Chapter 5 - A Fateful Encounter
The training was split into basic forms. First, everyone will empty out their stamina in the morning. Then it was time for breakfast full of protein such as meat and eggs. After that, they were to empty their substance M. Finally muscle building. This was continued until visible results were seen, and unlike what everyone believed the growth of Chole surpassed everyone. Even Terra was unable to match his father's rate of improvement. This could be because Micheal and Margarette stepped in when Terra was about to exert himself. But Chole's effort is what was proven to all.
The old saying was even sons of heaven would fall before effort, was fully displayed by Chole. However, this only motivated the much stronger alpha female Margarette and the intellectual that loves to look down on Chole.
The improvements were not only related directly to their strengths. Their overall fighting power was steadily increasing. Micheal who never fought before was working well with Chole against the monster known as Margarette. After seeing how the clutch kept bothering his partner Micheal came up with an incredible idea. He would use a titanium spring to act as a leg and even asked his friend to turn a part of his bone metal to better fuse it with the spring. Now it looked like Chole had two legs
again if not looked at his feet.
Chole looked at his leg and walked, ran, and jumped to test it out. The fusion was perfect. Micheal was ready for this brat to start crying, but he didn't.
Chole only looked at his son and said
"Now I have the strength to support you."
The alpha was the one to cry after seeing this. Michael also became teary-eyed. But he it by grabbing the man nearly a foot shorter than him and yelling.
"Oh, you think you are bad because you can walk now, how about you beat up that gorilla if you're so strong? "
Michael perfectly ruined the touching family moment. And the crying Margarette instead started to rampage. Terra watching the childish acts laughed sweetly.
The months went by. Terra's first birthday celebration started.
Terra was reading a book about biology when Micheal walked in.
Terra got tired of sleeping in his parent's bed so Micheal had another room made for him on the second floor. Terra's room consisted of the length of the whole house. But this acted as his training area, his study, and his bedroom. And it was reinforced cement that was used to make it stronger.
Micheal said to the young scholar,
"Hey, kid it's almost time for our guests to arrive. Do not worry I am only calling the people I can trust with my life. Honesty we don't really have a family like others do. Since me and both your parents become orphans due to the war. But the men and women that saved our lives during the war became closer to us than any family would have. And this is probably one of the most important days of all three of our lives so we want to make it special.
Terra smiles he knew how much his family loved him. He honestly felt that it was just another day, but he loved every day spending with his family. Therefore he will reciprocate their feelings as best as he can.
Terra said with a smile,
"I can't wait to see them. I also have to give my thanks for protecting my world. "
Micheal was lost in thought and then said,
"Yes, they have a large hand in ending the war. They could be seen as people that saved humanity."
Terra laughed and clarified,
"No, my world begins with Mom, you, and Dad. And ends at the end of our front yard. I train every day not for the countless humans that live on this Earth but to protect my world. It is selfish but I have come to terms with being a selfish person. After all I am spoiled. Heehee. But as I have said they have protected my world, my family; so I will greet them and respect them as such."
Michael is stunned. He felt that in the last year, his intelligence has not done its duty to prevent him from being speechless in front of this nephew of his. Micheal's eyes become teary. The second thought was that maybe I also because a crybaby. He hugged Terra and only was strong enough to say two words,
"Thank you."
As an orphan Michael was not close to anyone the first person that broke his barrier was his best friend Margarette. Then the untalented soldier who had more bravery than brains. His simple attitude and strong resolve along with his unyielding loyalty made him his second best friend. Then he met more people that he considered friends. But Michael never had a family. The first woman he cared for was his best friend but she never reciprocated his feelings. He didn't have to ask he knew she did not love him. She was simple like that.
But then came Terra. He said,
"You too I will defend you and them, you're my family too"
This was when he finally acquired a family member. This baby boy made Micheal, not an orphan anymore. Since he said that his world changed. He was much more optimistic about the world. He now even saw Margrette as a sister and Chole as his brother. And of course his dearest nephew Terra.
This moment reminded Michael how much he owed this child. This is why he was left with no strength and could only say his thanks.
