foxsdomains-blog

[foxsdomains-blog]

Revelations

"So, Clair,"

"Yes, Jeremy?"

"Why does this lemon smell so god dam good!?" Jeremy asks, his voice getting louder with each word, Clair sighs, raising her right hand to massage her temples.

"I don't know Jeremy, maybe because you are on some kind of high? Ryan, what did you put in your food?" she calls out, beckoning Ryan over.

"Why? It's just a simple lasagna recipe? Cheese, mince, pasta, Literal Solvent Diotide, tomato sauce," Ryan lists off, counting off his fingers before Clair interrupts him,

"Wait, what's 'Literal Solvent Diotide'? I've never heard of that in my life."

"Dunno. Dude online called it LSD, so I looked it up and it came up with that," Ryan replies, shrugging slightly.

"LSD. You mean the drug, LSD. You drugged Jeremy with LSD," Clair deadpans.

"LSD? What's that exactly?"

"ACID YOU IDIOT!" Clair exclaims, her hands shooting up beside her person.

"Oh, shit. Wait, you mean Jeremy, our leader, is high as a kite on acid? That, is the funniest thing I've seen all day!" Ryan yells, barely containing his laughter at the sight of Jeremy vigorously smelling a lemon.

"Man, the other are gonna hate having missed this," he laughs.

"While normally I'd agree, I think this might be the least of their worries at the moment. What do you think's up with Nines and Rook?" Clair question, effectively changing the topic off their drugged up leader.

"I dunno. I've never see Nines just abruptly leave like that. I've seen the man go for drives to clear his head, but he normally has a more... lively, tone. He was real monotone when he left."

"No kidding. It's not like him. Also, did you catch what 'B' whispered? About him not being the best right now?"

"Yeah, I did hear that. Well, whatever happens, I'm sure those two can handle it. They've known him the longest, after all," Ryan says, moving to take 'I's recently vacated spot across from Jeremy.

"Yeah, you're probably right."

...

They don't care about you.

"Shut up." I've got to go faster.

You mean nothing to them. Look at you, can't even handle yourself in front of them.

I can drown it out. Just got to drive faster.

Drive all you like. You can't escape the truth.

"Shut up. Get out of my head."

Oh, isn't that a lovely tree. Wonder what it would look like covered in YOU.

"Shut the FUCK up."

Faster. Faster. Faster. Next gear. Faster. Turn the music up louder.

Try all you like, you will NEVER escape me.

"Shut up."

Because after all...

"Shut up. Shut up shut up shut up shut."

I am...

Shut up shut up shut up SHUT UP!!"

YOU!

"-!"

...

*Breaking news. Today, a crash was reported off Highway 52, a deserted stretch that has long been used for drag racing before being closed off earlier this year. The reported car was a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that sped past the police on Highway 49, making it's way towards the closer highway only 30 minutes ago. Police say that considering the speed at which the car was going, a surprisingly low amount of wreckage was found at the crash site. Police believe the offender drove off in the vehicle which was...*

As the TV droned on about a crash that would have been very relevant to the Angels, the only member still awake in the base was paying no mind as she tinkered on her computers, a lone tear making its mark down her cheek.

(2 hours later)

"Fuck, fuck. I'm awake," Clair swears, turning over to meet a face framed with glasses, peering back at her.

"Rook? What's up?"

"Sorry," Clair hears a faint whisper from Rook, as she looks down sadly.

"What for?"

"... slamming my door. Getting mad. All that," Rook replies, her voice faint.

"Come here," Clair leans over, pulling Rook into a hug.

"No need for any apologies. I just want you to come to me if you ever need to talk, okay?"

A silent nod is her answer.

"Well, shall we retreat to your room so you can tell me what's going on through that cute head of yours, hm?"

Another silent nod, and Rook quickly walks back to her room, not waiting for Clair to follow. With a sigh, Clair climbs out of the chair and follows Rook to her room.

"Alright babe, what's the go?"

"I... think I'm in love..."

"Nines yeah?" Upon Rook's stunned face, Clair chuckles slightly.

"You weren't subtle babe. I think the only person who doesn't know is Nines himself. Why does this remind me of a shitty romance story?"

"What do I do?" Rook asks, curling into herself slightly.

"Tell him?"

"!?" Rook's head shoots up, concern and panic written all over her face. Seeing this, Clair gets and sits next to her, wrapping her in a side hug.

"It's fine babe, I can help."

"I don't want to..."

"...pardon?"

"I don't want to tell him. I don't want him to hate me, and I don't want him to... die. You heard him yourself, he doesn't care about himself. I don't want to get attached to him, only for him to do something stupid and die... not again..." she explains, trailing off at the end, Clair barely hearing the last part.

"What was that at the end?"

"Nothing. I just sighed," Rook sighs, again.

"Well hun, you've put me in a tough spot. I guess, if that's how you feel, we shouldn't try and pursue anything. At least, until he helps himself," Clair finally says, uncertainty etched in her voice.

"You really didn't like him saying that, did you?" Rook shakes her head, still buried under Clair's.

"Yeah, me either. But hey, that's what we are for, isn't it? Family helps family," Clair says, a smile forming on her face. Rook lifts her head, a blush and a smile on her face.

"You're imagining you and Nines together aren't you." Clair smirks.

"CLAIR!" ...

"Where is this place, 'B'?" 'I' asks, letting his wife to drive as he attempts to relax in the passenger seat.

"It's... somewhere deserted. I think I know the place," she replies as she turns off of the main road and onto a dirt path, leading to what seems to be the middle of nowhere.

"How did you find this place?"

"He, uh, had snapmaps still enabled when he left. I tracked him for a short while, until he turned it off. Must have remembered he had it on, or something," she replies, not taking her eyes of the road, if it can even be called that. 'I' hums in response, taking in his surroundings. Trees mark the land, two thin tire tracks showing the only way for a car to fit through the dense brush.

"Where does this path lead?"

"Highway 52."

[foxsdomains-blog]

What’s Wrong With Rook?

"Hey 'I'?" Nines starts, calmly walking down a desolate street, 'I' following closely behind.

"Yeah?"

"Are we cool?"

"...what?" 'I' raises a hand in front of Nines, stopping him in his tracks. "What do you mean, are we cool?"

"You know, for back then. I know I kinda... no, majorly, fucked up. I just... it's haunted me a bit. I just wanted to know, are we cool?" Nines says, his voice downcast. 'I' sighs, lowering his hand and turning to face Nines.

"Look dude. Honestly, I was pissed. I still am, to be honest with you," 'I' starts. Hearing this, Nines lowers his head slightly, backing away slightly.

"However," he continues without missing a beat, "that guy is dead. You aren't that guy, you're Nines. An, ableit slightly psychotic, half decent man. So, yes, we are cool." 'I' completes, starting his walk again without waiting for Nines.

"Yeah, should have guessed," Nines mutters, running to catch up to his friend.

"Did you say something Nines?"

"Yeah, fuck you cunt," Nines swears, punching 'I' lightly on the shoulder, a smile lighting up his face. 'I' smirks in response,

"Thought so. Now, hurry up. I'm hungry, and I got a text from 'B' five minutes ago asking where we were. Speaking of which, where are we?" Nines hums in response, looking around slightly.

"No clue. Well, better head back to the cars. I'm sure someone's preparing dinner. Whose night is it to cook again?"

"I think it's Ryan's."

"... so Maccas then?"

"Sounds good. Race ya."

"Oh, you're on cunt!"

...

"I can't fucking believe you won," 'I' complains, kicking open the base door.

"You seem to forget my car is faster, and lighter, than yours," Nines smirks, calmly closing the door behind him.

"Oh, and unlike you, 'I', I have no care for my own safety," Nines finishes, completely missing the saddened look that flashed across Rook's face for a split second.

"Oh, you seem upset by that Rook, something you want to admit?" Clair however, didn't.

"I don't know what you are on about," Rook says sharply, before turning and retreating to her room, her door closing with a loud slam and a click to signify the lock.

"Woah, anyone know what the go with Rook is?" Jeremy asks, having witnessed the entire thing, however missing all dialog.

"Yeah, she's been a bit crabby all day. Clair, you know anything about it?" Ryan asks, coming into vision wearing an apron that boldly displays "please fuck the cook".

"I have an idea," she starts, casting a look at Nines, before continuing "however I think it's best we leave her alone for a bit. I think she needs to sort something out on her own for a bit."

"She knows she can come to her family about anything, right?" Jeremy asks, testing Ryan's cooking before spitting it back out, muttering out a few distasteful words.

"I think this may be more of a... personal, problem, Jeremy," 'B' replies, having finally joined the conversation as she walks over to 'I'. Throughout all this, Nines stands silently, before finally joining in,

"I'm going for a drive."

Just not in the way everyone thought. Without another word, Nines slams the front door shut, soon followed by the sound of his car starting up and speeding away from the base.

"Woah, what's up with him?" Jeremy asks incredulously.

"Dunno. He seemed just fine when we were out," 'I' says, moving to sit on one of the bright white couches.

"Ah fuck, 'I' took the last recliner," Clair whines, trying in vain to move 'I' off.

"So... is Nines' thing a more personal one we should leave alone? And is no one else noticing that they both left after coming in contact with each other?" Jeremy points out, plopping down across from 'I'. 'I' and 'B' share a look that doesn't bode well with the others. After a short silence, Clair breaks it,

"I noticed it, but not sure if coincidence or something happened between them. I think it's maybe best if we let them calm down, they both seemed kinda heated. I mean, I've never known Rook to have a silver tongue, let alone slam a door. And Nines, is kinda weird, but to leave when he did is suspicious."

"Agreed. Alright, Clair, in about an hour I want you to check on Rook, and 'I', you might know the best about Nines, so I'll leave him to you," Jeremy says, leader mode turning on for a moment, before he comically deflates into the couch, muttering about the comfyness of them. Odd.

"Actually, I don't know where in the fuck Nines would go when he goes for a drive. He could go literally anywhere," 'I' states, face showing utter confusion as he tries to pin down where his friend could have ended up.

"Um... I know where he might have gone," 'B' pipes up, having sat next to 'I' while everyone else was talking.

"Oh? Mind sharing?" Ryan asks, arms crossed.

"Ryan, take off that fucking apron. Jesus Christ man," Clair yells, throwing a remote control at him, causing him to flinch and duck away.

"Actually, I think it's best if 'I' and I just go alone, without being tracked. Something tells me he isn't... doing too well," 'B' says, hesitantly.

Clair's gaze seems to harden after 'B' says that, but before Jeremy is able to say anything Clair gets up and pulls 'B' into a hug, whispering into her ear,

"Bring out brother back safe," before letting her go and pushing her and 'I' out the door.

"Now fuck off and go find him, I'll handle Rook," she shouts, closing the door and locking it before either of them have a chance to get back in.

"Jeremy, are you ok man?" Ryan asks, looking over at a very... liquidly, looking Jeremy.

"Dude, you're head is shooting rainbows onto the wall behind you. It's tripping me out."

[foxsdomains-blog]

Character Sheet

Alright. So I realised a bit late that I hadn't really given any critical information on characters; appearance, very general likes/dislikes, age, height. You know, the important things. So here we go,

Jeremy Height: 6'1 Age: 26 Appearance: Short, brown hair. Brown eyes. Normally built, not massive muscles, not noticeable if wearing the right clothing. Clean-Shaven. Likes: His family (the FA), the current base (is his favourite so far). Dislikes: when people fuck with his family. For now. Car: White with blue racing stripes, Ford Mustang gt 2005 (cause he really likes the car. Don't question it, will comp up later.) Bit of information: Jeremy is a disgraced military man, alongside Ryan. He participated in a mission, his team of five, including Ryan. This mission ended in a failure, with all but Ryan and Jeremy dying. Jeremy took the blame, being dishonorably discharged. This led him and Ryan to find Clair, and form the Fallen Angels. Jeremy became the leader, due to already having experience leading his team.

