So yeah, this chapter you are all familiar with. Written by Hound424 back in the day before he decided to delete every single one of them, which I say BOLLOCKS! So I decided to post the first chapter on here and see if he can also help me with giving me access to the other three chapters because in all honesty? I am having a hard time in finding them.

Expect a lot of violence, family cuteness and some sexy times as well.

Oh and a message to Hound?

PLEASE SEND THEM OVER!

Dallas, Texas

Parkland Hospital

2022

Pain. Extreme, excruciating pain. The only thing Lincoln can feel as his lovely wife crushes his hand, nearly turning the bones into powdered dust. On his knees, close to screaming out loud from this torture, instead letting out a silent cry of pure agony as tiny tears form in the corner of his eyes. A nurse patting his head in sympathy, something she has seen before many times before throughout her years in this hospital, but that doesn't stop her from feeling bad for the teenage father-to-be. Though, his wife is in worse pain—but hey! This hurts too!

CRUNCH!

Wheezing out a silenced, "Aaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuggghh" and it's broken folks...

The nurse bent down and whispered in his ear, "We'll fix that later." She patted his shoulder and went back with the Doctor.

Quietly, he listened to her screams of pain, and the doctor giving her orders to continue pushing. Memories soon flashed through his mind from where it all started. From when they met at Sadie Hawkins all those years ago, the forest, what they shared with the other, him breaking up with Ronnie, said latina's wicked punch and kick to his jewels as she continued to pummel him, but he just took it. Lori literally driving all the way from college and tearing him a new one for breaking his ex's heart. The two years—the best two years of his life. The news...he wasn't gonna lie...he was terrified, but determined. Then it all fell apart...guess they weren't accepting...so much yelling—too much yelling...all that noise, then when Lynn called his love a whore...he lost it...they didn't even know who she was...he was done...now here we are...

"That's it! One more push!" With a final cry of pain a wail can be heard, a baby's wail of life.

The force went away when she went limp from exhaustion, but by then...it was like the pain in his hand wasn't even present in the first place. Getting up on his feet, Lincoln took a few quick steps towards the doctor holding his child. Looking him over with a small smile, he motioned the newborn to the teenaged father. That look. Seen it so many times, but it'll never get old to the professional; the look of a newly made parent. Those wide eyes, shaky hands, and weak knees with his mouth agape and closing every few seconds, trying to come up with words.

Chuckling, "It's a boy." Bringing out a pair of scissors, "Want to cut tha' cord?"

Nodding dumbly, he gripped the surgical tool, and with the doctors instructions, placed it right were the cord was attached. The nurse from before rolled her eyes with a smile of amusement when she saw he was fumbling, still shaking like a leaf, even the newly made mother gave out a weak laugh as she watched her husband try and panic.

SNIP

"Congratulations, Mr. Loud. I think your wife should hold him since I fear you might drop him." He gave the teen an apologetic stare, but he's not wrong, kid's like a chihuahua right now, and who can blame him?

Lincoln nodded, trailing behind the older man like a lost puppy. Seating himself close to her as she takes their baby into her arms. A smile grows in her usual neutral features. He loves her smiles, and her laughs. What he loves about them is that it's rare for her to do so. Exceptfor him. She will always smile for him, and now for...him. Looking down at the squirming child, resting on his mothers bosom, his cries have finally ceased.

'A boy...'

He's not gonna lie: he was actually expecting a girl. Thought he inherited his family's luck on having any sons...but...here you go...in life...things just happen...now he doesn't regret a thing.

In a few moments, he knows he will have to make a decision, one that would change everything. For months now he thought it over, and now—right now...he's ready. Craning his head over to her face, she told him she will stand beside him the entire time. She always kept her promises and so will he.

"What?" She caught his stare. Her exhaustion visible as sweat continues to roll down her pale—paler— than usual skin.

Lincoln just smiled as he moved his hand, the unbroken one, and cupped her cheek. In response she nuzzled in closer into his palm, letting out a sigh of relief as she closed her eyes from exhaustion, smiling lovingly at the infant also resting with her. Running his fingers through her black locks, he also looked down upon their newborn son.

"He's beautiful." Lincoln nodded dumbly, again.

"Yeah...he is." Immediatly he leaned himself foreward, catching her lips into his, both melted into the love as the nurse giggled from behind, accompanied by the doctors chuckles as well.

Looking into her dark orbs, "I love you, Harriet."

"I know...as well as I."

Both sixteen year old parents already discussed what they would name their child if he or she was born and with no moment to waste...

