11th October, 2023

kids - mgmt

It had been a wild night for everyone. The friends had gone out to celebrate Sailor's birthday, and things had quickly gotten out of hand. The sun is streaming through the curtains of the cosy living room, casting a warm glow. Sky, Sailor, and Rebel find themselves huddled on the sofa, each of them has a blanket draped over their heads, with just their faces popping out, shielding them from the brightness of the day.

Isabella lies curled up with her head resting on Sky's lap as she sleeps soundly. Sky runs his fingers through her hair, watching her with a small smile on his face. The room is silent, save for the sound of the movie playing in the background. The hangover from the previous night is hitting all of them hard, and they can feel it in every fibre of their being.

The pounding headache, the dry mouth, and the feeling of exhaustion seem to seep into their very bones. Sailor lets out a groan from under her blanket, her hand reaching out blindly for the bottle of water on the coffee table. She takes a long sip, wincing at the taste of the tequila that still lingers on her tongue. Rebel chuckles from beside her, her own bottle of water already halfway empty.

Rain enters the living room with a chuckle at the sorry sight before him. He can feel his own pounding headache, a reminder of the excessive drinking from the night before. "What are you guys watching?" He asks.

Sailor looks up from the TV with a grin. "Obviously the cinematic masterpiece Mulan," she responds, her enthusiasm not dampened by the headache she is experiencing. "We need something to cure our hangovers, and what better way than Li Shang?"

Rain laughs and hops over the back of the sofa behind Sailor, pulling her in between his legs. "Where is everyone else?" he inquires, looking around the room.

Sailor gestures to a pile of blankets on the floor. "Aquarius is buried under those, Storm is in the bathroom dealing with the aftermath of last night, Zane is in the kitchen whipping up some hangover food, and Damien is reluctantly helping him." She explains.

Mulan plays on the screen, the familiar songs and dialogue providing a soothing background to the morning after. Sailor snuggles closer to Rain, seeking comfort in his embrace as she rests her head against his chest. Despite the throbbing pain in her head, she can't help but feel content in this moment.

The warmth of her friends surrounding her is a soothing balm to her hangover. She remembers how they used to watch Mulan over and over again, each of them relating to the themes of loyalty, bravery, and love. It is a film that touched their hearts and became a cherished part of their friendship.

Rain smiles at the sight before him. These are his closest friends, the people he has shared everything with since they were children. As Mulan sings about reflection and honour on the screen, Rain can't help but reflect on the bond they all share. They have been through so much together – heartbreak, triumph, loss – and yet through it all, they have always had each other's backs, supporting and lifting each other.

Zane and Damien bustle in with trays of breakfast food. "Your hangover cure is here," Zane announces cheerfully, laying out the greasy food on the coffee table.

Sailor lets out a sigh of relief and gratitude. "You are officially my favourite person," she declares.

Sky gently wakes Isabella up from her slumber on the sofa. Isabella stirs, her eyes fluttering open as she tries to adjust to the light. With a groan, she sits up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Sky hands her a plate of food, before grabbing his own plate and settling back down on the sofa beside her. Aquarius groans and slowly rises up from her pile of blankets by the coffee table, her hair tousled and her eyes bleary. Without a word, she reaches for a plate of food and begins to eat, the greasy goodness providing some much-needed relief to her pounding headache.

Damien, still looking a little worse for wear, flops down next to Isabella, his plate of food balanced precariously on his lap. He takes a bite, the greasy goodness of the food instantly lifting his spirits. Sailor reaches for a plate from the coffee table, handing it to Rain before grabbing her own, they both let out sighs of relief. As they dig into their breakfast, they hum in contentment, the greasy food soothing their hangovers and filling their empty stomachs.

Rebel, still sprawled out on the sofa with a pillow over her head to block out the light, reaches out lazily and grabs a plate. She takes a bite and lets out a content sigh, appreciating the simple pleasure of a hearty breakfast after a night of indulgence. Zane, always the chef among them, joins Aquarius on the floor to enjoy his own plate of greasy breakfast food. His culinary skills are unmatched, and the group always look forward to his cooking, especially on mornings like this when they need it the most.

Interrupting their well-needed breakfast Lucio wanders into the room with a knowing smile on his face. "You all look like you've seen better days," he chuckles.

"But no time to wallow in self-pity," Lucio continues, his voice filled with authority. "We need to scope the locations Aurora gave us."

The group groan in unison, all feeling the need to laze around and continue nursing their hangovers. But, begrudgingly, they all get to their feet to start getting ready for the mission ahead.

