Celeste felt a warm breeze flow across her body. The scent of flowers danced along her nose. She opened her eyes to see a clear blue sky above. Flowers filled her peripherals. Her eyelids were heavy as she took several long blinks while sunlight cradled her in warmth. She reached a hand weakly into the sky. Her eyes closed as she succumbed to the drowsiness. Her hand fell toward her until suddenly an immense hand swallowed it in its palm.

  “Can’t have you falling back asleep yet, beauty,” a man’s voice said. “Not after you finally awoke. My time’s limited.”

  Celeste’s eyes opened wide as the man pulled her to her feet with ease. She froze in place at the sight of Leon in front of her. They stood in a serene meadow filled with flowers of all kinds and colors. Leon had a contented expression with a slight grin. Tears streamed down Celeste’s face. Then, just as he released her hand, she launched herself onto him. She wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders and neck. She then kissed his cheek repeatedly, alternating between a kiss and a squeeze.

  “I’m sorry for falling asleep, my Lion. But please let me enjoy this dream for just a little while.” She continued, her tears pelting his face from her affectionate onslaught. “I swear I’ll awake in—.” Leon grabbed her head with both hands, interrupting her.

  “It is no dream, my Tempest.” Leon passionately kissed Celeste for several seconds. He pulled back a little while wiping away tears on her cheeks with his thumbs. They starred into one another’s eyes.

  “How?”

  “ALTR, I’m told.” Celeste paused for a moment, her tears slowed, yet still a few rolled down her cheeks. She passionately kissed Leon.

  “C’mon, Pops, you said you’d keep it ‘G’!” Yuna called.

  Celeste pulled back from Leon some to see Yuna and Reina approaching from over his shoulder. Leon then put one arm under Celeste’s butt to hold her up as she turned around.

  “I had to calm her,” Leon said.

  “Sure.” Yuna made a grossed out gesture with her mouth. “Damn, though, IRL, you’d be covered in snot.” Celeste released one arm, coming to perch on Leon’s arm alongside his shoulder.

  “Reina? Yuna?” Celeste asked.

  “Sorry to intrude, Mama. We thought it best to stick around to explain because—.”

  Celeste shook her head while making a stop gesture. “No need.”

  “Really?” Yuna asked. “You were just bawling your eyes out a second ago, saying it was a dream?”

  Celeste grinned as her tears nearly stopped. “Your father would never call me ‘Tempest’ in my own dream.” Leon chuckled.

  “I did question if I heard that right?” Yuna exchanged an acknowledging glance with Reina, who then shot a curious gaze at Leon.

  “I know that look,” Leon said. “I could never come up with a pet name your mother was happy with. Always thought that was my best.”

  “It’s terrible, hun.” Celeste shook her head with a disapproving sigh. “That aside, I recall ‘time’ being mentioned. Short?” She looked at Reina, who nodded in response. Celeste then whispered into Leon’s ear for a few seconds. “Get ‘em.” Leon lunged forward, scooping up both Reina and Yuna into his chest with his other arm before they could react. Celeste immediately wrapped her arm around them as well, grabbing onto Yuna’s outer shoulder.

  “What the—?” Yuna asked.

  “Ah!” Reina said.

  “Seriously?”

  Celeste and Leon pulled in tandem, causing all of them to embrace so closely that their cheeks pressed against one another. Yuna struggled for a few moments until meeting Celeste’s gaze. She relented.

  Meanwhile, in Artemis’ office atop Aegis HQ, a man stood in her doorway. He wore an expensive tailored suit that fit a rather meek frame. He had short, stylized hair and a clean-shaven face. A young boy and girl stood waist-high, each clinging to one of his hands. They were both well-dressed and well-groomed for their age.

  “Are you sure about this, Artemis?” the man asked, somewhat nervously.

  “It is quite alright, Peter,” Artemis said as she worked at her desk.

  “They’re being rather timid now that they’re here, but it seems Lydia made them want to meet you enough that they’ve been hounding me. Things are quite different since you looked after Lydia, however. With your position now, this feels insulting.”

  “I assure you, Peter, I take no offense. And Lydia already notified me ahead of time. Now, it’s ten-to, you best be on your way, no?”

  “Ah! You’re right.” Peter quickly ushered the children to two chairs in front of Artemis’ desk. “Behave for Ms. Vigard while Papa attends an important meeting.” The boy almost slapped away Peter’s hand as if he hadn’t just been holding it, whilst Peter had to somewhat pry his hand from the girl’s. He hurried out of the room and past Belle. Right after the doors closed, he stopped and turned back around. “I forgot to tell Artemis their names!”