"Welcome to the world, Logan," Lincoln cooed, carefully gripping his sons tiny hand. He felt he could take on the world now. As of this second he promised to fight anything or anyone who dares to try to bring harm upon his family. He would be damned if any sick fuck dares to touch his child in the way one shouldn't.

Huh...so this is what it's like to be a parent...weird...

They both know this is the easy part, the true obstacle they must come to tackle is what comes next, the future as a whole...and that scares him.

As if she could sense his fear, Harriet placed her hand on top of his as he continued to slowly rub his sons little limb. "It's ok. We're going to be ok," she reassured him, seeing he really needed it. She can't blame him, these months have been completely stressful, but they weren't alone, she's extremely glad her uncle was the only one there to help them. He even gave her love the offer they both had discussed for and agreed it was his choice and his only. She would be with him the entire time.

"Yeah," he nodded, taking another breath of much needed air. "I'm just...I don't even know what to tell ya'."

She was about to say something until another, familar, voice stopped her.

"God, you sound like my brother after Maggie was born." All, sans Logan, turn their heads towards the tall, imposing older man standing in the doorway busy scratching his beard while gazing towards the little ankle biter in his nieces arms with a smile of approval and pride.

'I'm gonna spoil the shit out of that kid.' Was the older mans only thought as he first came in.

The nurse frowned at him since he was not allowed in here. "Sir, I do not believe you should be he-"

Harriet interrupted her. "It's ok."

"Mrs. Loud, you kno-"

"Haiku."

"Excuse me?"

"Please, call me Haiku."

"O-ok..." The nurse pointed towards the man as the doctor shrugged and didn't care at the moment. "Who is this person?"

Haiku answered simply. "My uncle." The nurse made a 'ohh' expression as she soon became apologetic but they waved it off seeing no harm in it at all. Though he asked if they could have some privacy, seeing how they're family and all.

The doctor agreed, not really having a problem at all. "Sure, but make it quick, we've got to check for any problems with him soon." Motioning towards the infant.

Nodding, "Don't worry it'll be quick, I swear." The door closed shut, leaving the small family with perfect privacy, Haiku's uncle stepped towards her as he brought his finger and stroked the cheek of the infant, a small, yet noticeable smile soon shown itself.

Facing his niece, "Mind if I hold him?"

Haiku shook her head and handed her son to him, "Not at all."

"Hey little buddy." His smile grew. "So, Logan huh?" Already knowing since he was there when they decided the names for the kid, finds it a little strange on why so heavy on the L's for Link's family. "The hells with your family and L's man?"

Lincoln just shrugged, not even having an answer himself.

"Eh, whatever. Logan's a good name anyway." Looking over to his niece, he let loose a few chuckles causing the gothic mother to raise an eyebrow. "What's so funny?" She asked

Still keeping his smile, "Nothing little bat. Just, heh, find it funny that someone who always talks about the beauty and sweet release of death, just brought in life."

Haiku didn't know how to respond, instead she chose to smile as she found it entertaining as well, closing her eyes as she sighed from all this.

Lincoln was concerned when he heard her sigh. "You ok?"

"Just tired love...giving birth does that to anyone."

Link nodded, turning his attention to the man holding his newborn child. "Marcus."

"The kid who got my beautiful niece pregnant." He responded with a matter-of-fact tone accompanied with a thin smile that seemed to grow when the kid stepped back a bit as he remembered the last time this man told him that.

Dark alleys man...scary...

Haiku groaned, "Ugh, uncle, please. Let it go. You already choked him when he met you."

Link flinched when she said that as painful memory resurfaced as well as some sort of phantom pain as he swore he felt familar, callous ridden, invisible hands crushing his windpipe.

The male Loud, well the older male Loud, not the kid...anywho, where the fuck—Oh ya!

Marcus responded with a light chuckle as he also rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand from that in the moment action he did to the kid a couple months ago. Hey! Don't judge. Any guy would choke the bastard that got his favorite niece prego'. But now? He respects the teen. It takes a real man—someone with a spine—to man up and accept reality, take responsibility, fight with that tiny fire that has begun to grow brighter and hotter as he takes on the world.

Enough about that. Now comes the bigger matter at hand at the current moment.

He gave the teen-father an option, a really good one at that, when it comes to money and gaining new skills, but he'll have to commit to actions that no sane person would want to even witness. Be a foreigner in a foreign land, payed to fight their wars and other maddening bullshit governments can't fix with their armies.

Plus with the shitstorm and hell with Lost Cause, cartels and other terrorist cells under their strings as LC plays puppeteer around the 2nd and 3rd world. Fuckers even gained support in the 1st world, alongside with the other aftermath shitstorms from the virus all those years ago...

