Chapter Text
Eric, a little boy no older than six sat at the small table as he read the newspaper article. His shaggy blonde hair fell over his almond shaped green eyes, but he hardly took notice as he scanned over the words before flipping through the dictionary to figure out the meaning of one particular word that didn't make sense to him.
He glanced at the only other occupant in the room, his younger sister, Anya. She was on the ground playing with her toy Chimera. Her green eyes are large and oval-shaped with prominent eyelashes. She has shoulder-length, light pink hair that curls inwards with a fringe that reaches just above her eyes. She also wears two black hair ornaments with bright yellow embellishments that resemble small horns on the sides of her head. Though she was only four, she knew how different they were from everyone, and how dangerous the world can be should anyone find out the truth about them.
With a light teasing smile, the chimera toy floated out of Anya's arms and into Eric's, surprising her before she turned to Eric with a pout, making her look cuter. Since it was just them in the room, Eric levitated the toy and made it bow to Anya like a gentleman. She giggled then curtsied before holding its paws and dancing, humming a waltz as she twirled across the floor.
Eric smiled at the sight; one he reserves for Anya. Despite the darkness and cruelty of the world, Anya gives him hope.
His little sister smiled at him, sensing his thoughts, her favorite mind for a telepath to listen to.
Eric and Anya. A telekinetic and a telepath. Formerly known as Subjects 006 and 007. Two against the world, trusting no one but each other.
"...Right this way. Here they are." The slurred voice of the director caused Eric's smile to vanish before the door opened to reveal the fat drunk who runs the orphanage. Behind him was a man who appeared in his early thirties with blonde hair and light blue eyes. He wore a green business suit with a red tie and was holding a white hat in his hand.
The director introduced them, "Eric and Anya are the smartest there is. Neither of them talks much, but they're good kids. C'mon kids say 'hi.'"
Eric stood up from his seat and stood beside Anya who immediately took his hand and hid slightly behind him as the older blonde gave them an analytical stare.
'I hate that look he's giving us, it's like he's trying to dissect us with his eyes alone. Anya, I may not be able to read minds like you, but I feel something off about him. I don't think he's a bad guy, but he can't be a good person either.' Eric translated his thoughts to his sister, while he's telepathic, he's developed a sixth sense when it comes to liars.
Anya poked his palm, letting him know she understands his thoughts before focusing on the older man.
"Hello, I'm Loid Forger, I work as a psychiatrist, and I hear you are in need of a family."
'They're siblings. The boy looks around six, a prominent age for Eden College to accept. He's also reading the newspaper and had a dictionary, which means he's eager to learn and study. Having this kid pass the entrance exam should be a breeze. The girl on the other hand...' Twilight, moved his eyes to the girl who watched with curious yet hopeful green eyes. 'My job requires one child, I'm not fully prepared for one, let alone two. But I definitely need the boy, he clearly shows promise and intellect. Judging by his stance and the way he's standing in front of his sister; he doesn't trust that easily and he won't leave without her.'
Anya tugged on her brother's sleeve, signaling for Eric to bend his head for her to whisper in his ear, this behavior was not unusual, so Twilight took it as a shy little girl needing her brother to speak for her. "What does 'in-ter-rect' mean?'"
'It means someone who is smart.' Eric answered through his thoughts, despite her mispronunciation, he knew what word she was trying to say.
Anya's eyes brightened as an idea came to her. She pulled her brother back to the table and picked up the newspaper, showing the crossword puzzle to the older man. Eric understood Anya was trying to do. He took a pencil and handed one to Anya. Twilight stared over their shoulders as he figured out the puzzle, unaware that the girl could read his mind.
When she showed her work to Twilight, he was impressed by her surprising intellect despite her age. Eric hid a smile at how Anya got her answers. He had a feeling the guy was smart to figure out the puzzle, but not smart enough to realize that Anya cheated.
'Hm, I guess having a second child around won't be so bad. Plus, she can serve as back up in case the boy fails. Which isn't likely. But having her around should be a proper motivator for him.' Twilight thought to himself as he turned to the director. "Sir, I'll take them. About the paperwork."
"Don't sweat it, just take them home already." The director said dismally as Anya picked up her toy again and took Eric's hand again.
'As a spy, getting that part of the mission done so easily worries me.' Twilight thought to himself as he turned to the siblings. "So, is this okay with you two?"
