Harper slowly blinks her eyes open, her senses returning as she takes in her surroundings. She's in a small, dimly lit room with a metal door looming ominously before her.

Alone and handcuffed to a window grate, panic surges through her. "What the...?" She tugs at the cuff with increasing urgency. "No! Chase! Adam!" Desperate, she tries to rise but a sharp pain shoots through her leg. "Ah!" She sinks back to the floor.

Glancing down, she sees her leg bandaged, a stark reminder of recent trauma. As her fingers brush her face, they graze over a healing wound, adding to her dread. Then she spots the bandana tied to her other wrist-the same one Chase had before the crash. A wave of anxiety washes over her.

"Chase!! Adam!!" she screams, her voice echoing in the confined space. "Someone! Help!!" Her cries grow more frantic, but all she hears in return is silence.

Tears begin to spill down her cheeks as she pulls against the cuffs, feeling the weight of her situation. "Shit! Calm down," she mutters to herself, forcing a deep breath.

"Stay calm," she repeats, scanning the room for any sign of escape, desperately trying to block out the pain in her leg and focus on a way out.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Chase slowly opens his eyes, disoriented, and realizes he's tied to a column. Across from him, Adam is similarly restrained, both of them gagged.

"Mmm-hmm!" Chase moans in despair, struggling against his bindings. "Aaddamm-mm!" he manages to gasp.

"Mm--hmm!" Adam replies, equally frantic, their hands tangled in the same rope.

Vince strides into the dimly lit room, a tripod and camera in hand. The flickering light from a nearby fireplace casts ominous shadows. Chase spots a computer and various pieces of equipment on a table, dread pooling in his stomach.

"I didn't want to do this," Vince says, setting up the camera with a grim determination. "But they left me no choice. It's you or me."

Chase's heart sinks further at the mention of Harper. "Harper-mm," he groans, desperation flooding his voice.

"Oh, she's fine," Vince replies dismissively. "No broken bones. She'll be walking again in a week." He turns his back to them, focusing on the computer.

Chase glares at him, filled with hatred. "It's nothing personal, kid," Vince continues, sighing. "I really like you two. You're the closest thing to family I've had in years."

Adam and Chase exchange looks of distress and anger.

""But I have my ass stuck with my buyers. I'm up to my neck in debt with dangerous people, debts accumulated over the years. Either I do what they want or I die." Vince explains," Vince explains, spreading his arms as if to emphasize his predicament.

"Then we put my life or yours on the scale." He makes a scale with his hands. "You are too valuable to ignore. I know you have your human side but you should be thankful that these guys want you two very alive." He laughs.

I really tried. I tried to protect you guys. But like I said, you guys are too valuable, and I've been in this business for too long and too well for my buyers not to believe that I wouldn't have the most valuable weapons nowdays" Vince says.

Chase's expression hardens. "We're a good team. We don't belong to them," he insists, shaking his head.

Vince chuckles, a hollow sound. "You remind me of my younger self," he says, but the mirth doesn't reach his eyes. "Well, let's get this auction started." He claps his hands together and moves toward the camera.

Adam glances sideways as Vince switches on the camera, their image appearing on a small monitor.

"Hey, everyone," Vince announces, his voice smooth and rehearsed. "In just a few moments, I'll open bidding on an exclusive auction: two Bionic Humans with their original chips." He holds up a small box containing the chips, and Adam gasps in horror.

"You can start bidding in a few minutes," Vince continues, his tone casual. "And no, I'm not auctioning them off separately." Chase and Adam look at him with disgust, feeling dehumanized.

Vince's smile is cold as he prepares to market their lives to the highest bidder, and the weight of their situation settles heavily around them.

Adam blinks rapidly, fighting against the tears threatening to spill. Despite his efforts, a single tear escapes and traces a path down his cheek, and Chase can hear the soft sniffles.

Chase swallows hard, feeling his own emotions rise as he grips the column tightly. And he slowly reaches for Adam's hand tied next to his on the column.

Adam feels his brother's hand approaching his and finds a way to hold his hand. He holds Chase's hand tightly and lowers his head, letting the tears fall silently.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Tara stood in the kitchen, her gaze fixed on the door she knew Harper was behind, sipping her tea as she devised an escape plan. She was acutely aware that Harper wouldn't leave without Chase and Adam, so she needed a strategy to free them and leave Vince behind.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Vince's cell phone on the counter ringing incessantly. Curiosity drew her closer, and she saw a series of notifications from buyers-each one a death threat aimed at Vince.

The reality hit her hard: Vince's reputation was in ruins, his deceit exposed. While he had never lied about sourcing high-quality weapons, he had scammed the very buyers now thirsting for revenge. His shady dealings had cost them too much, and their anger was palpable.

With a grimace, Tara threw the phone to the floor, shattering the device's screen. Time was running out. She marched toward the room where Vince was conducting his auction, determination fueling her every step. She had to act fast.

She slams the door, drawing Vince's attention to her "You're just doing Shit after Shit! You son of a bitch!!" Tara screams and he mutes the transmission.

He walks up to her "Tara" he raises his hands and Tara punches him in the face "Mmmm!" Chase and Adam flinch.

Vince holds his face with a hateful look "What's wrong with you?! You're going to kill us all with your lies and your scams you idiot!" Tara screams Vince holds her.

"Let me go!" Tara screams "Stay the fuck calm!!" He starts to lead her out of the room "Your buyers are coming straight here, no one wants to bid on any-fucking-thing you auction! They just want the "weapon" air and your head on a platter!" Tara spits as she speaks and Vince wipes his face

"What does that mean? That you're going to run?" Vince grabbed her arm, frustration boiling over. "If you do that, who's the coward, huh?"

Tara yanked her arm free, shoving her uncle away. "You! It will always be you!" Her teeth clenched as she spoke. "I'm getting Harper out of that room, and she's going to end you before your buyers do."

"You're not going to do that," Vince said, glancing at the buyers milling around the auction. Despite the tensions rising, he saw potential opportunities among those who were less informed.

"Already done," Tara shot back.

"No, Tara!" Vince lunged after her as she sprinted from the room, slamming the door in his face.

"TARA!!" He pounded on the door, then heard a loud crash from the garage. Rushing back, he glanced at the security camera, seeing buyers crashing a car into his garage door.

Without hesitation, Vince activated the house's security locks, sealing the room where he, Chase, and Adam were trapped.

Meanwhile, Tara dashed to her room. She grabbed a gun, a knife, and brass knuckles, taking a deep breath as she prepared for battle. She was ready to fight for what was right.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Harper gripped the handcuff chain, using her super strength to rip it free from the window grate.

With a loud sigh, she caught the glare of headlights reflecting in the window. Wincing, she pushed herself up, leaning against the wall to ease the strain on her injured leg, and made her way to the window.

A group of armed buyers approached the house. "Shit. What the hell did you do, Vince?!" she cursed under her breath. She turned toward the metal door, her frustration boiling over. Clenching her fist, she slammed it into the door handle.

She throws another punch, denting the lock. Snorting in frustration, she clenches her fist, veins glowing faintly. With a determined strike, she punches through the iron door, and Harper's jaw drops.

She grabs the door, yanks it free, and slams it against the wall, shattering the window and scattering debris.

Harper gasps, and when she glances at the door, she sees Tara standing there, key in hand.

"Whoa! But how...?" Tara frowns while Harper's smile widens. "Who needs a key anyway?" Tara rolls her eyes and tosses it aside.

"Seriously, what the hell? You don't have your chip!" Tara says.

"Superpowers," Harper beams.

"That's fucking awesome!" Tara smiles back.

"Wait. Did you come to save me?" Harper steps out of the room.

"Yeah. Vince has your boyfriend and your other boyfriend locked upstairs. He's auctioning them off along with their chips," Tara explains.

"Only one of them is my boyfriend," Harper mutters, rolling her eyes. Tara scoffs. "If you say so."

Harper frowns. "And which guys are surrounding the house?"

"They want what we do-punch the hell out of Uncle Vince," Tara replies, her expression serious.

Harper sighs. "You were the one who pulled me out of the water?"

"Uncle Vince used his buyers to find you. I stayed close, knowing he wouldn't stop until he had you," Tara admits.

"Now that I've found you, I'll help you take him down. I'll fight by your side," she says earnestly.

"Really? You want to be a team again?" Harper asks, hopeful.

"I was raised to be on your team. It doesn't matter if we're the good guys or the bad ones. I stick with my sisters. I just wish I'd realized it sooner," Tara nods.

"Same," Harper replies, pulling her sister into a tight hug. "I love you, sis."

"I love you too," Tara whispers, squeezing back.

Suddenly, they hear bangs echoing from all sides. "Uncle Vince has triggered the security locks. He's in a sealed room with your guys" Tara says urgently.

"I need the main control panel for the house. Where is it?" Harper asks.

"Follow me!" Tara says as they sprint down the hallway, only to be startled by gunshots.

