It's been a week since the Eden College family interview, and the Forgers are now on their way back to the school for the admissions results to see if Eric got accepted. The morning our favorite telekinetic child got up, he had bags under his eyes, his complexion was pale, and he walked into a brick wall. Normally, kids cry when this happens. But Eric was too stressed and dead tired to feel even a bee sting.

He kept his eyes forward as Anya held his hand as they walked between their parents. His face held fatigue and looked too deprived of sleep to even muster the energy to respond to anything. He tried everything, read every book, twice, and recited math equations to work himself into exhaustion. Nothing worked. He dreaded this day, the results that could put them on the chopping block, noose, the firing squad, whatever method of execution this country favors.

"Brother, your thoughts are so loud, it's hurting my brain." Anya said as she looked at her brother worriedly. She had done multiple prayer dances with Mr. Chimera to call upon any deity who was listening to help Eric get into the school.

"Is it? Sorry, I think I'm dying." Eric sluggishly said as he swayed uneasily.

Unfortunately, Eric wasn't the only one that was stressed. Loid frowned at the restless state his son was in. He too had been awaiting this day, and despite his best efforts to hold onto hope, he still can't help but worry.

He placed a hand on Eric's shoulder in an attempt to alleviate both of their worries. "It'll be alright, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we don't have to stress over this."

Eric looked from the large, gloved hand on his shoulder to the man it connected to. "I doubt you'll be fine."

"What do you mean?" 'Am I starting to slip? Kids shouldn't be this observant.'

Eric sighed, "Last time we went to see my test results you dropped onto the ground." His blunt words made Loid retract his hand as he blushed upon remembering how he fainted from the emotional and physical exhaustion. "And I'm not letting you pick me up again."

"You actually fainted?" Yor asked her husband, surprised to know that this calm steadfast man could just pass out.

"It was a rough week." Loid explained as he tilted his hat down to cover his expression.

"Papa, we thought you died that day. It was really scary." Anya said, looking up at her father, now having two men in her family to worry about. Whether they get good news or bad news, the spy will most likely pass out again.

"Yeah, I forgot to bring a wheel barrel for you. Sorry." Eric said with a light smirk when he caught Loid's expression.

"We don't need a wheel barrel. Mama can just carry him like Bondman carried Princess Honey." Anya chimed in with a smile as an image of Yor holding Loid in that manner made them laugh while Loid blushed at the teasing flew through their minds. While Loid disliked ridicule, this helped distract them from the possibility of failure. With a sigh of resignation, he accepted being the center of jokes right now.

They stood before the gates of Eden, steeling their nerves before they stepped onto school grounds. Well, most of them. Loid, Yor and Anya stopped and turned around to see Eric completely frozen with his eyes to the ground.

"Eric, what's wrong?" Yor asked as she came to her son's side.

"My... feet forgot how to move." Eric admitted, while it sounded silly, that's what it felt like to him. His feet were heavy and refused to take another inch closer to the uncertainty beyond the gate.

Anya bounded over to Eric then took his right hand in between her smaller ones. "It's okay Eric, we're right here with you." Eric looked into Anya's hopeful encouraging green eyes that wanted to sooth his anxiety. Which worked to a certain degree. He needed another boost from somewhere. He turned to his left and held his other hand out for Yor who smiled in understanding and surrounded his small fingers with hers.

Taking a deep breath, he took one step into Eden, letting his mother and sister guide him. Loid smiled at the sight as he let them walk ahead of him, taking up the rear as he guarded his son's back.

They joined the other parents and their children, some were laughing in joy, while others cried in disappointment. Eric stood before the board that would decide his fate but didn't dare to look up. His hands held his mother's and sister's, afraid to let go as he kept his eyes closed and his head bowed. He wasn't ready to disappoint them.

His father's hand rested on his shoulder while his other stroked his hair. "Eric, look." Loid's voice gently coaxed his son out from his doubt and insecurity as the boy slowly raised his head and opened his green eyes to Yor and Anya pointing at the board. Eyes widened in disbelief as he followed their fingers.

'K...' His eyes blurred at the edges. '...2...' His breathing became shallow. '...12.' Then everything went black.

Thankfully his father caught him just in time before he picked him and carried him away. A happy relieved smile. "Now who was it that said I was going to faint?" He asked as Anya laughed and cheered, "Big brother passed, he's going to become a doctor!"

Yor giggled under her breath as she held Anya's hand. "He certainly worked hard. He deserves some well-earned rest."

"Indeed, he does." Loid said as he cradled his son like a baby. He slept like one.

"A moment of your time Forgers?"

