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The Clash of Convictions
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2024-04-10 23:39:55Related chapters
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Janus-Faced
WILDFLOWERS FILLED the air with their sweet scent and the soft chirping of birds. Dressed in a black trouser and a white tank top, her barefeet touched the cool, soft grass. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, and she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and safety. She wandered through this serene and sunlit meadow, her fingers brushing the tops of the flowers as she walked. In the distance, she saw a cozy cottage with smoke curling from the chimney. The path leading to the cottage was lined with vibrant flowers, and as she approached, she heard the sound of familiar laughter and the soft hum of melody. The cottage door opened and a woman stepped out with a warm, welcoming smile - it was her mother, Lucien, looking healthy and radiant. Beside her was another woman, Astrid, who Blanche knew as her mother's best friend but now, she felt an even deeper connection. Blanche's face brightens up with a smile as she runs towards them.
Last Updated : 2024-05-28Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Pursuit
IN THE PITCH-dark afternoon, the room was filled with the mechanical sound of the heart monitor. It had been two weeks since the clash between General and Blanche had occurred, and yet, the General was still unconscious. Nikolai intertwined his fingers, resting his chin on them. Squinting at the computer screen, he scoffed. "What? Why?" his companion asked, curious about Nikolai's reaction. He shrugged and clicked on the mouse. "I wonder if Lucien really lost her sanity," Nikolai muttered while zooming out on the surveillance recording. "Insane or not, you should have secured her room better. She wouldn't have escaped her prison cell if I had known your idea of containing her in the Black Organization's secret chamber would fail." Nikolai groaned, irritated by his companion's comment. "Instead of meddling in my business, why don't you ensure your little puppet won't betray you?" he snapped, implying his companion's sudden decision to
Last Updated : 2024-07-17Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Entanglement
REALIZING HOW twisted life could be, Yama couldn't help but laugh inside her mind. What kind of situation had she put herself into? Right before her, sat the long-lost heiress of the Emerson fortune—Aurelia Lucien Emerson-Hollingsworth, the Director's missing wife for goodness knows how long. Life indeed had a way of weaving twisted events. Yama sighed and smiled as she continued to tend to the bruises on Lucien's body. "If it wasn't luck, then I don't know what it is, Miss Lucien. I'm glad I was the one who saw you back on the road—what would have happened if one of the enemies had caught you? We might never have known you were still alive." "Thank you..." Lucien uttered with a hoarse voice. She lowered her gaze, trying to hide her bruised face, but Yama gently held her chin, looking her straight in the eyes. "No wonder our Director couldn't move on. You're indeed beautiful, Miss Lucien," Yama said before standing up. Confused,
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Fractured Moments
THUNDER roars as the storm rages with no sign of letting up. Lightning flashed, momentarily illuminating the room and casting jagged reflections across the rain-streaked windows. The newcomer stood silently by the glass, hands buried deep in her pockets, her presence unsettling. The tension in the air was palpable, and the others remained quiet, wary of the eerie aura she exuded. “It’s been a while since he’s shown any sign of life,” she mused, her voice calm yet cold. She raised a steaming cup of coffee to her lips, glancing at the reflection of the man lying motionless on the queen-sized bed. “Don’t you think it’s time we put an end to this?” She set the cup down on the bedside table, her gaze never leaving the patient. “Honestly, I bet the old man would prefer rest at this point. Revenge is a young person’s game, and he’s far too old for it.” Her fingers brushed the IV tubing that snaked from the patient’s arm, her touch both casual and threat
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Price of Survival
MOST PEOPLE believe that the more fiercely you fight to live, the more determined you become to move forward and never look back. Lost in thought, she leaned against the wall for support, idly playing with her tanto knife as she watched the general, who had recently awakened. "You must have some sort of talisman within you, father," she said, sheathing her tanto knife and walking over to him. As she reflected on the events of the past week, she couldn’t help but smile with a hint of embarrassment. The general's awakening had been nothing short of a surprise, an event still vivid in her memory. "It was about time," she remarked as she entered her father’s room. The monitor by his bedside beeped steadily, showing stable vital signs, though he remained unconscious. "Are you really going to remove his cardiac monitor?" Athena inquired, her voice tinged with concern over the potential consequences of their acting leader’s decision.