"Get down!" Tara shouts, and they hit the floor.

"Well, are you ready for war?" Harper asks, adrenaline pumping.

"I was born ready," Tara replies, reloading her gun with fierce determination.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Meanwhile, Vince starts the bidding, eyes glued to the security cameras as buyers break in.

Chase glances at his brother, a plan forming in his mind. He remembers the pocket knife tucked away in his pants pocket. Discreetly, he begins to fidget, trying to reach for it without drawing attention.

Adam notices Chase's agitation. "Mm--what Mm doin?" he asks, his voice muffled by the gag.

"Shut-mm!" Chase snaps back, irritation creeping into his whisper.

He casts a quick look at Vince, who's too absorbed in the bidding to notice them. "Who bids more? Come on, guys!" Vince announces over the broadcast, a smirk playing on his lips.

Chase shifts his position, using the column to help maneuver his hand toward his pocket. He frowns, straining to reach the knife without being obvious. The tension mounts as he tries to feel his way, his heart racing with each movement.

Vince's gaze narrows at Chase's strange movements, suspicion flickering in his eyes. Chase freezes, wide-eyed, caught in the act.

"Mm-itchy-mm-back," he mumbles through the gag, rubbing his back against the column to deflect Vince's attention.

Vince rolls his eyes, dismissing the excuse as he refocuses on the broadcast. "More bids, people!" he shouts, his attention back on the auction.

Chase lets out a silent breath, seizing the opportunity. He quickly resumes his movements, determined to get the knife before Vince looks back again.

Finally, the knife slips from his pocket into his hand. Chase exhales in relief, quickly flicking it open. Hand starts running the blade through the rope binding his wrists and Adam's, his heart racing with each careful cut.

They feel the ropes loosen and Adam tries to remain indifferent so as not to raise suspicions. When the rope is completely cut, Chase releases his breath and Adam continues to hold the rope as if they were still tied together.

The two look at each other from the corner of their eyes, knowing that there is no other way to escape from there without fighting.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Harper and Tara run through the halls of the house to the house's control panel.

Halfway there they are surprised by buyers who come in through the windows "There you are Bionic Freak" One of them says to Harper.

"Freak is your mother!" Tara hits him in the back of the head with the brass knuckles, knocking him to the ground.

Other buyers appear behind Tara. "Watch out!" Harper yells and runs limping towards her, who ducks as Harper uses electrokinesis, not bionic, but totally fluid of her super powers.

As Harper tackled the guy to the ground, Tara was crouched between them and saw two others approaching behind Harper. She reloaded the gun, rolled it under her sister's legs and fired straight at them.

She stands up and the two stand back to back, both keeping their aims.

Soon, four more shoppers appeared on either side of each other. Tara shoots to the right and Harper lunges to the left, punching the first guy and using the same arm give a blow by spinning the other to the ground.

Tara shoots precisely at the guys on the left. When another one comes up behind her she spins around and kicks him in the face. The number of buyers seems to increase by the second, cornering them.

"Cover me" Harper says grabbing a guy by the neck and throwing him to the ground "On It" Tara shoots the same guy. Harper sighs in regret and starts limping towards the control panel.

Tara continues shooting and using the brass knuckles on those who come closer to her. Harper rips the door off the control panel and begins shutting off the power to the rooms and disabling security locks and doors.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

The power to the room where Chase, Adam and Vince are is knocked out, leaving the room lit only by the fireplace and the wireless equipment from the broadcast, which was still live.

"What the...?" Vince says and the doors open "Just a minute guys. I'm having some technical issues" Vince says and steps away from the computer.

As he passes in front of Adam Vince he is surprised by a kick.Vice hits the window and grabs the curtain, the rod comes loose from the wall.

Chase breaks free and pulls the cloth covering his mouth "Adam! Find Harper!" He says.

Adam breaks free and runs away. Vince stands up and Chase glares at him angrily.

"Chase..." Vince says "It doesn't have to be this way" he says calmly "I have no a choice" Chase quotes Vince "It's you or me"

"Look, you don't understand" Vince says as he approaches "Stay away from me you son of a bitch" Chase says with anger brimming in his eyes.

"There is no justification for what you did and were about to do!" He shouts "You are inhumane. A selfish coward who trades his own niece's happiness and life for his own." Tears stream down his face.

"I thought you wanted a family" Chase says "Chase. You guys are my family" Vince says "What the fuck kind of family concept is that huh?" Chase replies.

Vince glances at the computer "Don't make me hurt you Chase" he says "As if it wasn't already too late" Chase replies.

"I'm really sorry," Vince says, "I don't want you near us ever again. If you come near Harper again I'll kill you," Chase says firmly without even blinking.

"Like you did to my brother?" Vince replies and steps in front of Chase "Get out of my way!" Chase says as a tear runs down his cheek.

Vince shakes his head "I won't let her be taken from me again" he says a dark look taking over his face.

Vince picks up a glass ornament from the fireplace and throws it at Chase. "Ahg!" He ducks as one of the shards of glass hits him in the forehead.

Then the curtain rod falls to the floor and it doesn't take long for the sparks from the fireplace to catch on the curtain fabric.

Vince runs up to Chase and pushes him onto the table. Chase retaliates with a kick, pushing Vince away.

Chase runs his arm across his forehead, wiping away the blood that runs from the cut made by the glass.

The curtain starts to catch fire and Chase looks at Vince with an anger he has never felt in his life.

"You're trying my patience!" Vince yells and runs towards Chase, grabbing his neck. He grabs Vince's neck too and kicks him in the stomach, throwing him against the table.

Vince tries to choke Chase as he slams Vince against the table repeatedly. Gritting his teeth in anger.

Meanwhile, the camera broadcasting the auction remained on and the connected buyers continued to see everything that was happening in that room. However, the audio was muted.

"Ahg!! You're stronger than you look kid" Vince groans. And grabs Chase's ear "Ahg!" He groans in pain and Vince punches him in the jaw. Letting go.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Tara continues to fight with the buyers and shoots one at the end of the aisle. A taller guy approaches and kicks her in the back.

Tara reflexively tries to shoot him but he kicks her gun away. Harper approaches him and he tries to punch her but she blocks it with her right arm.

She squeezes his hand and he starts screaming in pain. Harper starts bending his arm with super strength and Tara grabs his neck from behind and they both throw him to the ground unconscious.

They run towards the stairs and find two buyers. Two women with knives "Hello" One of them says "Finally. Someone who can really fight" Tara says to Harper.

Adam walks through the hallways of the house also fighting buyers. One of them attacks him from behind. Adam throws him to the ground and uses all his human strength to gain momentum. Throwing the guy who ends up hitting and falling out of the window.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

The fire in the room begins to spread. Vince grabs a lens from the camera on the table and hits Chase with it.

Vince pushes Chase. And he retaliates with a punch. Then a kick and grabs Vince's neck, throwing him to the ground.

Chase sniffs while swallowing tears. Vince groans and looks at him in disbelief.

"What? Are you surprised? Huh?" Chase approaches him, the firelight taking over the space. "Are you surprised to see that I cry. That I bleed. That I have feelings!!" He yells.

Vince looks at Chase in distress "I'm fucking human! Not a weapon you can sell you sicko!" Chase says in a mixture of anger, sadness and betrayal.

Vince reaches for a shard of glass and threatens to shove it at Chase. But he blocks it by grabbing his arm and throwing a punch that sends him hurtling toward the camera, which falls to the ground. But it keeps recording.

Vince quickly stands up and sighs. A little weak and full of scratches.

"Don't you see? We're all just fighting for our lives." Vince says. "I never knew what real living was. I just survived." He shakes his head.

Chase clenches his jaw and clenches his fists with a frown.

"When you need to survive boy. You can't hold on to what makes you live. I'm doing you a favor" Vince says.

"You're crazy like him," Chase mutters. "No! He wanted you dead. I want you alive, and the only way to ensure that is for you to embrace what the world sees of you." Vince walks slowly toward Chase.

Chase scoffs "You don't really believe that, do you? You think if we're slaves for the rest of our lives we'll have a better chance?" He frowns "You guys as slaves are controllable. You guys free will be targets." Vince says.

Chase takes a quick breath and glares at Vince with a dark look of hatred.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Harper and Tara begin to fight with the two women on the stairs.

Harper, with her indestructible arm radiating energy, is immersed in a fierce fight. Every punch and blow she lands makes the buyer retreat.

But each step she climbed sent a jolt of agonizing pain down her injured leg.

Tara, with her sparkling brass knuckles, displays the mastery of years of training. Her movements are calculated and lethal; she dodges attacks with agility, counterattacking with precision.

They climb halfway up the stairs towards the grunts and knocks coming from the second floor.

Harper grabs one of the women's knives with her indestructible arm and elbows her in the face. However, she retaliates with a jumping kick to Harper's injured leg.

