A Mythical Match Up IV - Futures Market Epilogue (Patreon)

The little bell hanging over the frame jingled merrily as Nathan nudged the door open. He paused at the threshold to survey the pizzeria. While not exactly empty, there were fewer customers present for a typical Friday evening. He counted only three families at the booths and a few solo diners perched on the tall stools and tables lining the front. The bar was unoccupied and seemingly unmanned. He didn’t see any employees but heard some muted conversation coming from beyond the kitchen doors beyond the cash register.

            He stepped inside with a puzzled frown. He confirmed the time on his phone and then walked over to the other side of the restaurant, looking around. Suddenly, he stopped and smiled warmly.

            “There you are!” he called, waiving at three figures seated at a corner booth. “You hiding from me or something?”

            “Nah, we just wanted to get away from the crowd,” laughed Kaitlyn, gesturing at all the empty tables.

            “Why is it so quiet anyhow?” asked Nathan as he took a seat beside Khan. “I think we’re the only students here. It’s not midterms or finals or anything.”

            “Eh, just one of those nights, I guess,” said Daniel, absently rubbing his nose. “Maybe nobody’s in the mood for pizza. Besides, it’s not even seven yet. You know things don’t pick up until eight or nine.”

            “I’m not complaining,” said Khan. “I could use a mellow night,” added as he took a swig from his mug.

            “A little too mellow if you ask me,” snorted Daniel. “If things don’t pick up, I vote we hoof it to McGill’s.”

            “Ech, that place grosses me out,” said Kaitlyn, making a face. “Do they clean the floor – like, ever? I swear there’s this one sticky puddle there that’s been there since I was a freshman.”

            The group laughed.

            “Fine, we’ll play it by ear,” said Daniel. He glanced over at Nathan. “Hey, where’s your plus-one? She is coming tonight, right?”

            “Yeah, just…running a bit late.”

            “What, caught up in traffic?” said Daniel with his trademark shit-eating grin.

            “Yeah, let’s go with that,” replied Nathan with tired amusement.

            “Can’t believe we’re finally going to meet Nathan’s mysterious Melina,” said Kaitlyn excitedly. “You spend so much time with her but, like, never talk about her. You broke up with the other girl, right? What was her name again?”

            “Simone,” supplied Nathan. “Yeah, I let her know we could only be friends, and she was cool with it. I don’t think either of us took it too seriously. At least towards the end,” he added after a moment’s thought.

            “Well, that’s good. How are things going with Melina?”

            Nathan hesitated. He looked around the table at his friends. He shifted his weight and then breathed out.

            “Her…real name is Melinanatha,” he said finally. “I didn’t want to say anything before and don’t mention this to anyone else, but, uh, she actually comes from a noble family.”

            Kaitlyn and Khan stared at him. Daniel simply snickered and took a drink from his mug.

            “What? Seriously?” exclaimed Kaitlyn.

            “Like, she’s European or something?” asked Khan.

            “Uh, no,” said Nathan, scratching his head. “It’s not as big a deal as it sounds. I mean, think about all the knighthoods in England and…how many distant cousins and nieces all the old royal families have.”

            “How the heck did you two meet anyhow?” asked Kaitlyn. “Was it really on a dating app?”

            “Yes, really,” said Nathan patiently. “In fact, we were goin-”

            “Nathan?”

            The voice – rich and feminine with a faint tremor of trepidation - had come from the pizzeria entrance. Nathan looked over his shoulder.

            “I think that’s her,” he said as he rose from his chair. He hurried over to the front and returned a few seconds later with a second figure accompanying him.

            “Everybody, this is Melinanatha,” he said, beaming.

            Kaitlyn and Khan’s eyes widened. Melinanatha stood a good few inches taller than Nathan who, while not particularly tall, certainly wasn’t short. That, and her startingly wide hips and enormous perky breasts was the first thing that drew their attention. Her complexion would best be described as almond brown and was as smooth as chocolate milk. She sported long dark hair and, most strikingly, sparkling blue eyes. She wore diamond earrings, a tight-fitting white satin blouse that hugged her chest like Saran wrap, leaving very little to the imagination, along with light baggy black pants with an elastic waist that almost resembled dhotis. She walked upon glossy black low-heeled sandals with no socks. In short, she was a knockout – not quite supermodel material, but very, very close.

            She smiled graciously and bowed slightly.

