Days passed since Yuri's visit, and things went back to normal. Or at least the Forgers' kind of normal. Yes they still have their secrets, secrets only Anya and Eric are fully aware of. Yet despite all that, everything felt comfortable...save for a dilemma Eric is currently facing in regard to the Stella Stars.

"...Eric..."

His father's boss needs him to acquire all eight in four months in order for him to become an Imperial Scholar and attend social gathers he and his parents are required to attend and get close to Donovon Desmond.

"...Eric..."

Exams aren't here yet, so he's trying to figure out how to get the Stars faster without drawing too much attention to his family or the powers inside him.

"...Eric..."

What's worse, now he has to deal with the possibility of an SSS uncle who may suspect his father to be Twilight since he's one of the best spies in the world and is no doubt on the topmost wanted list.

FLICK!

Eric made a noise of surprise when his forehead was flicked by Becky's index finger. He massaged his forehead and looked at her confused, "What happened? Did class start?"

Becky frowned, "No, I've been calling your name for five minutes, but you didn't answer."

"Huh?"

"You completely tuned out. You didn't even respond to Damian hurling another insult at you, not that it's hard for you to do. But where did you go in there?" Becky asked since his faraway look kind of scared her, as though he wasn't there anymore.

Eric removed his hand from his forehead. "I'm sorry, I've been thinking a lot lately and I still can't figure it out."

"Which is?" Becky enquired.

"How to get a Stella Star before my first exam."

Becky's eyes brightened, "Actually, there is."

This got Eric's full attention as Becky continued, "I heard that you can get a Stella Star in the next class' dodgeball game. But it's only for the winning class' MVP."

"Did the teacher tell us this? I don't remember." Eric thoughtfully said as he held his chin, trying to recall when the PE teacher gave such an announcement.

"One of my friend's buddies in Class 7 told her and she told me." Becky answered with an excited smile, knowing how deeply Eric wants those Stars.

'So it's a rumor. Rumors are often spread through word of mouth. But without evidence or solid confirmation from a teacher, it's impossible to prove whether it's true or false.' Eric thought to himself, not daring to get his hopes up for fear of disappointment.

As class began, he put those worries behind him for now and focused on the lesson.

"You can get a Stella in your next PE class?" Loid asked as he was cutting an onion while Anya helped wash the potatoes.

"It's a possibility, but that's what the kids keep saying." Eric informed him, still dressed in his school uniform as he stood in the kitchen entryway.

But Loid surmised that it could just be a rumor, meaning it might not be true at all.

"Big brother will get that Stella Star by being the class MVP. Whatever that is." Anya stated cheerfully, dropping the potato that slipped out of her hand. Thankfully, Loid wasn't looking behind him as Eric used his power to return it to Anya who sighed in relief from her step stool.

"Sounds like we need to train. Don't you think?" Yor entered the scene with enthusiasm as Eric turned to her.

Eric hummed, "I could use some help. My head tends to be the target for all things blunt and heavy, and I'm not expecting this game to be gentle." He really wasn't. He's taken too many hits to not anticipate oncoming head injuries.

"But what kind of sport will you kids be playing?" Yor asked with a frown since she never really played sports herself due to her monstrous strength.

"Dodgeball."

"Okay then, dodgeball." Yor straightened herself up and held her chin thoughtfully. "Let me think, that's where you hit your opponent with a ball to do them in. Right?"

'That's one way to put it.' Loid thought to himself, a little disturbed by how Yor phrased the game.

"Mama, teach us your killer moves." Anya came to stand beside her brother in her apron as she pulled a fist.

"Anya, you're not the one who's gonna play dodgeball." Eric reminded her.

Anya pouted at Eric, "But I wanna train with you and Mama since you hardly spend time with me."

Eric flinched slightly as guilt shot through him. It's true that they haven't spent a lot of time together ever since he started school. And when he's not at school, he's busy doing his homework and preparing for future tests. With a reluctant sigh, "Okay." Anya jumped up and down in joy, happy to finally have some brother-sister time.

"Don't worry you two. I'll will teach you the ultimate killer move. That'll show 'em." Yor determinedly said, getting pumped for training her children for battle.

Anya's face lit up with excitement while Eric's face remained neutral. This will no doubt be painful, but by the time dodgeball comes around, it will hurt less.

