In a square by the sea, Harper lounged on the hood of her car, Newton sleeping peacefully beside her.

From her vantage point, she watched Chase and Adam at the playground, struggling through a series of pull-ups on the gym equipment.

"One hundred and one" Chase counts with difficulty "Ninety nine" Adam counts "One hundred and kick Adam's ass" Chase does another pull-up and kicks Adam lightly.

"Owch! Screw you!" Adam says doing another pull-up. Chase chuckles "It was inevitable. After all, I'm winning." Chase does another pull-up.

"This isn't a competition," Adam sighs, glancing over at Chase. "Come on! I never beat you on pull-ups when you had your chip." Chase hangs from the bar, sweat glistening on his skin as he throws his head back.

"One hundred and one!" he calls out. Adam, also sweating, replies, "You couldn't beat me at anything when I had my chip."

Chase lets go, hands on his hips, panting. "Say that again!" he challenges. Adam drops down, a smirk creeping onto his face. "You never beat me at anything when you had my chip," he teases.

The two lock eyes for a moment before Chase takes off after Adam, shouting, "Come back here!"

Adam quickly grabs some small rocks to defend himself, tossing them at Chase, who laughs in delight. They begin to chase each other around the playground, darting over a seesaw and starting an impromptu competition to see who will fall first.

Harper can't help but laugh, biting her lip to suppress her amusement as she watches their playful antics unfold.

She sighs and looks down at the diary in her hand. She picks up a pen and begins to write.

『••✎••』

|Adam's travel diary|

# Day seventy-six

Hey diary. It's me, Harper again.

I'm just writing because... I'm dealing with my emotions. I'm dealing with my uncle's betrayal, which was definitely the worst betrayal of my life.

Why didn't he cheat on me? Harper Davenport, the adult who has suffered a lot and is strong enough to deal with it. He cheated on little Harper Krane, the little girl who dreamed of escaping from the horrible house that imprisons her. And start to truly live next to the uncle who loved her.

It's not easy to deal with something like this even if you have strange dreams and voices in your head that tell you words of motivation-- no matter how much they help.

I also can't stop thinking about my sister Tara, In the wake of our uncle's betrayal, she revealed that she has a heart after all.

Sometimes I wonder how different things might have been if I had saved her sooner-if I could have saved both of them. They never let me, but Tara has shown me that there's still time.

Maybe it's time for the three of us to start anew together. Another reason why it's worth going back there. It will hurt but... it's necessary.

『••✎••』

Harper puts the notebook away as the boys approach, both shirtless. She glances at the scar on Adam's abdomen.

"Let me see, Buddy," she says, and Adam steps closer. "Does it still hurt?" She inspects the already well-healed scar.

"Only when it's going to rain," Adam smirks. Chase turns up the car radio and grabs the guitar.

Harper laughs at Adam and tosses his shirt at him.

Chase looks over, brushing a strand of hair from Harper's face. "How are you, darling?"

Harper gives him an appraising look. "With that view, what do you think?" She grins. Chase chuckles and leans in for a quick kiss.

Adam glances up at the roof of the car. "I heard they are doing repairs on the road."

"We are still far away ," Harper replies, surveying the surroundings as Chase starts strumming a guitar solo, filling the air with music.

♬ Sexy Boy by AIR ♬

0:17 ━●━━━━━━━━ 3:00

◂◂ ∎∎ ▸▸

Harper leans against the car, soaking in the sunshine and the laid-back vibe. She watches Chase lose himself in the music, his fingers dancing over the strings effortlessly.

"You're doing great Bro" Adam says. Chase grins "Thanks"

"You're in a good mood today, aren't you?" Adam smirks "I'm trying" Chase replies "You're doing well" Harpe says.

"I'm saving my anger and stress for when it's needed," Chase says, playing more chords. Harper sighs knowing what he means by that.

"You're saving up your hunger for some reason too. Because I'm starving," Adam says. Chase chuckles lightly.

"Okay, let's find a place to eat and maybe spend the night tonight" he gets out of the car and puts away the guitar, heading towards the motorcycle parked next to it.

"Don't forget your shirt, Biker" Harper throws his shirt at him and smirks as he gets into the car while Adam puts Newton in his backpack.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Meanwhile at Vince's mansion, Tara is locked in the room where she has been for the past few days, staring out the window and drinking wine straight from the bottle.

Suddenly she hears a knock on the door "Tara..." Vince knocks on the door. Tara ignores it "Come out you need to eat something" he says.

"Fuck you!" She screams. Vince sighs and leans against the door. "They'd kill me if I didn't do this, and they still will if I don't give them what they want soon." He says. "I hope they do." Tara says.

"I know you don't mean it" Vince says "Get out of here!" Tara shouts "I had no other choice" he justifies.

"You are a ridiculous weakling who has never fought for anything!" Tara moves away from the window towards the door.

