It had been an hour since Samuel had left for the cube. Arthur had downed three glasses of wine since and was beginning to feel the effects. The kind waitress kept bringing out glass after glass. How could he say no? He had been nervous about this meeting and it had gone so much worse than he could have imagined. He didn’t hate his brother, well not entirely. They had their ups and downs, but Arthur had genuinely wanted to talk. Something about seeing a member of his family after so long brought out the worst in him.

He stood up and started pacing back and forth across the café. His shoes would occasionally scrape against the old, tiled floor causing him to stumble slightly, but his pace didn’t falter. Once a thought was implanted into his mind it would often spiral out of control. It was similar to how small chunk of snow on a mountain could quickly lead to an avalanche and in this way his desire for that cube had gotten out of hand. It all started in the cafeteria earlier in the day. A dream of his own that he could chase after. One that would give his life purpose. He needed something big. Something seemingly out of reach.

He chose to go after the gods. It was a topic he had looked into before. Artifacts had been found throughout the world. Unexplainable in nature, they always seemed to radiate a power beyond human understanding. With the free time he would have at Falstrom he was going to do research on the topic. He wasn’t expecting his brother to explode as he did, or for his own arrogant actions to destroy their already fragile conversation. He doubted his brother was going to bring the cube. It would be ridiculous if he did. He was simply hoping to try and rectify the situation. As long as he could return to Paris to study the cube later he would be happy. A couple of other artifacts existed that Arthur wanted to take a look at. He could be patient.

It was another hour before the door chimed once more. It wasn’t his brother that walked in, but a number of his assistants. All in finely pressed suits and all looking extremely tense. The woman that stepped forward looked oddly familiar, “Hello again, Mr. Montale. Your brother has asked us to escort you back to the terminal.”

Arthur was expecting it. He didn’t actually plan on rampaging across Paris to get the cube. That would be insane. He would do as he was asked for now and try to reason with his brother in a week or two when they both had some time to calm down. “No need to be so on edge. I don’t plan on fighting any of you. Lead the way.” He gave a small, disarming small as he followed after the group. They walked through the old, mismatched brick roads. A smell of old sewage mixed with an assortment of cooked delicacies stung Arthur’s nose. He would never understand how anyone could get accustomed to this place. Arthur was surprised to see the sun had begun to set. The day was coming to an end and he had accomplished so little.

The yellow, orange glow helped light up the now busy streets as everyone was leaving their places of work. They passed love-struck couples, loud groups of already drunk businessmen, and the occasional street musician. It was a completely different atmosphere from the city he loved. Much more tight-knit. Way too friendly and open. A couple strangers greeted them with a smile as they passed. Arthur responded in kind. He enjoyed being ignored. Doing his own thing without questioning eyes on him. It was all too much.

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Once they reached the terminal the same female assistant as before walked up to him. “We are not offering the cube today, but against my better judgment, your brother has extended another offer. If you want access to the cube then come work for us. Your brother seems to think that you could benefit our company.” Arthur shook his head. “No thanks. I’ll eventually be back to look at that cube though. Maybe we can work something out when that time comes.” The woman nodded, “I’ll let your brother know. Take care, Mr. Montale.” She teleported away with all the other assistants. Arthur sighed in frustration, but there was nothing he could do at the moment. He hopped on the teleporter back to Falstrom.

The old man was there once more. Just as happy as before, “Welcome back. Did the trip go well?” Arthur couldn’t help but return the man’s smile, it was infectious. “It went well all things considered.” Arthur stepped outside the gate to head back, “I’m glad to hear. I hope the rest of your day is even better.” Arthur paused mid-step to respond, “Thanks! Yours too.”

Arthur didn’t bother walking back, instead opting to teleport onto campus since it was within range. There were only a few students wandering around, probably the few overachievers attempting to get ahead in the upcoming classes. It was then his phone began buzzing. Over and over shaking his pocket and then his hand as he pulled it out. It was ten text messages from Alyssa.

‘Arthur could you come help me with these spells?’

‘Please!!!’

‘I can’t cast a single one’

‘How do you do it??’

‘Are you purposely ignoring me??’

‘Arthur! I’ve been kidnapped! Come help over in the field near the library.’

‘You suck’

‘What if it was an actual emergency?’

‘You’re the worst bodyguard. Fuck you.’

‘Pleasseee’

It was a lot. A little crazy. Yet, Arthur began making his way to the library. He didn’t bother responding, he didn’t enjoy texting. He figured if she was still there he would help, if not it would be a good enough reason to head into the library to begin his research.

As Arthur approached the field he saw Alyssa surrounded by a few other students. He was about to leave her be, but she caught sight of him. “Arthur, you’re the fucking worst!” She yelled it across the field causing Arthur to stop in his tracks. Her group of newfound friends looked over to see who she was yelling at. Arthur reluctantly began heading there way.

Before Arthur could say anything, Alyssa berated him, “Why didn’t you respond to any of my texts? What are you doing that’s so important?” He answered them honestly, “I went to visit family out of the country. I just got back a few minutes ago. Are you really that helpless without me?” He took a jab at her, but it didn’t seem to land. “Of course not. I just needed help and I don’t know many others on campus. Oh, these are Caleb and Sarah.” Alyssa finally introduced the two others that had been watching their conversation awkwardly.

“Hi, I’m Sarah. Alyssa has already told us a bit about you.” Sarah reached out her hand first. She looked like another incoming first year. She was a little taller and lankier than Alyssa with a short, blonde ponytail pulled back tightly to avoid having hair fall into her eyes. She looked like a very serious person even this young. Arthur shook her hand, “Arthur Montale, Alyssa’s bodyguard. Nice to meet you.”

He then shook Caleb’s hand who then introduced himself, “Caleb Wilson. I’m an incoming first year. I hope you’ll be able to give us some pointers.” He was taller than Arthur with sunken cheeks and striking blue eyes. His hair was short and disheveled. At first look, many would expect the guy to be a model rather than a student at Falstrom.

Arthur simply nodded and gave a short reply, “Nice to meet you.” He then turned to Alyssa, “Well, It looks like you have things handled here. I’m going to head out.” As he turned to leave, she grabbed his arm. “Nonono. You’re going to help us out.” She pulled him back into their circle. “We need help with this spell here.” She pointed to a simple wind blade spell in the open book on the ground. Against his better judgment Arthur gave in, “Fine, but I’m not the best with wind magic.” He picked up the book and resigned himself to a long afternoon with the three of them.