            “Greetings, friends of Nathan,” she intoned, her full glossy lips articulating the words with regal precision.

            “Uh, hey there,” said Khan, overawed, issuing a little wave.

            “Sorry, I, uh, it’s a…I hope you’re okay meeting here,” said Kaitlyn, flustered, gesturing around them. “Didn’t know you’d be dressing up.”

            “Dressing up?” said Melinanatha, cocking her head.

            “Er, forget it,” said Kaitlyn quickly.

            Nathan motioned for Melinanatha to join them and she nodded. She pulled out the remaining chair, stepped around and slowly sat. The chair groaned slightly as her weight pressed upon it. Nathan took a seat close by her side.

            “Good to finally meet you in person,” said Daniel, raising his mug to Melinanatha.

            “Likewise,” said Melinanatha. “In fact, I would take this opportunity to extend my ho-…my gratitude for your assistance in that trying matter.”

            “Hey, no prob,” said Daniel, grinning. “I had a blast.”

            Khan looked at Daniel and then at Melinanatha.

            “Wait, hold on, you helped Melinanan-….Melinanaf-…you helped her? When did this happen?”

            “Eh, not too long ago,” said Daniel, shrugging. “I just did a little informal geological survey of a piece of land she owned.”

            “What, was there oil or gold or something?” said Kaitlyn curiously. “Don’t you need, like, to be an expert or licensed to do something like that?”

            “I said it was informal,” said Daniel. “Just took a look around.”

            “He is modest, but master Daniel’s insight proved invaluable,” said Melinanatha. “I am in his debt.”

            “Daniel was helpful?” exclaimed Khan with half-feigned, half-genuine surprise. “Has hell frozen over?”

            The group laughed. Melinanatha just looked around with uncertain smile but took it all in stride.

            “Okay, I gotta ask,” said Kaitlyn once the last chuckles faded. “Nathan said you’re royalty. Really? Like, you’re a duchess or princess?”

            “Oh, er, I…I’d prefer not to discuss my heritage,” said Melinanatha,” slightly flustered.

            “Huh? Why?”

            “We’re trying not to advertise it,” explained Nathan. “She’s not exactly a celebrity, but if word got out it could create problems.”

            “Um, wow, o-kay,” said Kaitlyn uncertainly. She cleared her throat. “Changing the subject, graduation is only one semester away. Er, except for you, Daniel. No offense.”

            “None taken,” said Daniel, waving dismissively.

            “The real world awaits,” she continued. “I know Khan has that internship locked down and I’m heading to California for that thing at Bodega Bay. What law school did you wind up at, Nathan? Or is still to be determined?”

            “Oh, yeah,” said Nathan, blinking. He coughed. “About that – I actually decided to take a gap year.”

            There was a pause

            “Seriously?” said Khan, surprised.

            “Yeah, seriously,” said Nathan. “I…we,” he corrected, holding Melinanatha’s hand “Talked things over with my parents and they’re okay with it. We’re going to travel – mostly where Melinanatha grew up, but also maybe Europe or Asia – take up some new hobbies, maybe look into some other possible career paths, that sort of thing.”

            “Huh,” said Kaitlyn sounding nonplussed. “I’m…shocked. You’ve always had this whole thing planned out - down to what law firms you’d consider joining as an associate. Why the sudden change of heart?”

            Nathan said nothing at first. He glanced over at Melinanatha, who gave him a smirk and a wink.

            “Sometimes, life throws you curveballs,” he said finally. “You can look at them as challenges, obstacles, or opportunities. None of the choices are wrong. But if you keep making the same choice – keep responding the same way over and over again – you’ll miss out on a lot that life has to offer. So, yeah, I figured I’d try something new and consider an entirely new trajectory. Doesn’t mean I won’t wind up going to law school in the end after all but eh, we’ll see.”

            Everyone went quiet as they considered his words, the distant conversation of other customers filling the resulting silence. Somewhere in the pizzeria, a phone started ringing.

            “That’s…cool,” said Khan slowly. “But, uh, doesn’t really answer her question.”

            “Yeah, what specifically made you want to take a gap year?” probed Kaitlyn, leaning forward

            “Well, to be honest, it was Melinanatha here,” admitted Nathan. “But uh, if you want to know all the details…”

            “We do,” said Kaitlyn firmly.

            “Yeah, quit playing, man,” said Khan.