That's the fun thing about life—well, not really fun to most as they would see it as complete, utter, horse shit 'cause nothing goes their way. FYI dipshit: Life doesn't give a fuck on what you want.

But you do got choices and the freewill to choose said choice.

The laughter ceased as Marcus adopted a serious expression, one that spoke of no bullshit, zero game, one strong enough that the air around them all seemed to change as if they were in a board meeting deciding on a deal that would decided the fate of the company. But this decides the fate of their lives or more importantly: the father, mother, and their little bundle.

"So, you thought about it?"

Lincoln nodded, Logan squirmed a bit, his eyes watched his child moves as Marcus continued.

"This is not a hard choice. I'm not even going to pressure you-"

"I know." Haiku watched the exchange. That's all she can do.

Marcus shifted Logan so he can be comfortable under his great uncles grasp. "Then you also know that if you do chose to follow this path you'll be saying goodbye to a lot of things." He clenched his left fist as he gazed towards the clean, white floors. "You'll also lose a piece of yourself..."

"I know." Lincoln clenches his fist as well as he doesn't need this crap, he already weighed his options, seen and comprehended what would most likely happen. Then why in hell is the guy who gave him this opportunity, willing to pull strings, so opposed, right now, on letting him join.

Shaking his head, he had enough of this. "Look man, I know, ok." Raising his voice as it cracked a bit, almost waking Logan from his sleep. "I thought about it and what other options do I have? Huh? What do I—what can I even do out there?" He points out the window, towards the city of downtain Dallas. Marcus sits their impassive as he rants, while Haiku listens as well with her normally neutral expression turned into one of concern, but also with a hint of understanding. "I'm 16 years-old and I never had a job. None." He would have yelled but he kept his composure, as hard as it is, for his son. "Even if I could somehow find a way to join the military, it's like you said; they'll just throw me away like they did you," Marcus's right eye twitched a bit from that reminder. "No one would give a single fuck about me out there...no one will want to hire a kid...a fuck up..." Turning his full attention to the man with eyes of thanks. "You helped me—helped us...with all of this. You gave me a choice and are willing to do so much for me, and yet, you don't even know me well at all, and I'm thankful for that," He sniffs as he tries to hold in tears. "I...I didn't get to finish Highschool...my family..." He shakes his head as he places his hands on his face with a massive sigh of exasperation. "Fuck..."

Haiku felt like it was her fault. A feeling that has come and gone during the months of her pregnancy; no matter how many times her beloved tells her it isn't she feels it is. She too had to give up many things. What her husband said next brought her another reason to love him more than ever and fight with him through this life of hers. Maybe it's time to add a little more light in her darkness.

"Heh." He lets out a chuckle that caused Marcus to raise an eyebrow. "And you know what?...I'm actually ok with it. I'm...happy." He moves towards Harriet. "I got to meet the girl I can spend my life with, confide my inner demons and hell with...someone I can call the mother of my child." She started to cry. He leans over to her as he moves her black locks away. "Someone I love no matter what happens." He leans in as his lips meet hers, she accepts his actions as she returns the lip lock tenfold. "I Love you."

She closes her eyes, leans her forehead on his, and whispers once more. "I know."

He stands straight as he starts to walk up to Marcus. Meeting the man, but his attention was on the baby, the older man handed over the boy to his father. Lincoln could only stare down with pride at his creation.

"And someone I can call my son." He cranes his head so his lips can meet the infants forehead.

Soon, both older males stared at each other as the younger one finishes what he needed to say. Marcus closes his eyes with a smile adorning his lips as he nods his head, he respects the kid, said once but needed to be said again. He knows his great nephew will be alright with someone like his father and mother, though there will be chaos. That's for sure when having a kid, especially one who's the offspring of video game, comic nerd and a gothic poet.

Ahh~life...

Marcus stands up, walks up to Lincoln and puts both hands ontop of his shoulders, staring deep into his blue eyes, yet the teen doesn't waver at all from the older mans harsher orbs. He nods once more.

"Alright. Welcome to Melody."

~oOo~

5 years later...

Manchester, England

2027

Traffic sucks...

No matter where you go, traffic is traffic, be it American or British, the right side of the road or the left, simply put it sucks, and it'll never go away. First world problems.

Besides the constant boredom of individuals wanting to get home from be it work, school, or the pub with the mates, you also got the usual, never ending, mind damning honking and slurs of "Oye! Hurry tha' fock up!" More yelling and raising of the middle fingers as assholes and bitches try to start random shit with equally random strangers. Stupid, yes, but a great way to vent out the stress of the day and the current shit they are wanting to flee from. But to one individual, all he sees are parasites and victims from what comes next. Nothing but a message for the world as he awaits patiently, glancing at his watch.

