5 Months Later
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(Michael's POV)
It's been five months since Lavinia joined my family,it still felt surreal sometimes.
Having a sister well an adopted sister who'd lost her parents and had been living in a terrible environment before Grandma and Grandpa rescued her.
And not just any sister.
A sister with a Sacred Gear. Which if you don't know was an artifact made by God, with hers being one of the Thirteen Longinus, that is basically the thirteen most powerful Sacred Gears in existence,
Created by the Christian God.
From what dad and my grandparents said.
That fact alone had confirmed something huge for me.
That is that God is real.
Actually, genuinely real.
I should have known considering devils exist, but the fact He created them mean he's probably still kicking alive.
And with sacred gear existing, specifically the Longinus Sacred Gears are designed to kill gods "plural" then that means.
Other gods exist too.
All of them.
Greek gods.
Canaanite gods.
Norse gods.
Egyptian gods.
Shinto gods.
And many other gods
All the mythologies.
Are fully real.
I'd had a minor existential crisis when I realized that.
And immediately thought of different things like does that mean the "90% of Greeks are children of Zeus" joke could actually be true here?
Does that mean Rome really was founded by two guys raised by a wolf?
Does that mean Adam and Eve actually existed?
How does that even work with evolution and science !?
I'd spiraled for a solid hour before deciding to just... accept it.
This is a world where gods and magic are real.
Logic is negotiable here.
Moving on, Lavinia had been living with us ever since Christmas.
With her moving in the next day after the celebrations. With her getting her own room, and it was right next to mine.
Which I never noticed until she moved in.
Now how is that possible for me to not notice a room next to my room.
Well it's simple.
Turns out, Dad had put an illusion spell and on the door to hide it and how did i not notice anyone moving in some furniture, well another different spell this time, more specifically he used teleportation spell to teleport the furniture in.
Of course using teleportation spell for his daily activities . (of course i would use that as well)
But i don't even know how OP my dad is anymore.
He just casually has an illusion spell that is ready that bypass my senses, and use a teleportation spell as if it's not an advanced spell.
And I'm a reincarnated person with scientific knowledge from a past life.
And he's STILL more bullshit than me.
Moving on Dad and Grandma had been teaching me and Lavinia magic more frequently now.
Which had led to me learning a lot more about this world.
Like the existence of devils society.
I already knew that from Grandma mentioning Mephisto Pheles.
But when I first heard about the devils existing ,and thought that the devils were ruled by Seven Princes of Hell, or something like that.
Then Dad explained: on there are four Satans, with them being the current leaders of Devil society. And them being the new rulers.
Since the original Four Satans specifically Lucifer, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, and Leviathan are dead.
With them being killed in battle.
Fighting God.
During the Great War.
Yeah The Daddy issue Helel aka Lucifer was killed in battle by God and the angel.
Which is ...um....that's... actually kind of relieving?
At least they're not running around anymore.
But that does bring question on Armaggeddon considering it would involve Lucifer and the devils or Armaggeddon already has partially happened.
Also, apparently there was a civil war among the devils, and the 72 Pillars were reduced to 30 Pillars. So yeah the devil here is based on the ars goetia.
Also devil has politics,the devil inhabit half of the underworld or hell, when i say half, there's a fact that the underworld or hell contains different hells and underworlds of different mythology. And Lilith exists here too, being the wife of Lucifer but her fate is unknown with her being injured when fighting God and the angels,and the name of the current capital city of the devil is named after her.
Then there are the Fallen Angels, a separate faction led by Azazel, the angel who fell because of they're sin. Also i found it a bit confusing at first. SInce shouldn't the fallen angels be classified similarly to devils since they both fought against God? But then I realized it came down to one simple thing: racism.
Devils have bat-like wings, while Fallen Angels are just regular angels who had their halos removed and their feathers turned black.
Dad also explained that Merlin's system was inspired by Devil power the magic system Devils use, which the pillars of the devils have special bloodlines and clan traits.
Like Naruto's Kekkei Genkai.
Where a pillar have one specific trait about them .
But Devils, despite having access to incredible power, often use it in lackluster ways relying on their inherited abilities rather than innovating.
Which is wasted potential.
Grandpa had described most Devil power users as "one-trick ponies."
