Eric stood straight and silent as the proprietor measured his height, noting how he grew three millimeters taller than last time. Today he was getting measured for his Eden School uniform. But it wasn't just him getting a uniform, Anya will soon be attending Berlint Preschool. It's run by a gentle and patient woman whose own children attend, and it was just a fifteen-minute walk between there and Eden. So, it'd be easy for the spy and the assassin to visit between the two.
Eric listened as Anya clung onto him as the proprietor talked about the downsides of being an Eden student, mainly how children from prestigious families will look down and often bully commuters like him. Worst part is how Eden students will often get kidnapped because of how rich their families are.
Anya's little arms constricted around Eric's midsection as she tearfully turned to their father, "I don't want big brother to go to school anymore."
Eric sighed as he rubbed Anya's back, "I'm sure it's all an exaggeration. Besides, I'm not exactly interesting enough for people to kidnap." A complete lie.
After paying for the items and the promised deadline of when the uniforms will be ready, the kids walked rather awkwardly between their parents. Anya refused to relinquish her hold on her brother as her big green eyes darted around for any sign of danger.
"What's wrong?" Loid asked, holding the paper bag as Yor watched the children with some worry.
"I'm trying to not let big brother get kidnapped." Anya answered, latched onto her Eric who remained unfazed and unbothered by her behavior.
"I see, interesting approach." Loid commented, though he shouldn't be surprised by how clingy Anya gets with her brother.
Then they ate at a restaurant where Twilight received a coded message to inform him about a briefing at Safehouse D. Though the way they put that message into the food was very disconcerting to the spy.
Five days later, Loid receives a telephone call from the shop to let him know that the children's uniforms were ready. Eric sat stationary on the couch reading the Art of Psychological Warfare while Anya peeked over the armchair, climbed over the side and rolled like a log over to her father.
Loid clicked the telephone back in place as Anya stood up. "Are our clothes done?"
"Sounds like it." Loid said as Anya hopped excitedly. 'But I've got my briefing today.'
After pulling on his trench coat and briefcase, he handed Yor a piece of paper. "Sorry to dump this on you. But do you think you can pick the order up? I would, but I have to work."
Yor took the paper and nodded, "No problem, you can count on me."
Anya stepped forward and handed Loid his hat. "I might not get home until pretty late. So, you three can probably go ahead and order in tonight." He said as he put on his hat.
"Sure." Yor had no problem with that.
"Have a nice day." Anya waved.
"We got things here." Eric said as they watched Loid leave their apartment.
That afternoon, the three Forgers returned to the shop where the children tried on their new school uniforms. Eric adjusted his collar as he surveyed his new look in the mirror while Anya did fashion poses to show off her cuteness in her white and red preschool outfit. Eric breathed out a small laugh as Yor squealed at how adorable Anya looked.
After a few more poses, Yor, Eric and Anya left the shop in their new school attires. Anya held her brother and mother's hands as she sang. "Why don't we stop by the park for a minute?" Yor offered since they all have free time. Anya agreed immediately, and Eric showed no objections to it.
When they got to the park, Anya showed off her new uniform and, much to Eric's embarrassment, showed off her brother's uniform as well. Yor laughed at their antics before her eyes turned solemn after talking to a couple of mothers and watching them interact with their own children. Even though they were a pretend family, she has a strong desire to be a better mother to Eric and Anya.
"In the short time that I've known Yor, I knew for certain that she was different, that she was meant to be with father, Anya and me." Eric's words at the interview sprang through her mind, it gave her a sense of belonging. Remembering how Eric has very little memory of his mother made her recall her own childhood. She had plenty of memories of both her parents and the pure love they gave her and Yuri up until the moment of their deaths. She had to be both mother and father to her younger brother when they were orphaned, one of the main reasons why she took on assassination as a job to provide for Yuri.
While Eric and Anya lost one parent, the older brother still forced himself to mature quickly for his sister's sake despite being raised by a busy single father. In a way, Eric's trying to be another parental figure at a young age like Yor. A burden a six-year-old should never have to carry.
'Eric is so reserved, yet never forgets to show Anya he cares for her.' Yor smiled slightly as Eric fixed his sister's hair when a leaf got caught in her pink tresses. 'If I can be a better mom for them both, maybe that can lift some of the weight off their shoulders.'
Anya skipped back towards their mother with Eric followed close behind her at a more sedate pace. "Mama, I showed everyone here how cute I am. We can go."
"Just don't get your uniform dirty before school starts." Yor gently reminded them.
Yor then suggested they go to the supermarket to get some ingredients so she can cook something for them. She can't really call herself a top chef, but if Yuri survived, why not them?
Eric felt the ends of his hairs stand up when that familiar feeling of being watched came back. No, this was more than being watched, right now, he felt like prey being eyed by a very dangerous predator. His green eyes swept around the park, trying to pinpoint the hunter.
"Big brother, come on." Eric glanced towards Anya holding Yor's hand as they walked towards the supermarket.
Eric didn't drop his guard until they were safely inside the store. He remained close to Yor while keeping a close eye on Anya who showed her outfit off to another shopper. 'Anya, make sure to stay close to Mom, alright?'
Anya gave him a thumbs up.
But once they got to checkout, Anya dashed past Yor and Eric. "I'm bored, I'm going outside!"
Eric's eyes widened, "Anya, wait!" 'That feeling's back.'
Eric tried to pull Anya back when she pushed open the door but reacted too late when large hands covered their mouths. The pressure on their faces made it impossible for either of them to scream.