"Not even for your own family. Because you have always have fear! And fear controls you and brings you down and destroys everything around you!" She says angrily.

"And you just watch it all fall apart because you're too weak to do anything about it!" She smashes the bottle at the door causing Vince to back away.

"All it takes is for someone to threaten to do something to you and you cower like a weak, useless idiot!" She exclaims "I'm ashamed of you!" Tara screams.

A tear runs down Vince's face "I appreciate the honesty" he says swallowing tears.

"You can still change the course of things," Tara says more calmly. Vince takes a deeper breath, "It's too late for me," he says.

"So get ready because if your buyers don't end your race. Harper will" Tara states "Is that why you're still here?" Vince asks "I'm still here for her. Thank goodness the world doesn't revolve around you" Tara says and returns to the window.

She sits in front of the window and after a moment of silence she notices that Vince has moved away from the door.

She rolls her eyes and rests her forehead on the glass, breathing on it.

*****
|Year 2007|

Harper at her 9 year old. Tara and Lera at their 14. Were training in Krane's basement. When he entered the basement with reports and handed them to the kids.

"Girls. Mission." Krane laid out the documents on the table.

Tara tripped Harper during practice. "Ouch!" the little girl groaned. "Pay more attention next time, Nerd," Tara said, rolling her eyes.

Lara approached Krane, curiosity piqued. "What are we stealing this time?" She grabbed the report and opened it, revealing a photo of a man-an employee of Krane Industries.

Lara frowned. "You want us to rob this guy?" The two sisters joined her, peering at the file.

"No more weak missions for you. This is serious," Krane replied.

"What do you mean?" Harper asked, bewildered.

Tara instinctively covered Harper's ears. "Dad, you can't be serious," she said, glancing nervously at her sister.

"This employee has embezzled money from my company and plans to bankrupt me. He's even thinking of turning me in. You wouldn't want your father in jail, would you?" Krane's tone was cold.

"You want us to..." Lara hesitated.

"Finish him off. For good," Krane stated bluntly.

"Isn't it enough to just threaten him?" Lara questioned, disbelief evident in her eyes.

"I've already tried that. It wasn't enough. Nothing will stop him," Krane insisted.

"Why don't you handle it yourself?" Tara challenged.

"I trained you for this. You were raised to leave no trace. You technically don't exist," Krane chuckled darkly.

"But what about Harper?" Lara asked, glancing at the little girl still shielding her ears.

"She'll infiltrate the building. That little genius knows how to access the main computer," Krane said with a prideful smile.

Tara and Lara exchanged worried glances. "You're asking us to get our hands dirty to keep yours clean," Tara said, her voice shaking slightly.

"Exactly. You live in my shadow. Act like it" Krane commanded.

The sisters stared at him in alarm as he left the room. Slowly, Tara uncovered Harper's ears.

"What's the mission?" Harper asked innocently.

Tara swallowed hard, her heart heavy. "You're going to hack the main computer... that's all," Lara said firmly, trying to sound reassuring.

Tara nodded, glancing at Harper with pity. She sensed the little girl was about to face a trauma far beyond her years.

*****

Back to Tara at the window. She remembered that terrible mission and how it changed her and her sisters forever.

She reflected on the irony of the Bionic humans, who had never hurt anyone, now being seen as weapons. When they, who were just weak humans, were the true and most dangerous weapons.

"No anymore. Never again" she tells herself letting a wave of self-reflection, regret and maturity wash over her.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Harper was driving with Adam asleep in the passenger seat, while Chase followed on his motorcycle.

The car's volume was cranked up to maximum, playing the song The Chain by Fleetwood Mac but that didn't stop Adam from snoozing soundly. Harper leaned against the window, humming along to the music, feeling the wind brush against her.

As she approached some construction signs, she instinctively slowed down. Chase, close enough to hear the tunes, took the opportunity to tease her. He revved the engine, making it growl as he pulled alongside the car.

Harper shook her head, amusement bubbling inside her as Chase began to exaggerate his movements on the bike. Every time she glanced at him, he was doing something new and ridiculous.

She watched as he swung his legs awkwardly. "He's so silly," she mumbles to herself. A moment later, he was dancing on the bike, moving his shoulders and arms without holding the handlebars.

Harper couldn't hold back a snort of laughter. "I love that laugh," she hears Chase mutter, a grin on his face as he shakes his hips in time with the beat.

"Seriously, you're so silly, Chase," she calls out "Oh, come on! You know you love it!" he shouts back, his tone teasing.

He then speeds up, pretending the bike is out of control. "Whoa, what's up, kid? Calm down!" he jokes, imitating the bike as an out-of-control bull. Harper bursts into laughter, her worries about the road melting away.

Chase's smile widens at her joy. Biting his lip, he playfully rubs against the bike "Does it remind you of anything Harp?" he asks, his voice playful. As he moves his hips back and forth.