They're sometimes strong, but due to their arrogance most of the time it's easy and predictable. And considering it's coming from grandpa who has experience of giving the love of God to the devils through his fist or attacks, make it's clear sometimes how easy it is to fight them if you have the capabilities. So no need to worry on them for now.
Okay.
I think I'm done talking about the supernatural for now.
It's a lot.
Too much, honestly.
I need a break.
Back to Normal Life (Sort Of)
Lavinia had adjusted well to living with us.
She had her own room, her own space.
But there's a problem...
Almost every night, she'd quietly slip into my room and climb into my bed.
Thankfully, my bed is big.
And I have a lot of pillows and a body pillow, so there's enough for me,and it's comfortable.
But still.
She does this almost every night.
And Jeanne?
Jeanne had also started visiting even more than before.
If that was even possible.
She'd come over after school, on weekends, during holidays.
And sometimes...sometimes I'd wake up to find both Jeanne and Lavinia in my bed.
One on each side.
Using me as a pillow.
I was starting to get suspicious on them
But, we're still kids.
Jeanne's turning six soon (May 30th).
Lavinia just turned ten (January 23rd).
Which we celebrate with a big party, and she was pretty happy.
I'm five ( but I'm turning six on June 6th).
So I'm putting this in the "deal with it later" category.
But for the record: I'm not dense.
I see what's happening.
I'm just... choosing to ignore it for now.
Not to mention i could be also wrong,and could be puppy love, so I'm letting fate do it's thing. And that's also future Michael problem not mine.
While i was thinking about it,I felt warmth on both sides.
Oh right, I turned my head, and as usual.
Jeanne was on my left, curled up, hugging my arm, her blonde hair spread across the pillow. And Lavinia was on my right, also curled up, one arm draped over my chest, sleeping peacefully.
Yup.
This is my life now.
I carefully tried to extract myself without waking them.
Success.
Finally I was then able to slipped out of bed, stretched, and looked back.
Then I noticed her.
The ice doll,was standing in the corner of the room. And as usual it was silent, watching.
She's been appearing more often lately.
I stared at the doll.
Though it brought one thing inside my mind.
Is she sentient?
It's hard to tell.
She doesn't speak. Doesn't move much.
But her eyes... they move sometimes.
Tracking, and observing different things.
Responding to Lavinia's emotions.
I wondered about Lavinia's Sacred Gear.
Considering it's powerful.
One of the Longinus.
And it's really fascinating, i would really love to learn how to use one.
But I don't have one.... Though i don't really mind about it, since well it's stupidly rare,and as a Catholic, God gives everyone the necessary talents,so I'm not that annoyed.
Another reason why i was questioning if the doll is sentient, is the fact Dad and Grandpa had mentioned that Sacred Gears are extremely rare,most people never get one,nor even see one.
And there's something called a Balance Breaker,a power-up that unlocks the full potential of a Sacred Gear.
Like a Super Saiyan transformation, I guess.
They'd also explained that Sacred Gears grow with their users. Following the users ambitions,their desires, and mainly their will.
And sometimes, a Balance Breaker can be different from the "original" version because of the user's influence. It's called a subspecies that might showcase new abilities.
That was interesting for me,due to it not a fixed power system,but one that evolve,and adapt base on their users
I find it so cool... actually really cool.
Since it meant that the potential of a sacred gear are endless.
While Michael was continuing to talk to himself like a madman, the ice doll moved it's claw like fingers to it's face while watching Michael,as if acting like a human.
Though of course do to Michael being inside his mind,he didn't notice the change before the ice doll disappeared.
Later - Breakfast
---------
I sat at the dining table, eating French toast Mom had made.
This is so good.
Mom's cooking is always amazing.
While i was munching.
Jeanne and lavi who had woke up sat beside me, with Jeanne on my left happily munching on her own plate, while
Lavinia sat on my right, eating quietly, smiling.
Dad sat at the head of the table, wine glass in hand.
Even though it's morning.
Even though we're eating breakfast.
He's drinking wine.
I stared at him... And think one thing.
Is Dad an alcoholic?
Seriously, whenever he's not busy, he has a glass of wine in his hand.
It's concerning.
Dad noticed me staring. "What?"
"Nothing," I said quickly.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't press.