TW: GUNS & IMPRISONMENT

madness - ruelle

The wind is howling fiercely, carrying with it the promise of an impending storm. Sailor stands on the edge of the roof of a warehouse, her hair whipping around her face, the strands dancing in the wind as she keeps a watchful eye on the rooftop door. Her hand is tightly gripping her handgun, ready to defend her comrades Rain and Storm if the need arises. Rain and Storm stand silently beside her, their snipers trained on the warehouse below.

As they wait in tense silence, Rain and Storm's blood runs cold when they spot a group of masked figures approaching the warehouse. The figures are large and menacing, their movements purposeful and determined. They are dragging a chained girl. Her desperate cries are muffled by the cloth over her mouth, but her fear is evident in her wide eyes and thrashing movements.

Rain feels a surge of horror and anger wash over him as he clenches his jaw, his finger hovering over the trigger of his sniper rifle "Sage," Rain's voice is laced with fear as he whispers her name. Before he can pull the trigger, Storm's hand shoots out to stop him.

"It's Sage, we have to help her." Rain insists, his voice filled with urgency.

"Don't you think of all people I know that?" Storm barks.

"If we shoot without thinking we could endanger her more," Storm continues calmly. His voice is steady, but Rain can see the worry in his eyes.

Sailor tenses, her hands curling into fists, her expression grim as the horrors of her time in captivity claw at her mind. The memories flood back, vivid and terrifying. The darkness, the loneliness, the pain.

She has been captured by the same group before and she knows all too well the danger that Sage will be facing. The sadistic pleasure the group take in inflicting terror and despair. They thrive on the suffering of others, revelling in the power they hold over those they capture.

"We're saving her," Sailor declares, her voice firm despite the turmoil within. "Storm, call everyone else and fill them in. Tell them to get here quickly. Tell Natalie to leave Noah and take over scooping the other location."

TW: MENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, GUNS & VIOLENCE

As Sailor, Rain, Sky, Rebel, Storm, Zane, Aquarius and Damien approach the warehouse, the storm clouds gather ominously overhead, matching the turmoil in their hearts. They know they are walking blindly into a dangerous situation, but they are willing to risk it all to save Sage. They creep closer to the warehouse, they can hear muffled cries coming from inside.

The group share a silent nod before Rain signals for them to move in. With guns drawn, they burst through the doors, ready to face whatever lies ahead. Inside, they are met with a chilling sight. A group of menacing figures in red masks stand before them, ushering a chained and gagged Sage into a shipment container.

Tears stream down her face, knowing the terror she is about to face. The group raise their guns, ready to take on the masked figures. But the figures seem unfazed by the sudden intrusion. Instead, they raise their own weapons, a dangerous glint in their eyes. The tension in the air is lofty as the two groups face off, each waiting for the other to make a move.

Without hesitation, Storm fires towards the figure holding Sage captive. The others follow suit, bullets flying through the air as they fight to free their friend. The warehouse is plunged into chaos, the deafening noise of gunfire and the shouts of the fighters filling the air.

Sage now free from her captor, runs towards her friends, relief flooding her face. But her joy is short-lived as another masked figure grabs her from behind, their grip strong and unyielding as maniacal laughter escapes their lips. Sage's eyes widen in terror as she struggles against her captor.

Rain quickly rushes to her side. With a swift and precise movement, he takes out the figure holding her, his movements almost graceful in the chaos. Wrapping his arms around her protectively, he whispers in her ear. "You're safe now, baby blue."

His eyes search her face, wanting to make sure she is unharmed, wanting to protect her from any further danger. She looks up at him, her eyes filled with tears of relief. She feels a sense of comfort in his embrace, a feeling of being shielded from the storm that rages around them. Rain's presence is like a beacon of light in the darkness, a source of strength in her time of need.

As they stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, the chaos unfolds around them. Sage bursts into uncontrollable tears while she clings to Rain. Sailor and Storm stand guard around them, their protective stance a silent vow to keep Sage safe from any harm.

"It's okay, baby blue. We're here now," Rain reassures her while removing her gag and restraints.

way down we go - kaleo

"I wouldn't tell them anything." Sage sobs as she tries to speak, her words coming out in between gasps and sobs. "Johnathan said he had no need for me if I wouldn't talk, so he was going to sell me. They were sending me today."

The gravity of Sage's words hangs heavy in the air, a chilling reminder of the cruelty and brutality that exists in the world. Johnathan is a man devoid of empathy, a monster who sees others as mere pawns in his twisted games. He is ruthless, and known for his cruel and sadistic ways. If Sage hadn't been rescued in time, her fate would have been unimaginable.