            “Fine, fine,” said Nathan. “First, I’m going to need everyone to take out their phones.”

            “Huh?”

            “Just…humor me,” said Nathan.

Khan and Kaitlyn exchanged glances. Then, Kaitlyn shrugged. Both of them dug into their pockets and retrieved their phones. Nathan noticed that Daniel had started sniggering.

“Go to the app store and search for ‘Mythic Matches,’” said Nathan, ignoring Daniel. “It only costs two bucks but I’ll pay you back if it’s an issue – maybe I can buy everyone breadsticks or something.”

“Nathan, dear, are you sure they’re ready for this?” said Melinanatha, grinning mischievously.

“What’s that?” said Khan, looking up.

“It’s fine,” said Nathan, waiving a hand dismissively, though his smile had also acquired a certain impish character.

“This looks like some kind of stupid dating game,” said Kaitlyn eventually, glancing up from her phone. “Are you just messing with us?”

“It’s not a game and it’s not a joke,” said Nathan. “It says so right on the disclaimer.”

“Alright,” said Khan, shrugging.

As Nathan waited for his friends to download the app, Melinanatha leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

“Nathan, I just had the most delectable idea for the bedroom tonight,” she said huskily, briefly running her tongue along her upper lip.

“Oh,” said Nathan, grinning stupidly. None of his friends had noticed their intimate moment, as they were all busy on their phones - even Daniel, who was presumably texting somebody.

“What did you have in mind,” he replied, whispering out of the corner of his mouth.

“It involves…a pillory!”

* * *

            A soft buzzing filled the otherwise still and silent office.

Trevor froze and then glanced down from his computer screen at the desk drawer. He swallowed. He took out a key ring and began sorting through them. The keys clinked, the buzzing continued. His pudgy fingers rendered what should have been a simple task a bit trying. Upon locating a tiny roundish one among the dozen or so others, he inserted it into drawer lock and twisted. He opened the drawer. Inside lay a single clamshell phone – one more than a decade obsolete – and nothing else. The phone was still vibrating. Trevor scooped it up, flipped it open and checked the caller ID. He then pressed the green button and raised the phone to his ear.

“Yeah,” he said softly.

“I secured the rare earths,” said a voice on the other end.

Trevor breathed a sigh of relief.

“Finally, some good news,” he said. “Hold on.”

He rose from his chair and waddled over to the door. He opened it and then peered up and down the short hallway – a generic looking interior with dull grey carpet and walls. It was empty. Satisfied, he shut the door.

“Sorry about that,” continued Trevor as he returned to his desk. “So, you acquired the mine. What about the user? Is he going to be a problem again?”

There was a long silence.

“I did not, in fact, acquire the mine,” it said eventually, irritation evident in its tone.

“Then how did you-”

“I signed a contract with a local trade house that has access to the minerals. At a much-inflated rate.”

This time Trevor was the one who was silent for a time.

“Okay, wow, maybe you’d better start at the beginning,” he said, rubbing his temples.

“The…user, as you put it, ascertained the true value of the mines. They convinced several trade houses to purchase futures of the rare earths and copper.”

“What? Why would they be interested in yttrium and neodymium?”

“Regrettably, word has spread that these elements are not quite as worthless as they seem.”

“How the hell did that happen?”

“I…couldn’t say.”

“That’s not the same thing as ‘I don’t know,’” hissed Trevor fiercely. “You let it slip, didn’t you? How much do they know? Do not fuck around with me.”

“Do not take that tone with me, human.”

“We’re in this together, you oversized lizard,” growled Trevor. A bead of sweat was forming on his balding head. “You need to be straight with me, or this will never work. If you’re worried about someone listening in, trust me, the line is secure; it’s running completely independently of the guild’s network. I set it up myself.”

There was a pause.

“We held a meeting,” said the voice. “Rather, they forced a meeting. I confess, matters grew heated and I said some things I now deeply, deeply regret. They recorded my every word on a phone and presented it to the noble houses as proof of the rare earths’ value.”

“Shit,” sighed Trevor. “Exactly what did you say? Don’t tell me they know why we need those rare earths.”

“They only suspect, and what they suspect is that I intend to use the rare earths to manufacture electronic goods in the Realms or perhaps ship them to Earth somehow.”

“So, they don’t know about…?”

“Of course not! I would never reveal that!”

