THE MOMENT
"Blueberry is just a placeholder. I can make it taste like anything," Aurelio offered the flask to Madison on the other side of the counter. The blonde woman lifted it to the light to appreciate the viscous, sparkling blue liquid in the sunlight. His booth was one of hundreds in the outdoor market; but, his wares were uniquely customized to his customers. Madison was bored of the pale, watery mana potion that tasted like medicine and wanted something with more character. So far, the liquid in the glass measured up to her imagination. The way it clung to the sides and left blue sparkles as it slowly sank down the sides gave it an almost sinister quality. She brought it to her lips for a taste. She felt like she was drinking a blueberry smoothie as the cool, refreshing liquid entered her mouth.
"I love it!" she grinned. Madison had heard good things about Aurelio's products; but, she was still surprised. He was able to create the exact experience she wanted from her potions after a very brief conversation. The only decision she had to make was what flavor she wanted. "Make it lemon-flavored and I'm all set," she said. "And Orange flavor for the HP potion, please."
"You got it," Aurelio nodded. The portly teen took back her flask and set it down on the smooth, white workspace again. A red line formed a square around the flask's perimeter and Aurelio began typing on keys that only he could see. The blue liquid in the flask shifted to yellow for a brief moment, then back to blue. He replaced the blue flask with a red one and repeated the same process. The red liquid flashed orange, then he gave her both of the flasks.
"Thank you!" Madison paid with a small golden cube and Aurelio nodded at her with a smile.
"You're welcome. Tell your friends," he waved then turned toward his next customer. He was aware someone was waiting for him to be done; but, he was surprised when he gave them his attention. It was a pale, plump woman with dark hair wearing a black suit with a red tie. He recognized her, there was no mistaking it. Aurelio was too stunned to speak and she took the opportunity to explain why she was there.
"Hello, Mr. Luna. Ms. Sharp would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience," she said.
"Now is good," Aurelio nodded. He tapped the surface of his booth three times and the entire structure became dark grey. Meeting Ms. Sharp was one of his life's goals and he did not want to keep the most important woman in the universe waiting. As soon as he agreed a black portal appeared on the ground beneath his feet, then, it flew up to swallow him and Melody Sharp, the woman in black. When he could see again he found himself in a spacious, all-white office. A tall, lean, pale woman in a white suit smiled at him and extended her hand.
"Hello, Aurelio, thank you for coming," she said.
"No problem Ms. Sharp...," Aurelio did his best to keep his wits about him; but, he was overflowing with awe. "...what can I do for you?"
"You've gained quite a glowing reputation for your workmanship on the Schoolyard server. If someone needs something fixed, something changed, or to create something brand new, you're the guy everyone calls. Sharp Development always likes to encourage enterprising individuals that we find to be exceptionally skilled. I'd like to personally offer you a position with our company."
"Yes!" Aurelio nodded. "Where do I sign?"
"I should mention that I have a specific role in mind for you...," Ms. Sharp added. "It wouldn't be as freeform as our usual employees."
"Oh?" Aurelio was surprised again. "Doing what?" The biggest reason he wanted to work for Sharp Development was because their employees could do almost anything. As long as they were working for the good of the company they could generally run their own projects. And the company had near-limitless resources.
"Sharp Development will soon be sponsoring a hand-picked roller derby team. I'd like you to be our Quartermaster. Our exclusive Quartermaster," she added. Aurelio got the hint; but, it was an easy decision. If he was a Sharp employee he did not need to run his own business anymore.
"I'm ready," he nodded again.
"Wonderful," Ms. Sharp smiled at him. Then, she gestured at the woman in black again. "Melody will get you started."