On a side note, the relationship between Jeanne's parents and mine had grown exponentially closer since Christmas.
Now that both families knew eachother knew about the supernatural, there was no need to hide.
Jeanne visited me when I practiced magic.
Sometimes, she'd use my fire spells to make s'mores.
Which was adorable,and also a bit cheeky.
And also she sometimes asked me to make snow,and proceeded to pelted me with some snowballs even after winter had ended.
I really regret doing that.
But i did get revenge on her.
By getting her wet with a water spell or pelted by snowballs, i didn't show no mercy to her.
Also as a six-year-old that has access to magic.
What could go wrong? Right ? Right ? especially if they're mature.
Well...plant magic
I'd recently started learning plant magic.
It wasn't too hard, surprisingly.
The basics were straightforward that is to channeling energy into plants to make them grow,though another way is to use time magic.
But overall speeding up growth? Just give the plant energy.
Simple.
Except....
Turn's out If you give it TOO much energy, it'll explodes. Literally.
I learned that the hard way.....
For a while, the sound of explosions echoed through the house every few hours.
BOOM
BOOM
BOOM
Not to mention the amount of plant matter and goo that was stuck on the fences or the wall of the house by the plant blowing up was not the best to say the least.
Mom had been very patient from the noise and mess that i was creating.
Dad, however, had just sighed and cast a noise-canceling and cleaning spell around the entire property.
Problem solved.
I was both impressed and confused by his talent.
He dropped out of Grauzauberer a prestigious magical organization run by what i understand as a powerful figure the devil Mephisto Pheles himself.
Dad a dropout.
And yet he casually creates custom spells that manipulate sound, able to create teleportation spells with ease,and etc...
Is Dad an anomaly?
Or are all magicians in this world like him?
Probably the former.
Dad's just... talented.
Annoyingly talented.
(Michael's POV)
I was currently in the backyard, hands raised, focusing on using an enhancement spell,that Dad had taught me.
I soon was trying to feel the energy.
And then channel it through my body.
Using the magic energy, I'm able
Strengthen my muscles, reinforce the bones,and also sharpen the reflexes.
A faint glow appeared around my body barely visible, but there.
It's working.
Enhancement magic, as Dad explained it, works by channeling magical energy into your body's physical structure and temporarily boosting its performance.
There are a few key components:
First for muscle enhancement, magical energy is infused into muscle fibers, increasing their contractile force.
Basically, you're making your muscles work at 150-200% efficiency without tearing them apart, since the magical energy that is infused with the muscle, reinforce the muscles fibers, making them more thicker and stretchy in a way, that allows it to store or use more energy,and preventing the user from then tearing they're muscle beyond a dangerous level when doing superhuman capabilities.
another is the magic also give bone reinforcement, with the energy flowing into the skeletal system with one of the way through the blood vessels, the energy makes the bones denser and more resistant to fractures. Think of it like adding a magical "coating" that absorbs impact.
Another important part,is nerve acceleration,the magical energy speeds up the nerve signal transmission, improving someone reaction time. So making them see things faster, move faster, think faster.
Lastly it gives stamina boost,as the energy is fed directly into your cells, reducing fatigue build-up,and recharging them. It's like having an external battery pack for your body, which your magical energy can be converted to stamina actually, with magical energy can be compensate through stamina. With my main understanding ln that they are two different batteries, that can be sent to the other if necessary.
How that work is somewhat weird from my understanding, considering both are also used together in some spell. So it could be like them are basically in a different energy form , that both can be activated or transferred to one another, like electricity.
But there's a tricky part , specifically balance.
Since if you sent or tranfer too much energy in one area, you risk injury, like bursting your muscle or some cell, or for a scientific idea like overloading a circuit,and it exploding.
And sending too little, and the enhancement is negligible.
But thankfully the spell somewhat regulate that somewhat balancing the energy, though a user could remove the restriction.
But thanks to my understanding of biology from my past life, I had an advantage.
I know where the major muscle groups are.
I know how nerves transmit signals.
I can visualize on the ways the body work, how the body move oxygen,the way body activate adrenaline in the body. Heck possibly maybe allowing me to have a way to have hysterical strength, while still not fully damaging the body.
I begin focusing it, directing the energy into my legs specifically.
