3 Fishing

The sweltering heat of the sun burned through my clothes. I shouldn't have worn a coat today. I approached the deck. It was noon, so most people went out for their lunch. I sat on the wooden area and let my feet dangle near the water. Although I could easily buy fish from the market, I make up a lot of excuses to go visit the sea again. I threw my fishing hook. Of course, the hook was only for show, as I can grab fish using water. It would just look suspicious if someone were here.

"Oh, hello there!" And great, someone is here. He even sounded familiar- Obviously it was Ren. Curse it, I have the worst luck there is. I didn't respond to his calls. "Why are you fishing here alone? You know there won't be any fish near that part, you have to go a bit further than that." I scowled. "How then? I don't have a boat and I can't just swim in the water with my rod, now can I?" I said sarcastically. Actually, I would be able to swim and catch fish but I picked the wrong clothes for this occasion.

"Then you can come to the boat with me! I've been secretly practicing how to fish to surprise my father." He said without missing a beat. Why is he so enthusiastic all the time? Doesn't he get drained from being that energetic? And inviting a total stranger to his boat- again, proving that he was way too gullible. "No thanks." I said.

"Awh, okay," He even sounded disappointed. He sat down beside me. I thought he was going to go fishing? I moved a little bit to the side and reeled the line. While he was talking, I was able to catch a fish without the assistance of my magic. "I know I haven't seen you before but why is it like I have already met you? I know it's weird," He laughs, "I mean who goes fishing wearing a turtleneck, a coat, gloves, and black pants to match?" I scowled at that. Most of my clothes consist of that same combination he just said, except for my pajamas. Even then, they were also black. "I definitely would have remembered you." He adds.

I stay silent, not knowing what to say. I keep pushing him away but he keeps on coming back, whether he knows it or not. "Anyway, are you sure you don't want to come with me to the boat?" I shook my head, showing the fish that I caught. "I think I'll stay here." He looked disappointed, but perked up again. "Okay, I'll stay here with you! I know it's lonely being by yourself. Also, it's just weird that I haven't met you, I know practically everyone in this town."

I sigh. There's no getting rid of him at this point. I decided to entertain him for a while, and just erase his memories afterwards. I took off my coat and put on a new bait, then threw the line again. "What made you say that I looked lonely?" He shrugs. "I just know. Maybe it's because I have magic! I don't know how it works though" He admitted. I chuckled at that. While it's true that there are spells that help you discover others feelings, wizards are more in tune with nature than they are with other people. It's just how their magic works, especially because it's tied to their fundamentals.

"Oh, I see. Does anyone else in your village have magic?" I already know the answer to this one. Only the Royal Knights and a select few have magic here in the 4th region. "I don't know... I've been searching for someone to take me as their apprentice, do you know anyone?" I shook my head.

"No, I've only been here for a few months. The people I encountered when I got here didn't have magic." Since we were in the 4th region, there was little to no magic present. The 5th region has no magic at all, while the region where I come from- the 1st region- had way too much magic. They did everything with magic. Maybe that's why I'm having a hard time adjusting to daily life here in the 4th region.

"I see... so do you have magic?" He asked nonchalantly. I stiffened. Should I answer honestly? Even if I would erase his memories again there was a chance that I might not be able to- or that he would recall if his magic defends him. Before I made a decision though, he suddenly added. "I think you do. It's really hard to catch fish in this area but you already caught two. And when I asked just now, you looked quite troubled. Was it supposed to be a secret? Don't worry I won't tell anyone. They always call me a blabbermouth but you won't catch me talking about anyone's secrets. And the-"

"Yeah, I can see why people call you a blabbermouth. I don't like people who talk a lot you know?" False, my sister talks a lot but I was close with her. In fact, she reminded me very much of Ren. "And yes, it's a secret." I said as an afterthought. He laughed. "My name's Florence Ignacio by the way. You can call me Ren. What's your name?"

I sigh. "That's another secret I can't tell you." He's so persistent in making conversation it's actually draining. "What if I call you... Mr. Black?" I chuckled at that. "They already call me that, your townspeople." He frowned. "Really? I would have known that... But I can't seem to remember people talking about you. And if you've been here for a while you know how word gets around fast. Huh..." He trailed off, lost in his own thoughts. I reeled in one more fish and stood up.

"I'm going now." I paused. "Thank you for accompanying me. Can you help me carry my things until the forest?" He nodded. "Sure! I live near there anyway and I'm also getting quite hungry. I think I'll grab some lunch." He got the bucket of fish and walked happily along the shore. That's one thing I can't do. Despite erasing my memories every so often I still have this heavy feeling that something would go wrong at any moment. I wish I was as carefree as he was.

Soon after, we reached his house. "I'll carry it from here, thanks. Oh, can you come closer?" He put down the bucket and came closer to me. Yes- way too gullible. I put my finger on his forehead and chanted the spell: "Obliviscatur." His eyes went hazy. While he was still confused, I picked up the bucket and retreated towards the forest. For his own sake, I hope we don't cross paths again. If we do- I might just go insane.

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