GATHER THE GARDE

CHAPTER 1

The rooftop was quiet, save for the occasional hum of distant traffic and the constant howling of the wind. Five and Six stood close to the edge, their silhouettes outlined against the backdrop of the sprawling metropolis.

Number Five, her expression contemplative, watched as lightning danced across the sky in the distance. "I know I can generate electricity, but there's got to be more to it. I just need to figure out how to unlock the rest of my legacies."

Six turned to her, her brow furrowed. Her gaze was steady, though her exhaustion was evident. "It's not easy. Each of us discovered our legacies in different ways. Some through training, others through necessity. It's gonna take time."

Five nodded, her gaze still fixed on the storm clouds. "I just hope it doesn't take too long. I can't afford to be a liability."

Their conversation was interrupted by the soft click of the rooftop access door and heavy footsteps echoing in the open. John emerged, his eyes immediately falling on Six. The woman stood tall and proud, she seemed to radiate a warmth that clashed with her weary appearance. John had originally thought that Six had something to do with the storm raging in the distance and had decided to look for her. Now that he found her, he couldn't help but notice how worn out she looked, a stark reminder of their narrow escape from the Dulce base.

"Girls," John said, his voice tinged with concern, "you should be resting. "

Five remained silent and ignored his comment, sensing that it somehow wasn't directed at her at all. Six forced a tired smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm okay."

John's gaze lingered on her, but his mind was elsewhere, engrossed in justifying his complex feelings of guilt and confusion that had followed their escape. Sarah Hart was constantly on his mind and he was making inhuman efforts to make it stay that way. The guilt he felt over her capture and responsibility for her safety weighed heavily on him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he owed her something, and it gnawed at him, making his emotions for Six seem like a betrayal.

He thought back to the chaotic escape from Dulce, solely possible thanks to Six and her invisibility. Sneaking a whole bunch of people across the world despite her injuries and apparent fatigue was certainly something only she could pull off. Since their return to Nine's penthouse, John had deliberately avoided her, afraid to face his own conflicting emotions. He worried about her recovery, but he also feared that his feelings for Six were returning and what it would mean for his relationship with Sarah.

"I've been meaning to check in on you," John said, struggling to keep his voice neutral. "But with everything that's happened... I just want to make sure you're okay."

Six's eyes softened, but she said nothing, sensing the underlying tension. Five glanced between them, unsure how to bridge the gap. She felt like she was intruding on a private moment between them, however, she wouldn't dare leave now. Five only knew John for a few days, but she wasn't stupid. Even during their brief acquaintance, she could gather that Six and John had something going on, and she was never the one to shy away from speaking her mind, so she asked the other woman about it. Six would probably dismiss her if she didn't admire her honesty and bluntness, the qualities Six herself also possessed. The two were becoming friends quickly.

"I'll be fine," Six finally said. "We all have a lot to deal with right now."

As if on cue, the distant lightning illuminated Six's face, revealing its lack of color under the harsh white light. She swayed slightly, struggling to maintain her balance. "I think I need to lie down," she murmured, her voice strained and barely audible over the roar of the wind. "You two... excuse me."

Opting to give them no time to respond, Six turned and made her way toward the door, her steps uneven. Five watched her with concern, but before she could say anything, the door creaked open again and Nine's familiar figure emerged. His casual demeanor and easy grin seemed at odds with the tension in the air. Leave it to Nine to read the room entirely wrong.

"Hey, Five! Thought I'd find you up here. You know, it's a shame to waste a perfect stormy night brooding. Thought we could—" Nine's words trailed off as he saw John. His shit-eating trademark grin faltered for a moment before he quickly masked his slightly disappointed expression with another grin. "Oh, Johnny boy! Fancy seeing you here. Sarah's looking for you. Thought I'd let you know."

John's attention snapped to Nine. "Sarah? What's going on?" His voice carried a hint of worry, and he glanced back at Six, who was nearly at the door.

"Sarah's been trying to get your attention for a while," Nine replied with a dismissive wave. "You know how she is."

John shot a glare at Nine but nodded. He then turned back to Six, not expecting to see her leaning heavily against the doorframe. He couldn't help himself and crossed over to the woman, eager and all ready to help. "Let me help you," John offered, his voice softening. "I'll get you to your room."

Six shot him a sharp look, her eyes blazing with irritation. "I don't need your help. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, Sarah needs you more than I do. So go on, go find her." She didn't intend for it to come out so harsh, her issue not being with the woman she had previously mentioned. However, John was starting to get on her nerves.

"Come on, Six. I'm just trying to help," John was insistent, moving to grab her shoulder to steady her.

Six jerked away from his grasp, her frustration palpable. "I said I don't need your help!" Her voice rose in anger. " I'm not a child. I know my limits."

John paused, the words stinging more than he'd expected. "Six—"

"Just go," she cut him off, her voice breaking slightly. "I'll be fine. I need to rest anyway."

John reluctantly turned and headed back toward the stairwell, his mind clouded with confusion and persistent feeling of guilt. Behind him, Nine and Five continued their banter, though the words were lost on John as he hurried to find Sarah.

Five, left alone with Nine, let out a frustrated sigh. "You know, your timing is impeccable. Now I have to deal with this mess on my own."

Nine's expression softened, though he maintained his usual irreverence. "Welcome to the club. If you need a break from the drama, just let me know. I can be surprisingly good company when I'm not annoying people."

Five laughed. "I find it hard to believe."

Nine held his hand up as if surrendering. "I see you're all geared up! Got any new snarky remarks for me?"

Five raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I suppose I do, but don't expect me to hold back, Nine."

Nine's grin widened, clearly enjoying the playful exchange. "Bring it on. I'm ready for you."

Their banter continued, light and sarcastic, the exchange bringing a brief moment of levity to the rooftop.

"I should, um... I should probably check on Six. You know, see if she even made it down," Five said, reluctant and unwilling to cut their moment short.

Nine shook his head, a small smile stretching across his face. "She bites. I would give it some time before going in."

"You just don't want me to leave."

As Five walked away, Nine remained on the rooftop, his thoughts a whirlwind of the evening's events. The first raindrops began to fall, hitting his face and instantly cooling it down. The rain on his skin felt almost refreshing and liberating, giving him a break from the disruptive downpour of emotions he had hoped to forget.

They were finally together, all under the same roof. However, it was proving to be more challenging than everyone had initially thought.

"I do have an impeccable timing, don't I?"