"Chase!" Harper exclaims, blushing intensely and hiding her face, unable to contain her laughter.

"Ride a horse. Damn! You've got such a dirty mind," he shoots back, his grin infectious. Harper wrinkles her nose "You're crazy!"

"And you just realized this now?" he replies, shaking his head as he moves closer to her window, their laughter blending into the wind.

"What's wrong with you, Genius boy?" Harper asks in amusement as her boyfriend approaches the window. "Only you deserve my nonsense," He says.

She raises an eyebrow. "Should I be honored?" She says sarcastically. Chase chuckles. "I can only be like that with you."

"Like that what?" Harper asks, Chase looks at her "Happy" he says softly. The girlfriend takes a deep breath closing her eyes not believing the cute and weird boyfriend she had.

Harper starts to stop the car and Chase stops the bike next to it, keeping a soft gaze on it. Harper looks around and notices that the street would only be released the next day.

"Damn It" she mutters. Adam wakes up and rubs his eyes. "This is going to take a while. Why don't we stop at that diner and leave in the morning?" Chase suggests, pointing to a diner on the side of the road.

"Okay. It's not like we have any other option." Harper starts the car again and begins to maneuver towards the diner. Chase follows with the bike.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Later, night has settled in. Chase picks up the box they use to keep their money, ready to see how much they have left.

"Tell me it's enough for dinner," Harper sighs, her stomach growling audibly.

Chase starts counting. "I'm not sure." He glances at the menu hanging on the diner walls. "We're almost there, but maybe we can negotiate."

Adam raises his hand. "I'll do it."

"Why you?" Chase asks.

"Because I'm good with people. Or have you forgotten who helped got us this cash?" He gestures toward the box.

"Okay, fine. But remember to be discreet," Harper warns.

"I'm always discreet," Adam replies confidently, but as he turns, he trips over a metal bucket, crashing to the floor.

Chase sighs and rolls his eyes as Adam picks himself up. "Adam Davenport, capital D for Discreet," Harper quips.

Chase chuckles, feeling the first drops of rain hit the car's roof, soon accompanied by distant lightning.

"I missed the rain," Harper says, tilting her face up to feel the droplets.

"Yeah, but I don't miss getting sick. Thanks," Chase replies, sliding into the car.

Harper follows, hus of them settling into the back seat. Chase sighs, removing his jacket and glancing at his bike outside. "Great. It's going to be soaked by morning."

Harper nods quietly, and Chase tilts his head. "What are you thinking about?"

"A lot of things," she says, her voice heavy.

"Your uncle?" he asks.

"My sister," she replies.

"Almost," he scoffs.

Harper smiles at him. "I need to save her."

"She may have already run away from him," Chase says gently.

"Not if she knows about his plan," Harper insists. "She's not blinded by our father's approval anymore." She looks down, determination in her eyes. "That's why I need to save her. She deserves to be herself."

"We'll save her, and we'll handle Vince," Chase says, squeezing her leg, his gaze firm. "I promise."

"And as for Vince, I'll put him in his place," Chase adds, his jaw tightening.

Harper frowns. "What do you mean?"

"If he dares say anything, I won't hesitate to throw in his face what a coward he is for prioritizing his fear over your trust."

Harper cups his face. "Vince is my problem. I can fix it."

"Not alone," Chase replies as the rain intensifies outside.

Harper throws her head back in frustration. "Ugh! You never let me do anything alone," she complains, sarcasm lacing her words.

Chase chuckles. "Yes. Consequences of dating me."

"Consequences or benefits?" she shoots back, smirking.

"You Tell me?" he whispers.

"For a girl who's been lonely her whole life, what do you think?" Harper raises an eyebrow.

Chase smiles. "Good thing you found a sticky one," he jokes.

Harper wrinkled her nose. "You're so cute."

Their eyes lock as thunder rumbles in the distance. Harper smiles softly as Chase's hand traces her thigh.

They lean closer, sharing warm breaths that contrast the cold air outside. Harper tilts her head slightly, and Chase leans in, her cheeks flushing.

He pulls his hand away from her thigh, gently cupping her face. Harper leans in closer, their lips brushing together.

As the rain pours down on the car, she wraps her arms around Chase's neck. He deepens the kiss, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, fingers entwining in her hair.

Harper opens her mouth slightly, fitting her lips against his more perfectly.

Chase presses his lips against hers and she pulls him closer by holding onto his shirt.

Chase sighs and releases the kiss. He glups and exhales through his nose as Harper bites her lip.

The two catch their breath and share another slow, hot kiss. Harper begins to take off her jacket. They ease up on the kiss again, their lips making a cracking sound.

Chase finishes taking off her jacket. The warm air between them begins to fog up the car windows as the rain falls.

Harper kisses him again lightly, adding a soft, light swipe of her tongue. Chase blushes more than he already did and lets out a grin.

