CHAPTER 20
THE CHASE
No one's POV
"Please let me harm this man if we need to. This isn't about law anymore, it's about saving humanity by his doom. He's the son of Red Bull after all." Skyler begged, standing in front of the president herself while she was inside the President's house.
In their intense conversation, the president's uncertainty was evident.
She wanted to give her approval, but if she did, it would be an injustice to the entire Philippines, especially in the eyes of the Almighty. The act of taking a life was something they were not meant to do.
Life is a gift from God, and only God has the right to take it away. That was her deeply held belief.
However, during these challenging times, even she found herself reconsidering her stance.
She had once been a frightened child, hiding in her home, fearing the killer she had unwittingly been acquainted with, completely oblivious to the dangers lurking in the world.
"I cannot publicly endorse this action, but I permit you to take this man's life if he becomes violent when you apprehend him. Don't worry, I'll pull some strings to ensure you won't face imprisonment," said the president of the Philippines with a firm but sympathetic tone.
She held a deep admiration for Skyler's dedication to her work.
This was the first time she had encountered a true hero up close.
"Thank you," Skyler replied, her voice steady as she nodded in acknowledgment.
"Please, make it out alive. You and your friends deserve an award and the world's gratitude for confronting the killer and risking your lives for this cause." Skyler's smile was faint but resolute.
She expressed her gratitude to the president before taking her leave and stepping out into the open air.
As she exited the grand house, her phone rang. It was a call from her teammate, a police officer.
"Hello?"
"Detective Valencia, it's confirmed. The body of Mr. Yoshino Aoi was buried right beneath the Comfort Woman statue. It appears he has been dead for almost a month," came the grim news through the receiver. Skyler's jaw clenched tightly at the revelation.
"You fucking did it, Liam," she whispered to herself, a mix of anger and sorrow in her voice.
---
"I'm so happy you're running away with me. Hindi mo pagsisisihan na pinili mo ako, Azara." Liam smiled widely, feeling delighted that Azara came to her willingly just to run away with her.
"Yeah. Pack your things now so we could leave early." Azara commanded, helping Liam to pack his belongings. Stuffing everything in their luggage.
Liam couldn't contain his joy. As he meticulously packed his belongings, he could already envision a bright future with the woman he loved most deeply.
His mind was flooded with thoughts of the life they would build together, filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.
How did it all come to this?
It all started with a seemingly simple phone call.
Azara had called Liam, her voice laced with urgency, asking him to come over because she was alone.
He didn't hesitate.
After arriving at Azara's place, they hatched a plan and secretly made their way to Liam's house.
There, Liam began packing his things, every item representing a step closer to their new life together.
"I'll leave you here. I'll keep an eye outside so we know if anyone's coming," said Azara, her tone serious but filled with concern.
She stepped out of the house, leaving Liam to his task.
Azara positioned herself by the garage, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.
Through the window, she could see Liam inside, moving with a mix of urgency and excitement.
His eagerness was palpable, and it brought a smile to her face. She admired his determination and the love that drove him to take such bold steps.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Liam's mind raced with thoughts of the future.
He envisioned their new home, the adventures they would embark on, and the simple yet profound moments they would share.
Every piece of clothing he folded and every item he packed was a promise to Azara, a commitment to the life they were about to start together.
---
In another part of the city, Elowen sat by Seyren's bedside, her heart heavy with worry and hope.
"Respond with your body if you can hear me," she said softly, her voice trembling as she held Seyren's hand.
Seyren lay in bed, her face serene, as if she were simply in a deep, restful sleep.
Elowen's voice carried a note of desperation.
It had been days since they saw any sign of movement from Seyren, but the slight twitch of her finger had given them a renewed sense of hope.
Since then, Elowen had been by her side, praying for any further sign of recovery.
The heart transplant and ribcage repair surgery had been a success, but Seyren remained unconscious.
It was as if she were trapped in a dream, unwilling or unable to wake up.
Normally, patients would regain consciousness within 46-72 hours post-surgery, but Seyren had been unconscious for almost thirteen days now.
Every passing day felt like an eternity to Elowen.
