2 Living Through Infancy Once Again
[Third POV]
In the heart of a lush countryside, nestled by verdant hills and shimmering rivers, a reputable clan was in the middle of a momentous occasion. Within the confines of their grand estate, the wife of the clan leader endured the trials of childbirth, her expression marked by both anguish and unwavering hope.
Laying upon a luxurious futon, she was surrounded by attendants and midwives who moved with professional efficiency, their expressions a mix of tension and reverence.
"Keep pushing, milady. Just a little longer," one of the midwives instructed, her voice calm yet urgent as she guided the laboring woman through each contraction.
"Hnnggh-!"
With a muffled cry, the lady strained against the discomfort, determined to usher forth a new life into the world. Drops of sweat dappled her forehead as she breathed deeply, her resolve persistent amidst the throes of delivery.
"Father, is my mother going to be alright?"
In the background, a boy with blue hair whispered at his father, the leader of the clan, his voice tinged with concern.
The father placed a hand on his son's shoulder, responding, "Yes, Ayato. Your mother will be fine."
As they watched the labor continue, the atmosphere in the room grew quite tense. The scent of incense hung heavy in the air, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of anticipation, the midwife's voice broke through the intensity of the moment.
"Congratulations, it's a girl."
The announcement sent a wave of relief and delight through the room, that is until the leader noticed something wrong with the infant.
"What's the matter, father?" inquired the boy, seeing his father's serious expression.
Furrowing his brows, the leader muttered, "The baby, she's not crying."
The boy turned back and saw the newborn fixating her perplexed gaze on the people in the room, followed by babbling noises that startled even her. Finally, a look of horror dawned in her eyes as she regarded her small, delicate hands, perturbed by her newfound existence.
Bothered by this scenario, the boy whispered to his father, "Is that normal?"
"I don't know, but let's pretend it does," the leader replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty as they witnessed the unusual behavior of the newborn.
The two of them then approached the lady who was cradling the infant, seemingly unfazed by her daughter's strange behavior. The leader and his son didn't have the heart to question it, so they simply asked, "What will be her name?"
The mother, smiling with maternal warmth, looked down at the unique child in her arms.
"Her name shall be Ayaka," she declared, her voice filled with affection.
As the newborn's curious eyes scanned the faces around her, a sense of unease settled over the room, leaving the clan leader grappling with the mysterious circumstances surrounding their daughter's unusual demeanor.
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Several days had passed since Ayaka's birth, and the clan found themselves increasingly puzzled by the newborn's peculiar demeanor.
For starters, she remained eerily silent in her crib, her wide eyes scanning the room with an intensity that seemed beyond her age. Several attendants and midwives alike felt the weight of her gaze, their movements were scrutinized with a curiosity that belied her babyhood.
Even during breastfeeding and diaper changes, her responses were unexpected. She would frequently grimace or wrinkle her nose as if repulsed by the mundane tasks of infancy. Such behavior left the members gossiping among themselves, wondering at the peculiarity in the child's response.
At some point, Ayaka would listen to conversations and mimic the articulation of their spoken language, though they emerged as little more than random gibberish. Her efforts, although valiant, only disturbed the servants even more as they tended to their duties.
As the weeks turned into months, Ayaka's eccentricity only grew more perplexing. With each passing day, she learned the ability to crawl, often wandering away from the watchful eyes of the attendants to explore every nook and cranny of the grand estate.
The clan members would often notice her admiring the intricate details of the area as if she were attempting to comprehend every nuance. Whether it be exhibited tapestries adorning the walls or simply her reflection in a nearby pond, she seemed attracted to them with an almost inexplicable fascination.
Despite their efforts to understand Ayaka's abnormal behavior, the clan members remained perplexed. They could only watch in fascination as she continued to defy expectations, her presence casting a shadow of uncertainty over their once-peaceful estate.
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[Ayaka's POV]
It's been almost a year since I entered this new existence, and I must say, it wasn't as awful as I first thought it would be. Originally, I harbored resentment not just for being reborn as a baby, but also for the fact that I'm a girl now.
Living through infancy once again has proven to be a humbling and awkward experience. Yet over time, I grew accustomed to the rituals of babyhood. Suckling at a woman's bosom and wearing diapers became tests of patience, trials I endured with resignation.
However, what kept me captivated were the things I had yet to fully understand. For starters, the language used in this world was very unusual. It doesn't sound like Japanese or English, yet it was something I heard in my history class back in my previous life.
Another aspect that fascinates me is the architecture of the place where I reside. The entire building was adorned with intricate details and steeped in a rich history, each corner telling its own story. Despite its unfamiliar culture, the structure bears uncanny resemblances to traditional Japanese houses with its sliding doors, wooden beams, and thin paper screens.
As I explored the place I could call home, there were a lot of new faces I met. First on the list is a woman who nurses milk for me. I could safely say she was my mother. Another one was a boy with blue hair who kept finding me whenever I snuck out to explore the building. He's quite bothered with my antics but doesn't scold me or anything. I might say he's my brother, which is a new feeling.
Though I am grateful for their care, I can't shake the feeling of being trapped in this tiny, frail body, restricted from expressing myself fully. Despite my attempts to communicate through babbling, I am met with confused stares and gentle laughter.
However, there is solace in the moments of solitude, where I can withdraw into my thoughts and ponder the mysteries of my new existence. The familiar landscapes of my dreams often visit me in my sleep, offering glimpses of a world I once knew but can no longer reach.
As I navigated this new reality, I found myself drawn to the subtle nuances of daily life. The rustling of leaves in the wind, the warmth of the sun on my skin—these peaceful sensations offered fleeting moments of comfort amidst the uncertainty.
Yet, beneath the facade of serenity lies a profound yearning for understanding. What secrets lie beyond the walls of my new home? What truths await me as I journey through infancy and beyond? Only time will reveal the answers I seek.