"Guess I didn't realize you were into sports, Yor." Loid commented since this was new information to him. But then again, Yor has always been full of energy.

"I'm not, really. I just used to play catch with my brother sometimes when we were kids." 'I can't tell him I tear people apart and toss them around for a living!'

"I promise to steer you in the right direction Eric." She cut through the air, the wind moved her children's hair. "And with this move, you will catch that star." Yor declared, full of energy she shared with Anya.

"It'll be so cool to kill them all in this dodgeball game Eric." Anya excitedly said then clapped her little hands together, "You are going to catch that star and smash it!"

"I don't wanna kill anyone, nor do I wanna smash any star." Eric said incredulously at how enthusiastic his sister is about murdering people.

'He doesn't seem motivated, but then again, he never looks excited for anything.'

Mother, son and daughter changed into their training clothes and met Yor in the living room with Loid beside her.

"Okay, we'll start off with strength training. You ready?" Yor asked as she held Anya's ankles while Loid held Eric's for sit up exercise. "One." Eric kept his arms crossed and grunted as he slowly sat up until his torso met his thighs. "Two." He repeated the motion again, making sure to go slow so he doesn't strain himself.

"Three...Four...Five...and Six..." Eric paused during one of his sit ups to see Anya struggling to do even one proper sit up, but she could barely get her back off the ground before flopping flat down.

The next day during the weekend, Yor, Eric and Anya jogged around the park. Yor was fine obviously, Eric sweated, but kept up regardless, but Anya looked ready to drop.

"Good stamina is crucial." Yor said as Eric kept his breathing even while Anya started to wheeze then fell. Hearing their Anya fall made them look cack to see her face plant in the mud with a dog and his owner watching her in shock.

"Are you okay?" Yor asked in panic before Eric jogged over to his sister and carried her on his back, not minding the mud getting on his clothes before returning to his mother.

"Let's continue." Eric firmly said before jogging again, keeping his sister firmly on his back.

Yor smiled and caught up with him easily. But it wasn't five minutes later before Anya was transferred onto Yor's back as the resumed stamina training.

They returned home to change into less muddy clothes then went back outside in the evening where the park was lit up and they were surrounded by trees.

Yor had a ball in her hand as she started her demonstration. "No listen carefully, when you throw the ball, you are using a whole lot more than just your arms." She took her stance, "So you need to make sure that when you step out with your foot, you're already twisting your hips. As you shift your weight, channeling all your strength into your shoulder. Boom!" She threw the ball, cutting through the air as a gush of wind kicked up the leaves and blew Eric's and Anya's hair around them.

The siblings turned in the direction the ball flew only to see it rapidly bounce off multiple trees then disappeared into the night. But as a final applause, the trees started to crack and whine before they broke in half and fell to the ground.

Anya's mouth fell open in shock while Eric's eyes were wide at the display of strength.

"Now you try it."

Next came meditation which Eric had no problem with cause it helps calm him. On the other hand, Anya fell asleep.

After that, they were back in the park practicing moves as well as dodging techniques to help avoid getting hit. Eric started doing moves that shouldn't even be considered dodging.

Then, he's still not sure how they got there, but Eric was sitting under a waterfall meditating. When they got home, he was meditating again under a much warming waterfall.

Eric jogged up the stairs with Yor as Anya clung to her mother's back. He was out of breath by the time they reached the top, but he felt invigorated as they overlooked the city. All three raised their arms in victory, for tomorrow will be the day where Eric plays his first dodgeball game.

The day finally came, and while Eric was sore all over, he was grateful for the training because it prepared him for battle.

When PE finally came around, he and his classmates were in the gymnasium mentally and physically preparing for the game. For Eric, he sat against the wall, eyes closed, and legs crossed as he meditated. He wants to win this game, but he needs to do it without using his power.

'I must stay calm no matter what. If I use my power, I'll never get any better. Even if I don't get a Stella Star, proving myself strong without using my ability will be just as satisfying.' Eric breathed deeply, then stood up as Becky stood waiting beside him.

"You must really enjoy being lazy and napping, Forger." Emile commented nastily as he accompanied his boss while Ewen added, "You just make sure you and your emotionless face don't hold Damian back."

"If you think that's an insult, come up with something better. You're not exactly intimidating. I fear for Desi's future if he has you for bodyguards." Eric calmly stated, hardly fazed as the trio glared at him.