The sight of Seyren lying there, motionless, tugged at her heartstrings.
She longed for her sister to open her eyes, to show any sign that she was still there with them.
"Please, Seyren. Give me hope," Elowen whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.
Her eyes were blurred with tears that she struggled to hold back.
She tightened her grip slightly on Seyren's hand, willing her to respond.
Elowen began to pray, her voice a quiet murmur as she called out to the God she believed in.
She asked for strength, for a miracle, for her sister to wake up and return to them.
The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the soft sound of Elowen's prayers and the steady beeping of the medical monitors.
In that moment, surrounded by the sterile, clinical environment of the hospital, Elowen's heart was filled with a profound mix of faith and fear.
She believed in miracles, but she also knew the harsh realities of life.
All she could do was hope and pray, holding onto the belief that Seyren would find her way back to them.
The day was truly lonely when Seyren was no longer by their side.
It felt as though a part of their world had gone silent, and the usual lively atmosphere was replaced by an unsettling stillness.
The absence of her vibrant presence left a void that was impossible to fill, casting a shadow over their lives.
The peace and quiet that enveloped them was anything but comforting.
Instead of finding solace in the tranquility, they found it oppressive and heavy, like a reminder of Seyren's absence.
They longed for the familiar chaos and energy that Seyren brought into their lives.
Every little thing that once annoyed them about her now felt like a precious memory, a testament to the life she had infused into their days.
Nowadays, Elowen clung to Seyren as her reason to keep living.
Seyren was her anchor, the light that kept her from being consumed by darkness.
Elowen's world had shrunk down to the confines of Seyren's recovery room, every waking moment consumed by thoughts of her sister.
So, if she felt sad, it was only right because she knew Seyren would feel the same way if their positions were reversed.
The bond they shared was profound, and the thought of losing Seyren was unbearable.
It was as if their hearts beat in unison, each pain and joy reflected in the other.
As Elowen knelt in prayer, pouring out her heart's deepest desires, she felt a glimmer of hope.
She prayed with an intensity that surprised even herself, each word a desperate plea for Seyren's recovery.
At the moment the woman finished her prayer, it seemed the Lord immediately answered her.
There was a sense of divine intervention, as if her prayers had been heard and granted.
Just as she had wished, Seyren suddenly responded to her prayers.
It wasn't just a movement of her body that she saw; Seyren also hummed, making Elowen's heart leap with joy.
The sound was faint but unmistakable, a melody that spoke of life and resilience.
It was a sign that Seyren was still fighting, still there with her.
Elowen felt a surge of emotions, a mix of relief, joy, and disbelief.
She seemed to have a new reason to smile and laugh.
Her face lit up the moment she heard her sister hum. It was a small sign, but it meant everything to her.
The weight that had settled on her chest for so long lifted, replaced by a lightness she had almost forgotten existed.
"Seyren..." She called Seyren's name breathlessly, her voice trembling with emotion.
It was as if saying her name could somehow anchor Seyren more firmly in the world of the living.
"Seyren, it's me, Elowen." Seyren received not just a smile, but also a gentle tone from Elowen, filled with warmth and love.
Her voice was a lifeline, a beacon guiding Seyren back to them.
Seyren continued to hum; it lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough to revive Elowen's seemingly dying heart.
Those precious moments of hearing her sister's voice were a lifeline, a beacon of hope.
Each note was a reminder that Seyren was still there, still fighting.
If only her sister were with her, they might be feeling the same way now.
The thought of sharing this moment with Seyren made her heart ache with longing and love.
She could almost see Seyren's mischievous smile, hear her laughter ringing out.
Elowen had no idea what was happening to her older sister.
All she knew was that she was resting, and in her heart, she believed that Seyren was fighting her own battles, just as she was.
She held onto that belief with all her might, refusing to let despair take hold.
"Seyren, get well, okay? Lumaban ka, okay? You're strong and tough, so please fight for your life," said Elowen as she kissed the back of Seyren's hand.
Her words were a mix of a plea and a command, urging her sister to hold on.
Each kiss was a promise, a vow to stay by her side no matter what.