"Aaahh!!" Harper bends down in pain but still finds the strength to push the woman down the stairs. Tara, who was a little below, avoids the woman who rolled down the stairs.

Harper holds her leg and tries to adjust the bandage. The other buyer quickly heads towards Harper, but Tara senses the imminent threat.

"Harper!!" Tara yells. With desperate determination, she throws herself in front of her sister, blocking the deadly attack with her body.

Harper gasps trying to assimilate the scene as quickly as possible. The blow hits Tara with brutal force, and she is thrown down the stairs.

"TARA!!!" Harper screams and with renewed strength she punches the remaining buyer with her super powers, knocking her out immediately.

Harper limps down the stairs and falls on the last step, dragging herself in despair towards her sister.

"Tara! Tara! Look at me." She holds her sister's face. And sees a deep cut on her head and stomach that wouldn't stop bleeding.

"Harper" Tara says weakly "You're going to be okay" Harper says her heart racing in agony and tears starting to stream down her face.

"Why did you do that?" Harper shakes her head. "I needed to make sure I protected you for once," Tara says, struggling to keep her eyes open.

"I failed every time I tried to...protect you" A tear runs down her face "No. Don't do this to me" Harper starts to cry.

"I wanted to know what it feels like to be a hero" Tara cries "Stay with me. Please" Harper says as Tara weakly takes the brass knuckles out of her hand and hands them to Harper.

Harper shakes her head several times and holds her hand tightly "No. No Tara stop!" She says desperation creeping in.

"I love you Nerd" Tara sighs and slowly closes her eyes and her body seems to get heavier in Harper's arms.

"Tara!!" Harper screams, she holds her unconscious sister in her arms.

"No, no, don't play with me, wake up!!" Harper begins to despair "NOOOOOO!" Harper screams and starts crying.

"No, don't do this to me. Don't leave me....Sister!" She sobs.

With a cry of despair, Harper hugs her sister, holding her tightly as her tears fall incessantly.

"Tara! No, no, please! You can't!" Harper's scream is a deep wail, echoing the loss and pain she feels "I love you too, don't leave me"

At this moment, Adam, appears at the top of the stairs. The shock and pain on his face is evident as he sees Tara lying on the ground and Harper in a collapsed state.

He quickly runs down the stairs "Harper" He kneels besides Harper, offering her comfort. Harper cries and sobs and despairs and Adam hugs her.

"I'm so sorry" Adam says broken at seeing her like this, she breathes deeply and shakily "AAAAAAAHHHH!!!" Harper screams grabbing Adam's shirt and breaking down in tears.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Meanwhile, Chase and Vince are still staring at each other with growing hatred in the burning room. Chase looks around seeing the fire rising to the ceiling causing an urgency in him.

"You're crazy." Chase takes a step back. "No. I was crazy to think I could keep you guys safe here. But then I realized. I also realized that Harper will only be safe very far away from you." Vince looks at Chase angrily.

"I'm not sure," Chase says, "She'll stay where she belongs. Not with the one who ripped her away from where she belongs. She's a Krane... Davenport" Vince threatens as his every word becomes more deranged.

"Over my dead body" Chase mutters "As you wish" Vince says angrily and advances on Chase again but he quickly opens the knife and stabs Vince in the shoulder without any hesitation.

"Aaaaahhhgg!!" Vince screams in pain and Chase pushes him against the wall violently. He digs the knife deeper and deeper into his shoulder. Chase glares at him with hatred.

All of this being broadcast live to all the black market buyers. Vince groans loudly in pain as Chase clenches his jaw until Vince sits down on the floor weakly.

Vince notices Chase pressing the blade down on his shoulder. "Go ahead. Kill me!" He says. Chase hyperventilates and takes a deep breath, remaining calm.

"Show me who you really are, kid," Vince taunts. Chase grits his teeth and his gaze shifts to the computer with the broadcast.

Vince closes his eyes, tears streaming down his face, the camera lying on the floor recording as Chase violently pulls the knife out of Vince's shoulder.

Vince drops to the ground, clutching his shoulder in pain. Chase sighs and looks at the bloody knife in his hand. Instant guilt washes over him, along with a fear for himself.

He sees the camera lying on the floor, the final images flashing across the screen: Chase walking up to it, then stomping on it with brutal force, cutting off the auction broadcast.

He drops the knife, his hand trembling as a wave of anxiety builds in his chest.

"You have no idea who I am," Chase says, his voice cold and distant.

"Do you?" Vince asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chase's gaze shifts, softening into something vulnerable. He shakes his head in dismay, soft, silent tears streaming down his face.

"I am not what the world wants me to be" He says "I'm better than this" He says looking around with a weight in his voice, trying to convince himself of that.

Harper and Adam run. Harper's owners have red circles under their eyes from crying so much and she looks at Vince on the ground kneeling.

"What happened?" Chase says worriedly. Harper tries to hold back her tears as he approaches her.

"Tara..." she sobs "It's gone" she breaks down again in tears "Oh my god" Chase says and glances at Adam in the doorway with a broken look.

"What?!" Vince says in shock at the news he tries to get up and Harper kicks him to the ground again "You idiot it's all your fault!" She screams and Chase holds her.

"She's gone and it's ALL your fault!!" Harper screams, bursting into tears. Vince looks at her, scared, unresponsive and broken.

He opens his mouth to speak but there is nothing he can say at this moment. Suddenly a chandelier falls from the ceiling in flames "We need to get out of here" Chase says the fire spreading to other rooms.

Harper breaks free from Chase's grip "I should kill you for ruining our family! For doing so much shit that caused my sister's death!" She says with hatred.

"Many want to kill you but that's not enough for you to see the obvious, is it?! Selfish coward!" Harper sobs. Vince begins to cry as her words sink into his chest.

Harper takes a shaky breath. "But I forgive you," she says on a sigh. Vince looks at her in surprise while Chase sighs in pity.

"Why?" Vince asks "Because I'd rather hold on to the few good memories I had with my sister. Who died trying to save me. Than to seek revenge with someone like you. Who betrayed me and proved yourself unworthy of my attention" Harper says. She sighs in tears.

"I've already carried so much, I don't want to carry this weight of revenge too. That's why I forgive you," Harper says in a drier tone.

Harper starts walking away towards the door "I love you my little one" Vince sobs in tears. Harper stops for a brief moment but says nothing and leaves.

Chase takes the box with the chips and checks if they are really there "Chase we don't have much time. The buyers are running away because of the fire we have to go we are already breathing too much smoke" Adam coughs.

Chase glances at Vince seriously as he leaves the room. Vince stands there for a few more seconds, wallowing in regret.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

The three of them exit the burning house in silence, the smoke swirling behind them like the fading echoes of their past. Newton, who had been in the garden when the fire started, runs toward them and leaps into Adam's arms, his small body trembling.

Chase notices the motorcycle and a car parked in front of the house. "Look," Adam says "I found our backpack. I had it on when the car sank... managed to save a few things." He holds it up.

"Good," Chase replies, his voice steady. "Let's get the bike, the car, and get out of here-forever." He says, Adam slings the backpack over his shoulder as Chase places the guitar, still hanging from the bike, into the car.

Harper steps into the garden, her face blank, her eyes hollow with devastation. Chase approaches her, but she doesn't react. Instead, she stares at the brass knuckles clutched in her trembling hand, a bitter symbol of everything she's lost. A lump rises in her throat.

Adam, puts Newton in the car and walks over to her. "Harper," he says softly, "we have to go." He says, her gaze shifts to him, and she nods, but her lips tremble, trying to hold back the flood.

Her legs give way, and she collapses to her knees. The ground beneath her seems to pull her down, as if it, too, wanted to swallow the grief she couldn't contain. Chase and Adam kneel beside her, both reaching out to hold her, to offer the comfort.

Tears stream down her face, each one a quiet echo of the storm inside her. "It's okay, Harp," Chase whispers, his hand brushing over the back of her neck, offering a slow, gentle comfort. But Harper shakes her head, her sobs choking her words. She clutches Adam's hand with an iron grip, seeking solace, but finding none.

Her breath comes in ragged bursts as she presses her head to Chase's chest, her heart breaking with each sob. "She's gone," Harper whispers, the words barely leaving her lips, heavy with finality.

"You can cry," Chase murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "It's okay. It's good to cry." He presses his cheek to the top of her head, his own tears threatening to spill. Adam hugs her tighter, his hands gently stroking her back.

For a long time, the three of them stay there, kneeling together on the cold, charred earth, wrapped in each other's arms. The world around them is burning, but in this moment, there is only the fragile comfort of shared grief.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

After coupling the motorcycle to the car, Chase slips into the driver's seat. Harper stares at the dashboard, her expression vacant, a tight grip on the brass knuckles clutched near her mouth.

Adam, sitting in the backseat with Newton, watches her with a quiet, pitying look. Chase sighs and closes the door. "Let's go," he says, starting the engine.

The car radio clicks on, automatically playing "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.

