Previous Story: 90. Settling Affairs - “Up to No Good” - The Project
Beater and Zephyr had been up on the roof of the Kilcline Building a number of times. Originally, it had been to check out the view, but there was a sheltered area where they could enjoy the sun and play soccer. The square was probably only 20 feet across but, as Brazilians, the siblings enjoyed showing off their skills more than passing the ball.
"Too slow! Again."
For the 10th time in as many minutes, Zephyr danced around Beater, keeping the ball away from his sister. In a full game, Beater could use her strength and power, but, in a confined space, Zephyr flourished.
"Riacho or SL — the result is always the same." Zephyr flicked the ball into his hands and held it aloft like a trophy.
"Yeah, yeah. Next time, we lift weights." Beater leaned back against an air-con unit where they had placed two bottles of chilled beer. Beater sipped hers. "Warm day."
Zephyr shrugged. "Warm. Not hot. It never gets hot like home."
"That’s a good thing."
"You glad we came here?" asked Zephyr after a while.
Beater wiped sweat off her brow. "Overall, yeah. I mean — crisis aside — Cynfo’s a cool place to work. Good pay, insurance, all that. And, even now, it’s probably safer than the favelas!"
"Most places are. Insurance isn’t worth much now though, is it? And we do have to take orders, sis. A lot of orders."
"Time for a change of scene, bro?"
Zephyr rolled the soccer ball around with his foot. "Could be."
"Remember that idea we had — about linking up with the Red Dragons and maybe starting some business between SL and Los Diablos?"
"The Dragons are more our kind of people," agreed Zephyr. "Then again, Goddess has stepped up. I’ve got to say, I didn’t think she had it in her."
"Me, neither,” replied Beater. "But everything’s up in the air right now. Let’s see how it all pans out and go from there. Keep our options open."
"Good call. Hey, catch!" Zephyr flicked the ball up again then volleyed it straight at his sister.
Beater was still holding her beer, so could only dodge out of the way. The ball struck the other bottle, which fell to the ground and smashed. Beer leaked out onto the roof.
"Ah, crap!"
"Still got mine." With a grin, Beater took another swig of beer.
