Chapter Three

Harry's footsteps clicked off the concrete walls, vibrating down the halls. "LIAM!" He hollered, struggling to conceal his flagrant rage. Each step carried him closer to the main underground room. The warehouse itself spread over two long rectangular stories with side hallways to closets or other storage spaces.

Harry burst back into the main congregational space, catching everyone's attention. Not one person breathed; well, no one except Liam. He came toddling up, a half-eaten banana in his hand.

"You rang?" He smiled, taking another bite of fruit. Harry threw the papers he had been fisting, straight at Liam's face. In an attempt to stop the terse action, the slightly older bloke dropped his banana. "Oi!"

"You got two bloody seconds to explain, mate. If you don't? I'm going to shove that banana peel so far up your arse that your colon will tell me the secrets of the universe by time I get through with you!" Harry's roaring voice boomed across their hideaway underground. "No bullshit!" He took a defensive stance, throwing his arms across his chest expectantly.

Liam's puppy-dog brown eyes blinked, his brows furrowing themselves into his forehead. He was confused by Harry's aggressive behavior. Nonetheless, complied to Up Rise's leader's command.

"By order of Parliament – "He began to read, scanning the page. "We hereby decree..." He muttered over the words, pursing his lips.

"Don't look so confused, Payne. You're not a good actor. Spill. NOW!" Harry demanded, running his large hands through his hair; something he did when extremely stressed. Liam handed the pages back. "Harry? I know you think I'm a news God, but truth be told? My cosmic powers end inside the bedroom. I wasn't aware this was passed, but given we know what happens if caught?" He shrugged. "Well, we all just got to look out for one another."

Harry's eyes shadowed, possessed by rising darkness. In a flash, his hand balled. "GET OUT!"

Liam shook his head.

"I'm not lying." He reasoned logically. Harry's fist flew forward, watching in satisfaction when Liam's neck stopped his head from spinning 360 degrees. A groan left his old mate's mouth.

"If I see you in the morning?" He began challengingly; voice now completely calm. Harry took a step forward, forcing Liam to hold his position. "I will rip your kidneys from your body and perform an impromptu puppet show, before shoving them up your ass sideways."

Liam chuckled, taking his back hand, wiping away blood leaking down from his right nostril.

"Goodnight, Harry." He bowed dramatically, turning to make his way from the leader's sight.

Harry was seeing red.

"STOP! I order you to cease where you stand, Payne." He gritted his teeth, satisfied when the other man listened. No one moved, nor breathed. Harry Styles wasn't one to have his orders ignored.

When Liam turned around, his posture was more rigid and proper. Standing 5'9, a mere few inches shorter than Up Rise's leader, he had an aura about him that didn't appear very threatening. His vacant, puppy dog expression helped him to deceive; a trait Harry was becoming far more aware of each passing minute. Almond colored irises, dipped in a burnt butter coating stared challengingly at his contender.

Liam was stockier than Harry, but given his fighting abilities; he was far more agile. The leader once saw him knock out a cryptogram with one punch. His boyish kid-cut gave him an advantage of weakness. However much a lie it was.

"Harry? I –"He shut his mouth, choosing to harden his stare to match his potential adversary. "Actually, never mind. It doesn't matter."

Harry watched him turn again, but this time, Rise Up's leader had his gun out of his pocket, holding it steadily toward Liam's head. "I think it does, mate. Challenge me, I need a reason to pull this trigger."

His dark warning made Liam flinch. That's one thing Harry knew about his contender, is that he absolutely despised guns. He heard a sharp inhale of breath, followed by a grunt.

"On my mum's life and left tit, Harry. I swear to you that I was not aware of new legislations. Even if you were my worst adversary; my honor to the revolutionary still stands with Up Rise. Groups have come, groups have gone. Your father started this least we forget. I would think he'd be proud to the accomplishments his son surpassed." Liam bowed, extending his hand back toward the leader.

Harry was flattered. Yet, he wasn't stupid enough to think the opposite was kissing his ass for the hell of it. Begrudgingly, he smirked, holstering his pistol. "Goodnight, Liam." He dismissed, turning to go back to his room. However, a small blonde haired-blue eyed child trotted where Harry was heading, a chocolate bar in hand. The man chuckled, suspecting one of his men gave the tyke the sweet treat.

"Your sis is going to have fun getting you to sleep tonight, won't she, lad?" Harry questioned, stepping aside to pass their youngest refugee. "Aleah? Make sure Tyler gets his bath. It's late, we all need to turn in soon."

"Yes, sir." A girl, presumably Aleah responded diligently, rushing up to get her baby brother bathed. Harry stopped, his long, thick fingers brushing her hair back gently, concern lacing his dark jades.

"Aleah? You're safe. I promise we'll get the bastards for what they did. Your parents were good people." He assured, bringing his hand to grasp hers. She squeezed back tenderly.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Aleah whispered, forcing her voice to remain unwavering.

"It's Harry." He offered a tender smiled, reaching over to delicately bop her little brother's nose. His chocolate covered mouth spread, electing a giggle.

Harry chuckled, ruffling his hair.

"Get him situated and then get some rest, Aleah." He nodded, glancing around the room. "Same goes for you lot! Lights out in ten!"

A few protests were heard.

"I don't care. Seven sharp! Goodnight." He saluted, walking back to his hall closet. When he went in, Harry was met with a mountain of feathers where his pillow used to be.

He also realized two vacant places where his best friend and second in command had been. Harry's mouth dropped open in disbelief at the monumental mess. His voice shook the walls. Luckily, Aaron had long since slipped out a side exit.

Zayn chose to barricade himself in his own hall closet. In fact, when Tyler had come toddling down their way, he knelt down, slipped the kid an unwrapped chocolate bar he robbed from an establishment earlier when he went out and put a finger to his lips.

"We were never here, yeah?" He whispered, watching the little tyke grab his offering, continuing down to the main room, babbling happily. Zayn let himself relax some, standing up to take cover. Hurricane Harry was coming. Time to brace.

When he heard the leader's deep screams, he chose to barricade his door for extra measure. Thank goodness the room was equipped with fifty-pound dumbbells.

Eventually, all went quiet, each member finding their mattresses, greeting it like an old, familiar friend; eager to meet the new dawn.