God’s Cube

The train finally came to a gentle stop at the central station in Pescara, brakes hissing indicating the end of the journey. The station felt way more alive then that of Firenze, this city wasn’t militarized, as a result the station was flooded with a bustling crowd, vendors and the like screaming to grab the attention of those passing by. The other passengers stirred, causing the car of the train to vibrate slightly, and Thesi stood, stretching his legs before he began gathering his things. He had bought a few trinkets in Florence, trying not to break them, he carefully grabbed the plastic bag which held them.

His short ride with Vasko had brought many interesting points he’d further on his own at a later date, for now he gave another mute safe journey at his classmate once off the train. His journey would probably be pretty long, he was from the Balkan’s, and due to the heavy restrictions now imposed  on air travel due to disturbances created by the cubes which made areas with higher density harder to navigate, he’d likely be heading to Bari to take the boat. His travel was gonna be a lot longer. 

Thesi stepped off the train and onto the platform, headed straight for the exit and saw Pescara. The sprawl contained the modern core of the city, with quieter and older neighborhoods still nestled around buildings from centuries ago, standing shoulder to shoulder with sleek, ultra-modern structures. The last rays of sun from the day painted the city in a warm, golden hue, reflecting off the surface of the Adriatic Sea further away. It was the unique combination of architecture, the smells of the nearby sea, and the muffled tones of street musicians playing a soft melody in the background that wrapped around Thesi like some sort of old, familiar blanket.

On his way home, Thesi decided to take the small detour through the city he didn’t mind letting these feelings of familiarity the city would produce take his mind off the recent events. He strolled down the crowded streets, walking past shops, small cafés, and parks. Pescara was lively, even as night slowly dawned upon the city. Ever since he had moved in with Flavio, his guardian, he had lived in this city. This marked the 5 years now.

The streets brimmed with life as people came out of their night routines. A bunch of rowdy teens, probably Gladiatori Academy students, passed by the alley, laughing boisterously and chattering excitedly. Sharp uniforms and carefree expressions on their faces brought a chord of memories in Thesi. Until yesterday, he still technically was a student. Today, even if the official ceremony hadn’t happened, he had graduated.

He passed the large fountain at the center of Piazza della Libertà, the soft sound of cascading water put him at ease, and he sat down on the nearby bench to rest and observe the people. An older woman nearby in a worn-out suit fed crumbs of bread to the pigeons at his feet. He then turned to Thesi and nodded amiable in his direction.

"Long journey? Your bags tell me you’ve just gotten back." 

The woman asked in a sweet, warm voice. Thesi nodded back, managing a small smile onto his face. 

"You could say that, I’ve only actually been away for a few days. But it feels like it was a lot longer."

The old woman chuckled quietly. 

"Ah, well. The city's still the same. Doesn't matter how long you've been gone. Pescara stays Pescara."

Thesi gave the woman a smile, the city wasn’t indeed the same, he bid her farewell and stood up to continue walking. In due course, he arrived at the outskirts of the city, where buildings were short and more residential in nature. Familiar roads now brought him to the modest house of Flavio, little and unobtrusive, its stone walls coated in a yellowish paint that reminded him of the rays of the sun. For five years, ever since Flavio had brought him there, it had been home. Reaching the door, Thesi paused for a moment on the threshold, Thesi could see the shadow of Flavio moving about. He knocked, though he had a key.

The door opened almost immediately and there stood Flavio, his tall frame filling the doorway. His graying hair was slicked back, he was only in his late forties, but for some people age caught up faster.Both their faces lit up as their glances met.

"Thesi! Welcome home!" 

Flavio always greeted him warmly, pulling him into a tight bear hug. There was a slight smell of tobacco, Flavio smoked, not an excessive amount, and he had always been attentive around Thesi, but an occasional cigarette never disturbed the latter.

"Thanks, Flavio. It's good to be back," 

Thesi replied, stepping inside and placing his bag down by the door. Flavio gave him the once-over, his keen eyes scanning him for any sign of injury or upset. 

"You alright? The Cube is never evident with its effect."

Thesi hesitated a moment before nodding. 

"I'm fine. It's just been a long few days.”

Flavio's face relaxed, but Thesi saw the concern in his eyes linger. They moved into the living room where Flavio had a small fire going. It was warm, and Thesi sat down, falling onto the couch.

"Tell me everything, what happened in Florence? How was the Cube?”

Flavio said, plopping down in a chair opposite him. Thesi was silent for a moment, not knowing how or where to start. He started with the city, then he spoke about the Blue Cube, the challenge, the overwhelming sensation of being confronted with the hypercube. He didn’t go through with what happened afterwards, he hadn’t told Flavio that he had technically completed the Red Cube he had been pulled out from by him all those years ago.

Flavio listened to him, nodding his head at some intervals, but he said nothing. Then Thesi finally stopped, and Flavio leaned back on the chair, blowing out a long, slow breath.

"I was worried, you know, but I also knew you’d make it. You’re a smart kid, and you know how to face adversity, for better or for worse.”

“Yes, but I’m here, there’s no longer need to be worried.”

Thesi paused for a moment, he had been thinking about asking a specific question for a while, but only after beating the Blue Cube trial did he decide it was time to ask it.

"Flavio, I never asked you about that day, the day you and your group saved me. I didn’t want to hear it, but now, I think I’m finally ready."

Thesi had been in the Red Cube when the events unfolded. He had heard the sounds, but the events were still a mystery to him, maybe he’d finally piece some blanks he still had about that day. Flavio's face changed a fraction, his eyes narrowing as memories bubbled up. He had not expected Thesi to ask about that day, not after so many years had gone by. But there was something in the way the boy's voice shook that had him realize now was the time. Flavio’s answer came with a soft and warm voice, akin to that of a caring father.

"I'll tell you."