Rain holds Sage tighter, his heart breaking at the thought of what could have happened to her if they hadn't arrived when they did. Sailor and Storm exchange knowing glances, their expressions mirroring the anger and determination that courses through them. They are a team, a family forged in fire and bound by loyalty. They will not let anyone harm one of their own.

Sailor, her eyes hard and determined, hands Sage her spare gun. "Give them hell, blue. We won't let them touch you ever again," she declares, her words a promise of protection and vengeance.

With a newfound sense of purpose and strength, Sage clutches the weapon tightly in her hand. The weight of it is empowering, a symbol of her resolve to fight back against those who have sought to destroy them. With a deep breath, Sage wipes away her tears and raises the gun, she takes aim at the figures who have kept her captive.

In a swift and decisive motion, she pulls the trigger, the sound of gunfire ringing out in the chaos as she seeks vengeance for the pain and suffering she has endured. Sailor, Rain, and Storm stand by her side, their own weapons raised in solidarity as they unleash a torrent of bullets on their enemies. The rest of their team joins them in the fight, their skills and determination combining to create a formidable force against the masked figures who have sought to crush their spirits and tear their family apart.

The gang stand back to back, their weapons drawn and ready. They are frantically fighting the masked figures but the enemy shows no signs of slowing down. Sailor wipes the sweat from her brow and glances over at her friends - Rain, Sky, Rebel, Storm, Zane, Aquarius, Damien, and Sage. They are all exhausted, but they know they have to keep fighting.

Rain aims his gun at the nearest masked figure and pulls the trigger. The bullet hits its mark, and the figure crumples to the ground. But before Rain can celebrate his victory, more figures appear in its place.

He curses under his breath and begins firing again, trying to take out as many as he can before they get too close. As the battle rages on, they know they are running out of options. Their ammo is nearly spent and their energy fading fast. They can see the exhaustion in their friends' eyes, the strain of the endless fight wearing them down.

"We can't keep this up much longer," Aquarius cautions, her voice filled with urgency.

"There's too many of them, we have to find a way out," Sky adds, his eyes scanning the room for any possible escape route.

As they back up towards the exit of the warehouse, they are met with a line of masked figures blocking their path. The gang exchange looks of concern, realizing they are trapped with nowhere to run. They tighten their formation, their backs pressing against each other as they prepare for the next wave of attackers. They fight with everything they have, firing in a desperate attempt to hold off the enemy but they are outnumbered and outmatched. The masked figures are relentless, their attacks coming from all sides.

war of hearts - ruelle

The rain pours down in sheets, turning the once-dusted ground outside the warehouse into a muddy mess. The sky above is a dark and ominous shade of grey, the only illumination coming from the occasional flash of lightning that streaks across the horizon. Inside the warehouse, Sailor, Rain, Sky, Rebel, Storm, Zane, Aquarius, Damien, and Sage find themselves completely surrounded by the masked figures.

They have run out of ammo their guns now empty and useless in their hands. All hope seems lost as the figures close in, their grinning faces hidden beneath the dark fabric of their masks. Their hysterical laughter echoes off the walls of the warehouse, mixing with the howling wind that whistles through the broken windows.

"We're done for," Sage mutters, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.

Rain pulls Sailor close, his strong arms wrapping around her protectively. Rain can feel her heart beating against his own, his grip tightening as if his strength alone can shield them. Damien places a reassuring hand on Rain's shoulder, his eyes reflecting the determination to fight until the very end. His gaze is unwavering, his resolve unshakable.

Sage clings to Storm's hand, seeking solace in the familiar touch of her friend. Storm is the calm in the midst of the storm, his steady presence grounding Sage and giving her the courage to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Sky holds onto Rebel, their bond as siblings giving them strength in the face of danger. They have always been each other's protectors and now is no different as they face the uncertainty of their future together.

Aquarius and Zane share a silent moment, their gazes meeting in understanding before interlocking hands. The gang huddles together, their breath coming in quick, shallow gasps, they know that their time is running out. But at least they are together.

"It's been a good run guys, I love you all," Zane speaks softly, his voice filled with resignation as they face the encroaching figures.

As the figures draw closer, a flash of lightning illuminates the warehouse, followed by the deafening roar of thunder, shaking the building to its core. The warehouse door bursts open, revealing a horde of Lobos flooding in. Leading the charge are Lucio, Natalie, and Noah, their familiar faces a welcome sight in the midst of chaos.

