Eric stood in front of the mirror as he adjusted his green tie under his grey suit. His hair was combed back, his green eyes were filled with determination and certainty.

'Today's the day.' Eric nodded to himself before he left the bathroom to join Loid and Yor. The former talked to a disgruntled scruffy man and pouting Anya.

"I wanna go see brother get accepted into Eden." Anya whined unhappily at the thought of being left out on Eric's monumental occasion that can seal their place in Twilight's mission.

"Sorry Anya. But this family interview is mainly focused on Eric. If we bring you along it could disrupt the process and your brother might not be accepted." Loid said, not trying to sound unkind as he logically went over the plan that can get his son into Eden.

"But why do I have to watch her, I'm not a babysitter." Frank exclaimed, unhappy to get roped in to keeping an eye on the troublesome kid.

"You were the only one available. You're getting paid, so quit complaining." Loid stoically said to Frank.

Eric laid his hand on Anya's head, making the girl look up. "Don't worry, we'll get this done quickly before you know it. Besides, interviews are boring for kids anyway." 'Not to mention nerve wracking and nausea inducing.' He added mentally. Despite his calm exterior, he was a raging storm of anxiety and loss of appetite.

Hearing her brother's thoughts, Anya grabbed her brother's hand that was still on her head. "Will you be okay?"

Eric fostered a smile in her direction. "I'll be fine. Once we're finished, we'll bring some peanuts on the way back." He hoped his promise would alleviate her worries.

Yor watched their interaction with stars dancing around her, just their concern for each other warmed her heart. 'So sweet.' Loid sighed at his son for making such a promise without asking him.

Eric removed his hand from Anya's head, mentally asking her to watch over the house while they were out. "Ready to go." He said to his father who picked up his suitcase.

Loid took a deep breath, "The time has come at last. Have everything?"

Yor quickly checked her purse. "All clear, sir." She responded like a dutiful soldier.

"Appearances in order?"

Yor fixed her hair, flicked any dust off her blouse and checked Eric's suit. "All clear, sir."

"And how will you be speaking today?" He directed his question to Eric.

"With politeness and courtesy, sir." Eric answered in the same manner as a trained recruit.

Loid nodded then turned to Anya who stood stiffly. "I will guard home base with my life, sir." She saluted, making Frank sweatdrop while Loid smiled slightly as he put on his hat.

"Good." 'While I have my concerns, I believe we can pull this off.' Loid thought to himself as he grabbed an umbrella and opened the door. 'Onward to the Eden College interview.'

Like soldiers heading off to war, the trio left the apartment towards their goal.

"It's huge." Yor exclaimed upon arriving at the entrance gate.

'No, we're just small.' Eric mentally added as he took in the enormous campus.

"It is the country's premier prep school." Loid stated.

"And there are so many applicants." Yor commented as they were surrounded by other families attending the interviews.

"You mean rivals." Loid corrected as Eric nodded. 'That's right. Everyone here is either an enemy or an ally.'

"Will you be okay in this crowd, Eric?" Loid asked, remembering how tense the boy was during that political rally.

"They don't bother me the way they did with Anya. I'll be fine." Eric assured his father who nodded then placed his gloved hands on his hat. "Let's move."

The Forgers walked as a unit, being as inconspicuous as possible, but all three kept their guard up when they felt they were being watched. Eric's hair stood on end at the feeling of someone's gaze on him. He kept his face blank like Loid's as his eyes darted around, trying to find who was watching them. He glanced at his father, but his focus was turned upward. Following the man's gaze while keeping his face forward, he saw people in windows and bell towers watching them, many of them with clipboards in their hands.

Eric's eyes narrowed as his mind went back to the testing labs, doctors and scientists standing over him with critical patronizing eyes as they jotted their notes while experimenting on him. His hands clenched into fists, lost in the memory as he glared up, focusing on the people above him. He hated this feeling of being looked at, studied like a caged rat without a hint of compassion. His green eyes flickered into a strange color for a millisecond before the window developed a large crack, startling the observers and making them shriek in fright.

"Wonder what happened up there?" Yor asked when she saw the glass window above them break slightly.

"Probably a bird flew into it." Loid theorized then looked down at his son to see a deep frown on his young face. "Are you alright?"

That question seemed to snap Eric out of that memory before he quietly took a deep breath and exhaled. "I'm okay. Guess I am a little nervous."

