The Wrong Fights:

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day! Dedicated to my reviewers :D

A/N2: Oh and I've got a question. What did they call the image made from the Gift? I know it started with an 's' but I'm not sure. If someone can tell me that'd be great!


One of the biggest celebrations of the year and I'm hiding in the Marketplace. Ah...life is wonderful. Whistling, I was careful to avoid the empty alleyways but wandered around as the many stalls opened up for the sales of the day. I was lucky this morning to even duck out when they weren't looking and was one of the few to do so. Eric and Kel were the other ones who got to make the first run and that was because Raoul was able to help Kel out of it. I was a bit miffed that she didn't take me with her but no; it had to be Eric.

"Honestly, people in love do the strangest things," I mumbled.

"You do too."

Jumping I almost scrabbled for it but whoever it was had a firm grip on my tunic.

"Hm. You're a different boy today."

"Blimey milord," I scowled at Merric but he just looked amused.

Pulling out of his grip, I gestured for Merric to follow me before disappearing behind one of the shops. Making sure no one could see me, I squeezed myself into a niche and created an image of myself as I changed back. Letting the image go back the way I came in, I went in the opposite direction. Spotting a patch of red hair following it, I walked on towards Lalasa's shop to pick up my dress.

Rather miffed about the wild chase, he swore as he made his way back to the Palace. He didn't realize that the person he thought was Eri was just the Gift until it ran into a wall and he with it. Swearing once more, he walked through the gates and straight to the Knights' Wing for a rest before midday meal.

Maybe chasing Eri wasn't such a good idea, he thought.

He didn't get three minutes to himself when he felt himself being dragged back the way he came. Looking behind him, he groaned when he saw that it was Faleron.

"Fal? Fal? Fal!"

"What?" he asked casually while giving Merric a jerk.

"Where are we going?"

Faleron stopped suddenly making him trip over his own feet. Faleron looked at him like he had lost his mind and sighed before patting him on the head, messing up his hair ever worse than before. Granted, he didn't brush his hair this morning but that wasn't his fault!

"Oh dear cousin of mine, I think you've lost your mind," Faleron said with pity.

"Lost my mi- what are you talking about?" Merric asked irritated.

"The ball is tonight."

"Huh?"

"Roald's ball. His birthday. You know? Big event with dancing?" Faleron explained with dancing motions, although it was a bit creepy when Faleron started to twirl around.

Remembering why he was looking for Eri this morning, Merric made a small 'o' before Faleron took him by the arm and dragged him to his room.

Is it just me or am I hallucinating? he thought when he saw two elderly women.

"Ladies. This is my cousin, Merric of Hollyrose," Faleron introduced.

"Oh isn't he a fine looking young man?" the first one cooed.

"Yes he is. He looks just like my son at his age," the second answered while pinching his cheeks.

Smiling weakly at them, Merric turned and glared at Faleron.

"What the hell is this?" he whispered angrily.

"Well, this is the first ball you're taking Eri to right?" he asked.

"Yeah and?"

"Well I would think you'd want to look you're best," he said with a wink.

Merric's mouth dropped before he spoke, "Wh-what are you going on about? It's not for hours!"

Leaning in close so only Merric could hear him, "Yeah, but if you're going to kiss her, don't you think you'd want to look your best?"

vvvvvvvv

When Merric fainted, Faleron took the chance to lie out the outfit he had chosen for him and helped the ladies dress Merric.

He's going to love it, Faleron thought without any consequences.

It was somewhat complicated to change Merric, but they managed to get on his tunic and breeches before proceeding with taming Merric's uncombed hair. They were so close to finishing when his cousin came around and punched Faleron in the nose.

vvvvvvvv

After a midday meal with Kel and meeting her parents which she failed to inform him about! Eric was more nervous and jittery than before.

They're almost here! They're almost here!

Never had he panicked so much in his life that he even forgotten to tell Eri that their parents were coming today. Plopping down into a chair in his room, Eric thought back to the midday meal. Groaning, he remembered how embarrassing it was even though they made him feel comfortable. He had forgotten that he had already met Kel's parents before, although it wasn't on such an intimate basis. Putting his head in his hands, he had the urge to go drown himself in the tub when a knock was heard on his door.

"Sir Eric?"