Ryan Height: 6'2 Age: 26 Appearance: Medium length, brown hair, tied in a ponytail he likes to keep around his shoulder. He is almost never seen with his hair undone. Kind, green eyes, just with a hint of 'crazy'. Built similarly to Jeremy, and is nearly always seen wearing a black leather bike jacket. Clean-Shaven. Likes: His family (the FA), his bike (no one fucks with his bike), his guns. (Cause, you get it.) Dislikes: Cars (he absolutely hates riding in cars. Bad memories). He hates anyone who fucks with his bike (he nearly shot Nines when he touched his bike) Bike: Matte Black custom Ducati 1098s, with a gray FA symbol painted on the left side. Ryan got his bike custom made so it would reach faster speeds than a standard Ducati, and cause he wanted matte black. Bit of information: Ryan was a member of Jeremy squad that were in the failed mission, being the only member alongside Jeremy to survive. He knew Jeremy for years prior, being the first member to join his squad, and going through basic training with the man. He was originally not discharged, however he sided with Jeremy completely, nearly going so far as to attempt to kill the officials who made the decision. Due to this, Ryan was discharged alongside Jeremy, but also being declared a criminal for attempted murder.

Clair Age: 25 Height: 5'8 Appearance: Long straight blond hair and kind blue eyes. Very beautiful, which assisted a large amount to her work. When lazing about, she ties her hair up in a ponytail, but when working she will tie her hair up however her contracts like. Likes: Rook (as a sister). Sexual relationships (but not with contracts). Teasing Nines however she can. Dislikes: when contracts do more than paid (of which she doesn't hesitate to tell them, often moving ahead the plan and assassinating them quicker). When someone hurts Rook and in any way. Car: Polished, pearlescent purple/pink Porsche 991. Comfy leather seats, and top of the line radio in the dashboard. Each time a new items is released, she gets it installed to keep her car up to date. Bit of information: Clair, before founding the FA alongside Jeremy and Ryan, worked as an infiltrator with the United Kingdom government. During this time, she worked, infiltrating both male and female organisations, becoming 'friendly' with the leader, and assassinating them when she had the chance. She would normally leave them for a while, to use them for her own personal gain. After joining the FA, she continued her line of work, but more for informational purposes. Gaining contacts she would later use for the purpose of information gathering for the FA.

Rook Age: 22 Height: 5'6 Appearance: Long, slightly wavy, black hair and dark grey eyes. Wears thin-frame, black glasses. Leaves her hair out, messily, almost never styling or taking care of it (Clair will sometimes style Rook's hair for fun). Likes: Her computers (she has many). Nines (Secretly). Angel (very much). Dislikes: When Clair teases her (mostly about Nines, but also about her non-drinking). Drinking (she doesn't like not being in complete control of herself). Car: Doesn't have a car (She can't drive. This will be a chapter later.) Bit of information: Not much is known about Rook. She tends to keep things to herself. The FA only recently learned her birthday, for crying out loud. What is known however, was that before joining the FA, Rook was hired as a hacker under the Australian government, but when hired didn't know anything about a computer. After a few years, she learned more about a computer than most adults, and now can hack into whatever she desires. After joining the FA four years prior to the story taking place, Rook has fit in perfectly, albeit a bit still distanced. Rook developed feelings for Nines (which I haven't really tried to hide, but if you didn't know, than there you go) after he joined, but hasn't told anyone, however Clair still managed to figure out.

Nines Age: 22 Height: 6' Appearance: Short, brown hair that he either leaves however it was when he woke up, or styles with a side-part (though he rarely does. He's lazy). Has a beard that he maintains. Wears a leather jacket (now that Rook has bought it for him). If he's doing nothing, he will wear whatever is most comfortable, but if he goes out, he will (try to) look after his appearance. Likes: His car (similar to Ryan, is mad at anyone who touches or bad-mouths his car). The Silver Angel (Doesn't let anyone near the cockpit of his bird). Rook (same as Rook, secretly. Only person who knows is 'I') Dislikes: If someone bad mouths his family, his bird, or his car. That's mainly it for now. Car: Matte Black, fully-bullet proof (and yes I know nothing is truly bullet-proof, but it's very resistant to bullets, okay?) 1970 Chevelle SS. Bit of information: Before joining the FA, Nines was a normal person. Weird, yeah? An accident struck one day, and Nines was introduced to the FA. Due to some more incidents, Nines was taken to an old FA base, and introduced to the gang. After a few days, he decided to join the FA, Rook wiping his old profile, and instead taking up the letter 'N', later becoming Nines (his choice). Also, when Nines was in highschool, he knew 'I' and 'B' personally, and were good friends with both.

'I'

Age: 22 Height: 6'1 Appearance: Darker skinned. Short, black hair that he keeps short (unless he decides to grow it for some reason). Likes: 'B' (his wife, so of course he likes her). Nines (close friends again, after what happened. (mwahahaha, MORE PLOT!)) Dislikes: (Not gonna lie, haven't really fleshed out his character too much. So, this one may not have too much in it. He's a new character to this story's life, alright? More will come up when we delve more into our characters.) When 'B' and Nines hate on themselves (which does happen often though 'B' has gotten much better. Nines still hasn't though.) Car: Deep Blue 4x4 Ford Ranger Bit of information: When in highschool, 'I' knew Nines and 'B', and were part of a bigger friend group. An incident occurred, and Nines left. Years later, 'I' and 'B' got married, and became 'I' became a cop. Seven months before the story takes place, 'I' and 'B' meet Nines again, and after a mission intrigues 'I', he revisits the FA base. This leads him to forgo his place in the police force, and bring 'B' to join the FA. Unlike Nines, Rook hasn't deleted 'I's profile, instead leaving it but

'B'

(Alright, so not gonna lie (again), 'B' is the character I've fleshed out the least. So, here we go I guess." Age: 22 Height: 5'7 Likes: 'I' (Husband. Honestly.) A little separated still, but close to everyone in the FA. Dislikes: (Not fleshed out enough. We'll get there, trust me.) Talking about 'the incident'. Car: Shares 'I's car. It's their car. Bit of information: (Honestly, newest character to this story. When I first wrote this, she was a side character. So, forgive me for not having much. But, like I said, we'll get there.) 'B' knew 'I' and Nines in highschool, and after an (the) incident, hasn't talked to Nines before meeting him (as Nines) years later. She follows 'I' to the FA, solely because he decides to join, she later questions this decision, but ultimately decides it was the right choice. (chapter 2- will be extended on later).

So, that's the FA cast! Now, whatever isn't told isn't known yet. So, just wait and more will be revealed, including 'the incident'. A few things I should mention about the world, that were kind of mentioned, but not well enough (I don't think so at least).

For instance, it's set in the year 2022, but, a bit different. For starters, technology, like that of car computers, are extremely common; homes, even more so in planes and helicopters, pretty much the same in cars honestly. Stuff like that. Umm, guns are pretty similar to current day weapons. I know a few guns, but not a large amount, so if I get something wrong, please do correct me. Oh! Also. The Silver Angel. I called it the FC-112, right? Well I did a search, and found out that a 112 helicopter, is a rescue helicopter. That isn't what the Silver Angel is. I don't know exactly that it is, just that it's got six seats in the back, and one pilot seat (Nines got rid of the other one because of course he did), and two rotors on opposite side of the helicopter, that rotate to allow Nines to do what he does in it (basically, I just came up with something that might work for what I had planned. I'm not sure if a thing exists, but it's set in a few years from now, so meh.)

That should be about everything for now. Periodically I'm going to post update versions of this, when more information comes out, just to jog the memory of the characters. Hope my story is going well so far, and I do want to hear any comments you guys may have! That's all for now, bye!

[foxsdomains-blog]

‘I’ and Nines’ Day Out

"Alright, so here's the deal," Nines starts. "We got a hostage rescue situation at a small Monarchs base two cities North of us. Should only take an hour or two to fly there. So you and I are gonna fly up there, scope the place out and rescue the hostage. Sound good?"

"Yep, sounds good. You flying?" 'I' asks.

"Of course. I'm not letting anyone else fly my baby," Nines replies, swirling the keys in his hand.

"Alright. Well let's suit up," 'I' says, walking over to the armoury near the back of the base, only a room away from the SilverAngel.

"Oh hey guys, what are you all doing?" Clair asks, watching them with a cup of coffee in her hand.

"Well, we've got a mission, and are gonna head off for a day or two. Let the others know, yeah?" Nines replies, loading a standard rifle.

"Why the fuck do I have to tell them!? Clair exclaims.

"Cause we are going now, right Nines?" 'I' turns to Nines, Nines nodding in response.

"Took the words right out of my mouth. See ya Clair." And with that, Nines and 'I' walk through the steel door separating the landing pad for the Silver Angel from the rest of the base. As Nines closes the door behind them, 'I' stares up at the massive hole in the side of the base, that is used as the entrance and exit for the Silver Angel.

"So Nines, I have to ask. How the fuck did that very, suspiciously, convenient hole get there?"

"Well, I believe dynamite," Nines responds, joining 'I' in the stare off.

"Wait, how the fuck? This isn't even on the top floor! How do we know the building won't just collapse!?" 'I' exclaims, very loudly.

"We don't. Adds some excitement into each day, right?" Nines grains.

"You are responsible for this, aren't you?" 'I' deadpans.

"Oh I am one-hundred percent responsible for this! Now hurry up, we got to go," Nine laughs, climbing into the Silver Angels pilot seat. 'I' sighs, once again very loudly, as he sits himself down in one of the six passenger seats.

...

"Nines?! We've been flying for four hours! I thought you said it would only take one or two, what the fuck happened!?" 'I' shouts over the communication system built into the Silver Angel.

"First of all, don't fucking shout when using the comms. Secondly, and I stress my first point here, but I may have gone the wrong way and not noticed for a good hour, so I had to turn around, but don't fear, we are here!" Nines explains, tilting the Angel ever so slightly to show 'I' the base below them.

"I'm going to fucking kill you," 'I' sighs softly.

...

"Alright," Nines starts, sitting across from 'I', a silver pop-up table between them, "so this is our hostage. Jane Simonson: 5'4, 26 years of age, short hair, brunette, and married to one of the biggest enemies to The Monarchs. Smith Simonson, CEO and founder of Simonson Industries, a massive weapons manufacturer, providing weapons to basically everyone BUT The Monarchs. Our job is to get in, get her out unharmed, and return her to her oh-so loving husband. Now for the plan," Nines places a blueprint on the table, "so according to intel scouted before we were given the contract, there is a small opening in the perimeter fence to the West of the base. Near said small opening, is a steel, double bar lock that requires a key to enter, of course we could get in using Rook, but we aren't going to. I have a way inside. Once inside, we used suppressed pistols, that I have provided, they are currently right behind you, please do take one. We are to take out whoever we can, stealthily, until we get to this room here. Once inside, it's pretty much game, set and match. We take out whoever we must, if possible the leader of the base, but it's not necessary, we get Jane, and go back out the same way we came in."

"And what if The Monarchs block the way we came in? Surely they aren't that stupid to let us just walk out," 'I' questions, reading intently over the hostage's file as well as the blueprint.

"Well, if that happens, we have to fight out way out through the front. Remember, our priority is our hostages safety, so if it comes to a fight, she stays behind cover at all times, and when we move, she stands behind one of us. No harm is to come to Jane, no matter what. Copy?"