They turned to the voice and saw it was Housemaster Henderson, standing proudly with his cane in hand.

"Master Henderson." Loid greeted, still cradling his son.

"Is he alright?" Henderson asked, concerned for the child's well-being since it would not do to have their newest recruit sick.

Loid chuckled, "He had a rough time sleeping last night from the stress of today's results. The relief caused him to finally fall asleep."

Henderson smiled at that. "I see, the poor lad actually thought we wouldn't have him here?"

Loid explained, "After what happened at that interview, he felt responsible for Master Swan's injuries."

Henderson waved off that concern, "Oh poppycock, that was due to Swan's temper and clumsiness, not your child's. In fact, that's one of the reasons why I wanted to talk to you."

"Oh?" Loid wondered as Yor and Anya listened to what Henderson.

"As you are aware, we do not condone violence at this school, whether it is between students or teachers. Which is why I am ashamed of Swan's actions, both verbal and physical. While your son came out of that unscathed, it does not change the fact that one of our own tried to attack a defenseless child."

'Yeah, defenseless.' Anya thought smugly as she glanced at her sleeping brother.

"I've already reported his actions to the Headmaster and the board of educators. He's been suspended."

"I see, that's a relief." Loid said, happy that slanderous prick won't go anywhere near this place, for the time being.

"Yes." Henderson sigh regretfully, "I should also confess that I too committed violence on school grounds. After your family left, I gave Swan a good thrashing over his inelegant and uncouth behavior." He said, trying to hide the satisfaction he felt when he socked the bastard.

"Really, that's awesome." Anya praised the old teacher, earning a look from her parents.

"It is not something to emulate dear one. Problems cannot be solved through violent behavior." Henderson said to little Anya whose big green eyes sparkled in wonder and respect.

"You are absolutely right." Loid and Yor said in unison.

"Yeah, I know. But if someone like you can take down a bully with one blow means you have to be the coolest teacher ever." Anya stated, undeterred as she revered the teacher for standing up for her family.

Henderson gave the girl one of his rare smiles. "You humble me child. I can understand why your brother is so protective of you."

Anya nodded and threw her hands up in the air, "Big brother is the greatest, smartest, handsomest and nicest out of everyone. He's gonna be the greatest doctor in the world!"

Henderson chuckled at how this sweet child worshiped her brother. "Such a kind and devoted child you are." He turned to Loid and gave him an appraising look, "You're raising such fine children Loid Forger."

Loid smiled as he regarded his son and daughter, "I'm just doing my duty as a father, Master Henderson."

Henderson nodded as he returned his attention to the sleeping child. "It's best you take him home and have him well rested. I can't have one of our students fall asleep in class."

"Of course, Master Henderson. And thank you very much." Loid said as he led his family out of the school and back to the apartment.

Eric slept until early afternoon before he trudged out of bed. Upon entering the common room, all eyes turned to him from the couch, in front of the TV and the kitchen sink.

"Did I dream that I got accepted?" Eric asked through bleary eyes.

Anya shot up to her feet and dashed away from the TV and engulfed him in a hug, nearly knocking him backwards.

"It wasn't a dream big brother. You are officially a student at Eden!" Anya announced happily to Eric whose eyes gradually widened as her words slowly began to register in his half-awake mind.

"I...passed?" Eric asked as he remembered seeing his number on the result board with his family. "I actually passed?" He repeated his question as the weight started leaving his shoulders.

"That's right Eric, you've been accepted to attend Eden College." Loid knelt before his son while Yor hugged him from behind in case he passed out again. "Mr. Henderson came to talk to us after you passed out. He assured us that what happened at the interview was never your fault."

"Really?"

Loid nodded, "He especially looks forward to having you in one of his classes."

Eric's astonished face slowly morphed into a look of pure elation and relief. "I'm an Eden student." He laughed as a small blush stained his cheeks. "I'm an Eden student!" He said as he hugged his mom and sister, basking in the glow of his accomplishment.

Loid smiled in relief at his (fake) family, Eric worked extremely hard to get into the school for the sake of his dream and his sister. The pride he felt for his son was immeasurable, not only has this child succeeded in completely Phase 1 of Operation Strix, but he showed the teachers at the interview that he is worthy at being part of their school.

'Eric pushed himself to the limits just to get in, though I'm certain it's gonna get even harder for him among his peers.' Loid thought to himself, 'He's accomplished the first part of the mission, it'd be wrong to let him go without getting compensated for his hard work. I could get him a new book. No, it can't just be books. He needs something more. What else would a six-year-old want for a reward?'

