Chapter 14 

Golden Age, 50:42

Eden Province, Zorca City

Tulassqus, New Plane

Lion was reviewing reports when his father called him into his office. Lion's father is Dr. Kyte Grey, Owner and CEO of Vision, a renowned technological genius. His partner and Co-CEO is Titan Sable, a charismatic man who was considered to be a powerful businessman in the corporate world. Together, they built Vision, a tech company that focuses on progressive technological advancement. Vision had become a pioneer in the field, leading Tulasquss into the future on it's own back into what Tulassqus calls its Golden Age.

They built Vision together and, later,  Zorca City with their own two hands, achieving the impossible.

Lion, himself, however, is CTO at Vision. Lion works on his father's inventions and his own, conducting experiments, testing and much more. He was recently awarded for his recent invention of Holo-Gear, which launched the previous year. Holo-Gear is fashion and travel in holographic style. It became a huge hit and is still trending, allowing him to focus on improving it further. He was just going over some results from the testing his associates completed a week prior, but his father's summons took priority.

Lion left and entered the hallway, scientists passing by as he continued down. His father founded a new project, but it was top secret, and Lion believed his father was about to finally let him in. Lion was brimming with excitement, wondering what was coming next for Vision. The hallway was laden with closed doors on his left as tall and wide windows were on his right. It was evening and Zorca City was glowing, showcasing lights of many different colors scattered betwixt the skyscrapers and along several buildings and holographic billboards.

Lion wonders how his father and best friend achieved such an immeasurable feat. Zorca City is their living trophy, their lifetime testament to their ambitions. To Lion, it was also his father's daunting shadow, one he had to fill in the future. While Lion does not doubt himself or his abilities, he's not his father. The uncertainty of his future is quite stressful and he hopes it will be many, many more years until he ever has to take over.

He turned a corner, passing more scientists and assistants as he was eyeing his father's office door up ahead. He paused before it, taking a deep breath before opening. His father's office was also Titan's, their desk combined into one as it stood centered in the room with them seated beside each other as Lion stepped forward. His father looked like a mad scientist when put next to Titan. His hair was up in different angles from constantly scratching his noggin in thought, his thick prescription glasses not doing him any favors. Titan, on the other hand, did not look his age in the slightest. His shoulder-length hair was bouncy and healthy, handsomely framing his square face. The gods truly blessed Titan with features of a burly angel. Folks would often make comments, half-jokingly, that he could be Jeff Jefferson's son.

Lion could never get used to how incredible their office was. It was completely white and the walls were entirely glass windows letting in all the colors of the city. From the entrance straight to their desk was a runway, with stairs on either side leading down to other parts of their office. One end had a lounge area next to some bookshelves and paperwork on the low table beside it while the other end had a holographic centerpiece of his younger father and Titan, smiling together. This centerpiece was surrounded by a corner of awards, photos, and trophies. The floor of the runway was glowing glass while the rest of the office had reactive flooring. Reactive flooring would send waves from the source of pressure, coming in many settings. His father and Titan both loved it, calling it 'groovy' with its wave setting.

Lion walked down the runway and stopped before them both and bowed,

"Hello, father. Hey, Titan. You called for me?"

Dr. Grey was reviewing a stack of papers in his hand before peering above them to see his son,

"Leo, my boy! I have important news!" His father jumped from his seat immediately, his pace brisk as he made his way over to Lion. His father's bright mood was so infectious, he found himself also smiling.

Titan followed behind, smiling wide and grand, flashing his perfect teeth,

"You won't believe the news we have for you! For both you and Kione!"

Lion's bright expression faded ever so quickly at hearing the name. Kione is Titan's son and is meant to take over the company beside Lion. They've known each other since they were children, rarely growing apart as their fathers were business partners and the best of friends. However, Lion never liked Kione. Just like himself, Kione holds a similar position, that of which is CPO at Vision. He cannot fathom how Kione has managed for so long by doing nearly nothing as he mostly spends his time networking on his father's behalf.

Dr. Grey waved his hand at him as both he and Titan approached,

"Now, now! You boys should've gotten along by now! I don't wanna hear it!"