Their family have come for them, just in time. With a surge of relief, Sailor watches as the Lobos engage the encroaching figures in a fierce battle. Bullets soar through the air, the sound of gunfire echoing through the warehouse as the two sides clash in a deadly dance of survival. The air is thick with tension, the scent of gunpowder lingering as the battle rages on.

Lucio rushes to the gang's side. Ushering them towards the warehouse door, his voice calm and steady amidst the chaos surrounding them. "Come on, we have to get out of here," Lucio shouts over the sound of gunfire. Sailor can see the determination in his eyes, the fierce protectiveness that fuels his every move.

With Lucio leading the way, they make a break for the door, darting past the swirling brawl of fighting forces. The warehouse seems to warp and shift around them, the walls groaning under the strain of the battle raging within. Sailor can hear the desperate cries of the figures as they clash with the Lobos, their voices filled with rage and hatred. As they reach the safety of the outside world, Sailor feels a wave of relief washes over her. The storm still rages overhead, but the sound of thunder and lightning is a distant rumble compared to the chaos they have just escaped.

TW: MENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, IMPRISONMENT & PAIN

the other side - ruelle

Sailor carefully runs the warm cloth over Sage's body, the scent of lavender filling the air as she tries to soothe Sage's troubled mind. Sage, with her once vibrant blue eyes now dull and haunted, sits in the bathtub, her shoulders hunched. Sailor can see the pain etched into every line of her face, the shadows of fear and trauma lingering in the corners of her eyes.

As Sage's body trembles under Sailor's touch, the warm water cascades down her skin, mixing with the tears that stream down her cheeks. Sailor's heart aches at the sight of her suffering, at the knowledge of all that Sage has endured. The memory of Johnathan's men, of their cruel hands and their vicious words, lingers in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over Sage's fragile form.

Sailor knows that no amount of soothing baths can wash away the memories of what she has been through. She knows that the scars, both physical and emotional, will take time to heal. Sailor has endured her fair share of pain at the hands of Johnathan's men, but the thought of being sold off like property is a whole other level of horror.

She shudders at the mere idea of it, the powerlessness and helplessness that Sage must have felt. Sage had been held prisoner for twelve days, twelve days she had been on the brink of being sold off like a piece of property. Sailor can't even begin to imagine the horror and fear that Sage must have felt during those dark moments.

As Sailor continues to gently cleanse Sage's body, she notices the bruises and scars that mottle her skin. Each mark tells a story of pain and suffering, of a fight for survival that Sage has bravely endured. Sailor's heart aches for her, for the trauma that she has been through and for the long road to healing that lies ahead. She knows that Sage will need time to process everything that has happened to her, but she is determined to stand by her side every step of the way.

A gentle knock comes from the bathroom door and Noah voice's hums through. "Say, we need to speak."

Natalie enters the bathroom, a sympathetic look in her eyes. "I'll take over, princess. I've got her" Sailor squeezes Sage's hand while giving Natalie a small nod and makes her way out of the bathroom.

As Sailor exits the bathroom, the weight of the situation hits her like a ton of bricks. She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself. Noah and Rain stand waiting for her, their expressions mirroring the worry and concern that consumes Sailor's own thoughts.

The sound of Sage's muffled sobs echoes through the door, making Rain's own eyes well up with tears. He hates seeing Sage in such pain, knowing that there is little he can do to ease the burden that weighs so heavily on her shoulders. Noah grimaces as he hears Sage's anguish unfold. His heart aches for her.

"Thank you for looking after her," Rain expresses, kissing Sailor's forehead. "Let's talk in our room." Sailor looks up at him, nodding with tears in her eyes.

Sailor collapses onto the bed, the events of the day weighing heavily on her mind. She stares at the ceiling above her, wishing desperately that today never happened. Rain sits beside her, holding her hand in a comforting gesture. They have all been through hell and back, and it seems like there is no end in sight. Today's events have been particularly harrowing.

They had nearly died at the hands of Johnathan's men. If it hadn't been for the timely intervention of their own gang members, Sailor and her friends would have surely met their end. And to make matters even worse. Sage, one of their own, had been abducted for sale to the highest bidder, likely to suffer a fate worse than death at the hands of their violent rivals.

Despite their best efforts, despite their status as the biggest gang in London, it seems that Johnathan always manages to outsmart and outnumber them, leaving Sailor feeling like they are fighting a losing battle. Their hope used to shine like the brightest star in the universe, but now it is burning out. Dimly flickering in the abyss, threatening to suffocate completely. To implode leaving behind nothing but darkness as if their hope had never existed. Leaving it being nothing more than a mirage in the vast expanse of the galaxy.