"Well, hello there, kiddos." The blonde in leopard-print shirt and blue jacket holding Anya greeted.
"Behave yourselves and come with us for a second. Once your maid pays up, we'll let you go, so sit tight for a second." The sleazy spiky redhead with round sunglasses ordered them as he tightened his hold on Eric as they were pulled to the side of the supermarket away from prying eyes.
"You know, these uniforms go for a good price." The sole female of the group stated, greed clear in all their eyes.
"That right?" The redhead responded with malice dripping from his voice.
Eric glared at each of them, green eyes flickering into that menacing color as he felt his power rise to the surface. 'Anya, I'm sorry, but I need you to close your eyes for me.' Eric's eyes shifted to the male with long wavy hair and a goatee, he was silent and looked bored, but he was just as willing to kidnap vulnerable children for a little bit of cash. Furrowing his brow, he concentrated on his throat and began to slowly constrict his airways. The man's eyes widened when he felt something squeezing his throat, making it hard to breath. He gasped as his hand frantically clawed at his neck to free himself from strangulation, but there was nothing for him to grab on to. He fell to his knees, catching his friends' attention as he continued to choke.
"Roy, what's wrong with you?" The woman asked when he rolled onto his back. He couldn't tell them, it was impossible for him to talk, let alone breathe with this invisible thing suffocating him to death. She rushed over to his side to figure out what was happening to him.
'Your turn.' Eric's menacing gaze locked onto the blonde's neck.
But just before Eric could start squeezing her throat, a heavy paper bag smacked the one holding him hostage, the force sent the would-be kidnapper flying and the vegetables to explode out of the bag.
The sudden release cause Eric to loosen his hold on his victim, allowing the man to breathe.
Eric righted himself as he caught a stray carrot in surprise. Yor stood in front of him as she glared at the kidnappers with demonic hate. "What do you think you're doing?" She questioned them, her eyes glowed a frightening red as her fringes shadowed the upper half of her face.
However, the blonde fool holding Anya didn't sense the danger as she shoved the little girl into his female friend's arms. "Looks like we're gonna have to tag on some medical bills too. Let's see your wallet Ms. Nanny."
"I'm afraid I've used all my money, so there's nothing of value in here." Yor answered with shadowed eyes as she held up her empty wallet. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Eric's eyes were also shadowed as he leaned on his left foot. He bit off the end of a long carrot in his hand, eyeing the blonde holding his sister.
Unfortunately for him, he didn't take her threat seriously as he picked up a heavy melon. "Oh yeah? Guess the uniforms our ticket after all. I hope you got somewhere to go, 'cause their mommy's gonna fire you so quick, it'll make your head spin!" He finished as he was about to throw the melon at Yor...only for it to be smashed by her bare hand.
Everyone's mouth gaped open, which was a bad thing for the blonde woman. A carrot shot into her mouth, the force of it sent her backwards as she choked and gagged when the end of the vegetable hit the back of her throat. Once Anya was released, she quickly hid behind her mother and brother.
The woman sat up, spitting the carrot out of her mouth as she coughed and held her throat.
The woman gasped and coughed, "Who threw that carrot into my mouth?"
Eric twirled another carrot in his hand as he stood protectively in front of his wide-eyed sister. "I did." He stopped twirling the vegetable and held it like a dagger with the sharp tip pointed in her direction. "Next one goes in your eye. This time, I'm not biting off the end of this." He added, raising his head to reveal violent green eyes that promised bloodshed.
"You...broke that bare handed?" The stupid leader asked, now terrified as he took a step back.
Yor seethed in rage then yelled, "I am these children's mother, do you hear me! Unless you don't want to end up like that vegetable or have a carrot shoved into your head, I suggest you leave right now!" They didn't need to be told a third time before they grabbed their redheaded friend and ran with their tails between their legs.
"Mama and big brother are so cool." Anya said in amazement despite five-minute terror she endured.
Eric let out a sigh of relief as he lowered his veggie-weapon. "Glad that's over."
He dropped the carrot as Yor knelt down and hugged her children, "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have let you out of my sight. And I've ruined all our groceries." Yor added, looking at all the smashed vegetables that were used to free her son. "Look at me, I'm a failure of a mother." Yor tearfully said, berating herself for this blunder.
Not wanting their mother to feel bad, Eric spoke gently to her, "That's not true. What you did is amazing." It's the honest truth, seeing such strength despite being outnumbered is truly an impressive foot.
Anya then patted Yor's head, "That's right, we love our Mama, she's so strong and cool. There, there." She then stepped back and took a fighting stance. "Super killer punch: KAPOW!" She said as she mimicked Yor's move.
"Please don't do that in public!" Yor blushed deeply while Eric laughed softly which then vanished as he looked at his hands and clenched them into fists. 'Mom was able to defeat them bare handed and with minimal effort. No powers needed, unlike me. I can't keep relying on my power to save us.' As powerful as the children are, even they have a moment of weakness, one day each month where they are completely defenseless. 'I need to protect us some other way without using my power.'
Summoning his courage, he spoke, "Mom, can you...teach me how to fight?" He asked, blushing as he looked down shyly, embarrassed by how weak he truly is relying solely on his power for protection. "I'm in danger just by being an Eden student. But if I know how to defend myself, I'll be able to keep myself and Anya safe. And maybe, it would give me peace of mind if Anya learned as well." Eric added as he glanced at Anya who nodded fiercely. "Mama, can you train us please?"
"Are you sure?" Yor asked, since normal mothers don't teach their children martial arts.
