Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

When Azik Eggers took in Klein, the latter was only a young baby, just about six months old. The baby was swaddled in white cloth, sleeping peacefully in his brown basket. When Klein asked him how did he found him, Azik answered that he found Klein under a tree while he was on his travels. He did try asking the locals around and even asked for assistance from the authorities with the possibility that Klein may have been missing, abandoned or probably trafficked. But no one had any answers regarding the baby that just appeared out of thin air. And so, as Azik looked at the infant that was holding onto his pinky finger while yawning, he made the decision of adopting this child as his own.

***

Klein was almost six years old now, and months away from entering Grade 1 of elementary school. Azik finally decided to settle down from his travels, getting a job at the local university as a history professor.

While Azik had six years under his belt of being a single parent of his son, he still worried on how he could take care of Klein at times when he was at work. 

Thankfully, he met the Morreti siblings pair next door who were happy to look out for Klein. The older brother, Benson, was a good older-brother figure for Klein who liked playing with him. Melissa, the younger sister, was fond of Klein as she made sure to look out for him when Azik was away. She also loved reading stories to Klein while also using various flashcards and toys to help Klein learn many things.

One thing Klein also loved next to his own family, his books and toys, was the television. Specifically, a cartoon that was the current craze for the children in Backlund Pre-School where Klein was enrolled in.

"Mr. Fool and the Mysteries"

A mystery-fantasy series where the cat-octopus main character spends his day having tea time. But at night he transforms into the mysterious and elusive Mr. Fool, and alongside his companions, they solve the many mysteries that go on around their kingdom.

Mister Fool was capable of shapeshifting and posessed many identities, each one having their own specialty. He was a cool leader to his companions but was also a silly lover of sweets and tea. He also somehow had a streak of being a trouble magnet. 

Klein was first introduced to the show by his classmates, and eventual bestfriends, Leonard Mitchell and Audrey Hall. They both told him how similar he was to the main character. Klein was confused at that, not understanding which cartoon or what character they were referring to.

His papa didn't restrict him at all in watching television, but he's always preferred books. But now, he was quite curious at the cute cat-octopus stickers pasted on his notebook which was given to him by Audrey.

Later that day, Klein asked his papa Azik if he could watch a cartoon before dinner. His papa was happy to tell him that he can, reminding him not too sit too close to the television.

Klein's eyes sparkled as he watched the show start. Humming along to the theme song before going silent as he focus on watch Mr. Fool jump around the warehouse, banding together with the local police force to defeat the masked devil before them. He realized that the wolf friend of Mr. Fool bore a resemblance to Leonard. There was also the cute golden retriever reminding him of Audrey.

"I'll tell them both that tomorrow at class!" Klein thought, smiling. Perhaps at school they can form their own band of Mr. Fool and his companions.

Klein was excited to share to his Papa Azik all about the cartoon, telling him who Mr. Fool was and how cool he is.

"Papa, there's also a character just like you! He's like a teacher for Mr. Fool, and Mr Fool likes him a lot. Always dipending?"

"Depending?"

"Right! Depending on him!" Klein grins.