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The Cloak
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Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Dagger
THE HAUNTING LAUGHTER vibrated through these rotten walls, transmitting shudders all the way down the spine of anyone who could hear this blood-curdling sound. The entire chamber resembles a disastrous outbreak that one can undergo; shards of glass that gleamed like a menacing confetti, ragged pages of books shattered like remnants of ashes, furniture splintered in a morbid display, and the tapestry of desertion exhibits as the cobwebs weave across every corner of the place. There's no denying it, this place is like an archaic mansion, once glorious, but now harboured in a festering darkness of its facade. The General's laughter ferociously erupted - it sounded like a symphony of madness that seemed to pierce within the fabric of reality. Lifting the shot glass, the residue of his sanity started to slosh within. "Lev Nenashev, you despicable fool," the General jeered at the newspaper in his hand, he could not contain his laughter which turned into an unholy refrain rever
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Solicitude
THE SERENE AND SOFT GLOW bathes the surroundings as the midday sun rises above the skyline. The rays of the sun pierce through the tall pine trees that often dotted the landscape from the view from afar, creating a play between shadows and light around the forest floor. The crisp air carries the cool freshness that definitely defines a Finnish morning. Blanche and her companions decided to go out to take a breather from everything that had happened in the past days. Being able to have a couple of months' worth of vacation, who are they not to enjoy the temporary freedom they have? "For Pete's sake, are we just going to stay inside this house?" Hyun Ah complained a couple of days way back after staying inside Blanche's mansion, doing house chores and God knows what. Blanche sneers as she proposes, "How about going to an amusement park? Sounds fun?" Hyun Ah's eyes seemed to sparkle as to what the Captain offered. "Are we really going to go there, Captain?"
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Delirium
THE NIGHT IS STILL young, yet the distinct pulse and rhythm of the crickets are now synchronized with the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore that adds up a serene backdrop to the crickets' sound. As the bonfire crackles and dances in the centre of their formation, it casts and flickers an amber-hued light that illuminates the faces of those who gathered around. The faces of these people gathered around are bathed in a warm and golden glow. Their expressions display a mixture of joy, anticipation, and unity as the flames reflect in their eyes. Laughter bubbles up and a cheering sound erupts spontaneously. Aracelli glanced at the location of the mansion near the shore, "I wonder if Captain and Venus are now sleeping." She mumbles as she drinks the beer from the can. "Don't worry about them, those two have a low alcohol tolerance so they'd rather sleep than get uncontrollably drunk," Athena responded as she reached out a slice of grilled meat and slowly ate it. Alexis sof
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Clandestine
THE OPEN ROAD ahead seems to represent her journey of independence in life as the coastal breeze swept off the Baltic Sea, carrying with it the tangy scent of salt and adventure. The sun hung low, casting a warm, golden hue on the road ahead. Straddled on her sleek, matte-black motorcycle on the service road along Helsinki's picturesque beach shore, the Captain couldn't help but to feel a rush of exhilaration. The moment of her solitude was suddenly interrupted by the distant growl of two approaching cars. Blanche glanced in her side mirror, she raised an eyebrow as the two viper-green coloured Audi A4 sedan, ominously tinted windows concealing their occupants, closed in on her tail. "What now?" Blanche chuckled as she throttled and changed gears to increase her speed. She softly laughed as her mind raced, the road had been her constant companion throughout the years, and she already memorized every corner of the road like the back of her hand - the twist
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Veiled
THE PAST UNFURLED like an ancient scroll. Memories that were long dormant in the recesses of her mind came to life with vivid clarity. A gentle breeze whispered through the night, and she felt the warmth of a loved one's presence behind her. The sensation of a loving embrace enveloped her as a whisper from her lover guided her vastness of mind into a labyrinth of memories. Standing on the grassy hill, under a star-studded sky, she stretches her arms up high as if trying to reach the heavens. "You're so adorable doing that," Jupiter whispers to Aerith's ear and gives a peck on her cheeks while still hugging her from behind. Aerith sighs as she removes Jupiter's hand and turns around to see her lover's face. Reaching for Jupiter's face, she caresses it and lightly pinches it. "It sucks to be with me, right, Jupiter?" Brows arched, Jupiter clicks her tongue and softly flicks Aerith's forehead. "You silly! If it is about your father, worry not, I won't force yo
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Fallout
AMIDST THIS DIMLY lit chamber, a once-vibrant soul now teetered on the precipice of madness. Eyes were once filled with life and hope and had turned into hollow windows of a fractured mind. Tattered remnants of sanity floated in the abyss of gaze, like fragile leaves caught in the relentless storm. The room itself contributes to her losing count of her surroundings, the stone cold walls bearing to witness unspeakable horrors that she had been through. The faint drip of water echoed like a maddening metronome; measuring out the agonizing passage of time that she spent inside this torture chamber. Just how long has it been since that incident had happened? The rusty chains that bound her had become an extension of her own torment, biting into her wrist and ankle, leaving infected wounds and bruises. Her hair, once a cascade of silk and sun-kissed beauty, now hung in tangled, matted strands around her face; gone was the lustrous sheen, replaced by a dull, gr
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Unmasking Deceit
STARING AT the records spread before him, the General's laughter echoed in the dimly lit room, a bitter and angry sound. The glass in his hand felt like a fragile vessel for his frustration, its surface showing subtle signs of strain. His mission, born from the feigned ambush of the Emersons, had unfolded seamlessly. Hiding Lucien, a once-simple task, now revealed unforeseen complexities. When had the tide turned against him? When had each step led him astray? Eradicating his brother has been a straightforward task. The General knew he could triumph over the former General by employing some underhanded tactics. After all, his brother had married into a legacy—that he couldn't afford but to get envious. "Just pull the strings, play the cards in your favour," the General muttered to himself, the amber liquid flowing into his glass. Victory, he believed, was within reach—total and absolute! The General downed the liquor in one swift motion, emitting a low groa
Catch-22: To Die Is To Live Hard The Upshot
BOTH HER HANDS are placed inside the pocket of her cargo pants, she sighs deeply as her back leans on the balcony's post. It's been years since she visited her country, growing up, she used to be a battered child but then again, luck's on her side. "Surviving isn't just about avoiding death; it's about earning the right to live." She murmurs to herself and laughs softly. Her phone vibrated inside her pocket, she calmly retrieved it and looked at the screen. She chuckles and glances back at her comrades' location. They're not that far but her location is safe not to have someone eavesdrop on the conversation between her caller. "Long time, no talk." She simply greeted her caller. "You've been enjoying your carefree life, didn't you?" The caller's tone carries a sharp edge of anger. She rubs her temple using the point finger of her free hand and clicks her tongue. "Carefree life?" She laughs bitterly. "I don't have time for that, you got me in this
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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