Anya nodded determinedly, "I know big brother won't be able to protect me while he's at Eden, but it won't be as scary if I train and get strong like you. Then I can study really hard and join big brother at Eden to protect him, so he doesn't die." She threw her arms out and declared, "We wanna be just like you Mama!"
Eric smiled slightly, but the surprise and joy was clear in his eyes at hearing his sister's resolve. "What she said."
Yor blushed as a beautiful smile came onto her face. While she knew she can never be a normal mother to them, she's willing to give it her all.
"'Kay, then let's head home and start your training."
"Training!" Anya cheered.
Eric calmly cheered as he raised his and Anya's hands in the air, "Go Forgers."
Anya eyes lit up in inspiration as she started doing the cabbage patch dance, "Go Forgers, Go Forgers, Go Forgers. Go! Go! Go Forgers!"
Yor laughed as she clapped along while Eric slapped a hand to his mouth to contain his giggles and maintain his composure.
Loid sighed as he walked home from his briefing, which took longer than he preferred. Now that he got his son into Eden, the next step to getting close to Desmond is by attending social gatherings at the school. However, only Imperial Scholars and their families are the only ones permitted to attend. In order to gain the title of Imperial Scholar, a student must earn eight merits known as Stella Stars. These Stars are granted to those with outstanding grades, achievements, and contributions to society. In other words, Eric must become an honor student. But if a student has poor grades or exhibits bad behavior, then they are given Tonitrus Bolts. Eight Bolts mean immediate expulsion.
'I have no worries about the Tonitrus Bolts. Eric is calmer and more level-headed compared to Anya. Him becoming an Imperial Scholar shouldn't be a problem.' Loid allowed a smile to crawl upon his face. He didn't realize he made that same face when Handler, Sylvia Sherwood, informed him what he needed his son to do. The woman noted how he seemed rather smug and proud of Eric's academic skills.
"Your son shows great promise, Twilight. Had this child been any older, he'd make quite a spy." Handler stated after reading the reports regarding the boy that would cement the road to peace.
"Though I must say, I'm quite surprised by the resemblance. Are you sure you didn't father him?" She asked with an intrigued smile as she stared at the family picture of the Forgers. The boy's calm demeaner is too much like Twilight's for him to be adopted.
"Pretty sure." Twilight answered, already used to the speculation.
"And the girl, Anya. She wasn't originally part of the plan. It was supposed to be one child." Handler stated as she looked at the four-year-old. The same age her own daughter was when war took her.
"A minor adjustment. While she's not like her brother, she serves as a prime motivator for him to succeed at Eden." Twilight explained his reasons for keeping both of them. While it felt wrong to use children as assets in his operation, it is a necessary sacrifice to ensure world peace.
Handler nodded as she took in the two children's faces, mainly Eric's. This boy was exactly what they hoped for in a potential honor student that can get them closer to Desmond, closer to world peace. It is important that he be kept alive no matter the cost.
"Hey, I'm home." He announced as he walked through the door. As he walked further into the apartment, he heard grunting and was met with the sight of Yor wearing a white shirt and black yoga pants that hugged her figure quite nicely. Her long black hair tied back in a ponytail, exposing her creamy swan-like neck. Then his attention went to his children who were in training clothes as well. Anya's hair was also tied back, and she wore a teal shirt and yellow shorts while Eric sported a grey shirt and white pair of sweatpants. All three of them were in battle stances and executing punches towards an invisible enemy.
"What are you doing?" Loid asked as Yor pulled another punch with a resounding grunt, Eric and Anya followed suit. Though Eric was quieter as he concentrated on the power and execution of each strike.
"Preparing them for school." Yor answered as Anya yelled, "Hyah!"
Loid wasn't sure how to respond to this method of school preparedness, but he knew there was a story behind this turn of events.
Finally, the day of the beginning of the new year for a fresh batch of students came. The Forgers sat among the many parents and their children as they listened to the Headmaster give his speech to the new students attending this year.
"Papa, everyone is wearing the same thing as big brother." Anya said as she frantically looked at all the kids dressed like Eric.
"That's how uniforms work." Eric stated between Anya and Yor.
Loid sat with his arms crossed as he remembered Handler's instructions, turn Eric into one of the elite honor students to get into Desmond's circle. 'I have no doubt Eric will become an elite. But maintaining it will be just as challenging.'
Then they started announcing the Houses and corresponding Housemasters. They watched as students were called stand with their classmates.
"Which one will big brother be in?" Anya asked as she held her brother's arm in anticipation.
"I have no idea." Loid said with a small smile, though in truth, he manipulated the roster to make certain his son shared the same class as Desmond's second son in the hopes of increasing the mission's success.
"Personally, it shouldn't matter, nor should I care. It's not like I know any of these kids." 'Nor do I want to.' Eric stated calmly as he watched the student groups get bigger by the minute as he waited for his name to get called.
"Well, you never know. You could end up being friends with some of them." Loid stated as he caught sight of his target's second son leave the audience to join his class.
'In the unlikely event should Plan A, the imperial Scholar route fail, we'll go to Plan B, the Friendship Scheme.' Loid went over the plan in his head as he eyed the little Desmond while Anya watched her father with very wide eyes.
Step 1: Befriend Damian Desmond
Step 2: Get invited to his house with dad in tow
Step 3: Direct contact with the target
'It'll be more complicated, but we should be prepared.' Loid nodded to himself at his ability to think of backup plans.
Anya wrote messages into Eric's palm. Her fingers were frantic and hard to follow, but he was able to decipher 'FREND TARGET SON. DAMAN DESMON.'
'The old man wants me to befriend his target's son?' Eric thought incredulously as he glanced up at his father.
