I blinked, disoriented, as the mist surrounding the archway dissolved into a world of colors and feelings.
It was a dark, damp new beginning.
Hold on. I couldn't see! It was warm, damp.... and everything was pressing down on me. Ugh, this felt awful.
Suddenly, I felt something pushing me, compressing me. IT HURT. IT WAS SO PAINFUL.
I screamed! Pain zapped through me; I was dying a third time. Then, as the pressure began to subside, I saw light.
No. I wasn't ready. I couldn't die. Not again.
As 'heaven's' light grew, I looked down. Through my blurred gaze, I blearily saw my chubby, red body. Ah, I'd been born. With a final cry, I fell asleep.
....
Life as a kid is something else!
Mom is absolutely gorgeous. She has long brown hair and a kind, warm face and is soooooo loving.
AND she is well endowed.
Joke aside though, I've struggled with being reborn. Laying in a wooden crib with a dirtied diaper, you can't help but question things. It's embarrassing.
I can't be babied for the next decade; I can't stand it! Ah, but that does remind me; It's almost time for dinner!
Looking out, I can see mom on top of things, like usual - she's already walking toward me.
"Hello, little one," she cooed as she reached my crib, her voice a soothing melody. She leaned in and scooped me up in her arms, cradling me with a tenderness that instantly made me feel safe and cherished. "It's time for dinner, sweetie. Let's go bring you to your dad."
With that, she carried me into the dining room. The table was set with care, adorned with flickering candles and delicious-looking dishes. And there, at the head of the table, was Dad, a gruff smile on his face as he waited for us.
It was nice to see him; he was always working, chopping wood in the forest. But here, he was a picture of strength and security; he stood tall, his rugged features softened by the genuine affection he had for Mom and me. His eyes twinkled as they met mine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging wash over me.
Life was good.
Mom gently settled me into a highchair, making sure I was comfortable before taking her seat beside Dad. They exchanged a loving glance and began to chat about his day, their laughter filling the room like a comforting melody.
Wait! They forgot to feed me!
There's only one solution. I smiled. Paused. Opened my mouth. And let out the loudest, unholy-est shriek I could, likely summoning shadows from Anamesa. Hear me out - I need to behave like a normal baby. Hehe, I couldn't help but chuckle at my irrefutable reasoning.
Mom and Dad stopped mid-sentence, their eyes widening in surprise. It was as if the entire world had come to a screeching halt with my screech.
Dad's fork, suspended in the air between his plate and his mouth, froze in place. Mom, her eyes filled with both concern and amusement, turned her attention toward me. They exchanged bemused glances, trying to decipher my peculiar outburst.
I maintained my best innocent baby expression, batting my eyelashes and letting out a few adorable coos, as if I had no idea what had just happened. It was all part of the plan, you see - throw them off balance, then reel them back in with cuteness.
Mom chuckled first, a melodious sound that warmed the room like a ray of sunshine. "Well, someone's got some lungs on them, don't they?" she said, playfully.
Dad followed suit, his laughter deep and hearty. "I think we've got a little performer on our hands, dear."
They both shared a knowing smile, seemingly entertained by my antics. And then, without missing a beat, Mom reached for a small spoon and began to dish out a spoonful of the mashed-up mystery concoction that was surely my dinner. It didn't look half bad, to be honest.
Mission success!
Ugh, anyways. You would not believe how incredibly tiring being a baby is. Lifting my head feels like lifting hundreds of pounds. I can't crawl, much less stand up. It's simply too much!
With that said, I'm tired. It's time for my fourth nap.
Peace ✌️
....
As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, I marveled at my growth. Each passing day brought new discoveries – the feel of warm wood beneath my fingers, the taste of sweet fruits, the sound of my own laughter echoing through the air.
I was becoming a child again! What a joy!
And yet, amidst this cascade of joyous emotions, it was almost as if I had become someone else, a person infused with energy that defied my past stoic office worker self. I had never been prone to such childlike excitement during my previous life, yet here I was, finding enchantment in my cute, little pinkie. It waved back to me, as if agreeing that, indeed, it was very interesting.
Truly, the human capability to change is astounding; perhaps I've regressed because I'm babied nonstop. Or, maybe, I've always had this side within me - somewhere in me, a little child, cowed by difficulties on Earth, has always existed.
....
I eventually determined my rapid evolution was due to the malleability of the young mind. The brain of a child, unburdened by the rigidity of years, possesses a remarkable capacity to adapt and integrate novel experiences - such as being reborn into the body of an infant, apparently.