"At first I was afraid, I was petrified..." The song blares through the speakers. Outside, Vince struggles to get out of the house, wincing in pain, his face smeared with dirt and regret. He catches sight of them driving away.

"Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side." Chase reaches for the radio to turn it off, but Harper stops him. She grabs his hand firmly.

"No," she says quietly. "Let it play."

"But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong..."

Chase looks at Adam in the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable. "Okay," he mutters, his voice calm, almost resigned.

"And I grew strong. And I learned how to get along." Harper keeps her eyes straight ahead, but she sneaks a glance at Vince in the rearview mirror, her gaze lingering for just a second as he watches them drive away.

The song continues. Creating an ironic atmosphere.

"I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key..." Harper's face hardens as she looks forward again, her fingers tightening around the brass knuckles.

"If I'd known for just one second you'd be back to bother me..." Vince, still watching them leave, notices Harper's fleeting glance and looks away, the weight of her silent judgment settling over him.

"Go on now, go, walk out the door, just turn around now..." A small, almost sarcastic smile tugs at the corner of Harper's mouth.

"Cause you're not welcome anymore. Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye?"

Harper shifts her gaze to her reflection in the window, her eyes distant.

"You think I'd crumble? You think I'd lay down and die?" She closes her eyes for a moment, clutching the brass knuckles.

"Oh no, not I. I will survive."

The song swells, the words resonating inside the car. Harper exhales slowly, as the car drives farther away from the house. Never again would they return to that place. Chase watches Vince disappear in the rearview mirror, trying to make the memory of him disappear in the same way.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

The next day, Vince returned to "La Luna" for his usual routine, but nothing about his appearance suggested normality. His face was swollen, with a black eye, and his shoulder was bandaged, his posture hunched, as if he carried wounds both physical and emotional. He walks into the locker room with an expression that is a mixture of devastation and anger.

The other band members stop when they see him, their gazes quickly passing over his injured state. One of them approaches, with an expression somewhere between concern and disbelief.

"Fuck, what happened to you?" he asks, his voice half laughing, half worried.

Vince reacts aggressively, grabbing the guy's collar with sudden ferocity. "Bionics... are no fucking joke!" he says, his tone sharp.

"Holy shit, what about your arm?" another member asks, noticing the bandage.

Vince freezes, his eyes filling with panic for a moment before he quickly looks away, trying to compose himself.. "Never... come near Chase Davenport," he says, his voice low, shaking with fear. "The guy doesn't mess around on the job."

"What?" The others exchange confused looks. Vince's eyes dart around the group, growing more intense and dramatic.

"He was going to kill me, in cold blood. I was 'lucky' to escape!" Vince continues, lowering his voice for even more emphasis, as if he were telling a horror story. He sits down on a nearby bench. "My own niece... she threatened me. I didn't stand a chance. No one did."

The band members exchange nervous glances, unsure if this was just an exaggerated story or if Vince was really losing his mind.

"So we need to go after them and catch them..." "NO!" Vince yells. making everyone take a step back. "Listen carefully to what I'm saying."

He stoods up suddenly, moving toward the guy who had spoken. His voice lowers to a whisper, but it was thick with venom. "Chase Davenport is EXTREMELY dangerous. The 'D' in his name stands for 'Danger'," he says, emphasizing each word.

"'Chase Danger Davenport'!" Vince saye firmly, as if it were a final verdict.

The band members exchange skeptical looks, some shaking their heads, others rolling their eyes. But Vince wasn't finished. He holds up his hand for silence, his expression now cold and intense.

"Harper Davenport is even worse!" he continues. "Stay away from them! All of them! You don't want to cross their path, trust me. I guarantee, if you do, it will be the last thing you do."

He approaches one of the guys, his voice lowering even further, becoming almost inaudible. "And when you're gone? I'll go to your grave and laugh and say, 'I told you so!'"

The entire band falls silent, staring at Vince with a mixture of fear and disbelief. It wasn't just the physical damage he had suffered-it was something more. He was disintegrating.

One of the backup singers, who has been leaning against the wall, crosses his arms. "I heard some of your buyers talking about yesterday," he says, breaking the silence. "They're saying the kid's crazy."

Vince nods with a grim smile, his eyes distant as he relived the events of the previous night. He thought about everything he had done-every poorly planned move to protect Harper, Chase, and Adam. Nothing worked. None of them. But now, with them out of reach, Vince realized their chances of survival were greater.

However, in that moment of clarity, he also understood something else-something darker. He needed to change the way people viewed them, especially on the black market. Bionic humans could no longer be seen as mere tools, weapons to be bought and sold. No, they needed to be feared-"feared" not for their abilities as machines, but for the threat they posed as lethal, calculating soldiers.

Vince's mind began to work, piecing together the events of the previous night. He would turn the truth into a story. A dark legend. One that would spread fear-fear of the Davenports.

It began with his own story, painting Chase as a cold, relentless force. Someone who would kill without hesitation. Then Harper-more dangerous than any machine, driven by fierce protection by her. And Adam-silent, calm, but capable of unimaginable violence when pressed.

Vince leans against the wall, his mind racing as he began to shape the legend he would spread. It had to be dark. It had to be terrifying. And it had to be true enough to make everyone believe it. So he just exaggerated the facts.

And so maybe, just maybe, for the first time, he would be able to protect them.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

『••✎••』

|Adam's travel diary|

# Day Ninety-Nine

Hello, Diary.

It's been three weeks since we got the Chips back and left Vince behind for good. It's also been three weeks since Tara's gone. We're all heartbroken about how everything turned out.

But none of our pain compares to Harper's. She's been in a really dark place lately. She can't sleep, she barely eats, and she spends most of her time lost in her own thoughts.

Whenever she's alone, she breaks down, and it's hard for both Chase and me to watch. She truly believed she could save her sister and start a new life together, like real sisters, the way she always dreamed. Not being able to do that, and feeling like she missed her one chance, is absolutely tearing her apart.

We've made it our mission to keep Harper distracted, to get her through this. I hate seeing her like this.

But, anyway, I'm going to miss Tara. She was nice to us, and I could see how much she regretted the mistakes she made. Her final act was one of true courage-giving herself up to redeem herself, proving with her life that she was a hero.

She died a hero, and we'll never forget that. Harper won't, either. At least she can carry on knowing her sister was a good person.

『••✎••』

Chase parked the car in front of a small, nondescript bar on the side of the road.

"Let's stop here. The next stop is too far for us to go without food or a bathroom," he says, unbuckling his seatbelt.

"I miss real food," Adam complains, tossing his notebook aside. "I wanted a buffet full of meat and lasagna, not bar food."

Harper sighs as she pushes the door open and steps out of the car. Chase and Adam exchange a tired glance before following her inside.

They all wear hoods, not just to avoid recognition from the authorities, but because, at this point, they don't want anyone to know who they are. Not a soul.

Chase is the first to walk in, and as soon as the door swings open, every conversation in the bar stops. All eyes turn toward him. Harper and Adam hesitate in the doorway before following him inside, and the stares only grow more intense.

Chase's frown deepens, feeling the weight of the silence. He glances at Harper.

"Why is everyone looking at us?" Adam leans in closer, his voice barely a whisper. "I don't know." She says.

Chase takes a step forward, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling crawling up his spine. Then he notices it-whispers rippling through the crowd, quiet at first, but growing in volume. Eyes dart in their direction, and the tension in the air thickens.

Adam scans the room, his gaze landing on a man hunched over at a corner table. The man's eyes flick nervously up at them but quickly drop, avoiding any kind of eye contact. Fear is evident in his posture.

Chase tugs at his hood and lets it fall back, revealing his face to the room. The moment he does, the whispers become more frantic, but still, no one dares look him directly in the eye.

They sit at the counter, the uncomfortable silence still hanging in the air.

"Are they... scared of us?" Harper says, glancing around the room with uncertainty.

"Apparently," Chase replies, his eyes scanning the faces around them. She shakes her head in disbelief.

"Why?" she asks, her voice soft but filled with confusion.

Chase starts to retrace his steps, recalling the camera, the broadcast he'd ended so violently just days ago.

"I don't know," he mutters, his gaze turning forward again, trying to focus on anything else but the tension around them. Harper feels the same unease, and though she suspects the reason, neither of them has the answer.

The bartender approaches, visibly distressed. As soon as he sees Chase, he hesitates and steps back, clearly nervous.

"Can I help you?" he asks, his voice shaky.

Chase sighs and pulls some crumpled bills from his pocket-money he earned from singing on the street. "No, no need, sir," he says, attempting to hand it over.

The bartender shakes his head quickly, a nervous smile forming. "On the house."

"What?" Adam asks, his brow furrowing in confusion.

The bartender's voice lowers. "I insist. You don't need to bother."

Chase raises an eyebrow. "I have the money," he says, still holding the cash.

"Yes, but... I insist. You don't need to bother," the bartender repeats, growing more uncomfortable with every word.