"Geez, why are we playing with these dumb boys anyway. Ugh, like we ever want to be on the same team as them." Becky said in disgust.

Eric crossed his arm and scoffed, "Unfortunately, we have no choice. Only way we'll defeat the opposing team is by working together."

Eric turned to Damian, "Desi."

Damian turned to glare at him again, "Do not call me Desi."

Eric ignored his complaint and advised him, "Any animosity you have toward me, make sure to channel it through this game. Hopefully we'll win that way." He then walked away with Becky beside him, preferring a quieter area to do more stretches and meditation before the game.

Damian glared at his back before turning away furiously, 'Forget it, I can't waste my breath on that smug little brat.' Damian calmed himself down as he remembered the reason why he wants to win this game. If he makes MVP and get that first Stella, it'll be one step closer to becoming an Imperial Scholar so his father will acknowledge him at last.

At 10:20pm, the sound of the whistle called their attention. But to their surprise, instead of Coach Bobby, there stood Housemaster Henderson. After giving instructions and warnings to both the classes of Cecil Hall and Wald Hall, the game was ready to begin.

The match started with a single ball which Damian got a hold of and firmly grasped in his hands.

"Show 'em how it's done Lord Damian!" Emile cheered.

Thanks to Emile and Ewen gathering intel on the opposing class, Damian already had a strategy in mind and who his target must be. As much as he hated to admit it, he actually took Eric's advice on knowing his enemy before making the first move. With a look of determination in place, he threw the ball with brutal accuracy. Only for it to be caught by a hand much bigger than Damian's head.

"Sweet catch, Bill." One of the Wald Hall students praised as the much bigger kid lowered the ball and gave Damian a pointed look behind his glasses. The son of the Major General of the Ostanian Army. Though he was six years old, he had more muscle and growth on him than was normal. This made the Cecil Hall students tremble at his intimidating stature.

'Was this kid held back?' Eric thought to himself as he assessed the creature on the other side of the battlefield.

Becky looked terrified of the behemoth. "They've got a monster in their class? I don't believe for a second he's our age!"

Ewen grinned at the challenge, "That beast..."

Emile finished, "...is called Bazooka Bill."

'Appropriate.' Eric couldn't help but agree as the two henchmen explained how he was an early bloomer and has already won all kinds of trophies while he was still in kindergarten.

"What kind of tournaments do they have in kindergarten?" Becky questioned at the insanity that has now become their game.

"If I don't make it out alive, tell my sister I love her." Eric said to Becky as he kept his calm exterior in check lest Bill see his weakness.

Eric observed as his rival made taunts to Bill who remained unfazed as he calculated his next attack. The moment Bill pulled his hand back, Eric knew the kids didn't stand a chance. With the thrust of his arm, four of Cecil Hall students were taken out of the game.

"Calm down, that was just a fluke!" Damian said as Bill cracked his neck.

'An idiot with half a brain can tell it's not.' Eric sighed with arms crossed.

"Hey, Eric, how come you're not scared?" Becky asked, still shaken at the effortless attack.

"No, I'm pretty much terrified." Eric said with his perpetually calm demeaner.

"Then why not show it? What are you a cyborg?" Damian demanded as he glared behind him at Eric's bored expression.

'Not even close.' Eric didn't dare voice that out loud.

"This is crazy! If the ball hits any of us that hard, we'll die!" Becky said, still terrified as she held the ball in her hands.

"No need to be afraid. I'll try to hold back on the girls." Bill said, since it's not in his nature, his father would be cross if he exercised violence on women.

"Very chivalrous of you." Eric stated, garnering some respect for the giant.

Becky growled, "Seriously, that makes me really mad!" She tossed the ball, only for it to be caught by Bill who returned it with minimal effort and knocked Becky out of the game.

"Becky, I will avenge you." Eric said to Becky who stepped out of the boundaries.

Eric took a back seat as Damian taunted Bill again before he and his lackeys did some ridiculous move that was meant to confuse their opponent before Ewen launched the ball at the other team. Result: failure. Bill caught that one too.

Bill launched the ball back with extreme force, intending to hit the ringleader. But Emile made the valiant sacrifice and took the blow to save his Lord. As Ewen stood over his fallen comrade, Bill took advantage and got him in the back.

