Chill Girls

The clock read 08:21. 

Morning was beginning to brighten in Wonder City, but the city was far from awakening in peace. The atmosphere was heavy, laden with tension and frustration. In recent months, reports of abuse of authority by the three guardians, Sera, Aegis, and Lumina, had become increasingly frequent. The discontent of the citizens grew, and a massive protest was about to explode in the streets.

In the heart of the city, at Liberty Square, a crowd was gathering. Colorful banners and signs fluttered in the air, carrying messages of indignation and revolt. — Enough Abuse! Guards or Tyrants?  Justice Now!— were some of the phrases emblazoned on the posters. The noise of voices rose, a cacophony of anger and despair echoing between the skyscrapers of Wonder City.

Among the protesters were people of all ages and social classes. There were students, workers, entire families, and the elderly, all united by a common sense of injustice. In the center of the square, an improvised stage had been set up where community leaders and activists took turns speaking, further inflaming the crowd's spirit.

— I'm fed up with those assholes, sons of bitches! shouted a gray-haired woman, holding a megaphone. — They treat us like worms in our own city, to them our lives mean nothing! The three idiots were created to protect us... and now, they are our biggest problem!

The crowd applauded and shouted in agreement, while the sound of breaking glass echoed around the square. Groups of protesters began vandalizing shops and government buildings, in a desperate act to draw attention to their demands. Walls were spray-painted with slogans, and trash bins were knocked over, spilling garbage into the streets.

Amidst the chaos, one figure stood out. Eterrai, who had arrived in Wonder City a few days earlier, observed the scene with a mixture of curiosity and indifference.

At a safe distance, Sera and Aegis watched the protest. Lumina, the third guardian, was no longer with them. Her absence was a heavy burden for the two remaining guardians.

— We need to do something before this gets even more out of control. — said Aegis, his voice firm.

— But how? — asked Sera, her wings moving nervously. — They see us as enemies now. Any action we take could be interpreted as another abuse of power... fools.

While the guardians debated, Eterrai continued to observe the crowd, though his mind was elsewhere. He was focused on continuing his objective and began to walk through the chaos.

As tensions reached a boiling point, community leaders and activists tried to organize the protest and channel the anger into constructive dialogue. One of the leaders, a young man named Vasco, climbed onto the stage and raised his hands, asking for silence.

— Citizens of Wonder City! — Vasco began, his voice firm and clear. — We are here because we seek justice. They said they would reduce trafficking, but the drugs are still here, militiamen continue to extort small businesses, so what is their duty!? We need to demand accountability from those above us!

The crowd responded with applause and shouts of support, but the underlying tension remained palpable. As Vasco continued to speak, outlining a plan for a peaceful resolution, Eterrai noticed a shift in the atmosphere. The protesters were starting to listen, and the vandalism began to decrease.

However, not everyone was willing to let go of their anger. A group of masked individuals, hidden among the crowd, began to incite more violence, throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at the police barriers. The situation threatened to spiral out of control again.

Meanwhile, at Wonder Tower, which rose majestically in the heart of Wonder City, its futuristic structure reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling manner, as if trying to overshadow the conflict on the streets. However, behind all the grandeur, there were also problems that had not come to light.

Inside the tower was Aurora Sterling, who had been awakened by the protests in front of her house. After trying to understand what had caused all that outrage and barely escaping her apartment alive, she ran furiously to confront the one she knew was the source of the revolt. She walked with heavy, rapid steps through the gleaming corridors of the tower. Her eyes blazed with anger, and her face was marked by indignation.

Upon arriving at the laboratory, Aurora pushed the door open forcefully, causing it to slam against the wall. Cláusio, who was talking to Myndi on the phone, looked up, surprised by Aurora's abrupt entrance.

— Myndi, I have to hang up. — said Cláusio, trying to feign surprise.

— YOU DESPICABLE, FLUFFY-HEADED BASTARD! — Aurora exclaimed, her voice laden with frustration. — ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY YOU! IS THAT WHY YOU DIDN'T WANT TO TELL ME HOW YOU MADE THEIR AI?

Cláusio frowned, his blue eyes fixed on Aurora's.

— I don't know what you're talking about, it was just an error.

— Don't play dumb! — Aurora advanced, pointing a finger at Cláusio. — WHAT DID YOU DO?

Cláusio sighed, moving away from the phone and crossing his arms.

