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The year was 1814.
Arthur and Matthew had been in a war with Alfred for the past two years, or rather, Arthur with Matthew under his command had been in war with Alfred for the past two years. The war had reached a climax, as Arthur and Matthew were successful in reaching Washington and driving out Alfred and his army. As Arthur stood on the steps of the White House and breathing in the warm late summer air, he had never felt better.
The betrayal of Alfred a few decades ago in the War of Independence still left a gaping hole in Arthur’s heart, one that still cannot be filled to this day, so it was refreshing to see himself regaining part control. As he gazed upon the president’s house (minus the president, who probably had run away like Alfred once he and Matthew gained control of Washington), Arthur smiled triumphantly.
“Good job Matthew.” He turned to his adoptive younger brother on his side. Alfred had been his pride and joy to the point where he had paid Matthew very little attention, but after Alfred’s betrayal, Matthew had stayed by his side, much to his surprise. Although he was saddened by Alfred’s betrayal, he could still train Matthew to become his successor.
Matthew smiled back at him. “It’s my pleasure to assist you, big brother.” His violet eyes gleamed, and Arthur was suddenly filled with pride. “What do you want to do now?”
Arthur did not think about the consequences of his action. His idea was to conquer Alfred’s land and stay there until Alfred begs for his forgiveness. “I guess.” He paused and eyed the building in front of him, “we can wait here until Alfred comes back and try to reclaim his land.”
“That will be too boring.” Matthew’s sing-song voice rang out beside him, and Arthur turned his head abruptly to look at him. He had never heard Matthew use that tone of voice before, and once he had glimpsed his face, he was shocked at the twisted expression that Matthew wore on his face. “I say we burn this place down to lure him out quicker.”
“Matthew…” Arthur began to argue, only to spot a familiar shadow emerge from his peripheral vision.
“Come on man, it’s not cool burning down other people’s houses!” Alfred shouted as he emerged from the tree that he had been crouched behind. He had assisted the president into escaping and decided to circle back when he stumbled across Arthur and Matthew. Hearing the two in conversation, he had decided to conceal himself and see what they had to say. Burning down someone’s house is a bit too extreme. He started to walk towards the two but stopped abruptly when Matthew pointed his musket at him. “There is no need for this.”
“Oh sorry dear brother.” Matthew smiled at his twin. “I am going to need you to stop right there. One more step and there is no telling what I will do.”
“Matthew!” Alfred whined. He knew that his little brother is gentle in nature and wouldn’t hurt a fly, so it came as a surprise to him that he would suggest burning down his house and point a musket at him. “I know you are not going to hurt me.”
“I can’t say for sure.” Matthew looked at Arthur. “Do you know how hard it has been for me for the past two years?”
“No?” Alfred murmured weakly, confused.
“Matthew,” Arthur put his hand firmly on Matthew’s shoulder, “you are going too far.”
“Big brother, do you know how hard it has been for me for the past two years.” Matthew turned to Arthur, his eyes becoming more violet as his emotions boiled. “a pair of twins. One left, and one chose to stay. Why can’t you see that I am always by your side? Why must you spend two years chasing the shadow of that big doofus over there!?”
“I…” Arthur released Matthew and looked down at his hands. Matthew is right, he had been neglecting him in favour of Alfred. All of a sudden, he felt heat coming from behind him. He turned around and was met with the sight of flames licking the president’s house. Alfred yelped.
“Looks like my soldiers were successful in completing the task I gave them.” Matthew lowered his musket. “If you’re going to bill anyone for damages, feel free to bill my big brother over there. After all, I. am. still. a. Colony.” Without another word, he walked away.
Arthur walked forward and patted Alfred, who was too stunned to move, on the shoulder. “I think Matthew is mad.” He mumbled.
“I don’t think we should ever piss him off again,” Alfred replied as he began to gather himself, “Say, how do I bill you for the damages.”
“Send me a letter.”