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Threads of Division
MOONLIGHT cast long shadows across her face as the weight of the truth bore down on her. She could hear the faint hum of her father's words replaying in her mind, like a haunting echo she couldn't shake. Since the very beginning, the General had plotted the death of General Silas Grey, the man who once held his position with honor. But General Elias Grey --- the man Cessair had idolized the moment they had met --- was not even a true member of the Grey family. The General, Cessair's father, has been adopted by the Grey's, his bloodline was nothing but a pure fabrication. Her heart sank as she thought of the man who had silently supported her throughout, a man who had murdered his predecessor out of jealousy, out of his twisted sense of entitlement. She sighed as she closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to the General's story; a story he had never told her in full detail until now. Elias and Silas Grey, claimed by the Grey clan to be twi
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Crossed Lines
THE DIMLY lit room was thick with tension, shadows dancing across the walls as the General sat at the head of the long table, fingers steepled beneath his chin. His sharp eyes scanned the faces of his most trusted confidants, but his focus remained unshaken, waiting for the moment that would turn the tide in his favor. The heavy door creaked open, and Athena strode in, her heels echoing against the cold floor. She approached with the air of someone who held the key to the future. In her hands, she carried a slim, unassuming folder—the stolen file. Without a word, she placed it on the table in front of the General, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "A gift," she said softly, her voice laced with satisfaction. "Directly from Blanche's team." The General's eyes narrowed as he glanced down at the file, the tension in the room sharpening as he reached for it. Slowly, methodically, he opened it. The room seemed to hold its breath as he flipped throu
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Under Seige
BITING her thumb's fingernail and bouncing her knee nervously, Blanche peered through the window, trying to make sense of their location. How long had it been since she last visited this place? She could barely remember. After the incident, she'd fled, starting a new life in a different country. She rubbed her hands over her face, feeling uneasy despite having her companions beside her. Alexis glanced back at her and sighed. “How long are you going to act like that?” Alexis asked, her tone a mix of impatience and concern. The car had been parked outside the old apartment for a while now, and Blanche seemed completely unaware. Blanche messed up her hair, frustrated. “Why are you even with me?” Raising an eyebrow, Alexis scoffed. “Because the director wanted me here.” Blanche rolled her eyes and leaned back against the leather seat. “Why do I have to stay here with you guys?” “Why not?” Aracelli shrugged from the fr
Last Updated : 2024-09-20
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Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Year Beyond
A YEAR had passed for Blanche and her family, and during that time, she’d come to realize that building a family wasn’t as straightforward as the missions she had taken on in the past. Yet, despite the challenges, she saw it as a different kind of adventure—one she could cherish alongside the people she loved most. Shiobhan had just turned four last month and was now attending nursery school. Blanche and Venus shared the responsibility of caring for their daughter, and they were both incredibly hands-on. It didn’t have to be perfect, but they made sure to be present for every moment, big or small, ensuring that Shiobhan felt loved and supported every step of the way. More than anything, they had learned that it wasn’t about getting everything right all the time—it was about showing up, being there for each other, and navigating the highs and lows of family life together. They had their struggles, of course, but through it all, they held on to the love that had c
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Unwrapped Surprise
BLANCHE was lost in deep thought when she suddenly felt something warm and soft touch her hand. She flinched slightly and looked down, surprised to see a little girl standing in front of her, holding her hand. Confused, she glanced around the room, wondering if anyone had brought a child along. "A kid?" Yama noticed Blanche's bewildered expression as she stared at the little girl. Yama approached, but as soon as she got close, the child quickly hid behind Blanche's leg. Blanche chuckled. "She's scared of you—probably thinks you're a monster," she teased, then bent down, gently cupping the child's face with her hand. "Are you lost, sweetheart?" Blanche asked softly, offering a kind smile. The little girl giggled, cupping Blanche's face in return. "Hi," the little girl greeted with an adorable voice. Blanche's companions watched curiously. "Hello," Blanche replied in a gentle tone, making sure not to startle her. "Do you want m
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The New Dawn
THREE months had passed since the downfall of the Black Spectre, which had dominated headlines across Europe. The buzz around it had begun to fade, but for Blanche, life was taking a new direction. She had joined MI6 as a Chemical Pharmacist, now holding the rank of Chemical Weapons Specialist. Rather than participating in operations, she focused on the technical and analytical aspects of chemical substances, especially concerning explosives and drug formulations. "Aren't you going to take your leave?" a voice broke through her concentration. Blanche turned to see Chief Langley approaching and smiled. "Ah, Chief Langley," she said, removing her goggles and gloves. "How's your new position?" Natalia asked, her gaze assessing her daughter-in-law. "Good! I'm honestly enjoying it," Blanche replied, rubbing her nape. She still couldn't believe how she had completely forgotten her mother-in-law's face. What a crackhead she felt like! Natalia n