"Copy. Alright, we ready?" 'I' asks, swapping his pistol to one of the supplied suppressed ones handing behind him, throwing Nines the other one.

"We're ready. Let's go save us a hostage," Nines grins.

The duo leave the Silver Angel, pistols out as they move as silently as they can through the trees to prevent any Monarch scouts from spotting them. The two encounter two Monarchs walking through the trees. Nines calls to pick targets, taking the right one and leaving the left to 'I'. Taking cover behind the trees, Nines counts down,

3...

2...

1...

Two shots. Both men drop. Nines signals to move up.

"Good shot, 'I'" Nines compliments quietly.

"Thanks, you too."

"Thanks. We need to be quick now. They will notice sooner or later those two are dead. Alright, this should be the fence. Search around for a small hole, should be big enough we can squeeze through," Nines orders, already moving to the fence.

"Let's hope this information is correct," 'I' comments, copying Nines. After a few minuets of searching, 'I' calls Nines over.

"This it?"

"Looks like small gap big enough to squeeze through. Nice work," Nines says, squeezing through the small gap in the fence, careful not to cut himself on the wire. As 'I' moves through the fence, Nines walks up to a steel door.

"If that's the correct hole, this should be the door. And that would be the keypad," Nines says, checking over the door and absentmindedly pointing to the touch screen pad.

"Now, please explain why we aren't just letting Rook get us access?" 'I' asks, leaning against the wall.

"Because no one comes through here. If we jimmy it open it won't alert and security, whereas if we were to open it with a key, it would," Nines explains, feeling around inside a small gap near the door.

"That makes no sense. And what are you doing?" Nines doesn't answer, instead poking his tongue out as he works. 'I' watching in confusion, until a small 'chink' sounds, and the door opens. Nines grins as he slips inside, allowing 'I' to follow.

"How did you do that?" 'I' whispers.

"I've done many an infiltration mission with Clair, and I've picked a few things up. That's one of them," Nines whispers back, readying his pistol, preventing his rifle from scraping on the wall.

"This is quite a small walkway," 'I' complains.

"That's cause it's a maintenance  path. Not actually meant to be a walkway," Nines replies, stopping to check around a corner, moving once it's clear.

"But we are using it as one?"

"Indeed we are. Because it will get us... here. Look," Nines says, pointing through a window on a door.

"Jane?"

"Jane."

"So, how are we going to do this?" 'I' asks, taking place opposite Nines on the door.

"Well, cause it's so bright, I don't think we can do it very stealthily. So I say we go loud. We did bring our rifles after all," Nines answers, holstering his pistol behind him and swinging around his semi-auto rifle.

"We are going to have to be careful though. They may know we are here for Jane, and and try to kill her, or use her as a shield. So we need to be fast. You ready?" Nines says, lining up ready to kick down the door.

"Ready."

Nines kicks down the door, opening fire on the closest Monarchs to Jane, taking each out with one shot.

"It's the Fallen Angels! Take the girl!" One man yelled, racing towards Jane. Nines turns, firing at the man, but missing.

"Bastard! 'I', someone's going for the girl!" Nines shouts over the sound of gunshots, shooting the last remaining men besides the one that took Jane. Nines spins around to face the man, instead seeing Jane, the man behind her holding a gun to her head.

"Alright, both of you stand down. Now," the said, pushing the gun further into her head, his finger twitching on the trigger. While all this is happening, Jane just stands still, emotionless.

"Ok man, ok. You got us. So? What now?" Nines says calmly, reaching slowly behind him.

"Now? Now I walk away, and you both just stand there. I leave here, and my guys kill you. And if you try anything, this whole place is going to blow," the man grins, backing slowly away.

"Well, 'I', this went to shit, didn't it?" Nnes says, attempting to distract the man.

"So it has, Nines. So it has," 'I' says, playing along.

"It's such a shame it has to end, isn't it?" Nines grins, grabbing  hold of his pistol.

"Wha-" the man is interrupted by a bullet piercing his skill, his body hitting the ground in the same moment, Jane being released.

"Alright, well that didn't go exactly to plan, did it? Jane Simonson, my name is Nines, and this over here is 'I', and we are part of the Fallen Angels. We have been hired by your great husband to rescue you from here. Please don't argue and please do just listen to us. I really want this to be easy," Nines says, once again holstering his pistol. The lady nods, moving behind the two as a banging sounds on the large door.

"Take it things are going to get even louder?" 'I' asks, reloading his rifle.

"I hope not. We are going to go out the way we came in, run back to the Angel as fast as we can, and fly back to base," Nines orders, grabbing Jane by the wrist and running back through the door before any more Monarchs can interrupt them.

"I thought you were willing to go loud?" 'I' asks, running alongside them.

"Initially, yes. But I realised something while we were fighting. I'll explain later," Nines explains, swinging his rifle around and pulling out his pistol. Arriving at the door, Nines kicks it wide open, shooting the two guards standing outside it. Nines ducks through the fence, leading Jane back to the Angel.

"Oh hey, those two from before are gone," 'I' points out, running past where Nines and 'I' kileld the two guards in the forest.

"Alright, Jane, please sit down and strap up. This may be a bumpy ride," Nines says, climbing into the pilot seat. Jane nods, sitting down across from 'I', the table still standing. The Silver Angel's engines start up, the propellers sending the trees bending away, giving the Angel plenty of room to take off.

Getting to a safe altitude, Nines angles the Angel away from the base, flying away. Backwards.

"Nines, why are you flying backwards again?" 'I' asks over the comms. Before Nines can answer, two Monarch helicopters fly appear in front of them.

"That. That is why I'm flying backwards," Nines replies, opening fire and allowing the many bullets from the minigun on the front to rip one of the enemies to shreds.

"Man, this is fun. This is a great way to blow off some steam," Nines cheers from the cockpit, spinning the Silver Angel around and gunning it back to their base...

...

"Nines, this isn't the base..." 'I' says, jumping out of the Silver Angel.

"Oh, I know. This is that other city I 'accidentally' flew to before," Nines explains, air-quoting 'accidentally'.

"Nines. Where are we?" 'I' asks, looking back at the girl. For the first time, Jane appears to show any kind of emotion. Fear.

"Miss Jane?" 'I' questions?"

"Why... why are we here?" she whispers.

"JANE!" A mans voice comes from the closed door on the roof of the building Nines' landed on.

"And that would be good ol' Smithy. Hey Smithy!" Nines greets, waving happily as the man, Smith, storms out of the door. Upon sight of her husband, Jane cowers into the back of the Silver Angel.

 "Return my wife to me at once, Angel," he demands, venom dripping from his voice.  

"Woah man, calm down. No need to get your wife in a twist," Nines grins, carefully holding his hands behind him.

"Now, you may be wondering why we are here, sir. So, first things first, you hired us to rescue your wife from The Monarchs, correct? Good. So, we did what you hired us for. So, please, do pay us. Once you've done that, we'll hand over your wife," Nines calmly explains. The man grumbles, pulling out his phone and tapping a few buttons. Nines checks his phone, and upon seeing the money has gone through, he pockets his phone, and continues standing between him and his wife.

"Move," he orders, his voice cold.

"Well, you see, I kinda lied here a bit mate. So, I discovered a few things while on this little job. For starters, you didn't hire us to rescue her. You hired us to bring her from one monster to another. Yes, I know you abuse her. I know you mentally abuse her, and yes I know you physically abuse her. The bruise on her arm kinda shows that, but it wasn't the first give away. The amount you were willing to pay us. That was a dead give away. No one would pay a set amount for a rescue. No one would put a price on someone they loved," Nines finishes, smirking at the man.

"So?" He asks simply.

"So? What do you mean, so?" 'I' asks back, anger starting to fill his voice.

"So what does it matter? She's my wife, my property. What does it matter to some filthy, no good criminals?"

"I-" 'I' begins before being interrupted by Nines.

"First off, please refrain from calling us criminals. The criminals here are the ones we rescued Jane from, and you, good sir. Secondly, might I also ask you to refrain from talking about your wife that away around my brother here. He is a bit... temperamental when it comes to that kind of attitude. Thirdly, it matters because I don't believe you know what our attitude is for people like you. People who care only about themselves, going so far as to force a marriage just so you have control over the other figures money. People who care so little about the rest of the world they would supply weapons to groups hell-bent on destroying the world. So. If you would be so kind as to not move, I'll make this as painless as possible," Nines calmly explains, pulling out his pistol for the final time today.

Aiming at the man in front of him, who Nines so aptly called a 'monster', Nines calmly pulls the trigger, sending a bullet through the mans head, his face eternally resting in a shocked expression.

"And that, my dear friend, is what we do to people like him," Nines tells 'I', walking back to the Silver Angel.

"Wait, what about Jane?" 'I' asks, staying where he is.

"Let's ask her. Jane, now that your son-of-a-bitch husband is dead, and your company now belongs to you, what are you going to do?" Nines asks, turning to the woman in question. For the first time since the duo saved her, Jane looks at them confidently.

"I'm going to re-take my company, and stop selling arms to terrorist groups. Nines, 'I'. I must thank you. Thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. You have freed me from my own personal hell, and given back the company that I raised from the group up before that monster of a man took control," She says, before turning and walking into her building, stepping over her dead husband.

"Well? Let's go," Nines says, dusting his hands off and climbing back into the cockpit of the Silver Angel, 'I' following him.

...

"We're back!" Nines shouts, walking through the steel door.

"Welcome back," 'B' says, walking up to 'I' before hugging him. Nines carefully places his guns down in the armoury, before entering the living room and slumping down on one of the couches that isn't filled.

"Busy day?" Jeremy asks from behind his phone.

"You have no idea. Turns out the guy who hired us abused his wife, who he sent us to rescue. But hey, we may be able to get a deal with Simonson Industries," Nines sighs, slumping further down on the couch, patting Angel who just happened to jump on his lap.

"Well that's good. May just get some new weapons for the first time in years. I take it you did the usual to him then?" Jeremy asks.

"Yep. But for now, I just want to sleep," Nines closes his eyes as he says this, his hand resting calmly on top of Angel.

"You can't sleep now! We still have to drink!" Ryan exclaims as he walks into the room, a bottle of jaeger in hand.

"Ryan, 'I' and I just came back from a tiring mission. Of course we still need to drink," Nines agrees, taking the jaeger happily.

"What about 'I'?" Ryan asks.

"I'm sure he's fine. He's with his wife," Jeremy waves it off, going back to whatever was on his phone as Nines shrugs and takes a mouthful of the jaeger, Ryan joining him with his own bottle of whatever he drinks. No one knows, he takes the label off his drinks.

As said Fallen Angels drink the night away, the rest of the world sleeps peacefully, including Jane, who is sound asleep in her own bed for the first time in years. The Fallen Angels have saved someone from both hells they were experiencing, and may have helped themselves by doing so. Let us allow them to sleep for now. They have earned it.

[foxsdomains-blog]

The Shop - Part 2

"So, Jeremy. We are being targeted?" Clair asks, folding her arms across her chest.

"That's what this note suggests, yes," he replies, sticking the note onto a wooden board.

"How long has this been here exactly?"

"Umm, about three days now? I've done some standard scouting and have confirmed a few things. One; we aren't up against The Monarchs this time, so that's good. Two; I both know, and don't know who we are up against," he says, leaning on the desk bellow the wooden board.

"The fuck does that mean Jeremy? And why the hell has this been here for three days and none of us know!?" Clair asks, her voice growing louder and louder.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I'm gonna call a meeting, even," he says, opening the door to the briefing room.