5 minutes~

Hours ago all hell broke loose as sections of the city were put under lockdown from the sudden firefights and randomized victims of hot metal spewing from assault rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Resulting in a one-sided battle of the local police and firearm units falling victim in seconds, intestines butcherd and turned to mush as the bullets rape their bodies, leaving newer fuck holes. Almost like puppets on the string being pulled by a man in the middle of a severe seizure, just add lots of red paint.

He knows it's a matter of time before the S.A.S gets to them...he has to do this fast, clean, simple, and precise.

3 minutes~

Unbuckling his seatbelt, and placing the truck on park, he stpes out of the vehicle. Ignoring the honks and "What the fock mate?!" And many, many confused states as he made no room for the drivers to continue or even turn different lanes from the fact it's already painfully crowded.

Standing on the lane divider a sleak, navy blue, sports bike sped up and stopped infront of him. The driver handing him a helmet as he got on and held on tight. They were out of sight as he hit accelerate; speeding past all of it, no way in hell were they going to be caught in that mess.

1 minute~

Shit just happens. Bad things happen all the time... to everyone, plain and simple. Kinda like death. It's gonna happen to all of us, but we fear it. Why fear something you haven't experienced yet? It's funny really...we're the only species on this planet that know it's going to happen, while all the other creatures are blissfully unaware of the impending clock that would countdown to zero...heh'...lucky fucks.

All of us can agree the best way to go is as a wrinkly old bag in our sleep, but most aren't as lucky. Like said before: shit happens. It may seem unfair—which it is— but you got to understand; life doesn't simply give a fuck, nothing's fair. You die slowly, painfully, or don't feel anything at all. Be it young, old, or, as depressing as this sounds, as an infant...sometimes in the womb itself.

30 seconds~

Maybe it'll be fast for these people...maybe.

20 seconds~

People will always die for a lost cause...always.

10 seconds~

Blame the world, they started this war after all.

5...4...3...2...May God have mercy...1...

And like that, all hell broke loose...

The explosion itself was strong, forceful, it destroyed everything it touched with ease, like it was not even a challenge. Everything burned. The couple tons of high explosives did their job splendidly, throwing cars away as the mechanical vehicles met the fires and melted from the outside and within, taking many with them. Those walking were soon running, screaming, ducking for whatever cover there is, debris from neighboring buildings caught from the blast crushing them, the lucky ones died fast, others are slowly wasting away from internal bleeding from the crushing force. Windows shatterd from the massive vibrations, slicing away at victims sprinting for haven.

Fire...so much fire. Death...everywhere. Left behind from the fury was the lingering smell of still burning flesh, sobs, cries of help, endless ash acting as snow, husks of cars and other vehicles, so much blood as detached limbs were left still, leaking away the red liquid that brings us life.

Permanent fear, disarray, pure human wreckage from simple human violence.

Long live Lost Cause...

The horror...

Some random news reporter...

Broadcasting in thousands of random tv's...

"Dear god..." Those are the two words that are needed to be said as the news copter pilot gazed down upon the smoking ruins of the attack that caused all this. They thought the firefight earlier in the southside of the city was all, but now this. The camera zoomed closer, giving a perfect, but semi-shaky, view of a woman holding her detached left arm with her bleeding right, her expression blank, no doubt shock. Lost as a puppy who was abandoned by its master, she wandered to wherever the path was clear. Of course this should be censored for the viewers, but it's live. Plus...the world needs to see this.

The scene shifts to a reporter looking directly at the cameras as she was given the go ahead from her colleagues, "We just got conformation that this attack was orchestrated from, without a doubt, the nefarious international organization known as Lost Cause as Firearm units and local police were able to apprehend members. Each identified to have affiliation with LC." Giving the cameraman the go ahead, he moved his live recording tool, allowing the audience to witness the masses of civilians gathered around as the police are seen telling them to stand back.

Back to her, "We've also just learned that the car bombing from earlier wasn't the only one, as three were identified. Luckily, one was stopped before it set off, sadly...they weren't so lucky for this one," she said somberly. Shaking her head as she recollected herself. "The final truck is still at large-" she was interrupted from the screaming and immense noise as the people pointed at the source.

Another day at work...

Manchester underground subway system...

A multitude of bodies, both civilian and terrorist alike, lay strewn and lifeless upon the bloodied cement floors where many would idly await the next incoming railway transport towards their destination, but with the words: CANCELED, underneath each destination of the board where one can simply look at the time of their ride, no ones going anywhere.