Anya's eyes lit up in excitement, 'A spy? A mission? So cool!'
Eric sighed, knowing what that look meant. "If you'll have us, we'd love to stay with you for as long as you need us." He politely said but his thoughts were different. 'I don't trust you, but if Anya likes you, you might not be so bad. I'll count the days until you get rid of us like the last four families.'
And thus, the two siblings left with their new father, beginning the greatest mission that changed their lives.
Loid Forger, Twilight's new identity, brought the siblings to their new home and started giving them the run down. "Listen kids-"
"It's Eric." The boy corrected stoically, he clearly hates being called 'kid' or 'boy'.
"And Anya." His sister added with a smile.
"Eric and Anya, starting today, you two will be my son and daughter. But if anyone asks, you've always been my children." Loid instructed them as though they were his colleagues.
"Sure, why not." Eric said, watching him from beneath the fringes of his blonde hair. In this light, his hair was just a shade darker than Twilight's, and the way he frowned was nearly similar to the older male. Aside from their eye color, no one would doubt that they were related. A perfect coincidence that works in Twilight's favor.
"So, make sure you address me as 'Father'."
"Papa." Anya immediately gave him his new title.
"Close enough."
Loid turned to Eric who seems to be struggling. His brows furrowed and he pursed his lips tightly. "F-Fa...F-F-F-aaa...th-th...eeerrrr." Eric looked away, not used to saying that word when it was so easy for Anya.
"We'll work on it." Twilight sighed as he led them inside. 'That was excruciating to watch. But let's give it time, we'll get used to each other soon.'
The moment they entered the apartment, Anya quickly skipped into the room. "This is our house now?"
"It is." Loid said as Eric strode into the living room, quickly assessing the interior and walking around the room to familiarize himself.
"A TV!" Anya exclaimed as she spotted the television set.
"You can turn it on." Loid said as he closed the door and removed his gloves.
Anya switched it on to her favorite show, Spy Wars. "I really like this show." She said as she plopped herself in front of the screen.
'Coincidence?' Twilight thought to himself considering his profession.
He glanced at Eric to see him surveying the city through the window. There was wonder and caution in his one visible as he memorized the buildings.
'I'll secure everything we need. Which includes a forged ID for them.' Twilight thought to himself before he turned towards the door. "I'm stepping out for a bit. Just sit tight and watch your show."
Anya's attention was piqued as she stood up and ran towards him. "An adventure!" She yelled as she latched onto her leg like a parasite.
"It's not an adventure, it's a shopping trip!" Twilight said as he tried to shake her off his leg, but she refused to let go.
"Sir?" Twilight looked up to see Eric standing in front of him with a shy look and a frown. "Could I go with you to get a book?"
"Hm? What kind of book?" Twilight asked as he tried to pry Anya off his leg.
Eric looked hesitant and somewhat embarrassed. "Anything about the human anatomy, medicine, how to sew someone up, a dictionary...okay make that more than one book."
Twilight was intrigued by the boy's request as he successfully removed Anya from his leg and unconsciously held her in his arms. Kids his age should be into comics and getting dirty. But he seems more grown up and wants to expand his knowledge.
Staring at the kids, he sighed, "Fine, you two can come. Just don't stray too far." He ordered as he set Anya down as she cheered and grabbed Eric's hand to follow their father out of the apartment.
The trio strolled onto the sidewalk, Loid with calm steady strides, Eric with his hands in his pockets glancing at his new surroundings, and Anya excitedly running ahead as she took in all the buildings and shops.
"Papa, I want a pistol with a silencer!" Anya announced excitedly, from her favorite Spy Wars show.
"Sure, if there's one on sale." Loid said, not denying or accepting her request.
'To be a master spy, one must act normally and not draw any attention. Today, we're a regular inconspicuous fami-'
*CLANG!*
Loid's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of metal getting hit. He turned to see Eric walk straight into the street sign face first. He was stuck like that for a moment longer before he plopped onto his bum.
"Big Brother!" Anya exclaimed in concern when she saw Eric drop to the ground. She flew to his side as he rubbed his forehead. "Ow." Though it stung a bit, the pain didn't bother him as much.
"What just happened?" Loid asked as Eric continued rubbing his forehead.
"I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings, sir." Eric admitted in mild embarrassment over his clumsiness.