First to the quadriceps, since due to them being used very often constantly, quads are prone to face issues like strains, tendonitis, and muscle tears.
Second is the Hamstrings. They're very important, because they perform two primary jobs: that is bending or flexing the knee and straightening /extending the hip. They also mainly act as the brakes when running or walking, decelerating the lower leg to prevent the knee joint from hyperextending. But due to them being used very often are highly susceptible to tears and strains, especially during explosive sprinting or sudden changes in direction. So reinforcing them when wanting to run is necessary.
And third is the Calves.They are primarily responsible for "plantar flexion" , which propels you forward with every step you make,and also when you jump or run. The gastrocnemius also assists the hamstrings in bending the knee. So very much important for mobility,but like the hamstrings,and quadriceps, they're prone to cramping, tightness, and micro-tear. And getting a cramp is hell. As if someone is strangling you and you can't fight back.
And the reason why i also reinforced the hamstring is the fact that if the hamstring frequently tightened,the calve have to to overcompensate it.
Like the person doing all the work in the group,when a member doesn't do anything.
And like doing a team project by a single person,the calves and person is heavily tired. The calves being overloaded give you a strain.
I continued to reinforce them imagining the magic coating the muscles cell bit by bit,and it strengthen them.
As they begin to glow intensively but then disappeared.
I then begin to sprint and jumped, and it worked I was practically flying as i was a few meters in the air, and nearly going above the backyard wall roof.
But thankfully i didn't crash into the roof or went pass the wall, and begin feeling gravity again.
Phew... Thank God i didn't had a dumb thing moment.
I then landed, but stumbled slightly but i was still able to catch myself.
The shock from the landing still causes myself to stumble a bit, even with the enhancement spell turns out.
I... really need to practice more and getting used to the kinetic energy when landing it or learn a shock absorbing spell.
But it's progress.
Meanwhile, across the yard, Lavinia was training her Sacred Gear.
And by "training," I mean she was commanding the ice doll to freeze the entire backyard.
Since the entire backyard was covered in ice ice on the surface of the grass, the trees, and the wall backyard.
Frost spread across the ground in intricate, crystalline patterns.
The temperature of the backyard had also dropped so much that i can see my breath.
And the huge amount of ice shards and icicles around the garden and on the tree was a lot,and is clearly noticeable.
Thankfully, Mom and Dad's backyard is HUGE.
I'd forgotten to mention that before, but yeah our backyard was massive, with high walls surrounded it, blocking the view from neighbors,and the top of the walls had a roof-like covering to prevent anyone from climbing over and seeing what we were doing.
So it was really perfect for magical training.
And hiding ice constructs.
Lavinia stood in the center of the frozen yard, with both hands raised, with her breath visible in the cold air.
With the ice doll loomed behind her, moving at her command, as Lavinia gestured, the doll raised one of its four arms.
And another wave of frost erupted, coating a training dummy in solid ice. It looks like it trapped inside a blue crystal, that's how cold it is.
Lavi's getting better at controlling the Sacred Gear she has, and the doll's power output is insane.
But that reminds me about next year.
Since when I turned seven, my sword training would officially begin.
And Grandpa Edgar had already made arrangements,and Jeanne would be joining me. Due to her wanting to be a knight and the fact she got the build for it.
She was strong ( taking into account that her grip strength is able to beat mine,and often tackling me), she's also very athletic ( she's super fast),and aggressive (i don't need to explain on that)
But Lavinia wouldn't be joining.
Grandma Vivienne had explained:
"Lavinia from my analysis is better suited as a magician not to mention Her body isn't fully built for close or physical combat. Jeanne, on the other hand, has the physical capability for swordsmanship and physical combat."
Which... yeah, that tracks.
Jeanne's grip strength when she hugged me and whenever sheheld me down was ridiculous.
Not to mention she tackled me constantly.
She's basically a mini warrior already.
Lavinia, by contrast, was more delicate,and mindful. Better suited for magic.
Both have different strengths,so different roles.
Makes sense.
I returned my focus to my enhancement spell, adjusting the energy flow around my body and the specific parts of the body,when.....
WHOOSH.
A blast of freezing air slammed into me from the side.
"WHOA!"
I was hit directly by one of the ice doll's attacks,a stray blast Lavinia hadn't controlled properly.