He laid a hand on Eric's small shoulder and gave him a firm comforting squeeze. "You'll do fine. You practiced day and night for this. I need you two to be on your guard, the examiners are everywhere." His warning confirms their thoughts. "Just stick to the plan."

Eric kept his shoulders squared and his face calm and neutral as he walked between his parents. They came upon a statue of who appears to be the founder of this school. At the corner of his eye, he saw Loid place a hand on his heart, following his lead, Yor and Eric copied his actions and paid their respects to the statue.

'Whoever this guy was, I've got a lot riding on this, so help me out here.' Eric thought to the statue who seemed to sweatdrop.

The Forgers followed the line of applicants as they were directed to Hall 1 for their interview. "We're still being observed, keep your guard up." Loid reminded them as he adjusted his hat.

"Right." Eric nodded as they continued their journey.

"It's so nerve wracking being watched like this." Yor commented, still feeling eyes on them.

"Help! Help! I've fallen in the gutter and can't get out!" A second-year plump student cried out in 'fear'.

The Forgers turned to see the student in 'distress'. 'Is this some kind of joke? 'Cause I'm not laughing!' Eric thought to himself with narrowed eyes at the obvious test the school was throwing in their faces.

"Oh, woe is me!" Eric continued to listen to this boy's cries for help before Loid laid a hand on his shoulder. "The boy needs our help. We must save him." He calmly said as he approached the flailing student flinging sewage everywhere. Eric dodged some of the splatters while redirecting the other flying filth elsewhere. He was about to pull the boy out with the help of his telekinesis, but Loid literally stepped in the puddle and yanked the boy out with grace, splattering himself and a surprised Eric.

As he set the boy down, Eric offered him a handkerchief. "Here you go." He said while giving him a blank stare that unsettled the boy.

"You're not hurt, are you? You should go to the nurse, just in case." Loid said as he stepped out of the gutter and removed his soiled hat. Eric took his father's hat as the older man stepped over to a waterspout to clean his hands and wash the muck off his shoe. After he was done, he turned to Eric who nodded and approached his father with his ever-calm countenance.

The second year fiddled with his fingers with a guilty expression. While he may be receiving extra credit for being part of this test, he felt horrible at the idea of these nice people failing because of him. The least he should do is apologize, "Hey, um, I'm really sor-"

"Glad we anticipated this." Yor's words interrupted the guilt-ridden boy's apology. He looked up in shock at the fresh new set of clothes the father and son quickly changed into. Loid's blue suit was now greyish black while Eric's was a beige colored suit with brown tie he carefully adjusted. "What would we have done if we hadn't brought a change of clothes with us."

Eric listened to his parents talk for a moment before turning to the second year. "I'm glad you're okay. Though next time, watch where you step. Because the next one you fall into, might be ready to bite you." He said before his father thanked the boy for giving them the opportunity to change clothes to avoid standing out too much.

The Forgers resumed their walk to their destination. But they paused when they heard loud clanging. "Oh no! The animals escaped the farmhouse!" Someone yelled as a stampede of cows, pigs, sheep, horses, and birds came their way.

"What's up with the ostrich?" Eric wondered before he was picked up by his father and was carried away from the chaos.

Loid was not happy with this kind of test, but all the same, he urged Yor not to break formation as they ran from the animals while maintaining their grace. Amid the chaos, a little boy tripped while running beside his father who was arguing with some CEO. "Wait for me! Father!" Just as the boy was about to be trampled by a mad cow, Loid swiftly saved him at the cost of his new suit getting torn. He set the boy down who immediately ran into his father's arms.

While Loid saved the boy, out of the corner of Eric's eye, a girl his age with dark brown hair ties up in two side ponytails and light brown eyes filled with fear couldn't outrun the furious horse coming towards her with the intent to stomp on her. Without thinking, he ran towards her, literally flying with the use of his telekinesis that went completely unnoticed amid the chaos. Just as monstrous hooves were about to make contact, the girl was snatched out of the horse's path and landed on something soft.

Eric grunted as he took the brunt of the concrete while keeping a firm protective hold on the girl he just rescued. With the rescued girl safely out of harm's way, he sat up while holding his throbbing head. "Are you okay?" He asked, scrunching his eyes shut in pain before his green orbs locked onto awestruck brown ones. A small blush dusted the girl's cheeks as she beheld the beautiful boy who saved her life. Only knights save fair maidens such as her.

