One Week After the Cocoon Incident
"Say ahhh, and woosh! Down goes the yummy in the tummy!"
'I think she's enjoying this a bit too much. I could probably eat by myself, but I'll wait a few more weeks. Probably.'
"Dear, I'm heading to work now. Bye, Sirus—look after your mother," Ethan said, waving to his wife and son.
Not much I can do as a child, but sure. Sirus giggled and gave his dad a thumbs up. Ethan chuckled in return.
[Tup]
Sirus glanced at the front door as it shut behind his father, then turned back to complete his mission.
Mission: Consume Food. Status: In Progress.
"Good boy! You want some more?" Sasha giggled as she offered another spoonful.
Sirus shook his head.
Mission: Complete.
"Aww, my son is so smart!" she beamed, scooping him up and rubbing her cheeks against his.
Sirus's eyes drifted to her horns.
They look so smooth and polished. I wonder how she keeps them like that? Does she take care of them? Huh. I'll make a note for future reference.
Sasha noticed his gaze, smiled, and lifted him up so he could reach them.
His tubby little hands reached out and stroked her horns.
Wow, just as smooth as they looked. And the shape's different—growing back from the skull and curving forward slightly at the ends. So smooth... Sirus smiled subconsciously as his hands gently ran along them.
"Haha—okay, that tickles!" Sasha giggled, setting him down.
'Now's my chance to shine!' Sirus placed his hands on the floor, lifted himself up, and carefully stood.
He took a few small steps, then looked up at his mother with a proud smile.
Sasha gasped, eyes wide and glittering with joy. "Y-you can walk… Ahhhh! This is so exciting!" Then, panic. "Oh! Don't fall! You'll give your poor mother a heart attack, haha!"
Suddenly, she remembered something. "Oh! I almost forgot—I need to do the shopping today." She knelt down and smiled brightly.
"Sirus, do you want to help Mommy with the shopping?"
His eyes sparkled with wonder. A big smile spread across his face.
"Haha, that makes two of us! Let's go!" She held his hand and took him to get changed.
"Look! I even got you custom-made shoes—and these adorable little clothes!" she cooed, holding them up proudly.
Sirus blinked at what she presented.
'...It's a picture of her smiling and giving a thumbs up… and some weird writing I can't read.'
"Oh, don't worry—you'll learn to read soon," she laughed, then pointed to the text.
"Sirus… Loves… His… Mommy! See? That's how you spell your name."
Sirus could only tilt his head in slight confusion.
Sasha changed his clothes, dressed him in the T-shirt with her smiling face on it, and tied his shoes. "All done! Aww, you look adorable!"
'I swear if you stare at me any longer, your eyes are going to start glowing.' Sirus thought with a giggle.
Sasha held his hand tightly so he wouldn't trip. Together, they left the house, locking the door behind them.
The moment Sirus stepped outside, his mouth dropped. His eyes sparkled as he took in the open sky, the busy streets, and the people of the village.
As they strolled through the village center, whispers rose around them. Curious eyes drifted toward the boy with the strange legs.
"Is that her son?"
"Yeah, who else?"
"Why are his legs like that?"
"Some kind of curse?"
"Shush! Don't say that!"
Sasha ignored the murmurs. Chin high, she walked with dignity. "Hmph."
Sirus looked up at her, then mimicked her proud posture—head high, eyes closed.
Together, they strode like royalty through the heart of the village, chins raised and hearts proud.
At the market, stalls lined the street—fruits, vegetables, household goods, each vendor calling for attention.
Sasha knelt to Sirus's level. "Be a good boy, alright? Just hold onto Mommy's dress as we shop." She smiled and patted his head.
Sirus nodded and clung to her dress tightly.
So this is the market. Looks old-fashioned. The stalls are low, signs propped above them. I can't read, but they probably say what's for sale—and the price.
More villagers passed by, staring at his legs.
Sirus stuck out his tongue.
"My, what a rude child."
'WHAT!? Me? Rude!? You're the ones gawking at a child!'
He scooted closer to his mother.
"Come on, let's play already!"
"Pass it over here!"
"No, to me!"
Sirus turned to his right and saw four children playing with a ball. He glanced down at their legs, then at his own.
'Why am I the only one like this?'
Twenty minutes passed.
"I'm done, Sirus. Let's head home," Sasha said.
Sirus nodded silently.
As they walked back, Sirus saw someone working in the fields.
He tugged on his mother's dress.
"What is it, dear? Are you hungry?" she asked, tilting her head.
Sirus shook his head and pointed toward his father in the distance.
Sasha followed his finger and smiled. "Alright. Let's go visit Daddy, then we'll head home."
Sirus grinned and nodded.
"Huff... Quite warm today," Ethan muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
He looked up to see a child with unusual legs running toward him.
"Sirus?" he said, blinking.
"Sirus! I told you not to run!" Sasha called, following behind.
Ethan knelt down, surprised and delighted. Sirus ran faster, leapt into his father's arms, and knocked him over.
"Hahaha! Look at you! You can already walk—and run! I'm so proud of you. Even with your legs like that—you clever little guy." His grin showed sharp fangs as he held his son close.
Ethan glanced up and saw his wife approaching.
"Well, good afternoon, my lady," he said with a smirk.
Sasha giggled as she reached them. "Take your time, dear. We're just watching."
"I'll be done in a few minutes," he replied, placing Sirus down and heading toward his boss.
Sirus followed him silently, giggling.
"Oh, and off he goes," Sasha smiled. "Though... I'm surprised. Walking and running in a single day? He must've been practicing in his room."
Ethan approached his boss and cleared his throat loudly.
The old man looked up. Despite his age, he stood nearly as tall as Ethan—2.5 meters—with shoulder-length grey hair, wide horns, and a beard that connected to an impressive upward-curving moustache.
"Mr. Ethan," the man chuckled. "Trying to sneak off work early, are we? HAHAHA!"
Ethan shook his head. "Only if it's not a bother, sir."
Before the man could respond, Sirus toddled up behind him.
"Oh? Who's the little one?" he asked, scratching his beard.
"My son. Sirus."
The old man eyed the child from head to toe. "Hmm… I've seen legs like those before. Usually on monsters deep in the forest."
"Really?" Ethan blinked. He'd never been outside the village—he hadn't seen such creatures.
"Well, I'll let you off early, since your little one's here. In fact, take the weekend off—you've earned it."
Ethan bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir."
With a smile, he took Sirus's hand, and together, they walked back toward Sasha.