A/N: Thank you, Towfu San for helping me write or at least some of this chapter. Those who don't know him/her already, I suggest you check out his/her stories. Enjoy and review...
Knocks rhythmically.
Elderly Man: "Master Erik, your father demands your presence, he's rather...furious."
The man drags aside two large silky drapes with a swift motion. Now turning back to Erik.
Elderly Man: "Best not to keep him waiting, sir. He's not in the best of moods."
And left.
...
Erik averts his eyes from his book to his absurdly large door.
Erik: "Decrepit old man."
He cursed.
Kneading his bruised cheek he let out an exasperated sigh; working a hand through his hair, greasy and knotted, Erik considers feigning ill. Closing his book he arose from his chair. Erik dragged a cerulean robe over himself, upending a hand over his mouth as he yawned, he snugged his feet into a pair of slippers.
Erik roamed the halls aimlessly, his strident footsteps resounding sharply in the halls, yawning as he went.
He stopped. Now a door away from his fretful father.
He raises a hand, balls it to a fist and delivers a resounding knock.
...
Man: "Enter."
His voice was faint but audible.
...
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Erik reluctantly enters.
...
Man: "Sit."
His father demanded, waving a hand to a chair. His stare did not leave the sheet of paper that laid on his desk.
There was an awkward pause between them. Now his father is staring at Erik, he looked...sad?
Man: "Obviously you know why you are here, yes?"
Erik nods, his impassive expression matching his father's.
Man: "Then I'll be brief. Yesterday, you attacked a group of boys..."
...
Erik: "Is that what they said."
His sarcasm, evident.
...
Man: "Watch your mouth, boy!"
It wasn't even a shout but now he was leaning over his desk.
Man: "You hospitalized four boys, all suffering severe injuries!"
His teeth clenched.
Man: "But, I know you better than to senselessly beat someone without reason."
He nods at his son to speak.
...
He sighed.
Erik: There—There was a flower peddler, she's much older than me. She offered me a...Primrose it was. Then...then those boys started bothering her, shoving her."
Erik balled a fist.
Erik: "They knocked her flowers out of her hand, then they started stomping on them. I tried to intervene but one struck me in the face, then their attention was on me, they all started beating me."
His fist loosened.
Erik: But then I had this—sudden...surge of power, or something I don't know, it all happened so fast, I—I..."
He trailed off.
...
Erik's father raised a hand.
Man: "Enough. That will be all."
His eyebrows furrowed, he pinched the bridge of his nose and with his free hand, he waved Erik to the door.
Man: "I'll have guests over so dress into something proper. You may leave now."
And the instant he left, he buried his face with his hands, whimpering.
Man: "That boy...is not my son!"
He whispered.
...
Now freshened and donning a formal blue dress shirt and beige trousers, Erik found himself eavesdropping around the corner of the hall, but at the same time pondering on the conversation with his father. Lost in deep thought Erik leaned too far, dropping to his hands.
Erik: "Shit."
...
Stranger: "Is that your boy, Eileen?"
He gestured his free hand towards him.
...
Eileen: "Hmm?"
She turned.
Eileen: "Oh dear. Excuse me for a moment, Rod."
Erik wanted to run but knew well enough that it was futile. She's quick! Looking at her, there was a combination of frustration and excitement in her eyes, though it was difficult to contrast one emotion to another. Eileen leaned down to Erik's height.
Eileen: "Did your father speak to you?"
He nods.
Eileen: "Words, Erik."
...
Erik: "Yes, mother."
He answered with a monotone.
...
Eileen: "Good. Now the next time I hear such repugnant behaviour I will have no problem kicking you out of my house, understand?"
Erik remained silent and nodded, irking his mother to pull on his ear.
...
Erik: Yes—Yes, I understand!"
He 'struggled.'
...
Eileen: "I should never have to tell you twice, Erik."
She grabbed his arm.
Eileen: "Now come! there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Excited, she ushered Erik to the main hall now within the royal presence of Rod and a girl.
...
The girl is shying behind her father.
Rod: "Don't be shy sweetheart, introduce yourself..."
