A few moments later, a lightly smirking Erik and grumbling Naeku were walking through the halls.
"Why the glum face?" Erik chuckled knowingly. "Didn't you promise my mother you'd give it a shot?"
Frustrated, Naeku snorted. "Yeah, but she used the fact I wanted her to like me against her! She guilted me into it! I had no idea she could be so underhanded…"
"Hehe, that's my mother," Erik chuckled meaningfully. "When she wants something…" Rather than finish his thought, he shrugged helplessly. She'd never been above using guilt tactics when she tried to get him to train with her, back before the awakening.
"Ugh," Naeku groaned and rolled her eyes. "Anyway… I was hoping she wouldn't tell you before I went into seclusion… or that you'd forget."
An amused Erik laughed and shook his head as they continued walking side by side. "No such luck, I'm afraid! Mom and I both have a vested interest in this."
