"Alfred…. Alfred… Alfred pay attention, you twat!"

Arthur huffed in frustration as he attempted to regain his partner's very short attention span. On the other hand, Alfred was ecstatic. His blue eyes were flickering everywhere, trying to take in Shanghai's flashing lights and the metropolitan scenery," Artie, I am paying attention… just not to you."

Scowling as he flicked his former prodigy on the nose, Arthur kept his eyes focused on the people milling about them," Don't forget why we're here, you idiot."

Alfred pouted as his eyes turned back to look at Arthur," Aren't we here to exterminate or bring in Yao for his reassignment? I mean all I remember from the meeting was that Yao lost his partner and no one's heard from him since."

His eyes diverting away from the crowd to meet Alfred's blue eyes, Arthur sighed as he clarified," The council wants us to bring Yao in for questioning and reassigning. If he resists we have permission to use lethal force…. But I hope it doesn't come to that."

Shrugging, Alfred felt indifferent," It's his fault. He should have known better than to go missing with how paranoid the Council is. If he does resist, I'll just take him down with these babies," he emphasized his point as he flexed his biceps with a grin.

Arthur's eyes narrowed, unamused," This isn't a joke, Alfred…. Besides, I can't blame him. Losing his partner like that must have broken him. Just imagine, it'd be like if I lost you in the middle of one of our shows. I don't think I'd be able to bear reassignment after that. "Arthur shuddered. He hoped that thought would remain a nightmare in his mind.

Alfred, sensing the mood for once, gently reached over to bring Arthur into a tight embrace," Hey Artie, that ain't gonna happen. So chill, babe. Besides, how can I get hurt with you watching my back every second?"

Shaken by his thoughts, Arthur allowed the embrace to last for a minute before he pulled away with an amused smirk," I suppose with someone as powerful as me as your partner you really have nothing to worry about."

Alfred laughed," There's the Artie that I know and love!"

Arthur flushed in embarrassment at the comment," Don't say it so loud, idiot!" as he started to voice his worries,"… Even with my abilities. We don't have the best odds of winning in a fight against Yao. By the time I entered the *Circle, Yao was already starting to perform with Romulus… He has far more experience than me and not to mention he had created and perfected many techniques that I have yet to master."

Hand reaching down to grab Arthur's smaller one, Alfred smiled as he tried to reassure his partner," Arthur, you're the greatest magician that I have ever met. I don't know a single person in the Circle who is more dedicated and talented than you. Remember what I told you the day we met?"

Firmly holding Alfred's hand, Arthur laughed at the memory," You were the strangest boy that I've ever met…."

"Mr. Kirkland, sir! Mr. Kirkland!"

Arthur, who had just finished his performance and was making his way backstage, was suddenly stopped by a child in his path. Startled, Arthur looked down at the blue-eyed, dirty blonde boy who was staring up at him shyly," Yes, can I help you?"

The boy, fidgeting nervously, smiled up at Arthur," Mr. Kirkland, sir, you were great out there and I- I think you're the greatest magician ever!"

His lips starting to turn up in a smile, Arthur reached down to grab the little boy's small hands," Is that so? What's your name?"

The boy with a wide grin answered," Alfred F. Jones, sir! And I want to be a magician just like you!"

"Well, Alfred, it's going to take a lot of work to be a good magician."

"I know! But I'll be a hero and work hard at it!"

Arthur didn't know what possessed him to suddenly say," Would you like me to teach you?"
Alfred's eyes lit up at the question," Can you?"

The boy's optimism and enthusiasm had suddenly endeared him to Arthur. He knew he couldn't say no to those bright blue eyes. Leaning down, Arthur whispered quietly into Alfred's ear," I can take you under my wing. But first you have to be initiated into the 'Circle'."

"What's the 'circle'?"

" It's the group that watches over all the magicians. They make sure that magicians are taught properly and that they follow the rules."

" Like how heroes watch over their cities?"

"Exactly."

Arthur couldn't help but glance at Alfred and realize how big the boy has grown.

He could remember how the lad trembled when he was first introduced before the council as a 'candidate.' But the lad bucked up and showed his stubborn and headstrong nature as he firmly told the council with a frown that "No group of meanie adults was going to stop him from learning from Mr. Arthur." He also distinctly remembered chocking down a laugh as he observed the councilmages' shocked expression.

Arthur was startled out of his thoughts as Alfred suddenly pulled him to the back steps of a classy hotel," Artie, this is the address that Yao was last seen at."

Exhaling, Arthur flexed his fingers, feeling magic pulse through them, as he asked," Which floor?"

"Penthouse."

Arthur was reminded of why he had disliked his senior in magic, Yao.

Yao never made things easy for him.

*Circle- based on "The Magic Circle" which houses the largest magic library in Europe, located in London, England.
It's actually what the secret society is called.(They needed a cool name and I couldn't think of a good one. :3 )

*Council- The committee of experienced magicians (no longer performing) who make the decision about the entire society. They are like the court system, legislative branch and the police at the same time. Because of their importance and how busy they are, they usually send some magicians on errands for the Council.

(Fun fact: Arthur was nominated to be a member of the Council but he was rejected for several reasons. He's still bitter about the decision. )

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