"S...stop crying... so... anno...ying." Elowen's pupils dilated the moment Seyren suddenly began to speak.
The sound of her voice, though weak, was a miracle.
It was a sign that her prayers had been answered, that Seyren was still fighting.
Despite having difficulty speaking, Seyren slightly opened her eyes and saw Elowen, who was already in tears.
Her vision was blurred, but the sight of her sister brought a sense of comfort and familiarity.
It was as if, in that moment, everything was going to be alright.
When their eyes met, Elowen felt butterflies of joy in her stomach.
It was a moment of connection, a silent promise that they would get through this together.
She felt a renewed sense of hope, a belief that they could overcome anything as long as they were together.
She let go of Seyren's hand and, unexpectedly, called for a doctor.
Her voice was urgent and filled with hope, knowing that this was just the beginning of Seyren's recovery.
She believed, with all her heart, that Seyren would come back to them fully, that they would once again be whole.
It was expected that the patient should have woken up a long time ago, yet Elowen couldn't help but be surprised.
Despite the anticipation and countless prayers, the reality of Seyren waking up felt surreal, like a dream she was afraid to believe fully.
Fortunately, a doctor immediately attended to Seyren.
He moved with the practiced calm of someone who had seen many miraculous recoveries, but his eyes betrayed a hint of wonder as he approached Seyren's bed.
Elowen watched anxiously as he performed a thorough examination, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and fear.
He checked Seyren and, as he said, she was fine.
"Her throat was just a bit dry due to weeks of sleep without eating or drinking water."
"It's nothing to worry about," he assured Elowen with a gentle smile.
"We'll get some fluids into her, and she'll be back to her old self in no time."
Despite his reassurances, it was still a shock to see Seyren awake again.
Elowen ended up standing outside the room, her legs trembling with the sudden rush of emotions.
Inside, Seyren lay quietly, her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling as if trying to make sense of the world she had reentered.
When Seyren noticed that Elowen seemed to have disappeared, she searched for her, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of confusion and concern.
The sight of Elowen standing just outside the door brought a wave of relief over her, but also a flicker of confusion.
It was as if she was trying to piece together the fragments of her memory, struggling to understand the passage of time.
"Come here," she spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Each word felt like an effort, her throat raw and her chest aching with each breath.
She winced slightly, feeling as if her chest tore the moment she breathed.
The sensation was strange, a sharp reminder of her vulnerability.
Seyren also noticed the bandage on her chest, a stark contrast to the sterile white sheets of the hospital bed.
Her mind raced with questions, but she was too weak to voice them.
Instead, she focused on Elowen, her eyes pleading for her sister's presence.
Elowen, seeing Seyren's struggle, rushed back into the room, her heart aching at the sight of her sister's frailty.
She gently took Seyren's hand, her touch warm and reassuring.
"I'm here," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I'm here, Seyren. You're safe now."
Seyren's grip tightened around Elowen's hand, drawing strength from her sister's unwavering support.
Despite the pain and confusion, she felt a sense of calm wash over her.
Elowen's presence was a beacon of light in the fog of her thoughts, a reminder that she was not alone.
The doctor finished his examination and smiled at both of them.
"She's doing remarkably well," he said.
"With some rest and proper care, she'll make a full recovery." His words were a balm to Elowen's worried heart, easing the fears that had kept her awake for so many nights.
Elowen nodded, her eyes never leaving Seyren's face.
"Thank you, doctor," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Thank you for everything."
As the doctor left the room, Elowen turned back to Seyren, her heart full of hope.
"You're going to be okay," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from Seyren's forehead.
"We'll get through this together."
Seyren managed a weak smile, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Don't cry." she whispered.
"You look ugly when you cry"
She wasn't.
In fact, Seyren thought Elowen look 10x more attractive now thag she's vulnerable.
But because Seyren knew that she was the one being cried over, she tried to make Elowen stop crying.
"Stop crying... it's so... annoying," she managed to say, her voice weak but firm.
However, Elowen couldn't hold back her tears, so she took her time to finish crying.
Seyren watched her patiently, her eyes following every tear that rolled down Elowen's cheeks.
There was a deep bond between the sisters, a bond that even silence and distance couldn't break.