Anya listened to her father's thoughts as an idea came to her. "Papa, we should all go on another family ooting to celebrate big brother's achiebment." *achievement*

"That's a wonderful idea Anya." Yor agreed still hugging her son. "What do you think Eric, is there any place you wish to visit?"

"But remember, it can't be out of the country." Loid tacked on quickly in case the boy got any ideas.

"And it can't be boring." Anya added.

'What I want to do?' Eric held his chin as he thought of one of the places he wished to visit. "Oh, I know." Eric said before Yor let him go as he went to his room to retrieve something. He returned seconds later with a flyer in his hands. The contents of the paper were pressed to his chest and his green eyes glimmered with reserved hope.

"Will it be acceptable if we go here tomorrow?" Eric asked as he flipped the flyer over to show his family.

Loid and Yor blinked, "An aquarium?"

Anya's eyes sparkled in excitement, "Fishies?"

Eric nodded, "They're opening the new penguin exhibit tomorrow. So, can we go?" He asked, trying not to sound hopeful at the very idea of seeing exotic animals up close for the first time.

"Please Papa?" Anya begged their father.

Loid had no objections since it was something simple they can do as a regular family. "I'll request a day off for tomorrow."

Anya cheered while Eric smiled, happy that they would be doing something without the mission breathing down their necks.

"Anya, don't forget your hat." Eric told his sister as the family exited their apartment.

Anya stood still as Eric placed the cute little straw hat on her head, covering her ornaments and relishing in her brother caring for her. "Thanks big brother."

Eric kept his excitement under control as he patted his sister's head. Glancing at his family, he couldn't help but find it odd how their day clothes have blue and white stripe patterns. Yor's sweater underneath her turquoise dress, Loid's shirt beneath his black jacket, Anya's collar matching her sailor outfit, and Eric's socks.

'What's with this ensemble?' Eric couldn't help but question the reason why they simultaneously chose blue and white stripes today.

"C'mon, let's go!" Anya impatiently and excitedly said as she tugged on her brother's arm and pulled him towards the stairs.

"Anya, the aquarium's not going anywhere. And don't drag your brother or you'll hurt him again." Loid warned as he quickly locked the door before he and Yor went to follow their children.

The Forger family arrived at the train station platform with Anya excitedly singing, "Fishies, fishies, fishies. We're going to see the fishies."

Loid's eyes caught the WISE symbol in the tiles of the beverage kiosk. 'No not again. This can't be a good thing.' "I'll go grab us some drinks." He said as he left for the kiosk to do just that and tell the informant that he's taking the day off for his family.

Eric held Anya's left hand firmly while Yor held her right as the girl fidgeted while they waited for their train to arrive. He glanced behind him where his father looked like he was arguing with the owner. Eric shrugged before he went back to waiting patiently for their train.

After a thirty-minute ride and an additional ten-minute walk, they made it to Berlint Aqualand. Eric was surrounded by water, more than that, everywhere he looked there were exotic sea life swimming around them. Green eyes shone in content wonder at each aquatic creature. He could stand there peacefully forever...if not for the fact that he has to watch his sister jump and run around like a chihuahua on coffee.

"All the fishies, yay!" Anya leapt joyfully in the air before she started zipping from one tank to another. "An octopus. Starfish. Little baby shark!"

"Anya, stop running around so much." Eric sighed as he went to retrieve his sister before she gets lost.

"Well, they're having fun." Yor laughed as she turned to her husband, "Uh, Loid, why do you look so pale."

'I just couldn't say no to that extra mission.'

Eric came back with Anya in tow, his lips set into a firm line as he mentally scolded his sister for running around. When they arrived, Eric finally took notice of the state their father was in. "Why do you suddenly look like a corpse ready to drop dead again?" While his words sounded mean, it was painfully true, the old man looked worse for wear more than usual.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Loid waved off his son's insult.

'I'm not buying that. Old man looks like hell.' Eric thought with a sigh as he patted the older man's back in a comforting manner while Anya patted his leg. "There, there, Papa. There, there."

Yor giggled at how sweet the kids comforted their weary father. Despite Eric's deadpanned expression, it was clear to note how worried he was for Loid. Anya hardly hid any of her feelings.

Loid patted his children's head and cleared his throat before composing himself. "Let's go check out the penguin exhibit." He said as he mentally went over the information. His current objective is to retrieve a chemical weapon's schematics that were on a microfilm which was smuggled in a capsule and swallowed by a penguin of all things. Since it arrived yesterday, the recipient hasn't come by to collect it. In other words, Twilight has to find the penguin and get the microfilm before the enemy does. The sooner he completes this side mission, the faster he can return to fun family mode.