"Um, hi. Could you...let me stand up, please?" Eric greeted awkwardly, unable to move due to the girl laying on top of him when he cushioned the impact of their fall.

The girl's blush deepened when she realized the unbecoming position they were in. "Oh, I'm sorry." She hastily stood up then carefully pulled the boy to his feet.

"It's okay." Eric groaned at the movement enflaming his newly sore muscles before he dusted himself off. "You're not hurt, are you?"

The girl blushed and held her hands to her chest to calm her beating heart, unable to meet his charming green eyes. "Um, I'm alright."

"No, you're not." Eric said when he caught a scrape on the girl's hand. Her eyes widened upon seeing her pale hand marred from the fall.

Eric fished through the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a band aide with a heart on it. He gently took her hand and carefully stuck the band aid over her scrape. With the wound firmly covered, he placed a healing kiss to her hand, the action making the girl go completely red.

"There that should keep the pain at bay." Eric said, still holding her hand as he gave her a soft comforting smile he usually reserves for his sister.

"Um, I-um...th-thank you." The girl was tongue tied at the boy's gentlemanly actions as she looked down, feeling very shy under his green gaze.

"Uh, I'm-"

"Eric!" Loid yelled upon seeing his son safely out of the way and made a mad dash over to him. "Are you okay?" He said, crouching down to his level, inspecting him for injuries, if he got hurt before the interview, then the mission would truly fail.

"I'm okay, just bumped my head a little, that's all." Eric assured him, rubbing the spot on his head that seems to have an invisible target for all things blunt and heavy.

Loid touched the same spot Eric was massaging, watching his son keep his tough kid look on despite his wince. He pulled his hand back. "Well, you're not bleeding, so that's a good sign."

"Pain's already gone, sir." Eric said, not noticing the girl watching him with starry eyes.

Then his attention went to Yor who stood in the middle of the road facing what could be the leader of the herd. She charged at the angry cow and did the unexpected. With her middle and index finger, she pressed the pressure points while flipping over the animal. With a murderous look, she landed and spun in a crouch, tearing her skirt and leggings while crossing her arms around her with her fingers still pointed like deadly weapon.

The cow dropped, shocked and paralyzed and utterly defeated by the terrifying human.

Loid, Eric and the girl witnessed this action just as shocked. "My mother just killed a cow." Eric stated in both amazement and bewilderment.

"That's your mom!" The girl exclaimed, not seeing any resemblance between the two.

Yor stood up then squeaked upon realizing what she did in front of her family. "It's not what you think! I learned about the pressure points connected to movement in yoga classes years ago! I thought they might work on cows too!" She explained in a panic then turned to the animals backing away from her fearfully. "Don't look at me like that!"

Upon noticing how the cow trembled all over, Eric slowly approached the animal and knelt before it to stroke its snout. "You're okay now. There's no need to be afraid." He said soothingly. "Why don't you go home? You've had enough excitement for today."

Eric found himself in his father's arms again as the man gave him a scolding look. "Eric, don't go near it right now." He flinched away when the cow stood up and calmly walked away, prompting the herd to return to the farmhouse.

"Guess the excitement's over." Eric said as Loid held him securely.

"Apparently so." Loid agreed, watching the animals leave.

"Seriously, what's up with the ostrich?" Eric asked, still wondering why they even have that bird here in the first place.

"I don't know, we're lucky no one was hurt." Loid stated as Yor came over to them.

Meanwhile, the girl whom Eric saved was back with her parents as they fussed over her, making sure there was no damage done to their baby. However, her attention was solely on her savior, gentle and courageous. Her knight in shining armor. Her ideal partner.

'Prince Eric.' She thought as she swooned at the sight of him, even as he was held in his handsome father's arms. If Eric grew up looking like that, he'll become the target of many maidens wishing to marry him.

"Becky, are you ill?" Her doting father asked worriedly as he watched his daughter's dazed expression.

But what his daughter said next gave him a heart attack. "I know who I want to marry."

Back with the Forgers, Loid set his son down as an old man with a monocle dashed out of the building. "Forgers!" Loid turned around and recognized him as one of the Housemasters of Eden, Henry Henderson.

The old man panted then addressed the Forgers, "I...thank you for your assistance. Also," He stood straighter, "you have bested me for today." He admitted, feeling humbled by the actions they took to save people from this blunder.

