West Berlin 13:44

  The city center was bustling more than ever.

  It was a sunny day, and families had taken this opportunity for an outing.

  People enjoyed snacks under the warm sun in parks and cafes.

  Youth groups wandered the streets, enjoying the summer break with no care in mind.

  Occasionally, a whistle echoed, followed by an officer warning youngsters who use their powers disturbingly.

  In more wealthy parts of the city, the rich walked through glamorous shopping districts, followed by their robot butlers adorned with charming accessories.

  They acted as security, porters, and show of wealth.

  An autonomous taxi pulled up to the sidewalk to stop.

  Leonhard exited from the vehicle, holding a small box of artisan chocolate.

  His clothes were casual compared to his usual business-like attire: white shirt, black linen pants, simple sneakers. His hair was roughly tied on the back, something neither too janky nor fashionable.

  He approached one of the cafes and entered it. The location had a small closed garden on its back, where most seats were.

  When he entered, he quickly noticed his sister sitting at a corner table under the shade of a willow tree.

  She enjoyed a cup of herbal tea, looking disconnected from the world. Her long black hair was in a ponytail, and her eyes locked on the steam from the cup.

  She wore a long dress concealing most of her body—scars from all those terrible experiments she had to suffer ran across her entire body.

  Yet, her face was wide open, filled with remnants of those terrible days, mostly faded, except for a long one, starting from her temple and extending through the left side of her face.

  "She used to wear heavy make-up to hide her scars. Well, insecurity is still there, but I am happy she is more open now." Leonhard thought.

  He approached the table with a smile and sat down before his sister.

  "Look who I am seeing here," Olivia smiled, raising her head.

  "Ask me that. It felt like decades since we last met," Leonhard put the chocolate on the table. "Got you something."

  Olivia grabbed the box, slightly opened it, and smelled it. Her body relaxed under pleasure. "The heavens must smell like this."

  "Hope they do for you, you chocolate maniac."

  "They better be!" Olivia put the chocolate away. "But why do you look so thin?"

  Leonhard put his arm forward. "I needed to return some of the augments I had before."

  "Like how many? I assume they took the teleportation."

  Leonhard nodded.

  "Shield generator?"

  He nodded again.

  "What? Reinforced tendons, armor for inner organs, your second heart? Did he strip you of all defenses!?"

  Leonhard raised his hands, trying to calm his sister. "Slow down. I haven't even come to those, but yeah. I had to return most of my augmentations, though I still have the second heart and reinforced tendons."

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "That bastard going around, bullying kids. And he is supposed to be head of the world." Olivia sat back, still pouting. "So, anyway, what is the issue? Why he decided to kick you out." She turned back to her brother.

  Leonhard sighed and massaged his temple. "Wish I knew how his mind worked. He first told me to help with a UNAS project about raising kids with high potential, then blocked my access to all my resources, and now expects me to make up for it. I guess he wants me to make a name for myself or get experience through hardship, but who knows."

  Olivia put her cup down and got up. "Wait, does that mean? You are also!?"

  "Yes, I am broke as hell."

  "Gasp!" Olivia covered her mouth. "To see such day." She patted her brother's shoulder before sitting down. "Don't worry, I can treat you to a meal."

  "You are sweet, but I am afraid I might need it. When I said all my resources, I meant everything. Gray.CO, WhiteHaresPMC, I am even banned from entering my workshop. Even my bank accounts, including secret ones, got blocked."

  "Woah, he got you cornered badly." Olivia looked at her bag. "And I am not exactly the type to play with the amount of money you are used to. But I don't think you are devoid of any plan."

  Leonhard smiled. "You know me well. First, I need muscle to protect me as I gather resources."

  Olivia smiled, showing her fangs. "Now, you are speaking my language."

  "I may have lost what I had, but I still have a name and connections. We will first go underground. I have people to collect debts and friends to borrow."

  "Sounds fun already. And here I was, bored, waiting for the academy entrance exam results."

  "I almost forget that. Congrats-!"

  "On what? Oh, wait, you will not!" Olivia sent some mist and shut Leonhard's mouth. "I know you somehow gained access to my results early, but I am not letting anyone take joy in opening that letter from me, mister!"

  Leonhard nodded, and Olivia pulled her mist back. "Well, it's not like she is not aware she scored the highest combat score ever recorded on those tests, but... Her wish."

  "Your loss, sister. Anyways. We will first take the money and stash it in one of my safehouses."

  "That is easy. Do you still have the costumes and the rabbit masks?"

  Leonhard nodded. "They are in my hotel room. But it's been two years since you last wore your suit. We might need to take it to a tailor."

  Olivia waved her hand dismissively. "That will be the easiest part."

  Leonhard nodded. "True."

  "And about equipment. I guess you won't plan on relying on me alone."

  "I will rely on you a lot, but I asked Harden to send an autonomous ship with the equipment I might need, so don't worry about doing overtime."

  "Didn't the Chancellor cut your access to all that stuff? How are you planning on getting the equipment."

  Leonhard chuckled, his nose up in the air. "Who do you think your brother is? On paper, the ship will sink because of a seaborn anomaly. If we finish our job on time, a less-than-reputable but business-minded border officer in Morroco will help us empty the cargo and transfer it to my safehouse in Algeria."

  Olivia smirked. "You think the great Chancellor will miss that?"

  "Well, if he pushes me that far, I might create a global crisis for his ass to handle. And, hopefully, he is not that heartless."

  "Good, you are his 'prized' pupil after all. If he acts like this to you, I wonder how he is to his enemies."

  "Probably softer. But anyways, how are you doing?"

  "Eh, you know me. I hang around in the facility and go to missions when one is available. Other than that, not much."

  "Any new friends?" Leonhard smiled. "Or maybe a lover."

  "Tough luck there. I got nothing. A government facility for super-powered agents isn't exactly a location filled with kids of our age. I stopped all interest. I am just following idols or actors these days."

  "It's always funny to think you, of all people, are into idols."

  Olivia tilted her head. "What is wrong with being a fan of idols?"

  "Nothing, just the irony of contrast."

  "And you are into soap operas."

  "It was for a short time."

  "Yeah, yeah... Well, teasing each other aside. What is your planned school?"

  "Oh, we are back to that. I am planning on one of the big four, but I have yet to decide which one."

  Olivia reached for her bag and grabbed a paper neatly placed in a transparent file. "Then let me give you a hint on which to choose."

  Leonhard grabbed the paper. "A sun above the Mediterranean Sea, so you choose the Horizon. Also, nice application form. It looks neat."

  Olivia nodded. "Thank you! I am still waiting for the results to submit it, but it was either the Horizon or the Arsenal." She approached her brother and whispered. "Keep it between us. I prefer the Horizon's climate over the Arsenal. After all, I am taking a break here."

  Leonhard chuckled. "So that was your goal. Relax under the Mediterranean sun, and enjoy your teenage years without a care of the world, right miss?"

  "You got it right, mister." Olivia leaned back to the chair and relaxed. "This old body of mine has gone through enough duty. I need a break."

  "Now you are making me feel bad for asking for your help."

  "Oh, don't worry. After all, family comes first."

  "Family comes first," Leonhard repeated it.

  Soon, the twins forgot about the world and its problems and began chatting about the weather, news, cartoons, and other trivial topics.

  They distanced themselves from the world in each other's comfort.