An Act of Chivalry (Sander Sides)

Chapter Two

The team was training in the large gym. Virgil and Roman were entering a stage of combat while Patton and Remy stood to the side. Logan and Thomas were absent but Virgil didn't question it, he questioned things enough already. Patton insisted on participating but we all collectively refused his offer. Virgil saw his friend as a father figure; one that didn't need to be endangered more than he already was.

"Hey, Anx! You ready to lose again?" Roman teased. I rolled my eyes at the nickname, "Sure moron I'm up for a rematch!" Roman, being the dramatic hero he was slapped a hand over his heart at the offensive comment.

"Your gonna eat that word!" Roman threatened. "Oh yeah? Make me!"

With that said the flag behind me started to flail violently, the fabric hitting against itself to make a very displeasing noise. I let my hood fall behind me, allowing my purple hair to blow around freely. A trash can falling nearby caught my attention. Not for long, but long enough for Roman to get the upper hand. A wall of air seemed to catch me from behind causing me to tumble to the cushioned floor. I jumped back onto my feet before instantly rolling away from an expected fist.

The moment I got back to my feet Roman was already at my heels. He grabbed the back of my jacket and pulled me his direction. I fell past him and landed back first into the ground. The impact sounded painful like belly flop into a pool. In reality, it wasn't that bad. I faded into the floor just before Roman's foot could pin me. Since he could no longer touch me I moved a safe distance away before crawling back into the 3D world. I ducked another throw and barely missed the next. Before Roman did anything more I managed to throw myself shoulder first into Ro and get some distance.

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I lost balance and fell over, but the wind caught me like a net before I could touch the ground. I bounced back up quickly and in an unexpected flash, was holding my emo companion in the air by his jacket. He tried to kick me but from his position, the kicks were too weak to cause any real harm. "Give in Charlie frown! You can't beat the best." I teased.

"Not happening." Was his only response. His kicks ceased but a weak smile still rested on his face. He reached up and grabbed me by the arm, sending a wave of emotions through me, or actually a lack of emotion. Usually, he manipulated me to be angry, sad, or sleepy which I was used to, but this was something I never expected.

Nothing. The feeling of nothing was unbearable. I let him go but he only continued to dig his nails into my arm. Useless, forgotten, unwanted, burden, stupid, weak, hideous, monster, outcast...

"Stop!" I shouted. "Virgil, please!"

As if waking from a trance the boy let go, allowing me to kneel to the ground and burst into tears. I felt like my heart was imploding on itself; the negativity was just too much to handle. I couldn't do it. I can't do anything. "Oh god sorry I-I panicked! I didn'tmean to push you that far! I'm so, so sorry!" Virgil squeaked. Panicked the emo dropped in front of me and wrapped me in a tight hug. He wasn't much for physical contact but from his perspective, that wasn't important. He hugged me tightly, apologizing repeatedly as I cried.

I never enjoyed it when people saw me cry. I was to vulnerable. With that said I burried my face into his shoulder; hopefully he wouldn't mind. A wave of positivity started to spread, he was trying his best to balance out what he had just done.

Another pair of arms enveloped us from the side and I knew Patton had joined in. both working together to help me mentally overcome my thoughts. "Kiddo, you need to breathe," Patton instructed. I did my best to follow.

I only remember Virgil doing this once to Thomas during our first training session. We had never seen him cry until that day. Since then, however, we've seen him cry on MANY other occasions. Mainly when he invites us to watch Disney.

"Guys?" Someone called. Thomas was standing in the doorway tucking his phone into his pocket. "What happened?"

"Oh, uh, well-"

"I-I accidentally went overboard again," Virgil admitted. Thomas was slightly taken back by the response. His brows raising as he tried to think of an idea.

"Well," He started, helping me to my feet. "You've all been busy these past two months. Would any of you like to join me on a movie night?"

Everyone looked at me, letting me know it was my call. Of course, being the Disney fan I am I instantly agreed. It sounded pleasant to me.