Anya nodded; certain their father's plan can work.
"Eric Forger."
The boy perked up when his name was called. His family turned to him with encouraging smiles. "It's your turn." Loid said as Eric nodded then stood up from his seat.
"Good luck big brother!" Anya yelled as she waved to Eric who made it to ground level. Eric glanced behind him and nodded to his sister, 'I'll do my best.'
Walking with purpose towards the class he's been assigned to, he caught sight of the boy he's supposed to befriend. He was pale with short brown hair and hazel eyes that were narrowed and slightly droopy. But what turned his stomach was that condescending look on his face. Hazel eyes locked onto green, wondering why the blonde was staring at him for. Then arrogant smirk was thrown Eric's way, as though telling him he was more superior.
'I knew I was gonna hate him.' Eric scoffed quietly then calmly turned away to resume his journey. 'Sorry Dad, but there's no way he and I will ever be friends. Not even for world peace.' Eric sighed as he went back to the original plan Anya debriefed him on the previous night when she read their father's mind about the next step to the operation. 'Eight Stella Stars to become an Imperial Scholar. Not gonna be easy. But I'll work hard to get the best grades possible.'
"Becky Blackbell."
While Eric contemplated the plan in his mind, a girl with two side ponytails came up behind Eric. Her smile wide when she recognized her savior's calm expression as he stood like a soldier ready for battle. Putting on her best cute smile, she greeted her knight, "Hi, nice to meet you?"
Eric turned to the girl behind him. He blinked twice then looked around him to figure out who she was addressing. Facing her again, he pointed at himself in question.
The girl giggled at his cluelessness, she found it adorable. "Yep, I'm talking to you. Don't you remember me?"
Eric tilted his head, feeling he met her from somewhere until a memory of that farm animal debacle at the interview came forth. His green eyes widened in recognition. "You're that girl from before." He stated, surprised to be meeting her again, in the same class apparently.
"Mmhm, I'm Becky Blackbell. Thank you for saving me." She introduced herself as she held her hand out to Eric.
Eric stared at her hand, then slowly in a shy manner, gently grasped hers. "Eric Forger." He introduced himself then looked down at her hand and saw not a blemish in sight. "You're all healed." He noted as he touched the spot where he placed that bandaid.
Becky blushed as Eric released her hand as she held it against her chest. His warm fingers on her hand sent a happy tingle down her spine. "All thanks to you."
Eric smiled slightly, "I didn't want you to get any bacteria Ms. Blackbell. I'm just glad you're okay."
Becky's eyes lit up and her blush deepened, 'His smile is so beautiful!'
Their interaction did not go unnoticed by Loid who realized the girl behind his son is the daughter of the CEO Heavy Blackbell Industries, a major military manufacturer. More than that, the next girl to join is a daughter of a VP in Parliament, then a son whose father is a Secret Service member. 'His classmates are a treasure trove of intel. Eric you better be friends with all of them!' He yelled in his mind, hoping his son has enough social skills to grant him access to these kids' parents.
'Loid gets so intense when it comes to Eric.' Yor giggled under her breath as she and Anya watched Loid stare intently at his son while clenching his fist.
Anya gave him a deadpanned expression before turning to her brother worriedly. 'Brother's the smartest in the whole world...'
'I like knowledge as much as the next nerd...' Eric's eyebrow twitched as he awkwardly interacted with Becky who kept staring at him.
'But the thing about big brother...'
'And yet my biggest problem...'
'I/He really don't/doesn't know how to make friends.' The siblings thought at the same time.
It's true. In the six years Eric has lived, he has minimal social interaction with other kids his age. He rarely even talked to kids at the orphanages. Being distrustful and having an ability tied to sporadic emotions left him a socially awkward individual. He's fine academic wise, but when it comes to making friends is where he fails spectacularly.
'We really didn't think this all the way through.' The Forger siblings sighed as they distantly shared the same thoughts.
"Well, my brother's doomed." Anya stated as she watched her brother fail to make conversation with that Becky girl.
"Why do you say that?" Yor asked, wondering where that came from.
"My brother stinks when it comes to making friends." Anya deadpanned, shocking the parents, mainly Loid since Plan B relies solely on friendship.
"These twenty-nine students will be in Class 3 of Cecil Hall and will be under the tutelage of Master Henderson." The announcer said as the teacher in question rose from his seat and elegantly made his way to his students.
"Look, it's the nice one." Yor stated upon recognizing the teacher who praised their son and assured them that he had a place in their school.
'I'll whip these rugrats into shape like the old days.' Henderson vowed as he eyed his students, among them being Eric Forger who stood dutifully and at attention.
"And now, the students will accompany their teachers on a tour of the campus, then head to their respective classrooms." They announced among the applause, but Loid wasn't clapping. "While they are getting acquainted with the grounds, all the parents are cordially invited to get acquainted with each other in the lounge of Tower C."
'You'll be on your own from here on out, Eric. So please, do your best.' Loid thought with arms crossed as he watched his son march behind his fellow classmates. To him, he felt as though he was sending Eric off to battle with minimal training.
Eric sensed his father's gaze on him and turned to look up at him. Though his face was stern, Eric could sense worry in his father's eyes. He nodded his head towards his father, a silent message telling him that he'll be fine. Turning his face towards the front, he followed his class out of the assembly hall.
"Eric will be alright." Yor assured her husband whose eyes never left his son until he disappeared behind the door.
Anya's large green eyes narrowed as she tried to listen for her brother's fading thoughts.