With a heavy sigh, Sailor sits up and looks at Noah. "Noe, what do we need to speak about?" she asks, her voice filled with exhaustion.

Noah looks at Sailor and Rain, taking a deep breath before speaking. "I found out where Johnathan will be tomorrow," he says, his voice serious.

"How?" Rain asks, curiosity evident in his voice.

Noah explains, "It was simple really. Nothing was going on at the location I was scooping until one of the workers took a phone call. Luckily, Sky gave us all laser microphones, and I was able to hear the whole conversation. Johnathan will be picking up a shipment tomorrow at five pm."

Sailor furrows her brow, thinking about the information Noah just shared. "That seems too simple. It could be a setup," she says, concern lacing her words.

Noah nods, acknowledging Sailor's concern. "Even if it is a setup, we may not have another chance."

"We need to be prepared for anything," Rain attests, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. "We can't afford to let our guard down, not even for a second."

I found - amber run

Storm enters Rain's bedroom, his expression filled with concern. "Natalie is getting Sage out of the bath now."

Rain nods, his brow furrowed in worry. Sage had been through so much already, and the trauma of nearly being sold into human trafficking has taken its toll on her mind.

"She's stopped crying but now she's worse. She just looks empty, like she's lost the will to live." Storm's voice trembles slightly, mirroring the pain that Rain feels deep within his own heart.

Rain's gaze flickers to Sailor, her expression one of understanding and support. "I have to go be with her," he states.

Sailor nods in agreement, her voice gentle. "I know, if you didn't, you wouldn't be you," she says softly.

Rain leans in and places a gentle kiss on Sailor's lips, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as he feels her familiar touch. Sailor is his purpose, his best friend, and his soulmate. She knows him better than anyone else, understanding his fears, desires, and dreams without him even having to say a word. But as he pulls away, he knows that he has to focus on Sage now.

Sage has been his rock through the darkest moments of his life. She has been there for him when he thought all hope was lost, her unwavering support keeping him grounded in reality. He knows that Sage needs him now more than ever. With a heavy heart, Rain leaves the room with Storm, knowing that he has to be there for Sage in her time of need.

"I'll go get Natalie, we should be going," Noah says, breaking the silence that has settled between them.

"It's late, you can stay here. Rain's bed is big enough for all three of us," Sailor offers.

Noah nods his head, his expression grave. "Say, we should talk actually. I'm going back to America, this city hasn't got room for both Fury and Lobos."

"What about the truce?" Sailor asks.

Noah runs a hand through his hair, a pained expression on his face. "We can make arrangements. I can do Lobos business for you from America and you can do Fury's business for us from here. We'll need to discuss this with Lucio though."

"So you're disappearing on me again?" Sailor asks, her voice laced with hurt.

Noah turns to face her, his eyes filled with regret. "Princess, you have your life here back. I'll just be in the way."

Sailor's heart clenches at his words. She reaches out to grab his hand, her eyes pleading with him to stay. "Noe," she whispers, using the nickname she had given him in the early days of their friendship.

Noah's eyes are filled with pain as he shakes his head, his gaze avoiding hers. "I'm not like Natalie. My dad never treated us the same, he never accepted her. I can't connect with you guys like her."

Sailor furrows her brows. "So you're saying we're broken?" She barks.

"No, I'm saying you all have been through shit that I can't even imagine. You're all strong despite it all." Noah looks down at their intertwined hands. "My dad never intends to leave the gang to both myself and Natalie. I never want to run it without her but she'll always have that hanging over her shoulders if she leads with me once he's gone. I'm leaving and I'm leaving Natalie here. She's happier here. She's found a happiness she can't have at home."

Sailor's heart feels heavy as she processes Noah's words. She has always hoped that they would all stick together, facing whatever challenges come their way as a team. But she can see the determination in Noah's eyes, the resolve to do what he believes is best for Natalie.

Noah has always been fiercely protective of Natalie, ever since they were kids. Growing up, Sailor had witnessed firsthand the unbreakable bond between the twins. They are inseparable, always looking out for each other and standing united against anything that tries to tear them apart. They share a connection that goes beyond words. It is a difficult pill to swallow but she knows that she has to respect his decision, no matter how much it hurts.

Natalie enters the bedroom, interrupting the tense conversation between Sailor and Noah. "What are you guys talking about?" she asks, her voice light and carefree, unaware of the heavy atmosphere in the room.

"Nothing," Noah replies quickly, not wanting to burden Natalie with their worries.

"Just how you and Noah are staying here tonight," Sailor adds, forcing a smile to her face as she tries to lighten the mood.