"Nines! Rook! 'B'! Meeting, now! And where the fuck is Ryan and 'I'?"

"First off, 'where the fuck ARE Ryan and 'I',  and secondly, I'm pretty sure they are out for the day. They did just come back from a mission, it's kinda expected," Nines says, walking through the door and taking his seat.

"First of all, don't correct me or I will throw you out the window. But of course they are out at a time like this. Of, FUCKING, course," Jeremy sighs loudly.

"What's going on Jeremy?" 'B' asks, sitting down across from Nines.

"We are being targeted," Clair answers for him.

"By?"

"That's the thing, I both know, and don't know," Jeremy finally answers.

"How the fuck does that work!?" Nines shouts, his voice filled with confusion.

"That's what I said!" Exclaims Clair.

"Anyway! Oh, hey Rook. Now, gonna have to start now, cause the other two assholes are 'out for the day'. Cause of fucking course they are. Now, like Clair said, we are being targeted. His exact details are unknown, but he left this note," Jeremy explains, passing three copies of the note to Nines, 'B' and Rook.

"You made copies because...?" Nines questions, looking over the piece of paper before reading it.

"Cause fuck you Nines. Now, you may notice some glaring similarities with a certain known serial killer in this note. Specifically, the big black fox face in the bottom right corner. Anyone want to take a guess who sent it?"

"The White Wolf! That bastard!" Nines shouts, throwing back his chair as he stands. Jeremy just looks stoically at him.

"Yeah, stupid joke. Anyway, it's the Black Fox, right? Been on the loose for a good year or two now, killed dozens of innocent people. Pretty bad guy, and that's coming from me," Nines says, sitting back down.

"Right. Well, we can get a few pieces of information from this, specifically that he knows where we are. This is pretty obvious, given the line 'I've been following you Angels for a while now. Feel safe?' This, of course, is an advantage for us. Kinda," Jeremy explains, reading and giving his opinion.

"How an advantage, 'kinda'?" Clair asks.

"Well, you see, we lure him to an area we know best, and confuse him. Plus, should things go wrong, we have the SilverAngel. Two things though, Rook, you won't be able to do your thing. You can just stay with Clair while what ever happens happens. Secondly, we will need to kill him, no matter what. He knows where we live, and if he knows that, he may know more. So with that said, we should get this done sooner rather than later. I'm gonna go collect Ryan and 'I', and when I get back, we'll discuss plans. For now, relax? I guess. Have fun," Jeremy finishes his mini speech, racing out and to his car. Hearing him take off, Nines stretches.

"Well, with that being said, I'm gonna go watch some tv. Anyone want to join?"

"Sure, I'll join," Clair shrugs watching Rook silently leave, presumedly going back to her room.

"Wait, we are just going to watch tv when we are being targeted?" 'B' asks, worried and confused.

"Well, we can't do much until Ryan and 'I' get back, and definitely not until Jeremy gets back. So we just have to wait. Listen, trust your family. We won't let anything happen," Clair says, smiling.

"O...Ok," 'B' says, reluctantly joining the other two.

...

Hours go by, the group flipping through each channel hundreds of times. At one point, the group found an adult channel, which Clair asked to watch. After getting a glare from 'B' and a laugh from Nines they found something else to watch. Finally, Jeremy and the others arrive back home.

"Took you all long enough," Nines says, leaning his head over the back of the white leather couch.

"Took me long enough to find these two. Phones turned off, like come on. Do you not want to be found or something?"

"No, we totally wanted to be found. Phones off, in a deserted place. Nah, just begging to be found," Ryan replies, voice laced with sarcasm.

"Right, noted. Anyway, I'll fill you in. Black Fox is targeting us, we need to lure him in, kill him. Sound good? Sweet. I'll leave it to you," Jeremy says, walking back into his room.

"Wait. You notified us, just to leave it to Ryan?" Nines asks, stunned.

"Yeah, he does that. I'm good at this kind of stuff. I'll take him out, and leave some information to the coppers that he's dead. So just, don't worry about it," Ryan says, shrugging.

"Right. Well. I'm going to go do, something? I dunno. I was expecting some big plan, involving all of us to take him down," Nines says.

"You think the effort of seven people is worth it to kill one guy? No no no, I'm all we need this time. Don't worry about it," Ryan finishes, going to his room to presumably load his guns? No one really knows.

"Hey Nines, wanna go for a drive?" 'I' asks, making his presence known.

"You just cam from one!"

"Yeah, but we need to talk. About our shared fence," he says, using a signal the two devised years prior to becoming a Fallen Angel.

"Right. Ok. Well, we'll be back," Nines says, pulling his keys from his pocket and walking with 'I' towards the front door.

...

Nines and 'I' begin their drive in 'I's car, much to Nines' dismay. In 'I's words, it's the only car the cops haven't seen driving way over the speed limit, and as they were just going for a simple drive, would be perfect. Nines couldn't argue with that logic.

"So, what exactly do we need to talk about that's this important that you are tearing me away from action?" he asks.

"Sorry, I know how much you want to see Ryan kill him. But, this is about you, and Rook," 'I' begins.

"Oh god, here we go."

"Yep. So you like her right? Like, like like her, right? Don't worry, I'm pretty sure only Clair and I know. So you are in the clear," 'I' explains, calmly driving around near the base. Close enough that they will be able to hear what happens, when it happens, but far enough that they won't be in the midst of it.

"Well, cause you said that, yes. I do. But don't worry, I'm not gonna act on it or anything. I know that's a stupid idea," Nines sighs.

"You're a stupid idea. Act on it man, seriously. You need to. Cause it's gonna hurt you if you see her with someone else. And you know someone will try. People dig that whole, shy nerdy girl type."

"I know! I know. I just, I don't know how. Oh text... Oh shit, Black Fox is at the base now. Brought a bit of an army with him. Shall we?" Nines questions, reaching for his pistol.

"We shall."

...

"Ryan! I thought you said you would handle this!" Jeremy shouts over the sudden gun fire.

"Yeah, I did! But I never thought they would come to us!" he replies, shouting just as loud.

"You fucking told him to you fucking idiot!"

"Shut up and kill people!"

The duo duck out from their cover behind the trees surrounding the base, slowly walking forward firing their semi-auto rifles before taking cover at the next tree. Jeremy signals left, leaving the right side to Ryan before counting down.

3...

2...

1...

Both guys rush out from cover, Ryan having traded his rifle for dual Black Star.54 handguns, firing off crazily before reloading, all without taking cover. Jeremy similarly fire off his rifle, aiming directly for the head and taking most of his targets out with one shot, exhausting the clip without taking cover. As the duo fight on the front line, 'B' sneaks around the side of the fight. Close to 50 enemies, she thinks to herself. She lies prone on the grass, Nines' sniper rifle 'Trusty' in hand. She takes her aim and fires at one of the targets. Miss. She loads the next bullet in, and fires again. Miss. Again. She sighs, before loading the next bullet and trying again.

While all this is happening, Clair is calmly sitting on a couch placed conveniently in her room. Fights like this aren't my thing.

Ryan and Jeremy clear out many of the opposing forces front line, getting assistance from 'B' whenever she manages to hit. She's still new to this, but she's doing well, Jeremy thinks to himself as he loads another clip into his gun. After some time of fighting, it's down to just Ryan and Jeremy against Black Fox. A man stands up from behind one of the many cars parked outside the base, wearing a long black leather trench coat, his face concealed by a blank black mask with fox ears.

"So, you are the infamous Fallen Angels, eh?" He says, his voice deep and raspy.

"And you must be Black Fox. Nice to make your acquaintance," Jeremy replies, moving out from cover to face him.

"You live up to the tales, that's for sure," the man laughs.

"I wish I could say the same for you. Sadly, your little entourage has fallen around you."

"Indeed they have. But tell me, what are you going to do? Kill me? Spare me?" the man asks, tilting his head slightly.

"Me? Nothing. That car behind you? They might do something," Jeremy points behind the man. He turns around, only to see the very close front end of a deep blue 4x4 as it hits him, the man being crushed underneath.

"Sorry we're late guys," 'I' apologises as he steps out.

"Man, what's with this B-rated movie ending? The bad guy getting squashed by a car he somehow doesn't hear right behind him? That's just lazy writing," Nines complains, getting out the other side. Suddenly, a loud crack sounds near them, Nines jumping at the sound. Looking down, the guys see a pool of blood form around the mans head.

"He was still alive. I finally hit something..." 'B' says as she walks up to them, the last part being uttered to herself softly.

"Well guys, with that being done, and us all united. I say we drink to forget this horrible day. Who's with me?" Jeremy asks. All the Fallen Angels around him raise their hands in agreement.

As drink after drink is poured, the sun sets on yet another day. The Fallen Angels bask in the company of each other, each one knowing that it could very well be their last. But only time will tell what may occur to each Angel, and only time will tell what path they may take.

[foxsdomains-blog]

The Shop

"What's has happened here!?" Jeremy shouts. "Lots of boxes? He's bought something," Clair says, kicking a large box around. "This, is a graphics card. I think he finally bought a new computer," 'I' muses, dropping an opened, colourful box. "Where is he then? Cause that's the computer there," Ryan asks, points to a medium sized tower. 'I' walks over, inspecting the tower. "Well, he put everything in incorrectly. So I'm assuming he gave up." "Is that what he does?" Jeremy asks. "Well, yeah. He tries, then if he fails, he stops and hopes that he hasn't broken anything," 'I' sighs. "Should we try to find him? Surely he hasn't gone too far, I mean, there are only a few places he can go," Ryan questions. "...his room..." Rook says softly. "How do you know this?" Clair asks. Without saying a word, Rook hides her phone, Clair laughing as she sees. "Oh, you're all back. How was the mission?" Nines asks, making his presence known. "Mission was an easy success. More importantly, what the hell happened here?" Jeremy asks, his eyes red with fury. "Well, you wouldn't believe it, but this guy came in, scattered a bunch of boxes everywhere, and made me watch as he incorrectly put the computer together! How absurd is that!?" Nines laughs, kicking an empty box before looking down at in worriedly. "Yeah, so absurd. I totally believe you," Jeremy responds, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Ok, ok. Fine. I can't take that patronising glare of yours. I ordered a new pc, and it came in parts. So I tried putting it together thinking "how hard can it be?" Turns out it's very hard when you have no idea what your doing." "And so you just left everything scattered in our living room!?" screams Jeremy. "Well what else was I supposed to do?" Nines retorts. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe put everything in yOUR ROOM?! You know what, this shit is going on your room, and that's an order." Jeremy picks up the haphazardly put together computer and lugs it over to Nines' room. "Why is this thing so heavy?!" "What exactly did you put in it Nines?" 'I' asks, turning to look at him. "Besides the important things? Just... stuff to weigh it down so I wouldn't knock it over..." "Stuff like?" "... a brick..." "Jesus Christ Nines! How did you even get a brick inside it?" Nines chuckles a bit at this, glancing away at Jeremy as he tries to open his door. "Oh, you know. When something isn't put together right, you tend to be able to fit stuff that shouldn't otherwise fit." "You shouldn't be allowed around computers, honestly. Seeing that monstrosity just hurts me," 'I' says, turning to walk to his room, hands thrown above his head. Rook sighs, placing a hand on Nines' shoulder. "Here, I'll help you." "Oh, thanks," Nines replies, being sure not to look too carefully at her. "I'll tag along. I'm curious to see you work, Rook," Clair joins in. The three of them pick up the scattered computer parts before walking past Jeremy on the way to Nines' room. "Alright, just put the parts on the ground, sit back, and watch the magic happen," Rook says, confidently. "Woah, what's gotten into you, babe? Suddenly very confident are we?" Clair asks, smirking. "Only when it comes to computers. It's all I know," Rook replies, already taking apart the failed attempt of a computer. "Pst, Nines," Clair whispers, nudging Nines' shoulder. "Hm? Yo?" Nines whispers back. "Doesn't Rook look pretty cute working like that?" She smirks. "Ah- Clair! She's right there! Careful what you say!" Nines replies in a hushed shout. "Oh please, she's so absorbed she won't notice anything you say, watch. Hey Rook, I think I might have a crush on you."