"Yes?"

"You said to come get you before your parents arrived."

Eric froze and blinked, "Oh. Okay."

The palace messenger gave a small bow before going along his way.

Time to meet the Black God's guardians.

Making his way out of his room, Eric walked slowly towards the front gates of the Palace and waited. It felt like an eternity before he saw two carriages ride up towards him. Straightening out his tunic and patting his hair down, Eric went up to greet his parents but not before he tripped over his own foot.

"Whoa there son! No need to be so excited," a deep, amused voice sounded from behind his mother.

"Hello mother, father. How was your trip?" Eric asked nervously while he kissed his mother on the cheek and shook his father's hand.

Big hands that can choke anyone, Eric thought as he gulped inaudibly.

Although it's not like his father was mean in any way, it's just that he was very...intimidating. Leading his parents towards the Palace entrance, he jumped when he heard his mother's worried tone.

"What?" he squeaked.

"Eric are you alright dear? You seem awfully pale," Ishiko commented.

"Uh- no. I'm fine."

"Are you sure son?" Edmond inquired.

"Yes father- Oh! I forgot, Eri is in the library in the Visitors' Wing," Eric informed them.

Turning around to them, Eric was confused when he saw their grim and worried faces but thought that it was his fault. Standing as tall as he could, he led them to where Eri was, hoping that the sight of their only and 'wonderful' daughter would ease the blow he would feel.

vvvvvvvv

Ishiko had to keep a firm grip on Edmond, which was fairly hard to do until she used her nails and clamped them into his arm. She could see him flinch and gave him a warning look.

"You will keep calm or I will send you back to Heathercoves," she reprimand almost inaudibly.

Seeing him give her a tiny nod, Ishi loosened her grip slightly before they entered a small library. They were almost tackled over but her husband's steady grip kept them both on their feet to greet their daughter's hug.

"Mama! Papa! When did you guys get here?" Eri's muffled voice asked.

"Just a while ago, Eric came to meet us outside," Edmond responded.

"Are you two here for the Prince's birthday ball?"

"Uh-"

"Of course," Ishi answered, cutting off Edmond's answer.

Ishi didn't want to jump into things unless she was absolutely sure that the rumors were false. But that didn't last too long.

"That and we're here to see you," Edmond added firmly.

"Why?"

"Really?" Eri and Eric asked one more relieved than the other.

"Sit down please," Edmond gestured towards one of the chairs.

As much as she wanted to postpone this discussion, Ishi knew that it would be better to clear things up now. Taking their seats, Eri looked at them with confusion but there was a spark of recognition. No longer was she afraid but rather sullen and downright mad.

"Alright what did the old cow say about me."

As much as he would like to scold her, Edmond couldn't. If he couldn't stop Eri when she was younger, what's to stop her now? Besides some of the names, he had to admit, were amusing. The room was stalled in silence as both parents thought about how they should say the next few things without an argument, although, that hasn't stopped them before.

"Is there something you would like us to know?" Ishi asked calmly.

"Mama, you know as well as I do that whatever comes out of that battered cannon's mouth is as good as horse s-"

"Eri!" Edmond barked.

"What? I was just going to say slop," Eri muttered.

"Eri," Edmond warned.

"Stop it you two! Eri, is it or is it not true that you were unfaithful?" Ishi asked before they could blow a fuse.

"No and if there's anything else, I hope that you know me better than that," she retorted.

Rather than be angry at her attitude, Edmond and Ishi were relieved and happy that Lucille was just trying to get to them.

vvvvvvvv

Eric sat there, forgotten, but was very glad that he wasn't in trouble in the least. Sighing with happiness, it was rather short-lived when Kel came storming in pulling two cousins in by the ear.

"I was looking everywhere for you. Fix them before your parents get here," Kel ordered.

Groaning, he looked up at Kel silently trying to tell her it was too late.

"Well?" Kel asked impatiently.

"Nice to know you haven't lost your fire, Sir Keladry."

Paling and darkening with red, Kel froze at the voice. Gathering her wits, she slipped her mask on and turned around in a knightly fashion before bowing towards the adults like a Yamani.


I was exasperated as my brother and even though I couldn't see Kel or the others, there was a gut feeling that I didn't particularly like before seeing Mama smile up at Kel.