Loid's eyebrow twitched. 'Of course, how could I forget that kids get hurt all the time. Even a smart kid like him can slip if not careful.' He thought to himself as Eric stood up and dusted himself off.
Loid then noticed how Eric blew a strand of hair out of his face, but the lock still covered his eyes. 'Hm, it's hard for him to see with all that hair.' Loid thought as an idea came to him.
"Uh, old man?" Eric's eyes widened at the sight of the blades and the constriction around his thin neck. "Why am I about to get tortured?"
"What are you talking about, you're just getting a haircut." 'I'm not that old.' Loid stated from his spot on the sofa with Anya beside him eating peanuts.
"What's wrong with my hair?" Eric asked, his visible green peeked between the fringes of his blonde locks.
"It's too long and you're obviously having a hard time seeing with them falling into your face." Loid answered simply as he noticed the way Eric tensed at the sight of the scissors.
Eric touched his hair, it was getting awfully long, and it was hard to keep clean and get the tangles out. But he liked that it hid his eyes, even though it obstructed half of his sight, it made him feel safe, like a veil to hide him from the outside world.
"It's scary the first time around." The middle-aged barber said with a kind reassuring smile. "But once it's over, you'll feel like a whole new you."
'A new me? That sounds scarier compared to what I am now.' Eric said with a look of barely concealed trepidation.
"Eric, be brave." Anya said, catching his attention. "You can do it." She added, giving him that encouraging smile that gave him strength to endure.
Eric swallowed his saliva then glanced at his new father who gave him a nod. He wasn't sure if it was a reassuring gesture, but he returned it with slight hesitance before he faced the mirror. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. "Okay, I'm ready."
He kept his eyes shut throughout the whole process, he didn't want to see those shears or any sharp blade so close to his face. But he was aware of everything around him, the water gently spraying onto his scalp, the tender comb that carefully detangled his hair, the almost quiet snipping of the scissors, and the weight of his blonde locks falling onto the tiled floor.
He wasn't sure how much time passed until the barber removed the cloth from his body. "There we go, all finished."
Eric slowly opened his eyes to see a completely different kid staring back at him in the mirror. No longer was half of his covered. He can see two green eyes watching him as he touched the freshly cropped strands on his head.
"Brother, you look handsomer!" Anya exclaimed as she came to his side to get a closer look.
"He does, doesn't he." Loid stated, impressed by the transformation. But what surprised him even more was how much he looked like Twilight as a child, except he had less fat in his cheeks. 'The more he looks like me the less people will question about our family status.' He thought, happy at this surprising bonus.
Eric hopped off the chair, still staring at his reflection before he turned to Loid. "Does it look okay?"
"It looks better than I expected actually." Loid said, allowing a smile to grace his handsome features.
Eric blushed at the compliment before Anya ran her little fingers through his hair, admiring the new style. "It's like petting a bunny."
Eric frowned as his brows furrowed while his eye narrowed into slits. 'A bunny?'
After thanking the barber for his work, Loid led his children out of the shop, holding onto Anya's hand while Eric continued touching his hair.
"It feels weird." Eric commented as he glanced at his reflection through the shop's window.
"You'll get used it." Loid stated as he kept Anya close to him in case she wanders off.
Eric frowned as he covered one of his eyes. "I feel exposed though. Don't you?"
"Sometimes, but not really." Loid said they entered the shopping department and stocked up on food and snacks at Anya's insistence.
They stopped by the library where Loid decided to read up on childcare. Thanks to his photographic memory, everything he reads is permanently etched into his brain. Eric found books on human anatomy, medicine, and an Ostanian literature book that intrigued him. He wanted to carry them all, but his little arms would not be able to carry them all the way home. Thankfully there was a store that sold bookbags big enough for him to use. He was able to fit three books into his new bookbag while he read the literature book. His eyes were glued to the pages as Loid carried groceries, books, and one sleeping Anya.
Loid grunted form the excessive weight while glancing at Eric who was lost in his world. "Hey, you shouldn't read while walking."
"Mm." Was all Eric said, though it didn't seem like he heard Loid whatsoever.
"You didn't hear me, did you?"
"Mm." The boy responded, his look was that of intense concentration as he read the book.
As they turned a corner, Eric was about to bump into a woman. Loid tried to voice a warning, but Eric surprised him by gracefully twirling out of the woman's path. His eyes never left the book.