"Mhm," she sounds, not paying attention.

"See?" Nines sighs in response.

"Alright, I think I'm done. Have a look and tell me if I'm missing any parts," Rook orders, moving aside so Nines can see inside.

"Woah. That was fast," he whistles.

"Not as fast as this computers gonna be," she replies, eyeing the light strips inside it.

"Well, everything I bough is there. Hopefully it all works."

"Good. Let's see how this monster plays," she says proudly, turning the computer on. As the computer runs it's first boot-up, Clair gets off the bed and starts inspecting Nines' room.

"I've never been in here before. You have a very interesting, and boring room, Nines. Wait... you have bugger all clothes!"

"Yeah? I don't go clothes shopping," he says back, confusion and dread filling his voice.

"We need to change that. Rook, go get 'B'. We're going clothes shopping!" Clair cheers, raising her fist in the air.

...

"Why are we doing this?" Nines asks, sitting in the back of Clair's car, Rook to his left.

"Well, you need something other than a few shirts and one jacket that isn't even leather!"

"I really don't. It's lasted me this long, hasn't it?" he sighs in response.

"Dear god help me..."

"God can't help you now, Nines," 'B' says calmly.

"Why have you forsaken me!? What have I ever done to you- on second thought don't answer that," Nines replies hurriedly.

"Oh? Some drama between the school friends? I'm intrigued," Clair looks back at Nines, smirking.

"Don't worry about it. Old stuff," Nines sighs.

"Let's focus on the shop. Clair, where are we going exactly?" Rook asks, diffusing the situation.

"There are a few places in town we can go. And we are going to go to every single one of them," Clair replies, turning into the big shopping centre in the middle of town.

"Well, I can't wait to get this over and done with. So, where first?" Nines sighs.

"Well, first off we get some food. Maccas sound good to anyone? Good, cause that's what we're gettin'," Clair states, already walking towards the food court.

"Honestly, why is this even happening?" Nines sighs again, reluctantly following the girls. ... After food, Clair leads the group to a men's clothes store.

"Clair, this store sells suit shit. Why do I want suit shit?"

"Cause I think it will suit you. Heh, get it?" Everyone groans at Clair's pun.

"No, but seriously, you need some decent clothes. So, girls? Let's each pick out a full outfit we think would suit our dear friend here. Nines, you look around as well," Clair orders, already walking off around the store.

"Why do I have to do this?" Nines groans as he looks, very lazily, around the store.

"Nines?" Nines turns around, a bit too fast, knocking a few clothes off the racks. He chuckles awkwardly as the store attendant silently judges him. At least, he thinks she is.

"'B'? What's up?" He asks, putting the clothes back on the racks.

"Can you try this on?" She asks, hesitantly holding out a shirt and matching pants.

"Uh, sure," Nines says, taking the clothes and rushing into the changing room.

"Hey 'B', where's Nines? I found something I want him to try on," Clair asks, suddenly behind her.

"Oh, I just gave him something. He's trying it on now," she replies.

"Ah, well let me know when he's out." Clair walks away again, presumably to find more clothes. Nines leave the dressing room wearing a simple white button up shirt, and black slacks, a tie lazily hanging around his neck.

"At least tie the tie up," 'B' sighs.

"I hate ties though. They feel so constricting," he says, fiddling with the tie.

"Oh hey, you're out," Clair comes over, looking Nines up and down before nodding to herself.

"Nice, simple. You look good in that. We'll add that to the list. Now, try these on," Clair says before shoving more clothes into Nines' hands and pushing him back into the changing room. ... After hours of trying on different clothes, it's finally time to go home... or so Nines thought.

"We have one more place we need to go," Clair announces.

"And where might that be?" Nines says, having given up an hour into the shop.

"Somewhere you can get a jacket from. And I think I know just the place. Follow me." Clair leads the group, once again, through the entire centre, before arriving at a smaller shop.

"Rook, you and Nines go in, and find him a leather jacket. Me and 'B' will wait out here," Clair decides, before pushing the two into the store.

"I hate this..." Nines groans, slumping down on one of the few leather seats in the store.

"Me too. But, you know how Clair is," Rook answers, looking at the three jackets hanging up in the store.

"Which colour? Black, white, or brown?" She asks.

"If I must get one, black please," he answers back. Hearing his answer, Rook walks to the counter, purchasing the jacket herself.

"Here," She hands it to him, "think of it as a gift from me. I think you would look good in it," she says, looking down slightly.

"Oh, uh. Thanks, Rook." Nines rubs the back or his head sheepishly, trying to hide the smile that threatens to break free.

"Alright, you two good in there? Good," Clair interrupts, throwing a set of keys towards Nines. Catching them, he looks at her confused.

"I know you have always wanted to drive my car, so as a thanks for putting up with this, you can drive us home. Just- don't make us feel sick? Please?"

"Oh. Fuck yes!" Nines practically sprints out the centre and to her car, starting it up before the girls arrive.

"Now this, this is going to be fucking fun!" Nines exclaims, a large grin threatening to split his face in half.

"Nines, remember what I sai-" Clair is interrupted by Nines flooring it out of the car park, through the city and onto the highway, easily reaching 150km/h... in the city. Somehow. ... Walking through the front door, Nines carrying the bag with the jacket in looking none the worse for wear, and the rest of the girls carrying whatever they bought, looking dead.

"Note to self, never let Nines drive again. Ever," Clair says, dropping the bags in the living room.

"That was horrible," 'B' groaned, copying Clair and slumping down in a one of the many leather chairs.

"It wasn't so bad. I'll go put these in your room, Nines," Rook says, before disappearing down the corridor and into Nines' room.

"Well, how was the shop?" Jeremy asks, looking around at the reactions of all the girls.

"The shop itself? Terrible. The drive back? Well, I think I got some good revenge. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go play some pc on my new pc. Have fun you lot." He grins again, walking towards his room.

"I told you letting him drive was a bad idea," Jeremy sighs, looking towards Clair.

"I know. But he just seemed so down lately. Something has been on his mind recently, and I needed to do something to cheer him up. Hopefully the drive was enough for now," Clair replies, seating herself next to Jeremy.

"We can only hope. Well come on, we have some work to do. You and I have a job," he says, getting up and leading the way towards the briefing room.

"What kind of mission?" Clair asks.

"Someone's left us a very interesting note," Jeremy explains, closing the door and handing her a note.

"Jeremy... what does this mean?" Clair asks, he voice filled with worry after reading the note.

"Exactly what you think, Clair. Someone's targeting us."

[foxsdomains-blog]

Happy Birthday Rook - Behind the Scenes

"Alright, now, this may be the most critical mission we have ever had. 'I', you go get the banners. Ryan, you get the stringers. I'll go get the orders we placed. Nines, you go pick up the cake. And, the most important part, Clair and 'B', you go distract Rook after she wakes up. Alright, let's start plan 'Happy Birthday Rook'!" Jeremy ends, raising his hand in a cheer as everyone runs off to do their job.

Nines bolts out the door, hurriedly racing towards his car. Starting it up, he drives down the road, towards the cake shop. It takes about 10 minutes for Nines to arrive at the cake shop, and quickly runs inside.

"Good morning Sir, how may I help you?" The attendant asks, smiling at Nines from behind the counter.

"Hey, I believe there is a cake waiting for me? Under the name, uh, James?" Nines says, questioning the note written on his hand.

"Of course, I'll be right back," the attendant walks through the door into the back room. Nines stands, tapping his foot on the floor as he waits. Soon, the attendant walks back out, without a box in hand.

"I'm sorry sir, I'm afraid the cake is not ready yet," the attendant apologises.

"Well, how long until it's ready?"

"About 30 minutes until the cake it ready. Until then, would you like to leave your phone number and I can call when it is ready?"

"You know what, sure. Here," Nines quickly scribbles a line of numbers down, handing it over before walking out, the bell on the door ringing as he leaves.

"Should probably tell Jeremy," Nines sighs, pulling out his phone and calling Jeremy.

"Nines? What's up?"

"The cake isn't ready yet. It will be about 30 minutes until it is ready, and then it will be about 10 minutes until I get back. That alright?"

"That makes things difficult. Alright, do what you can, and we'll see you back here with a cake," Jeremy finishes, ending the call. Nines stands still for a few seconds, before sending a message to 'B'.

The cake isn't ready yet, try and keep Rook distracted for at least an extra 40 minutes.

After sending the message, Nines climbs back in the car and beings watching an anime on a laptop that is always stored in his car.

"This is gonna be a pain. Hope everything ends up alright."

As Nines watches the episode, a knock sounds on his door. The attendant is standing outside his car, a large box in hand. Nines' eyes light up, and he opens the door fast, but also careful not to bowl the attendant over.

"Sorry to interrupt you sir, but we sensed the urgency about your cake, and we managed to finish it early, while still having the quality you expect by choosing us," the attendant says happily.

"Well, thank you very much for that. I believe you have already been payed for? Though, before I go, let me give you a little tip," Nines' says, attempting a false formal voice. Nines' reaches into his pocket, before pulling out two $50 bills and placing them in the attendant's hand.

"Once again, thank you very much, bye bye now," Nines' bids his goodbyes, carefully placing the cake in his car before driving off.

Jeremy, change of plans again, he rushed the cake out while still keeping it the same quality. I'm on the way back now. He texts Jeremy, before speeding down the, mostly, empty highway.

Ryan speeds down the highway, as usual, on his bike. The HUD on his helmet shows that he is going nearly 50km over the speed limit, making him nothing but a black blur to everyone who sees him. He races through the city, before pulling up at the party store next to 'I's car. Holding his helmet under his arm, he enters the store and makes a bee-line towards the 'decorations' section.

"Hard to believe a party supply shop has any sections other than decorations," he says to himself.

"Can I help you sir?" a lady asks, walking over to him. He glances her over, noticing the name tag and store uniform.

"No thank you, I'm fine. Just getting some supplies for a friend's birthday," he replies before walking off. Ryan walks down corridor after corridor, passing 'I' as he walks out with banners in hand, making sure not to appear as though he knows him. Can't have any questions being asked. After 10 minutes of walking up and down corridors, Ryan walks up to the lady who approached him earlier.

"Do you sell stringers here?" he asks.

"S-stringers?" the lady question, her voice flooding with confusion.

"Yeah, you know, thin paper strings, normally on a roll, that you use to decorate rooms for parties," he explains, irritation growing slightly.

"Oh, we don't sell anything that sounds like that I'm afraid," she replies, still not sounding convinced she knows what Ryan is talking about.

"Mother Fucker!" he roars, stomping out of the store.

Ryan climbs onto his bike, throwing on his helmet and speeds out of the parking lot of the party supply store.

"Google, search party supply stores near me," Ryan orders into his helmet, frustration filling his voice.

"Nearest store, 100 meters south-" The voice starts before getting cut off by Ryan,

"I just went to that one! Next!"

"In 50 meters, turn right."

"FUCK!" Ryan swerves around the car in front of him, before sharply turning the corner, easily going above 100km/h.

