The Dark Heirs Volume 1

Chapter 5 (1): Protection

Tw: Mention of death, identity crisis(??) And I think that's all-
Anyways enjoy!

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The 14th of December. Williams birthday. He was the youngest of them all. Being one of the first that was given up for adoption, he was really good friends with Itsuki and Kate.

One week before his birthday, Kate had asked: "Do you want a party for your birthday this year, or do you rather want it to be a normal day again?" and he had replied with: "A normal day.".

Kate respected his wishes more than anything but also felt sad about it. He never ever wanted a party on his birthday, not even gifts or cake. All he had ever wanted his birthday to be every year was a normal day

and no one knew why.

The day of his birthday arrived. Only 3 of his friends knew it was his birthday: Kate, Itsuki and Lila. They promised to not tell anyone about his birthday because he doesn't want them to plan a surprise party or something.

At the breakfast table the 3 and William looked extremely saddened since they knew how hard this day was for him. Desmond looked at them confused.

"Is something going on, or why are you 3 so sad today?" They looked at each other before Kate replied. "We're fine. We're just tired."

Desmond found their behavior suspicious but decided to shrug it off.

"William, can I have a word with you?... Alone?" Kate asked him with a serious expression. William nodded and went into the empty hallway together with her to speak with her alone.

"You know about my power. Would you feel better when I would erase your childhood memories too? I cannot bear it anymore to see you hating your birthday and your identity-"
"I hate it because it is not mine! Nothing will ever change that!" William cut her off.

Kate went silent. "Not yours?" She looked genuinely confused. "Exactly! That's just the name and birthday they chose for me when they found me on the streets!"

Kate looked at him feeling really bad about his situation. She didn't know how to properly reply to that so she just silently hugged him.

The day passed normally. They went to preschool like every day, ate meals normally like everyday and spend the afternoons playing like everyday. For those who didn't know about Williams birthday it was just a normal day like any other. While they played outside in the snow, William went back inside. As he passed Erika, her visions set in again. She saw William trying to leave the orphanage and getting run over by a car by not being careful on the streets.

She started to cry overwhelmed with her vision and then quickly ran over to William. "William please stay! Please. Please." She begged desperately holding his hand. "But I'm cold. I wanna go inside and warm up." "Then I'll come with you!" Erika said being really determined.

"Y-You don't need to do that." He said clearly being nervous. "But you need someone to protect you! Everyone does. Especially you today!" Erika explained. "Fine." They went inside and sat down next to the warm oven.

"So what's up with you today? You act so differently." Erika asked. "Well... Promise not to tell the others but today's the day that the caretakers declared my birthday." He explained. "Isn't that amazing? You should be happy about your birthday." She answered confused. "Well but it simply isn't mine. I can't see a birthday that someone chose for me because I didn't know my own as a real birthday... Same to my name."

Erika looked at him with pity. She couldn't imagine being in his situation. It sounded horrible to her. "But... I don't think it matters. I think what matters is that you are satisfied with yourself. Do you like your name and birthdate?" She asked. "I suppose I do-" "Well then there's no shame in just accepting it as your real name and birthday!" She cut him off and smiled at him trying to cheer him up. "I suppose you're right. I'll try to accept it... If I manage to accept it then we can celebrate it next year but I don't want to celebrate when I haven't accepted it yet." He explained. "That's totally okay! Take your time." Erika hugged him. "I'm proud of you for accepting it."

Suddenly William's hand started to glow and a symbol appeared. "Wow, what's that?" "Oh my god I think you got your ability!" Erika was excited. "Try it! Try it!" She said trying to get him to test his new abilities. He held his hand out and a force field appeared. His ability was Forcefield protection.

"So cool!" Erika said. "How about we see it in action?" "What do you mean?" He asked. "Let's do a snowball fight with the others and you protect yourself with the force fields!" She recommended.

They ran outside and yelled: "Snowball fight!" To the others. They all did a snowball fight and even though it was a bit unfair that William was safe against snowballs they all had alot of fun. (Most likely because they let William rather be the referee instead of actually playing after the first two rounds lol).

And with that William learned to like himself a little more.

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Omg I'm late for the week but still managed to write the chapter lol. Anyways I hope you liked it!
Nathaniel out!
(Word count: 918)