'He dodged her without even looking!' Loid exclaimed in his head as he apologized to the woman who was surprised by the boy's nonchalant maneuvering but accepted the man's apology.
Loid followed beside his son, keeping him within sight as they made their way home. Every now and then, Eric would sidestep and spin out of a passerby's way or hop over a gap. He was impressed by Eric despite only meeting him a few hours ago. There was a calm maturity around him, yet still retained a child's curiosity. Glancing down at his new daughter, he was a bit overwhelmed. He was hardly prepared for one child, and Anya proved to be a literal handful even with her brother pacifying her.
'Luckily Eric won't be much of a problem wherever school is concerned. If I prepare him for the entrance exam, he can take it from there and be just fine.' Loid thought to himself, confident in his son's ability to succeed the mission.
*CLANG!*
Loid's confidence shattered upon seeing Eric once again stuck face first into a pole before falling onto his bum a moment later.
"Ow." Came Eric's delayed response as he finally lowered the book to rub his forehead.
'Okay, maybe not.' Loid rescinded his statement.
"Isn't that the same pole you ran into before?"
Anya and Eric were asleep in the same bed that first night. Twilight however stayed up to research childcare and try to understand his new children. A spy whose mission requires a child yet has no experience with children is in a bit of a bind. He needs them, mainly Eric, to help him accomplish his mission and protect world peace between nations. The one who threatens that peace is Donovan Desmond, the Chairman of the National Unity Party of Ostania and Twilight's current target. He rarely makes public appearances except at the elite school Eden College where his first son, Demetrius, an imperial scholar, studies. This year, his second son, Damian, will begin his first year at Eden. He needs Eric to attend this school and get close to the Desmonds in order for Twilight to probe Donovan for any secrets that may cause another war.
The sound of soft footsteps approaching alerted him to the elder child walking into the living room, his book tucked under his arm. His hair was in disarray, and his eyes had shadows underneath.
"What are you doing up?" Twilight asked as Eric climbed onto the sofa furthest from Twilight.
"I don't sleep anymore." Eric answered in a half-dead tone as he opened his book to the page where he left off before he smacked into that pole.
'He's in a different place all of a sudden so he needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. Reading can be a coping mechanism. I should let him...no, I should use this opportunity to build trust with him, help him transition faster before I send him to Eden. The first step to building trust is to show your concern for his well-being. If he's having trouble, sympathize and see through his perspective.'
Twilight nodded to himself before he turned to Eric. "Are you having trouble sleeping with your sister?"
"Not really. We've always slept in the same bed. The orphanage was cold at night." Eric answered honestly.
"I guess that makes sense." Twilight stated then glanced at the book, surprise written on his face. "You're already half-way done."
Eric seemed to just notice this observation. "Yeah, reading keeps me from thinking too much about certain problems. If I think too much, I stress, and when I stress, I..." His little fingers tightened their grip on the book, making it crinkle. "...lose control."
"Would you like to talk about these problems? If they're bothering you, talking about could help relieve you of your stress." Twilight offered, hoping this could help them connect and build a relationship.
Eric narrowed his eyes at Twilight. "Are you asking as my father or as a psychiatrist?"
"I'd like to think having that profession can go hand-in-hand when raising a child." Twilight stated noticing how Eric tensed up.
"Personally, I'm not sure having a psychiatrist for a father is a good thing." Eric said, trying to hide his own discomfort.
Twilight sighed as he scratched his head, "I'm not gonna judge you if that's what you're worried about."
Eric glanced at the childcare manuals then at the still slumbering Anya clutching her chimera doll. He swallowed then closed his book and gave Twilight his full attention. "I'm trying to figure out what you want from us."
Twilight blinked at his straightforward answer as green locked onto blue. "I'm not sure what it is you're after seeing how you lack the experience as a parent and were ill prepared for our arrival. But I know you need something from us, or at least one child considering there was only one bed for us to sleep in. Also," He turned to the piles of books on the table, "it's obvious you have absolutely no idea what you're doing as a father."
Twilight's eyes widened at how intuitive this child was and how he lacked any reservation when confronting him about it. 'Eric's smarter than I gave him credit for. Curious, insightful, but most of all suspicious and distrustful.' Inwardly, he praised the boy for these qualities. Had this child been older, he'd have made a good candidate as a spy like himself.
