded into concern.
She slowly turned the doorknob and stepped inside. "I'm coming in, okay?"
The room was quiet. The air was still.
At first glance, everything looked normal—until her eyes caught the open window, the curtains fluttering like ghostly fingers. She tilted her head, puzzled. "Strange… he always closes the window at night."
She walked closer to the bed, chuckling softly. "Did he wrap himself in the blanket again like a burrito?"
But when she gently pulled the blanket away—
There was no one beneath it.
Her heart stopped.
> "Raizo…?"
Her voice trembled. She looked around the room—under the bed, behind the door, near the closet.
No sign of him.
Then her eyes landed on something left on the desk. A small piece of parchment, folded neatly with her name written in uneven, careful handwriting.
Her fingers shook as she picked it up.
She unfolded the letter and began to read.
Dear Mother and Father,
I'm sorry. I know you're trying to protect me. But if I stay here, I'll never… become stronger.
I promise I won't die.
I don't hate you both. I love you more than you'll ever know.
Please don't cry.
When I return to this village one day… I'll be strong. So strong that even the villagers and nobles will see it.
Her eyes widened, and the letter slipped from her hands.
Tears rolled down her cheeks like streams breaking through a dam. She clutched her chest and stumbled back.
> "Raizo… no…!"
She turned and ran out of the room, her sobs echoing through the hallway.
> "Lay! Lay!!"
In the kitchen, Lay Hayagashi stood calmly, sipping tea and reviewing a small map. He turned sharply at the sound of Reyna's cries.
> "What is it? Why are you crying?"
Reyna didn't speak. She just handed him the letter with trembling hands.
Lay's eyes scanned the note, reading each word in silence.
His expression hardened. The paper crumpled slightly in his hand.
Reyna wiped her tears and shouted, "We have to find him! He might be in danger! He's just a boy, Lay! He's our son!"
She reached for the door, but Lay stood in her way and gently grabbed her wrist.
> "Reyna. No. He's already too far."
Reyna's voice cracked. "But—he's only eleven! He could be attacked, or lost, or—"
> "I know," Lay interrupted, lowering his head. "I'm worried too. But…"
He looked out the window at the rising sun.
> "During the baptism… I saw his eyes. There was something there. Determination. Like he knew exactly what kind of power he had… and what he needed to do with it."
Reyna bit her lip, her voice quiet. "Are you sure? Are you sure he even understands that cursed ability…?"
Lay slowly nodded. "I believe he does."
Reyna's hands trembled. "Then why didn't he tell us? Why would he leave like this?"
Lay sighed. "That… I don't know."
Silence fell between them.
The house felt emptier than ever before.
Reyna collapsed into Lay's arms, her shoulders shaking with grief.
> "I wasn't ready… He's still just my baby."
Lay wrapped his arms around her tightly. "He may be our son, but his path is no longer ours to decide."
Reyna buried her face in his chest.
> "Promise me… if we ever see him again… no matter what he becomes… we'll accept him."
Lay didn't hesitate.
> "I promise."