Seyren was patient with this sort of thing. While Elowen wept, Seyren just watched her quietly, feeling a strange mix of empathy and frustration.
For some unknown reason, Seyren felt the sadness that Elowen was experiencing, and her brow furrowed for a moment.
The room was filled with an unspoken understanding, a connection that words couldn't describe.
She dismissed the feeling, thinking she might just be influenced by the sight of Elowen crying in front of her.
But deep down, Seyren knew it was more than that.
The bond they shared was not just of blood, but of shared experiences, of silent promises, and of unwavering support.
Elowen's sobbing lasted for several minutes, and when she finally stopped, she seemed to be drained of energy.
It was as if her exhaustion transferred to Seyren.
Seyren felt a heavy weight on her chest, a reflection of the emotional burden that Elowen carried.
"Where's Azara?" Seyren asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes roaming around the room in search of the woman.
Azara had always been a source of strength for Seyren, a pillar in times of uncertainty.
"She's resting at our place," Elowen answered, though in truth, she didn't really know.
She was just hoping her words were true.
The uncertainty in her voice was palpable, a sign of the chaos that had entered their lives.
---
"Team, I want you to back me up only if necessary. My life isn't important here; our goal is to capture Liam, okay?" Detective Skyler said, addressing the dozen or so police officers with her.
Her voice was steady, but there was a flicker of fear in her eyes. She knew the stakes were high, and any mistake could cost lives.
They all agreed to her plan, their faces a mix of determination and concern.
She had received news that Liam had been spotted at his house, with photos as proof. The evidence was clear, and they had to act quickly.
The officers quickly took action, hitting the road with Skyler.
Driving her own car, Skyler headed to the criminal's house.
Each kilometer covered tightened her chest. She found herself praying to God despite not being accustomed to doing so.
Her thoughts were a whirlwind of strategies, fears, and the faces of those she cared about.
Skyler was different now compared to when Elowen wasn't part of her life.
Back then, she had no desire to live, but now she had a reason to wake up each morning and sleep each night.
She had found purpose in protecting those she loved, in making the world a safer place for them.
She now had a reason to keep her soul within her body.
Each breath she took was a promise to Elowen and Seyren that she would come back, that she would not give up.
As she drove, she glanced out of the car and saw Azara in a familiar car passing in the opposite direction.
She didn't pay much attention to it, her mind too focused on the mission ahead.
When they arrived at Liam's house, they surrounded it.
A police officer used a megaphone to call out, his voice echoing in the quiet neighborhood.
"Liam Alcantara, we have you surrounded. Surrender to the authorities now!" an officer shouted.
The tension was palpable, every second stretching into an eternity.
Other officers secretly entered the house, with Skyler following them.
Their movements were swift and silent, every step calculated.
Upon stepping inside, the police began their search.
Skyler also started looking around, her eyes scanning every corner, every shadow.
Skyler furrowed her brow as she wandered through the house, feeling confused about the situation.
The place was eerily quiet, and there was a sense of foreboding in the air.
While searching, she took out her phone to contact the person she had agreed with to corner Liam.
To Azara:
Where are you? Weren't you supposed to be at Liam's house?
Two days ago
"What the fuck is this?" Azara asked irritably when she and Skyler entered the basement of Liam's house. The room was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the smell of damp and decay.
There, they saw photos of the victims, including the four of them. The walls were covered in a grotesque collage of stolen moments and violated privacy.
Azara's eyes widened in fear as she saw those things. Her breath caught in her throat, and a shiver ran down her spine.
"Your boyfriend is a stalker. He stalked not just me but also your sister, your girl, and all his victims," Skyler said, staring at a photo of Mr. Yoshino Aoi, who they still hadn't found. Her voice was steady, but there was a hard edge to it, a mix of anger and disgust.
"I knew he was fucking creepy, but I didn't think he was this fucked up... Disgusting," Azara commented, now wondering why she had ever dated that man. She regretted it and was glad she had ended it. Her voice was tinged with bitterness, a reflection of the betrayal she felt.