Eric stood among his fellow classmates as they toured the grounds, the location they were currently at was the cafeteria. But there was also a separate cafeteria reserved mainly for the Imperial Scholars.
Then a chubby kid with bowl-cut hair and buckteeth talked about how Damian Desmond's gonna be an Imperial Scholar. The Desmond brat then smugly responded how he's counting on it, followed by this egg-shaped headed kid who stroked his ego. Then the kid bragged about his father being the head of the National Unity Party. His classmates gathered around him and started praising the smug brat. All but two.
"They're so dumb." Becky commented, hands on her hips as she stared annoyed at the group.
Eric, standing beside Becky, made a humming sound and nodded. "Nothing we can do about it."
"You know, I just noticed, you don't talk very much." Becky stated to Eric whose eyes caught hers for a moment then looked away, feeling reserved and out of place.
"I don't really have anything interesting to say. I apologize if it comes off as rude, Ms. Blackbell." He said, head bowed in respect to Becky.
Becky pouted, "Stop calling me Ms. Blackbell. Call me Becky. Be-cky." She requested, more like demanded. While her family's servants call her by that title, she wanted her knight to call her by her first name.
Eric blinked at her, "Are you sure?"
"Yep, that's an order." Becky confidently said, determined to have her way.
Eric was silent then nodded, "As you wish, Becky."
Becky smiled before something caught her attention at the corner of her eye at the entrance.
Eric followed her gaze and saw something pink. "Anya."
Large green eyes peeked out as she caught her brother's gaze before stepping out and making a beeline towards him. Her sudden appearance pulled everyone attention away from Damian.
Henderson caught sight of the little girl coming towards her brother as her tiny arms wrapped around her back. "Ms. Anya Forger, what are you doing here?" He asked, not harshly, but more with curiosity as the child looked up at him with shimmering green eyes that would melt any hearts.
Holding her brother tightly, her voice sounded much smaller, but was heard all the same. "I got worried for my brother, so I wanted to make sure he was safe."
Eric sighed through his nose and frowned. "Anya, I'm alright." He said, patting his sister on the head to comfort her before looking up at Henderson. "I'm terribly sorry for this Professor Henderson."
Henderson sighed and waved off his apology, "No need, her concerns are elegant and noble. Ms. Anya, if you're still worried for his safety, you are permitted to accompany our class until the end of the tour. But I expect you to behave yourself. Understand?" He sternly said to Anya who nodded and saluted, "Crystal, sir."
"Good." Henderson said, finding her response satisfactory before returning to the tour.
Eric sighed in relief then turned to Anya with calm yet stern expression, 'You got lucky this time Anya.' Anya responded by burying her head into her brother's chest.
"So this is your little sister?" Becky asked as she got a better look at the girl.
"Her name is Anya. Anya, this is Becky." Eric introduced them to each other as Anya pulled away from her brother, kept her hands on his sleeve, tethering herself to him.
"Nice to meet you." Becky greeted, eyeing her as a plan formulated in her mind, 'Eric seems really close to his sister. How cute. And she's a baby too. If I become her friend, Eric will become mine.' Anya turned away from Becky to hide her face in her brother's arm again.
Eric smiled down at his sister and patted her head. "Do pardon her, she can be a touch shy at times." He said while giving Becky his gentle soothing smiles that made her heart flutter.
'He's just so sweet to his sister! I knew it, he's gotta be an angel!' Becky blushed when she found herself caught in the gentle glow of Eric's face. Though it was previously reserved, she knew he was brimming with love.
Anya pulled away from her brother slightly upon sensing Becky's admiration for her brother as a memory of Eric saving the girl's life sprang forth. She thought this Becky girl wanted to steal her brother away, but that's not it at all. She just wanted to be close to Eric. Maybe she's not that bad.
The three of them looked up when Damian Desmond approached them with that conceited look that irritated all three of them. "And what about you? What exactly does your father do? If he's important, then you might have a chance at being my friend." The snotty brat offered Eric whose smile vanished as he gave the boy his uninterested stoic expression. 'Yep, I definitely hate this kid.'
His green eyes blinked twice at Desmond as Becky and Anya awaited his reaction. "Don't take this personally Little Lordling, but I have no intention of making friends here."
Damian's face fell into shock before he glared at him. "What did you say to me? I was being gracious here."
Eric scoffed softly, "Your definition of grace do not align with mine." He calmly stated, "Though I will say this, being alone is much preferable that having someone like you as a friend."
Damian gritted his teeth and glared at him before he smirked, "Your Dad's probably a nobody and you might not even be rich either."
"I never claimed I was rich, and yet here I am." Eric maintained his calm exterior, not showing a hint of emotion towards this child.
"Oh yeah, then tell me, what exactly does your father do?" Damian asked, trying to get a rise out of this irritatingly emotionless boy.
"If you're that curious, he's a psychiatrist." Eric answered, expecting to be mocked by the brat.
Damian scoffed, "Figures. You're practically a commoner."
"You'd be surprised how common mental health disorder is, or how often my father treats them. Even the most prestigious of families aren't immune to such afflictions. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, clinical depression. And that's only the small part of the list. I'm sure an intelligent boy like yourself was educated in this kind of knowledge and how to properly treat them. If not, then I'm sure my 'commoner' father can give you a much-needed lesson so you can avoid becoming one of his patients." Eric's foreboding words sent a chill down his spine as he glared at Eric.
"Are you mocking me!" Damian demanded as he tried to size up Eric, only to receive no response from the boy.
"No, I'm only teaching, since you clearly lack the basic knowledge, courtesy and respect required to become an Imperial Scholar." Eric's words were enough to push his buttons.