My very being seemed to mirror the pliability of my brain, melding the essence of my former self with the untarnished wonder of youth. It was as though my mind was being artfully shaped by this world, by my new childhood, by my parents. Indeed, I had easily learned the language of this world, Wardenas; I was finally able to understand my parents!
But one thing was certain – I was embracing this childlike wonder with open arms. It was so fun!
Honestly, you'd be shocked - it's impossible to realize how much passion and enthusiasm is lost to age. Ah, but I digress. Back to my story.
Perhaps, I hadn't lost anything as I aged on Earth. Perhaps, buried within the layers of my previous life's experiences, there had always been a spark yearning to be rekindled. And now, in the embrace of Wardenas, that spark had ignited into a radiant flame.
....
The more I observed the world around me, the more I learned. I discovered how to grasp objects. By babbling and shrieking, I would call mom over (sorry mom!).
One day, as I reached out to grab a colorful toy that dangled above me, a surge of energy washed over me. It was a sensation I hadn't felt before – a tingling that started at my fingertips and radiated through my entire body. It was as if I had unlocked something within me.
A soft chime resonated in my mind, and words appeared before me.
"Experience gained: Strength (+1)"
It was a message that felt both strange and familiar, like a whisper from the Guide in Anamesa. I blinked, confused, and then felt a wash of tiredness and against my will, fell asleep.
The next morning, I woke up and tried to see what had changed. But, besides having a stronger grip, I couldn't see anything different than usual! I tried to say "Status" and other phrases that would have worked in light novels on Earth, but I was unable to pronounce anything beyond "Ahhwha!", and as such, nothing happened. How frustrating!
I resolved to try to make the most of the system and its levels, as a sense of determination blossomed within me. Then, as if to mock my determination, fatigue hit, and I fell asleep once again.
With each day that followed my (great) nap, I dedicated myself to honing my newfound abilities with the focus of a stockbroker on the verge of a break. I practiced crawling, discovering that the more I crawled, the more coordinated I became. Eventually, I received a message:
"Experience gained: Agility (+1)."
I was ecstatic! I had finally seen progress, and it felt amazing.
However, I still could not speak. Each attempt to communicate with others led to progress – from simple coos to forming quasi-recognizable sounds, but I could not say any words.
"Gahhhhhhhhh."
Oh wait. That actually sounded close to what I wanted!
....
When I turned 3 months old, I was brought into the village for the first time. I was dazzled by the bright lights, and slightly confused, but looking around, I took in the view.
It was beautiful. My village was nestled in rolling hills surrounded by a lush forest. Wooden cottages lined cobblestone streets, and the air was filled with chirping birds, laughter, and the distinct smell of pine. It was a calm and welcoming place, isolated from the outside world.
Hold on. Why was everyone looking at me?
Creepy.
My mom smiled at me, whispering, "It's time for you to get named by the chief!"
Huh... maybe it's not creepy? I quickly twisted my head around to get a better look.
As I looked, an ancient, short man came out. He was wearing an embroidered robe twice his height and it dragged behind him on the dirt. As he walked over to me, the villagers calmed, becoming silent.
He grabbed me and looked me in the eyes and gently smiled. In his eyes I could see wisdom, kindness; I felt oddly comfortable in his thin arms. Definitely not creepy, I resolutely thought to myself. Then, he raised me up - as if I were in Lion King - and loudly exclaimed: "His name will be Alex, son of Gerald! May he live a long life, filled with adventure and exploration. May he bring his family happiness!" Okay, maybe it was just a little odd.
With that statement, I felt a mystic power pass through me. From my head to my fingertips, it zinged. Then, I heard a chime and in front of me I saw a message: "You have been named: Alex, son of Gerald." Around me, the torches which had been off came on and pulsed with the power I had felt pass through me, before fully igniting. Okay, this was really, really odd. What had just happened?? I squirmed in discomfort.
My mom quickly came and grabbed me and held me close to her bosom and whispered softly into my ears "Oh my Alex, I love you so much! I've truly been blessed!" In that warm, loving embrace, I groggily calmed down and thought to myself "Huh, my name is the same as it was on Earth," before happily falling asleep amidst the villager's celebration. Life was good.
....
With time, I grew. I celebrated my first birthday; once again, I visited the village center, where they held a gathering in my honor. I watched people dance about the bonfire, mirroring the flames within the pit. I was surrounded by family. They laughed and sang and joyously lived every second to its fullest. I felt a profound sense of belonging, of being a part of something great.
By the time I reached the age of two, I had achieved many milestones – the biggest of which was walking! I could now go anywhere I wanted!
Secondly, I could now string together words, which meant I could finally address the chimes in my mind. They had been a constant presence, notifying me of the skills and powers I had acquired. And now, I could finally see my status!