Eric blinked at him in confusion as the Housemaster informed them. "To give us all time to collect ourselves after this chaos, we'll be briefly delaying the interviews. "

'So the whole farm animal debacle wasn't their idea.' Eric confirmed in his head, silently thankful this wasn't part of the test as he rubbed his newly acquired bump.

"Return to the hall once you've had a moment to tidy yourselves. After today, your family has the right to apply to our school." The old man stated after witnessing their elegance in rescuing the applicants. Both parents and child reflect positively with each other. With the boy's resilience, bravery, and gentlemanly actions, he could thrive in Eden.

"I thank you for your generosity, but there's no need for a delay." Loid said, catching Henderson's attention. "We anticipated this and prepared another change of clothes." Now Loid wore a black suit with a yellow tie and a top hat while Yor changed into a lovely pink dress.

By this point, Henderson was reasonably downright terrified.

'Well, we were a family of freaks already. But now I'm worried about this guy looking as though he'll have a heart attack.' Eric thought with a sigh as he followed his parents to their interview.

They sat outside the interview room awaiting their turn. Eric was situated between his parents, keeping his face straight, though the nervous tick on his eyebrow gave away his emotions. He glanced as his mother who was trying to remain dignified and calm while his father whose expression was forever stoic, but he caught the way he clenched his hands tightly and adjusted his yellow tie.

'He's more anxious than I am.' Eric thought to himself as he took slow meditative breaths to keep himself calm. It wouldn't do well to demolish this building before they got to their interview.

The door opened and out walked a family of three, a father scolding his weeping son and the mother looking sad and dejected. 'Poor kid. He never stood a chance.' Eric sighed as he pitied the boy.

"Next family; the Forgers."

"Here." The fake family responded as they stood up and went to their interview.

"Thank you for having us." Loid greeted the three interviewers, one of them he recognized as Henderson.

All three Forgers sat in separate armchairs, the parents across from the Housemasters and Eric sat diagonally to them. "We usually like to start these off by asking a few questions to the parents." The kind and logical bespectacled Housemaster of Malcom Hall, the 5th Dorm, Walter Evans, began then addressed Loid, "I was informed that this is your second wife. May I ask how you two met?"

Loid smiled as he described his first meeting with Yor, making sure to include the detail about the tailor shop being the same one that caters to Eden College's school uniform. He was truthful about being in awe with her and how she'd get along with his children whil lying about having a first wife.

When Yor was asked what she thinks of her husband, she blushed as she praised Loid for being a great person, a loving father to his children, and a considerate spouse to her.

Walter was impressed by their affectionate family. The overweight middle-aged clump in the middle, Housemaster Swan of Cline Hall, 2nd Dorm, however made a rather rude comment about marrying someone with 'baggage'. Him being the only son of the former headmaster and a legacy hire makes him an arrogant, greedy and callous man. Considering how his wife filed for divorce the previous month as well as losing custody of his daughter, he's jealous of other families and treats them poorly.

"No onto our next question, could you tell us why it is you chose to apply to our school?"

Loid answers were hardly considered a lie. He genuinely believes in the cultured and knowledgeable faculty whose skills are second to none and how their prestige can prepare his son for greatness.

Housemaster Henderson was impressed by the man's elegant answer that showed much potential in him.

"I see, I would love to hear one of you describe your son in your own words next." The bespectacled man requested, glancing at Eric who sat with his back straight. "Strengths, weaknesses, your honesty is a given, of course." Eric's green eyes swerved to Loid while keeping his face forward.

Loid smiled as he went on to describe his son, "Eric has a genuinely curious nature, he loves reading and knowing how things work. I rarely him without a book in his hand." Loid added with a small chuckle, "While some may call it a weakness, his thirst for knowledge makes him quite intelligent and mature for his age."

'Yes, he does carry an air of maturity, and his eyes seem to hold that curious spark half the students here lack.' Henderson thought to himself as his glanced at the boy who remained unmoving like a statue.

"A few times he would walk while reading, and that puts me on my toes because that kind of tendency has caused him to bump into things." Eric blushed slightly upon remembering how he knocked into that pole that first day while reading.

"His main flaw is the occasional lack of awareness regarding his surroundings. Admittedly, he can be quite clumsy in that regard, and he does get hurt a lot. Yet despite that, he has a pretty impressive pain tolerance and can easily brush them off with little problem." Loid said after witnessing how accident prone his son can be but can literally roll with the punches.