Immediately my side had ice attached to them.
BRRRRR IT'S SUPERCOLD
VERY COLD
Meanwhile some of the frost coated my clothes, my hair, my skin,and even some in my shirt.
I shivered violently, teeth chattering.
"M-Michael!" Lavinia's voice called out, panicked. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?!"
She rushed over, the ice doll following behind her.
I waved a hand, trying to shake off the frost. "I..I'...m...f...fine...j..just...cold–"
Lavinia looked horrified. "I didn't mean to hit you! I'm so sorry!"
"I...it's.....okay....r-really..."
The ice doll meanwhile has it's glaring eyes looking over me, it's six hollow eyes staring down. But the doll looks a bit concerned for me (i don't know how to explained that).
Lavinia meanwhile begin to focus, and the frost on my clothes began to disappear.
As The ice doll responded to her will, reversing the freezing effect.
Yeah her control or manipulation of ice allows her to change or remove ice.
Lavi's control over her Sacred Gear's output was really impressive.
Within seconds, the frost was gone, and I was just... wet. Due to my body heat making some of the ice melted into water, leaving me completely soaked and shivering,and I'm also still cold. But hey I'm not a half frozen popsicle anymore.
"T-thanks," I said, still shivering.
"I'm really sorry, for that Michael" Lavinia said, looking guilty.
"It's fine, accidents happen."
She smiled weakly. "I'll try to be more careful."
"Please do." I replied.
The ice doll shifted slightly, as if satisfied that I was okay.
I then sighed and wrung out my shirt.
Well,that's enough enhancement training for today.
I'll have to get some dry clothes.
And maybe hot chocolate.
---------
After Changing Clothes
---------
I stood in my room, wearing fresh, dry clothes.
I raised my hand and begin concentrating as a magic circle appears.
It was a heating spell.
The same basic spell I used to heat tea.
But this time, I directed it at myself.
The magic circle release the heat,as the warmth spread through my body, chasing away the lingering cold from Lavinia's ice attack.
Ahhh.
Much better.
I'm basically a walking space heater now.
I let the spell dissipate after a minute, feeling warm and comfortable again.
Okay,back to training.
--------
Later...
--------
I stood in the backyard again, this time focusing on wind magic.
I raised my hand and began doing incantation.
"Galling wind" (i know it's cringe)
As a blast of high pressure wind appeared, hitting the wall. But thankfully dad had reinforced the walls so it can withstand it.
Incantations weren't always necessary for spells, but they helped.
Dad and Grandma had explained about them.
" The usage of incantation,has their benefits for some magicians, as incantation cause someone to be more focus and in hand solidifying their intent. Another usage of incantation, allows the magical energy to flow more precisely, and actually boost the power output slightly,and is useful for complex or advanced spells." Dad explain.
But they also had explained on when to skip Incantations, such as the simple, practiced spells (like the legendary basic fireballs),
combat situations where speed or stealth matters,and when you've mastered the spell and can cast it instinctively.
Dad and Grandma sometimes used incantations,usually for very advanced or complex spells where precision was critical.
For me, a beginner, incantations were helpful for maintaining control.
I then begin making some different incantation.
And a blade of compressed air formed in front of me,it was a bit invisible from a far distance but seeable when close,and detectable via the pressure it created.
I thrust my hand forward.
WHOOSH
As the wind blade shot through the air, slicing cleanly through a target dummy
The dummy's top half toppled off.
Nice,it was really a clean cut.
Lavinia stood nearby, practicing the same spell..She spoke her incantation, as she then released her own wind blade.
WHOOOOOSH
Her blade was faster and more powerful, cutting through two dummies in a row.
Which with Lavi being older,and likely have similar talent to mine she can handle more magical output.
So it makes sense,her spells are more powerful.
She turned to me, smiling. "How's my development, Michael? Am I getting better?"
I nodded. "Yeah. You're doing great. Your control is way better than before."
She beamed. "Thanks!"
I and Lavi went back to training myself.
As i The on plant magic
" Plant Growth"
A green glow and a magic circle appeared around my palm as green energy transferred to the grass.
Immediately the grass that had received my magic energy begins to grow,and it wad getting taller and taller until it's height is around my knee.