The Cecile Hall students dwindled until only Damian, Eric, and one other student remained standing. Throughout this game, Eric hardly moved an inch as he kept his observations.

Damian was angry, he did not want to be the last one standing, especially against this impenetrable behemoth. What's worse, the only ones he's with are some kid and Eric who stood uselessly off to the side. 'Hmph, I knew that jerk isn't gonna help. But I don't care if the other kids go down. As long as I make to the end and stand out.'

'I thought dodgeball was supposed to be fun.' Eric thought as he watched Damian look livid and sweaty.

Bill turned his attention away from Damian and locked eyes on his next target. The boy's facial expression hardly changed during this game, and he hardly showed any participation or awareness around him. He'll be too easy.

Bill threw that ball with the intent of knocking the boy's legs out from under him.

WHOOSH

Bill gasped when Eric gracefully spun to the left out of the ball's range. His hands were at his sides and his face was impassive as he watched the ball bounce against the wall and roll towards him. He stopped it with his foot and bent down to pick it up. He flicked the dust off the surface then turned to the opposing team who watched for his next move.

'Remember, never use your ability.' Were Eric's thoughts as he policed himself before throwing the ball, not at Bill, but at the other kids. Two were hit, two were out.

Bill picked up the ball as his teammates left the game looking dejected as he focused on Eric once again. 'That was just a fluke.' He pulled his arm back and threw the ball with accuracy, cutting through the air as it charged at the boy.

SWISH

Eric bent backwards as the ball soared over his chest and face, he went cross-eyed as it brushed passed his nose. With all the gentleness and grace he could muster, his hands arched back and landed on the hard wood floor to soften his landing. His legs rolled inward until they met his chest, and with his hips and legs off the ground, he launched his lower body forward, using his neck as leverage to help his hand push himself off the floor as he did the kick up move to return to a standing position. Feet planted on the ground as he clapped his hands together to rid himself of any filth.

Everyone exclaimed at that cool move and the way he dodged that ball with style. "The hell did you just do?" Damain exclaimed at the unexpected move as Eric, unsurprisingly ignored him to retrieve the ball that made it back into the court.

Eric stood up, his back to his opponent, 'He may be the Ostanian General's son, however...' He crouched down, tucking the ball under his arm and planting his other hand onto the ground, he did the macaco flip and used the momentum to throw the ball as he spun to face his opponents again. '...I am the son of spies and assassins! Brute force and precision may be his skill. But while those abilities are his basic strength given his size and demeaner. I have something he obviously lacks.' The ball hit three more Wald students, much to everyone's shock.

'Speed and agility.' Eric got into a battle position, taking on a martial art stance as he waited for the next attack.

"You can do it Eric!" Becky cheered in awe at Eric's movements. Everyone joined in, anticipating Eric's next fancy move.

Bill started to get angry as he threw the ball again. Eric jumped over the ball by doing the butterfly kick, his chest and face parallel to the ground and eyes catching the Eden symbol on the ball as it flew under him. The momentum brought his legs into the air, doing a perfect arch before his left leg returned to the ground again.

Cecil Hall clapped and cheered at that move. Henderson's mouth gaped open at such an elegant maneuver. His whistle would have fallen to the floor had it not hung around his neck.

Wald Hall could only stare in shock as one of them took a step back. "What is he, a ninja?"

Eric allowed himself to smile at that before sweeping the ball in his hand again, doing a fast spin then took out another student. "I think I'm having fun."

Bill was too shocked to move as the ball bounced back onto Cecil's side. Eric's smile widened as he launched himself towards the ball into a dive roll. He took the ball, rolled onto his back and got another student by surprise.

Damian's mouth fell wide open, 'There's no way this guy's human!'

Bill quickly took the ball before it could return to Eric. He was getting angrier at how this boy could outmaneuver him. It should not be possible. It can't be possible. Gritting his teeth, his eyes shifted over to Damian. He pulled his hand back.

Upon sensing who his next target is, Eric dashed over to Damian who was watching that ball come at him very quickly. Diving forward, he took Damian down as the ball grazed off the ends of his dark hair. He rolled them over until Eric was on his back and pushed Damian to the side.

Damian did not expect that as he scrambled to his feet, "What do you think you're doing?"