Dr. Grey hugged his son, Titan hugging them both into one big bear hug as his hands wrapped them both. Lion felt the air leave his lungs as he dangled a foot above the floor before Titan lowered them back down. Dr. Grey and Titan were laughing, obviously overjoyed by something. Lion doesn't believe he's ever seen them both so happy before, except perhaps only in old family photos. Lion stood up straight,

"Well, don't leave me wondering! I want to know what all this is about!"

Titan put his hand up,

"We must wait for Kione first."

Lion groaned,

"Who knows when he'll show up," Lion threw his arms in the air, slightly annoyed. He sauntered down to the nearest sofa, grabbing a magazine on the low table beside it, "Kione wouldn't pay attention to the time even if it were plastered on a woman's bosom before him." Lion opened the magazine, making his impatience known.

"Hey! At least I meet women."

Lion's eyes shot up, startled at Kione's sudden entrance. Kione entered as he was complaining, hearing everything. Lion, embarrassed for having been caught speaking ill of another, put down the magazine and didn't falter,

"Thank you for confirming where your attention lies."

Dr. Grey covered his face with his palms, shaking his head. Titan's laugh bellowed across the office, his deep voice calming and smooth,

"It's amazing how you both haven't changed since you were kids. Perhaps you both are closer than we believe you to be."

Lion and Kione spoke in unison,

"Not at all!"

"Dad, you're joking!"

Dr. Grey put his hand on Titan's shoulder,

"That's enough, we have much to discuss." Titan and Dr. Grey exchanged a nod as they motioned for Lion and Kione to follow. Lion watched his father and Titan sit back at their desk, himself standing before them beside Kione. Kione glanced at his cell phone, waiting for them to speak. Titan looked at Dr. Grey and nodded before facing the boys,

"You both may be inheriting the company soon."

As soon as they processed his statement, Kione dropped his cell, his face looking at them in disbelief. Lion nearly lost his footing before grabbing Kione's arm to catch himself. They both stared at their fathers with bated breath. Dr. Grey smiled, confirming Titan's announcement,

"We know this is...unexpected, but it is time for us to step down." Dr. Grey and Titan watched their son's expressions carefully, waiting for their response. Lion recomposed himself, his face twisting in disapproval. He wasn't ready to take over the company, especially beside Kione but what choice did he have? Lion didn't respond, he only looked down at the floor.

Kione straightened his back, clearing his throat,

"Are you sure you want to retire...now?"

Titan rolled his eyes, catching Dr. Grey's glance before continuing, his voice clear with authority,

"I know it's coming at you outta the blue, but it's time for you both to take over Vision. I know you both see it as our--" Titan motions at himself and his best friend, "-legacy but it's not just ours. It will be yours, too. You both can achieve what you want so long as you can work together."

Lion's hands balled into fists at his side, scowling at the ground. He feels like he's forced to endure a group project against his will, preparing himself to do all the work. Vision, however, cannot be compared to a simple group project. Vision is the most valued and richest company in Eden--hell--in all of Tulasquss! Vision created the perfect oasis for it's citizens to thrive within Eden's desert region! Lion felt the overwhelming stress come over his body, forcing him to grip his hips to stay composed. Kione also shared Lion's sentiments, feeling the weight of the responsibility suddenly on his shoulders. Kione was nowhere near ready for this level of responsibility.

Dr. Grey eyed his son, knowing this is a lot of information for two young men. He put his hand forward on the desk in an attempt to comfort them,

"Kione is the reason we have the investors we have now. He's a people person, Leo, just like his father. You, on the other hand, take after me, of course. Together, I believe you both can achieve more than Titan and I. Much more! There is nothing to fear."

Lion calmed down after hearing his father's words. While he cannot deny that they have the funding thanks to Kione's social life, he just doesn't like the idea of having to work with Kione. Kione, however, doesn't mind the partnership. In fact, Kione likes Lion and recognizes his efforts and genius but he doesn't have a clue why Lion despises him so much. Even if he were to ask, he doesn't even think Lion knows himself. Kione sighed, picking up his cell phone from the floor,

"I accept the position. If you'll excuse me, I have to prepare." Kione nodded to his father and Dr. Grey, flashing a defeated look at Lion, before turning on his heels and heading out the door. The rest of them watched as Lion only continued to feel more annoyed and frustrated. Titan cleared his throat,

"Leo, I know this is how you feel right now, but I hope once you begin working with my son, you'll feel differently."