“Okay, okay,” said Trevor, calming slightly. He wiped his brow. “Not nearly as bad as I thought. Hell, that might be a good cover story. You should start doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Making electronics from some of the rare earths. Y’know…electronic watches, toothbrushes, RC cars. I could even send you some specs or template devices on the downlow.”

“A waste of valuable material.”

“And you call yourself smart,” snorted Trevor. “Listen, the board won’t give a damn if some local figures out how to manufacture cheap consumer electronics using native resources. They might check to see what you’re making, whether or not it’s a violation of your NDA and whether a user is directly involved, but that’s about it. You can scale up to the important stuff later. If nothing else, it’s a good way to build experience.”

“Hmm…I suppose the idea does have some merit. However, the price quoted by the trading house is ruinous. I’ll never make a profit.”

“That’s your own damn fault,” said Trevor firmly. “You should have just bought the minerals from her through a third party in the first place – before letting it slip how much it’s worth.”

“It isn’t so simple, human. Had I requested the rare earths specifically it would have drawn suspicion – if not from her, then the intermediary. That, potentially, would have drawn unwanted attention from unknown actors. We both know that having complete control of the site would vastly expedite the plan. Complicating all this is the simple fact she loathes me.”

            “Yeah, but we’re not exactly in a rush here,” countered Trevor. “It may take years even after we acquire all the raw components. Adding a few months to the timetable wouldn’t hurt if it lowers risk.”

            “Are you so certain, human? How much time do you really have? What were the board’s latest auguries?”

            Trevor went silent. He wiped a trickle of perspiration from his forehead.

            “It was still stupid of you to involve the user,” said Trevor. “Really stupid. Do you have any idea how many red flags that stunt of yours raised? The board had a whole meeting about it. I had to wipe a lot of logs and call in all my favors with the guild to cover it up. And I’m pretty sure a few suits still suspect something.”

            “Yes yes, as you’ve told me many times,” said the voice wearily.

            “And you continue to antagonize them and he keeps beating you!” continued Trevor, practically spitting in anger.

            “Regarding that. Perhaps you could arrange for him to be…removed.”

            “What, ban him or ice him? Nah, he hasn’t violated any of the rules that actually matter and his case has too much heat since the incident with the alpha. If he vanishes or even dies in an accident on Earth, security will look into it.” Trevor paused. “I actually checked his profile this morning and he’s nearing the point where the app will make The Offer.”

            “Hm. Well, he’s too intelligent to accept it before marrying her, if that’s his intention.”

            “The point is we both know that once he hits that threshold, he will have an agent specifically assigned to him until he accepts or rejects it. Not a good time for an accident.”

            “Damn it. Well, if there is ever an opportunity to be rid of him, we should seize it.”

            “Maybe. If he gets in the way again. Right now, he really doesn’t pose a threat. It sounds like he thinks he’s won.”

            Both Trevor and the voice said nothing for a time.

            “So,” said Trevor, breaking the silence. “The way I see it, you just have to suck it up and start importing the rare earths. I know you can afford it. Set up some small-scale electronics manufacturing but focus on stockpiling what we really need. There’s a very, very good chance the board will open up an investigation once word gets out but I’m almost certain they’ll clear it. Then we can really get to work.”

            “When will you send the plans?”

            “Those files are encrypted and heavily secured. I still haven’t figured out a way of gaining access. First step is breaking this damn geas.”

            “I may be able to assist you there. I need simply find the right mage.”

            “Then find him. Or her. Or it. It’ll make my side of this job so much easier. That, and I hate having this thing hovering over my head like the goddamn Sword of Damacles. It’s half the reason I signed up for this.”

            “Very well. Is there anything else?”

            “Just be more careful, okay?”

            “Fortune favors the bold, dear human.”

            “Famous last words. Goodbye.”

            With that, Trevor hung up. He sat there for a few seconds. Then, he pocketed the phone, sat up stiffly, then hurried out of his office and down the hall. He passed a woman in business casual and nodded at her absently. After turning a corner, he reached his destination – the bathrooms.

            He entered one of the stalls and sat. Rather than lowering his pants, he took the phone out, opened it and then snapped it in half in a single, deft motion. He then dropped the two pieces into the toilet and flushed. The mangled phone spun around the bowl for a few seconds before vanishing down the pipes.

            “Fucking Byteiye,” whispered Trevor under his breath.