3 days later...

With Midas' wounds all healed and a good batch of henchmen recovered, the usual routine resumed as normal. The henchmen out on patrol, Midas was back in his normal work attire and back in his office, sending his agents out on missions.

But, this left Sophie all alone...

Jules sees this, and decides to go talk to her.

"What's the matter kid?"

"I'm just bored Jules. Midas hasn't sent me on a mission for a while now, why is that?" She explains, lying her head on her arm.

Jules sighs, remembering something M told her the night before he was free to go.

"Jules, don't tell Sophie anything I'm about to tell you...but, I don't think I can ever make her into an agent. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to...but she's just too innocent and nice. I couldn't send her into a battle. She'd get ripped to little smiling shreds."

"I'm not sure kid, why don't you go ask him?" She suggests.

"Yeah, yeah! I'll go ask him! Maybe he's had a mission ready for me this whole time!"

Sophie springs into action and makes a dash to Midas' office, hoping to find a mission there waiting for him.

*****************************************

It does feel wonderful to be back in my office. The place where I can work in peace with no issues coming towards me.

*knock knock*

Hm? Who could that be?

"Come in."

Sophie opens the door and shuts it behind her, shuffling over towards me.

"Ah Sophie, what can I do for you?"

"Oh I was just wondering when I'd be going on another mission, that's all." She smiles, sitting down in the chair opposite me.

"It will come. All in good time kiddo." I tell her, putting my hands under my chin. "Now, was there anything else you needed from me, or will you be on your way?"

"Well...I was just thinking... maybe you could do with a day off tomorrow?"

I look up at her once more.

"Hm? What made you think of that?"

"Midas, I can tell you're probably suffering inside. The bags under your eyes are clear evidence that you haven't been getting enough sleep. I understand your work is important, but so is your mental health. So, maybe a day off will do you some good? I'll join you if you want!" She sighs sadly, a frown on her face.

"Maybe she and Jules are right... maybe I do need to try unwinding and relaxing?"

With a long sigh, I finally say:

"Fine, fine. I'll think about it. Now, is there anything else?"

"Oh, here. You left this in my room the other day." Sophie then passes me my diary, then gives a small wave as she leaves.

Feeling slightly nostalgic, I open it up and begin to read my writing of the past.

"I wrote some strange things as a kid." I mutter to myself.

Turning the page, I find a picture of me and Jules when we were very young.

Me aged 8 and Jules aged 5.

*****************************************

22 years ago...

"Come on Midas, don't be nervous. You said you were ready."

"I know, but I'm scared. What if she thinks I'm a freak or something?"

"Now Midas, we've talked about this hundreds of times. You're not a freak. You're just a very unique child. It's what makes you special."

"But..."

"Dearest, we're home. Go play now Jules, me and your mother have grown up things to talk about."

"Brother! Mum says you have something to tell me! So, what is it?"

"Um...w-well, you know that I have to wear these gloves around you and other people?"

"Yep."

"Well, this is why..."

...

"So everything you touch turns to gold?"

"Y-Yes."

"That's so cool! I don't know why you're afraid of it."

"Jules, you understand. A power this strong comes with consequences. Someone could get badly hurt because of me. That's why I chose to hide it."

"Well I'll always be here if you need company. That's what friends and siblings are for, right?"

"Hehe...yeah. Thanks for understanding lil sis."

*****************************************

"He told you about his golden touch?!"

"Yes dad, and I told him that I'd be by his side no matter what."

"Jules, for your safety, stay the heck away from him."

"But why? He's part of our family!"

"That boy is a mistake. I wanted a child who was normal and I had to wait 3 extra years for it to happen."

"Dad, shush! He might be listening to us!"

"I'm not bothered if he is. I'm not letting him near my precious angel."

"Dad, he's not a freak! He's my brother."

"Call him what you want sweetheart, but he's not my son."

*****************************************

My eyes shoot open from the cruel memory. That's been the worst one so far.

"Damnit. Not another one. What's wrong with me?" I groan, rubbing my head.

Getting up from my chair, I look outside, seeing how it's already grown very dark out.

"I guess I'll be going with Sophie tomorrow after all..."

I grab my paperwork and put it away in my cabinet. And locking my office door, make my way to my room to sleep, hopefully peacefully.