I am Artemis

Stress

Kaori

It had been a few days since I fed on Inu. He hadn't come to see me and I wasn't exactly rushing to see him. I was afraid of how he would react when I kissed him. It felt really nice, I was just worried about how he felt about me. Especially with what happened a thousand years ago. I sighed as I sat at my desk filling out paperwork from the cases I've completed over the last couple of days. I hadn't seen Ash or Inu which worried me a bit. I felt that something bad was coming. I knew Stryker wouldn't just leave me alone and neither would Apollo. I jumped as my phone started ringing. I sighed and picked up the phone. I'd have to worry about Inu and the rest of the people on my list later.

"Hello," there was rustling, "Mrs. Didymos, this is Amy at the front desk. You have a Mr. Parthenopaeus and a Urian at the front desk. Urian will not give his last name."

Urian's here. How will he react when I tell him who is parents are? Why now?

I sighed, "hand the phone to Mr. Parthenopaeus please."

Rustling again, "Kaori?"

"Hello, Ash. Please come up to my office with Urian. No fighting. I will send Eduardo up with both of you to ensure that if I need to." Silence was my answer.

"I needed to speak to you alone," I bit my lip, "we will. I promise. I need you to just come up with Urian and be nice to him, please?"

He didn't say anything. I leaned back in my chair. I felt my eyes start to water.

"Please, Ash. It's been a rough few days. I'll handle my business with Urian quickly. I promise." I waited.

"Alright Kaori," I sighed in relief, "please hand the phone back to Amy."

I heard rustling, "ma'am?"

"Please send Mr. Parthenopaeus up with Urian. Send Eduardo up with them to ensure they behave please," I glanced at my desk, "yes, Mrs. Didymos."

"Thank you, Amy." I hung up.

I leaned back and covered my face with my hands.

Please let this go well.

I hadn't slept great and work was kicking my but. Inu hadn't stopped by and I was scared that I lost him. I heard the ding of the elevator. I sat up and smiled.

You've got this, Kaori. Just get it over with.

"Hello Ash, Urian," I looked at Eduardo, "thank you for escorting them."

Eduardo smiled at me and nodded. The doors to the elevator closed. I glanced down at my desk and then back up.

You can do this, Kaori.

"Urian. It's a pleasure to meet you. What can I do for you?" He narrowed his eyes on me.

"You said Stryker isn't my father. How can that be? His wife gave birth to me? Who are the people you showed me? Are you lying to me?" I felt my eyes start to water.

I looked up at Urian, "what I said is the truth, little one. I know it may seem hard to believe, but I have no reason to lie to you. They have searched for you for thousands of years. I would've come to you earlier, but I needed you to come to me of your own volition."

I glanced at Ash. I could see his brows were furrowed even with the glasses on. I bit my lip.

"Urian," he tilted his head, "you are family. It's why I told you. The man next to you is your uncle and I your aunt. You are his nephew. As well as mine. I felt you had the right to know."

I glanced at Ash. He looked tense.

"That is impossible. I am not related to either of you! I am the son of Strykerius." I stood up.

Understandable that he doesn't believe me.

I walked around the desk. Urian stepped back. I stopped.

"Urian, I won't hurt you. I know it is hard to learn your father isn't really your father, but you have the right to the truth. Even if you don't want to hear it." He looked troubled.

"Who is it?" I smiled.

"Your father is Styxx of Didymos, and your mother is Bet'anya Agriosa, Princess of Thebes." He gasped.

"That's impossible! Styxx vanished years ago. There is no way I am his long lost son! What you're saying is nonsense!" He looked so troubled.

"Styxx didn't vanish," Urian looked up at me, "I gave him back the woman he loved. I was willing to take her place for my sins. Truthfully Urian, it is my fault you do not know your parents. My fault that you were ripped from Bet'anya as a baby. The blame lies with me, little Urian."

He glared at me, "Akri said differently! She said that you are lying!"

Shit. If Apollymi told him differently I would need to tread carefully. I didn't want to get on her bad side. She was one of the few I cared and trusted in this world. I didn't want to lose that.

I smiled at him, "then trust your Akri, Urian. Just go see them once. You decide which one of us is being truthful, but you must promise me something."

He looked confused, "never hate your Akri. If you wish to hate someone let it be me, not her. No matter what you learn. She was trying to protect you. I should be viewed as the one trying to destroy your life."

I glanced at Ash. I could see his furrowed brows. I smiled at Urian.

"Go home, Urian. Think about what I said. That's all I can tell you. I'll be here when you need me." He scoffed.

"As if I will ever need you." He went to the elevator and left.

That could've gone better.