But to Terra, he believed his relationship with his family was beyond thanks. He loved them unconditionally and would always do so without a single thanks. But to respect his uncle's feelings he replied,
"You welcome, now no crying, we need to find a nice aunty to join our house. Haha"
Micheal laughs and says,
"Good luck this uncle of yours is known to be so boring and not that good-looking. "
Terra looks like someone was challenging him. He said with an eyebrow raised,
"Then will you marry and be with whoever I want."
Michele laughs and says,
"You would have to get the other person's approval but I have never said no to you and I won't start now hahaha. God bless you, kid. You're gonna need it this mug of mine is hopeless."
Terra laughs evilly,
"Muhahaha don't worry Uncle I have read many books recently just for this moment."
Micheal looks shocked
"Who the hell gave you romance novels? Dam that guerrilla she filled your head with trash. Listen to me kid none of that crap happens. There is no love at first sight and no unconditional love besides for family. Ok."
Terra waves his hand dismissively,
"Sure. Sure. Anyway, you already promised so I will point then shoot you at the nice lady. If she rejected my loss."
Micheal was irritated thinking filling a brilliant scholar with that useless crap should be punished with a whipping. Dam I am going to train hard so I can beat up that idiot.
Terra was groomed and dressed by his mother in the best attire they could find for him. He was in a child's black tuxedo with a matching bowtie on top of a shiny white shirt. This was bought by Micheal saying the star has to look his best.
Ever since Micheal started living with them and Terra called him uncle the pride around money stopped being an issue. Micheal for one was too rich to count. Many countries were ready to have a bidding war for the man. And the amount of money that was given to him in order for him to 'stay' in the academy was equally high.
But both Margarette and Chole never asked their friend for a single quid. But now that did not matter at all. They were one family, Micheal gave them access to all his accounts saying that this was the family's money and should be used by everyone when needed.
They agreed only when Terra offered Micheal half of his favorite candy saying,
"it's only a thing. For me, uncle is more special than that thing."
After hearing that, refusing Micheal would have been disrespectful and akin to abandoning Terra's feelings.
Chloe and Margarette were dressed in their best uniforms. This was a formal event and thus they wished to where what made them feel the most formal. Margarette was wearing an officer's formal uniform with her Sergeant Rank clearly visible. And Chole was wherein his private' official uniform.
Micheal walked out of his room with a look of disgust when he saw the parents of the star of the show.
"You idiots can't act normal. Just wear a dress and a suit what the hell. No, you know what we will just say he is my kid. That works for me."
Micheal came out with the matching tux as Terra the two looked like twins.
Terra looked at his uncle and asked for a high five saying.
"You look great uncle. It easy to find my aunt now."
Micheal laugh and replied,
"You too Terra you look great and you're still on that hahaha."
Margarette was happy her son was complimented but was mad about being called an idiot. Chole seem unaffected by it and reminded everyone.
"Ok, guys they should all be here soon."
As he said this there was a knock on the door.
Chole ran up and upended the door and said,
"Welcome Anne to our humble home. And who is this little angel?"
Anne laughed and said,
"Nothing about Margarette and Micheal is humble we both know that hehe. And this is my niece Clare it's her birthday today too so I brought her to play. Say hi to the nice Uncle Clare."
Clare curly curtsied at Chole and said,
"Hello Uncle thank you for having me. My name is Clare Jackson."
Margarette seeing such an adorable child ran to her and picked her up hugging her while saying,
"She is so cute!!!!!"
Margaret's and Chole realized two people were silent. They thought this was strange.
Margarette said,
"Terra Micheal meet our guests."
But currently, both man and boy were frozen. They were looking at different things but both said almost screamed the same word
"BEAUTIFUL"
Both Terra and Micheal we're left stunned. The two intellects of the household were cursing their lack of vocabulary to describe the two females in front of them.
Anne was dressed in a navy blue sleeveless evening dress. She had her platinum blonde hair done in a bun with the front of her hair braided. Clare had a light blue princesses dress with many golden embroideries along both sides of her torso. Her platinum blonde hair unlike her aunts flowed free reaching passed the curve of her back.