Rod whispered, placing his hands on her shoulders moving her in front of him.
Rod: "Go on."
...
Her hands behind her back, fidgeting, her eyes avoiding Erik's.
Frieda: "Frieda. My name's, Frieda. Umm...so...wh—what's yours!"
She shouted without realising, her face flushed red.
...
Erik was now annoyed; her nervousness, her stuttering, he does not understand why she's so shy, especially towards him, but his vexation was very much evident just by looking at him and his mother noticed. Eileen nudged his arm.
He rolled his eyes.
Erik: "Erik."
Offering his hand which she instantly shook back with both her hands—smiling sheepishly.
...
Eileen: "Sorry."
She mouthed to Rod which he reassuringly shook his head. Clearing her throat.
Eileen: "Erik, why don't you take Frieda outside and play."
She paused for a moment, scanning the hall.
Eileen: "Reginald dear."
Eileen called.
...
Reginald: "Yes, madam?"
...
Eileen: "Reginald, accompany Erik and dear Frieda."
She eyed her son carefully.
Eileen: "That will be all."
Eileen dismissed.
...
Reginald: "Of course, madam."
He bowed.
...
Now facing Rod.
Eileen: "Rod, I'll take you to Nicolas now."
He nodded in response.
...
Rod: "Behave, Frieda. I won't be too long."
...
Eileen: "You too, Erik."
Both concluded as they left.
...
Reginald: "Shall we go now, Master Erik?"
Erik didn't even bother to acknowledge his servant as he shot an annoyed glare at him then Frieda before walking away with both in tow.
Rod: "Nicolas? I didn't see the scouts on my way, we're still conducting business here, correct?"
There was a long pause anticipating Nicolas' response.
Rod: "Nicolas?"
He continued.
Rod: "Is—Is something the matter?"
...
Nicolas pursed his lips and shot a dark gaze over his shoulder.
Nicolas: "Did you know?"
...
Rod: "Know...what, precisely?"
...
Nicolas hesitated.
Nicolas: "I'm sure you received my letter, yes?"
...
Rod: "What of it?"
Rod remained stone-faced.
...
Nicolas gave an incredulous stare.
Nicolas: "Don't be so insensible. You know just as well as I that Eileen doesn't share any relations to that defiled bloodline, or me for that matter. But I know for a fact there's one living among these walls."
He jerked his finger to Rod.
Nicolas: "And he's your brother's lap dog! So unless you know something—!"
...
Rod: "I don't. Sorry."
His gaze now landed on the floor.
Rod: "And my brother didn't either."
Rod wanted to console him knowing well that it was futile.
Rod: "But, still Nic."
He tried to reassure him.
Rod: "There's no firm evidence that he's the father—"
...
He cuts him off.
Nicolas: "What Erik did is more than enough to prove otherwise! You know that."
He snapped.
Nicolas: "And that's enough."
...
Rod: "I...I see then."
He muttered.
Rod: "It's pointless then to think otherwise...Kenny...is really the father."
Erik cast a glance overhead, gratified to see the sky bare of low hanging clouds. Frieda beside him and Reginald in tow. Erik stood at the foot of a carriage admiring the horses. Holding out a tentative hand, letting it hover over the horse's wet nose.
Erik: "May I?"
The coachman gave a nod, Erik leaned forward, stroking upwards from nose to forehead. The horse harrumphed quietly but relented under Erik's imposing touch. He noticed Frieda appeared slightly frightened of the horse.
Erik: "Here."
Taking Frieda's hand with his own, guiding down the horse's mane to its neck. Reginald couldn't help but smile.
...
Coachman: "Surprised she ain't taken your fingers yet."
He laughs.
Erik remained silent, continuing to stroke the horse's nose before pulling away. There stood a scout relaying a quick word of instruction to a servant of Erik's. Much to his curiosity, Erik decided to speak to him.
...
Scout: "Please inform Lord Carew of our arrival."
...
Servant: "Right away, sir."
He bowed.
...
Clearing his throat.
Erik: "Erik Carew, scout."
Offering his hand.
...
Scout: "Huh—Oh, my lord."
He bowed.
...