Back against the wall as he breathed heavily from the nagging fear and adrenaline coursing through his being, watching his fellow comrades fall one by one like useless dolls. Ak in hand. He thought of his options, yet it all ends with him dead. Taking a quick peek, he studied his adversaries and soon to be executioners.

'Melody,' Gritting his teeth as his face snarled in anger at these mercs ruining everything. How did they know? How weren't they informed of these guns for hire?! The black and white colored figures drew closer. Fuck it! Fuck it all! He was going to die, but he was going to die blasting away.

Quickly rising from cover with a new resolve: Die fighting! Never die a coward! Roaring along with his weapon as he opened fire, "FOR LOST CAUS-"

'BRATATA!'

Hey...at least he had balls. Convulsing from the rounds from a single shooter, tearing his entire being apart, hand still on his trigger, letting loose a couple more rounds up in the air, he fell dead on the floor.

Melody made Corey assault rifle smoking, the merc laid down his weapon to rest as the entirety of the scum causing this chaos plaguing the city are finally wasted. Last is the driver.

One individual stood amongst them, no doubt their leader. Garbed in the same iconic colors of Melody: black and white, along with the organization created MCU( Melody Combat Uniform.) His chest is covered by the black bullet resistant ceramic absorption vest, white short sleeve shirt underneath, displaying his scarred arms and tattoos, black waterproof and light layered liquid armor coated cargo pants, with white knee/leg guards, even arm guards with a tactical touch screen pad on his left forearm his hands covered in equally whitefingerless gloves. And the final touches, black all terrain combat boots, Melody's well known and own unique combat helmet dubbed the Opera helmet. Advanced H.U.D display and various other optical imaging, honeycomb patterned visor, white coloration from the outside with black marks and the words 'Why Hello.' On the right side of said helmet. Last is the black armband with a white eighth note in the center.

His form oozed a sense/feel of authority and control as he observed the mess, his helmet moving inch by inch to the right, until, they were alerted by an accented yell:

"Oye! Put 'em down!"

Weapons drawn, aimed, and ready to spew fire, but the tension dispelled as the two groups got a good look at the other. The black clothed and gas mask wearing members of the S.A.S relaxed as they saw who it was, as well as the members of Melody. Pushing through, the Brit in charge made himself known as he asked who's in charged of the merc's.

The 'Why Hello' guy responded. "I am, but we got to hurry."

His voice was...familar...painfully so, but muffled.

Puzzled. "How come?"

Showing off his Tac-pad as an orange line can be seen speeding through digital lay out of the city, finally it dawned on the captain. "Shite." Immediately turning to his men, "Let's go boys! We got a truck ta stop!" Turning back to the merc in charge. "Where to?"

Moving past him, "Up in the surface. Follow my lead." Taking his word, all the gun wielders, both merc and military specialist, combined their groups for the upcoming speedy devil that's going to have a nice suprise awaiting his or her ass.

Meeting the light of the surface, a little suprised by the multitude of bystanders pointing and examine them all, some, of course, if not all, had their cameras out, recording or taking pictures. The police were doing their best of keeping them away, the sight of these armored individuals was intimidating, yes, but also reassuring.

"Get them the fock back!" The S.A.S captain ordered as he took aim, crouching in one knee once he was pointed where to shoot, the others following his lead. They didn't need to be told twice. The civvies did what they were told-the smart ones, the dumb ones tried to get a closer look.

"Here it comes!" A Melody grunt hollered out as they were soon met with the sight of a speeding truck containing high explosives in the back, the driver not stopping even a bit.

With his weapon aimed, finger on the trigger, the merc in charged took a slow breath, 'Show time..'

"OPEN FIRE!" He commanded.

A hailstorm of bullets roared throughout the street as they muffled the panicked screams and yelps of civies from the back, even the police joined in as they took aim and fired on the vehicle of impending death. Many of the civvies ran for it.

Dented, torn, ripped and shatterd were the only words to describe the damage from the hot copper and lead flying and ravaging the trucks hide. With the front tires torn apart to the point where it was just the rims showing, no rubber, the driver lost control, tipping over and finally falling on its side, skidding as it lost momentum. Just a few feet from the soldiers, merc's, and cops. Rifles still aimed as they took careful steps forward.

The passenger door opens with the driver weakly climbing out, letting out the occansial gag. The Lost Cause member pushed himself out of the wreckage of the once working vehicle. Blood dripping from his lower jaw; most likely broken from the fact the only words that come out are slurred gargles and gasps of more blood flying, mixed with saliva.