Eric did the kick-up move again to get back on his feet and brushed off his shirt. "You're welcome."

"I didn't need you to save me." Damian said, blushing in embarrassment at allowing a commoner to get him out of the way.

"Yes, you do." Was all Eric said as the ball came at them again. Instead of pulling him away or knocking him to the ground, Eric grabbed his arm and pulled him, turning as he bent his front knee and dipped low to the ground as though he was dancing with Damian. Successfully dodging the attack.

The girls squealed at this scene while Becky looked jealous and angry at Damian. Henderson clapped at the perfectly executed dip. "An elegant manner of evasion!"

Damian's blush deepened at the position he was currently in and the intense concentration on Eric's face as he locked eyes with the boy. "What the hell! You let go right now!" He'll never live this down.

THUD!

"Damn you." Damian rubbed his head as he glared at the commoner who stood in front of him while their other teammate was taken out.

"I only did as you wished, Desi." Was Eric's explanation while Damian was red in mortification and rage.

Eric grabbed the ball and did the J-Step Kick and shot the ball at the last two kids. Leaving Bill Watkins all by himself.

Taking on a fighting stance again, he locked eyes with the general's son, keeping his arms raised and face neutral as he awaited the next attack. Then he spoke in the language he enjoys using to antagonize his enemies, "Tha ekdikithó tous pesóntes syntrófous mou."

Henderson's eyes widened upon the meaning of those words.

No one knew what Eric said, while the girls swooned at the musical feeling of the language, Bill took it as a challenge. Gritting his teeth, gripping the ball in one hand, almost popping it, he glared heatedly at Eric. "You dare mock me!" Eric did something that further antagonized him, he yawned and made a come-hither motion with his fingers.

With a furious growl, he decided to use his ultimate killer move. "Die!" He yelled as he the ball cut through the air. He grinned as Eric moved to the right. This throw was different compared to all the others he threw. As the ball moves, it will change its course and hit Eric as he attempts to dodge. 'You're mine now!'

But Eric wasn't trying to dodge. His hand came up and caught the ball, he gritted his teeth upon the brutal impact as it continues to spin angrily against his palm. But he didn't fight against the force, he took advantage of it.

'This is gentle compared to Mom's throws.' Eric thought to himself, remembering every painful catch he took whenever Yor threw the ball at him. The best move she passed on to him was not to stop the ball, but to redirect it back at the opponent.

'Moment of truth, let's see if Mom's training paid off!' Eric thought, grinning at Bill despite the painful skinning his hands took.

Shifting his weight, he turned along with the spinning and curving ball and thrusted his hand back. With a pain-filled groan, he redirected the force of the ball back to its owner.

"Ha!" Eric yelled as it sliced through the air towards the shocked and paralyzed Bill.

POW!

Steam rolled off Eric's hands and eyes were wide when he saw where the ball hit. "Oh no."

'Oh no' was an understatement as everyone had a pained sympathetic look.

The ball was lodged...Bill Watkins family jewels. After a solid minute, the ball fell and bounced innocently away as Bill held his precious parts and dropped onto the ground. The Wald class came to Bill's side as they tried to revive him.

"It would appear I made a miscalculation." Eric said with a wince at the impact the Watkins family jewels took.

All was silent, save for the groans and whimpering from the general's son. After another moment of silence, Cecil Hall cheered as they crowded around Eric.

"Eric, that was awesome!" Becky exclaimed as she hugged Eric from behind. All the other kids voiced out their elation and amazement over Eric's athletics and agility throughout the game. Some started pulling at his arms and asking if he could teach them those moves.

Eric didn't respond, he couldn't, as he looked at his hands when fresh new pain began to register in his small body.

"That was an elegant performance, Forger. You certainly showed your true skills in this game." Henderson praised the boy as the other kids parted for him. But the boy didn't seem to hear him as his attention was solely on his hands.

"Um, Professor, I don't feel like celebrating." Eric's voice cracked as Becky looked down and gasped.

"Forger?" Henderson asked in concern as the boy raised his head, his normally blank expression held some pain as he raised his hands for the teacher to see.

Everyone took a step back as a drop of blood fell from Eric's freshly reddened, skinned and blistered hands. "I feel like I need to see the nurse."