Well that was a success.I thought.
Since this time i didn't have my face hit by some plant sap.
Then I heard a familiar voice.
"MIIIIKEYYY!"
I turned, it was Jeanne.
Jeanne came running into the backyard, grinning, her hair still slightly damp.
"I'm back!" she announced.
I raised an eyebrow. "You went home to shower?"
"Yup! I was all sweaty from playing earlier."
Of course, she then ran over and hugged me. And getting me wt due to her wet hair,and the cold dampness.
Great.
"Jeanne, you're still wet—"
"I know!" She grinned. "But I missed you!"
Though i don't know whether she did this on purpose on not.
I sighed.
"Not to mention, I'm going to my birthday soon "
" I know Jeanne but that's still a few days away"
" Good"
Meanwhile Lavi puffed her cheeks, seeing Jeanne being bold.
Jeanne is really close with Michael, not to mention she often call Michael with a nickname, should i do that as well to get close to Michael, what should i call him by ?.
I'll ask Michael later.
-----------
Five Days Later - May 30th
-----------
(Michael's POV)
Jeanne's house was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a large banner that read: "Happy 6th Birthday, Jeanne!"
The living room was filled with her family and mine.
Mom, Dad, Jeanne's parents Gerald and Charlotte, and Lavinia.
And in the center of it all, sitting at the table with a huge smile on her face, was Jeanne.
She wore a frilly white dress, probably picked out by her mom, and a little party hat perched on her head.
In front of her sat a beautiful cake.
A two layered cake, decorated with pink frosting, strawberries, and six colorful candles flickering brightly.
Jeanne looks so happy.
Charlotte held up her phone, recording. "Alright, sweetheart, make a wish and blow out the candles!"
Jeanne closed her eyes, hands clasped together like she was praying.
What's she wishing for?
After finishing making her wish.
She took a deep breath and blew, all six candles went out at once.
Everyone clapped and cheered.
"Yay!" Charlotte said, smiling. "Good job, sweetheart!"
Gerald grinned. "What did you wish for ?"
Jeanne shook her head firmly. "I can't tell you dad, or it won't come true!"
"Fair enough." Gerald replied though with a sigh.
Charlotte handed Jeanne a knife. "Alright, birthday girl. Time to cut the cake!"
Jeanne grabbed the knife with both hands,still a bit too small for her, and carefully cut into the cake.
She managed to cut a decent slice, and everyone clapped again.
Then, following tradition, Jeanne fed the first slice to her parents.
She carefully held a piece of cake on a fork and offered it to her dad first.
He leaned forward and ate it, smiling.
"Delicious."
Then she fed her mom.
"Mmm! So good!" Charlotte said, kissing Jeanne's forehead.
Jeanne smile and beamed.
Then she turned to me.
And held out another piece of cake on a fork.
"Mikey! Your turn!"
I blinked. "Huh?"
She grinned. "Come on! Open up!"
Oh it's my turn now to be feed.
Is this... ?
Should I...?
I glanced at the adults.
Mom and Jeanne mom were smiling, clearly finding this adorable.
Dad and Jeanne dad were exchanging amused looks.
Okay.
I leaned forward and let Jeanne feed me the cake. It's really good, the flavour of the cake wasstrawberry and vanilla.
"Thanks, Jeanne," I said.
She grinned. "You're welcome!"
I glanced over at Lavinia.
She was staring at me.
Hard.
Her expression was... neutral.
But her eyes were sharp and seem to be glaring at me.
Is she... jealous?
But during her birthday back in January, she fed me cake too.
So she can't really complain.
Right?
Lavinia caught me looking and quickly smiled.
Okay, crisis averted...I think.
Gerald stood up, holding a wrapped box. "Alright, Jeanne. Time for your present."
Jeanne's eyes lit up. "Really?! What is it?!"
"Open it and see."
She grabbed the box eagerly and tore off the wrapping paper.
Inside was a sword,well more specifically a real sword.
Well, a small sword.m,a perfect size for a child, but it was still sharp, and very functional to kill someone.
The blade was very polished, with the hilt wrapped in leather, and the pommel engraved with a small red cross.
Jeanne gasped. "A SWORD!?"
Gerald nodded. "I've decided to start your training early, you've got the build for it, and the determination, so I got you your first training blade."