'BAM!'

His brains spilt out as do his skull fragments that hit the ground first before the very important organ that allows us to function pratically everything and comprehend.

"Nice shot." With that said and done, the calmness returned as the adrenaline went away from each one of them. Bringing himself to the merc in charge, the S.A.S captain took out his hand and held it to the other male. "Perry Quill, thanks for the assist."

Looking down, he returned the favor, shaking his hand with a firm grip. "Lincoln..."

With a slight nod, Perry called back his team, walking away from the mercs.

As his men and women conversed amongst themselves, Link walked over to a metal bench just calling to him. With a groan of relief as his ass met the public seat his attention was pulled towards a building with a giant poster, in it, a familar sheila.

She really has grown into a fine young woman. Though crazy and wild, but that was always her thing after she found her rockin' passion back in the day. With her tongue sticking out, a happy grin, white face paint and purple mascara, and a rockin outfit to go along with it.

'Man...Leni really went all out on that one... Well when you have a fashion designer for a sister it tends to help out...' He's proud of her, of both of them. They made it far, their dreams are a reality. Hell, even chuckles and the athlete made it far on their own. He's seen the formers videos, still as puny as before, just a bit more mature. For the latter? Well, just check out the last Olympics of 2024.

To bad he couldn't be there to see it come to fruition...

...Oh well...

Leaning his head back with a groan of exhaustion.

"Time to go home..."

Time flies...

Loud House

Royal Woods, Michigan

Even throughout the years as time continues to pass this is still, and will be, the loudest house in Royal Woods. Though, even if some members left, some, it's still quite crowded and full of Louds, specifically in the female gender department as the only male stuck between all that estrogen is the patriarch himself, Lynn Loud Sr.

It's been five years, yet things have gotten better...slowly. The Louds, now older, have adjusted to this new chapter of their lives, even though some, if not all are still having a tough time because of his abrupt leave, caused by some not so savorary choice of words, anger and what's considered the largest argument the family ever had. The type of arguemnent that has the power to sever ties...and it did, just for the other younger male. Truthfully they were all in the right and the wrong.

No note, no clue, just plain old nothing. He just left. Simple as that. Even took Bun-Bun with him.

Now we can find a little girl, maybe around ten or eleven or so, looking straight at the tv, ignoring the commotion that is her family. Her mind was glued to the scenes of wreckage, police and paramedics quickly at work; the former leading aprehended terrorist in cuffs away from the public, weapons drawn on the scum incase there's a struggle, while the latter rush towards the wounded civvies or carry away the sheet covered deceased.

'Manchester Bleeding'

That is the headline for this tragic attack that has been thrust upon their British cousins.

"The surprise attack on Manchester by the infamous, current terrifying foe to the world that is Lost Cause, has resulted into a multitude of death and total destruction." The little girl gasped from fright as the images panned to blood stained streets mixed in with what looks like spent bullet casings. The reporter continued after he cleared his throat. "At least 50 gunmen, all armed with fully automatic weapons, opened fire in the busy streets hours ago. Initiating the first phase of the attack. It's estimated over 103 people were shot dead, and over 77 wounded. 20 of which were police." The scene shifted to the captured terrorists from before, now apprehended and herded into secure police vans. "Out of the 50 LC members, only 14 were captured, while the rest were shot down. No doubt they will never see the light of day again."

The scene shifted towards a mess of burnt to still burning vehicles, flipped and torn apart, raging fires being battled by firefighters as they hose them down the best they can. "Out of the 3 vans filled to the brim with explosives, only one was, unfortunately, detonated, as you all can...plainly see." Lily could only feel sorrow for all those who've died and are currently suffering the aftermath of hell. "As of right now the death toll has reached over 60, yet officials have yet to cease their search as more bodies are still found."

Once more, the images switched to an overturned vehicle, riddled with bullets, searched throughly by professional individuals. "On a lighter note, what seems to be a joint effort of both British S.A.S and Melody contractors have led to the complete halt of what would've been another horrid attack of an explosive hell..."

Lily will never understand why people would do this to others. It's disgusting. She cannot even imagine what can drive someone to take a life, even the mere thought of hurting another made her sick.

"Melody chairman and daughter of the previous CEO, Jasmine Note, has given her condolences towards the families and those who's lost their lives from this tragic event. Stating that whatever it takes, Melody will stop at nothing until Lost Cause is fully and utterly destroyed." Flipping through his papers. "As of right now over fifteen members of Cause have been caught in one of their now identified recruiting centers of Malaysia in the capital of Kuala Lumpur."