Henderson inspected the damage done to the boy's palms and fingers and noted how the digits twitched. "Yes, you're right. Head to the school infirmary and get patched up. I'll come by later."

"I'll take him." Becky volunteered as she led Eric out of the gymnasium and down the hall.

Henderson turned to Bill Watkins who was starting to get up with the help of his fellow classmates. "You were so close, you could've made MVP and gotten that Stella Star." Bill knelt on the ground as he listened to his classmates reassure him.

"Stella, you say." Henderson's voice made the class turn to him in slight fear at his intimidating posture. "We do not award Stella for winning one small game in a single class. That would be quite ridiculous." This shocked everyone, Wald and Cecil. However, Henderson wasn't done, "But while we're on the subject, screaming 'die' at your opponent is unacceptable." He gave Watkins a stern gaze, "Therefore, I have no issue giving you a Tonitrus Bolt." This brought Bill's mood down lower than what was left of his little friend.

Damian stood off to the side during the whole scene. Eric receiving praise before he was sent straight to the infirmary to treat his injured hands. Then hearing Henderson say there was no Stella Star made his insides run colder. It was all a lie, a stupid rumor that sent him on a wild goose chase. Damian clenched his fists tightly as he recalled the way Eric handled himself in this game, how everyone cheered him on. Worst of all, Eric, a commoner, is the real MVP of Cecil Hall.

"Lord Damian, are you okay? D-Don't worry, this also means Forger didn't get a Stella either." Emile assured his enraged boss.

Damian scoffed and marched off towards the changing rooms, angry at how Eric upstaged him and saved him in such a humiliating manner.

Eric grunted silently as the nurse bandaged his hands. Becky sat beside him rubbing his back while praising him for that amazing game.

"That was really amazing. I didn't know you could move like that." Becky said to distract him from the discomfort he felt in his hands.

"All that training Mom put me through was all worth it." Eric said, happy that it was over. Now he can go back to being a nerd.

"Yeah, what kind of training was that. Couldn't have been normal." Becky asked as Henderson entered.

"It was a combination of flips, jumps and self-defense fighting styles. I thought they were boring and unnecessary, but they actually came in handy." Eric explained, much to their shock and amazement.

"There you are all set." The kind nurse said after finishing off the last knot.

"Elegant work Ms. Gina. If I could have a moment alone with Forger?" The nurse obliged and left the room, leaving Henderson alone with the kids.

Eric tested movements in his fingers. While the bandage restricted some of his motor skills, he was confident enough to hold a pencil.

"So? Does Eric get that Stella Star?" Becky asked with a bright smile, "He's the total MVP back there!"

Henderson sighed, he did not want to crush this girl's hope for her blooming love. "Unfortunately, he does not."

Eric raised his head while Becky's fell, "But, you saw how Eric-"

"We don't give Stella Stars over one small game in a single class Ms. Blackbell. I don't know what made you think that, but it's true." Henderson explained to the now downtrodden girl.

"But-but I-" Becky's eyes started to fill with tears. She thought she could help Eric, but it all turned out to be a rotten lie.

Bandaged hands grasped Becky's fingers, making the girl look up at kind tired looking eyes. "It's alright. I'll get a Stella Star another way."

Despite her disappointment, Becky felt relieved that Eric wasn't mad at her for misleading him.

Henderson nodded, "Such elegant resolve. Truly remarkable."

"Except for what I did to Watkins. How is he?" Eric asked. Even though Bill injured his hands in that throw, Eric was just as responsible for hurting his fellow student.

Henderson smiled at Eric's concern for his opponent despite the brutal game. "He's fine. He was standing on his own two feet when I left him."

Eric sighed in relief, "Thank goodness."

"By the way, what was that stuff you said to Bill that got him all riled up. Did you really insult him?" Becky grinned, imagining all the horrible things he could have said at that moment.

"It was neither an insult nor a threat, Ms. Blackbell." Henderson said then turned to Eric, "It was the Greek language. You said 'I shall avenge my fallen comrades.'"

Eric's eyes widened upon hearing Henderson recognizing that language. "You know Greek?"

Henderson nodded, "Pragmatiká kompsós ek mérous sou pou milás tóso áptaista." (Truly elegant of you to speak so fluently.)

Eric looked a bit sheepish, "Mállon den boró na xefýgo apó aftó." (Guess I can't get away with that.) 'I thought I had to worry about Dad knowing that language.'