The three of them exchange confused looks. Harper is the first to break the silence. "I don't know what they've heard, but it works."

"Fine," Chase says, clearly frustrated but not wanting to make a scene. "I'll have a glass of water, a whole wheat sandwich, and a portion of fried chicken," he orders, his voice steady.

"I'll just have a glass of water," Harper says quietly, not meeting anyone's eyes.

Chase turns to her, his face softening. "Eat something, darling. You haven't eaten anything since yesterday." He places his hand gently on her leg.

"I'm not hungry, Chay," she says, her voice small, defeated.

"I'm not asking," he replies firmly, but with a tenderness in his tone. He looks at her with a quiet determination.

Harper sighs and, after a moment, relents. "I'll have the same as him," she says, pointing at Chase, her voice barely a whisper.

Adam looks at the menu and grins. "I'll have a beer, a portion of chicken, fries, and... this sandwich. The biggest one," he says, tapping a spot on the menu.

"Great. One minute," the bartender says and walks away quickly, eager to leave the tense atmosphere.

Chase strokes Harper's leg gently. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low and concerned.

"I'm fine," Harper replies, but there's a sadness in her eyes that doesn't match her words.

"What do you want me to do? Hm?" he asks softly, his eyes glimmering with that familiar warmth.

Harper smiles faintly, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "Nothing. Just keep taking care of me and I'll be fine... I just need time." She caresses his arm, her touch gentle and comforting.

Chase leans closer, his voice barely a whisper. "It's going to be okay. Okay?"

Harper nods slowly, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay."

Suddenly a girl walks through the front door of the bar with a wooden crate full of wine bottles.

"Wine time!!" She said with an enthusiastic smile. The 17 years old girl gave off a mellow vibe. She has dark skin, curly black hair, a dimpled smile, and she is of average height.

✧ Carlacia Grant as Sofia ✧

"Sofia!" The attendant beams, his voice full of warmth. "That's right, your favorite delivery girl is here, Sofi-D in the area!" She grins widely as she sets the crate on the counter with a confident thud.

Wiping her hands on her dirt-smeared denim overalls, she extends one toward him, her dimples flashing. "Lorenzo! Que te pasa?"

"¡Muy bien! Mejor ahora que ha llegado el vino!" Lorenzo replies with a mischievous glint in his eye. The word "vino" hangs in the air.

Sofia quirks an eyebrow. "¿El vino?"

"¡Es una broma!" Lorenzo laughs heartily. "I missed you, Sofia."

"That's the kind of answer I like, man," she says, giving him a teasing smile.

Lorenzo pauses, leaning on the counter. "You want anything?"

Sofia smirks. "If I order a beer, will you tell on me?"

"Sí," he says, shaking his head with mock severity. "Tu tío, I'm not risking messing with that man."

She leans in closer, her voice lowering. "Just one sip and he won't know..."

Lorenzo glares at her, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Sólo un poco," he mutters reluctantly.

"Yes! You're awesome, man!" Sofia exclaims, her grin wide and triumphant.

Sofia's eyes flick to Chase, Adam, and Harper, her gaze widening as she turns to Lorenzo.

"Dude! Are those the super Bionics from TV?" she asks quietly.

"Sí," Lorenzo replies, his voice filled with concern. "But I'd stay away from them, girl. Muy peligroso."

"What...?" Sofia blinks, confused. "But they're the Davenports!" she says, trying to keep her excitement in check.

"Sofía, no. Sin tus locuras," Lorenzo warns, shaking his head.

"Hello!" Sofia slides across the counter toward the trio with a grin. Lorenzo groans.

"Hey?" Chase frowns, unsure what's happening.

"Are you Adam, Chase, and Harper Davenport?" Sofia asks, her voice full of wonder. The trio exchanges nervous glances.

"Yes," Harper replies, her tone serious.

"Wow! That's amazing!" Sofia beams, extending her hand. "I'm Sofia," she says with excitement.

"And I know everything about you guys!" she adds with a grin.

Harper raises an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm not sure about that..."

"Well, I know you came out of a basement, became Bionic Heroes, and your dad is Donald Davenport," Sofia says, matter-of-factly.

"Oh, she really knows everything," Adam mutters, impressed.

"I'm such a huge fan! I'd love to hear some stories from you guys!" Sofia says, tapping her fingers on the counter eagerly.

"You really don't want to hear stories about criminals. Trust me," Chase replies, his tone low.

"It must've been a tough time for you guys," Sofia says, her expression softening. The trio nods in agreement, and Sofia's eyes land on Chase's forehead, spotting a cut.

"Dude, what's up with the cut? You can't just leave it like that! You crazy?" she asks, pointing at the gash.

"What?" Chase blinks in surprise.

"You should've cleaned it and put a bandage on it. That's like asking for an infection," Sofia says, her tone almost scolding.

The group exchanges confused looks.

"Oh, my bad. I'm a medical student, and last week was bandage week," Sofia explains quickly. "And not to brag, but I did the fastest leg cast in my class. Flawless."

"Nice!" Adam grins.

"I'm fine," Chase says, brushing it off.

"Yeah, but your forehead isn't," Sofia teases, glancing at Harper. "How's your leg feeling, girl? Still hurting?"

"Not anymore," Harper replies, shifting slightly. "It's just sensitive."

"You really need to take that off and clean it," Sofia says, pointing at Harper's bandaged leg. "The wound needs to breathe."

"I know it sounds like I don't know anything about medicine, but I work part-time at my uncle's vineyard while he's recovering," Sofia adds with a sheepish grin.

"That's cool," Harper says with a warm smile.

"Look, you guys don't have anywhere to go, right? You can stay at my place for a while," Sofia offers, her eyes lighting up.

"No need to bother, Sofia," Chase says, his voice gentle.

Sofia scoffs. "No bother. You're family!" She smiles brightly.

"You just met us," Adam points out, skeptical.

"I know," Sofia admits, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly. "But I feel like I've known you guys forever already."

The trio exchanges a quiet look.

"I just want to help. You deserve it. My uncle's vineyard is super cozy-just me and him. And it's free," she adds with a smile.

"You had me at 'free,'" Adam says, grinning.

Chase glances at Harper thoughtfully. "I guess it's better than a motel," he says.

"Anything's better than a motel," Harper agrees dryly.

"So... that's a yes?" Sofia asks, her expression hopeful.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Sofia leaves the bar, her boots pounding against the pavement as she makes her way to her bike. She hops on and starts pedaling hard, her movements fluid and confident. Meanwhile, Chase, Harper, and Adam approach the car, and Sofia notices the motorcycle hitched to the back.

"Uuuh! Is that your bike?" she calls out, her voice teasing.

Chase glances back, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Now it is."

"Very cool," Sofia responds, a mischievous glint in her eye. "But I doubt yours does *this*." With that, she rings the bell on her bike and takes off, laughing as she speeds ahead.

Chase watches her for a moment, amusement flickering across his face. He looks over at Adam and Harper, who are both grinning.

"I like her," Adam says, nodding appreciatively.

Harper presses her lips together, trying to hide a smile but clearly warming to the girl from the vineyard.

Sofia leads the way down a winding dirt road, with Chase driving slowly behind her in the car. The two of them ride in sync, the occasional dust cloud rising as they travel through the open landscape.

Soon, a stunning vineyard comes into view, sprawling out in neat rows of grapevines. In the distance, a small shed stands under the shade of a few trees.

"Almost there, guys!" Sofia calls back with excitement.

They approach a small, charming wooden house at the edge of the vineyard. Sofia pulls up, her tires skidding to a stop as she drops her bike to the ground. She gestures enthusiastically. "It's here!"

As they pull up, a 30 years old man emerges from the house, a tall figure with short, light brown hair, piercing green eyes, and a thin beard. He moves slowly, limping toward them with the help of a crutch, his knee wrapped in a bandage.

"Sofia," he says, his voice low but firm.

Sofia's face lights up, and without missing a beat, she runs over to him. "Hi, Uncle Nick!" she says, her smile wide and genuine.

✧ Stephen Amell as Nicholas (Nick) Hawke ✧

"Who are these people? What does this mean?" Nick's voice is tight with suspicion, his green eyes narrowing as he looks over the newcomers.

Sofia, her expression playful yet determined, crosses her arms. "Look, I knew you'd react like this. So why don't you think of it this way? More hands for the vineyard, and we'll make triple the wine, huh?" She gives him a teasing grin.

Nick glares at her, clearly not swayed. "Fine. But who are they?"

"They're Adam, Chase, and Harper Davenport. The Davenports," Sofia says quietly, sensing the tension building between them.

Nick takes a deep breath, closing his eyes as if to calm himself. "Sofia, it doesn't matter who they are. They could be the Davenports or even the Queen of Scotland. You *can't* just invite people to stay at my house without my consent," he says sharply.