Jeanne carefully lifted the sword out of the box, holding it reverently.
She looks like she just received Excalibur.
"This is so cool!" she said, grinning.
Charlotte smiled. "Just be careful with it, okay? And only use it during training."
"I will!"
Gerald ruffled her hair. "You're going to be a great knight one day."
Jeanne stood up, holding the sword proudly. "I'm going to be a knight! And Mikey's going to be my partner!"
I sweatdropped on her words. She really is loud.
The adults chuckled.
Mom smiled. "That's very sweet, Jeanne."
Dad grinned. "You two will make a good team."
Jeanne turned to me, still holding the sword, beaming. "Right, Mikey? We're going to fight together!"
"Uh... sure," I said.
What else am I supposed to say?
She grinned even wider.
Lavinia stepped forward, smiling politely. "Congratulations, Jeanne. I hope you have a wonderful birthday."
"Thanks, Lavi!" Jeanne said cheerfully.
Both thank eachother.
But I clearly notice there's tension.
Just a little subtle edge in their voices.
Lavinia's smile was genuine,but also... a bit guarded. While Jeanne's enthusiasm was real,but also... competitive?
They're friendly to eachother, but also... sizing each other up.
...
I hope this doesn't boil over in the future.
But considering we're all still kids, maybe they'll become good friends eventually.
Right ?
Right ?
... I'll just hope for the best.
------------
Six Days Later - June 6th
------------
(Michael's POV)
Soon My birthday is here
And my house house was now being decorated.
The decorations and theme of it, are obviously different Jeanne's birthday party, but it's just as warm and lively.
Both of my grandparents were here.
Mom's parents,Nonna Isabella and Nonno Antonio had come from Italy.
Dad's parents,Grandma Vivienne and Grandpa Edgar had teleported from Britain.
Though it wasn't the whole set,like Mom's brother, and Granduncle Jake.i never met them though,but i probably like to meet them.
It was somewhat a big gathering.
I sat in front of my birthday cake, for Information the cake was a chocolate cake, with Oreos, because Mom knew me well...too well.
Meanwhile on top of the cake was six candles flickering.
Obviously representing me being six years old.
Physically.
Mentally... considerably older.
Everyone was watching, smiling.
I closed my eyes.
Since before blowing out the candle,you should make a wish.
...
So what do I wish for?
...
I wish for a good life.
For everyone I care about to be safe and live a long happy life.
And also have a fun and enjoyable life.
Is that too broad?
Probably.
But it's honest.
I opened my eyes and blew.
All six candles went out.
Everyone cheered and clapped seeing that.
Mom pulled me into a tight hug first, kissing my forehead.
"Happy birthday, tesoro," she said softly. "I'm so proud of you."
Dad ruffled my hair, grinning. "Happy birthday son,your now six years old, how time flies."
More than you know, Dad.
Nonna Isabella cupped my face in both hands, eyes glistening. "My bambino! Six years old already! Look how handsome you are!"She kissed both my cheeks repeatedly.
"We hope for nothing but the best for you, Michael," Nonno Antonio said warmly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Grow strong. Grow wise. Make your family proud....and don't be a slacker like your dad when training " Nonno said that last part in a low voice.
"Thank you, Nonno," I said. Though sweatdropping a bit on about dad.
Then it was Grandma Vivienne's turn.
She knelt down, smiling gently. "Happy birthday, Michael. I hope you continue to grow into a wonderful young man."
She paused, tilting her head. "Speaking of which,how is your magic training progressing?"
Always business with Grandma.
But in a loving way.
Before I could answer...
"He's doing excellently," Mom said proudly. "You should see him practice. He's been working on enhancement magic, wind spells,not to mention something like PlantMagic—"
"Plant magic?" Grandma raised an eyebrow, on the way mom said it.
"It... had some explosive incidents," Dad added diplomatically.
"Some noise-canceling spell was necessary," I confirmed.
Grandma chuckled. "I see. We'll discuss details later, but well done, Michael."
Then Grandpa Edgar stepped forward,
He looked at me seriously for a moment.
Then he placed a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Happy birthday, grandson," he said gruffly.
"I hope you grow into a great and talented man."
He paused.
"And don't waste that talent."