"As long as you don't insult anyone, you should be fine." Henderson said to the mildly embarrassed Eric.

"Anyway, are you well enough to take your next class?" Henderson asked as he looked at Eric's hands.

Eric flexed his fingers again to test the water. "They should be fine sir."

"Good. Make sure not to strain yourself." Henderson said as he left the infirmary to go to his next class.

After Eric and Becky went back to the changing rooms to get their uniforms back, they were in the hallways filled with kids who kept sneaking looks at Eric's hands.

"Is that really him?"

"He defeated Watkins with some killer ninja moves."

"So cool."

"I heard he spoke in some kind of death language; said he'll kill Watkins."

"Ugh, what a bunch of idiots." Becky said in disgust at how they were painting Eric.

"It's not so bad, being called a ninja is actually a compliment. As for the language, it's fun letting them wonder." Eric said with a slight smile as mischief danced in his eyes.

Becky chuckled, "They're right about one thing. You are really cool." She said as they made it to their next class, they had five more minutes before lessons begin.

"Hey, Forger." They turned to see Damian coming down the steps between the desks.

"Ugh, now what do you want?" Becky asked as she glared at Damian.

Damian made it to the bottom of the steps without his lackeys who sat at the back of the class, watching what their boss is about to do. Taking a deep breath, he addressed Eric. "You heard about the Stella Stars?"

Eric nodded, "Yes, I found it quite disappointing." He raised his left hand, "If I had known all my efforts would be for nothing, I'd have just let Bill kill me off. Save my hands the agony."

Damian couldn't help but wince at the sight of them. He could still smell the rubber burning the skin off the kid's palms. Composing himself, he spoke again, "Despite not getting any Stella, you showed everyone what a true MVP is. Congratulations." He had to concede since there was no way he could measure up to Eric on basic skill alone, especially after witnessing firsthand what an agile player he can be.

Eric's, and everyone's, eyes widened in shock. The Damian Desmond actually praised his rival over one game.

"Thank you. You and your friends fought nicely as well." Eric said, not unkind despite their ridiculous strategy. He could tell Damian is just as determined to get the Stella Stars.

Damian looked to the side and reluctantly asked, "Can you tell me what those moves you did back there? It was obviously not normal."

"Flips and kicks to outmaneuver attacks along with a self-defense training." Eric's vague answer wasn't enough to satisfy Damian, but the last part did stand out to him.

"Self-defense?"

"Yeah, my mother's been teaching me how to properly attack and defend myself before I started at Eden." His nonchalant answer shocked everyone in the classroom.

Damian's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "Wait, does that mean you could've beaten me in a fight all this time?" His mind flashed back to orientation; how meticulous Eric looked as he easily sidestepped Damian's attack. If Eric had used any of those moves back there, he'd have been in the hospital.

"Yes, but beating you would not be satisfying. I prefer my opponents to have more training before I let them challenge me." Eric said glancing at his hands before he and Becky went to sit down.

Eric paused, "One more thing. You make a terrible dance partner."

Damian went red again at how he was dipped during that game. "I was not dancing with you!" He growled then stomped back to his seat, grumbling to himself.

Becky laughed at how Eric owned Damian without even trying.

They had free period, which left Becky and Eric to their devices. Becky was the first to step into the hall, only to stop dead in her tracks as fear filled her eyes as a shadow fell over her.

Eric followed her, only to be met with a frozen Becky. "What's wrong?" Becky shakily pointed in front of her.

Eric follower her finger and was met with the colossal form of Bill Watkins. He was dressed in his school uniform, and the light reflecting off his glasses made it impossible to see his eyes, but they felt his gaze on them as a deep frown set on his lips.

Eric stepped in front of Becky as the Cecil Hall student looked outside, only to backpedal at the sight of that monster. The only other student brave enough to step outside was Damian, not because he was concerned since Eric proved he can defend himself, but more out of curiosity over how it will go down.

"Eric." Becky whispered, fearful for her friend as he held an arm out to shield her.

Eric raised his other bandaged hand and pointed his index and middle finger towards the ceiling, his thumb, ring and pinky curled inwards. "Bill Watkins, if you intend to retaliate by bringing harm upon my fellow classmates, I will not hesitate to use self-defense to subdue you." Eric said, not in a threatening manner, but a promise of retribution should it come to battle.