Sofia, undeterred, shrugs. "Okay, I messed up, and I knew you'd react like that. But come on, this could be an important moment for me, you know?" Her tone softens, her voice almost pleading.

Nick's gaze softens for a moment, but he still doesn't look happy. "I'm not sure about this, Sofi..."

"I need answers, Uncle Nick," Sofia presses, her voice more serious now.

Nick lets out a heavy sigh. "I don't know if that's a good idea," he mutters, clearly torn.

But Sofia doesn't back down. "I'm glad I know. And it's a great idea!" she says brightly, giving him a hopeful look.

Nick's expression falters slightly, but the doubt remains. "What if... what if they're not what you expect?" he asks quietly, concern creeping into his voice.

Sofia shakes her head firmly. "I don't care. They'll still be what they are," she shrugs nonchalantly, determined to follow her instincts.

"Try to be less grumpy with them, please?" Sofia asks with a half-smile, though there's a plea in her voice.

Nick rolls his eyes in mock exasperation. "I'm not grumpy. I'm skeptical" he corrects her.

"I don't care what word you use to describe yourself, just stop!" she retorts with a grin. Nick scoffs, unable to hide the hint of a smile beneath his gruff exterior.

Just then, Adam, Chase, and Harper approach the house. Sofia straightens up, gesturing toward the man who's clearly her family. "Hey, guys, this is my Uncle Nicholas Hawke. But I call him Nick."

Chase steps forward, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you, Nick."

Nick eyes him for a moment before shaking his hand firmly. "I've heard a lot about you guys," he says, his tone surprisingly warm. "I appreciate the contributions you've made to our country. Even though many don't recognize it," he adds with a wry smile.

Nick leans in slightly, whispering to Sofia "How am I doing?" He asks.

"You Just won the Miss Congeniality award," She says sarcastically, making him roll his eyes.

"Thank you, Nick," Chase smiles.

"Uncle Nick's ex-military. But he had to retire after getting seriously injured on his last mission." Sofia gestures to Nick's crutch.

Nick frowns slightly at this but doesn't interrupt as they step into the house. The living room is filled with memorabilia-photos of Nick with his army buddies, framed medals, and military certificates, each one a testament to his past life.

As they wander through the house, Harper holds Newton in her arms, and Adam carries a backpack over his shoulder.

"They didn't need to know that, Sofi," Nick mutters, limping into the living room, his voice lower than usual.

Sofia, trying to smooth things over, explains, "I'm just saving time. I knew they'd ask about your leg."

Adam looks over with curiosity. "Oh, what happened to your leg?"

Nick gives him a sharp look, his expression hardening.

"Anyway, long story short, I came here to take care of him, and he could take care of me while my dad is away on an undercover mission for the army as well." Sofia says.

Nick's eyes widen at the mention of the undercover mission. "Sofia!"

She freezes, her face flushing. "Oh, uh... sorry. Forget the undercover mission part! I shouldn't have said that... um... he's on a cruise... with a woman named Jane," she stammers, visibly flustered.

Nick slaps his forehead in exasperation. Harper, who's been quietly watching the exchange, frowns but smiles faintly. "It's okay," she says

Sofia, quickly adds, "You guys would love my dad, though. He and Uncle Nick have been best friends for years."

Nick, looking more tired by the second, turns to Sofia. "Okay, Sofi, why don't you leave the explanatory chat for dinner and show them their rooms now?"

"Sure thing," Sofia agrees, flashing him a grin before turning to the others. "Follow me, guys!"

They step into a narrow wooden corridor, and Sofia looks over her shoulder. "Sorry, I know the house isn't very big."

"It's cozy, though." Harper says.

Sofia nods. "Yeah, I love it here," she says.

She opens a door to a small, modest guest room. with a wardrobe and two small single beds "Look, we have a small guest room with two beds."

Chase glances at Adam before responding. "We can work it out here," he says.

"But if you want privacy, one of you can stay in my room, and I'll sleep on the couch." Sofia offers.

"Why don't you and Harper stay here? I'll take the couch, and Sofi can stay in her room." Adam suggests.

Sofia's eyes soften. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's no problem," Adam says with a reassuring smile.

Chase agrees, "Okay." Harper nods.

Sofia smiles. "Feel free to settle in. I'll make some bread for us." She darts into the living room, already bustling with energy. "Uncle Nick! Turn on the oven!" she shouts.

The trio exchanged glances, amusement flickering in their eyes as they took in Sofia's energetic and unapologetic personality. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and despite Nick's gruff exterior, they could tell this was a place where bonds ran deep.

Harper, entered the small guest room and gently set Newton on a rocking chair in the corner.

Adam moved to the window, pulling it open to let in the fresh air. He gazes out over the vineyard, the rows of grapes stretching as far as the eye can see. The birds are singing in the trees, and from behind the house, the clucking of chickens can be heard.

"I like it here. This place looks peaceful," Adam says.

"Yeah," Chase agrees, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Sofia and Nick seem like nice people."

Harper, standing by the door, frowns slightly as she thinks about their journey so far. "A lot of people seem like nice people," she mumbles under her breath, a trace of skepticism in her tone.

Chase looks up at her, a flicker of pity crossing his face. "Hey, come here," he says softly, patting the spot beside him on the bed.

Harper hesitates for a moment, then crosses the room and sits down beside him. She keeps her hands folded in her lap, eyes slightly downcast.

"I'm not saying we should trust them," Chase continues, his voice gentle as he reaches out, his hand brushing the back of her neck. "Just... let things flow. We don't have to figure everything out right now."

Harper's shoulders relax a little, and she sighs, nodding slowly in understanding. "Okay," she says quietly, a weight lifting off her chest.

Chase kisses her forehead softly, his thumb lightly tracing the curve of her neck. "We'll be fine here. Trust me," he whispers. His words are simple, but there's an assurance in his voice that seems to calm her nerves.

Harper leans her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady warmth of his presence.

Adam comes over and sits next to them, offering them comfort. Harper chokes back tears and looks at them.

"Can you promise me something?" She asks "Sure" Chase says "Anything" Adam nods.

"Promise me we'll never talk about this again" Harper says as a tear runs down her face "If we go home, to our family, as difficult as it may be" she wipes away her tears and Chase and Adam look at each other.

"Promise me you'll never tell them everything we went through. Everything that happened?" She asks with a tightness in her chest "Look, if you weren't going to say that... I would" Chase nods.

Adam nods "I don't want to talk about this with anyone but you guys" He says "Great." Harper says before leaning in inviting the two of them in for a hug.

»♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Later, the aroma of freshly baked bread, coffee, and homemade jam filled the air as Sofia set the table, a proud smile on her face. Everything smelled delicious, and it was clear she had put a lot of care into the meal.

Everyone gathered around the table with Sofia and Nick. "You must be hungry," Sofia says as she sits down, gesturing to the spread. "That's why I'm going to make a special dinner for you later."

"No need to bother," Chase replies, waving her off with a casual smile.

"Chase, let the girl talk," Adam chimes in, slapping his arm playfully.

."No. It's a tradition in this house to have an elaborate dinner at least once a week. Today is pork day," Nick says, his tone serious, as if there was no negotiation in the matter.

Sofia clicks her tongue at him "Okay then," Chase sighs, spreading jam generously on his bread.

Sofia's eyes light up suddenly, and she looks at them eagerly. "Oh! I have an idea! Do you want to come to college with me tomorrow?"

"Sofi," Nick groans, giving her a disapproving look.

"What? They need to hang out," Sofia protests. "I don't have any friends! It would be cool to hang out with some people. It seems like the perfect combination to me."

Harper chuckles lightly at the suggestion. "Maybe another day, Sofi," she says, blowing gently on her coffee.

"Okay, sorry," Sofia says, relaxing back into her chair with a soft sigh.

"You guys must be tired. Feel free to rest. Pretend we're not even here or, better yet, pretend that chatty Sofi isn't here," Nick says with a smirk.

Sofia gasps, feigning offense. "I'm not a chatty!" she declares, her eyes wide in mock shock.

Nick, ever the tease, raises an eyebrow. "Sofia, I've lived in this house for six years, and you've said more words in here than I have... and only two," he adds pointedly.

Sofia glares at him, annoyed but laughing at the same time. "I bet she hasn't stopped talking since the moment she met you guys, huh?" Nick adds, and the trio chuckles in agreement.

Chase raises his hands in mock surrender. "It's okay. We're used to people like that," he says with a smile.

"Yeah, if you think she talks too much, you should meet our brother Leo," Adam adds, with a knowing grin. "Trust me, Sofi, you haven't met anyone like Leo."

Chase nods in agreement. "Leo never shuts up."

Sofia leans forward, clearly intrigued. "Leo? Leo Dooley?" she asks, her voice filled with curiosity.

Nick, sitting across from her, discreetly nudges her with his crutch under the table, as if signaling her to be careful about asking too many questions.