"Yes, I noticed how he hurt his head when he saved a fellow applicant from being trampled. Quite a resilient young lad you are." Henderson praised the boy after witnessing how Eric risked his life to protect another.

"You saw that?" Eric sheepishly asked as he massaged the still present bump under his hair.

"Hard not to. No heroic deed can go unnoticed." Henderson, allowing himself to smile at the boy's humble shyness.

"I hardly did anything. The most I did was give her a band aid." Eric said, smiling bashfully, though internally, he panicked at the very idea of being seen like that, especially if he used his powers. 'Well, so much for being inconspicuous.'

"Nonsense, you showed your own elegance and valor out there much like your parents. Be proud of that." Henderson encouraged as he waved off the boy's excuse when it was plain for everyone to see how much he picked up from his parents.

Loid smiled at the praise his son was receiving from the Housemaster, already earning the man's favor.

Walter Evans was also impressed by the boy's humble nature then addressed Yor on her parenting style. Yor admitted to her own insecurities yet was quite fond of her husband's children and tried to spoil them to gain their favor. But when the topic of cooking came up, Loid chimed in by saying that he mainly does the cooking in the house. Then Swan openly mocked and criticized Yor for not knowing how to cook like a proper wife, embarrassing and shaming Yor.

While Loid was quick to defend his wife, Eric felt his heart pick up as irritation and fury boiled within him. He clenched his fists tightly against his trousers as he fought to reign in his fury at how this man insulted Yor. His green eyes were cold and had that same eerie glow when looking up at the observers. 'Stay calm Eric, we don't want to destroy this building by accident.' His eyes glanced at the mirror above the fireplace and noticed how Swan was sitting directly under it. The temptation to just drop that on the smug bastard's head was strong, but then remembered something very important. Breaking a mirror means seven years bad luck.

'Right, can't do that. He's not worth bad luck.' Eric breathed calmly and slowly as he set his cold gaze on Swan. 'Then again, he looks well in his 40s. From what I read, men his age are susceptible to heart attacks.' The darkest parts of his mind could already envision it, him reaching inside and squeezing the man's heart, Swan clutching his chest in pain as he fell down, gasping and struggling for air while staring pleadingly into the void, begging for his life to be spared. All while no one suspected little Eric.

Subtly, Eric unclenched his thumb and index finger while staring intently at Swan's chest, picturing his beating heart and concentrating on the aorta, pulmonary artery, and the superior vena cava. 'If I squeeze those,' Eric's index and thumb twitched their fingertips towards each other, 'he will never insult Yor anymore.'

'Big brother...please stop.' Anya's tear-filled face appeared within his mind, much smaller and younger as she held Eric's back amid all the chaos and bloodshed surrounding them. All caused by him.

Eric twitched slightly as the darkness gripping his soul receded, his fingers relaxing as he tucked them into his fist. 'Okay, Anya. I won't kill him.' He thought to his sister as though she was in the same room as him.

"Why don't we ask the child a few questions now." Walter spoke up to diffuse the tension as Swan sat glaring at the Forgers for their loving relationship.

The boy perked up when attention was turned on him. "First, can you tell us your name and address please?"

Back straight and a calm countenance, he answered, "Eric Forger, my address is 128 Park Avenue, West Berlint."

Then came the questions on what his parents do for a living, how hard each of them works to make a living, describing his personal feelings towards them. Thankfully, they were straightforward and acceptable answers. Inwardly, Loid released a sigh of relief, happy that all the practice paid off.

"How do you feel about attending our school?"

This was it, the main target of this interview. 'I can't mess up.' Eric took a deep breath then answered, "Honestly, I was a bit uneasy when my father presented me with the very idea of attending such an elite school. Standing among students who come from prestigious families did scare me, still does actually." He paused to take another deep breath. "However, I have a dream I wish to fulfill, a goal to be more precise, and I believe that Eden College can help me achieve that dream."

"Oh, and what is your goal?" Henderson asked, watching the boy's eyes spark with determination and unwavering resolve. That kind of spark is rarely seen, even in seventh year students. 'How interesting.'

"I want to become a doctor." His answer shocked the Housemasters. "I have a desire to study medicine, mend wounds, and fix what's broken. It may sound silly to some, but it's what I wish to do with my life."

Henderson and Walter were intrigued by Eric's honest ambition while Swan looked ready to scoff at the boy. "If I may ask, Eric Forger, why do you wish to become a doctor?" Walter asked with a kind smile as he awaited his answer.