Harper leans back against the car door and Chase leans over her. The tension between them is silent and tender while they perfect the kisses.

They move their lips in sync like waves, sequentially, one kiss after another.

Chase holds her hips tightly as he lightly bites her lower lip. Harper chuckles and holds his face where she feels the thin beard he was growing.

They share another soft, deep, tender kiss. Harper throws her head back and Chase runs his lips down her neck.

He kisses her neck softly. She closes her eyes and lays her head on his, letting her jaw drop as she feels him kiss her neck.

"I love when you do that" She sighs "Mm-hmm" he responds with his face completely flushed sunk into her neck.

They hear thunder not far away. Harper pulls his face into a long, soft kiss. Chase chuckles shyly and looks down at her noticing that she is wearing a tight tank top with no bra.

"What?" She giggles "You're so hot" Chase says blushing deeply. Harper bites her lip feeling butterflies in her stomach.

"Look who's talking," Harper replies. The two continue to make out slowly and passionately.

Chase glances out the window Adam is still negotiating with the attendant. Harper kisses the curve of his neck making him roll his eyes slightly in pleasure.

He runs his hand down her waist to between her legs "Stop" Harper grabs his hand "What?" He frowns "Newton is looking " Harper looks away to the cat on the dashboard staring at them.

"Yeah. It's weird, but we didn't say anything when he made out with Mrs. Down's cat downstairs." Chase says, Harper laughs.

Chase pulls her down and makes her lie on the bench. He lies down next to her "I'm so tired" He sighs and looks at her.

Harper looks into his eyes and plays with the chain he wears around his neck "and it's not the kind of tiredness that a good night's sleep can fix" He explains.

Harper presses his lips together "I look forward to the day when I can sleep through the night." He confesses "I'll be able to sleep through the night knowing that the next day I'll wake up, next to you--" Chase says and Harper smiles.

"And I'll be able to make breakfast in a house I can call home. Without worrying about having to run out of there the next morning." Chase runs a hand through his hair, pushing it back from his forehead. Harper notices his discomfort and sits up, pulling a bandana from her backpack.

"I'm looking forward to it too," she says softly, tying the bandana around his head to hold back his growing hair. "It'll be the reward for fighting so hard."

"Yes," he replies, a quiet determination in his voice as Harper admires his new look, his hair spiking up in an endearing mess.

Chase glances sideways at Harper, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "You know, I might just start a trend with this look." He says.

Harper laughs. "You're definitely ahead of the curve. Who wouldn't want to rock a bandana and messy hair?"

He raises an eyebrow. "You think I could pull it off?"

"Absolutely," she says, her tone playful. "You've got the confidence for it."

"Seriously? What do I look like?" He asks "A hottie" Harper replies with amusement.

"Well. My confidence has a name: Harper" He smirks "Good to know"

They hear the rumble of thunder, and Harper flinches. Chase instinctively wraps his arms around her as they lie on the bench, letting the rhythm of the rain wash over them.

Harper rests on top of him, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. Chase sighs, his eyes fluttering closed as they savor the moment together.

Curious fingers lift the hem of his shirt, tracing a path along his abs until a soft giggle escapes him.

"Stop," he murmurs, eyes still closed.

"Why?" Harper asks, a teasing glint in her eye.

"You know why. Just... stop," he bites his lip, trying to hold back a smile.

"But you seem to enjoy it," she replies, her tone playful.

"I do, but..." he chuckles, the laughter vibrating through him.

"What?" she challenges, her fingers drifting to his v-line.

"Ahg! That's mean!" He throws his head back in mock despair.

Harper laughs, her eyes sparkling "I'm not doing anything!" she protests, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"You wanna kill me ?" Chase says, a blush creeping up his cheeks, laughter mingling with his words.

Harper sighs and closes her eyes and Chase begins to stroke her hair.

Suddenly Adam gets in the front seat with bags "Got It. Oh my gosh, it's raining like hell" he looks back "Woah!" He turns around quickly "I'm interrupting something ?" He says akwadly.

Chase closes his legs, turning his hips to the side and Harper pulls down his shirt. "No," Chase says.

"No? Not at all?" Adam assures himself "No Buddy" Harper says. They sit on the bench as Adam hands them lunch boxes.

"Uh this smells good tho" Harper opens the lunch box which had rice and chicken with salad "Was it hard to negotiate?" Chase asks.

"No, I made up a story and he gave me a slight discount." Adam says. "What story did you make up?" Harper asks, opening a package of disposable cutlery.

"That I needed to feed the kids, that today was my daughter's birthday and Blah blah blah. A fake tear here and there and it's done" Adam says "Adam that's not cool" Chase says.

"Starving to death isn't cool either, Chase," Adam says, opening his lunch box. "And unfortunately, I can't tell him the real sad story." He looks at Chase in the rearview mirror "Or can I?"

