Chapter 11 | First day at school and Barbera

Waking up early September, I looked at the date... and sighed.

It was today, my first day of school, groggily getting up I stretched and id my mourning routine. Brushing my teeth, taking a shower, washing my face and finally dying my hair black, I then did a light work out and prepared breakfast.

Although I hadn't mentioned it, I had already gotten a cooking related skill, called [Basic Culinary skills]. With just the basic level my simple cooking was delicious but after talking with Aroura, I learned that if I maxed out the [Culinary Skills] skill, it would evolve into a [Culinary Mastery] skill. My mouth watered just at the thought of what I could make with that.

After finishing I grabbed my backpack and walked towards my school. I went to Hilltop academy, in Gotham. It was about a 30 minute walk from my house, so I put in some earbuds and played 'Drops of Jupitar' by Train.

Enjoying the music, I started thinking about my plans. Although it's stable right now, I need to find a stable source of income, I can't just wait to get some pocket money from the system. As the base drops I came up with an idea.

''Why don't I try singing?'' I muttered, after all it's not copy right, if I do it first, heck most of them aren't even out yet...

Smirking I continued my walk, although it was a thought, I have to wait for a little to figure out the details, after all Spotify wasn't a thing but iTunes was. Wait, the heck am I thinking can't I just invest in Bitcoin? Will it still blowup though, things aren't exactly the same in this world, since you know, aliens, super powers, etc.

Walking to my class I went to my assigned classroom and opened the door, as I did so nearly everyone turned their gaze, most of the gazes being from the girls in class. Taking an open seat I sat down near the back of the class and placed my bag beside my desk. Soon after the gossip started, I could pick up most of what everyone was saying, since kids weren't actually the quite.

''He's so cute!''

''But isn't he a little short.''

''Are his eyes Teal?''

''I think they're Turquoise.''

''That just mean's he's a freak!''

''Ya, look at how short he is.''

''His clothes look really cool.''

All types of conversations where going on, mostly the girls talking about my appearance and the boys, starting to insult me out of jealousy. The comments on my height pissed me off a bit, but jokes on them I'm two years younger then them and still growing.

Even though everyone was talking about me, no one came near probably due to my [Icy Disposition] making me look cold and stand-offish. Children are surprisingly good at noticing these type of things.

Waiting for the class to begin, I listened to music with my eyes cloths and head down. Suddenly the bell rang, starting class and I took my earbuds off.

The teacher began with role call and since today was the first day, all we did was self introductions.

Going down the rows the teacher, had us all get up and introduce ourselves to the class, by first stating our name and second stating something about ourself. Since I sat at the back near the window, I would be one of the last people going. Many of the students went on rants about what they like and what they where good at, most likely trying to vie for attention.

When it came to my turn, I slowly got up with a calm demeaner and little expression on my face and spoke.

'' I'm Albert Ambrosius'' I kept my introduction short, and purposely excluded my middle name as it was something I only let those close to me, call me.

''I enjoy music.'' I said and sat back down.

The teacher, seeming to not be satisfied with my answer tried to get me to talk more, probably worried I'd be excluded early on, if I didn't make friends. He's a good teacher. However, not getting anything from me the teacher took matters into his own hands and began to speeak.

''Your Albert right? Oh! Your the little genius I heard about. They say you skipped ahead 2 years!'' The teacher said putting emphasis his words and some of the class started whispering.

''So he's a genius?''

''That explains why he's so short.''

''His eyes are pretty.''

''You think he'll help us with homework.''

Seemingly satisfied with himself, the teacher nodded and went on to reintroduce himself. He's a good teacher.

''Well then again, I'm Mr. Henson. I'm your homeroom teacher and the schools 5th grade English teacher. Nice to meet you all'' The teacher said with a smile on his face.

''Nice to meet you to!'' replied the class in unison, except Albert. Nodding his head Mr. Henson told us today would just be a day to get to know your teachers. After that he gave us a cross word puzzle involving some long words, I instantly new where all the words go, due to my enhanced senses. Filling them all in I handed in the finished sheet to the teacher surprising him.

''You really are a genius...'' He mumbled reading through the sheets, within a few minutes he wrote a 20/20 on the paper and handed it back with a smile.

''Since you where the first one to finish, you can have some candy. It goes to the first 5 to finish today.'' He said as he took out a bowl of candy. I quietly took out three small chocolate bar and pocketed it.

''Since your already done you can wait until the recess and then after that you'll go to your next period class.''

I nodded back and headed to my seat. Waiting for the bell to ring. Less than 20 minutes later the bell rang and we where allowed to leave for recess.

Hopping out I quickly went out, taking this chance I looked for Barbera. If she was here that is.

Slowly, disappearing into the crowd of noisy children I sat on a slab outside and waited for Barbera. About 3 minutes later all the 1st graders had come out and only 10 kids had auburn hair, but if it was similar to canon, Barbara would also have blue eyes. Looking around only 3 out of the 10 auburn haired kids had blue eyes too.

Deciding to start with the 3 kids I decided to casually walk into the direction where, 1st graders where playing. Luckily since I was actually 8 years old no one paid attention. Walking over I first went to the first kid and waited for one of the kids he was playing with to say his name.