Eric smiled fondly as he thought of Anya. "I have a little sister. By becoming a doctor, I can make sure she lives a long happy and healthy life. I love and care for her very dearly and I wish to protect her and everyone from all the pain in the world. I know it won't be easy, it'll keep getting harder down the road. But I'm willing to accept any challenge and overcome any obstacle this school and life wants to throw at me."

All of them, minus one, were touched by his resolve and reason for committing to his goal in life. 'A selfless desire to keep another alive. Truly an elegant soul you are, Eric Forger.' Henderson thought as he felt a deep respect for the boy.

Walter touched his heart at the boy's ambition motivated by pure unconditional love for his little sister. Yor was awestruck and nearly moved to tears. Loid smiled an honest encouraging smile for his son's goal, completely forgetting the real reason for this interview.

Swan on the other hand was nauseated and annoyed by how everyone swayed to the boy whom he deemed as filth of society.

Walter then asked his next question, "If I were to ask you to give your parents a score, what would it be?"

Eric hummed, "Depends on how you score them. Though personally, I'd say 110%. Despite their mishaps and stumbles in parenthood, the fact that they are still learning and willing to take risks for us makes them perfect in my eyes. I feel safest when I'm with them." His answer shocked his parents, Loid especially since he was the one who was ill prepared for fatherhood but was willing to take on the role for the mission. At this point, without realizing it, he's embracing the role wholeheartedly. Yor was surprised when Eric said he felt safe with her. Being an assassin is dangerous, something she knew the moment she took on that job. No one ever felt safe with her as a killer. But as a mother, Eric is acknowledging and trusting her for her ability to keep him and Anya safe.

Walter nodded in approval, but then Swan asked a question that completely ruined the mood.

"Well, between your new and old mother, who would you give a higher score?"

There it is, that dark feeling came back, that malevolent desire to rip this man's intestines out and play double dutch with it. How dare he bring up his birth mother with that filthy mouth, and to toss Yor into the mix? Seven years bad luck doesn't seem so bad right now.

But he quickly stamped out his dark feelings lest he break more windows. A smile graced his lips but didn't reach his eyes. "To be honest, I hardly have any memory about my birth mother." His admittance shocked everyone, even his parents. "It's quite pitiful, I know." He breathed out slowly. "While my mind doesn't have that much memory of her, my heart remembers how it felt to receive her love." He touched his chest, as though to stop the pain that constricted his heart.

He then set Swan with a firm scolding look that surprised the older man. "Also, I never lacked for a mother's love or affection. 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. People can say it was fate, chance, or destiny for them to meet. But for me personally," He narrowed his gaze at Swan, "My birth mother sent Yor Briar to love us in her stead. So really, I have two mothers watching over me, one from heaven, and Yor with whom I trust and deem worthy of being part of this family."

Silence followed after his speech. It wasn't until Yor leapt out of her seat with such speed that Loid could've sworn she teleported. Eric found himself in Yor's embrace. Though he was surprised, he didn't flinch from her touch. But what shocked him was how her body shook around him as she wept into his shoulder. "You really mean that?" Yor asked as tears stained her son's jacket. Hearing how he can't remember his mother broke her heart, but what he said about his mother sending Yor to watch and protect her children made her feel as though she was receiving a blessing. What's more, Eric, who had always been so reserved around her, vocally accepted her before the teachers.

Unmindful of the stares being directed at them, Eric returned the embrace. "I do. I should have said it long ago. I'm sorry it took a while." This caused her to hold him tighter but was careful with her strength. Last thing she wants is to break his ribs like she did with Yuri.

Walter had to remove his glasses to wipe the tears that wanted to fall. "Well, there's your answer." Walter stated to the dumbfounded Swan who thought he could get the boy to crack.

Eric lifted his head to stare directly at Swan who no longer looked smug. A disproved frown etched itself on Eric's face while Yor held him from the side. "In response to your question, Mr. Swan. That was truly petty of you to ask." His cold words got a rise out of the fat bastard like he wanted.

"What?"

Eric didn't waver, instead, he narrowed his gaze. "You heard me. All you've done the moment we set foot in this room is criticize and belittle my mother. I will not have you dishonor her any further." He squeezed Yor's arm momentarily, "It's true she may not be what you deem as an ideal partner or caretaker, but I prefer her for her own unique values and her willingness to take on this role." He had to fight the smirk that wanted to make its way to his face when he saw veins bulge out of head.

