Koraz/The Enchanted Forest

Chapter 3: Believe (Unbelievable)

The boy chuckled, wrapping his cloak around himself. He stood in the middle of the darkened street, grinning, uncaring of the battle about to go down.

The Evil Queen and Wicked Witch were poised for battle, the Dark One keeping everyone away, but the fight had been interrupted by the strange boy with hair and cloak both as dark as a moonless night.

His skin was pale, almost as white as his frilly-sleeved shirt, but a dark energy seemed to come off of him. A bright red bowtie served as the clasp of his cloak, and his vest and trousers were black. His eyes snapped open, eliciting gasps as pale blue darkened to nearly black before lightening up again - switching back and forth as if they couldn't decide which sort of blue they wished to be.

And always with that grin, one that looked faked and real, breaking only for laughter as bare feet moved him slowly closer to the would-be battle. It was a startling image, broken by a single shout.

“Eric!” Henry broke from the crowd, ignoring the battle as he ran towards the newcomer.

The boy's eyes widened for a brief second as he was tackled, causing him to briefly stumble, but he kept his footing and returned the Believer's hug. Next to the thirteen year old, his age couldn't have been more than sixteen.

“You came back!” Henry grinned almost as wide as the boy - Eric - had, leaning back but still holding onto his arms, as if afraid he'd disappear.

Eric's grin was smaller now, softer, his eyes settling on almost-black with small light streaks. His arms fell to his sides, but he made no move to escape Henry's hold. “Apologies, friend, for being away so long. I've had an… interesting couple years. From your letters, it seems like you have, as well.”

“Wait, Eric?” Regina asked, her stance relaxing as she stated in disbelief. “As in your imaginary friend?”

“I told you he was real!” Henry stated firmly.

Eric frowned. “And I told you, Son Of Fairytales, that she'd never believe you if you told her everything at once. Sometimes a lie of omission is better than an unbelievable truth.”