"Yeah," Chase confirms, taking a deep breath. "When he first met us, he couldn't stop talking."

Adam gives a short laugh. "Which was impressive, because I never thought I'd meet someone who talked more than you," he says, shooting a playful glare at Chase, who just rolls his eyes in return.

Sofia smiles widely, fascinated by the stories. "What's he like?" she asks eagerly.

Chase leans back slightly in his chair, his face softening with nostalgia. "He's amazing. We owe him a lot," he says quietly, the weight of his words clear.

Sofia's eyes sparkle with interest. "Is he as smart and funny as they say?"

"Yeah. Very," Chase replies, his smile growing as memories of Leo flood his mind.

Sofia beams. "He sounds incredible," she says. "I'd love to hear more stories about him and your family."

Her tone shifts to something a little more serious as she hesitates, glancing at Nick. "What about... your mother?" she asks gently.

Nick's gaze stays fixed on her, his expression unreadable.

"Tasha?" Adam asks, his voice soft but filled with fondness.

"Yeah, her... I had forgotten her name," Sofia says, a little sheepish. She looks at Nick, who gives a slight shake of his head, but doesn't say anything.

Chase's face lights up with warmth as he speaks about her. "She's the sweetest person in the world," he says. "The best mother we could ever have."

Sofia sighs dreamily. "She sounds amazing. I'd love to hear stories about her, too."

Nick's voice is a bit firmer now. "Sofia. Don't be rude. You're being nosy," he says, though there is no malice in his words, just a protective edge.

"Oh, sorry," Sofia says quickly, realizing she might have pushed a little too far.

Chase's expression softens as he speaks. "It's not okay," he says gently, giving her a reassuring smile. "But I'd love to tell you some of the crazy stories we've been through."

Sofia's grin returns. "Yeah. Like when Leo saved us from falling off that bridge," Adam says, his voice filled with amusement as he looks at Chase. "Or when he got into Mr. Davenport's car and almost ended up in the ocean."

Sofia's eyes go wide in surprise. "What?" she laughs, clearly amused.

"This happened twice, remember when he won a car and you guys couldn't brake?" Chase says, giving a little chuckle at the memory.

"Oh yeah!" Adam adds. "You got on that bike and went after us, and Mr. Davenport freaked out."

Sofia laughs even harder, clearly enjoying the banter. "That sounds like total chaos!" she says, shaking her head with disbelief.

Harper, who had been listening quietly, smiles slightly. "There was the time he and I got stuck on an old ferris wheel," she adds, her voice soft but fond.

Sofia's jaw drops. "Oh my god!" she gasps, holding her stomach as she laughs. "Pure chaos!"

Harper nods, her expression warm. "Yeah," she says with a slight chuckle. "That's Leo for you."

Sofia, still grinning, nods knowingly. "I see," she says, leaning back in her chair.

»♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

『••✎••』

|Adam's travel diary|

# Day One Hundred And Twenty Three.

Hello diary.

Guess where I am? Oh how will you guess you're just a bundle of paper.

I'm at Sofi's college. After days of her insisting I come and me insisting Harper and Chase to go. They and Nick finally let me.

We're walking down the hall right now, and honestly, this place is incredible. If I could, I'd go to college just for the food court. It's amazing!

It's hard to believe we've been staying at Nick's house for four weeks now. The plan was just a few days, but every time we think about leaving, Sofi insists we stay longer-and, honestly, we couldn't say no. Especially not with those chocolate raisin cookies she makes.

I've got to admit, everything's been easier since we came here. I can't help but wish we'd met Sofi and Nick sooner. So much could've been different.

Harper's still grieving, of course, but she's doing better. She's sleeping more, smiling more. Her sharp, sarcastic humor is almost back to normal, and it's a relief to see.

Chase is definitely more relaxed too. He's been happy to see how much happier Harper is, and the three of us have even started helping Sofi out in the vineyard and with some other tasks around the house.

These have been some of the most peaceful moments we've had all year.

『••✎••』

"What do you write so much about?" Sofia asks as she walks beside Adam. He closes his notebook and looks at her.

"It's my travel diary," he explains. "Ever since we ran away, I've been writing down everything we've been through. Maybe one day it'll be interesting to have it all written down."

Sofia grins. "Oh, I have one of those too."

"Really?" Adam asks, surprised.

"Yup. Ever since I moved in with Uncle Nick, I've been writing in a diary every day. I'm going to give it to my dad when he comes back." She says.

"Since he is undercover I can't talk to him. but writing in the diary makes it feel like I'm keeping him up-to-date. So when he comes back, he'll know everything I've been through." She explains.

"Wow, that's pretty cool," Adam says, impressed.

"You seem to be really close to your dad," he adds.

Sofia smiles softly. "Yeah. He's my adoptive dad, but honestly, I forget that sometimes."

"What do you mean?" Adam asks, intrigued.

Sofia looks out ahead, her voice quiet but sure. "He adopted me when I was five. He was on an undercover mission at the time. There was this robbery at the orphanage I was staying at, and he saved me from one of the bandits who wanted to use me as a hostage. I barely remember it, though. I only know what he tells me."

"What does he tell you?" Adam asks.

"That he was enchanted by me," Sofia says, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He says he just felt like I was his daughter. It was this pure feeling, like he had to adopt me because he wanted to protect me as if I were his own. He couldn't even do it at first, because it was too risky, but he did it anyway. And I can't imagine my life without him-or Uncle Nick, who's always been there, supporting him every step of the way."

"That's amazing," Adam says quietly, his voice full of awe.

Sofia smiles, nodding. Just then, she reaches her locker and opens it, but when she does, a cascade of dirt falls to the floor. A group of girls walk by, laughing and pointing, their voices carrying.

"Good morning, you country girl!" one of them calls out with a smirk.

"Where are your horses? Or wait-yeah, you only have chickens," another girl chimes in, her tone mocking.

"Should've stayed on the farm. You don't belong in a medical title," a third girl adds, and they all laugh together as they walk away.

Sofia stands there, staring at the dirt with frustration, but she forces a smile. "Always good to see you guys," she mutters under her breath, brushing dirt off one of the books that fell from her locker. Adam's face hardens with indignation as he watches the girls walk away.

"That wasn't cool," he says, shaking his head.

Sofia closes her locker, her expression calm but with a hint of annoyance. "They're just jealous. I'm the best in my class, and instead of doing some fancy internship like the princesses, I work on a humble farm and serve wine at bars."

She glances at Adam, a wry smile forming. "Do you understand why I don't have any friends?"

"They don't deserve your friendship," Adam says firmly.

Sofia gives him a wink. "Exactly."

They continue walking down the hall together, both of them feeling a little lighter.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

Meanwhile, at the house, Harper was sitting on a wooden bench on the porch, looking out over the vineyard. She was wearing a short jumpsuit that Sofia had lent her.

She had Chase's guitar on her lap and was sliding her fingers over the strings while wearing brass knuckles in her hand.

The house was silent. Chase was taking a shower and Nick was feeding corn to the chickens in the back of the house. She takes a deep breath and lets the guitar melody guide her in light chords.

♬ Ashes by Celine Dion ♬

0:17 ━●━━━━━━━━ 3:00
◂◂ ∎∎ ▸

"♪What's left to say? These prayers ain't working anymore♪" She signs softly as the breeze against her face "♪Every word shot down in flames♪" She slides her fingers across the guitar strings.

"♪What's left to do with these broken pieces on the floor?♪" She closes her eyes "♪I'm losing my voice calling on you♪" Memories start running through your mind.

"♪'Cause I've been shaking I've been bending backwards 'til I'm broke♪" She sings with more emotion as a tear runs down her face "♪Watching all these dreams go up in smoke♪"

"♪Let beauty come out of ashes♪" She sings louder keeping her eyes closed "♪Let beauty come out of ashes♪"

Nick slowly approaches as he hears her singing from afar.

"♪And when I pray to God all I ask is♪" Her voice, even though full of emotion, doesn't shake "♪Can beauty come out of ashes?♪" She slowly opens her eyes, tearing up.

"♪Can you use these tears to put out the fires in my soul?♪" She sings more slowly "♪'Cause I need you here, whoa♪" She sighs and lowers her head.

Nick stops at the door, pausing to watch Harper as she wipes the last of her tears. "You sing really well," he says softly.

Harper doesn't look at him, keeping her gaze fixed downward. "Thanks," she replies, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nick steps closer to the bench. "May I?" he asks, his hand hovering. Harper nods, and he sits down slowly, wincing slightly as he sets aside the crutch.

There's a quiet moment before Nick speaks again. "Who was it?" he asks gently.

Harper's eyes flicker for a moment, then she swallows, struggling to hold back more tears. "My sister," she says, her voice tight.

"I'm sorry," Nick murmurs.

Harper nods, but the gesture feels heavy. "Thanks," she says, her tone distant.

Nick hesitates before asking, "How are you holding up? If you don't mind me asking."