Twilight sighed again as he leaned back and looked at the ceiling. "You're right on all fronts. It's true that I don't have any experience when it comes to kids, but I'm at a point in my life where I need a family. I'm all by myself you see. While I am successful in my work, it can be quite lonely. I talked to my boss and coworkers about it, and they suggested I become a father." He explained, successfully mixing lies with truth. One of the best ways a spy can perfectly deceive someone is to add truth to make the most convincing lie.
Eric gave him a long stare, "But why not do it the old-fashioned way, get married and then make a baby."
"I did give it some thought." Twilight said before he looked down, lost in a memory. "The truth is, I lost my parents in the war when I was still a kid."
This surprised Eric as he unconsciously leaned closer. "How old were you?"
Twilight smiled sadly as he remembered traumatic his childhood was. "I was a little older than you, around seven or eight. I didn't have anybody; I never had the chance to say goodbye to my parents." His heart clenched at the memory of losing his family to war. "Back then, all I could do was cry. But no matter how much I cried, no one heard me. No one helped me. I had to learn to survive on my own."
The older man turned to Eric whose eyes shone with unshed tears. "I want to do for you what no one did for me, a second chance for a family."
Eric looked down, his fringes shadowing his eyes. "Fifth."
"Huh?"
"This is...the fifth time we've been adopted." Eric admitted as though he had something to be ashamed of. "The orphanage you found us in, that was the third we were sent to."
Twilight's eyes widened at that information. 'That's why he's cautious. He's waiting for them to be returned like last time.'
"One flaw or one imperfection, and it's back to the orphanage." Eric stated as he trembled, but he didn't want to show any weakness. "I don't care what you want me to be, just as long as Anya can be safe and comfortable."
A large warm hand touched the top of his head, causing him to look up to see a soft understanding expression. "You don't have to be anything; you're fine the way you are."
Eric's eyes widened as a tear streamed down his face. No one but Anya ever saw him cry. But these weren't tears of pain or sadness, they were of relief.
Twilight did something he never thought he would ever do, he pulled Eric into a hug and allowed him to cry. "You don't have to worry about being sent back there. You and Anya are safe here."
'But will you be safe with us?' Eric didn't voice it out loud as he let his guard down for the first time since he and Anya freed themselves from those monsters.
Twilight rubbed his son's back as the boy quietly sobbed so he doesn't wake Anya up. 'He's only six years old, yet he suffered so much.' He glanced at the room to see Anya still sleeping blissfully. 'They knew no family but each other.'
When he no longer felt Eric trembling against him, he looked down to see him completely passed out in his arms. He looked peaceful, completely unburdened by the weight of the world. He carefully picked him up and carried the child back to bed, making sure he was quiet as he deposited him beside his sister who immediately hugged him in her sleep.
Twilight smiled at the sight. The way they clung to each other was sweet and endearing, and it motivated him in his mission to protect the peace between the nations. 'Eric, you have no idea just how important you are to this mission. I may not be a perfect father, but I'll try to be a better one than the ones you and Anya had. I hate that I have to get you both mixed into this. I didn't become a spy for information alone.' He stood up and made his way out of the room, 'No, every secret I uncover is for the purpose of making a world where kids don't need to cry. That's the whole reason why I became a spy in the first place.' He quietly closed the door, leaving it open just a crack before he returned to research.
One green eye opened just in time to see Twilight walk away from the door. A smile played on her face as she clutched her chimera doll in one arm and snuggled close to her brother.
"Eden College?" Eric exclaimed in surprise at the pamphlet Loid handed him.
Eric sat on the couch between Loid and Anya who chewed on her peanuts.
"That's right. But in order to be accepted, you'll first need to take the entrance exam." Loid explained, "Which is also why we need to test your knowledge and prepare you for this exam."
"Sounds like a battle." Anya quipped as she stared at the pamphlet with her brother.
Eric turned to his father, "Hold on, this is an elite school for the rich people's kids. No disrespect to you, but I'm not rich or snotty enough to be in this school."
"It's not about being rich or snotty, it's about your capabilities as a scholar. Eden is a prestigious institution with some of the best teachers and curriculum that will give you opportunities in the long run." Loid explained, hoping some encouragement will get the boy to go along with his plan.
Eric turned back to the piece of paper with a discomforted look. "I get that. But why send me there. I'm...I'm nobody." He said, feeling a lot of self-doubt at the very idea of entering that school.