Chase exchanges an annoyed look with Harper "Yeah. You're right." He says and looks at the food.

"I'm so happy to have you guys. You're the only people in the world I don't have to lie to." Adam says "That's the family deal" Chase smirk.

"Yup" Harper agrees "Just our little family of four against the world" Adam says giving Newton some of the food.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

After eating, the three fell asleep and slept until the next morning. Chase and Harper slept spooning in the back seat of the car, while Adam slept in the passenger seat.

Harper and Chase woke up but continued their morning cuddle for a while. Chase kisses Harper's forehead in his arms.

"I think I'm going to go stretch my legs" He whispers "But it feels so good" Harper rubs her face against his chest.

"Harp this is the longest cuddle we've ever had in our lives I can barely feel my arm anymore" Chase says moving his arm that is under Harper.

"I want to stay here forever," Harper says sleepily, "Me too," Chase whispers and strokes her back.

"But I need to go to the bathroom" He says frustrated. Harper groans and lets out a "Thank you" He says and gives her a kiss on the cheek before getting out of the car and Harper goes back to sleep.

Chase uses the restaurant bathroom and when he leaves he finally sees himself with the bandana in front of the mirror.

He turns his face from one side to the other, running his hand over his cheek and his thin beard. Starting to notice the changes becoming evident on his face

"Hm!" He lifts his head "Not bad. not bad at all." He says to the reflection "Just different" he sighs.

He returns to the car and picks up the nearly empty money can again. He snorts, counting the little money he has there.

"Shit" he mutters and looks around, the rain from the previous day was followed by a hot sunny day the next day.

He opens the car windows so Harper and Adam don't suffocate in the heat while they sleep. Chase shakes his head thoughtfully.

"What do I do? What do I do?" He puts both hands on his head until he sees a large movement of people in what seemed to be a shopping center not so far away.

His gaze shifts to the guitar in the car and back to the shopping center. He presses his lips together.

"It worked once. Why not work again" he says to himself and looks at Harper sleeping, he can't contain the smile as he looks at her.

He gets in the car to get the guitar and Harper doesn't even move "Harp. I'm going to take care of something real quick okay?" He whispers.

Harper opens her eyes a little "What?" She says "I'll be right back" he adjusts the strap and lowers her tank top a little hiding her belly "Fine" she sighs and goes back to sleep.

Chase leaned over to kiss her forehead one last time before stepping out of the car, he gets on the bike with the guitar in hand, and heading toward the shopping center with renewed purpose.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Chase finally arrives at the shopping center and there he comes across some other street artists. But they usually focus on dancing and painting. He parks the bike not far away.

He finds an empty place where there is no flow of people. He holds the guitar in one hand and a cap in the other.

Chase sighs and leaves his cap on the floor "Why not?" he says to himself as he adjusts his guitar.

People walk past him ignoring him, apparently enough time had passed for people to forget a little about all the scandal that he, Harper and Adam had caused. And enough time had also passed for Chase's appearance to change a little from what people remembered.

Chase swallows hard and licks his lips, looking at the guitar in his hands, he plays some chords trying to think of some song "♪Cuz all my...♪" He mumbles playing.

"♪mistakes led me...♪" Chase sighs, and looks around, no one seems to have the slightest curiosity to hear him, He plays a higher chord.

♬ Led Me To You by Christopher ♬

0:17 ━●━━━━━━━━ 3:00
◂◂ ∎∎ ▸

"♪What the hell you talking about love?♪" He sings still too weak to be heard "♪I thought I was doing this for us. You know I just played my part♪" He sings and they look around catching the eye of a couple.

"♪You said if you leave me for that world. I won't be here when you return. But can we just go back to start♪" He straightens up and plays louder.

"♪Just hold me and say. You're not leaving this way♪" Chase raises the tone of his voice by closing his eyes to improve concentration.

"♪Cause I'm about to lose my mind♪" He sings softly with his eyes closed "♪This mess that I made. Don't you say it's too late. Can I die in your arms one last time?♪" He sings, letting only the melody guide his fingers on the guitar strings.

"♪'Cause all my mistakes they led me straight into you♪" Chase sings with more emphasis and feeling, making his voice ring out loud and clear as more people stop to watch him.

"♪Remember you said to me regret is for fools♪" He plays to the rhythm of the music and opens his eyes slightly, seeing the people who stopped to listen.

"♪Crashing and burning like I always do♪" He plays louder and a lady throws some money into the cap.

"♪But all my mistakes they led me straight into you♪" Chase nods and I smile thanking the lady "♪Yeah, they led me to you♪"

"♪It's like losing everything on a bad bet♪" He sings more calmly "♪I've lost everything but my habits. I fall so easily♪" He sighs as the couple puts more money in the cap.

"Thanks" He says "♪And it's like going right when you should've gone left♪" He sings as a woman with a little girl walks past him, the little girl to her mother and points to Chase.

