The people of Shallow Creek had become much more sociable since the wedding. After getting a taste of the ‘party’ lifestyle, they would now meet at each other's houses often, go for walks on the weekends and hold picnics with loved ones.

Today was no different. About half the village had gathered at the edge of town to hold a large picnic and enjoy the festivities. Two huge oak trees acted as shade, and their six year old children were the entertainment.

Two groups of first graders prepared for the upcoming clash. One group was full of grins and confidence, and Finn was not a part of it.

“Round five,” Mister Griffin raised his arm. “Begin!”

As soon as his palm fell, the two rows of students sprinted towards each other. Tommy was in the lead, going straight for the biggest kid in the opposing team. Michael and Natalie followed him closely with the rest scattering off to fight their designated opponents.

As for Finn, for the past four matches he had been stuck with a single boy: John John, the bully, second tallest in class. That boy would always pick him out of the crowd. With a mad grin and hands full of dirt, he charged towards Finn.

Tommy tried to cut him off, but John John threw dirt in his eyes. He did the same with Michael, and he tripped Natalie too. Finn knew what was coming, so in a panic, he turned around and sprinted towards the parents.

“Teacher, he’s cheating. He can’t run!” John John shouted. However, since mister Griffin said nothing, an idea suddenly came to Finn.

The boy purposely ran straight through the crowd. He carefully avoided the people and food. He jumped over carpets, over wine barrels and plates. And as predicted, John John wasn’t nearly as careful.

The boy spilled wine, broke glasses, stomped palms, and pissed off countless parents. However, precisely because of taking these shortcuts, the boy was rapidly catching up.

“It’s over, Finchoo."

John John was about to grab him. After all that effort, Finn’s plan had failed. The parents would not react in time, and the teacher would pardon the collateral.

It was then that Finn saw her: A whale of a woman in a sea of sticks. She had short, blonde hair, clenched fists, and was rapidly walking towards him. ‘No, she’s looking at John John.’

With only seconds left before capture, Finn jumped between her legs and somehow made it to the other side. John John tried to do the same only to be lifted up by the nape.

“You brute! How dare you throw dirt in my boy’s eyes? Didn't your mother teach you how to play?” She mercilessly shook John John until he turned pale. “Don’t you know how to play nicely? My boy is 10 times smarter than you, how dare...”

“Round five is over!” Mr. Griffin shouted. “Andrew Finn is disqualified for touching the ground with his knees. Team John John wins!”

“What!?” Tommy's mother threw the boy on his bum and rushed towards the teacher. She pushed aside anyone who stood in her way and caused more damage than John John could dream of.

Confused, Finn checked out the “battlefield.” Since Tommy and Michael were blinded, they had been easily taken down by the others. The rest then became easy picking since the opposing team was left with more members.

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‘Crap,’ Finn sighed as he walked towards the river. His colleagues were helping the boys wash their eyes. “I’m sorry."

“It’s alright,” Tommy tried to maintain a grin but failed. The now shirtless boy showed countless bruises on his chest and back, and his eyes kept wandering towards his mother.

“You delayed John John,” Annie gave Finn a hug.

“Yea, but they still beat us,” frowned Natalie.

“10 minute break!” Mr Griffin sounded annoyed. His years of combat had not prepared him for the terror of an angry mom. More and more parents gathered around the two, and a full-on shouting match was underway.

“If they start fighting, I’m betting on your mom,” said Michael looking half serious.

The squad of 10 sat down. Some laid on their backs, while others ripped out the grass in frustration. In an attempt to cool herself off, Natalie jumped into the river.

“We can draw them here and drown them,” she suggested.

“Or, we can throw mud at them,” added Annie.

“Yes,” said Michael. “Why do only they get to play dirty?”

Tommy was silent, so everyone’s eyes turned to Finn instead.

“What do you think?” asked Michael. “You’re the smartass, say something.”

Finally, a situation the former CEO was familiar with: There was a crisis to be solved, and all the 'employees' were looking at him. The feeling of competency these situations gave him were the reason he kept working until he fell ill. Except...

“Are you ok?”

Everyone was looking at him. Finn tried to stand up but couldn’t. His feet were trembling, and his face was pale. He avoided everyone’s eyes like the plague, and his cheeks became beet red.

‘Why?’ The boy had trouble forming thoughts. ‘Why? Why? Why?’ his being was screaming, but he could not focus.

“Hey,” somebody grabbed his shoulders. It was Tommy and he looked worried.

‘Why?’

“Everyone, look away! Breathe Finn. You’re just nervous.”

Suddenly, a wave of emotions spilled over the boy, and he abruptly stood up and screamed “What!? Do... Do you know who I am?” His fists were clenched and trembling. “I don’t get nervous, you little...”

Sudden realization hit Finn like a brick. He looked inside his soul, then at his friends, and then he turned away from them as his cheeks turned red.

“It’s fine,” said Tommy. “Everyone gets nervous sometimes.”

“Don’t talk to me!... Please.” Finn heaved as if he had just returned from a run before taking control and breathing deeply. Again and again, he sucked in as much air as possible, held his breath until the count of three and let go.

‘That bastard... That piece of...’ “Shit!!” The boy shouted so loud some of the parents turned their heads. Griffin’s trained ears picked it up over the raging mom, and he suddenly grinned which pissed her off even further.

‘I am not a five-year-old kid!’ Finn stomped his feet. ‘I’m a grown man. I can... I will control this body if it’s the last thing I do!’ “Piece of shit God, I’ll make you pay."

“You’ll make who pay?” Natalie raised an eyebrow.

“Them!” Finn pointed at the enemy team and shouted at the top of his lungs. “We will kick their asses, then we’ll kick Griffin’s ass, and then we’ll get into the academy and kick everyone’s asses!”

If his colleagues looked at him strangely before, they were now straight up staring.

“Why are you shouting?” Michael sounded annoyed.

“Because...”

‘I’m nervous. I hate it. You’re staring.’

“Because...”

'I’m better than this. I can do this. I will do this!’

“Because... I have a plan.”

[Name: Andrew Finn.

Nickname: Achoo.

Age: Five years old.

Race: Quarter elf.

Abilities:

- Sleeping and pooping {master}

- Eating solid foods {Master}

- Walking and running {Master}

- Language {Master}

- Gardening {Intermediate}

- Raising chickens {Intermediate}

- Clay construction: Miniature models {Master}. Full scale clay construction {beginner}

- Dancing {Beginner}

- Patience {Five year old level}

Debuffs:

- Child's body.

- Emotional immaturity.

Comments: Little shit...]