The Abduction of the Wizard Liver and the Furry Little Angels
A special chemistry had formed between Anemo and Fleur from the very beginning. They complemented each other and, despite the age gap, they took turns being the adult or the child, as if these roles were interchangeable.
Now they were both in the kitchen, cooking and chatting about the new book that seemed to be writing itself. Fleur had been assigned the mission of creating a special kefir sauce for the beef liver and onions that had just finished searing in the cast-iron skillet. It sat there now, soaking in its juices, sprinkled only with a pinch of pink salt and a dash of pepper.
— Pay attention, Fleur! The sauce you’re making is pure magic. We can add a tiny clove of garlic—very, very small—just enough so it doesn't upset these golden onions.
Anemo’s stomach and the little girl’s growled discreetly, but in unison, just as Anemo’s phone, sitting right on the kitchen table, began to sing with Antonio Banderas’s voice from Desperado:
“Soy un hombre muy honrado, que me gusta lo mejor...”
— It’s Stone! Give me two minutes to deal with him and then we’ll eat!
Snatching the phone, determined not to get bogged down in conversation, Anemo immediately began his dizzying trek through the house, leaving the kitchen and pacing kilometers back and forth across the living room.
— Yes, I promise you’ll be satisfied! Of course! Are you crazy?
Through the eyes of the little girl, who watched as if pulled by an invisible thread, Anemo’s face lit up more and more. It was clear that the “grounding guy” wasn't so fearsome after all, and that his first name, which sounded like a crossbow, was actually harmless.
— “Yesterday” is the day that passed, “today” is now—the present—and “tomorrow” hasn't happened yet; it’s the day that follows.
— But didn't you say the week has seven days? I just barely learned those, and now you’re telling me there’s also yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
— The week has ten days!
— You are something else... my stomach knots up just hearing you! — the black cat grumbled, this time standing up on the table. — I’m getting properly hungry, and it hasn't even been two hours since the last bowl of kibble!
— I’ve gotten hungry too! — Aeolus admitted.
— Me too! — the ginger one mimicked immediately.
— There’s a magical alchemy happening in there, don't you smell it?
— Very super-duper-magical! — Sirocco replied in a whispered voice.
— But the window has latches and I can't check exactly what's going on! — added the black furry one, in whose eyes lights that were not exactly angelic began to glow.
— Do you think I can help? Do you want me to meow for...
— Shhh! Don't you dare let out a single "meow"!
— Psst, kid! Only you are right for this mission. I’m too small—I couldn't bring back samples for research—and Mistral is too... imposing; he won't fit.
— It’s now or never, kid! Anemo has important business elsewhere, and that nosy girl with the tuft of hair left with him. Go on, have courage! I think you have time for two trips. This mission fits you like a glove!
— You won't believe it, Fleur! I might not be as famous as Remi Storm, but... hold on tight!
— Oh, just say it, Mr. Anemo! I’m so excited for you I can't even eat!
— Our story has charmed Archibald Peter Stone! This man is a true professional!
— Stop keeping me in suspense, Mr. Anemo! — Fleur began, but she too stopped, mouth agape.
— Our dinner! — they both whimpered in a chorus of hunger, after a long minute of silence. — We’re left with just the sauce!
— So, little one, “yesterday” is history. “Today” is the moment we take action...
— Well, help yourselves, your lordships! This sauce was the real magic. I’m leaving! I’m inviting myself to my mother’s for dinner...
— Fleur! Don't you think you’ve imposed on that poor man long enough? Your father is asking for you!
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