[Spring, Year 312]
The door slowly creaked open. Two childlike figures came into view, one's left arm draped over the other's shoulders.
Mrs. Revs' eyes widened in shock.
"Oh my gosh, what happened??" Mrs. Revs ran to the duo in a hurry.
Yuki helped Xavier to a seat before collapsing on the floor with a thud.
Mr. Revs picked up the unconscious girl, carefully examining her before finally deciding she will be okay after some rest.
"Xavier Revs. Explain." Mr. Revs glared at his son, demanding for an answer.
Xavier's father never calls him by his first name, much less his full name. This was the first time he saw his father be so stern to him. This unfamiliar-like expression of his made Xavier afraid. Very afraid. His parents were former knights after all.
"I…" Xavier trembled, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. His gaze remained on the floor, unmoving.
Mr. Revs gritted his teeth while shaking his head in disappointment. He then left, carrying Yuki upstairs to her room.
"My baby, what happened?" Mrs. Revs asked, her brows furrowing with worry. She carefully disinfected his son's feet.
"Ouch!" Xavier groaned in pain.
"Toughen up and explain this instant!" Mr. Revs roared, stomping down the stairs in fury.
— — —
*SLAP!!!
Xavier's face swung to the right, his eyes widening as he grabbed his left cheek in utter shock.
"Dad…" Xavier muttered, tears spilling out.
This time, Mrs. Revs did not interrupt. She stood there, shaking her head. Xavier had just finished explaining everything that had happened. Her expression was that of a disappointed mother.
"You're grounded for the rest of the year. Don't even think about leaving this house till then. Starting tomorrow, every evening at 10:00 pm, you will take swordsmanship lessons from me." Mr. Revs decided.
He felt that he was partially at fault because he never taught his son any self defense skills or swordsmanship early on because his wife was keen on not wanting their son to be on the same path as them at such an early age. He did not want to force any paths on his son, but now, he realized too late. This world is dangerous. So dangerous that even if one does not wish to become a knight, knowing even the basics can save lives.
"Mom, dad, I was wrong! I'm sorry." Xavier sobbed.
He truly did not want to learn swordsmanship from his father, who is the scariest person he knows. Xavier knew of many heavy scars beneath his father's shirt. He is scared of getting hurt.
"Hmph. Go back to your room and repent!" Mr. Revs pointed at the stairs fiercely.
Xavier quickly ran up, wiping his tears with his right sleeve.
— — —
A week passed by quickly in this household. Xavier's training is going well because he is being strictly mentored by his father. Even his bullying completely stopped too. Yuki was thrilled. She enjoyed the peaceful time she has now, alone and away from the little demon who did not pester her any longer.
It is now dinner time. Mr. and Mrs. Revs prepared a special surprise for Yuki.
"Hey. Close your eyes and come down. Please." Xavier said softly, almost in a whisper.
Yuki stared at Xavier, confused but still chose to do what he said.
When she heard Xavier say, "You can open your eyes now," her eyes opened slowly, taking in the scene before her.
Colorful balloons embedded with ivrent floated in the air. Decorations filled the room and at the center of the table was the homemade chocolate cake everyone helped make. Twelve lit candles sat on top of the cake, with blue icing that said: "Happy Birthday Yuki!!!"
"Happy birthday!" Mr. Revs, Mrs. Revs, and Xavier said in unison.
"Birthday…?" Yuki tilted her head slightly in confusion.
What birthday? All these years, she lived with no birthday. She did not know where, when, nor why she was born. Why celebrate a random date now?
"I'm sorry Yuki. All these years, we never celebrated your birthday. We didn't even think of a specific day to be your birthday." Mr. Revs began, his heart hurting.
Mrs. Revs continued: "Us three decided to make today your birthday. And for today to be—"
"The day you become part of our family." Xavier interrupted softly.
"Your name is now Yuki Revs."
Yuki stared at the birthday cake, her eyes tearing up. Despite the heavy tears threatening to spill, Yuki felt a strange warmth in her heart. Is this what being in a family is like?
"Thank yo—"
*BANGGGGG!!!!!!
The front door slammed open as multiple people in heavy knights armor barged into their home. Yuki's home.