"Ok, this bike is amazing. Can't beat it," Ryan cheers as he comes out of the corner. Interrupting the mini celebration however, were red and blue flashing lights and the accompanying sound of a siren behind him. With a great sigh, Ryan pulls over slowly. As the police car comes to a stop behind him, and the man gets out of the car, Ryan makes sure to cover the FA symbol on his bike with his leg.

"Excuse me sir, but are you aware you were going well over the speed limit?" The police man questions, not bothering to remove his helmet. He knows what he has gotten himself into.

"Of course I am. You think I would go that fast and not notice?" Ryan question back sarcastically.

"Well, I'm sorry sir, but I am going to have to ask you to come with me to the station."

"Can't you just write me a ticket as we can both be on our way?"

"No can do sir. At the speed you were going, I'm going to need you go come with me," the police officer doesn't back down. Gotta remember it's Rook's birthday. Can't go getting into trouble on Rook's birthday.

"Well, how about I promise to go to the station tomorrow, and you let me go now?" Ryan takes off his helmet, showing a very forced smile.

"You know that's not how it works. Not off the bike, and come with me," the officer says, slowly reaching for his taser. Luckily, or unluckily depending on how you see it, the engine of a familiar car pulls up in front of Ryan. 'I' steps out and walks towards the officer, badge in hand.

"Excuse me, Rookie. What's going on here?" 'I' says, stopping next to Ryan.

"Well, this man was speeding down the street. I caught him going over 100 kilometers!"

"I see. Alright, I'll handle this. You get back into your car and keep doing your routine," 'I' orders, pocketing his badge.

"But sir-"

"No buts. Go." The rookie officer mumbles as he stomps back over to his car, slamming the door closed and driving off.

"Fuck I'm lucky you arrived when you did," Ryan breathes a sigh of relief, letting his leg fall back into a natural position.

"No, you're lucky I still have my badge. Yo-u should really get the symbol taken off your bike," 'I' suggests, looking down at the big two letters, painted in white.

"And let someone deface my baby? No way," Ryan objects.

"Why were you speeding down the street anyway? Wait no, let me guess. You were pissed that the shop didn't have what you are looking for, and you are trying to get them fast so you can set them up?" Ryan nods.

"Well, here's a tip. Party stores don't call them stringers. They call them Crepe Paper Rolls. Try that at the store we came from. Cause trust me, I saw them there," 'I' says as he walks back towards his car.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Ryan sighs, before starting his bike up again and driving off to the store he came from, not bothering to put on his helmet

...

Parking in the parking lot of the store once again, Ryan walks through the entrance and makes a bee line towards the lady at the front counter.

"Excuse me, do you have any... crepe paper rolls?" The lady looks him up and down, sighs in disappointment before replying,

"This way sir." Ryan follows the lady, sweating under his black leather jacket. Finally she stops at an aisle, standing in front of the 'stringers' Ryan is looking for.

"Thank you very much," Ryan says, plucking red, green and pink rolls from the shelf.

"Would you like me to process that for you?" the lady asks.

"Sure," Ryan replies, handing the rolls to her.

As Ryan follows the lady to the front counter, a man wearing all black walks through the front sliding doors, carrying a duffle bag in his right hand. Who still uses duffle bags these days?

"I don't want to hurt anyone..." the man starts.

"So don't?" Ryan questions, not looking at the man.

"But I will if any of you fucking move!" the man drops the duffle bag, procuring rifle. That's an M16. My guess is it's been upgraded to fire full auto. But even if not, that is definitely lethal. My only question is why the hell is he bringing a gun to a fucking party supply store!? Also, how did he get that in Australia?

"All I want, is all the money in your till. And you, biker man, your wallet as well," the man orders, pointing the gun around the store at anyone who dares to move as he kicks the duffle bag over. Ryan sighs, raising his hands on a mock surrender.

"Alright, alright man, just calm down. Lower the gun, or you're not going to get your money," Ryan tries to calm the obviously crazed man down.

"Don't threaten me, biker man. I've got the gun," the crazed man turns his attention on Ryan. Behind his back, Ryan points downwards, hoping the ladies behind the counter get his signal to duck down. When he hears nothing, he sighs again.

"Duck behind the fucking counter!" Ryan charges the man, ducking and praying no bullets hit him as the gun opens fire. As soon as Ryan gets within melee range, he pushes the gun upwards with his left hand, slamming his right hand into the man's left elbow. The shock of Ryan charging him combined with the force of the attack makes the man drop the gun, allowing Ryan to grab it from under him. Ryan upper cuts with the man with the butt of the gun, knocking him onto the floor. Finally, he empties the gun, throwing it away and pocketing the clip.

"Like I said, calm down or you aren't getting your money. Now, my stringers," Ryan says, walking back over to the front counter. The ladies shakenly hand the stringers over, and point towards the door, a silent plea for him to leave. For hopefully the last time today, Ryan sighs. Walking out the store, Ryan climbs onto his bike, before driving it back to the base, not bothering to send a text to Jeremy.

Back at the base

"So, Ryan and Nines, you both had the most trouble?" Jeremy asks as Ryan walks through the door, a bag of stringers in hand.

"I don't want to hear any shit from you Nines," Ryan says, sounding completely exhausted.

"Woah, calm down man. We get it, you had a bad day. Now, let's just set up, and get ready," Nines says, placing the cake down on the table.

"Clair says they are on the way back now, so we have ten minutes to fully set up, and get ready. Chop chop people. This time we actually don't have all day," Jeremy orders, placing the empty boxes around the cake.

"Remind me again why we got fake presents?" 'I' asks, hanging up the large 'Happy birthday' banner across the room.

"Well, we only got her three presents, but that won't look very good in pictures, or in memories. So we stock the table up with fake presents so photos look nice," he replies, not bothering to turn around as he angles each present exactly the way he wants.

"Nines, can I get a hand with this banner, thanks?" 'I' calls from the top of his ladder. Nines walks over, staring up at the ceiling that 'I' is trying to hang the banner on.

"First of all, how many banners did you get? Secondly, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult if our ceiling wasn't 5 meters high, Jeremy," Nines complains.

"Well, I only have an answer to the first one, that being I got three banners. One is already up, the second one you are helping with, and the third one is going in front of the door," 'I' says, leaning over the ladder as Nines stands on a table to assist with the banner.

"You know what they say about bases with high ceilings," Jeremy starts. After a short silence, Nines call back,

"No, I don't. Because that isn't a saying!"

Without any warning, the door inches open and Clair squeezes through, quickly closing it behind her.

"Alright, Rook and 'B' are outside. I'm just making sure everything is perfect," Clair says, looking around.

"The banners aren't even up yet! God, let me do it," Clair sighs, taking the third and final banner off the table and hanging it up on the door.

"Alright, let me send a quick text... alright. Everyone hide!" On these words, everyone ducks behind couches and tables, anywhere they can find... except for Nines, who is poking his head above the couch.

"Nines, for fucks sake get your head down! And turn the fucking lights off!"

The door opens, and a streak of light fills the dark room. Alright, let's do this, Clair thinks, a grin seeping onto her face.

"3, 2, 1."

[foxsdomains-blog]

Happy Birthday Rook!

"Alright, now, this may be the most critical mission we have ever had. 'I', you go get the banners. Ryan, you get the stringers. I'll go collect the orders we placed. Nines, you go pick up the cake. And, the most important part, Clair and 'B', you both distract Rook after she wakes up. Alright, let's start plan 'Happy Birthday Rook'!" Jeremy ends, raising his hand in a cheer as everyone runs off to do their job.

"So Jeremy, Clair and I just need to keep Rook away from here while everyone sets up, right? And try to keep her away from every shop you are all using, correct?"

"Basically, yeah. She is still asleep right now, but when she wakes up, maybe take her to the café she and Clair go to? It's up to you three. Just do your absolute best to keep her away from the base," Jeremy says, giving her a thumbs up before running outside, starting his car and driving away.

"So, Clair, how uh... how are you?" 'B' asks hesitantly. Clair sighs before responding.

"Look, 'B', you don't need to be so, hesitant around me. I honestly don't even know why you are. I'm not that scary, and don't even think I'm going to go after 'I'. I don't go after taken men or women. And besides, every clan member is safe. I wouldn't go after family," Clair says, smiling as she looks softly at 'B'.

"It's not that, but thanks for the reassurance. It's just, I don't know how to fit in. This whole lifestyle, it's completely different to the one I used to have. I can understand all of you. Jeremy and Ryan were in the military practically since birth, Rook was a government hacker, and you infiltrated groups and assassinated targets for the government. Heck, even Nines fits right in, and 'I' was a police officer before joining. But me, I don't fit in anywhere. I'm not a Fallen Angel, for lack of a better phrase," 'B' says, looking down. Clair sighs, before slapping 'B' across the cheek, not hard enough to hurt much, but enough to shock her.

"Look, 'B'. None of us care about whether you fit in or not. We are all family. And besides, you pull your weight in missions. You may still be new to this, but all of us were when we started. And yes, it is a completely different lifestyle. We are on the run from everywhere besides a few places. So I'm sure it is a complete change. But listen, and listen well. We are all here for each other. There are where times when I felt I could only rely on Jeremy, and Rook. I mostly go to Rook for that stuff though, to be honest. And trust me, there will be times when I go to you for help. So don't feel like you are alone. Because we all have each others back. And, sorry for slapping you before," Clair says sheepishly, rubbing her cheek.

"It's fine Clair, don't' worry about it," 'B' replies, laughing.

"Clair has a point 'B'. When I first started, I didn't know much about computers in general. And look at me now, I hack into top secret files just for fun," a new voice pipes up. Clair lets out a small squeal, turning around to come face to face with Rook, standing in the doorway to her room.

"Hey, where are the others?" Rook asks.

"Uhh..." Clair panics, looking towards 'B' for help.

"They all went out. Not sure where though," she answers.

"Oh. Did I miss breakfast then?"

"No, they left before breakfast," Clair says nervously.

"Are you alright Clair? You sound... odd," Rook points out, closing her door as she moves closer.

"Yeah, no I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Say, wanna go get some breakfast at our café? 'B' is gonna join us as well! So it can be the three girls of the FA," Clair suggests, her eyes darting between the other two.

"Yeah, sure. Sounds good. Let me just go get changed and I'll be right out," Rook says, going back into her room, closing the door.

"Wow, you are not good at hiding things Clair," 'B' whispers.

"Normally I'm fine, but this is Rook! I haven't hidden anything from her before!" Clair whisper-shouts back. 'B' sighs in response, just as the door opens and Rook walks back out.

"Alright, ready," she says as she closes her door.

"That was fast. Alright, let's go," Clair says, leading the way towards her car.

"I don't think I've ever ridden in this car before," 'B' says, glancing around the inside as she climbs in.

"It's a nice car, isn't it? Better than Nines', that's for sure," Clair says, chuckling slightly.

"I think Nines has a nice car, but yours is more comfortable Clair," Rooks says from the back seat.

"That's because mine is designed with all the comforts a lady needs in mind. His is just a fast and bullet proof thing on a roll cage," Clair scoffs in mock disgrace.        

"Isn't bullet proof good though? I remember when 'I' and I first met him, and a sniper tried to kill us. He forced us in his car and drove off. One of the sniper's bullets hit the windscreen in front of me. If his car wasn't bullet proof I would be dead," 'B' says, tapping on the glass in front of her.

"Well, don't worry. This baby is all bullet proof. I wouldn't be so risky as to drive something that isn't at least armoured," Clair points out, keeping her eyes on the road.

"Well, it's about 10 minutes until we get to the café, so strap in, relax, and listen to some music."

...

"I'll take my usual coffee, a green tea, and... what do you want 'B'?" Clair asks, placing her and Rook's order.