"♪Or the memories I wish I could forget. But they're never leaving me♪" Chase plays the chords softly on the guitar.

"♪ Just hold me and say. You're not leaving this way 'Cause I'm about to lose my mind♪" Chase sees the little girl pull her mother closer to where he was playing.

" ♪This mess that I made. Don't you say it's too late♪" A grin forms at the corner of his mouth as he sees the scene "♪ Can I die in your arms one last time?♪" He slowly walks over to the little girl and kneels in front of her.

"♪'Cause all my mistakes they led me straight into you♪" He sings the chorus showing the guitar to the little girl who giggles and glances at her mother.

"♪ Remember you said to me regret is for fools♪" Chase gives the little girl a wink "♪Crashing and burning like I always do♪" He stands up and the mother hands the little girl money to put in his cap.

"♪ But all my mistakes they led me straight into you. I'm messed up like I do♪" He runs his fingers across the strings at once.

"♪ But regret is for fools♪" People around follow the rhythm with clapping "♪Now I praise my mistakes
'Cause they led me to you♪"

"♪I'm messed up like I do. But regret is for fools♪" Chase smiles at people "♪ Now I praise my mistakes 'Cause they led me to you♪" He plays louder as more people give him money.

"♪Yeah, they led me to you♪" He plays the final chord and everyone applauds and he gives a bow in thanks.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Meanwhile, Harper and Adam are still asleep in the car when Newton approaches Harper, licking her face until she stirs.

"Newton, stop!" she giggles, scooping the cat up and wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Disgusting," she says, half-amused.

Adam is snoring loudly in the front seat. As Harper settles Newton in the backpack resting on Adam's lap, a flash of light catches her eye in the mirror.

She squints, adjusting the strap of her tank top, and looks closer. Her eyes widen as she spots a massive truck barreling toward them. "Holy shit! Adam!" she exclaims.

Adam jolts awake, confused. "What?"

"The truck! It's coming right at us!" she shouts.

"Shit! Get us out of here!" he yells.

"On it!" Harper slams the gas, the car lurching back onto the road as the truck closes in.

"What's happening?!" Adam asks, panic rising in his voice.

"I don't know!" Harper shouts, glancing back at the approaching vehicle. "Is that a buyer?"

"Where's Chase?!" Adam asks worriedly.

"I DON'T KNOW!" Harper shouts as she swerves sharply, nearly throwing Adam into the side door while he clutches the backpack containing Newton.

Hyperventilating, Harper presses the accelerator harder. "Do you see him?" she asks, her heart racing.

Adam strains to look behind. "We're losing him," he says, dread creeping into his voice.

Suddenly, gunshots ring out from a car that has just joined the chase. Harper and Adam duck instinctively.

"Great!" Harper grits her teeth as Adam fumbles for a gun in the glove compartment.

The attacking car contains a buyer wielding a shotgun. "I see why they call it a shotgun," Adam mutters, glancing at Harper, who shoots him a disapproving look.

The car approaches and hits the side of them. Harper tightens her grip on the steering wheel, the super strength of her right arm beginning to crush and bend it.

Adam watches her grip the steering wheel as the car slams into their side again. "Harper, calm down," he says worriedly.

"Easier said than done," she mumbles, struggling to maintain control as another car bumps against them from the opposite side.

"Come on! Don't you guys have anything better to do?! It's Saturday!" Adam yells in frustration as the two cars collide once more.

"Damn it!" Harper curses, flooring the accelerator.

Adam aims his gun out the window but misses as the car jolts. "Shit!" he exclaims, frustration mounting.

Harper fights to keep their car steady while absorbing the blows. Adam tries to shoot again, but the gun clicks empty. "Come on!" He tosses it out the window, exasperated.

Just then, the driver on the left aims at Harper. Reacting instinctively, she slams on the brakes, narrowly dodging the shot but crashing into something behind them.

"What?!" she gasps, looking back to see they have hit the truck that has been chasing them. They are now boxed in on all sides.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Harper murmurs, "Come on, Chase. Where are you?" The worry etched on her face deepens as the reality of their situation sinks in.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Meanwhile Chase was playing another song. Many other people gathered around him enjoying his singing.

♬ Ocean by Alok & Zeeba ♬

♬0:17 ━●━━━━━━━━ 3:00
◂◂ ∎∎ ▸

"♪I saw an angel looking at me. All she wanted was to go to the sea♪" He plays calmly, tuning into the soft, delicate chords of the song. He takes a deep breath before starting the chorus.

"♪Don't worry, ma. 'Cause I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid♪" He sings in a higher tone coming from within.

"♪ Don't worry, ma 'Cause I'm on my way♪" His voice comes out with such lightness and naturalness that even he didn't believe it was him singing.