"Well at least I didn't bring my pet to school!" Damian insulted as he pointed at Anya who was shocked, then angry, then felt the desire to punch this kid really hard.
"Are you sure? 'Cause I was under the impression that mole rat and jackass were your therapy pets you brought from home." Eric calmly and cleverly fired, eliciting anger-filled glares from Damian's minions.
Becky slapped a hand to her face at how Eric described Damian's followers while Anya gave the Damian her smug smile. Her brother is clearly winning.
"Damian Desmond!" Henderson's stern voice made the boy stand on attention. "Must I repeat myself? You can be punished on your first day." He was listening to their interaction, and he was quite ashamed of how the second son of a prominent family behaved towards his peers. He never reprimanded Eric since the boy remained calm and elegant in their spat.
Damian was red in the face as he glared at Eric, 'You brat, you'll pay for embarrassing me! Watch your back'
But what Eric said next threw Damian into a complete loop. "Einai kalytero anthropo apo ton patera toy."
"Huh, what does that mean?" Damian demanded, but Eric started to walk away with Becky to his right and Anya latched to his left.
"Educate yourself and then come talk to me when you figure it out." Eric calmly said as he turned his attention back to Henderson, leaving an angry, red-faced Desmond behind him. Becky and Anya turned behind them and gave the brat their smug smiles that served to infuriate him.
They were now in the hallway where Eric, Anya and Becky hung in the back.
"You know, for someone who claims they have nothing interesting to say, you're pretty cool." Becky complimented. The way Eric held his ground against a Desmond is remarkable and he was so calm and mature throughout that interaction.
"Really, I'm pretty sure I was being immature." Eric stated as he held Anya's hand.
"But she's right, you're really cool." Anya agreed with Becky.
"You're so mature, almost like a grown up." Becky added, making Eric smile slightly at the compliment. "You're very kind Becky. I find myself quite at ease in your presence."
Becky's eyes sparkled, "Really?"
Eric nodded, but then his smile vanished again as he sensed something coming towards his head. His right hand shot backwards just in time to catch a paper ball without looking behind him. He brought the pathetic assault in front of him and stared for a moment before looking behind him to see a shocked trio who witnessed him catch that ball. No one should be able to do that.
Becky glared, "If you don't stop right now, I'm gonna tell the teacher."
Damian scoffed, "There's no proof that we did anything."
"Nope. No proof." His minions repeated like mindless sheep.
"Just get out of my way." Damian shoved Becky aside, stepping on her foot in the process.
Anya gasped quietly when she heard something crack. Glancing around, she saw the window at the end of the hall have a few cracks in the glass. She quickly turned to her brother, worried that his anger will break something.
'Anya, stay close to Becky.' Her green eyes locked onto Eric's then nodded after a moment of silence before she went to Becky's side, holding her hand as the two girls watched the next round unfold.
Eric rolled the paper ball around in his hand as he stood eye-to-eye with the Desmond brat. "Listen peasant, every day I'll make it my mission to bully you. When I'm through with you, you're never gonna be able to hide behind that blank wall you call a face again."
"If he cries maybe his psycho doctor daddy will fix him." The mole rat of a minion mocked, making his friends laugh.
It took everything within him not to pummel this self-righteous spoil brat into next month. The only thing stopping him were Yor's teachings about controlling his fists and Anya's worried gaze. But then he realized something, when Damian was called at the assembly hall, he was sitting all by himself, which means...
'This is where the 'Art of Pshychologial Warfare' comes into play.'
Eric hummed as he finally figured out how to get the upper hand. "Now I see." He paused to take a long calming breath and locked his calm disappointed gaze on Damian. "You are pitiful."
Damian wasn't expecting this kind of response. "What was that?"
Eric wasn't fazed by the boy's anger. "You and I are clearly different Damian Desmond. While it's true that my father isn't on the same social stratification as yours. I consider myself much luckier than you. While my father isn't seen as important as your powerful political parent, at least mine took the time to be there for me today." His cold words made Damian flinch back. This was something he thought no one would notice, but this commoner dared throw this in his face.
However, Eric was far from done. "I hear you have an older brother who attends this school. More than that, he himself is an Imperial Scholar, just like your father wanted." He paused to let that sting fester. "It must really be painful being overlooked in favor of your brother. The richer the family, the higher the expectations. But the moment you fail just for a little bit, it all comes tumbling down, and you're the one who gets the blame."
Damian felt his heart race as anger and pain started to build up.
"You're hurt and angry that you were left alone once again. Must be a curse being the second son. Second place. Second thought. You don't want to face that truth, so you take your pain out on those you consider beneath you to make yourself feel bigger and better. But it didn't work." Eric stared at him with cold contempt as Damian clenched his fists as his frustration rose higher. "You've just proven yourself a disgraceful and pitiful little boy. It's no wonder your father chose not to come today."
That last sentence hit a nerve and caused Damian to finally snap. "SHUT UP!" He launched himself at Eric, his fist raised to punch his annoying stoic face.
It took Eric a millisecond to make a decision before his body reacted.
CRUNCH!
"AAAAAHHHHHGH!"
Yor and Loid searched under the tables and looked into corners to find their wayward daughter while interacting with the other parents. "I'm getting worried." Yor said as they failed to find Anya who gave them the slip.
"She's probably with her brother as we speak. You know how attached she is to him." Loid said with a sigh. He really should've anticipated this. This is gonna prove challenging if Anya keeps running off towards her brother while he's learning.