"You're not nobody, you're my son." Loid stated, making Eric look up at his father. "I knew the moment I saw you that you were special." That made the siblings tense up. 'Does he know?!' They thought at the same time.
"I remember how you were engrossed in a newspaper with a dictionary close by. You're already intelligent, but I can tell you want to know more than what the newspaper tells you." Loid explained, "I don't have to be a psychiatrist to tell you what you have to offer at this school. You're more capable than you realize. I genuinely believe that you can make a big difference at Eden."
Eric's heart warmed at that praise. Loid wasn't wrong, he liked the idea of learning new things, of challenging himself and proving people wrong. He looked down at the pamphlet again to see the school uniforms. For a moment, he saw himself wearing it and walking around with an air of respect and confidence.
"Big Brother would look cool in the uniform." Anya commented, catching Eric's thoughts as he blushed slightly.
"He definitely would." Loid agreed.
Eric pursed his lips as he thought it over. He rolled the idea around in his head as it collided with one of his ambitions he hopes to accomplish in a decade. "Um, do they offer a course of medicine?" Eric asked, feeling embarrassed.
"They may have an introduction course for tenth years. Why?" Loid asked, curious about that question.
"I, uh," Eric he inhaled then confessed, "I wanna be a doctor!" He made eye contact with his father, "I wanna help people. Cure them and fix them up. Most of all, I wanna take care of Anya." He added as he took Anya's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Big Brother." Anya's eyes sparkled in admiration for her brother's ambition.
"If Eden can offer me that chance to help others, then I'll do it." Eric said with more confidence.
Loid looked relieved at Eric's eagerness to learn. If possible, he felt some of the weight leave his shoulder.
Eric then wilted and looked embarrassed. "I'm not very good at math though."
Loid chuckled before he pulled out some practice sheets. "Well, let's get started."
For the next four hours, Loid covered all the subjects like the basic history of Ostania, popular literature, and mathematics. Though he was strict, he was still fair in his guidance as he helped Eric brush up on his addition and subtraction. Despite the headache he received, Eric was determined to prove his father right, that he can ace the entrance exam.
Anya cheered him on, while it sometimes proved distracting, it motivated Eric to succeed.
By mid-afternoon, Loid decided to end their study session to give Eric a break while he met up with his informant Franky.
"I'll be back in about an hour. Watch the house while I'm gone." Loid instructed them as Eric slumped face down on the couch from mental exhaustion. Steam literally came off his head.
"Got it." Came Eric's muffled response on the cushions.
"Come back safely Papa." Anya waved at him before he left their apartment.
Once their father's footsteps completely faded, Anya turned to her brother who was still face planted. "Eric, let's play checkers."
Eric sat up in response, knowing what 'checkers' actually meant for them. Seriousness immediately took his face before he telekinetically called the boardgame over to the coffee table. With a couple flicks of his wrist and fingers, he unboxed and unfolded the board and set the pieces in their rightful place. Anya quickly went over to the radio and turned it on in case someone from outside wanted to listen in.
"What did you find out?" Eric asked as he picked up a black checker piece and moved it without looking.
Anya had a smirk on her face as she moved her piece. "Papa is a spy."
"What?"
"It's true. He has spy stuff behind that door." Anya said as she pointed at the padlocked room.
"You're not saying that because he reminds you of Bondman?" Eric stated since there was a certain resemblance between him and Anya's favorite character.
"No, it's true. He stops bad guys, disables bombs, in-full-trace *infiltrates* and beats people up." Anya said as Eric hummed while he made his move.
"I see. Is that all?" Eric asked as he waited for Anya to take her turn.
"He actually has a very important mission to stop this evil boss man from destroying world peace. But the problem is, he hardly ever shows up anywhere except at that school. So, Papa's boss came up with this idea for him to adopt and enroll them in the school to help him get close to stop evil boss man." Anya explained quickly in an excited tone as though she was watching a new episode of Spy Wars.
Eric felt as though he was struck by lightning and his heart wrenched when Anya words finally registered. "So that's why he adopted us." He said in low and angry voice, the air around him felt heavy. Anya lost her smile when she realized what those words caused him. "He didn't want a family; he needed a way inside." He laughed bitterly as everything shook within the living room, his anger and feeling of betrayal after bonding last night and learning from him this morning. "Once again, I'm being used for someone else's gain."