Lion's hands curled into fists at his sides as he stared at the floor. Titan's words really mean't,

'Stop pouting. You have no choice so get along.'

Dr. Grey patted Titan's shoulder in reassurance,

"We'll contact you when it is time."

Lion glanced at them both before taking his leave and the office fell silent. Dr. Grey sighed heavily, leaning back into his chair,

"I wasn't expecting this reaction, especially Leo's. They're almost 30! They're capable men and have a far better position than we did at their age!"

Titan laughed,

"They're so much like us, it's frightening. It's as if we're watching our own biopic."

Dr. Grey chuckled,

"We've done everything we needed to for things to lead up to this moment. We can't let it slip past us. They will persevere."

Titan's expression brightened, feeling his best friend's confidence in their boys,

"That's right, old friend. Soon, our real dream will be achieved."

As Lion exited, he made a beeline for his office. He was still upset and it showed on his face. Everyone carefully avoided his gaze, making sure to stay out of his way. Lion wasn't only upset over Kione, but he doesn't feel ready for this responsibility, no matter how many years he prepared for this.

When Lion arrived to his office hallway, he saw Kione leaning against his office door. Lion groaned in annoyance,

"What do you want?" Lion adjusted his glasses so he could look up to see Kione's face. Kione resembled his father, inheriting nearly all of his handsome features. His brown deep-set eyes were clear as he stared at Lion--his tone not shaking him. Kione stroked his goatee, his expression serious,

"I want to talk to you." Kione's tone was firm, taking Lion by surprise. Lion eyed him for a few seconds before sighing, nudging Kione out of the way,

"If you must."

They entered his office together, taking their seats on Lion's sofas. Lion's office wasn't nearly as grand as his fathers' but it is still big enough to fit a sofa, his desk and a few shelves. Lion crossed his legs, folding his hands on his knee, expectant. Kione eyed him a moment before leaning into the sofa opposite of him. He could read Lion like a book since Lion always wore his heart on his sleeve. Kione knows Lion doesn't like him very much and that he despises him as a business partner, but they can't afford for things like this to get in their way.

Lion crossed his arms, his annoyance deepening with every second that passes them by. Kionehung one arm over the sofa, his tone shifting,

"I'm not happy about suddenly inheriting the company either, Lion. I didn't think they'd retire so soon without giving us a heads up first."

Kione's brows furrowed, his expression shifting to one of clear anger. Lion stared at him, his expression tight until his face softened. His anxiety was creeping, his voice cracking,

"T-this is much too soon. They were also very content, did you notice? Something happened." Lion's leg went restless as his thoughts grew deeper. Kione glanced at his leg bouncing and sighed,

"Lion, I know you fucking hate me, but if we're going to be thrown into succession like this, we have to work together. Shit, can't we be civil at work at the very least?" Kione leaned forward, his elbows leaning onto his knees as his body relaxed from fatigue. Emotional or physical, Lion couldn't tell. Lion stood up, combing his hands through his hair to calm down. He looked away to view a photo on his desk--at a group photo of him and Kione beside their fathers when they first entered the company. Kione was right, he was being childish. He doesn't have to like Kione to be able to do his work so long as shit gets done. Lion took a deep breath and turned back towards Kione,

"Y-you're right....but--," Lion put his finger up at him, trying to make his voice sound commanding, "I expect you to be present at work on days you are not 'working on the field,' as you so often claim."

Kione stood up immediately, struggling not to smile,

"Done. Anything else?"

Lion was taken aback by Kione's quick response as his body towered over him. Kione's expression showed his clear determination, and he could see that Kione was trying to make this work in his own way. Lion sighed, his face turning red,

"And I...I don't hate you. I just don't agree with how you work with our clients." Lion fidgeted with his coat, avoiding Kione's eyes. Kione's eyes widened, surprised by Lion's honesty.