Musa and Riven, on a sunny Sunday morning, walked out of the house with their little ones, going to the park in Magix City. Although they couldn't play, Jayjay and Harm loved getting some fresh air, Musa demanded that the little ones go to the park at least twice a week. As they walk, as do all the other families and people there, Musa begins to pick up the conversation.
"Riv, you know I love our little house so much though...I think for four is not enough..."
Riven nods, scratching his chin. He had grown some beard, giving him that mature look.
"Mmm... well, you've got a point there, pixie. Do you want to start looking for a house?"
"Yes, if we can afford it..."
"Well my mother left me a modest nest egg!" he says sarcastically. "With that money we could buy our own house, bigger and wider. Then, otherwise, we can live off our work."
"Yeah... I'd just like to think about whether to go live on Melody or stay here."
"If we went to live on Melody, you could start your music career and lean on Golden Auditorium. I can use the hawk to move from Melody to Red Fountain" Riven wanted Musa to be happy, she would be able to spend time with her father and Ho-Boé would enjoy his grandchildren more. Jayden, meanwhile, sees a little butterfly fluttering in front of him. He reaches out his little hands, turning the butterfly into a giant butterfly that looked anything but pleasant, scaring him and his sister. People in the park scream upon seeing that flying monster, causing Musa and Riven to turn around.
"Damn it! REVERSO!!!" shouts Riven casting a spell on the flying monster giving it back its old appearance. Jayden and Harmony start to cry, still scared. Riven approaches the little ones.
"No magic outside the house, you naughty!"
Jayjay and Harmony look at Daddy a little sad at the scolding. Musa was still shaken.
"Since when do you cast spells?"
Riven chuckles, putting the twins who had been fidgeting back together.
"Private lessons with Principal Griffin and Codatorta. He is not a wizard, however he is familiar with the dark magic of witches. I learned some basic spells, I want to use my power for good and for everyday things" he says caressing her cheek.
Musa kisses him softly, every day more in love with him.
"Mmmmommmy..." Harmony calls to her. Musa removes her glasses and closes her laptop, a little tired of looking at ads for houses for sale on Melody. She stands up taking her little one in her arms, bending down to pick up the toys her children threw on the floor. Harmony clutches at her breast, pulling her top up.
"You ate just now, sweetie," she giggles.
Harmony didn't want milk, but just wanted to play with Mommy and do magic.
"mmmmmaaaa"
"It's okay, Harm..." smiles mom. She sits on the couch with her and they start doing little magic while waiting for Riven to come back from Red Fountain.
"So, Riv, how are Musa and the little ones?" asks Nabu, as Riven was changing to go home.
"They're fine, one of these nights, Musa and I wanted to invite you and Aisha over for dinner, if you'd like," he says with his usual aloof manner but without being rude.
"We'd love to come, just tell us when" laughs the young wizard.
"How about this Saturday?"
"Perfect."
"Besides, my mother is coming back. She and my father-in-law will be there too... I'd like to ask you something, if you're up for it."
"Go ahead."
" Well... I'd like it if you and my mother would help me develop my powers better" he says wearing the shirt.
Nabu scratches his chin, sitting on the bench in the locker room.
"Why not? It could be done...classes with Principal Griffin I guess aren't enough."
"No, it's not about that. It's more of a way to spend time with my mom and also to test myself with you and measure myself"
Nabu gives a slight grin. Riven would never stop being competitive and always looking for someone to challenge.
"Then... if I were able to master my powers, I could be more useful around the house. Musa needs more time to herself, I can give her some free time on the weekends, but in two days how much can she do? I mean, she sings at Bill's club, she goes out with her friends, she visits her dad... I would want more for her."
"Well, why don't you ask Bill if he knows anyone who can sign her to record an album?"
"Let's see... " he says wetting his hair a little and finishing getting dressed. "I'm off, bye Nabu, see you in the morning!"
"Bye Riven, have a good night!"
The specialist walks out of the locker room of the Red Fountain gym and suddenly finds Codatorta in front of him.
"Oh, good evening professor!"
"Hello Riven, were you leaving?"
"Yes, but tell me..."
" Well, Saladin would like to talk to you. If of course you can stay for a few minutes."
"Of course I can!"
Codatorta nods and accompanies a curious Riven into the office. He enters glimpsing Saladin from his desk. He found the man funny in his small stature....
"You called for me, Headmaster?"
"Oh Riven, come on in!"
Riven enters and takes a seat. Saladin looks away from his magic orb and then looks at the boy.
"Riven how many years have you been studying here?"
"Almost six, sir. I came here when I was sixteen, like everyone else."
"Mmm... even though you graduated three years ago, you've continued to study here and engage as a paid assistant."
"Yes..." Riven would have turned twenty-two in October. He felt like a bit of a fish out of water among the kids.
"Listen to me, you were one of the best students I ever had, despite your temperament. Now you're also a father, and I don't think you'll settle for a humble salary like an assistant."
Riven doesn't respond, letting Saladin conclude.
"Well, I'd like you to become a lecturer here at Red Fountain..."
"WHAT?!"
***
Musa was preparing dinner, with cartoons playing in the background to keep the twins quiet, when she hears Riven come back in. Suddenly she feels herself being lifted off the ground and kissed fiercely.
"Hey, Riv, what's wrong with you!"
"Musa! I have incredible news!"
"Huh?! And what? You found a house?"
Riven shakes his head, kissing her again, before telling her everything.
"In September, I'm officially going to be a professor at Red Fountain!"
"What??? Really? Oh holy moly, I can't believe it!" She squeaks joyfully, kissing him.
"Yep, Codatorta and Saladin wanted to put me in charge of First Year Training. I'm still in disbelief... I figured he'd ask Sky or Brandon to teach.... "
"Riven, I think the principal has figured out what you're made of... and I can imagine a favorable word from Helia as well."
"Well whatever it was, I'd like to celebrate on Saturday! I had invited Nabu and Aisha but I guess I'll extend the invitation to the rest of the crew!" he says laughing.
"Of course you will!"
"What about you with the house hunting?"
"I've got my eye on two, I've made the appointment for next week, Dad's going to host us for a couple of days." she says smiling.
Their lives were changing... First the house search, then Riven's new job. Who knows if Musa would achieve her dream, without giving up her family?