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Longfell, sir,” Belle said, catching Peter’s attention. “Ms. Vigard already knows their names from Lydia, but she’ll probably ask them, anyway.”

  “Ahhh. I see…” He walked to Belle. “Shouldn’t you be in there as well? Honestly, they can be a handful. I’m aware I spoil my children too much.”

  “You needn’t worry about Ms. Vigard. Your meeting is soon, sir.”

  “Gah, it is. You have my contact info, yes? Contact me if—,”

  “I do, but I can guarantee I won’t have to, sir,” Belle said dismissively as she worked. She even gave a dismissive wave, to which Peter left without another word. How’s that nervous loser Aegis’ second biggest shareholder? She typed away for a bit. Oh right, family money. She shook her head. What a joke. Hmm, I probably shoulda remembered that. Better memorize the board before Aelf finds out I haven’t. Such a hassle.

  Back in Artemis’ office, the children fidgeted in their chairs as Artemis worked.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “You still start with the silent treatment after all these years?” Xandr asked.

  “Yes.” Artemis thought.

  “Sheesh. So who’s this Peter guy?”

  “Peter Longfell. Second only to Viktor in Aegis’ shares. An inheritance from a family that invested in Viktor very early. His family and the other board members have surely pressured him into confronting Viktor about his city.”

  “Guy seemed pretty…well, weak. Ain’t he gonna crumble to Viktor?”

  “He’s the nervous sort, but takes his role seriously and will push back, even against Viktor. This could be a turning point.”

  “Hey Lady! What the—!” the boy shouted.

  Artemis gestured with one finger. “I’m almost done, young man. Please, wait.” She spoke in a somewhat gentle tone. The boy looked startled at her response and exchanged looks with his sister.

  “Never really ‘got’ why you like to start by making kids restless,” Xandr said.

  “It builds character,” Artemis thought.

  After a brief time, the siblings grew increasingly fidgety. Then, Artemis stood up and moved in front of them before crouching to their eye-line. She had a stern expression as she looked directly into each of their eyes in turn.

  “Now then,” Artemis said. “Let’s start simple. Name and something you enjoy.” Her expression softened quite a bit, with a slight smile. “I’m Artemis, and I enjoy reading, especially when there’s a thunderstorm.”

  “I don’t get it!” the girl declared. Artemis met her gaze. “What’s Lydie talking about? What’s so great about you? You’re ugly! And boring!”

  Suddenly, the boy spit at Artemis, to which she caught in her hand without looking. Both children couldn’t hide their utter shock. The boy then saw Artemis’ glare at him from the corner of her eye. Unknowingly, he backed into his chair as if about to hop over and run away.

  “Ar-are you mad at me?” the boy asked.

  Artemis turned her head enough so he could see her eye fully. She reached out the same hand she’d caught the spit in and opened her palm. “Depends, Peter.” There was no sign of the spit. Instead, a piece of extravagantly wrapped candy lay in her palm. “Will you tell me why you just did that?” She then reached out her other hand, palm open, toward the girl. “Same goes for you, Eliza.” Both children could tell something special lay in front of them. Their eyes sparkled. Then, before either could respond, Artemis closed her hands and reopened them a moment later, empty. She stood. “Come along. It’s more comfortable over here.” She walked past them. They exchanged glances with one another before quickly scurrying after her.

  “Still using sleight of hand to dazzle, huh? Don’t feel too old for that?” Xandr chuckled. “Well, can’t deny its effectiveness.”

  The next morning, Peter Longfell again stood in Artemis’ office doorway. Eliza and Peter Jr. dashed past him to Artemis’ desk. They each stared at her, to which she gave an acknowledging nod to each. They smiled as they clambered into the chairs.

  “You’re really sure about this, Artemis?” Peter asked. “I don’t know how long—?”

  “I invited them, did I not, Peter?” Artemis said. “I’m not concerned.”

  “Right, right. I understand.” Peter rubbed his neck anxiously with a slight chuckle. “It seems whatever spells you hold are still just as effective. Especially since they eagerly went to bed early. I’m reminded of Lydia after she met you.”

  Peter Jr. and Eliza exchanged a prideful glance. “We’re fine, Papa,” they said in unison.

  A similar scene played out for the next several days. Peter Longfell retrieved his children at the end of each day, until late into the evening, he had yet to arrive. Eliza and Peter Jr. slept beneath blankets on a couch in the corner of Artemis’ office. She stood at her grand window as the sun set over Lyrsium. She spoke to someone via her IRIS.

  “Congratulations, Lydia,” Artemis said.

  “Thanks, Artemis, it was a rough week. But I don’t even want to think about finals for a second longer,” Lydia said.