"I'll just have a water, thanks," she mutters to Clair.

"You heard the girl, and one water," Clair finishes, handing over the money as 'B' walks off to sit with Rook.

"So, how often do you both come here?" 'B' asks.

"Well, Clair and I know the owner of this place, so we tend to come here quite often. Whenever we need to get away and talk, in fact," Rook answers. 'B' makes a sound as though she heard it, looking around at all the customers eating, and all the waitresses taking and delivering orders. Her phone dings, and she reads the message before beginning a new conversation.

"Um, feel free not to answer, but how long have you both been in the FA?"

"Oh right, cause you and 'I' have only been here for 6 months, haven't you? Well, Clair has been here longer then myself, but I've been here for 4 years, and I'm only 22. In comparison, Nines joined 3 years ago," Rook says, glancing over her shoulder as the waitress arrives, placing their orders down.

"I joined 6 years ago, along with Ryan. Though, 'joined' is putting it loosely. Ryan, Jeremy and I all worked together a few times, before we found out we all were disgraced from our roles with either the government or military, and so we formed the 'Fallen Angels'," Clair explains, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Wait, you were all disgraced?" 'B' asks in surprise.

"You weren't told? Jeremy and Ryan were dishonourably discharged and blamed for the deaths of their entire team. It was a mission gone wrong, and even though it wasn't their fault, it impacted them horribly. Jeremy has survivors guilt, and Ryan, well, you've seen him. Though to be fair, he was always a bit crazy," Rook explains.

"And I was framed for the death of an important figure, and became hunted. I ended up meeting Jeremy and Ryan and after about a year, well yeah. This happened," Clair finishes.

"Oh, I... never knew this," 'B' says, looking down.

"I'm kinda surprised no one told you, to be honest. But oh well, now you know," Clair shrugged. *ding*. Clair makes a small sound of surprise as she checks her phone.

"Oh, everyone's back. Guess it's time. Finish your drinks quickly girls, it's time to go," Clair says, sculling her still hot coffee. 'B' looks at Clair, and Clair winks back at her. Rook looks between the two, before shrugging and finishing her tea.

"Kinda sucks we have to go already. We just got here," Rook complains as the three girls walk back to the car.

...

"Alright, Rook, stay here," Clair says, inching the door open and slipping inside, shutting the door behind her.

"Do you know why Clair is acting so weird, 'B'?" Rook asks, turning around to her shorter friend.

"I do, yeah. And before you ask, you'll find out soon. Just wait," 'B' says, checking her phone.

"Alright, green light means go." 'B' opens the door, letting Rook walk into the dark room in front of her. 'B' closes the door behind her, plunging the room into complete darkness.

"3, 2, 1." The lights turn on, illuminating the room and showing off the banners, string, and a table full of presents, with a cake placed neatly in the middle.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROOK!" Everyone shouts, popping out from their respective hiding places. Rook stands, silently processing what just happened.

"You aren't dumb Rook, so we had to make everything genuine. Which is why we chose Clair and 'B' to distract you while we all set up. Sorry about deceiving you Rook, but it's either that or you wouldn't be surprised," Jeremy says as everyone walks closer.

"And what's better than a surprise party on your birthday? Surprise cake! Of which we have plenty," Nines says, gesturing towards the cake. Rook opens her mouth to say something as a single tear falls from her left eye, but is quieted by Ryan.

"Don't say anything Rook, just enjoy this day. Well, what's left of it. It is your special day after all," he says, smiling warmly.

"Alright, let's do cake!" Nines says, dragging Rook over to the massive cake sitting on the table between the presents. Clair hands Rook the knife, and directs her hand over her cake. The cake is at least a meter long, with colourful frosting swirls around the outside of the otherwise white cake. A colourful design of a laptop is frosted in the centre, the keys outlined with green letters. Where the screen would be, in big blue frosting, is printed "Happy Birthday Rook!".

"It took three years for us to finally find your date of birth, so I apologise for the wait, but we hope this makes up for it. The classic big birthday party, with a Fallen Angel twist!" Jeremy cheers.

"So you mean, we eat cake, open presents and get blind drunk?" Rook questions.

"Exactly. So don't fear drinking tonight, Rook. We aren't gonna judge you on anything that happens. Cause tonight is your night," Nines says, patting her on the back. Rook nods, allowing Clair to direct her hand down, cutting her cake.

"Oops, she touched the bottom, time to kiss the closest boy," Clair says in true Clair fashion, her eyes darting between Rook and Nines. Jeremy sighs, before,

"Clair, let the poor girl go. Let's just eat the cake."

"Fine, fine. Well, come on Rook, I'm hungry," Clair whines.

"Clair, make yourself useful and go get our drinks, would you?" Ryan directs, pointing to the kitchen. Clair sighs loudly, before stomping off. Rook giggles slightly, cutting more slices in the cake.

"Alright, everyone come and take a piece as I cut them, otherwise we will be here all day," Rook says, placing piece after piece on plastic plates. As everyone starts eating, Clair wheels the cart into the room.

"Why is the kitchen so far away! Who designed this bloody base!?" Clair loudly complains.

"Well, it's only a couple of meters down the hallway, and to the left. At least it isn't in the helicopter room," Jeremy points out.

"That's another thing, we need to name our rooms better. 'TV Room', 'Helicopter room'? Can't we just have 'Gaming room', 'Movie Room', 'Landing pad', and fucking kitchen!?"

"Clair, shut up, calm down, and have some cake and drinks," Jeremy orders, not even looking up from his cake. Clair grumbles, poring herself a glass of red wine, grabbing a slice of cake and taking a seat next to Rook.

As everyone finishes their drinks, Clair softly hands Rook a medium size, rectangular box wrapped in cheesy wrapping paper.

"This one is from me. Thought you may want it, so you can," Clair leans down to whisper in Rooks ear, "bond more with Nines." Rook looks up slightly, before carefully tearing off the paper.

As the paper disappears, the content of the box is revealed. Rook holds up the box, the red writing on the black background displaying just what it is.

"A new laptop?" Rook asks.

"Top end gaming laptop. I'm not sure what it all really means, but you can see on the box what it has in it. I made sure the man at the shop gave me the best one they had," Clair says hesitantly.

"Clair, this... this must have costed a fortune... thank you," Rook says, carefully placing it down before hugging Clair.

"Anything for you Rook," Clair says, returning the hug.

"Hey Rook, here's mine," Nines starts, handing her a small, square box, "I know you aren't much of a girly girl, so I'm not sure if you'll like this, but I know you like cats, so, yeah." Nines rubs his head, glancing away as Rook takes the box. She opens it carefully to reveal a small cat pendent on a silver chain, with rubies where the eyes would be.

"Nines, this is wonderful. Thanks you," she replies, smiling up at him.

"No worries, Rook. It's all good," Nines says, walking off with a drink in hand.

"So Rook, like Nines said, we know you like cats. And we know you have been wishing you had one, so we talked it over. Clair, if you want to do the honours?" Jeremy gestures over at Rooks room.

"No... you didn't..." Clair disappears inside her room, before reappearing with a blue and white cat cage in hand. Rook covers her mouth with her hands, tears threatening to fall.

"Here you go Rook, she's all yours," Clair smiles as she hands the cage over as a small mewl sounds from the back of the cage. Hesitantly, she opens the cage and a small black kitten walks out calmly.

"What you gonna name her?" Clair asks.

"... Angel," Rook answers, her voice shaky.

"I get it, cause she's a black cat, and angel. Like a fallen angel, clever," Nines praises.

"So Rook, we didn't get you a lot in terms of quantity, but I do hope you enjoyed your birthday," Jeremy says. Rook shakes her head, tears flowing as she hugs Angel close to her.

"It was great, thank you all so much!" she cries. Clair wraps her arms around Rook, pulling her close as her friend cries on her shoulder.

"Alright, let's drink, and enjoy the rest of this day!" Jeremy cheers, raising his arm with his drink in hand. Everyone cheers, following his action.

"Thank you so much for this day Clair..." Rook whispers, calming down.

"You're welcome Clair. Now, go talk to Nines, find out what games he plays," Clair says, lightly pushing Rook towards Nines.

As the day goes on, and night begins to fall, the Fallen Angels keep celebrating Rook's birthday, drinking heavier as the night goes on. And the entire time, Rook did not take off the necklace given to her, nor did Angel move away from Rook, deciding that life with the Fallen Angels must be pretty alright. If only the rest of the world could see that as well.

[foxsdomains-blog]

Monarchs and Drinking

"'I'and 'B', you both are going through entry point Bravo i.e. the fucking air vents, and are following Rooks directions with support from her. Your job is to get to the central command point and insert this phone which will allow Rook into the entire mainframe. Ryan and I are going to provide a distraction at entry point Alpha, i.e. the courtyard, pulling hopefully all the guards to us. Nines, you get the boring job, you are providing sniper support for Ryan and I and where possible 'I' and 'B'. And Rook, you are doing what you can with what remote access you can get into their mainframe until 'I' and 'B' are able to get you into the central command point, at which point you are to shut down their power, support, and weapons system. After that, 'I' and 'B' are to get to the courtyard and meet up with Ryan and I, and Nines, as soon as the power goes out you get the Silver Angel and pick us up at the courtyard, mowing down anyone who dares to stand in your way. Once we are in, and the door is closed Ryan, we simply fly away, using tracking missiles to shoot down anyone who tries to stop us. Rook, your job is to download every bit of information you can. Remember, we are doing it for this information. Sound simple enough? Great, cause I'm not changing the plan," Jeremy, the leader of the Fallen Angels, says.

"God this is going to be boring," Nines says, grabbing the sniper rifle placed next to him by Jeremy.

"You get the safe job. Jeremy and I are in the courtyard," Ryan counters, cocking his gun before climbing into the double rotor helicopter, the FC-112, aptly named Silver Angel.

"Least you get to fly Nines. 'B' and 'I' need to climb through vents, around crevices, and all sorts of shit. While trying not to get killed. Don't you start complaining," 'I' said, slightly laughing at Nines.

"Calm down you lot. This will be easy. See, 'B' isn't complaining," Jeremy says, his voice seemingly raised above everyone else's.

"This is our job, nothing to complain about."

"You just aren't complaining because you get to be with 'I' the entire time," Clair said from her chair behind the rest.

"Not complaining about that either," 'B' chimed in without hesitation.

"Lets load up people, we don't have all day. Well, we kinda do, but saying we don't sounds cooler," Jeremy jumps next to Ryan in Silver Angel.

"Yeah yeah," Nines said, climbing in the pilot seat of the Silver Angel.

"See you all when you get back!" Clair shouts over the sound of the Silver Angel starting up. I and B wave her off as the SIlverAngel flies away.

"Sometimes, flying this thing makes me seem cool. Other times, not so much," Nines says over the comms system.

"Why would flying this not make you seem cool?" 'I' asks, the comms system not doing anything to mask the question in his voice.

"Dunno 'I', dunno. Just, a feeling I get. Like somethings about to happen. But I don't know what."

"If that means what I think it means, we're in trouble. Big trouble," Jeremy finishes the quote.

"Good song that one. Wasn't expecting you to get that quote in so easily," Ryan praises.

"You're talking about the kid who used to fit in SovietWomble quotes every chance he got, with no hesitation. Of course he can quote a song easily," 'I' sighs lightly. Nines simple chuckles over the comms.

"Can we not be flying 2 feet off the ocean surface please?"

"See...?"

"I really like dolphins I wanna see one!"

"Nines! Come on man." Nines laughs even louder over the comms.