"Lily, time for school!" Lily immedialty turned off the tv and rushed over to her older siblings, preferably Lucy, since she's the one driving her, the twins, and Lisa to school.

Time to relax...

Dallas, Texas

215 Bel-Hop dr.

Handing the cab driver a couple bills for the ride, slinging his duffle bag, and with parting wave that was no doubt ignored, Lincoln turned his attention towards the humble, two story home of his...for another day as the 'For Sale' sign on the front was proudly displayed to any hopeful takers.

Chuckling a bit when he caught the sight of dried up paint splatters, a vast array of colors, collided together, creating a mess all over the back of the sign. The 21 year old couldn't help to shake his head with a smile on his lips. "That boy. Well, at least it isn't the garage door this time." There's no greater chore for a father than scraping off dry paint as the hot sun cooks his pale flesh. Well it's his fault for giving the kid a paintball gun...

With his smile never wavering, Link unlocked the front door of his small families abode, waltzing into the living room. Carefully shutting the door, so he won't disturb anyone and keep his presence unknown for right now. He was caught off guard as he heard the muffled groan of what seems to be frustration accompanied by the crumpling noise of paper being tossed away. Already knowing who's frustration that belongs to he carefully tiptoed towards the dining room, and low and behold there she was. What he refers as the love of his life, the mother of his child, or simply his wife...Haiku Loud.

Her perfect back was facing his face, her dark hair covered the top portion of her wooden seat, slouched down as she held her hands to her face, muttering on how she could do better. Link never really understood what it took to be a writer as he picked up the gun than a pencil, but from the way she's looking he can tell it's nowhere near the definition of easy.

That didn't stop her though.

Slowly placing his bag on the floor, making sure zero noise was emitted. Carefully, he stalked towards her, the years of training prepared him to be as silent as a ghost, as lethal as a cobra waiting to strike upon its prey. Hands outstretched as he reached for her sides...

"You've gotten better, but not good enough." He froze...damn it...well at least he tried. For years he's been trying to scare her, but with zero results everytime.

Sheepishly returning to his full height, the 21-year-old woman stood as well, though nowhere as tall as her husband. Link got a good look at her, no matter how many times a day he sees her in person or through video calls, her beauty will always stun him for a few seconds as he takes it all in. Her ghostly, pale skin, soft to the touch. The first thing he did was to run his fingers over her midnight locks, something she enjoyed as she leaned towards him. God...so soft...so silky. He loves her hair, her personality— he loves her. It's hard to believe that she and him had even got together in the first place, but like said before: shit happens...

Looks like today she isn't wearing a dress. Not that it matters. Just a simple pair of jeans as black as her hair, a dark purple t-shirt, both hugged her lovely form well. And to top it all off: a dual pair of black and purple striped pattern gothic arm warmers, covering the entirety of her forearms. No shoes, just barefoot.

To others she would rarely, to even, smile, unless it contains some of her interests, but for her husband and son? She would always have one ready. It may not be overly large, or show any teeth, but it still holds the love she has.

He finally wrapped his arms around her.

"Welcome home, my love."

Link craned his head down so he could capture her lips with his. She returned the favor. But all good things must come to an end as they had to depart for a bit of air.

Haiku detached herself from his arms, leaving him a bit puzzled as to why, but she reassured him with another smile flashed towards him.

"As much as I enjoy your embrace, my love. I believe someone else wants to have his turn with you."

Realization hit him. How could he forget? Clearing his throat, cupping both his hands and spinning on his heel so he can face the living room, where the stairs lead to the second floor.

"Logan, I'm home!" Not even a few seconds and the sounds of pitter patter of little feet echoed. It was so fast like a blur, Lincoln barely had time to react from the young male voicing his excitement.

"DAAAAAAAAAAD!"

"UFFFF!" Lincoln gasped out from the speeding bullet of a hug he's been receiveing everytime he comes home, but it'll never get old, he enjoys each one the same. Haiku took a few steps back, giving ample room to the father and his lookalike as she watched her love spin her little bat around, while the child cries in glee, never seeming to even want to let go. He missed his papa so much already.

Quite an interesting combination his parents are, the boy included. Logan can be best described as a near perfect image of his father, a mini-Link in a way, except he has inherited his mothers pale skin and dark brown, near black eyes. But what makes him truley unique is his hair color. Inheriting a mixed combination of his fathers white and mothers black locks, a form of gray, not too dark nor is it too light. An ashy type of gray. Alongside with the same toothy smile he had back in the day, and freckles on his cheeks. Lincoln smiles, bringing his five-year-old son up for a great big, papa bear hug.