  Meanwhile, Peter Longfell sat at a desk rapidly rifling through virtual notes in his IRIS. Viktor stood a dozen feet away, in a discussion with several others amidst the cityscape. Peter glanced to the outside, which, of course, he only saw the blacked-out windows. He checked the time in his IRIS, then stood and straightened his suit while taking a deep breath. He approached Viktor without a hint of nervousness.

  “Sorry to interrupt, Viktor, but I need a word,” Peter said. Viktor gave a dismissive grunt and gestured away those he’d been conversing with.

  “Are you here to finally tell me you’ll stop buzzing about my ears?” Viktor said as he manipulated the cityscape.

  “Viktor, I’ve done my due diligence, and this project simply isn’t feasible. It pains me to say, as what you’ve accomplished in such a short time is staggering. But the money isn’t there. I’ve quadruple-checked. This is far too great of a burden for Aegis to bear so much of. Surely you recognize we can not jeopardize existing contracts and our long-term growth?”

  “Do not speak to me of growth when I built Aegis from nothing. I thought better of you, Peter. I never realized you were so short-sighted as the rest. Short-term profit is meaningless in the face of what Avalyontis can bring. Potential that Aegis will see the lion’s share of, I assure you.”

  “I’m sorry, Viktor. I have a responsibility to our shareholders, our employees, the board and my own family. If you refuse to take a more measured approach, I’ve no choice but to call an emergency board meeting.”

  “If you’ve made your choice, then so have I. I’ll not waste any more energy dealing with such a fool.”

  “Viktor, I—.”

  “You may leave.” Viktor gestured dismissively, then called back over the people he’d been conversing with prior before Peter could say any more.

  You built Aegis, Viktor, Peter thought. But that doesn’t give you the right to destroy it. I’m truly sorry. Peter turned away and made a call on his IRIS as he collected his things before exiting into the elevator.

  Back in Artemis’ office, she continued to converse with Lydia over her IRIS while twilight faded into night.

  “Really, you give me too much credit,” Artemis said.

  “I’m serious!” Lydia protested. “I’m positive me skipping an angsty phase was because of you. The way you talked to and treated me, it was like I was in the ‘know’. As if I had something over others my age. Not that I really grasped that until much later, of course. Point is, I’m grateful, because black is just not my color.” She giggled.

  Artemis gave a soft chuckle. “Hm.”

  “I know I said I didn’t want to talk about it, but honestly? Pretty sure I aced my tests. Some of the classes I took really made me understand how big of an impact you truly had on little me. I even worry sometimes how I would’ve turned out, and going by some of my family members? Let’s just say, ew.”

  “Even if I helped as much as you claim, do not diminish that it is you who’ve made the choices to this point.”

  “Ah, jeez.” Lydia failed to stifle crying sounds. “I swore I wasn’t going to, but here I am blubbering, with still more to learn from you.”

  “‘The fool thinks he is wise, but the wise knows he is a fool.’” Artemis said with Lydia mirroring her. Artemis showed faint surprise.

  “Yes! I swear I didn’t plan that, but somehow I just knew you were gonna say that. Can’t believe I managed to.”

  “To be fair, it’s a phrase I’m not shy about.”

  “You’re downplaying it to tease me, but I don’t care.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Big yup. Anyway. I know I’ve been taking more of your time than I should. Just thank you so much, again. Pete and Liz have been bragging to me as if I wasn’t the one you sent them to you. They really loved the stories of your prank wars. Plus, the sleight of hand. More than that, though, I can already tell they’ve changed some. Even though they’ve been good at hiding it from me and Dad. It’s a little bittersweet they’re in the club of ‘knowing’ you now, but I’ll keep them from bugging you. Aaannd--”

  “One more, then go to sleep.”

  Lydia paused before breaking into hysterical laughter. “Of course you knew I was drinking! Jeez! Okay! Bye! Love you!”

  “Good night.”

  “Oops,” Lydia said as the call ended.

  Artemis glanced at the sleeping children, then back over Lyrsium with a forlorn expression. After a few minutes, she grasped at her chest with one hand, while propping herself up on the glass. Her face grimaced in pain, albeit quite subdued relative to her actions. Her skin glistened with sweat.

  “Whoa, what’s going on?” Xandr asked. “You somehow been hiding a medical condition from me?”

  “It’s nothing,” Artemis thought.

  “Sure doesn’t feel like nothing.”

  “It’ll pass.”

  “If you really know, then tell me, or you know I won’t shut up.”

  “It’s psychosomatic.”

  “I know I exist-ish and all, but you, of all people?”

  “It happens when I…dwell on all the suffering I’m going to cause.”