As I stepped out of the portal I was met with the familiar interior of my parent’s house. A wooden two floor detached house, open plan kitchen and 4 bedrooms, not too shabby.

“Kiddo, or should I call you your highness, listen, your bedroom is the furthest to left upstairs, go get yourself washed and get dressed. I know you must be tired but before we end this day I need you to meet some people.” the old geezer spoke looking down at me, still carrying my mother. He took her to her room and placed her on the bed to allow her to rest. I also went towards my room, I didn’t know what to expect but this was gobsmacking.

There was a huge double bed at the centre of the room against the wall made of Cherrywood and other luxurious furniture. The room was connected to a bathroom which had a Japanese hot spring. I stripped off my clothes and jumped into the hot pool. I could feel my body relaxing and my mana rejuvenating, did this pool have other special properties? I used my inspect skill, and the hue of my green eyes switched to blue.

[Sage water]

[An extremely rare type of liquid which restores MP and purifies the mana pool of impurities]

I thought about how hectic the past day was, I remembered my brave father’s actions. He should be fine, I could not grasp his level with my inspect skill after all. Indeed I was too tired after all these battles, and especially as I was in a 4 year old’s body; the fatigue hit me harder than ever, I looked outside through the window, it musta been afternoon already.

**

For some reason all the lights were off and the whole house was completely dark. I activated my inspect skill and my vision improved as I got a weak version of night vision. I walked along the small corridor looking into rooms, there was no sign of life, even my mother wasn’t there. What the hell was happening? It would’ve been good if I had an echo location spell like in my old life, maybe I’ll be able to discover one. I creeped closer to the living room slowly. I knew something was fishy. I activated my lightning aura, and my hazelnut hair rose up, small bolts of lightning moved around my body like snakes, appearing then disappearing. This made me feel better, at least if something were to happen I’d be able to dodge in time.

“Surprise!!!” A loud sound ringed my ears as a crowd of people of all age groups appeared out of nowhere, I could see my mother and my gramps among them smiling. So all this was just for some party act. Then gramps approached me and the crowd died down.

“Kiddo, you can relax now, your presence is a bit intimidating right now.” He whispered into my ear, immediately I deactivated my spell and my body returned to normal.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my grandson, the reason I created this village. Even though he may be 4 years old, his combat and mana manipulation abilities are beyond anything I’ve ever seen, so don’t underestimate him.” as my old geezer spoke, I could see the 10-12 people all glaring at me, some looking down at me in distaste and others in awe. “He is actually-”

“Zeref, don’t you think you’re over rating the boy, he’s still only a mana pool stage 1, at the age of 4, that’s nothing special, even with the lightning element, the boy looks freakishly weak and frail.” A bulky man with red hair and a long red beard spoke, folding his arms. Was this man powerful as well? I cast my inspect skill, and the hue of my eyes switched to blue.

[Name: Leywin Stronghold]

[Level: ???]

[Mana pool stage: ???]

[Weaknesses: ???]

Guess I was still too weak. I still couldn’t see his level or any of the other info.

“Actually, I’ve already fought him, when he wasn’t even at his full strength, now that he’s at his full strength, he’d definitely put some pressure on you. But I mean, you can do whatever you want with him tomorrow during our introductory classes, now let’s just enjoy the little kiddo’s birthday, shall we?” gramps spoke loudly lifting one arm in the air and putting his other heavy arm on my shoulder. “Besides what I’m trying to say is, he is only-” I held my grandfather’s hand to signal him not to tell them anymore, there was no need.

“Ahm,” I cleared my throat in an attempt to avert their attention from my grandpa who stopped talking mid sentence. “I hope everyone enjoys the party,” I said and cringed as the words left my mouth. Ew. My voice was so squeaky and annoying. After that, my grandpa chuckled and nodded at the crowd. The group broke into a loud cheer and everyone started moving towards the wine bar, me included.