Margarette walked up to the two statues and smacked their heads as if turning on a switch. The two were embarrassed and started their introduction.
Micheal said,
"So sorry Anne, as you know I am you, Micheal…. WAIT I mean I am Micheal. And yes I believe you are indeed beautiful today. Nice to meet you little Clare you are also so pretty just like you Aunt."
Looking at how Micheal was acting Terra thought he won the lottery. Everyone saw the two's reaction but the two didn't notice each other's reactions. This is why Terra was shocked but then he was ready to act.
"Hello, my name is Terra Parvus. Nice to meet you, Aunty Anne, please take care of my uncle from now on. And it is nice to meet your Clare. You both look very beautiful tonight. I hope we would get along well.
Margarette taught Terra that a warrior does not hold back his words or his swords. If you feel a certain way you should say it, not doing so is not only disrespectful to you but also to everyone around you. This is why he is more outspoken than he normally would have been.
But looking at them both Anne and Clare had varied reactions. Anne had known Micheal for many years and he has been with her to many balls, foundations, and even weddings of royalty. Little to say he has seen Anne in every dress. She, in their early relationship, would dress up especially to be praised by him. But she gave up after learning of his infatuation with Margarette. For this man to stare at her like she was the sun, she was happy but more shocked than anything else.
Clare was looking at Terra like she found a new friend she was truly very happy. As the heiress to the Jackson family, she was not able to meet and play with other children so when she saw a boy her age she was very happy.
Micheal heard the words of his nephew and for the first time in his life outside the battlefield, he felt afraid. He thought, I actually found someone I want to make your Aunt why are you harming me now? Looking at his comrade Terra winked at him.
Anne looked at the two and laughed. She finally understood this child has changed Micheal. He had a barrier that was never taken off preventing any woman from entering. The only woman to do so was his childhood friend. She too realized that the affection he had for her was because of the vulnerability he had towards her. She wanted to get inside that barrier for so long. Now that barrier was finally shattered. She could not be happier.
Anne replied to Terra,
"Of course leave your precious uncle to me I will always take care of him."
Micheal looked at Anne's bright smile. She looked to be an amiable and kind woman, but she was actually a very serious person. If she said she would take care of something it means even if death were to come she would accept it to fulfill a task. This sudden declaration made Michael afraid. But he made a promise to his nephew and he fell for Anne the moment he laid eyes on her today so if she was ready to accept him why not be brazen?
Michael took Anne's hand and escorted her to the dining table outside in the backyard while asking Terra,
"Terra until everyone else arrives why not play with Clare?"
Terra responded then in a cute voice,
"Sure uncle, I will play with Clare while you play with Aunty Anne."
Micheal's face got red. This little brat will be tickled to death tonight. Looking at Micheal's many expressions that she has never seen Anne was laughing uncontrollably.
"Hehhehehhe oh wow you can make such a face"
Micheal started to laugh too,
"That little brat defeats me too often what can I do hahaha? Come let's get you something to eat, then we will talk. More about my terms of accepting you hahaha."
Anne saw him and he looked serious of accepting her. Even though she was a serious person she fell in love with Micheal for too long without his notice. She felt it was only natural to take some advantage.
"I am sorry to say this Micheal but the terms are between me and Terra. You were already given to me and I have accepted there are no further terms to negotiate I am sorry. "
Micheal looked at his lifelong friend as ii he found a new animal. Not only was this serious and uptight woman joking with him but she was openly calling him hers as if they were already together. Well, this advance was fast he thought.
"Well I guess, I gave my nephew my word and you have taken me I will be yours, but we can still talk right?"
He felt he was already at this woman's mercy. Anne laughed so hard she almost tripped. The man countries were after became so meek that he had to ask for permission to speak. She couldn't help but wonder what did this 1-year boy do.
On Terra's side even though his advance thought made his thought process of an adult he was still an innocent boy. He saw such a pretty girl and he just wanted to be her friend so the two children were freely playing together.
