Awareness never came. With difficulty, I remembered that I was not allowed to dream, but the familiar viscous state inexorably pulled me somewhere down.

No... I have to stop dreaming...

But this time it was dense and tangible like water. Cold black water.

I'm just not going to do anything, then the dream will dissipate by itself. However, my plans were interrupted by a familiar touch.

A familiar disembodied hand ran first through my hair and then over my wrist and shoulder. From these touches, I felt a surge of strength, and opened my eyes.

I sat at the feet of Jupiter, bowing my head on his knees, and he...