"Ladies and gentlemen, student orientation is complete. Please head toward the courtyard to greet them." One of the staff members announced from the doorway as students filed into the room to look for their parents.
"Where's Eric and Anya?" Loid voiced his thoughts when he didn't see his children in the room. Wherever Eric is, Anya is not too far away. Her hair is a bright pink beacon.
"Forger, a moment?" Henderson approached them and directed them to his office where Eric, Anya, and Becky were situated. But what caught them by surprise was Eric kneeling before Becky who had one of her shoes off as he checked her foot.
"Any soreness or discomfort?" Eric asked as he checked the rotation on the girl's ankle.
Becky giggled at the ticklish sensation when Eric checked her foot. "Only when I'm standing on it." She answered, but it was clear to everyone in the room that she wasn't in pain at all and just enjoyed Eric taking care of her.
"Unfortunately, I don't have a crutch available. Are you sure you're okay with me carrying you?" Eric offered since he was the one who helped her here after Damian stepped on her foot.
Becky blushed, no way was she gonna pass this up. "I don't mind."
"Eric, what happened?" Yor was the one who asked.
"There was an incident with Damian Desmond. He's currently in the infirmary getting patched up." Henderson's answer caused a feeling of dread in the pit of Loid's stomach.
"What happened to him?" Loid asked.
"That would be my fault." Eric calmly confessed, making all the adults turn to him as he pulled out a long bandage and started wrapping Becky's foot, hardly paying attention to anybody.
Loid's mouth fell open in shock. 'No way don't tell me Eric punched Damian Desmond of all people. This means he'll get a Tonitrus Bolt.'
Yor turned much paler, 'Oh God, it's all because I started training him to fight that he beat someone up.'
"Big brother didn't hit Sy-on Boy." Anya explained after listening to her parents' panic.
"Huh?" The parents reacted.
"Yeah, it was all Damian's fault actually. It was funny and well deserved." Becky laughed at the fresh memory.
Henderson coughed politely to get their attention. "Allow me to explain..."
30 Minutes Ago
CRUNCH!
"AAAAAHHHHHGH!"
Henderson and class turned around to see Damian's fist make solid impact on the wall as Eric easily sidestepped to Damian's right until he was facing the class.
"What's going on?!" Henderson demanded as he jogged over to his wayward students as Damian held his hand while bawling.
"Damian tried to attack big brother, but he broke his hand on the wall instead." Anya answered from her spot beside Becky as they watched Damian cry in agony.
Eric took hold of Damian's wrist as Henderson knelt beside them to inspect the damage. There were a few cuts on the knuckles and the back of his head started swell.
"It doesn't appear to be broken. I see no displaced joints. It's probably just a sprain. But a second opinion would be helpful." Eric analyzed as he held his chin thoughtfully. He ignored everyone's bewildered looks and Damian's tear-filled death glare as he acted as though he wasn't just attacked.
Henderson nodded at Eric's medical examination before turning his stern gaze to the injured boy. "Damian Desmond, did you try to punch a student?"
Damian momentarily forgot his animosity as he shrunk under the teacher's stare. "Uh, ahh. Er-well..." He couldn't find the right words to explain or get out of this situation.
His guilty expression was all the confirmation Henderson needed before he dragged the boy towards the infirmary.
Present
"...That's what happened."
The parents stared at the teacher as though he grew a second head before turning their attention to Eric who finished tying off the bandage on Becky's foot.
"Afterward, Eric requested that Becky be taken somewhere to sit and be treated then carried her here." Henderson added, watching the clearly uninjured girl revel in Eric caring for her. Young love indeed.
"Desmond stepped on it pretty hard, I didn't want her to aggravate it further." Eric explained as he carefully rolled the sock onto her foot then fastened her shoe.
"It hurts so bad, I don't think I can walk again." Becky woefully said as Eric stood up but couldn't get away when Becky latched onto him and held him close as she laid her head on his shoulder for comfort.
'As long as my foot stays 'injured', Eric will carry me everywhere.' Becky thought cleverly since Eric, though well intentioned, is pretty dense on how getting their feet stomped on isn't that serious.
Anya sighed at her sweet, stoic brother's cluelessness.
Loid, after blacking out momentarily, felt his soul come back upon hearing how his son didn't hurt Damian physically. 'No Tonitrus Bolt, thank goodness. Although, it would seem Plan B will be on hold.' Loid thought to himself in relief as he watches Eric console the 'tragic' Becky.
"About Damian, how is he?" Loid couldn't help but ask since this little altercation could set them back.
"I've given the boy a very stern lecture about bullying and physical violence being prohibited on school grounds and anywhere. I have yet to inform his parents about this little incident since it was clear he intended to harm your boy. I'm terribly sorry for all this." Henderson bowed his head in shame for failing to protect one of his students.
"That's not your fault sir. Eric didn't get hurt, that's all that matters." Loid stated seeing how his son was unharmed. "What happens now?"
Henderson hummed, "It's only his first day of school, and as much as I hate to do this, Damian Desmond will earn a Tonitrus Bolt."
Eric raised his hand, "If I may interject, Professor Henderson."
"Oh, what is it you wish to say young Forger?" Henderson asked, curious to hear what the boy has to say in this situation since he was a target for bullying.
Eric stood straight and firm as he faced his teacher, "I would formally ask that you do not give Damian Desmond a Tonitrus Bolt."
His request shocked everyone in the room.
"But big brother, he wanted to hurt you." Anya stated.
"She's right, why shouldn't he get a Bolt? It's his own fault. Plus, he made fun of you and your dad." Becky agreed with his sister.