But that's physically. Mentally? He's also an interesting mixup of the two.

"Imissedyousomuchhowwasworkdidyoustopthebadguys?!"

To any normal person they wouldn't be able to make out a single word from that jumbled up speech of his, but for Lincoln and Haiku, they understood him fine, but that doesn't mean it isn't overwhelming at times. Harriet brought a hand to her lips to help stifle a light giggle.

"Woah, woah." He placed his right hand on his head. "Calm down Lo." Chuckling, he decided to answer the boys questions.

"Work...was good." He stopped for a bit. Flashes of what happend came back.

'Fuckers got what they deserved.'

"And yes...I stopped the bad guys." Logan smiled and hugged his father tighter which Lincoln returned with as much love as his boy.

Haiku watched on with a frown marring her face. She knew something was wrong from the tone of his voice, it didn't take her long to piece it together as to what caused it. She saw the news too, and as much great inspiration it gave her for her works, she was disgusted. Granted the disgust does help her when she's in the midst of writers block. It's horrible, so many lives were lost for no condoning reason. People die, yes, and she finds beauty in it, but as the years went on she found beauty within life as well. To have life there must be death and vice versa.

It especially hurt her soul to watch her love beat himself up when he video called her after the attack. She'll be there for him when we he needs to talk and her to him as well.

Logan already knows what his father does for a living. He isn't ashamed of it. Never. They made sure to tell him when he was able to comprehend the concept that is his fathers job. He didn't want to keep it a secret and tell the boy when he's older; it could cause a rift of betrayal, yelling and a whole lot of painful acts. He's glad his son was able to understand, Logan has always shown to be smarter than others his age. But socially the kid has taken more from his mothers department. Making friends isn't his forte.

With his son being held by his right arm, Link walked towards the living room, Haiku following from behind. He took the time to examine the near barren room as boxes stacked on each other with black marker writing to identify what's inside each one of the cardboard containers. He knows the flight to Michigan won't take off 'till early morning tomorrow. He's glad the flight is paid off: courteous from Melody, so he has time. This will be their last day in the only home Logan has known his entire life, and where he and Harriet had started over in, thanks to Marcus of course.

Looking down on his son with a curious expression plastered on his worn out face. "So, what do you want to do before tomorrow?" Logan stops for a bit and thinks to himself with a small hum.

Snapping his fingers. "I know! Lets read comics, or-or watch movies...Oh! And play outside—no, no wait! Mama promised to show me how to write creepy stuff-" Lincoln stops his son from getting too excited. "Woah, woah, calm down kid. We'll try to do them all, just one at a time. Ok?" His son nods with a happy expression on his face. Ready to finally have some fun with his parents.

Turning towards his wife, "You in?"

She shrugged, "I could use a break from the darkness right now. Plus, I did promise our little bat."

"Heh' ok, let's put operation have fun and spend this last day, then finally get up early, go to the plane and figure out a shorter name for this plan, into action."

Pumping his small arm up to the air, "Yeah!"

Really going through with it...

DFW Airport...

Too damn early in morning...

Logan's head leans in and rests on his mothers right side as he fell asleep between his parents. The exhaustion of waking up early and having to wait a long time to have their luggage checked, finding their flight, the long wait for the pilot and finally ticket checks and boarding. Also can't forget the whole safety mandatory video they play. Can't really fault the kid for passing out. Lincoln's amazed he lasted this long. He guesses it's the excitement to be moving to his parents hometown and finally meeting the rest of the family on his both their sides. He's been told one day, over and over again.

Now that's today...

With both his wife and son passed out from exhaustion he used this time, before they would call out to everyone to shut down their technology, to skim through his tablet. Eyes quickly summarizing the various paragraphs and images that came with it. Stopping every now and again to observe the next generation of drone based technology and the ever advancement of weaponry for the continuing developing world. But this is not for the public. Melody eyes only.

He stops at the paragraph that he was looking for the entire time. From what he was able to get from skimming through line after line: a Brit, Zachary Joul, along the lines are the words Manchester and possible linking between the two.

But nothing on location...

"Yet." He mutters to himself lowly, making sure not to disturb their sleep. Right now though, he's on break. Guy really needs it.

"Attention passengers this is your captain speaking. We are preparing for take off, please put on your seatbelts and remain seated, while as you do so please power off any to all electronics until a later ok. We hope you enjoy your flight."

Shutting down his tablet. "For now, I'm going to leave that for later." He looks out the window, watching as the plane starts to move. "I'm actually-" stopping himself as he gazed towards his young wife. With a soft expression, he covered her visible right hand with his left. "We're actually going through with this..."