"I like penguins! Let's see them!" Anya agreed enthusiastically after reading her father's thoughts. This is the perfect opportunity to see a spy in action.

Upon arriving at the penguin exhibit, Twilight knew he was screwed. He has to find the right penguin among the hundreds of other penguins. He gripped the edge of the divider as he scrutinized each bird, trying to figure out which is the right one he has to grab.

'Why does he look as if the penguins insulted his ancestors?' Eric thought as he observed his father's behavior.

'Papa's in trouble.' Anya thought since she already knew the reason for coming here.

'Loid's engrossed. I guess even he lets out his inner child sometimes.' Yor giggled under her breath at how childish her husband seemed today.

Being the helpful, and dutiful daughter, a spy could unknowingly hope for, Anya closed her eyes and concentrated on the penguins' minds, hoping to find the right one and protect world peace. After some interference from the human minds around them, she found the right frequency with the animals. Though it was harder for her to read something that wasn't human, she tried for her father's sake. So far, all she got was fish and more fish.

'Gwack!'

Anya gasped, 'That must be it.'

"Papa, look at that penguin. Can he breathe?" Anya tugged on Loid's jacket as she pointed to the poor penguin who kept coughing and spitting up water.

"He doesn't look too good. Perhaps he has something stuck in his throat. Could be a fishbone." Eric theorized as he observed the penguin's pained expression.

Loid nodded to himself, satisfied that he may have found what he was looking for before he backed away. "I'm gonna grab us some more drinks." He said as he made a hasty retreat, leaving his family at the exhibit.

'What's with him?' Eric thought as Anya grabbed his hand and drew one letter into the palm, 'M'

Eric's eyes widened as he glanced at Anya who smiled and pointed at the penguins, mainly the one that was sick.

His green eyes narrowed at the bird. 'Seriously, a freakin' penguin?' Eric sighed, 'Oh well, this can't be the weirdest mission he had. Anyway, as long as we stay out of his way, he should be finished in no time.' He didn't want either of them to get caught up in other missions, not when his main focus is on Eden College.

Anya, however, had other plans.

"Let's go see more fishies." Anya said as she dashed away from the penguin exhibit with astonishing speed a barely four-year-old should not possess.

"Wait, Anya!" Yor exclaimed as Eric cursed silently, knowing what his sister was going to do. Mother and son ran after her, but once they left the exhibit, Anya was nowhere to be found, not a pink hair in sight.

Eric held Yor's hand tightly as they searched for their wayward Forger. 'Anya, where'd you go!' Eric screamed in his mind, hoping Anya caught that as he and Yor searched frantically.

"Mama, Eric, help I'm being kidnapped!" The duo turned just in time to see Anya hanging on tightly to the jacket of a creepy-looking guy running away from something. Eric knew she wasn't getting kidnapped, but she was definitely in danger.

Mother and son dashed into the hall as the guy tried to dislodge Anya from his jacket. Yor pulled her leg back. "Hands off creep!" The creeper looked up just in time to receive a particularly painful teeth shattering and jaw breaking kick to the chin. "Don't touch my daughter!" The guy's head lodged itself into the ceiling as the rest of his body dangled.

"Wow." Eric whispered in fearful respect at his mother's ferocious strength.

Anya let go and plopped safely into Yor's arms. "Wow."

"Are you okay, Anya?" Yor asked then glanced up at the body, embarrassed and hopeful that she didn't kill the guy by accident.

"Mom," Eric called out as he poked the guy's leg. "Kick him again, he's still breathing." His unsympathetic words sounded as he continued poking at the breathing yet unresponsive body with macabre fascination.

"Eric!" Yor exclaimed as one of the workers at the other end of the hall carrying a penguin glanced in their direction and saw the display. "Wow."

With the help of his family, Twilight completed the mission and was able to get intel from the imposter.

"Sorry it took so long." The Forgers turned at the sound of Loid's voice, "Tada!" In his arms was a bigger than Anya stuffed penguin.

"Big ol' penguin!" Anya exclaimed upon seeing such a toy.

"That's a gigantic one Loid. Where'd you get it?" Yor asked, delighted to see such a cute toy for their daughter as Loid set it down for Anya to take.

"I won it as a prize in the penguin's name guessing game over there. It took some trying, but I knew Anya would love it, so what could I do. Finally got him though." Loid lied, looking sheepish as he explained his prologued absence.

'This guy unknowingly rewarded Anya for her participation in catching that creep.' Eric sighed again, arms still crossed as he regarded Anya with a stern look which she ignored in favor of her new friend.

