Several Hours Later
(Michael's POV)
It's now been more than 6 hours of travel
When i mean travel,a lot of travel.
The trip back to France had been... long,really long.
First, the drive to the airport in Great Britain about an hour and a half of countryside roads and motorways.
Then the airport itself,check-in, security, waiting at the gate. The usual soul-draining airport experience that somehow felt even more exhausting when you were five years old and your legs didn't reach the floor when you sat in the chairs.
Then the flight just under an hour and a half in the air, which wasn't terrible, but flying on airplane wasn't pleasant when you lost your hearing due to air pressure.
Then landing in France, waiting at the baggage claim,and then customs, and more waiting.
And finally, the drive home another two hours through French roads, heading back to our quiet little town in Northern France.
All in all?
I'm exhausted no everyone is exhausted.
Currently, I was in the backseat of our car, staring out the window as the French countryside rolled by.
Mom was currently the one driving. Dad was in the passenger seat, head tilted back, fast asleep. He'd driven the first leg after we'd picked up the car at the airport, and now he was out cold, snoring softly. I can't blamed him waiting for the luggage was the most annoying one.
Meanwhile i soon glanced down at the Lego set in my lap. Mom had bought it for me during the trip a small castle set with knights and a dragon. I'd been excited about it when she gave it to me, but I hadn't had time to build it yet.
Too busy training magic,and also spending time with Lavi.
I poked at one of the Lego pieces, turning it over in my fingers.
I wonder how she's doing.
Is she okay?
Is the ice doll still with her?
I was worried considering Lavinia mental state.
I then shook my head, trying to push the worry away.
Grandma and grandpa said that they'll take care of it.
I have to trust that. Afterall they're my family.
I turned my attention back to the Lego set, but I didn't feel like building.
Instead, I reached into the bag at my feet and pulled out a book.
Oh yeah forgot to mentioned.
Grandma gave me this before we left.
It was a notebook handwritten, with Grandma's neat, precise handwriting filling the pages.
She'd written it specifically for me before we left.
It's basically a beginner's guide to magic.
Very much simplified, meaning easy to understand,and full of basic spells, for me to understand she also has written some explanations, and diagrams. It's pretty much useful for me to learn.
"For when you want to practice on your own, since i won't be often visiting you and your parents" she'd said when she gave it to me.
"But if you have questions, ask your father. He's better at explaining the practical side of things than he lets on."
Dad?
Better at explaining?
I'd raised an eyebrow at that.
Dad, who spent most of his youth chasing girls instead of focusing on magic.
Dad, who used enhancement spells primarily for cooking.
Dad, who once got stuck in a chimney as a child and as i said in his youth was a full on flirter and chasing skirts.
That Dad?
But Grandma had insisted.
"He's more talented than he admits," she'd said. "He just... chose a different questiona- i mean...unexpected path. But he knows magic,and he's actually quite good at it when he wants to be."
I'm not going to comment on what Grandma was about to say about dad.
But alright.
I'll trust Grandma word.
Even if Dad's primary magical achievement is making really good beef Wellington,and also drinking wine.
I flipped through the notebook, skimming the pages. The first pages of the book is about simpl things some basic fire spells,water manipulation,telekinesis refinement,and even magical energy control.
This is good.... Really good, actually.
Grandma put a lot of thought into this.
I closed the book and tucked it back into the bag.
I'll read it properly when we get home.
Right now...
I yawned, resting my head against the window.
Right now, I just want to sleep.
The car hummed along the road.
Mom's voice came softly from the front seat, humming a tune I didn't recognize.
Dad snored quietly.
And I...
I closed my eyes.
See you when we get home.
---------
Several Hours Later...
(3rd POV)
The car finally pulled into the driveway of their house.
Giulia meanwhile soon turned off the engine and stretched, rolling her shoulders.
"Finally," she muttered. "Home."
She glanced at the passenger seat, where Edward was still fast asleep, head tilted back, mouth slightly open and snoring.
She smiled fondly and reached over, gently shaking his shoulder.
"Caro Wake up We're finally here ."
Edward stirred, blinking groggily.
"Mmm... already?" he mumbled, stretching
"Feels like we just left."