Clare was extremely happy. This was the most freedom she has ever had. She was only one year old today but she was not able to eat without sitting without a 90-degree back. Today on her birthday her favorite aunt rescued her from the main house and brought her here. She not only made her first friend. She also got to play with him without any reservations.
Terra asked his new friend,
"Are you hungry we have a lot of really tasty food today."
Clare made a face like a spoiled child,
"Can we play a little more first, please?"
Terra smiled and ran in front of her.
"Sure but then your it."
Anne and Micheal were watching the two make a mess of their expensive clothes and have the time of their lives.
Unknowingly Micheal reach out and held Anne's hand. They have not talked yet but he had two plates in his left hand.
Anne smirks and asks,
"So this is why you did not want me to hold my plate? Are'nt you too scheming?"
Micheal laughs,
"Of course you're left-handed, so you would have held the plate with your left hand. And that's the hand I wanted to hold."
Anne puts her head down while the two were walking to one of the free tables and says,
" I would have held it with my right hand if you said you wanted to hold my hand."
Micheal laughs and gets some revenge for his earlier defeat,
"Who is meek now principal?"
Anne looks up and says in a serious voice,
"You are now not allowed to call me that."
Micheal was shocked a the sudden change in attitude so he couldn't help but ask,
"I am sorry but why Anne?"
In a very bitter voice, she says,
"We were always friends but when I became the principal you became colder. I hated it so much that I wanted to drop out of the position. But no one besides you was worthy of the position. And I knew you valued your freedom that was the reason why I took the position in the first place so you can be free. So I had to stay. I hated to feel so distant from the person I loved for most of my adult life."
Micheal was shocked. There was too much information in that statement. He needs to use his brain to process each part. First, he was cold to her not because he did not like her, but because she had to look stern as the first principal of the academy where all the best and brightest would study. If she was seen easily smiling with her coworkers she would appear weak. So he had to distance himself from her. Then it was the part she took it, for him. He just now realized that if she said no he would have been stuck. The Academy was the only way to prevent another war from happening. It had to be done and if no one lead it, then it would have been him. Then the final part left him the most damaged out of the full combo. She always loved him. They met each other when they were both 20. They were already in extremely high positions due to their talent. Anne was the head of the Jackson family medical department. And he was the greatest surgeon in the world already. For her to have loved him since then why did he not notice?
The whole thought process lasted for a full 5 minutes and during this 5 minutes, he held her hand and stared at her face. Anne was so nervous that Micheal has not moved a muscle and kept staring at her face. When she was about the call out to him, he had answered everything she just said in a single phrase.
"Ok so let's get married."
This jump in the conversation was too much for Anne's brain to handle she acted the same as Micheal did for the next 5 minutes. Then asked in a whisper,
"If you are saying that as thanks for all that I have done then I don't need you to marry me."
Micheal laughs and asks
"What if I said that I want to marry you for my own selfish desire to monopolize you?"
When the man she loves, who never once spared a glance at her, says he wants to monopolize her what reaction would be suited to Anne? None, her persona did not have a reaction she simply smiled and let loose tears.
At this point, the two children who ripped and muddied all their clothes came up to them. Terra in a stern tone said, as if a father disappointed in his son,
"Uncle, I have chosen Aunty Anne for you, why did you make her cry?"
Clare added,
"Aunty don't cry, I will defend you Aunty don't worry."
Seeing his own nephew blame him, Micheal was shocked he looked like a certain Cesear looking at a friend saying you too?
Anne then laughed louder than ever before in her life. She looked at Terra and said,
"Thank you Terra for giving me your uncle. How about we marry each other today as your birthday gift? I brought you gifts but I am sure you would like a new Aunty instead right?
All three members of her speech were shocked. But the first to scream was Terra,
"YESSSSSS, welcome to the family Aunty. We don't have much in this family but love and we will love you till we become pieces. That is our family motto."
Micheal could not keep up with his new fiance and nephew. But as they say, the arrow was shot and it could not come back. Not that he wanted it back in the first place. Micheal looked at his new soon-to-be wife and thought. Anne Intium hmm not bad.