He couldn't resist pushing his buttons, he wanted Swan to crack. "I consider her a much better parent than you ever hope to be. Honestly, I pity any child cursed to have you for a father. Hopefully they're far from your poison and their mother has found a spouse more worthy of being the father of their child. I believe their score on you is... -50%." A small spiteful smile quirked on his lips. "And that's me being generous."

Swan growled as he shot to his feet, startling his colleagues. "Why you cocky little brat!" The angry red-faced Swan roared, and he held his swollen hands out as though to choke the boy as he stomped towards him with the intent to strangle. Walter and Henderson were not quick enough to stop him or calm him down as panic and fear for their potential student filled their souls.

Yor picked Eric up and held him close, that same murderous look came back as she cracked her hands, ready to strike the killing blow. Loid leapt to his feet and quickly stood between his family and the pissed off Swan.

Eric, with his hand close to his chest as he was held protectively by Yor, smirked faintly as his eyes flashed that odd color once again. He flicked his finger horizontally, focusing on the man's legs and kicked them out from under him as he charged forth. He barely let out a yelp of surprise before Eric made another motion with his finger and applied more force behind Swan's fall and slammed his ugly mug into the coffee table. The wood splintered in half and gave way from the impact, killing an unlucky mosquito who had the misfortune of seeing Swan's face before he got squashed. Poor bug.

Everyone was stunned silence at what they just saw, Swan tripped, faceplanted and murdered the table.

Eric tilted his head in wonder, "Is he dead?"

Loid carefully knelt down and checked his pulse, a moment later, everyone heard a groan. "He's alive." Loid confirmed without a hint of emotion as Eric gave a disappointing sigh.

Walter being the courteous colleague he is, knelt to help the man off the table. Henderson held his cane as he gave Swan a disappointing look. 'How inelegant to attack a child.'

"Get off!" Swan shoved Walter away as he pushed himself off the poor table. His nose was broken and overflowing with blood dripping out. He spat the blood out of his mouth but was shocked to see three of his front teeth clatter onto the wood. He held his face in mortification and pain, "It's broken!" He wailed as he tried to stop the bleeding.

"That's what you get for attacking an applicant." Henderson said with disproval before turning to the Forgers who let down their battle stance. "I believe we can conclude this interview. Thank you for your time, Forgers. I do apologize for his misdemeanor." He cordially said as he held his hand out for Loid to take.

Loid shook the Housemaster's hand, "Yes, thank you for having us. Come along you two." He said to Yor and Eric, wanting to get them out of danger before he really shows Swan what a broken nose is.

"Right." Yor nodded as she led Eric by the shoulders towards the door Loid held open for them.

Eric stopped then turned to the Housemasters, he placed a hand on his chest and bowed to them. "Thank you for everything. I hope you'll consider me for your institution." He said before straightening up and following his father and mother out of the room.

Once the door closed, Swan growled beneath his hand. "Th audacity of that little brat! How dare he disrespect me like that?" He grinned viciously despite the pain in his face, "No matter, he can kiss the idea of being a doctor goodbye. He'll never set foot in this school."

Henderson glared at Swan for his callous behavior towards that exceptional boy. "Master Swan, that is quite enough."

"Are you taking issue with my processes? He may not be the current head of this school, but my father still has sway here. And it'd be wise of you to watch that mouth of yours." Swan threatened, ready to use his father's influence to punish anyone he disliked.

Henderson clenched his teeth as he recalled how Loid Forger expressed his belief that the faculty can prepare his son for the future, and how little Eric was ready to face challenges head on to achieve his dream.

'Those who grovel at the feet of the powerful have no right to call themselves educators!' Henderson thought angrily as he gripped his cane.

With all the elegance an old man can muster, he clocked Swan straight in the schnoz with a very satisfying punch that would make his ancestors proud.

"All things with elegance, I say." Henderson said as he wiped his knuckles clean of Swan's filth. "And with that I can face you with the pride of an Eden College educator."

At the Forger residence.

A cloud hung over Eric's head, "Blew it." He said from his spot on the couch with Yor on his left rubbing his back and Anya stationed at his right.