Memories of being locked in a room being studied by scientists as he was strapped down to the table flew through his mind. The helplessness and terror he endured for those selfish evil monsters who kept telling him he was important as they poked and prodded at him with syringes, injecting fluids and taking blood samples. How he hated that lack of control, a fate of being broken down to be used as someone's weapon.
"Eric, stop!" Anya exclaimed, running around the table to calm his rage down after experiencing that horrific memory within her brother. Anya wrapped her arms around Eric in an effort to stop his power from flying out of control.
Eric's eyes widened when he realized what he was doing. He breathed in and out very slowly, chanting in his head, 'No stress, no mess. No rage, no destruction. Don't feel. Don't feel.' He repeated this mantra as Anya held him until he finally calmed down.
He breathed out a sigh. "I'm okay. I'm sorry." He apologized, ashamed for nearly losing control of his emotions like that.
Anya hugged him tightly, she too remembered those painful years of being subjected to experiments. Their only comfort being each other.
"He's not a bad person. He needs you to help him protect world peace, so no kid ever has to cry." Anya said, remembering their father's thoughts last night.
"What?" Eric asked, still reeling from what Anya revealed to him.
"He did grow up as an orphan." Anya stated with sadness. "It's the reason he became a spy, so no child will ever experience war like he did. Being all alone after losing his family in the fight between nations, it must've been terrifying for him. He wants to keep that from happening again."
If there's one thing the siblings were most familiar with is fear. Fear of being discovered and killed. Or worse, captured and experimented on until they die. They did not want to go back to that living hell. Not again.
Eric understood the desire of wanting to prevent past anguish from repeating, but that did not stop the bitterness he felt at being someone's pawn on the battlefield.
"Eric, I know you're angry. But Papa is desperate. He really does need you to help him. What Papa said is true, you can make a difference. At Eden, and the world." Anya said with a hopeful expression. "Let's give him a chance. Please Eric, I really wanna have Papa this time." She pleaded with eyes that broke his heart.
Eric looked down, conflicted as he remembered his late-night conversation with Loid. The man was open and understanding. He didn't completely lie, but he didn't tell him the whole truth either. But one truth that stuck with him was his painful childhood. He saw so much hurt in his eyes. Sadness he wants to hide from the world. The boy understood that, because people take advantage of that weakness. And Anya, she's just like every kid in the world, wanting a family to love them. Secretly, Eric too wants that feeling of love, safety and acceptance. It wasn't fair how they were created, how they were taken in only to be sent back like damaged goods. Rejection and abandonment they were too familiar with. He doesn't want that feeling anymore.
He sighed, completely lost in this battle as he leaned back against the couch behind him. "Fine. We'll give him a chance."
Anya looked relieved as she hugged him tighter which he responded by wrapping an arm around her. 'Even if he can't become a father who loves us, he can at least protect us.'
"He will, he's the best there is." Anya stated with confidence. "We can also help him with his missions. My mind and your feelings and Papa's expatise *expertise* we are unstoppable."
Eric gave her a deadpanned look, "Nope."
The day of the entrance exam came. Eric sat among the other applicants as the proctor told them to begin. He glanced at the other kids to see them struggling and one of them doing eeny-meeny on their tests. He returned to his own paper with a look of intense concentration as he answered each question and solved math problems.
Outside, Twilight sat with Anya in his lap as she snuggled against him. He was nervous, his heart racing despite his stoic expression. 'I'm counting on you Eric. You can do it.'
"Don't worry, Big Brother's the smartest, there's no way he'd lose." Anya assured him after hearing his thoughts.
Somehow, Twilight felt better after hearing his daughter tell him that. Even though it was a younger sibling worshiping their elder brother, he felt his confidence return.
A week later, the longest week Twilight endured after waiting for the results, all three Forgers stood in front of the board looking for Eric's number.
Eric closed his eyes and faced the ground, not wanting to hope as he mentally prepared himself for the worst.
"Eric, look." Loid's hand gently squeezed his shoulder before he looked up and followed his father's finger.
K-212.
The boy's eyes widened and lit up at the very sight of that number. All breath left his system as he released a disbelieving laugh.
"Big Brother, you passed! You passed!" Anya took his hands as they danced a short Ring-Around-The-Rosies.
