A New Beginning part 6

Blessings...

Everyone in the room couldn't help but take a deep breath. Evelyn was overwhelmed by the revelations of the Gods, Apolline was contemplating whether to embark on another world tour, and the elves remained seated patiently, awaiting their Highness to fulfill her duties. Meanwhile, Fleur, being the youngest, couldn't stop peeking at her baby brother. The commotion in the room did nothing to diminish her desire to take the baby home with her. In her small head, she was already started devising a plan to convince Aunt Evelyn to let her take Aimè back. Hee... Heee... She just wanted to rub those soft, bulging cheeks.

Old Mrs. Delle, however, was deep in thought, analyzing everything she had just heard. She was trying to bring together any missing facts or questions, attempting to come to terms with the shocking revelation that her grandson was blessed. But then a thought struck her. Wait... Blessed? But by whom? Martha had never mentioned the name of the God whose blessing Aimè carried.

Sensing something amiss, Martha turned to look at Mrs. Delle.

The old woman hesitated for a moment before finally voicing her question. "Is my grandson, by any chance, carrying the blessings of the Elven Gods?"

Martha, realizing the unintentional omission, shook her head and replied, "No, not any of the Elven Gods, nor the Olympians. He carries the blessings of the rulers of the Void and Cosmos, the first generation of the rulers of Chaos. Aimè carries the blessings of the Great Goddess, 'Nyx.' "

The room fell into an eerie silence.

Even the elves, usually composed and serene, lost their composure upon hearing this revelation. The weight of Martha's words sent waves of shock through everyone present. Evelyn, feeling weak, turned to Minnie and instructed, "Fetch my husband, please." She needed him by her side. The overwhelming nature of the situation made her feel as though the ground beneath her feet was slipping away. Old Mrs. Delle nearly fainted. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined that her grandson carried the blessings of such a powerful deity, a being from a higher pantheon of Gods.

Disbelief was evident on every face in the room. For the first time, they couldn't help but question their understanding of the world.

Apolline hesitated before poking Mrs. Delle and whispering, "Mother, although it's known that human blood cannot carry the blessings of a God, isn't it a good thing that Aimè is blessed?"

Since the room was completely silent, her hushed voice carried to every corner, reaching all ears—including Aimè, who paused in his activities to listen. Moments like these were rare, and he took every opportunity to refresh his knowledge.

Mrs. Delle and Evelyn exchanged helpless looks before Evelyn finally sighed and spoke, "Sister, I never knew you were so bad at history."

She continued explaining, "The Protogenoi were the first race of immortals to come into existence, born directly from the void of Chaos. Unlike the Titans and the gods, they are not simply divine beings with power—they are the very aspects of the universe itself. They have absolute and total control over their respective domains, making them eternal and impossible to truly kill. Because of this, it has always been believed that they cannot bestow blessings upon any living being. Their power is simply too vast, too unfathomable."

Evelyn paused for a moment before continuing, "The Primordial Pantheon is revered and respected above all others—even more than the Greek, Egyptian, or other minor pantheons. They are the fundamental forces that govern the universe, and no temple has ever been built to serve as a home for them. No entity or object can ever encapsulate their majesty or beauty."

A heavy silence settled over the room as Evelyn's words sank in. The realization left everyone breathless.

When Evelyn finished speaking, silence once again enveloped the room. Aimè was still processing everything. He had just turned a year old, and the biggest disadvantage of transmigration or rebirth in a new world was the lack of information.

Six months ago, he had discovered his talents displayed in the system panel, and even then, he was shocked. But never in his wildest thoughts had he imagined that people would react so strongly to his blessings. He hesitated, knowing that he also carried the blessing of another Primordial God, 'Chronos.' Unwanted attention could bring harm to his peaceful life, something he desperately wished to avoid.

But Aimè wasn't the only one lost in thought; everyone else was deep in contemplation as well.

.....

A sudden knock on the door broke the heavy silence. Louis entered the room, his sharp eyes scanning for his son. As soon as he saw Aimè safe and sound, he exhaled in relief. Without a moment's hesitation, he strode towards them, his gaze never leaving his son.

Evelyn gently held his hand and made him sit beside her, then carefully explained everything that had transpired over the past hour.

For thirty long minutes, Louis sat still, absorbing the information. When he finally stood, he walked to the back of the room and poured himself a drink. Everything he had just heard had gone over his head. He couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that his son—a human—carried a divine blessing. And not from a minor deity, not from the Egyptian or Greek pantheons, nor any other lesser god, but from a Primordial Goddess.

Holding his drink, he returned to his seat beside Evelyn. His gaze fell upon his son, who sat happily in his mother's lap, his chubby face filled with innocence and a radiant smile that could outshine even an angel's glow.

Looking up at Martha, Louis gave a small nod to express his appreciation and acknowledgment. Then, pulling Evelyn closer and holding little Aimè in his arms, he finally voiced his concerns.

"When will Aimè begin his archery lessons with Her Highness? And more importantly, wouldn't this attract unwanted attention to him?"