"♪ I'm on my way to the ocean. Oh, oh, oh" He closes his eyes forgetting about
the people around him "♪Oh oh oh, oh oh oh♪" He plays light chords on the guitar.

"♪ Oh oh oh, oh oh oh To the ocean♪" He plays the chorus on the guitar and everyone around follows along, waving their arms to the rhythm.

"♪Wish I told you I loved you more. Maybe I was lost before♪" He returns to singing while waving to a guy who put money in the cap on the floor which was now quite full.

"♪ Showed affection to only gold. While the sunset made me cold♪" He focused on the guitar, his voice sounding as softly as possible.

"♪ Swear I won't complain no more. Doesn't matter if we're rich or poor♪" He closes his eyes "♪ Found out that we don't live to die. Even though there is no reason why♪"

He lightly moistens his lips "♪ Don't worry, ma 'Cause I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid♪" He smirks to himself.

"♪Don't worry, ma 'Cause I'm on my way♪" Chase deepens his voice a little more "♪ I'm on my way to the ocean♪"

He sees two police officers surrounding the place and remains neutral and indifferent. "♪ Oh, oh, oh

Oh oh oh, oh oh oh♪" People around sing to get the police's attention.

Chase looks away from the guitar as they approach "♪Oh, oh, oh♪" Chase continues singing without looking at the police officers.

"♪Oh oh oh, oh oh oh♪"One of the policemen puts money in his cap and the two walk away "♪To the ocean♪" Chase sighs and finishes the song, everyone applauds and whistles for him.

As people scattered, Chase dashed over to the cap on the floor and began counting the money. "Yes!" he whispers to himself, his eyes shining with the unexpected haul.

He stuffs the cash into his pocket, just as a man in a suit approaches. "Excuse me," the man says.

Chase quickly stands, grabbing his guitar. "Yeah?" he replies, glancing nervously at the stranger.

"I couldn't help but notice you," the man continues, removing his sunglasses. "You have an amazing voice and talent, kid."

Chase manages a slight smile. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

"I'm Alex Morse, a talent scout. I work at a talent agency." He extends his hand. Chase shakes it, still unsure.

"What's your name?" Alex asks.

"Uh, I'm... Ted," Chase says, forcing a grin.

"Ever thought about recording an album, Ted?" Alex asks, his interest piqued.

"Excuse me?" Chase replies, startled.

"I'd like to invest in your talent. I can offer you some great opportunities." Alex hands Chase his card.

"I can make you famous. Make you rich," Alex says, flashing a smile. Chase stares at the card, disbelief creeping in.

"Wow, I'm flattered, but..." His gaze shifts to the highway in the distance, where he spots a truck weaving dangerously between cars.

"Holy shit!" His heart races as he recognizes one of the vehicles.

"What?" Alex asks, confused.

"I appreciate the opportunity, sir, but I have to go!" Chase blurts, turning on his heel and sprinting toward his motorcycle. He quickly secures his guitar on his back and revs the engine, speeding off toward the highway as adrenaline surges through him.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

The truck surged forward, slamming into the back of the car and jolting Harper and Adam violently. "Fuck!" Adam curses, glancing back at the truck, which blares its horn menacingly.

Suddenly, a gunshot rings out, making them duck instinctively as another car crashes into their side.

Chase roars onto the track on his bike, still a distance behind. "Come on, beauty. Run faster!" he shouts, twisting the throttle to its limit.

The car rocks again from the left, and Adam yells, "He's loading a shotgun! We need to move!"

"Hold on!" Harper replies, bracing herself as she slams into the side of the car. The driver, distracted, loses control, and the vehicle flips over as they speed past.

They glance back just as the car explodes in a fiery fireball. "Woah!" Chase gasps, tilting the bike to avoid debris.

But another car is still tailing them on the right.

In the middle of the frantic chase, Adam turns on the radio, Harper throws an indignant look in his direction.

"Seriously?! Now!" She says "I'm trying to keep a good mood since I could die at any second!" Adam says freaking out.

"If you keep freaking out you'll only kill us faster!" Harper shouts back "Can't you see I'm trying not to?!" Adam yells and Harper rolls her eyes.

Adam sighs, glancing ahead. "Harper, watch out!" he shouts, just as she veers toward oncoming traffic, narrowly avoiding a collision.

Harper manages to weave back into the correct lane, keeping the oncoming car close to the edge. The truck begins to swerve, and as it overtakes the other vehicle, its cargo container breaks loose, crashing onto the track.

Adam watches in disbelief as the pursuing car slams into the container head-on. "Wow," he murmurs, shaking his head as Harper accelerates away.

The truck, now unburdened, rams into them again. "Fuck off!" Harper screams, checking the rearview mirror.

Chase swerves to dodge the wreckage and starts closing the gap with the truck.

The truck gives another violent bump, and Harper sees a bridge ahead. "Hold on!" she yells, taking a sharp turn as the truck follows closely.

