When night drew in.
The train station was a dium-sized rectangular structure built in modern architectural style. Its half-arched rooftop provided shade during the day. Lamp posts illuminated the area with a warm orange hue, though the space between each was long, causing the light to disperse and dim. It wasn’t crowded at this hour, with only a handful of people scattered about.
The air was cold and crisp, and the scent of disinfectant still lingered on the concrete floor from a recent cleaning.
Friederich and Cindia sat on one of the tal benches on the platform, reserved for travellers. Trains occasionally ran in and out, transporting passengers. The hum of the arcanite engine grew louder as one approached the platform.
“Aunty!” May’s cheerful voice rang out as she led Zetius and Cintia forward, their footsteps echoing against the gritty floor. The little girl held mouth-watering red bean buns in her hands, humming as she walked.
“May, Cintia, did you get the ticket?” Cindia asked, standing up.
Cintia nodded with a smile, showing the tickets. “Yes, sister. We’ve still got a bit of ti before the train arrives.”
As they regrouped, May handed out her treats — one for Friederich, one for her aunty Cindia, and one for herself.
Friederich blinked briefly before accepting it with a slight nod. “Thank you,” he murmured. His face remained mostly impassive, though a faint smile tugged at the edge of his lips.
May's innocent charm was starting to rub off on Friederich, softening his cold exterior.
After a while, they all settled on the long bench, sitting side by side. Zetius sat at the far end next to May and Cintia. The little girl wasted no ti nibbling her bun, humming with delight as the sweet paste touched her palate.
“Have you ever tried this bread before?” Zetius asked, unable to resist her innocent charm.
She shook her head, her smile fading slightly.
“Well, we didn’t have much as slaves… so bakery treats like this were rare,” she replied.
Zetius nodded gently, patting her fluffy hair.
“It makes sense now — seeing how excited she was at the shop,” he thought to himself.
May puffed out her chest. “It’s fine. We’re not slaves anymore,” she declared, filled with a newfound hope and optimism for the future.
Her bold resolve, especially coming from soone so small, amazed Zetius. He blinked a few tis. “Of course… of course.”
Eventually, Cintia checked her pocket watch and turned to her sister. “This next one’s ours.”
Cindia nodded and began to gather their belongings. They didn’t have much — just a few small duffle bags.
The group huddled at the edge of the platform as the sound of wheels rolling on rails echoed in the distance. A vintage-style train, with multiple cargo carriages, approached. Its hydraulic brakes hissed as they engaged, slowing the train until it ca to a complete stop.
“So… this is goodbye,” Zetius murmured, a hint of longing in his voice. Their ti together had been short, but aningful. Years from now, he would still rember this mont, living in the backroom of a tiny shop.
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He crouched to May’s level as she hugged him tightly. Cintia soon joined the embrace, wrapping them in warmth.
“Thank you for everything, Zetius,” Cintia said softly before pulling back.
Zetius nodded, his smile unwavering.
May tugged at the end of his tunic, fidgeting with her fingers as though unsure if she should speak.
“Can I also say goodbye to Cubie?”
“What’s a Cubie?” Friederich asked, raising a brow.
Zetius grinned. Instead of answering, he brought his palms together. “Better if I show you — Epopteia!” he chanted.
A faint blue light seeped from between his fingers, and he revealed it. The irregular Rubik’s Cube began to hum softly with life. Cindia and Friederich stared, visibly surprised — they had never seen anything like it before.
Giggling, May leaned forward as she took it into her palm, “Cubie! I’ll be leaving now, so take care of Zetius, okay?”
The cube pulsed before responding, “I… will…”
“Say goodbye!” May instructed, as if teaching a toddler to speak.
“Good… good… bye!” Cubie mimicked, before being absorbed back into Zetius’s palm. All the effort she’d put into teaching it to speak over the past few nights had paid off.
The station’s announcent rang out — the train was about to depart. Cintia, Cindia, and May waved one last ti before boarding.
“Don’t forget to visit us at Poranthis, okay?” Cintia uttered her final words and the automatic doors shut behind them. The train pulled away from the platform.
Zetius stood upright, pride swelling in his chest. He had made a difference today. Maybe it wasn’t a world-changing act, but it mattered.
Standing beside him, Friederich crossed his arms in thought. “So… you have a sentient construct as an essence.”
Zetius turned and nodded, rubbing his neck.
“It doesn’t make sense. A construct is supposed to be the product of an essence. How can it be both?” Friederich muttered, lips parting in wonder.
“It’s paradoxical, but still — it exists. You saw it with your own eyes.”
“Yes. Co on. Let’s go back to my hotel room. We’ll plan our next course of action,” Friederich suggested, clasping Zetius’s shoulder.
Eventually, the two dazzling figures stepped away from the platform.
***
The air grew noticeably fresher past midnight as Zetius stepped out of the taxi. Friederich followed close behind as they made their way towards a back alley at the edge of town. The location was only a few clicks away from the northern fortress. Dim lights illuminated the brick path as their footsteps echoed softly.
Zetius had spent a portion of his credits on a new coat — a sleek black arc-coat that draped perfectly over his chiselled physique. The high collar added both a cool aesthetic and subtle protection for his neck, its inner lining stitched with crimson satin that shimred faintly beneath the glow.
A single shoulder plate accentuated his fra, giving him a bold, asymtrical edge. The hemline cascaded down to his standard-issue leather boots. Arc boots, unfortunately, were harder to co by on such short notice.
Now he strode forward — elegant and regal, like a prince carved from Gaia’s sacred marble.
They stopped at the designated location, as instructed by Ziyue, near a row of dumpsters. The stench of rubbish rose to Zetius’s nose, making him wrinkle it and hold his breath.
A shadow moved behind them.
They spun at once.
An assassin mage stepped out from the darkness, her footsteps soundless. She wore her familiar cloak, its fabric marked with a golden sigil, and it shrouded her entire upper body.
“Friederich,” Ziyue greeted with a grin, then turned to Zetius. “Fancy seeing you stick around, Zetius. Nice aesthetic, by the way.” She lilted playfully.
“Thanks... Aurelia’s one of my dearest friends. I couldn’t possibly abandon her,” Zetius replied, waving her off with a casual flick of the hand.
She caught a flicker of jealousy in Friederich’s eyes.
“Eh? My, my. Am I imagining things, or is this love triangle real?” she teased.
“There’s no such thing, Ziyue,” Zetius stated firmly.
Friederich exhaled sharply. “Quit poking around, Ziyue. Let’s get on with the mission.”
Her lips parted for a mont before she let out a chuckle. “Fufu! Just teasing. Still, you folded under zero pressure — Pri Guardian of Solis Aeternum.”
She circled him slowly, her fingers trailing lightly over the smooth fabric of his coat. Friederich watched her with caution.
“Alright, boyos. Gather around. Don’t be shy,” she said in a commanding tone.
The two exchanged a look before stepping closer and huddling beside her.
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