"That's because you slept the entire way." Giulia deadpan at her husband words and Shake's her head.
"I drove earlier," he defended, yawning. "That counts."
"Mm-hmm." Giulia turned to the backseat, where Michael was still fast asleep, slumped against the window, Lego pieces scattered on his lap.
She sighed softly.
He's exhausted.
She turned back to Edward. "Dear, can you grab the luggage from the trunk?"
Edward blinked at her. "Can't you help?"
Giulia smiled sweetly.
The kind of smile that looked innocent but was absolutely a trap.
"I have to carry Michael," she said, still smiling.
Edward stared at her.
"...You're using that as an excuse, aren't you?"
"I have no idea what you mean." Her smile didn't waver.
Edward sighed, recognizing defeat when he saw it.
"Fine. I'll get the luggage."
"Thank you, amore."
He grumbled something under his breath about marrying someone who learned manipulation tactics from her dad and her bloodline as he climbed out of the car and headed to the trunk.
Giulia chuckled softly and turned back to me.
"Alright, tesoro," she whispered. "Let's get you inside."
She carefully unbuckled my seatbelt, scooped me up lego pieces and all,and cradled me against her chest.
I stirred slightly but didn't wake, just mumbling something incoherent and settling back into sleep.
Giulia smiled and carried me toward the front door.
Behind her, Edward wrestled with three suitcases, a duffel bag, and a shopping bag full of souvenirs.
"Little help?" he called.
"You're doing great, dear!" Giulia called back cheerfully.
"Not what i meant," Edward muttered.
But he was smiling.
Inside the House
Giulia carried Michael upstairs to his room, carefully laying him down on his bed. She pulled the blanket over me, brushed the hair from his forehead, and kissed his temple gently.
"Sleep well, piccolo mio," she whispered.
Then she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.
Downstairs, Edward had finally managed to haul all the luggage inside. He collapsed onto the couch with a heavy sigh.
"Remind me why we didn't just let my mom teleport us home?" he groaned.
Giulia sat beside him, smiling. "Because Michael didn't know about magic yet when we left. And because you said and I quote
'I want a normal family vacation.' and you did buy the tickets for the return flight and it would be a waste"
"...Right I forgot about that."
"You did."
"Also why didn't you use a weightless spell to make it easier for you to carry the luggages ?" Giulia asked with a confused look.
Edward paused and slapped himself in the head for forgetting that he can do that.
He then sighed. "Damn it i forgot,that would have been easier.... I'm really an idiot."
"I know." She patted his leg affectionately. "But you're my idiot."
He smiled hearing that and kissed his wife and leaned his head to his wife shoulder, with Giulia chuckled seeing that.
"I love you so much," he said
"I love you too dear," Giulia agreed.
-----------
The Next Day
(Michael's POV)
"Hwaaah-"
I yawned, stretching my arms above my head as I slowly blinked awake.
Man, that was really good nap.
I then realised i was sleeping on a bed and
I immediately looked around, taking in my surroundings.
Oh.
Right.
Look like im finally home.
Which I'm currently in my room. Sleeping on my bed.
I must've been completely out when we arrived. I didn't even remember being carried inside.
Either Mom or Dad brought me to my room.
Probably Mom.
Dad would've just left me in the car and called it "character building." Even though in reality he wants to prank me.
I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and looked down at myself.
Still in my travel clothes.
Ugh.
I need to change my clothes asap.
I swung my legs off the bed and stood, stretching again. My back popped slightly.
Sleeping in a car is terrible for your spine.
Even at five.
I walked to my closet, grabbed some fresh clothes, and quickly changed.
Much better.
Then I headed to the door and opened it, stepping out into the hallway.
The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs something sweet. Pancakes, maybe?
Mom's cooking.
Good.
I started walking down the stairs, still a bit groggy.
Then i was greeted by a familiar voice.
"MICCCKKEEYYY!"
Oh no-!
A blur of blonde hair and pure energy launched itself at me.
I barely had time to brace before I was tackled to the ground.
*Prak*
OOF.
I hit the floor with a thud, the air knocked out of my lungs.
The person who tackled me ?
"Jeanne-" I wheezed.