"Hey, remember that feeling? Well, we got police helo's scouting us. Not surprised, pretty sure they have never seen a FC aircraft. Especially not a silver one. Trying to divert their attention now," Nines said, turning his attention onto the helicopters.

"Gonna divert course, lead them away before looping back. At this point, not planning to shoot them down."

"The guns are on the front though?"

"Exactly."

"This is police chief James, you are flying an unregistered vehicle in restricted airspace. Land and let's have a little chat!" The police chiefs voice sounds through the outside comms system.

"Police chief James. This is Nines of the Fallen Angels. If you do not divert course away, I will be forced to shoot you down. This is not a threat but a promise. Don't make me shoot you down," Nines replies. Maybe it's because of the 'promise' or maybe it's because of Nines declaring his allegiance to the infamous Fallen Angels, but the police helicopter diverts course, flying back to the what the occupants of the SilverAngel assume is the police station in town.

"Attention all pasangers, we are approaching our destination. Engaging stealth mode and moving for landing within the designated clearing. Get ready to dismount with all gear as soon as we land. Thank you for flying air SilverAngel," Nines reports in a joking way. As soon as the SilverAngel lands, 6 armed 'terrorists' climb out.

"That was a boring flight Nines. I expected better of you," 'I' said, laughing lightly.

"Well I'm sorry the police were on our ass and I had to get them to leave us alone," Nines replies.

"Alright people, don't mean to break up your laughs, but we need to move. I would prefer to get this done during the day so we can drink tonight. Sound good?"

"We got any jaeger?" Nines asks.

"Two whole bottles for ya Nines. We also got Rum and coke for when you want something a bit less. We got tequila, red cordial, vodka, and a bunch of other shit. Let's just say we are all good for alcohol," Ryan replies, checking over his ammo.

"How long do we expect this whole thing to last? Hopefully not long right? I wanna play some pc," Nines asks, as the last whirl of the double rotors die down.

"What do you even still play? Overwatch has been dead for years," 'I' asks.

"Well, CS;GO for one, and my MMO's. So ha," Nines rebutted.

"Still can't snipe in CS," 'I' snickers.

"Quiet you. I can now. You haven't even seen me recently so how would you know?"

"1v1 me," 'I' declares.

"After I save your ass today, sure," Nines jokes back.

"Alright, I'm going to set up. See you all soon. Hope you don't see me," Nines says before jogging off through the forest.

"Well, let's split up into our groups and move forward," Jeremy's voice cuts through the silence created after Nines' departure.

3 hours later

"Nines! Where is the fucking extraction!?" Jeremy shouts over the hail of bullets.

"Well, you see, they were alerted to our presence and are now SURROUNDING THE FUCKING HELICOPTER!"

"Well hurry up and clear them out! We need our extraction!" 'I' screams between firing his own gun.

"How long is this going to last J!? I'm running low on ammo here!" Ryan complains, vaulting over his cover before slamming a guard into a wall, picking his gun up and opening fire on anything in his sight.

"Jesus, Ryan! Are you crazy!?"

"Yeah! I thought you knew this already 'I'!"

Suddenly, the dying screams of countless guards is drowned out by a loud propeller sound.

"That you Nines!?" 'I' question's hopefully.

"That isn't him. The Silver Angel is silent! Everyone duck and cover!" Jeremy screams his order, and without any hesitation every Fallen Angel on the ground spreads out, trying to find any cover from the enemy helicopter.

"Rook, are you able to shut it down!?" Jeremy calls over comms, with the vain hope that even though the helicopter is old, enough systems are able to be hacked into by Rook.

"It's too old a model. I can't get into it at all," Rook replies, her voice calm but worried.

"HEY BASTARD! GET FUCKED!" A new voice screams over loud speakers as the Silver Angel appears behind the enemy helicopter, two of the four winged missiles flying towards it. A loud explosion rocks the courtyard as the helicopter crashes down, nearly flattening many guards.

"Took you a bit Nines!" Jeremy calls, relief flooding his voice.

"Hehe, yeah sorry about that. Hey hey hey, I wouldn't recommend shooting me because your gun goes pew pew, but my fucking gun, well, we all know what happens here!" Without any hesitiation, Nines spins the high caliber chaingun on the ground, mowing down all remaining guards before landing the Silver Angel in the courtyard next to the now destroyed enemy helicopter.

"Jesus Nines. You sure did take your time getting here," Ryan says as he climbs in the back.

"Like I said, there were guards around her. I had to take them out before I could get here," Nines replies.

"And manage to fit another SovietWomble quote in. Again," 'I' sighs as he and 'B' climb inside.

"Yeah yeah. Let's go back and drink!" Nines cheers as he and the other deployed Fallen Angels fly back to the safehouse...

At least they thought so.

"Nines, the radar tells me you have enemies on your rear. May want to take them out before returning," Rook's calm voice sounds thought Nines' headset.

"Thanks Rook. Will do," Nines replies calmly, looping the Silver Angel around to face the enemy helos.

"Let's kick her into reverse. Now, if you would be so kind to look through the front window, or out any side doors, you will see, I believe that's six? Yeah, six enemy helicopters all coming towards us, most likely with the intent to kill us. Let's change that shall we?" Nines chuckles.

"Excuse me sir! You are flying in restricted airspace! Leave or I'll shoot! Or, even better, just try me fuckers!" Without any other warning, Nines flips a switch and fires the last two tracking missiles, destroying two enemies.

"Two down, four to go." Nines spins he chaingun up again, the bullets ripping through another of the helicopters, leaving only three.

"Hey guys mind helping out? You know, shoot THE FUCKERS!"

...

"Who knew that we would be chased?" Jeremy asks as he climbs out of the Silver Angel.

"I knew. I knew they would," Nines replies, lying face down on a floor.

"Sure you did, Nines," 'I' scoffs, throwing his gun aside.

"Oh, you're all back. How did it go?" Clair asks, rounding a corner.

"Well, we got the information, and we all survived. So that's two plus'," Ryan answered.

"I take it something happened then?"

"Well..." Ryan started.

"Oh don't you start Rye. I told you they were surrounding this bird, what was I supposed to do? All I had was a sniper rifle and they had fully auto rifles and armour. It's not like I could just go up and start punching them. I would get gunned down instantly!" Nines defends himself.

"So Nines didn't extract you on time? Leave it to him to let you all down," Clair sighs in fake disappointment.

"Shut it you," Nines says, not looking up from the ground.

"Alright you lot, let's drink our sorrows away. Clair, Ryan, go get all our booze," Jeremy orders, stripping off his Kevlar chest piece.

"On it. And Nines, get up off the floor. You are depressing me," Clair scoffs as she walks away.

"Oh up yours!" Nines climbs up off the ground, moving over to a couch.

"Let's not drink in here. Let's move to the TV room," Jeremy says, helping Nines off the couch.

As they enter the room dubbed the 'TV room', Clair and Ryan bring in two carts full of alcohol.

"Your jaeger Nines," Ryan passes over a full bottle of Jaeger with a shot glass.

"My thanks good sir," he acknowledges. As the rest of the alcohol is passed around, Rook enters the room.

"Oh, hey Rook. How'd the download go?" Jeremy asks, pouring her a glass. She takes it, dropping a USB in his hand.

"Got it all in there. Don't need to worry about The Monarchs for a while now," she replies, taking a sip of whiskey.

"Let's all play a game, shall we?" Ryan breaks the non-existent silence.

"What game?" 'I' asks.

"Hmm, 'never have I ever'?" Clair suggests.

"Oh god, this is going to end badly. Let me guess, shot every time you lose a point?" Clair nods.

"Alright, everyone set up five shots of whatever you please. Tequila would be the best bet, so we can all get a drunk as possible." Nines sighs as he pours five shots of Jaeger, taking a sip from a Rum&Coke that was next to him.

"Wait, when did you get that Nines?"

"Rook gave it to me," he replies.

"Oh, did she now?" Clair grins knowingly at Rook, who is sitting on the floor, legs crossed, across from Nines.

"'B' and I are going to sit out. We are tired, and are probably just going to go to bed now. Goodnight you lot," 'I' says, handing his drink to Ryan before walking off to a closed room, 'B' following him. Everyone says their goodnights and waves them off.

"Alright, let's start! Never have I ever given oral!" Clair shouts softly.

"Clair!" Jeremy scolds. She responds by knowingly grinning at him. He holds her gaze for a second before taking a shot.

"Ha, knew I'd get you on the first turn," she laughs, taking a shot herself.

"Alright, my turn. Never have I ever tried to seduce someone," Nines said, not looking up from his shots.

"Oh fuck you Nines! It's my job!" Clair shouts, forgetting about the sleeping pair in the other room.

"Hey, you bagged on Jeremy at the beginning, I reckon I'm gonna try to get you out first go," Nines said, taking a sip from his drink.

"Alright... Ah! Never have I ever NOT ridden in the Silver Angel," Ryan laughs as he finishes his sentence.

"Oh for fucks sake!" Clair curses loudly again, downing her third shot in a row.

"Seriously though, that bird, best investment ever," Ryan says.

"What investment, you stole the bloody thing!" Clair slurs.

"Well, stealing it was a challenge. Then we had to go buy paint and paint her. So I consider painting and stealing the investment," Ryan explains.

"Anyway, moving on. Um, hm... Never have I ever... fuck it. Kissed a girl," Jeremy says, giving up on something creative.

"Come the fuck on!" Clair explodes, taking her fourth shot.

"Hey, at least more of us drank at that one," Nines said.

"Only one to go. Come on Rook, bring it home," Jeremy says, giving her a pat on the back.

"Never have I ever been shot," she says calmly. Clair sits still for a minute before,

"Yeah! That's my girl! Finally I'm safe!" she cheers loudly as Ryan, Jeremy and Nines each take a shot.

"Hmm, now... I'm gonna target... Nines. Never have I ever ranted about an anime." Nines sighs as he takes his third shot.

"Umm... never have I ever... been in love with a girl," Nines shrugged.

"Ha! Fuck you Nines! Only kissed one, never been in love with one!" She cheers again.

"Fuck," Nines mutters as he takes a shot.

"Alright, I'm tired, so I'm going to go to bed after this one. Never have I ever cut myself while cooking.

"FUCK YOU!" Clair erupts, taking her fifth and final shot, alongside Nines.

"Wait, Nines, you too?" Jeremy asks.

"Yeah, I used to cook a lot and when you cook lots you are bound to cut yourself."

"So, who won? Nines or Clair?" Rook asks.

"Well, all in favour of voting Clair, say Aye," Ryan says, raising his hand alongside Jeremy.

"Well, sorry Clair, you lose and Nines wins. Sorry," Jeremy says, shrugging.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. So you are going to bed Ryan, what about you three?" Clair asks.

"Well, I'm going to stay up, watch some movies if anyone wants to join me," Nines replies, scanning over who is left as Ryan waves goodbye and walks out.

"I'll join," Rook says.

"I'm not tied either," Clair says, already taking her place on the couch.

"Well I'll let you three be. I'll head off to bed. Night," Jeremy says, walking off.

"Well, what movie should we watch?" Nines asks.

"Hmm, well let's look shall we?" Clair says, pulling Rook and Nines down onto the couch with her as they start looking through the movie selections.

"Let's let Rook decide what movie to watch, she is the least drunk, so we should watch something she will enjoy the most," Nines suggests, offering the remote to Rook. Hesitantly she takes it, flipping through the large selection of movies the Fallen Angels have on hand.

As the night goes on, the only light left on in the base is that of the TV, and the sound of movies playing reverberates through the base. As the three watch movies, and the other four sleep, one can only imagine, or dread, what other dangerous missions the Fallen Angels will get tomorrow.