Martha, having anticipated this question, responded calmly, "Aimè already carries a magical pulse, which means he will experience his magical riot earlier than usual. Once he has undergone this event, I will take him to our lands. As for the attention, many people already know of my close friendship with Evelyn. So why wouldn't I take my godson on a tour to the Elven lands?"

"What?" Evelyn gasped, her eyes widening in shock.

She had once considered asking Martha to be Aimè's godmother but had dismissed the thought. She knew very well the heavy responsibilities of a High Priestess. Apart from serving as the mediator between the Gods and the Elves, Martha attended international committee meetings and even accompanied her father to royal court gatherings. Evelyn had decided not to burden her friend with another responsibility.

Yet here was Martha, openly declaring herself as Aimè's godmother.

Martha, sensing Evelyn's hesitation, gave her a reassuring smile. "Elven archery can only be taught on the temple grounds. Every soldier in our Elven army learns archery there, under the watchful gaze of our Gods. This tradition was decreed by our first ancestor. After Aimè's magical riot, we will identify his elemental affinity, and then his training will begin. Don't worry, Evelyn, he won't be leaving you forever. While it is true that other races are forbidden from entering the temple, I will ensure that you meet him every three months."

At that moment, even Mrs. Delle couldn't remain silent. "Evelyn, Martha is right. You know better than anyone that we cannot defy the will of the Gods. Besides, Aimè will be safer in the Elven lands. He will have the opportunity to meet other children of his age. You know how dangerous his charm can be. Keeping him isolated in the human world will only hinder his growth."

Evelyn felt her hand being squeezed. Looking down, she found Aimè trying to climb off his father's lap and reach for her. With one tiny hand gripping his father's palm and the other clutching hers tightly, he took his first step.

Gasps filled the room, followed by cheers and claps of encouragement. Laughter echoed through the air, filling the space with warmth and joy.

Evelyn watched her son take his third step before throwing himself into her arms. She caught him, holding him tightly, afraid... afraid of losing him.

Looking into his bright, innocent eyes, all her uncertainties, fears, and helplessness melted away. She lifted her head to meet Martha's gaze. Still holding Aimè close, she smirked playfully. "You better take good care of your grandson, or be prepared for my wrath."

Martha chuckled. It felt just like old times when their friendship had been simple and unshaken. She nodded, fully accepting her role as Aimè's godmother.

Seeing this, everyone relaxed. Mrs. Delle clapped her hands together. "Well, let's leave the future for tomorrow. Today, we celebrate my grandson's first birthday! Oh, where did I put his gift? I had it right here a moment ago..."

At the mention of gifts, everyone snapped back to the present and hurried to find the presents they had brought.

Apolline approached Aimè first, presenting a small glass box with a sleeping Puffskein inside. It was round, fluffy, and a soft shade of blue. Aimè struggled to open the box, his little hands fumbling. Sensing his distress, Evelyn helped him. The moment the Puffskein was free, it bounced out and latched onto Aimè's head.

The sight was both adorable and hilarious. Feeling accomplished, Apolline stepped back, already searching for Minnie, the house-elf, to get some photos.

Next, Mrs. Delle handed Aimè a tiny black baby Niffler. The moment it saw Aimè it was charmed and like any other niffler, it tried to stuff him into its pouch. Realizing Aimè was too big, the Niffler panicked and ultimately settled inside Aimè's shirt pocket.

Then Martha stepped forward, holding a transparent sphere containing a small owl-like creature nestled comfortably inside, sleeping.

The moment I saw it, my small chubby arms flailed wildly. I jumped up and down in excitement, making the Puffskein and Niffler dizzy. But sensing their discomfort, I forced myself to settle down.

It was Rowlet.

A Pokémon.

My mind reeled. I remembered how the Goddess had told me that this world held even more fantastic beasts than I could imagine. The thought of being surrounded by Pokémon filled me with excitement.

Martha, smirking, burst the sphere. The Rowlet, finding itself in an unfamiliar environment, tensed. Then, its large eyes met mine.

"Prrrruurrrrrrr... Pruurrr... Prrrrurrrr!" it chirped.

I instinctively responded, "Buuuiiib... Bllaaabbb... Bbbbbbuuiib."

Rowlet nodded as if understanding, then flew to my shoulder and immediately fell asleep.

Everyone in the room was dumbfounded.

Martha stared at Evelyn. "What exactly did you eat while carrying Aimè?"

Evelyn didn't answer, but the pride written on her face was undeniable.

I looked at my father. He looked back at me. We both saw the helplessness in each other's eyes.

After the gift ceremony, everyone sat for dinner. As they left, Apolline carried Fleur in one arm, trying to console her. The little girl had tried her hardest to take me home, but her plans had been thwarted by my mother. No five-year-old could win against an elder woman.

Martha and the elves had left before dinner. She had given me a two-way mirror before departing, taking her godmother duties very seriously.

That night, lying on my soft bed, I quickly drifted into sleep.

And thus, my first birthday came to am end.