Harper sniffs, trying to steady herself, and glances at the brass knuckles in her hand. "I'm figuring it out," she says, her words thin and shaky.

Nick's eyes land on the knuckles. "Was that hers?" he asks, his voice softening.

"Yeah," Harper responds quietly. "She gave it to me... right before..." Her voice catches, and she quickly swallows the rest of the sentence.

There's a long pause before Nick speaks again. "Were you close?"

Harper lets out a bitter laugh. "No," she says, shaking her head. "Not really. I only got to know her now. And not even she knew who she was... until the last moments."

Her gaze drifts off, her voice breaking as she adds, "She died protecting me... when I should've been the one to save her."

Nick's expression softens with understanding. "It wasn't your fault."

Harper turns to him, her eyes hard with grief. "You don't know that."

Nick lowers his gaze, the weight of her words settling in. "I might not know your pain, but I know what it feels like to lose someone you love, someone you consider family. I've seen too many people die, too many lives I couldn't save in time. It doesn't ever stop feeling like you failed them."

Harper wipes her eyes, still unconvinced. "So... what do you do with all that pain? Every day?"

Nick places a hand on her shoulder, a small but steady gesture of support. "I live for them," he says. "I fight. I love. I carry their memories with me in every step I take. It's what keeps me going. I know they'd want me to keep going."

"And now you honor that. She believed you were capable of so much more. And she died for something precious to her. You can keep her alive in the way you live your life, in the choices you make moving forward." Nick says.

Harper's chest tightens, and she presses her lips together to keep from breaking down. "I miss her so much," she whispers.

Nick nods again, his own heart heavy. "I know," he says, his voice low and sincere.

Harper looks at him, her eyes glossy but holding back the storm. "Thanks, Nick," she says, her voice cracking just a little. A fragile smile edges its way onto her face.

Nick offers a small, reassuring smile in return. Without a word, he pulls her into a hug. It's not perfect, but it's enough, a quiet understanding between them both.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

A few weeks later, Nick sat on the porch, his leg now wrapped in only a bandage, able to walk without crutches. He watched as Sofia carefully instructed Adam, Harper, and Chase on how to cut grapes from the vineyard.

Harper worked with surprising precision, slicing through the grapes as if scissors were an extension of her hand.

Sofia, observing closely, gave a small nod of approval. "Harper, you're doing great. Chase... well, Chase, keep practicing."

Chase made a face of frustration as a grape he cut flew across the air. "It's harder than it looks, okay?" he said, his voice a mix of defeat and amusement. Sofia and Harper both laughed.

"I still can't believe these tiny things turn into wine. It feels... magical," Adam remarked, eyeing the baskets in front of them.

Sofia smirked. "Yeah, well, you feel pretty magical if you drink too much of it."

They continued working, the peaceful rhythm of the vineyard settling around them. Then, suddenly, the sound of a car approaching broke the quiet, followed by a honk of its horn.

Everyone stopped, looking up in confusion. "Were you expecting anyone?" Harper asked, her frown deepening as she turned to Sofia.

"Not that I know of," Sofia replied, her eyes narrowing.

Nick stood up from the bench, his hand instinctively "Hey, Uncle Nick, are you waiting for someone?" Sofia asked.

"No," he answered simply, his gaze never leaving the approaching vehicle.

Chase dropped his scissors on the ground and wiped his hands on his pants, while Adam let the baskets of grapes fall to the earth with a soft thud.

"Wait, is that...?" Harper stepped forward, her eyes widening in recognition. "No way. It's him!" She squinted, identifying the unmistakable spiky hair of the figure behind the wheel.

"Douglas!" Chase said with a hopeful grin.

"Do you know him?" Sofia asked, eyes widening in surprise.

"He's our dad!" Adam grinned, clearly elated.

Moments later, Melody stepped out of the car, and the scene became a flurry of movement.

"Mom!!" Harper cried, her voice full of excitement.

"Douglas!" Chase waved, the three siblings rushing toward the car for an emotional reunion.

"My god, it's really them!" Melody's voice cracked with emotion as she ran towards them. "Kids!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.

Douglas smiled wide, his eyes lighting up as he met his children halfway. "You're alive," he said, pulling them into tight embraces. His voice trembled with relief.

Melody, still wiping away her tears, wrapped her arms around Harper, stroking her daughter's short hair, the bandana still tied around her head "My girl," she whispered, overcome with emotion.

Horace, having stepped out of the car to explain things to Nick and Sofia, watched the reunion from a distance, a silent understanding passing between him and Nick.

Harper threw herself into Douglas's arms, her tears streaming down her face as she clung to him.

"I can't believe it's really you," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. Douglas holds her tightly, his own eyes misty as he presses a kiss to her hair. "I thought I would never see you again girl" he murmurs.

Chase, still grinning, walks over to Douglas, but there is a playfully curious look in his eyes. Douglas raises an eyebrow, glancing at Chase's arm. "Wait a minute," he says, pointing at his tattoo.

"That's new," he says with a smirk. "Guess we've got a lot to talk about, huh?" He chuckles, pulling Chase into a firm hug.

Chase laughs and nods, still in disbelief. "Yeah, I guess we do," he replies, his voice full of wonder.

Meanwhile, Melody has made her way to Harper, her hand reaching out as she notices the familiar bandana tied in Harper's hair.

Her eyes soften, a wave of recognition sweeping over her. "That... that was mine?" Melody says, her voice breaking. "How?" she asks softly, her fingers brushing the fabric gently.

Harper looks up at her mother, a small, tearful smile playing on her lips. "It's a long story. But it means I never stopped thinking about you" Harper says, her voice wavers.

Melody's lips tremble, and without saying another word, she pulls Harper into another tight hug. "My girl," she whispers, the emotion in her voice undeniable. She holds her close, as if afraid to let go again.

Douglas, who has been watching the reunion with a proud smile, steps back a little, turning to Nick and Sofia. He runs a hand through his hair, letting out a long breath. "Well, it's been a hell of a ride, hasn't it?" he says, his voice rough with emotion.

Sofia, still stunned but smiling, nods. "Yeah. They are amazing, it was an honor to have them with us." She glances at Nick.

Douglas looks back at his children. His smile softens. "Alright, enough of the tears," he says, wiping his own eyes as he approaches the group. "We're going home."

Harper looks up at him, still a bit confused. "Home?" she asks. "Where is that?"

Douglas grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You'll find out soon enough," he says, his voice warm and confident. "We've got a place for us." He looks at Melody and Horace

Harper, Chase, and Adam exchange glances, their confusion quickly melting into excitement.

"Let's go," Chase says, his grin widening.

"Yeah," Harper adds, her voice steady but full of emotion.

» ♬ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ✦ « ✧ » ♬ « ✧ » ♬ «

『••✎••』

|Adam's travel diary|

# Day One Hundred and Fifty.

Hello diary.

Today will be the last day I will write. Because today what I thought was impossible happened. We were found.

Douglas and Melody who have searched tirelessly for us over the past few months, finally found us.

They brought us to this incredible place where many other superhumans are hiding. A flying hospital. Do you believe in it?

Horace says it's another version of the Mighty Med hospital, similar to the one we took Chase to years ago. But this one? It's housed in an actual aircraft carrier, soaring through the sky. I still can't quite wrap my head around it.

Melody and Douglas have made this place their home ever since the robbery, and if they consider it home, then it's our home, too.

I was sad to leave Nick and Sofia behind, but I have hope that we will see each other again one day.

I can feel it in the air, the way we're all moving forward, like a new chapter has begun. A chapter where we rise from the ashes of everything we've endured.

Seeing so many other superhumans here, all finding their place and healing, it sparks something inside me. I can see it in Chase and Harper's eyes too. A new adventure, maybe.

Chase and Douglas are already working on making our chips untraceable. With all the advanced tech on this place, we'll have our bionics back soon. I can almost feel the weight of them on my limbs again.

I finally feel safe. Not entirely, but for the first time in a long while, I feel like we're close.

We're going to be okay. We're going to be more than okay. I believe that with everything I have.

I will keep these memories safe, locked away from the world, like a treasure only I can access. I promise. Bye!--For Now.

- Adam Davenport

『••✎••』

━━━━━━━ •♬• ━━━━━━━

A/N - Hello everyone!!

I know. Lots of emotions. I can't believe I finally got to this chapter 😭

I worked on this for a long time so I really hope you guys enjoyed it. This is the penultimate chapter of this story but this is where their run ended.

About Tara I'm really sorry but it was implied the whole time (Tara never appeared or was mentioned in season 3)

I really want to know your thoughts.

- Were you expecting all the plots in this chapter?

- And I also really want to know what you think of Nick and Sofia?

- What do you think about the way Vince told this story?

The next chapter will take place after the events of S3 of Elite Force and the impacts that this story has on the future lives of the characters.

I really hope you're enjoying it. Don't forget to comment and vote and I'll see you in the next chapter 😘