"He's obsessed with you the most. I mean, look at this." Skyler took something from a drawer and placed it on the table. There, Azara saw all her stolen pictures, most of which were taken when she was alone. The realization hit her like a punch to the gut, and she felt a wave of nausea.
"Do you want to know why there's so much tissue here?" Skyler asked, but Azara shook her head, knowing the reason immediately. The thought was repulsive, and she didn't need any more details to understand the extent of Liam's depravity.
"Why did you bring me here? I asked you to buy me stuff for Seyren," Azara said, her voice tight with frustration. She didn't want to be in this place any longer than necessary.
"Seyren is not important right now-"
"Pardon me? What the fuck are you saying?" Azara snapped at Skyler, her eyebrow raised and clearly offended by Skyler's statement that Seyren wasn't important. Her eyes blazed with fury, and her hands clenched into fists.
For Azara, no one in the world was more important than Seyren. Seyren was her anchor, her reason for fighting.
Skyler smiled before facing the slightly shorter woman. There was a challenge in her eyes, a silent dare.
"I'm just kidding. But I really brought you here to make a deal with you. We badly need someone to lure Liam out of his den," Skyler said, and Azara immediately understood what she meant. The plan was risky, but it was their best shot.
"So you want me to lure him out?" Skyler smiled.
"Yes... Lead him inside his own house, and we'll trap him until we catch him," Skyler said confidently. Azara crossed her arms and looked up slightly, trying to intimidate her. The tension between them crackled like electricity.
"And what do I get in return?" Skyler frowned slightly because she had nothing to offer Azara. This woman already had everything, and Skyler wasn't sure how to convince her.
"You'll be a hero, and the president will reward you for your bravery." Azara laughed at Skyler's suggestion. The idea seemed absurd, almost laughable.
"Nope, I don't want that. If anyone deserves recognition, it's Seyren. This is your job, so do it well," Azara said, starting to walk away. Skyler watched her, unable to believe Azara was willing to let a murderer remain free.
Skyler began to wonder if Azara still loved Liam. The thought gnawed at her, casting a shadow of doubt.
"I'll get Elowen out of your house once we catch him. Then it will be just you and Seyren living there."
"Still nope, Detective"
"Did you really think I didn't notice that you're pregnant... Liam is the father, isn't he? That's why you can't do what I want?" Skyler said firmly. Azara halted and looked at the detective with an irritated expression.
Skyler smirked at Azara's annoyed and shocked face. The tables had turned, and now Azara was the one cornered. The truth was out, and there was no escaping it.
Azara stood visibly disturbed, her defiance beginning to falter under Skyler's calculated pressure.
Skyler's voice was smooth, almost hypnotic, as she stepped closer to Azara.
"the kid you're carrying is a psychopath, Azara. So you must understand the implications of what's happening. If Liam is allowed to live, he won't just vanish into obscurity. He'll continue to wreak havoc, and your child will be right in the middle of it."
Azara shook her head, her resolve apparent.
"My child will not turn out like Liam. I refuse to believe that."
She didn't deny having a kid which got Skyler have a bit more confidence with her manipulation.
Skyler's eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity.
"It's not about belief, Azara. It's about inevitable reality. Liam is not merely a person; he embodies chaos and violence. If he remains free, your child will be inundated with his legacy like how Liam turns out like his father, Liam is the son of Red bull." Skyler walked towards Azara, slow and with elegance.
Her words hypnotized and messed up Azara's mind.
"Imagine the news reports, the constant stream of horror and violence your baby will witness. That darkness will seep into their very soul." She added.
Azara's face twisted with fear and anger.
"You're trying to manipulate me into helping you. My child will have a life away from all this."
Skyler leaned in closer, her voice dripping with malicious delight.
"Manipulate? No. I wanted you to realize about the consequences. Children are like sponges-they absorb their surroundings. If your child grows up in a world dominated by Liam's terror, they'll inevitably be tainted by it. With the child carrying the blood of a psychopath, do you want them to see violence as normal, to be shaped by the same darkness that twisted Liam?"
"No!" Azara's denial was fierce, but her voice was tinged with desperation.
"I won't let my child become like him. I refuse to let that happen!"
