Kite snoozed in his bed when he felt something heavy press against him.
"Wake up, Kite!"
Kite grumbled and blushed as he woke up. Liliana was now fifteen and she still insisted on hugging him every morning.
"What is it?" he asked, turning away.
She grinned. "Did you forget?"
He blinked. "Is it your birthday or Tomas's birthday?"
She shook her head. "No, silly duck! It's been five years since Elian and I found you in the forest!"
Kite smiled. Had it really been that long now?
Liliana let go of him. She swung her arms behind her back as she stood up. "We're gonna celebrate, so wear your best clothes, Kite."
He chuckled. She and her family had been celebrating the day they found him as his birthday. In a way, it was. It was the day he was revived into this this world.
Liliana rushed off. She sure had grown to be pretty.
Kite sighed. Was it creepy to think that? His body was fifteen, but his mind wasn't. He had died at eighteen and been reborn into a ten-year-old in this world. He wondered why that was the case.
In most novels Kite had read in his past life, a person reborn into another world was either reborn as a baby or into the body of a dying person already living in this world. Neither was the case for him. His body resembled him when he was younger, not some stranger whose body he had hijacked.
Kite let out a deep breath and swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing up and stretching. He walked over to the mirror, studying his reflection. His body had grown more muscular over the past five years, though it wasn't as toned as when he had died at age eighteen in his other life. He flexed his arms, noting the defined muscles that had developed from the physical training and adventures he had undertaken with his friends.
"Not bad," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. Puberty in this world seemed to be kinder to him than it had been in his previous life. Maybe it was the experience of having lived before or the healthier lifestyle he now led, but he found the changes in his body to be more manageable this time around.
With a final look in the mirror, Kite began to dress in his best clothes. He chose a well-fitted tunic and trousers, both of which highlighted his lean frame. As he laced up his boots, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Five years had passed since he was found in the forest, and so much had changed. He had made incredible friends, embarked on thrilling adventures, and even uncovered mysteries that hinted at a grander destiny.
Once he was dressed, Kite left his room and made his way to the main hall, where the others were already gathered. The house was bustling with activity as Liliana's family prepared for the celebration. Liliana herself was arranging decorations, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"There you are!" she exclaimed, spotting Kite. "You clean up nicely."
Kite grinned. "Thanks, Liliana. You look great too."
She blushed slightly and waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, stop it. Come on, let's get everything ready."
As they worked together to prepare for the celebration, Kite couldn't help but reflect on how much he had grown, not just physically but emotionally as well. He had come to see Liliana, Elian, Sylvana, and the others as his family. They had given him a new life, a new purpose, and for that, he was eternally grateful.
Sylvana smiled. "You do look nice, Kite."
He blushed as he saw her in a cute dress. The two girls had grown up to be very beautiful.
There was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Kite said, rushing over to open the door.
Kite opened the door to find Elian standing there, his usual bright grin plastered on his face. The blond boy had grown taller over the years, his once boyish features now more defined and mature. Although he continued to look pretty in a boyish way. He wore a stylish tunic and trousers, clearly ready for the celebration.
"Hey, Kite!" Elian greeted cheerfully. "Happy 'Found Day'!"
Kite chuckled and stepped aside to let him in. "Thanks, Elian. You look great."
Elian shrugged modestly. "Well, it's a special day, right? Had to dress the part."
As Elian joined the others inside, Kite took a moment to appreciate the scene. The house was filled with warmth and laughter, a testament to the bond they all shared. It was hard to believe that five years had passed since he was found in the forest, but here they were, celebrating another year together.
Ludo and his family joined them. Ludo had mostly grown taller, while Skyla resembled ten-year-old Liliana now. Will, who was getting out more, also looked pretty much the same, just taller.
Tomas smiled as he ran over to greet his cousins.
Liliana, ever the hostess, clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Let's get this party started!"
"There's food in the kitchen," Elara said, smiling as she held a baby in her arms. Darian had a little girl in his shoulders too. Seemed the couple enjoyed having a kid every five years.
The group cheered and followed her lead, moving to the decorated dining area where a lavish spread of food awaited them. There were cakes, pastries, and all sorts of delicious dishes, each prepared with care by Liliana's family.
As they settled down to eat, Kite found himself seated between Sylvana and Elian. Sylvana, ever the observant one, leaned over with a teasing smile. "So, Kite, any special plans for your 'Found Day' wishes?"
Kite laughed, shaking his head. "Just hoping for another year of adventures and maybe solving a few more mysteries."
Elian grinned, raising his glass in a toast. "I'll drink to that! To another year of adventures and friendship!"
The group raised their glasses, echoing the sentiment. "To adventures and friendship!"
As the celebration continued, Kite felt a deep sense of contentment. He looked around at his friends, each of them dear to him in their own way. Liliana, with her boundless energy and compassion; Sylvana, with her keen mind and unwavering support; Elian, with his infectious enthusiasm and loyalty. And the others, each contributing to the tapestry of their lives.
After the meal, Liliana led them outside to the backyard, where they had set up a small bonfire. The evening air was cool, and the stars began to twinkle overhead. They gathered around the fire, sharing stories and laughter, the flickering flames casting a warm glow on their faces.
As the night wore on, Kite found himself lost in thought. He had come a long way since that fateful day in the forest. He had grown stronger, both physically and emotionally, and he had found a new family in these wonderful people. The mysteries of his past life and the secrets of this world still lingered, but he knew he wasn't alone in his journey.
Liliana nudged him, breaking his reverie. "What you thinking about?"
Kite smiled, looking at her. "Just thinking about how lucky I am. To have all of you."
She smiled back, her eyes twinkling. "We're the lucky ones, Kite. You brought a lot of fun into our lives."
Sylvana leaned in, her voice soft. "We'll always be here for you, no matter what."
Elian nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're a team. Always."
Ludo and the others nodded.
Kite felt a swell of gratitude and determination. Whatever the future held, he knew they would face it together. The bond they shared was unbreakable, forged through countless trials and adventures.
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Kite made a silent vow. To cherish these moments, to protect his friends, and to continue their quest with unwavering resolve. They had come so far, and there was still so much more to discover. But with his friends by his side, he knew they could overcome anything.
And so, under the starry sky, surrounded by laughter and love, Kite embraced the present and looked forward to the future, ready for whatever adventures awaited them.