“Where do you think you’re going mister?” After a long turn of events, I heard the sweet voice of my mother again, I turned around and gave her a huge hug.

“I’ve missed you so much son, I’m sorry I separated from you in the forest after we landed, your grandfather told me how he saved you, then found me unconscious,” she explained, then i remembered that gramps had changed her memories. She started rambling about how everything was fine as long as she was here and I was touched but the conversion was boring.

“Mum, is it fine if I go talk to the other people?” I asked as her rambling was starting to tire me.

“Yeah sure honey.” she replied as she got up and started to talk to one of the women there.

I was aimlessly walking around, exploring the place and smiling at the women who peered down at me. Especially one woman who smiled at me and I dashed a charming smile at her. To my surprise she turned and walked away awkwardly. That’s never happened…

“Hey your majesty, you know you’re still in a 4 year old’s body right, so act like it a little, I know it’s a hassle.” the old geezer whispered into my ear, chuckled a little then left. I mean he was right but come on, how am I meant to find the love of my life with these short square teeth and baby voice, I have to wait another 15 years! Wait… I have to be a VIRGIN for another 15 years! What bullshit! So who should I talk to? I looked around looking for a beauty to flirt with, but then that stupid thought hit me again, I was still a child.

“Hey! I didn’t catch your name. Grandpa Amara seems very keen on me meeting you.” I heard a small baby-ish voice suddenly pop up behind me.

As soon as I turned around, my eyes fixed onto the biggest pair of hazelnut eyes. A little girl, shorter than me, smiled brightly at me and tilted her head a little to the side. Her cheeks were puffy and looked like strawberry mochi. Arghhhhh! What a cute child! I wanted to pinch her cheeks off her face! She had small pouty lips and a little bit of freckles on her tiny nose and under her eyes. Her skin was tan, almost light brown. Her chocolate brown hair was put into two pigtails and she had big, spring-like curls. Don’t get me wrong! I wasn’t crushing on a baby! As a 24 (well technically 28) year old, I simply thought the child was cute and wanted to touch her cheeks.

Great! This body is definitely a curse. Instead of being approached by beautiful women, I’m now a magnet to little children. Even speaking with kids my own “age” feels like I’m some paedophile! Disgusting… makes me want to puke. I was so deep in my thoughts, I didn’t realise she was waiting for me to say something.

The girl’s smile dropped. Her eyebrows furrowed as she waved her hand in front of me while leaning closer to my face, making me snap back into reality. I flinched and jumped back a step. “THtay BACK child!” the words fell out of my mouth with a big lisp, unintentionally. How does a 4ish year old just- I was speechless. Giggling at my reaction, she smirked “You’re funny.” her voice was soft and small. I stared at her in disbelief. “D-did you just try to kiss me?” I stuttered. She stared at me blankly before opening her mouth again. “What’s a kiss?” she asked in a confused tone. “There was an eyelash on your cheek” she pointed at where it was and I wiped it off. I sighed a breath of relief. What was I thinking? “Coulda told me” I said rolling my eyes.

“You still didn’t answer my question. Whats k-”

“I’m Zeref Amara. I’m a lightning mage.” I cut her off in an attempt to change the topic. No way was I telling a cute innocent child what kissing was.

“Oh my god! You have the same name as Grandpa Amara.”

I nodded stiffly, hoping she’d read the vibes and leave but she continued.

“I’m Malia, Malia Stronghold” she held out her hand and I shook it quickly, hoping she would go away.

“So you’re a lightning mage, you know that’s extremely rare, and people would kill to awaken such an element!” she smiled at me expectantly waiting for me to reply.

“Uhuh…” I used my best ‘I’m not interested’ voice but this child did not read my signs.

“How old are you?” I asked, trying to fasten the pace of the conversation.

