A Tale of Two Brothers: Volume I

Chapter I - Old Rival

Ace was walking through the tower, his bright yellow eyes ahead as the German ignored all the eyes on him as the sea of people parted to let the determined man through; he fiddled with a match in his teeth.

He waited for the elevator to arrive on his current floor that he was on. He crossed his arms over his chest as he shadow played a melody with his fingers as they rapped along his bicep. The elevator dinged as the doors slowly and hesitantly opened; the man sighed walking in as he held the door open for no one in particular.

Ace pressed the button for the top floor as he watched the elevator doors shut and eventually felt the lift start to move upwards roughly. "I can't believe the man has the audacity to call us back here after what he did years ago." The German snarled as the painful memories flooded back in his head; he opened and closed his hidden blade as his anger boiled in his veins. Ace sighed, letting out a frustrated yell. "That son of a-" He felt something large grab his right shoulder firmly; he sighed, calming himself down. "You're right, big guy. Apologies for losing my temper." The German patted the feeling with his left hand, sensing the pressure on his shoulder release.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting for the elevator to come to a stop, it eventually did on the top floor of the tower. The doors began opening slowly before stopping from being so rundown. "Gottverdammt..." Ace breathed in annoyingly, closing his eyes and gripping the edges of the elevator doors. He focused on his strength, feeling his muscles flex as he shot open his eyes that were now a glowing crimson red.

With a swift movement, Ace threw open the doors with a slam causing the nearby people and bots to look his way with slight fear and anxiousness. "Curse this blasted building..." Ace stormed out of the rickety elevator as his tattered tan combat boots hit the floor with rage filled strides.

"Let's get this god forsaken meeting over with..."

Ace walked up to two large wooden doors, going to knock on them but before he did, the doors swung open as a brown eyed, messy haired brunette male stormed out bumping into temperamental German.

"S-Sorry." The man said half heartedly, averting his gaze before he walked off.

"Everyone in this tower is all the same; insolent and charlatans." Ace huffed, shaking his head to the cracked open door.

Ace knocked on the door, hearing an older, raspy voice welcome him. "Please, come in!"

The German clenched his fists as he bit down harder on the matchstick in between his teeth with his eyes starting to glow red in fury; he growled before feeling the familiar presence on his shoulder. "I'm fine..." His shoulder was squeezed harder, preventing him from moving. "Okay, I'll keep my mouth shut." Ace calmed himself before entering the office.

"Mr. Eckhardt, what a pleasure to lay eyes on you." An older man reclined in his leather office chair, interlocking his fingers with a sickening grin upon his face. "Please, have a seat." The man gestured to one of the leather chairs in front of his large desk.

Ace stood in between the desk and chairs, crossing his arms and glaring at the older white haired man.

"Stand, that's fine too." The man sighed, standing from his chair and walking over to the liquor cabinet in his office. "I guess you know why I've asked for you to come up here, yes?"

"Like I had a choice?" Ace watched the man carefully, observing every single movement like a predator stalking their prey.

"No need for hostility, now." The man poured himself a drink. "May I offer you a beverage? No. Very well." He walked back over to his office chair, sitting himself in it and crossing his right knee over his left. "I am in need of you and your bot's services, you see." The man sipped on his drink. "There are many different robotic experts in this tower; my nephew being one of the best. However, I've come to you to offer a partnership."