''Tommy pass the ball!'' And there it was crossing him off the list I had a remainder of about 10 minutes to deduce who the other two where. Taking my back off the wall I walked to a group of girls who where playing with dolls.

''Sorry, do you know where-'' I tried asking, while pretending to look lost.

''Eeeeeuggggghhh! A boy.'' One of the kids said and I took a step back.

''Do you wanna play?'' The auburn haired one asked and I listened intently as she stretch-out a hand holding a doll.

Looking back and forth between the doll and her, I was slightly taken aback. Was this worth it? Giving up my pride and playing dolls with a bunch of first graders? Have I really fallen so low? 

Suddenly, however the girl who was pretend gagging, turned around to the auburn haired one and protested.

''Hannah! No boys!'' She said.

''But he has pretty eyes.'' Hannah protested. Turning to face me the other girl looked into my eyes.

''True... but still!'' She said turning her face to the side, not budging.

''Ok.'' Hannah said to the other girl and turned back to me.

''Sorry...'' She said with a sorry face. I shook my head and spoke.

''Don't worry about it.'' I said and smiled, she seemed to brighten up and go back to playing dolls.

What a nice kid, I thought as I walked away. To bad she isn't who I'm looking for, I sigh.

Looking at the time, only 5 minutes remained and I had lost site of the other suspect- I mean kid. Deciding to try again during lunch, I walked back towards the school to wait for the bell. When suddenly a cry filled my ear.

''OOUCH!'' A high-pitch scream came to my ear and my head bolted towards the direction it came from, their a young blond girl was on the ground grabbed her leg. On closer inspection, she had skinned her knee and it was lightly bleeding. Looking around a lot of kids seemed stunned and didn't know what to do, so I walked up to the kid.

''Are you ok?'' I asked as I kneeled down, the girl teary eyed looked in my direction, she began to cry.

''Alright, nod if it only hurts on your knee.'' I said as I gently move her hand from atop the wound. She shook her head and I asked another question.

''Did you hurt an elbow or you hand too?'' I asked with and the girl nodded. As I was about to take a look at her arms a voice came from behind me.

''S-she got hurt, by falling. It was because of me, I threw the ball to hard.'' Another girl appeared and said while tearing up slightly. My eyes widened as I recognized her as the last of my top 3 Barbara suspects.

''I'm sorry, Stacy!'' The auburn hair girl said as she looked down in shame. Honestly, especially at this age, it takes a lot of maturity to own up to your mistakes.

The hurt girl, mid-cry, began to talk.

''N-no it n-not your fault Barbara, I-I tripped. sniff. sniff.'' She said through tears, shaking her head. Seeing their reaction I smiled, rubbing both their heads I comforted both of them.

''Either way, it's ok since this was an accident. So let's just get you fixed up first...Stacy? was that your name?'' I asked and she nodded.

''Can you walk Stacy?'' I asked, and she tried to get up before stopping and shaking her head. Nodding my head, I turned to Barbara.

''Your name was Barabara, right?'' I asked with a smile and both Barbara and Stacy laughed.

''Puff- No it's Barbara.'' She said trying to calm herself.

''Oh! ok, Barbara can you do me a favor and grab that ball you two where playing with, lets get her to a teacher to get her treated, ok?'' I asked and she nodded with a look of conviction in her eyes as she huffed while picking the ball up and returning.

I on the other hand, turned around and leaned down. With Stacy to my back.

''Ok Stacy, can you climb on? I'll carry you to the teacher.'' I couldn't see her, but I could tell she agreed with the ''Un!'' sound she made while probably nodding her head.

Feeling a sudden weight on my back, I secured her legs and bent forward slightly as to put her weight over me.

''Ok 3... 2... 1... and Humf!'' I say as I get up and the other 1st graders have stars in their eyes as I carried Stacy on my back.

''Wow, he's so strong...'' Someone exclaimed.

''Alright Barbara, Stacy let's go.'' I say, turning to Barbara who was holding the ball and staring up at me with stars in her eyes. Giving me a big nod of confirmation, I headed to the school to find a teacher or supervisor.

On our way, Barbara and Stacy started talking to me and to make Stacy get her mind off her knee, I indulged their curiosity.

''Your eyes are pretty, how did they get like that?'' Barbara asked and Stacy tried to lean over to get a look at my eyes, but couldn't.

''I was born with them.'' I replied curtly.

''You know you look quite cold and scary but your actually quite nice.'' Barbera says and I feel an arrow hit my chest as she calls me 'cold and scary'. What made it worse where the nods coming from Stacy on my back.

''How are you so strong?'' Asked Stacy on my back also garnering Barbera's curious eyes.

''I was born strong.'' I replied curtly.

''I didn't see you in class are you in a different class or are you in another grade? You don't look like your more than grade 3.'' Asked Barbera, while making a deduction, as expected of the batgirl and daughter of commissioner Gordon.

''No, I'm in grade 5.'' I replied curtly. But the two munchkins where to surprised from that.