For all of Twilight's training to keep his emotions in check, he could not help but release a smile of relief, pride and elation as he picked up his son and swung him high in the air. "Eric, you did it! I'm so proud of you!"
While Eric wasn't expecting to be picked up by the normally stoic man, he liked the feeling of being held up in the air like a miracle. Which to Twilight, he was.
Anya danced around them, wanting to be picked up too.
Operation Strix: Phase 1, Have your child pass the entrance exam. Mission Cleared.
Their small victory of celebration ended when Loid fell backwards and landed on the grass. Eric barely had time to react when his father suddenly collapsed, bringing him down with him. Luckily Loid cushioned the boy's fall before his arms dropped beside him like a dead starfish.
Eric quickly got off of him in panic when he realized how lifeless their father became. "What the heck?" He exclaimed as Anya tried to shake their half-dead father awake, begging him to come back.
Eric held Loid's arm to feel a pulse before he joined Anya in trying to revive their father. "Hey, c'mon old man, you can't die on us just yet, we barely got started!"
By some miracle they managed to resurrect the dead man before the poor exhausted father stumbled home like a zombie with the help of his children. But by the time they came back to their apartment, he died once again on their living room couch where Anya tearfully watched in horror as Eric fanned the corpse with a deadpan look.
"Well, he's dead." Anya stated as her brother continued to fan the poor guy.
"Nah, he's just unconscious." 'How can this guy be a spy?' Eric thought, beginning to question the man's true profession and reliability.
Eric sighed then put the fan down. "Watch him while I find a blanket." He instructed as he looked around for something to cover their father, so he doesn't catch a cold. He found one inside the towel closet on the high shelf. But Eric overcame this obstacle easy as he levitated the blanket down then carried it into the living room.
He paused when he saw Anya wrapped up under the protection of their father's arm, smiling happily as she snuggled against him. Smiling at the sight, he tossed the blanket up into the air, and telekinetically unfolded it before he gently draped it over his father and sister. With that task done, he took his stationary seat in an armchair close to the couch then opened up a new book Loid got for him.
He glanced at his family as they slept peacefully. So much has happened in the last two weeks of their adoption. Anya and Eric became comfortable with their new father while the older man is still trying to learn the ropes of parenthood. Though he was still clumsy, the fact that he's trying makes him an endearing figure. Due to his miscalculation about their living arrangements, Loid started looking for a bigger apartment where the kids can have their own room.
Eric smiled as he looked back on their time together. Even though all this was for the sake of Twilight's mission, information of his codename provided by Anya, the boy can't find it in himself to hate the man. Holding grudges were a waste of time and energy anyway. Plus, with the mission mainly taking place at Eden College, he won't be wasting the opportunity to study in one of the best schools in the country.
'If Father intends to use me for his mission, I'll use him to become the scholar I want to be. A fair win-win situation.' Eric nodded to himself.
Eric then turned to Anya who napped the afternoon away. She was always quick to warm up to people she finds cool and exciting. But what worried him was her intention to 'subtly' help their father on his missions. An idea Eric profusely objects to due to the nature of his job and the dangers that come with it. Eric being a student to get close to some evil boss's kid is the most danger he's ever gonna experience. Gunfire and violence are not on his to-do list.
With a quiet sigh, he got comfortable as he started reading his book. After half an hour of reading, their father woke up with a start, almost knocking Anya down.
"Welcome back. Hope you had a nice nap." Eric greeted as he looked up from his book.
Twilight ran a hand through his hair, chastising himself for falling asleep in front of someone. He noticed the blanket still draped over him. 'Wait, wasn't this on the top shelf in the closet?' He didn't dwell on that thought for very long when Anya held out an envelope for him. "There's mail."
Loid turned it over and noticed the Eden symbol on the front. He opened it and read the contents as Eric sat on the other side of him. He tensed up when he got to the section that turned his blood cold.
"Is something wrong?" Anya asked in concern as Eric read the letter as well, eyes widening when he saw what made their father freeze up.
"The second phase of the admission process is a family interview. It is mandatory the applicant attend with both parents. Absolutely no exceptions." Loid finished as he glared at the paper. If looks could kill, that letter would be a pile of ash.
"But there is no mama." Anya said as though she was telling a secret.
Eric's expression mirrored Loid's as a deep frown took over his face. 'What the ever-loving f-word?'