Loid sat in his armchair as he watched Eric mope. "Eric, you didn't do anything wrong. Why do think you blew it?" He asked as he remembered how Swan put the boy on the spot over which mother he preferred. Not knowing his children's past could have easily led to their downfall. Thankfully, Eric provided the right kind of information he can work with. While his heartfelt speech won favor with Walter and Henderson, he knew Swan would never yield.

"But I... broke his nose...broke the coffee table...and murdered a bug in the process." Eric honestly said as he remembered the sick satisfaction he got when he saw the old toad's bleeding face. Anya was impressed and happy the big ol' bully got what's coming as she saw the scene play out. Her favorite was how Eric sat there like a boss putting an underling in his place.

"You didn't do anything; it was his own fault he tripped and fell down." Yor soothingly said while she continued to rub his back. She herself was ready to break his nose when he charged at her baby boy.

Eric clenched his hands tightly. "I said awful things to him." He admitted, "I wanted to hurt him, I wanted him to feel some kind of pain." He gritted his teeth and glared at the coffee table. "I couldn't take another minute of him belittling you like that." His throat closed up, "If I had just kept my mouth shut..."

"I think the big ugly bully would still hate you even if you didn't say anything." Anya stated after catching a glimpse of Swan. Truly an awful revolting man to be around.

"She's right Eric. As far as anyone's concerned, he acted immature and unprofessional." Loid stated, even now he fought the urge to rush back and punch him uglier. "But you on the other hand, you were calm and mature throughout the entire interview. You didn't let your emotions control your actions."

'As opposed to me, I was ready to kill him.' Loid sighed as he quietly berated himself for almost losing control.

'I could've easily murdered him with my bare hands and claim it was self-defense. But I would probably overdo it if his blood and brain matter made a mess of our clothes.' Yor nodded to herself as she rethought how that scene would play out.

Anya tensed up when she sensed their murderous thoughts. They are truly scary.

"But I-"

"Listen," Loid cut him off, "we can't change what happened back there. The most we can do now is hope for the best. Even if they don't accept you, that's their loss." He said, as a spy, he has to prepare for the worst and figure out another way to complete his mission. He'll still keep this family together, that much is certain.

"But I want to go to that school." Eric said, his head bowed with fringes covering his eyes. "I have to... no... I need to prove them wrong. If I give up before I begin, what kind of doctor will I be?" 'If I don't go into that school, we won't be together anymore. These secrets are the reason why we can't be apart.'

Loid allowed himself to smile at his son's unwavering resolve. While the boy wasn't as open with his emotions, he can see how passionate he is towards his goal, and how the main reason for his dedication is because of Anya.

He got up from his seat, picked his daughter up and sat her on his lap as he took her place beside Eric. Anya snuggled in her father's hold as Loid placed a comforting hand on Eric's cropped wavy hair. Eric looked up at Loid who gave him that reassuring smile, one that can never be faked. "You'll be a fine doctor, with or without Eden. If the other schools knew how smart you really are, they'd be fighting over you to represent them."

"What he said." Anya chimed in, her green eyes gleaming with encouragement for her favorite brother.

It was Eric's turn to allow a smile to come onto his face after returning from the interview. "Thank you."

Yor smiled then placed a kiss on her son's cheek, "I'll go make some tea." She said before she got up and went to the kitchen.

Eric blushed and wiped his cheek.

"Dad, if I don't get into Eden, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you." Eric promised, since his admission into Eden is Twilight's only hope for maintaining peace. But just in case, despite his preference to stay out of their father's dangerous missions, he's willing to put his skills to use and help Twilight's organization protect the nations.

"You don't have to go that far." Loid said as Anya smiled when she sensed the direction of her brother's thoughts.

"Wanna bet?" Eric challenged with that small smile that told Loid he wasn't backing down from his promise.

"Well, what's done is done." Loid said as Yor came back with a tray. "All we can do now is celebrate our hard work." This lifted the family's spirits as each of them took a teacup and clinked their drinks together. "To the family's bright future."

Yeah, this was a pretty intense chapter to write. Sorry I kept you all waiting. As you all witnessed, Eric has a bit of darkness inside him that urges him to kill. We also caught a glimpse into his painful past. I think we can all agree that Eric will be more Yor's son because of this trait since Anya dabbles in information like Twilight.

Also, I would like to properly thank Vongola Ninja for their ideas and suggestions in previous reviews. They were truly inspirational and motivating.

Anywho, thanks for your patience and tell me what your favorite part of this chapter was. 'Till next time.