She paused. “It’s rude to ask a WOMAN for her age.” her voice was cold. Her gaze was strong and I almost thought it was a glare. “Pfffffft” I burst out laughing like a hyena. Her angry voice was the least intimidating thing I’ve ever heard. She looked at me confused before giggling. “What? What’s so funny?” she giggled as my eyes started to water. She smiled sweetly again.

“You aren’t a woman” my shoulders shook up and down as I tried to contain my laugh.

She gasped loudly and yelled, “AM TOO! Mommy says I’m mature. In. the. Mind.” she said the last three words while tapping her temple.

“Mhm. sure you caHHOHnn” I couldn’t finish my sentence as I laughed. I cringed at the sound of my laughter. It was like a crazy donkey.

“Stop laughing Zeref!” she stomped her foot. “I’m serious,” she giggled. I guess my laughter was contagious because she burst out laughing too. “You sound like a donkey,” she laughed.

“Okay kiddos that’s enough, you’ve had your little fun, good to see my grandson is getting on well with one of my little students. It’s time for both of your bed times.” he spoke, breaking up, he picked us both up by the collar like we were feathers and walked as to our rooms, her room being directly opposite mine. How convenient? Everyone laughed and continued to drink their wine and talk with their friends. It was already night and the day was over. How quick.

As I entered, my eyes quickly scanned the room. The walls were an old crème colour and the floor was plain, old wood. There was a table, cupboard and a door to the bathroom. Everything else was plain. There were no decorations and there was a small window next to my bed. I laid down in my bed and looked back over what had happened. What a strange girl, Malia Stronghold. Our conversation was super short but I could get a hint about something. She was definitely different, or maybe I was overthinking it again. She’s a child! I smacked my cheeks with both my hands. Disgusting!

-Malia’s POV-

I was laying in my bed thinking of the new boy I met today. My father forced me to have a sleepover at Grandpa Amara’s house tonight because he had an international meeting to attend with my step-mother. They took my step-brother and Mike (my real brother) but I couldn’t come because I was a girl and father would be embarrassed to bring me. I pouted, feeling left out but my thoughts quickly flashed back to Zeref. I can’t seem to get his small face out of my head. He had raven blackish brown hair and bright green eyes. My real mum used to say boys with the brightest eyes have the most captivating soul. I can’t wait to be friends with him. He intrigues me. The way he tried to sound manly and cringed at his own voice, I chuckled again.

Out of nowhere, mana particles were passing through the door of my room. What the hell? I gulped. Why is grandpa Amara meditating in the hallways again? But then it struck me. The particles were tiny white glowing orbs. Grandpa Amara’s mana particles were purple. The angelic white particles filled my room. “So pure…” I whispered, astonished by what I was seeing. I’ve never seen pure white mana particles. Even dads were a glowing orange colour and that was considered super powerful. I couldn’t sit around and wait. I had to check this weird phenomenon out.

I stormed out of my room and walked into the corridor, to see no one there. The whole hallway was filled with mana particles. I scanned my eyes across the place looking for a lead on where it was coming from. My eyes halted in front of Zeref’s door. The outline of his door was gleaming white light. I ran across to his door worried. I knocked on the door but no one answered, I knocked again, still nothing.

“I’m coming in!” I shouted and with a fist imbued with orange flames, I struck the door, blasting it open, and burning half of it. There he sat on the ground, feet wrapped in on top of each other in a meditating position. What! How did he learn that? That level of advanced meditation took me years to learn. What the hell! He really is a prodigy.

“By the way you’re paying for the door,” Zeref spoke, opening both of his eyes now, “Aren’t you Gramp’s student, you should’ve guessed I was meditating, or did you just want to see my handsome face that badly.” a grin appeared on his face. Who did he think he was? Prince charming?

“Like I’d want to see that ugly face of yours, the lightning mana kept bothering my sleep, so I wanted to warn you to stop, otherwise next time I’d be burning more than just your door down.” I replied sternly then walked out of the room. I couldn’t stop my heart from palpitating so loud and fast.