"Harper, the road is wet!" Adam warns, panic rising in his voice.

"Shit!" Harper replies, trying to slow down, but the car skids out of control. The truck hits them hard again.

"I can't-" Harper shouts, struggling as the truck pushes them toward the bridge wall.

"Get out!" she yells at Adam, but the truck presses down harder, and they collide with the wall. Metal crumbles painfully, trapping Harper's leg.

"Aaaahhh! My leg!" she screams, pain flashing across her face as tears stream down.

"Harper!" Adam shouts, horrified. "I'm stuck!" she cries, panic in her eyes as the wall begins to crack under the pressure.

As the car rocks precariously on the edge, the truck speeds toward them again. Adam fights against the metal pinning Harper down. "Calm down, Harper! Stay with me!" he urges, gripping her hand tightly.

Chase arrives, abandoning his bike and guitar, heart pounding in his chest. "No!" he yells, sprinting toward the truck.

Picking up a rock, he hurls it at the driver's window, shattering the glass.

But the truck driver, unfazed, presses on, ramming the car over the edge. They hear the creaking of the car and the bridge creaking louder.

"NOOOOOO!!!" Chase screams in despair as the car plummets into the sea below.

Inside, Harper and Adam cling to each other as the car hits the water with a violent jolt. Harper's head strikes the dashboard, rendering her unconscious. Adam feels the pull of his seatbelt and begins to panic.

He looks around in despair, seeing the water rising. "Harper! Harper!" He cradles her unconscious face, noticing blood trickling from her nose. "No! Harper, wake up! WAKE UP!" he screams, his voice trembling with panic.

The impact of the car hitting the water has partially eased her leg, which is now submerged in crimson, the blood swirling ominously around them.

"Okay, let's go!" Adam shouts, unbuckling his seatbelt. He attempts to pull her leg free, but the water has already invaded the car, threatening to swallow them whole.

Meanwhile, Chase assesses the height of the bridge as the truck driver angrily emerges from his vehicle.

"You bionic freak, you're mine!" the trucker bellows. Chase responds with a sharp whistle, sending Newton lunging at the man.

"Aaaahhh! Get off me!" the trucker yells as Newton claws at him, creating the distraction Chase needs to land a solid punch, knocking the driver out cold.

"Good job Buddy" he says and the cat meows.

Breathing heavily, Chase scans the edge of the bridge, takes a deep breath, and sprints, leaping into the water below.

Back in the sinking car, Adam takes one last desperate breath before the water engulfs them. He finally manages to pull Harper free, forcing open one of the car doors.

Chase spots them beneath the surface and swims furiously, but Adam realizes with dread that Harper isn't breathing. He tries to pass some of his air to her, but without the chip, he can no longer breathe underwater.

Harper, completely limp, drifts as Adam struggles to keep them both afloat, slowly losing his own breath. Chase catches up, grabbing Harper and starting to pull her upward.

Adam begins to follow, but halfway there, he loses consciousness, leaving it to Chase to bear the weight of both of them.

Chase fights against the water, straining to swim with both Adam and Harper in tow, but exhaustion grips him. He gasps for air, feeling his strength fade, and in a final, desperate attempt, he loses his grip, slipping beneath the surface.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Chase quickly comes to his senses, sputtering as he expels water from his lungs. He gasps for air, struggling to breathe, and hears Adam nearby doing the same.

"Adam," Chase croaks, his voice weak. His vision blurs, and he fights to keep his eyes open.

He catches a glimpse of Adam, still coughing, but then his gaze shifts to a pair of black combat boots standing next to him, someone in a gray trench coat.

Chase closes his eyes, trying to gather his strength. When he opens them again, he sees Harper being dragged to his side, unconscious. Blood trails from her nose and leg, marking the sand beneath her.

Panic grips him as he shuts his eyes once more, taking a few moments before forcing them open again. This time, he sees Harper coughing weakly beside him, with Tara kneeling next to her.

"It's going to be okay," Tara whispers to her sister. "Harp..." Chase gasps for air, but his vision fades again as he passes out.

Vince strides up, guitar in hand, stepping over the three unconscious Bionics. Newton rushes to Harper, licking her face, desperate for her to wake up.

Tara stands, her anger flaring. "You not done with this shit, are you?" she demands. Vince silences her with a wave, picking up his phone.

"Hello? Tell everyone to tune in to the broadcast," he says, glancing down at Chase's unconscious form. "The auction starts in two hours," he adds, a sinister smirk spreading across his face.

━━━━━━━ •♬• ━━━━━━━

A/N - Hey Guys!!

Next chapter will be the penultimate chapter of this story.

I hope you guys are enjoying it. Sorry for the delay in updating.

But tell me what you think will happen in the next chapters and your thoughts on it?

As always, I want to thank you for reading this far. Don't forget to comment and vote and I'll see you all in the next chapter 😘