Skyler's smile was chilling, her demeanor almost predatory.
"You're deluding yourself, Azara. The reality is far harsher than your comforting illusions. If Liam lives, he'll continue his rampage, and your child will grow up and live in that nightmare. You'll watch helplessly as your baby is exposed to the same cruelty that corrupted Liam."
"Can you beat that thought?" She whispered in Azara's ear.
Tears welled up in Azara's eyes. She turned away, her body shaking as she struggled to contain her grief.
"I can't bear the thought of my child growing up in such a world. I don't want my child to be like him."
Skyler's voice softened, but her words were laced with a dark edge.
"Then do what must be done. Use yourself as bait to draw Liam out. Ensure he faces justice before he can further taint your child's world. It's the only way to protect them."
Azara's resistance crumbled under the weight of Skyler's manipulative tactics.
The fear of her child's future overtook her, and she faced Skyler with a look of reluctant acceptance.
"Alright," Azara said, her voice barely a whisper.
"I'll do it. I'll lure Liam out. I'll be the bait."
Skyler's eyes lit up with a sinister satisfaction.
"Excellent. You'll be the key to drawing him out. We'll catch him and put an end to his reign of terror. Your child's future depends on it, after all."
Azara nodded, her face pale with a mix of fear and determination. The risk she was taking was immense, but the thought of her child growing up amidst violence was a greater fear. Skyler had expertly manipulated her fears and maternal instincts, setting the stage for Liam's capture.
Skyler watched with a twisted sense of triumph as Azara prepared to act as bait. The trap was set, and with Azara's cooperation secured, Skyler's plan was moving forward.
She never knew she had that kind of side yet she wasn't scared at all. Instead, she felt extremely delighted to be able to messed up the mind of Azara with just a few words of harsh truth.
---
To Skyler
Let me do the job for you, Ms Manipulator
A broad grin spread across Azara's lips as she stared at her phone, her gaze flickering occasionally to Liam, who sat beside her in the front seat.
Though she felt a twinge of irritation at his incessant glances, she steeled herself for what had to be done.
She had chosen this path, and she would see it through.
"Stop staring and focus on the road. I already know I'm pretty," Azara said with a confident smirk, which only made Liam smile wider.
Liam chuckled, finally turning his attention back to the road.
"I'm just happy we're running away. I promise I can do better, and I'm sorry for hurting you," he said with a soft tone, his eyes reflecting the start of dreams about their future together.
As Liam's gaze shifted away, Azara rolled her eyes and subtly reached into her leather jacket.
However, it wasn't her jacket-she was wearing Seyren's. It was the first jacket Seyren had ever bought for herself.
"You know, Liam, in this world, there are only two kinds of people. One is a lion, and the other is a gazelle," Azara said, a statement Liam readily agreed with.
"I know... Even though I'm the lion, I could still soften around you because you're my tiger," Liam declared, his hopelessly romantic tone evident.
Azara didn't appreciate that kind of love. She desired more than just romance; she wanted excitement and unpredictability.
Her upbringing had been a mix of emotions, never remaining static.
"You're wrong... You're a prey," Azara said coolly, slipping on a pair of white gloves she had secretly retrieved.
"Me? A prey... Sure, as long as you're the predator in my life," Liam responded, his laughter accompanied by Azara's own soft chuckles.
She tilted her head to the side and smiled, sticking out her tongue playfully.
To her, it was amusing that Liam had so readily admitted his own vulnerability.
"Unlucky you... Because I'm a predator myself," Azara whispered as she pulled out Seyren's gun from her jacket.
With cold precision, she fired several shots at the back of the driver's seat-one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten times.
The gunshots echoed in the confined space before she flung open the car door and leapt out.
As she rolled onto the ground, she saw Liam's car speeding towards a bridge.
It veered off course, plunging into the river below, its fate sealed with its descent.
No one had witnessed her actions; the bridge was eerily deserted. As Azara got up and looked towards the rushing river, she saw the car sink beneath the surface.
"Sorry, man. But don't blame me. You put yourself in that position. I'm doing this for love, you know," she murmured, her voice carrying a twisted mix of regret and resolve.
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