"Oh, and I also got this." Loid said as he unhooked the plastic bag from his arm and passed it to Eric. Though the boy was surprised to receive a gift, he didn't complain as he opened the bag and pulled out the item.

"A penguin alarm clock?" Eric asked as he turned it this way and that. The clock face was in the middle of the penguin's belly and the wings looked like they could flap.

"Mmhm. This way you can get up in time to go to your classes." Loid explained as Eric continued to examine the gift. He looked up at his father with a slight blush as he clutched the clock to his chest. "Thanks Dad." The penguin looked ridiculously cute.

Yor giggled at how adorable Loid gets worked up over his children.

They spent an entire day at the aquarium looking at more exhibits and learning more about aquatic life. When it was close to late afternoon, they decided to return home. On the train home, Loid sat between Eric and the stuffed penguin who was cuddled by Anya as she sat close to Yor.

Eric held his new alarm clock protectively, his normally reserved countenance held that peaceful smile from the wonderful experience at the aquarium, minus the creepy guy.

"I had fun today. Thanks Dad."

"I'm glad, we all deserved this day." Loid said, happy to complete that mission without raising too much attention.

Eric subconsciously leaned up against his father, "I promise to work really hard at school." He said, surprising Loid who smiled and wrapped an arm around his son. "I know you will. Congrats, you got into Eden." He said as he held him close, that warm feeling he felt could not be denied as Eric snuggled against him.

It was close to midnight as Eric laid in bed with his new alarm clock on his bedside table. His fingers were woven over the comforter against his chest, eyes closed as he breathed peacefully.

His eyes opened to the semi darkness; the feint glow provided by the moon's light. He's always been a light sleeper, which worked well for him when they were on the run. His ears were open to all sounds, while it was mostly quiet during the night, he could sense his family close by, sleeping in their own quarters. Well, most of them. He turned his face towards the door when he felt the soft padded footsteps come closer to his door.

'I'm awake Anya. You can come in.'

The door creaked open to reveal a wide-awake Anya in her cute sleeping cap and onesie. Her Mr. Chimera clutched tightly in her little arms. Despite how hectic their day's been, she still couldn't sleep. Eric breathed out through his nose as he scooted closer to the wall to make room.

Anya quietly closed the door and made a beeline towards the bed. After climbing under the covers, she tucked her toy under her arm and faced her brother who stared up at the ceiling.

"Are you still mad at me?" Anya whispered in the semi darkness.

Eric thought about it for a moment and closed his eyes. 'A little.' Anya looked hurt when she heard that.

"I'm really sorry. I just wanted to help Papa."

Eric opened his eyes again, 'I know you did. But you can't put yourself in danger like that.'

"But you and Mama were there to 'save' me." Anya smiled, but Eric frowned as he finally turned to face her.

'Yes, by pure luck. Next time, we might not be as lucky.' Eric sighed as finally whispered, "Anya I won't be there to protect you while I'm at Eden. The only way I can fully function in that school is knowing that you're safe." 'Far from Dad's missions.'

"But what about world peace?" Anya asked, feeling bad for making her brother worry when he has to undertake the mission at Eden. She wanted to do her part, use her powers to help people.

"That's Dad's job. I know you want to be his little helper, but you can't put yourself in danger like that anymore." Eric scolded his sister, though he sounded harsh, he only wants to protect her.

"What if you were with me?" Anya asked, "I promise not to help Papa out on missions unless you're with me." She really wants to protect world peace with her family, because that is when they are closest.

Eric thought about it and thought it was a good compromise. While he is adamant about keeping his distance from their father's other missions, he knew Anya will go out of her way to help the spy the way she did at the penguin park and with that purse snatcher. 'Only when we're together do we help him. Don't you ever go at it alone. Understand?' Eric, being the stern understanding older brother conceded to their compromise.

Anya wrapped her arms around her brother, crushing Mr. Chimera between them. "Thank you."

Eric closed his eyes as he laid one of his hands on Anya's arm. "Good night."

When morning came, Yor and Loid found the siblings cuddled up in bed. While Yor silently squealed at the precious cuteness, Loid decided to go get his camera.

How many of you were surprised with this chapter? The penguin mission is my personal favorite, and I thought it was a perfect way to reward Eric for his hard work. Eric didn't use his powers in this chapter, sorry to disappoint. I want Eric to have moments where he's not burdened by his power and just be a kid. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next one is gonna be pretty intense, especially his meeting with Damian. And of course, his official meeting with Becky. Thank you.