"You're back!" Jeanne beamed down at me, sitting on my chest like she'd just conquered a mountain. "I missed you SO MUCH!"
Ow.
Why does Jeanne always tackle-hug me.
What did I do to deserve this.
From the living room, I heard Mom and another woman Jeanne's mom, Charlotte laughing.
"She's been waiting since yesterday," Charlotte said, amused. "Practically vibrating with excitement."
"I can tell," Mom replied, clearly trying not to laugh too hard.
I looked up at Jeanne, who was grinning like she'd just won the lottery.
"Hi, Jeanne," I said weakly. "I missed you too. Can you... can you get off me?"
"Oh! Sorry!" She scrambled off, still grinning, and pulled me to my feet.
I brushed myself off, wincing slightly.
That hurt a bit.
But it's Jeanne.
So... expected.
"How was Britain?!" Jeanne asked, bouncing on her toes. "Did you have fun? Did you miss me? What did you do? Did you bring me anything?"
I blinked at the rapid-fire questions.
"Uh... it was good. Yes, I missed you. We visited my grandparents, walked around town, went to an arcade-"
"AN ARCADE?!" Jeanne's eyes went huge. "That's so cool! Did you win anything?"
"Yeah, a plushie. From a claw machine."
"Whoa! You're so good at those!"
"Just got lucky."
Before I could say more and talk about making a friend, Jeanne suddenly grabbed my wrist.
"Come on! I brought some toys I wanna show you! And I wanna play with your toys too!"
"Wait, Jeanne-"
Too late.
She dragged me back upstairs toward my room, chattering excitedly the whole way.
I glanced back at the adults.
Mom was smiling warmly. Charlotte was laughing.
And Dad...
Dad was watching with an expression that was half-amused, half-knowing about it, meanwhile he then drinks his wine.
-------
Back in Michael's Room
Jeanne had already dumped a bag full of toys onto my floor action figures, building blocks, a toy sword, and what looked like a stuffed dragon.
"I brought all my best stuff!" she announced proudly.
I sat down on the floor beside her. "I can see that."
She looked at me expectantly. "So? What do you wanna play first?"
"I don't know. You pick."
"Okay!" She started sorting through the pile. "Oh! By the way-"
She turned to me, hands on her hips, striking a pose.
"How do I look?"
I blinked. "Huh?"
She gestured to her hair, which was styled in twin tails aka two blonde pigtails, with it bouncing as she moved.
"My hair! Mom did it this morning. Do you like it?"
I studied her for a moment.
Twin tails.
Classic.
But...
"It looks good," I said honestly. "But I think you look better with your hair down"
Jeanne tilted her head, considering. "Really?"
"Yeah. I think it suits you more."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Okay! I'll try that next time."
Then she immediately moved on, grabbing a handful of toys.
"Alright! Let's play with your toys now! I wanna see what you got!"
I smiled and nodded. "Sure."
Downstairs - (Edward's POV)
I watched Michael and Jeanne disappear upstairs, shaking my head with a quiet laugh.
That boy, he's just five years old.
Already has two girls who clearly adore him.
Jeanne here in France.
Lavinia in Britain.
Both blonde.
Both clearly adoring him.
I took a sip of some wine, trying not to grin too hard.
He's my son alright, since he's looks and charisma is from myself, alright.
Giulia walked over and sat beside me, raising an eyebrow.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing," I said innocently.
"Edward."
"Just... Happy of our son. That's all."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Uh-huh."
I smiled into my wine.
Let me have this moment Giulia considering you had your moment when Lavinia appeared.
----------
Back with Michael and Jeanne...
Jeanne was now crouched in front of the TV in Michael room (yes he has one)
She carefully inserting a game console into the back of the console she also brought.
I watched, mildly surprised,on her being able to insert the game console and activating the system and also prepping some things.
She's five,and she's doing that herself?
"Jeanne," I said, "do you need help? Should we ask your mom or something?"
She looked back at me and shook her head confidently. "It's okay! I watched Papa do it lots of times. I know how!"
She finished connecting the cables, then grabbed the controller and plopped down beside me on the floor.
"Okay!" she said brightly. "Let's continue our RPG game! I've been training while you were gone!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Training?"
"Yup! I beat three bosses by myself!"
