The Sara-Beetle Incident

Today my new mother is thrilled; I said my first word, but her excitement doesn’t come close to mine! If my assumptions are correct—the power lies exert in this world is far more significant than just appearing or disappearing objects! I need to experiment.

First of all… Should I ask Eliot to teach me? I guess it would creep him out… But why did I see the glitter and mother didn’t? Does it have to do with who the lie is directed to? If she had paid attention could’ve she seen the book pop up?

I’ll try to tell a bit of white lies first.

“What’s the matter Rey? Do you need a diaper change?”

“No!” I exclaimed proudly, hands on waist, confident in what I saw.

“What did we say about lying Rey? Let me change you”

“Eh?”

Wait…

Eh???

Why didn’t it work?

Is it not enough just telling a lie?

What did I miss?

I’ll need to spy on Eliot…

—

There’s a nearby enemy at twelve o’clock, not as close two more at three—situation is critical, I’m hiding behind the bed, the mission lies on a thread’s end, if I can successfully reach the window I might be able to escape…

There it goes! The maids blocking my path have mobilized, This is my chance!

Use every muscle fiber in your body!

Unluck your hidden power!

Run!

Wait, no…

Crawl!

*Swoop*

“There you are! Young master, It’s dangerous to play by the window, come on, it’s time for your nap.”

*Sigh* It was worth the shot.

I need to find a way… I thought babies learnt how to walk before learning how to talk, so why does this body falls the moment I try to take a step? How much more do I have to wait?

“Oh Rey! Look! I found this giant beetle in the garden! Do you think it’s a world record?”

World record my ass… Why are you always like this? you’ve shown me everything from spiders to snakes… Is it really that interesting of a hobby? If only Eliot was as eager to share as you are… I would’ve already become proficient at magic. Damn it!

For now I’ll just follow the good younger brother script… Prepare for some baby-flattery.

“Awesome! Your awesome sister!”

“I knew you would understand! Nobody else in this household seems to appreciate my treasures… but you and I will prove them wrong!”

“Lady Sara, please don’t disturb the young master, it’s his nap time.”

“He prefers cool stuff over nap time don’t you Rey?”

“Zzz… zzz…”

“Eh… you traitor! Fine, enjoy your stupid dreams!

This is what I get for putting my hopes in a toddler… Tch” She kicked the floor.

*Fuif…* I got out of it.

“Woahhh it doubled in size!”

I half opened an eye. The remains of the glitter still floating by.

You have to be kidding…

Was it my doing? But… I only said four words… of which three were the same… no, no, no, no, this must be a coincidence.

I’ll just be a good baby and sleep.

Two months have passed since the Sara-beetle incident, I haven’t been able to replicate the phenomenon ever since… By sheer chance there should’ve been an instance where the hammer hit the nail but… it hasn’t.

By this point I wonder if this magic can truly be purposefully casted.

Regardless, today is the day, after intensive training I’ve unlocked one of the most important and revolutionary skills. The blessed culmination of millions of years of evolution—

*Stomp*

*Stomp*

This sensation...

This freedom from newborn clumsiness…

Yes…

—Two leg walking has been acquired—

*Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

Yes! Shower me rain of praise!

“Well done young master! I’m sure Lady Rachel will be delighted when she finds out.”

“I’ll better go inform her.”

“His progress is terrifyingly fast isn’t it?”

Now that I’ve come this far, I should go spy on him.

“Where’s Eliot?”

“Uhmmm… by this time he should be in sword training. Is something wrong?”

“Wrong? You’ve got a misunderstanding maid, quite the contrary.”

“Pst, Isn’t this weird? Shouldn’t babies talk more… you know… babylike?”

“Lady Rachel has been consistently reading to him every day… maybe it finally bore fruit.”

“Even so…”

“Quiet your voice! Don’t think he won’t hear you…” She exclaimed quietly, ending the buzz.

I get it, no world where humans dwell is safe from gossip. A truly terrifying weapon, sometimes its consequences go beyond reason. I know it far too well… I’ve seen empires crumble in a matter of seconds thanks to its chaos.

“Rey! Mama is here!”

“Lady Rachel” maids stood in unison.

“Oh my! How long has he been standing?”

“Since Monica left for you madam.”

“Is that so? How delightful! Rey is amazing isn’t he? You will be the topic of conversation for all reunions my dear!” She raised me in the air.

“I’d be an honor.” I said, while she hugged me tight.

I must say, having someone other than yourself to be genuinely happy for your achievements is kind of… nice.

When was the last time someone genuinely hugged me this tight?

Was there ever a time?

Did they… also give me this warmth?

—————————————————————————————————————————

“Victor, always remember, you don’t need anyone else. If anything people are just a useful tool, as long as you have yourself, the words of others are meaningless, no one means what they say after all.”

—————————————————————————————————————————

I wonder if he was right—If words aren’t enough then… is it safe to assume this hug actually means something?

Is it ok to stay like this just a bit longer?

This is bad… I’ll end up asleep if this continues… I need to go… with Eliot…

—————————————————————————————————————————

This lake… why does it feel so familiar?

Oh… yeah… I hadn’t seen my new body before.

What’s with these purple eyes?

Is this actually possible in this world?

I think in the portraits my father also had them… I thought it was just a stylistic choice…

Bubbles…

There’s bubbles in the water…

Rising to the surface.

And below there’s…

—Tzzzzzzz—

…Rey…

Rey…

Rey!

“Huh”

The cicada in her lap replaced the bubbling. 

It’s difficult to get used to this name…

“Now that you can walk, come hunt bugs with me!”

“Eh?”