"It's simple, he failed to hurt me physically." Eric stated, "While his intent was clear, the way he tried to punch was just embarrassing, even for me. My sister can pull off punches much more efficiently compared to Damian."
"That's right." Anya grinned with pride.
"It's true that he mocked my social status of being lowborn, I too have hurt him with words that cut him more deeply when I pointed out the absence of his father. He took it personally and tried to retaliate physically to vent his own pain and frustration over the cold hard truth." He explained, remembering how much pain and anger the boy had on his face when he rushed in for the kill. "I could've let him hit me but given how often I've hit my head in the past, I fear he'd only hurt his hand even more. The wall's much softer by comparison."
Anya and Becky giggled behind their hand at the image of Damian punching an unfazed Eric only to cry out in more agony.
"Also, in regards to his punishment, I believe his damaged pride among his peers as well as a sprained wrist should be enough retribution. He's right hand dominant, so it will be difficult for him to write notes in class for at least three to five weeks it will take for him to heal."
Henderson was colored shocked by Eric's reasoning and how he would admit to having hurt Damian in some way to defend his father's honor.
"You're seriously gonna let that brat get away scot-free?" Becky asked as she tried to figure out Eric's mentality.
"He'll feel a great deal of pain and discomfort in his right hand. But the idea of his parents knowing what he did and how it ended will hurt even more. And I prefer not to add anymore insult to injury. I'm not sadistic enough for that." Eric added with a shrug, his face calm and relaxed throughout his reason.
Everyone in the room was shocked and amazed by the maturity this boy held.
Henderson hummed as he contemplated Eric's request, "I will consider it young Forger."
Eric bowed his head, "Thank you Professor."
Henderson then turned to the Forgers, "We'll be expecting you outside for the group photo. If you'll excuse me." He said as he exited the room as another couple entered, one was a tall man with black hair and a mustache who went by the name Edward Blackbell and a woman with brown hair tied in a braid know as Patrice.
"Becky, what happened to you?" Edward asked as Becky took her knight's hand, keeping one foot off the ground as she leaned on him for 'support'.
Anya was the one who answered, "Becky was trying to protect big brother from getting bullied by Damian Desmond, then Damian stepped on her foot. Then big brother carried her here for first aide treatment."
"Desmond's boy?" Edward glared at the thought of that spoiled brat hurting his baby.
"Yeah, but Eric won without needing to throw a fist. Now Damian's hand is broken." Becky proudly stated to the now shocked parents. "He saved me once again."
"Is that right?" Edward said as he turned to the boy his baby was clinging to. He recognized the boy instantly as her daughter's savior and ideal partner.
"My son's a doctor in training, though he still has much to learn before he gets to medical school." Loid stated as Yor came to the children's side and introduced herself to Becky.
"He's already chosen his profession? That's incredible. Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself, I'm Becky's father, Edward Blackbell, and this is my wife, Patrice." Edwards held his hand out to Loid who shook it in greeting.
"Loid Forger, I'm a psychiatrist. That's my wife Yor, my daughter Anya, and my son Eric." Loid introduced his family to the Blackbells.
Edward smiled as they released each other's hands. "I'm pleased to meet you. You probably don't remember, but your son saved my daughter's life that day at the interview."
Loid's eyes widened as the memory came back. "Really, what a coincidence meeting like this." He was thanking his lucky stars that Eric managed to make contact with the Blackbells already since they are Desmond's business partners. This worked out better than he expected.
Edward smiled then turned his attention to young Eric whom his daughter is clearly enamored with. "Eric Forger?"
The boy in question stood straight as he looked up at Becky's father. "Yes, sir?"
Getting a better look at the child, he can understand why his daughter was quite taken with the lad. "I never got the chance to meet you before at the interview. You saved my baby girl's life. I cannot thank you enough."
Eric bowed his head in respect then turned to Becky with that small smile. "I'm just glad she's okay."
Patrice held her cheek at the sweet gentle child, "Oh my, such lovely boy you've raised. And what an adorable daughter you have." She complimented the Forgers.
"Thank you. You're too kind." Loid said as his daughter came to his side and tugged his pants.
"Papa, if we don't hurry, we won't get our picture taken." Anya urgently said before she was picked up by her father.
"You're right, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting." Loid said as the parents guided their children to the courtyard where the staircase and photographer were located.
Becky 'limped' beside Eric as their arms were hooked together, much to the girl's happiness. But that happiness ended when her father picked her up and carried her to the top of the staircase. She watched forlornly as her knight got smaller the further she got from him.
The Forgers were on the bottom left corner of the staircase with Eric and Anya in between their parents. Eric felt someone's eyes on him, making him look behind him as he searched among the parents and children until he found one standing on the top right corner all by himself without his parents. He was much paler, and the condensation he proudly sported was replaced with anxiety and fear as he held his right hand that was wrapped up in layers of bandage.
'A rich boy who has everything yet is still alone. Typical.' Eric thought to himself as he caught Damian's stare before he turned away. Eric faced the camera as Anya held his hand.
Everyone smiled as the flash went off, but the two who didn't smile were Eric and Damian.
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I've been waiting for the opportunity to write this since the moment I started this story.
It's clear to everyone that Damian and Eric detest each other. Friendship for them is a long, long, ways off. So naturally, I stuck with setting up their rivalry.
I also had fun writing about Becky and her infatuation with Eric who is just clueless, stoic sweetheart. He's got brains, yes. But socially, this is where it gets funny.
Thank you all for reading this longest chapter thus far. Tell me your thoughts, what touched your heart, what made you laugh, anything.