NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: chapter 3: born again?
The white light glowed for a while, its intensity so blinding that I could scarcely keep my eyes open. In an instant, everything went pitch black, as if a heavy veil had been drawn across my vision, shrouding me in utter darkness. I attempt to form words, but all that escapes my lips are the soft, gurgling sounds of baby babbles and playful coos. Within my mind, I wear an expression of astonishment as I struggle to articulate my thoughts again, yet the only response that fills the air is another series of nonsensical babbles. "Is that… me?" I ponder, bewildered by the surreal situation surrounding me. The realization washes over me—how could I be alive after everything? My thoughts whirl in a tempest of confusion and infinite possibilities. Did I somehow get reincarnated? Or perhaps I've been transported to a new world altogether, like in those isekai stories? Panic begins to swell within me, and my tiny body responds, erupting into inconsolable cries as my fear overwhelms me. Why am I crying? It's just a wave of uncertainty that grips my heart with a sense of dread. I slowly lift my eyelids, feeling the heaviness of sleep gradually fade away as I begin to take in my surroundings. The room is a curious blend of charm and nostalgia, filled with ornate antique furniture that tells stories of a bygone era. A lavishly carved wooden rocking chair sits in one corner, while delicate lace curtains filter soft sunlight, casting gentle patterns across the floorboards. The air is lush with the faint scent of aged wood and floral potpourri.
As I shift my gaze downward, I realize with a jolt that I can hardly move my head. My body feels strangely diminutive and somewhat plump, a bizarre realization that I am somehow in the body of a baby. The soft fabric of a knitted blanket envelops me, and I frown slightly, bewildered.
Panic rises within me as I attempt to gasp, to voice my shock at this absurd reality, but all that escapes my lips is a soft huff of air, almost like a whisper caught in a gentle breeze. My tiny hands clench reflexively around the blanket, and the weight of confusion settles in my mind as I try to understand how I came to be in this peculiar yet enchanting place.
I focus intently on the doorway ahead, my tiny body propped up in the crib as I anticipate the slow creaking of the door opening. As it swings ajar, I catch just a fleeting glimpse of a figure dressed in black and white, but it vanishes before I can make sense of it. The person steps fully into the room, and I instinctively lower my head, feeling a mix of trepidation and curiosity.
The woman approaches, her footsteps making a gentle tapping sound against the smooth floor as she glides to the side of my crib. I feel her gaze shift over me, her eyes penetrating yet devoid of warmth. She appears quite unlike my mother; her clothing resembles that of a maid, starkly contrasting with the soft, nurturing style of my mother. Her deep purple hair cascades down her shoulders, catching the light in a way that feels almost surreal, while her dark green eyes seem to flicker with a hint of something inscrutable. A practised smile stretches across her face, but it doesn't reach her eyes.
"Hello, young master," she says, her voice overly sweet yet lacking sincerity. I try to respond, to form words and share my thoughts, but all that escapes my lips are incoherent babbles mingled with drool.
"Are you trying to talk, young master?" she asks, her tone a blend of amusement and condescension as she leans down to scoop me up effortlessly. She carries me over to a changing table, its surface adorned with intricate iron designs that look both beautiful and harsh at the same time.
As she gently lays me down, I feel the chill of the changing table against my fragile back, which is far from the comfort I crave. A soft groan of discomfort escapes me, but my baby body only allows a whine to bubble up, expressing the slight unease of the unfamiliar surface. The maid, seemingly unfazed, rummages through a nearby drawer and retrieves an assortment of clothes, her movements quick and practised as she prepares to dress me.
The garments the maid selected exuded an air of opulence, their rich fabrics shimmering softly under the light. Each piece boasted intricate details, from delicate lace trims to sumptuous silks, creating a sense of indulgence that beckoned to be touched and worn. She brings them over to me and starts undress me from my nightgown, before she redresses me she changes my nappy. She carefully selects a fresh, pristine nappy, slipping it on with deliberate smoothness. With a swift yet gentle motion, she adjusts the straps, giving them a reassuring tap to ensure they are snugly in place. Once satisfied, she begins to drape my clothes over her arm, her movements fluid and purposeful as she prepares to dress me. She slides on my bottoms, making sure they are snug, "is this good young master?" I look at her and babble more, "I'll take that as a yes." then another woman comes in dressed like nobility, "Where is my boy, Noctis." she looks around the room, scanning for me. Her gaze slowly drifted towards me and the maid as she completed fastening the buttons on my top. "Hello, my lady. I'm just finishing dressing the young master," the maid replied, her voice steady, though it was clear she was working to mask any hint of emotion. The woman regarded them with an unblinking stare, a faint smile playing on her lips as she replied, "I can see that." She gazes at me intently, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as if she has been patiently awaiting my next move. "My dear boy, it seems you've filled out a bit more. How shall I put it… perhaps, chubby?" A hint of amusement dances in her voice as she glances toward the maid, who stands nearby, offering a reassuring nod in agreement mother maintains a clear distance, her demeanour cold and unapproachable, as if an invisible barrier separates us. I stretch my arms wide and call out, "Mama!" A wave of uncertainty washes over me as I silently question my actions, thinking, "What am I even doing?" Her gaze meets mine, filled with disapproval, making me feel like I'm somehow unworthy or lost. Suddenly, a small girl burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. "Mother! Can I hold little brother, pleaseeeee!" she pleaded, her voice filled with youthful exuberance. My mother glanced up from her task, a weary sigh escaping her lips as she considered the request. "Fine, you can," she finally relented, turning her gaze towards the maid. "Maid, please give Noctis to Lilith."
The maid paused for a moment, her expression shifting between hesitance and understanding as she looked at Lilith, my older sister, and then back at me. With a gentle touch, she lifted me from my cosy spot and carefully handed me over to Lilith, who eagerly reached out her hands, her face lighting up with joy at the prospect of holding her little brother. Lilith cradles me softly in her warm embrace, her grip tightening as if the very essence of her life hinges on our connection. "You're so adorable!" she exclaims, pressing her nose affectionately against mine, her laughter bubbling like a gentle stream. "We are going to be best friends forever!" With a tender smile, she carries me effortlessly, though I can sense her arms beginning to sag slightly under my small weight.
Finding a cosy seat at the table where the maid usually sits, she snuggles me against her chest, wrapping me in a blanket of warmth and security. With a playful gleam in her eye, she lifts me high above her head, the world spinning with exhilaration as I'm momentarily suspended in the air, basking in the joy of our newfound bond. Once again I try to speak but all that comes out are coos and baby babbles, the maid and my mother look over and in awe but my mother looks a bit disgusted. Then my sister stands back up after a while and puts me back in my crib, I start to cry trying to talk to them. The maid says, "he must be hungry." She turns around and searches through the cabinet drawers in a corner of the room, she takes out a white powder and tips it into a crude baby bottle. She mixes it with warm water and comes back over and places the bottle in my mouth, "Drink up." I start to glug up the milk even tho it tastes horrid but immediately I start to feel sleepy after chugging the whole bottle, my eyes start to close as it goes black.