"Lady Ishiko, Lord Edmond," Kel replied formally.

"Hello Keladry," Papa greeted cheerfully but I knew it was a bit strained from the near argument we almost had.

"Now I'm afraid we don't know who your companions are," Mama stated calmly.

Crossing my fingers, I silently prayed to the Yamani and Tortallan gods for some mercy. Apparently they didn't like me enough and were laughing at my misery.

"Faleron of King's Reach and his cousin, Merric of Hollyrose," Kel introduced but I could hear the hesitancy on her part.

What? Am I doomed to be cursed? I thought before groaning out of frustration.

"How do you do boys. I am Lady Ishiko and this is my husband Lord Edmond. Oh, and I do believe you've met our daughter, Lady Eriko," Mama announced.

Standing up, I could see both knights bloodied and bruised with a 'kill me now' expression while Kel and Eric held their breaths.

They've also chosen to stand close to the door and side by side. How convenient, I thought sarcastically.

"Kel? Pardon me dear, but what was that you said? About us? And I do believe I detect a correlation between us and them," Papa questioned.

Glaring at Kel and Eric, I took a deep breath before turning back to my parents.

"Papa, Mama. I want you to meet Merric of Hollyrose. My escort to the ball a-and... my... Oh Goddess how do I say this?"

"He's officially courting her," Eric supplied.

Before Kel or Eric could leave, I magicked the door lock and silenced the room just in the nick of time.

"WHAT!" Papa roared.

I gave only the slightest of flinch while Mama only shook her head disappointed. About what? I had no clue. The others however, looked visibly shaken. I don't think I've ever seen him so angry before or so sad. His face was as red the summer roses but his eyes, oh Goddess, they looked so sad. Running my hand through my hair, I looked towards Merric; poor guy probably wetted his breeches. I don't really blame him. Every male would after hearing Papa. Hell, even my own brothers have during their childhood and a few times in the past years.

Glancing back at my parents I wanted so much to tell them that it was a hoax but I couldn't let Merric down either. I mean I chose him to be my escort and let him court me, so I couldn't run and hide.

This was not supposed to happen, I thought miserably.

Who knew how easy it was to disappoint my parents when I didn't want to? Taking another deep breath, I took shaky steps towards Merric and stood beside him.

I chose to do this. I chose to let Merric be my suitor, I thought over and over.

Gingerly taking his hand, I looked at my parents and realized that Yuki was right. Well not completely right because I didn't love him yet but he's made me happy. In his annoying and odd way, he's made me happy. I'll learn to love him, just not now. Looking at Merric, he was just as shock as I was a minute ago. Turning back to my parents, Papa wasn't as red anymore but he didn't even look at me.

Getting up, he countered my Gift and left the room without another word. Can't really say I didn't expect it but it hurt all the same, although it was surprising when Mama came over and hugged me.

"Remember that you're just as stubborn as your father. Just give it time."

With that she turned to Merric, looking him over critically before walking out of the room as well.


Scolding himself, Eric knew he should've told his sister about their visit but he was sure she had also gotten a letter. But by the looks of this whole mess, she either must've forgotten or didn't get it at all. It seemed that his family had a shared habit because he too, ran his hand through his hair in frustration. There wasn't much else to do now except wait it out.

Eri was as strong as his mother and as stubborn as his father, but Eric had to admit that his sister had never look so defeated. He felt the urge to run after his father and make him understand but in his current situation it was best to stay here.

Acting on impulse, Eric grabbed hold of Kel and hugged her as much as he could; glad that his parents hadn't objected but guilty that they didn't like Merric. Glancing over towards Eri, he could see Merric trying to comfort her but it was rather difficult when he was slightly bloodied and bruised. Though he couldn't deny the spark of happiness that Merric had or the waning smile Eri gave him.

Faleron on the other hand, looked quite ill but patted his cousin on the shoulder as if to say 'congratulations'.

"Eric. I need... to... breath," Kel managed to say.

Letting go of her, Eric shot her a grin before directing them towards the others. Telling Kel to take Eri back to her room, Eric motioned Faleron towards him. After giving him a quick look over and healing what he could, he told him to go see Duke Baird for some extra healings. When they looked up though, they noticed that Merric was gone.