He glanced at Dad for a few seconds,so it was brief, really brief. But very clear.
Dad's expression flickered. "Hey."
Edgar didn't even look at him. " What ?, I'm talking to my grandson, Edward."
"You were clearly jabbing at me."
"Was I?"
"Yes."
"Hmm."
Grandpa Edgar acted as if he trying to see if he did or not, master of subtle digs.
I bit back a smile.
After the grandparents finished, two pairs of eyes turned to me.
Jeanne and Lavinia.
Both of them had been waiting patiently.
Unusually patiently, for Jeanne.
Jeanne then stepped forward first, holding a small wrapped gift, practically vibrating with excitement.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEY!" she shouted, throwing herself at me in a hug.
I stumbled backward slightly. "Thanks, Jeanne.....can't.....breathe " as Jeanne hugged slowly collapse my lung. She still hasn't controlled her grip strength.
"Sorry!" She pulled back, grinning. "Here! This is for you!"
She shoved the gift into my hands.
I unwrapped it.
Inside was a small, handmade card
clearly drawn by Jeanne herself, with crayon drawings of two stick figures, one with a sword and one with what appeared to be a magic circle above its hand.
Underneath, in careful, slightly wobbly handwriting:
"Happy Birthday Mikey, you are My Best Friend Forever. - Jeanne"
I stared at it.
...
This is genuinely one of the nicest things anyone has given me.
"Thank you, Jeanne," I said quietly.
She beamed. "I drew it myself!"
"I can tell." I smiled. "I love it."
Her face lit up like the sun.
Then Lavinia stepped forward.
She held a small box, her expression was pretty much warm but slightly nervous.
"Happy birthday, Michael," she said softly. "I... I got you something."
I opened the box.
Inside was a small, silver bookmark engraved with a simple but elegant pattern of intertwining vines,and abstract features.
"I know you like reading," she said quietly. "So I thought..."
"It's perfect, Lavi," I said, smiling at her.
"Thank you."
She exhaled in relief, smiling back. "I'm glad you like it."
I looked around the room, smiling with the people around me.
Later...
"Okay tesoro,now it's time to cut up the cake" Mom said.
"Okay mom" I replied
I then cut the cake,and begin to feed the cake.
First to mom and then dad the cake, after that i feed some cake to my grandparents and then Nonna & Nonno.
Soon it was Jeanne and Lavi turned.
Both were then looking at with me, smiling.
Both had an expression that was saying
" I want to be the one you feed first before her."
Yeah this is going to be a problem but do not worry i have a solution.
I soon grabbed another spoon,and then at the same time cut a part of the birthday cake with the two spoons. And then directed them to Jeanne and Lavi.
"Here, open wide you two....Aaaa"
" Aaaa"
" Aaaa"
And i then feed both at the same time.
Pop
Pop
"Mmmm" Jeanne felt she was in heaven the moment she bite the cake.
Lavinia gently enjoy the cake she was feed by Michael. But Lavinia clearly enjoyed the cake as well.
"It's good right. " I asked both.
" Yeah It's Really good Mikey!!" Jeanne replied while enjoying the cake.
" Mmm." Lavinia who was still munching agreed.
And crisis is averted.
Mom Meanwhile chuckled seeing that and muttering
"my son is really smart."
With Dad confused on what mom said.
_______________
From experience, children are really competitive on things, and want someone to pay attention to them,so it's obvious that lavi would be a bit jealous of Jeanne closeness to Michael.
Also yeah I somewhat skipped Lavi birthday but don't worry I'll compensate for that in the future. And Michael will have his memories about DXD back soon, though there are some bad news about this fanfic.
At the end of may,and half of June I'll be busy,and maybe unable to edit and publish chapters during that time, so sorry about that. The reason why, is due to a test I'm going to face. So yeah,and sadly there will be only two chapter for this week so sorry.
Also thank you so much for reading my fanfic, considering I've passed 100k word worth of chapters, honestly i didn't expect i would be able to reach that number. Also I'm really happy that there are 400 readers who've put this fanfic into their library, thank you so much.
Also around or after June, I'll probably begin editing some of the first chapters, considering those were practically heinous. And a hazard to anyone reading them.
So I'll see ya in the next chapter 👋
- AgentByteGOC