Erik raised his hand.
Erik: "No need for such formality, scout."
He deadpanned, appearing bothered.
Erik: "Name?"
He asked dryly.
...
Scout: "Keith. Keith Shadis."
Seemingly confused.
...
Erik: "Hmm...Keith Shadis."
He whispered to himself.
"Nice to meet you, Keith."
...
Keith: "The pleasure is all mine my l—"
...
Erik: "Stop."
He let out an exasperated sigh.
Erik: "Treat me like someone of equal standard. Because this."
He emphasized.
Erik: "This is rather annoying."
...
Keith crossed his arms, cocking an eyebrow.
Keith: "Hmph...Alright then."
He leaned closer, his sunken eyes peering into his. Erik was unfazed.
Keith: "You want something, boy. What?"
...
Erik: "Nothing of importance. Just your business here is all."
...
Keith: "That's it?"
Erik nodded.
Keith: "Hmm...I'm here along with my commander and subordinate to report yearly statistics and discuss funding for our regiment."
...
Erik: "Less interesting than I thought..."
He grumbled, a look of disappointment fleshed his face.
Erik: "Well, may the panorama of your prospect be filled with the wonder and the delight of discovery! I'd say. But I would be lying then wouldn't I?"
He raised his shoulders.
…
Keith: "Huh, the hell you mean?"
His voice weighed deeper and his figure towered over Erik.
…
A faint smile crept on Erik's face. Satisfied.
Erik: "I mean your expeditions. They show no result, just death. Most, if not everyone are painfully bothered by your lax efforts, more specifically your regiment milking their taxes. Take a hint, it's pointless, everyone claims you're useless so why bother? Everyone hates you."
He hissed.
…
Keith grits his teeth, so hard they can shatter. Balling both fists, he approaches Erik with the intent of violence.
Keith: "Tch, you ignorant little bas—!"
…
Scout: "Section commander Keith!"
Another scout clasped Keith's shoulder.
Scout: "I'm sure you're aware that harming a nobleman is severely punishable."
His voice frayed.
…
Keith: "Erwin—!?"
...
Erwin gave him a stern look.
Erwin: "Must I remind you what we're doing here?"
He leaned closer.
Erwin: "Take a walk. Cool off."
He suggested.
...
Keith: "...Fine, I'll remember this."
He scoffed. Walking away. Reginald eyed him carefully.
…
Reginald: "Thank you, sir."
Said an anxious Reginald.
…
Erwin: "My apologies for his rash behaviour. Please forgive him."
He said to Reginald.
Erwin: "You. Are you alright—?"
He faced Erik.
…
Reginald: "I appreciate your concern, scout. But I most certainly will not tolerate such senseless action towards my lord! He will be punished."
He wavers.
…
Erik appeared disinterested in the situation. He raised his hand to keep Erwin from speaking.
Erik: "It's quite alright, Reginald. After all, it is my fault I did provoke him."
He shrugged.
…
Reginald: "But, my lord—!"
He continued.
…
Erik: "Enough. I said it's fine and my word is absolute. Am I understood, Reginald?"
Erik raised his eyebrows.
…
His gaze avoided Erik's.
Reginald: "Y—Yes, my lord."
…
Erik: "Good."
He nods over to Frieda.
Erik: "Make yourself scarce."
And with that, he left.
…
Erwin: "Not fond of him?"
He asked Erik.
…
Erik: "To a degree. What is it you?"
Erik now crossed arms. Looking at Erwin.
…
Erwin looked down at the boy, cocking his eyebrow and chuckling softly.
Erwin: "You boy, are quite remarkable. You don't behave like most children your age."
…
Erik stared back at him with annoyance.
Erik: "A problem?"
He asked, trying his utmost to appear intimidating. He even puffed out his chest.
He remained crossed arms.
…
Erwin rubbed his jaw.
Erwin: "No, of course not. It's refreshing actually."
…
Erik looked back at Frieda and Reginald.
Erik: "Whatever."
He muttered. Now he stares at the crest on Erwin's shoulder sleeve.
Erik: "That."
He loosely points at his sleeve. Erwin looks.