Bill stared down at Eric, he could not believe this scrawny kid actually beat him with his own skill. He's the only one in the first grade to have bloomed early and advance physically. He was supposed to be undefeatable in all manner of sport. Yet this student, Eric Forger, challenged him, never used strength to win their match. The way he moved around the court as though it was second nature to him and how dodge every attack literally thrown at him was indescribable. He never thought he could find another opponent who shared his level of strength, but Eric proved himself using a different kind of strength altogether.

Seeing his bandaged hand still pointed up with the intent to protect himself with two little fingers, he raised his hand in a mighty fist.

'Oh man, I don't care if Forger can take him on in a fight, there's no way he'll come out of this unscathed.' Damian thought as he prepared to yell for the closest teacher in the building.

Becky was ready to pull Eric out of the way even if it killed her.

Bill lowered his fist, making Becky jump back while clinging to Eric's back. Then he did something that surprised them, his fist uncurled into a hand.

"Hm?" Eric blinked at the hand then up at Bill who smiled. "That was an incredible game we played, and a worthy defeat." His eyes then showed guilt, "I'm...sorry for hurting your hands."

After a long moment of silence and contemplation, Eric uncurled his own fingers and carefully placed them in Bill's much bigger hand. "It's fine. I'm not that hurt." Which was half-true thanks to his pain tolerance.

"You're not?" Bill asked since they look bad.

Eric gave him that gentle slight smile, "I'm not."

Bill's eyes widened in relief as he gently grasped Eric's and shook hands. "I'm glad." He did not want to injure him further.

They released each other's hands. "Besides, I had a lot of fun. Thanks."

Bill nodded, "Me too. I'm happy to have found a worthy opponent in future matches." He needed a challenge, and this boy met his standards just like his father wanted for him.

"Winning becomes boring after a while, doesn't it?"

Bill nodded solemnly, "Yes. But," His eyes filled with determination, "I can't keep winning on strength alone. I must push myself to be just as fast and agile as you. Become the soldier Ostania will be proud to have."

Eric nodded, "I've no doubt about that. And don't worry about the Stella Stars. There's still plenty of sport events up ahead. You'll no doubt win many of them that way."

Bill's eyes shone at the encouragement Eric was giving him. Eric smiled, "I hope to face you again on our next match Bill Watkins."

Bill smiled a friendly challenging smile and raised his fist, a gesture Eric mirrored before they bumped their knuckles. "I look forward to it Forger."

Both players turned away from each other towards the opposite ends of the hall. Eric froze when he saw the Cecil Hall class gape at him.

"What's wrong?" Eric asked confused before he was swarmed again. Openly praising him again for bravely standing his ground against the biggest kid in school. Without warning, a couple of kids lifted him on his shoulders. "MVP! MVP!" They chanted as they walked away from class carrying their best player.

All but three who stood outside and watch Eric get carried away by their adoring classroom.

Damian didn't hear his friends trying to reassure him, he just watched Eric soak up all the glory he couldn't get. Despite the blank exterior Eric put on, he caught a hint of a smile and joy from his green eyes. The most positive expression the boy ever displayed.

'I hate him.' Damian's eyes turned dark, 'I hate that he's better than me.'

He turned and walked away; his lackeys followed behind him. 'But I'll prove it. I'll prove that I'm better than you. I'll show you who the real Imperial Scholar will be.' He vowed, determined to beat his rival and be the winner in their contest.

"Lord Damian, where are we going?" Ewen asked, fearful for their boss who seems to have shut down.

"I'm going to call my father and have him send me the best martial arts instructor the country has." Damian declared, even if he couldn't make MVP, he'll learn how to take Eric down in a fight once and for all.

"We'll see who the better fighter is." Damian vowed as his friends looked to each other in concern.

'This won't be good.'

I had a lot of fun with this chapter. Yeah, I didn't want him to use telekinesis in a game, that would be cheating, and he needs to set a good example for his sister. Also, I couldn't have him win without sporting a couple of injuries. Remember, Eric is accident prone but resilient. Yes, the Damian and Eric rivalry is pretty intense, but funny. And Damian is determined to learn how to fight to measure up to his rival.

Anyways, thanks for reading. Season 1 for this story is almost over.