"Wow. That's impressive."
She grinned proudly. "I know! And I'll beat you in our duel this time for sure!"
I smiled. "We'll see."
"I will!" she insisted. "And when I do, Mama's making cookies later, so I'll give you one as a prize."
I chuckled. "Deal."
She picked up her controller, then paused and looked at me with a thoughtful expression.
"Oh! Mikey?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a sleepover at your house in a few days?"
I blinked. "A sleepover?"
"Yeah! Like, I bring my stuff and we play games and stay up late and eat snacks!"
A sleepover.
I mean...
"Did you ask your parents if it's okay?" I asked.
"Yup! Mama said yes if your parents say yes."
I thought about it.
Mom and Jeanne's mom are close friends.
Dad's not strict at all.
And I mean, I did have sleepovers with my cousins when I was five in my previous life.
This should be fine.
"Okay," I said. "I'll ask my parents. But I think they'll say yes."
Jeanne's face lit up. "Yay! This is gonna be so fun!"
She turned back to the screen, already loading up the game.
"Alright! Let's play!"
I picked up my controller and nodded.
Though I'm probably going to beat her in the duel again.
Every time we beat a boss, we duel.
And I've won every single time.
Sorry, Jeanne.
But I'm not losing on purpose.
Later...
The boss battle was intense. Though thankfully we were able to kill it but with ahlf of our health gone.
Me and Jeanne were both frantically clicking our controllers, eyes glued to the screen Dueling eachother.
Jeanne's character a knight with a massive sword was swinging wildly, her health bar dropping fast due to my spells.
My character a mage with a staff was casting spells from a distance, but I'd taken some hits too. My health wasn't great either. But thanks to a leech spell I've had recovered some of my health.
"Come on, come on!" Jeanne muttered, mashing buttons.
Jeanne's health bar hit red.
She's almost done.
Then suddenly, her character glowed.
She's using her ultimate.
"HOLY BLADE STRIKE!" her character shouted on screen.
A burst of bright, radiant light erupted from her sword, slashing across the battlefield in a wide arc.
My character got hit directly by the attack.
My health bar tanked.
Damn.
I didn't expect her to figure out how to use ultimates now.
She's been practicing.
I was down to a sliver of health.
But so was she.
Alright.
Time to end this.
I hit the ultimate button.
My character raised their staff high.
Dozens upon dozens of magic circles materialized in the air around them, glowing with different colors.
"THOUSAND SPELL STRIKE!" my character shouted.
The magic circles all fired at once.
A barrage of spells slammed into Jeanne's character from every direction.
But Jeanne immediately was pressing some other buttons when suddenly something unexpected happened.
"HOLY BLADE STRIKE" Jeanne Character announced again.
Wait what!?
And immediately the attack interacted with mine.
Destroying a part of my characters magic circle.
I was fucking shocked.
Since First I didn't know this game had a fucking secret Konami type code shit to activate your ultimate immediately!!!.
Second of all,the cheat code allows you to cancel the ultimate Cooldown !!?
I turned my heads towards Jeanne.
With her grinning.
She was unable to hold herself.
" I may have learned a cheatcode while trying the game out"
Immediately the strike of her ultimate strike my character.
Causing my character health to dropped.
But her character health bar is still dropping considering some of my magic circle has survived the attack.
Both of our health bar are tanking immediately.
Which this could be anyone's game
Our health bar keep dropping
And it continues to dropped.
And-
The first to fall was Jeanne Character, with mine only having a small red line.
The screen immediately flashed: VICTORY.
Jeanne slumped back with a groan. "Nooooo! I almost had you!"
"You did really well," I said honestly. "That Holy Blade Strike almost finished me."
"But I still lost..." She pouted, crossing her arms.
"You're getting better, though. Way better than last time."
She perked up slightly. "Really?"
"Really. Next time you might actually win."
She grinned. "I will! Just you wait, Mikey!"
I smiled.
She's competitive.
I like that.
"Alright," I said, setting down my controller. "Rematch?"
"YES!"
And we dove back into the game.
Unknown to me something bad was happening in the UK.
__________________
How was the chapter ?
Yeah no note this time
So See ya next time 👋
- AgentByteGOC