''Wait your in grade 5!?'' ''Your so old!?'' They both exclaimed and another two arrows shot into my chest, I was beginning to wonder if I was in a battle field.

''I'm not that old, I just skipped 2 grades.'' I answered and their eyes widened.

''You can do that!?'' Exclaimed Stacy and Barbera nodded.

Finally reaching the school I saw a supervisor and got their attention, coming over to us, I explained the situation.

''She fell and got hurt, from the looks of it she only skinned her knee and elbow thought.'' I explained as I set Stacy down on a bench.

''Oh my, that's terrible. Dose it hurt little girl?'' The older woman asked and Stacy nodded.

''Ok in that case can you two bring your friend to the front office? They'll have some bandages there, ok?'' She asked me an Barbera and we both nodded.

''Do you know where to go?'' She asked and I  honestly didn't know, even though I have perfect memory, I actually need to see something to remember it. But Barbera nodded before I could say anything and the woman got up and continued supervising.

''Do you know where the office is?'' I asked turning to Barbera, after all this was her first grade so this would be her first day at the school.

''Yes, my dad took me here a few months before school to get me admitted and I memorized the way.'' Barbera explained and I remembered, Barbera Gordon has photographic memory.

Following her we reached the front office and after explaining they treated the wound and put a bandage on her injuries. After that, they called Stacy's home just in case they wanted to pick her up, considering she got hurt, and they did.

Me and Barbera waited for Stacy's parents and sat beside her until they came. Feeling the mood go down slightly, since Stacy was going home, I remembered something. Taking out something from my pocket I handed one to Stacy and Barbera.

''Chocolate!'' They both said and I handed them one each, which they devoured. After finishing they looked to me with expectant eyes and took out my last chocolate and broke it in half, giving each of them half.

''Thank you!'' They both said receiving the chocolate.

When Stacy's parents arrived, Barbera apologize once more, but they said it was fine and asked Barbera to continue being friends with Stacy. Barbera nodded and promised, then they turned their attention to me and thanked me for all my help.

And so Stacy left and me and Barbera where left in the office. Checking the time, we only had a few minutes until recess ended. Walking together we decided to walk back to Barbera's class and part way there.

While walking, Barbera talked about her dreams of becoming a big time detective or hacker, aspiring to follow in her father's footsteps to help the people of Gotham. Hearing her words I laughed and told her.

''Following one path isn't always the best way to keeping Gotham safe.'' Not understanding the meaning of my words she tilted her head in confusion, but I didn't explain. Normally, I wouldn't say something so incriminating, but I found it funny that she would do just as I said as Batgirl in the future and now ones going to believe an 8 year old is secretly a vigilante after school.

As we reached near her classroom, Barbera asked if we could meet at lunch and talk more, and so I agreed. Watching as a happy Barbera rushed to her class.

During the end of class and beginning of lunch after eating, I went outside and after seeing me Barbera broke off her group of friends and rushed over.

''Hey Mr!'' Turning my head in confusion I looked to my sides and noticing no one their I realized, I never gave them my name. As Barbera approached I suddenly gave my name.

''Mer.'' I said curtly as always and Barbera tilted her head in confusion.

''Pardon?'' She said, asking for clarification.

''My name's Albert Mer Ambrosius, but you can call me Mer.'' I reiterated. Widening her eyes at my words she smiled and nodded.

''Un! I'll call you Mer, you can continue calling me Barbera.'' She said in a cheerful tone.

After that we talked throughout the entire launch and Barbera offered to play a game during our last recess, I decided to cater to her is desires this once and agreed.

During the last recess she brought me to a group of a bunch of kids from different grades, attributing to her overwhelming social skills. After dominating a game of freeze tag and destroying all the older kids in four square we finished our last recess, though I allowed someone from the younger grades to get me out, after putting all the older kids back in the line for the four square game. Although, I wouldn't admit it, I had fun.

As the final recess was ending, all the kids went back for the last period. Finishing up the day, I packed my bag and was about to leave, when I saw Barbera waiting for me, confused I asked why she was here.

''What are you doing here, Barbera?'' I asked and she looked as if she was resolving herself, then in one motion she brought up her hand holding a chocolate and asked.

''Will you be my friend?'' She asked nudging the chocolate bar towards me. Smiling at her antics, I took the small chocolate bar, unwrapped it and tossed it into my mouth. After I ruffled her hair and thought 'why not?'.

''Sure, as long as you'll be mine as well.'' I said taking a chocolate bar from my pocket (another I'd won from one of our teachers class competitions) and tossed it to her. Catching it, her eyes widened as she nodded, her eyes brightening hugging me quickly, before running off. With a cheerful smile she ran to a women, who I realized was her mother, waving to her she waved back but on her face was plastered a teasing grin. Shit, I think she misunderstood something...

Following that a ding ringed in my ear.

*ding*

[Main Mission: [First Relationship (Hero)] Completed]

[distributing reward...]

[...]

[[Barbera Gordon (Batgirl)] has been added to [Relationships]]

Deciding to check the rewards later, I closed the window and went home. A small, soft smile unconsciously forming on my face, looking at the piece of chocolate in my hand.