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Battle Scars
AS THE sun began to rise, the abandoned building came to life with the sound of authorities collecting guns and other illegal paraphernalia. Outside, Blanche and her team waited for the investigation to conclude, the weight of another all-nighter heavy on their shoulders. Blanche sighed, lifting her gaze to survey the chaos around her, where everyone was busy gathering evidence to use against General Grey. “Finally getting a breather, huh?” Venus’ voice broke through, pulling Blanche’s attention. She turned to see her wife approaching, a smile breaking across her face. “Right,” Blanche replied, though Venus arched an eyebrow, sensing there was more. “Remember the one thing you asked me? To know me more?” Blanche added, her tone shifting as Venus nodded, looking at her with an intensity that made Blanche’s heart flutter. “I guess it’s time for you to know,” she said, rubbing her nape shyly. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Venus; rather, the missions
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Gambit
CAUGHT OFF guard, the General’s team failed to anticipate the twist that had just unfolded. His face flushed with anger, veins throbbing at his temple. Slamming his palm on the table across from the cell where his enemies were held, he glared at them with unbridled fury, his chest heaving as rage overtook him. His eyes locked onto Astrid and her team, the realization that he had been outplayed dawning too late. The prisoners remained calm, their eyes meeting his with an eerie stillness. The power he once held over them was slipping, and he could feel it. "General, we have been compromised! Two snipers are in sight!" One of his men shouted urgently over the communication device, his voice trembling. "I repeat—" The transmission cut off abruptly, leaving the air thick with tension. "Nikolai! Assemble our men!" the General barked, his voice echoing with authority. Cessair couldn’t help but scoff, a smirk forming on her lips as she watched her father’s
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Silent Resurgence
THE THREE of them sat in stunned silence, barely able to process the truth that had just been revealed on the news. Their mother was alive. As if her legs had turned to jelly, Cessair sank to the floor, her hands bracing for support, while Blanche leaned heavily against the wall, rendered speechless. Vixx nearly spilled the water she was drinking in shock. “What the hell is happening?” Blanche gasped, blinking as she struggled to absorb the whirlwind of information. They had been focused on gathering intel about the situation outside the Emerson building, and now they were confronted with the astonishing reality of their mother’s existence. But that wasn’t all—she had also revealed their identities to the world. “I... she... she’s alive?” Cessair stammered, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat. She clutched her neck, feeling a sudden tightness that made it hard to breathe. “My father…” She couldn’t finish the thought, her mind racing. All this time, s
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Surface Beneath
RECEIVING no updates on the whereabouts of Vixx, Blanche, and Cessair, the Director reached out to Yama, urging the search and rescue team in London to continue their efforts. There might still be an eyewitness who had seen the three of them. The situation was dire. The company's stock had plummeted, and the board of directors, driven by fear of financial loss, began to panic. It wasn’t surprising—many of them were more interested in their profits than the lives involved. With a sigh, the Director rubbed her temples, forcing herself to focus. This time, she needed a concrete plan. Lucien’s proposal had cast a glimmer of hope, guiding them toward a solution. Desmond had now joined Yama's team and was working closely with them to devise the strategy. Venus, still in shock from what she had witnessed, couldn't hide the disbelief in her expression. Astrid, noticing her state, scoffed slightly before addressing her. "You know, you can talk to your father
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Reckoning Blood
DETERMINED to save her sister, Blanche turned back toward the building, refusing to retreat with the team. She couldn’t leave without knowing for certain that her elder sister was safe. The thought of something happening to Cessair gnawed at her, and she knew she would never forgive herself if she didn’t try. Despite her injuries, Blanche managed to make her way down to the lower levels. But with no idea how much time remained before another bomb might detonate, doubt crept into her mind. Would she have enough time to reach her sister? "Cessair..." she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. Just as she took a deep breath and started down the corridor, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. "Blanche!" She looked ahead, her eyes widening in shock. "Vixxen?" Confusion washed over her as her gaze shifted to the figure Vixx was supporting. "Cessair!" she exclaimed in relief. "We need to get out of here!" Vixx urged, tuggi
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Tides
UPON losing contact with the team, Astrid immediately commanded Desmond to proceed with Plan B. If anything went wrong, Desmond's priority was to rescue the team and ensure their safety. They needed to avoid any collateral damage at all costs, especially now, when everything was at stake. Alexis had left the apartment just before the opposition could storm the room. They were closing in, fully aware of their presence. It hadn’t been long since they’d arrived in London, using her late father's apartment as a temporary hideout. Their enemies had successfully infiltrated every branch of the Emerson family’s empire—from the pharmaceutical division to the main headquarters and even their mansion. All the intel was compromised. “Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” Alexis muttered, her leg shaking in frustration. Right before her eyes, the Emerson headquarters had been obliterated in a massive explosion—and worst of all, Blanche was still inside. Aracelli clenched