— Aurora, you don't understand the complexity of the situation. No, you know very well, you were once among them. We needed a force to maintain order, this place has no other solution. — he said, opening his arms.

— Order? — Aurora let out a bitter laugh. — We can't control them through fear, that's not how it works! People are suffering, Cláusio. They fear us, and that's not what should happen.

Cláusio ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable with her words.

— I did what was necessary, the real world doesn't work with dreams and hopes.

Aurora interrupted him firmly.

— And who are you to decide what's necessary?

The room fell into heavy silence as the two stared at each other.

— You can keep blinding yourself with your idea of order, but I will fight for what I believe is right. — said Aurora, her voice a mix of anger and sadness.

Aurora turned on her heel, walking towards the door. Cláusio remained still, watching her leave, his mind torn between pride and doubt. He knew Aurora wouldn’t give up easily and that she would become a formidable adversary.

— Aurora, wait. — Cláusio called out, his voice a mix of anger and authority. — If you leave now, there will be no turning back.

With those words, Aurora left the laboratory, the sound of her footsteps echoing down the corridor. Cláusio stood in silence, various resolutions to his dilemmas passing through his mind.

After exiting the elevator and reaching the first floor, Aurora quickly adjusted the hood of her dark cloak over her red hair, hiding her striking features behind sunglasses and a scarf that covered her neck and part of her face. With agile and stealthy steps, she slipped through the shadows of the reception area and headed for the back, making sure to avoid being recognized by any protesters through the window. Upon reaching the back, Aurora pushed an emergency door, which opened with a muted click. Without hesitation, she ran out the back, her boots barely making a sound on the asphalt. The emptiness of the back streets of Wonder Tower contrasted with the turmoil on the other side, providing the perfect cover for her escape as she disappeared into the daylight.

The morning in Wonder City was sunny, but inside the cozy café named "Coffee Haven" the atmosphere was warm and discreet. The aroma of fresh coffee and newly baked cakes filled the air, creating a perfect setting for a quiet conversation. In the farthest corner of the establishment, two women sat, talking in low voices.

Inside the café, a television mounted on the wall was broadcasting the latest news. The reporter on the screen, with a serious expression, was covering the protest happening at Wonder Tower.

— ... We are here at the facade of Wonder Tower, where a large protest is taking place. The citizens of Wonder City are protesting against the abuses committed by the guardians. Scenes of vandalism and confrontation with the police have been frequent.

The image on the television showed the agitated crowd, holding signs and shouting slogans. Halo, who was unrecognizable thanks to a wig of short brown hair and makeup that transformed her features, watched the scene on the television. Next to her, her friend Julia, a young woman with blonde hair and a warm smile, also watched the coverage.

— This is turning into a mess. — commented Julia, looking at Halo. — They’re just poking a hornet’s nest too big for them.

— I know. — replied Halo, adjusting her thick-framed glasses. — It’s hard to believe they think this will amount to anything, it will only serve as an excuse for the state.

Julia nodded and took a sip of her coffee while looking at Halo.

— You're really unrecognizable, Halo. — said Julia, chuckling. — You should do this more often. It’s a good way to find a man who isn’t just after your fame.

— I know. Halo replied, adjusting her glasses. — But this damn wig can’t accentuate the natural beauty of my lovely curls.

Julia laughed mockingly as she drank her coffee. The news continued on the television, showing images of the guardians trying to control the crowd, and Julia changed the subject again.

— So, what have you been up to lately? — asked Julia, stirring the coffee in front of her.

Halo sighed, looking at the cup of tea in her hands before answering.

— Well, actually, I’m getting ready for a trip. I’m going to New Asia tomorrow, you must have seen the news.

Julia raised her eyebrows, surprised.

— New Asia? Wow, I didn’t know, I haven’t had much time recently! What are you going to do there... you know, besides the shows?

Halo gave a shy smile.

— I have to participate in a bunch of boring programs, but it’s going to be a great opportunity to share my music with new people and explore a different place.

Julia smiled back, holding Halo’s hand for a moment.

— You're going to rock, as always. And stop with this ‘sharing my music’ nonsense, what you really need to do is experience a grand romance with those delicious Asians, you should be married by now.

— I’ll think about it, but that idea seems a bit problematic. — Halo replied with a smile.

— You lack vision. — Julia retorted.

The two continued to chat, enjoying the moment of leisure and anonymity in the café.

The clock read 08:39.