Erik: "What is that."
…
Erwin placed his index and middle finger on the crest.
Erwin: "That, is the Wings of Freedom crest."
…
Erik: "W—Wings of Freedom...? Elaborate."
He poked Erwin just as he said the last part.
…
Erwin smiled.
Erwin: "The Wings of Freedom…"
He stroked the crest on his breast pocket.
Erwin: "Is the means to... well, freedom. But in order to achieve it requires the effort of those brave enough. Strong enough. An undying willingness to do anything required of them for the sake of humanity's freedom, a cause greater than oneself.
We yearn to know more, see more, do more. And even if that doesn't yield any results, we believe that with failure comes success. That is what it means to be a scout. We may not be as inherently strong as Titans, nor we will heal like one... but we will continue to push forward. To achieve absolute freedom, no matter how hard the blow. It is perseverance that keeps us going and my comrades alike...dead or alive."
he muttered the last part.
He knelt to Erik. His blue eyes piercing Erik's almond. He pressed a fist against Erik's chest and his other to his own.
Erwin: "Even if it's just a suicidal charge...we dedicate our hearts!"
With either fist resting on Erik and himself, Erwin unclenched his fist to strip off the crest from his breast pocket.
Erwin: "Here."
He placed it on Erik's hand and curled it up into a fist.
…
He looks down and looks back up at Erwin.
Erik: "Moving."
Satire evident, Erwin simply smiled, along with Erik—albeit a small one.
…
Erwin put a hand on his shoulder.
Erwin: "I hope you understand the scouts are more than a futile crusade, Erik."
Erik's eyes perked.
…
Surprising even himself, Erik offered a handshake of absolute genuinity. Erwin took it gladly.
…
Erwin: "See you around, kid."
With that, he left.
…
Erik stood there.
Erik: "...Yeah. See you, Erwin."
Now looking at his hand, he opened his fist to see the Wings of Freedom crest.
Erik's thoughts: 'Dedicate your hearts.'
He replayed Erwin's word's in his head.
Six-hours Later...
Nicolas sat at his desk, hunched over, hands held against his temple as his elbows rest on the surface.
…
Eileen: "Nicolas."
No answer.
Eileen: "Nicolas?"
Just, silence.
She approached him behind his desk. Her hand relaxing on his bicep and the other resting gently on his back.
Eileen: "Dear. Dinners ready, come down we're waiting. Erik especially."
She chuckled at the last part.
…
Nicolas however was not amused, and just at the mention of Erik, he slapped Eileen across the face, hard, forcing her to the hardwood floor.
Nicolas: "You goddamn, harlot!"
He roared, enraged.
Nicolas: "Did you think I would never find out. You and that street trash! Huh!"
He slammed his fist into the desk.
Nicolas: "Answer me!"
He shrieked. His face furrowed with rage and despondency.
…
Eileen cupped her cheek. Startled.
Eileen: N—Nicolas…?
She whispered.
…
Nicolas: "Confess!"
Eileen flinched.
Nicolas: "Tell me you were seeing that dog while we tried…"
His face saddened.
…
Eileen rose to her feet, still cupping her cheek.
Eileen: "Nicolas I—Oh, please! Don't fret. Let's not ignore as if our marriage wasn't already on a thread—"
…
Nicolas' eyebrows furrowed.
Nicolas: "And so that justifies your lust for a man like him? That trash? At least I was faithful!"
He pointed to himself.
Nicolas: "Me! What of you, huh?"
Eileen remained silent. There was a long pause until Nicolas spoke again.
Nicolas: "I want you and Erik out of my house."
He declared. Eileen looked up at him.
Nicolas: "You both can stay at the townhouse."
Erik: "Mother, what are you doing? Where are we going, where's father?"
He stood there confused.
…
Eileen knelt down.
Eileen: "You and I are going to live somewhere else for a while. Your father and I are...taking a break."
She said, avoiding Erik's gaze at the last part.
Gaits approached behind the pair.
…
Clearing his throat.
Servant: "Madam, your carriage is here."
…
Eileen turned to him then at Erik.
Eileen: "Come, let's go."