Erick and Bryan joined Elle's team that night. They were glad to know that no one was hurt in their team including Officer Kim and his men. Elle's team decided to stay over at one of the lodging houses in City X.
Phantom's henchmen took turns in staying on guard, making sure that the enemies were not able to follow them. Erick and Bryan decided to regroup with officer Kim's team tomorrow morning.
Elle explained everything to Bryan. She told her how she was able to survive two years ago and the reason why she was not able to return as soon as possible. Aside from that, Erick and Elle told him about Elle's identity as Ma. Belle Elleise Falcon, the daughter of the late Agent Cedrick Falcon.
"Oh my gosh, you're the little kid in the picture! The one Erick was keeping in his wallet all these years!" Bryan exclaimed exasperatedly.
Even Charles was surprised to hear that. This was also the first time he heard this.
"So you mean, your parents and Erick's parents were close friends even before?" Charles asked them in amazement.
Erick: "Yes!"
Elle: "Yes!"
Charles and Bryan bobbed their head while thinking the same thing.
"The two of you really fated to meet each other," Bryan mumbled.
"You are both destined to be together," Charles also commented.
Phantom just smiled on the sides while watching them. He was glad to see the four of them catching up with each other. Bryan also became a close friend of Elle and Charles. He didn't judge them because of their past deeds. He tried to understand them just like Erick.
Phantom didn't want this friendship to be broken. He knew sooner or later Erick and Bryan should fulfill their responsibilities as the men of justice. Phantom was aware that among the people here, Erick and Bryan were facing the most complicated situation.
Their friends and loved ones had committed more crimes. Though they turned to a new leaf now and began to change, they could not still erase the fact that they had sinned and they should be punished according to the law.
Now, Phantom was worried about what would happen in the future once they finished their mission. He made up his mind. He would not let these young ones suffer. He would do everything he could just to help them.
All he wished for them was to be happy and live simply together with their loved ones and friends. Phantom's mind was still occupied by those thoughts when Erick approached him.
"Mr. Morgan," Erick mumbled, catching the attention of Phantom.
"Erick… don't be too formal. You can call me 'father' too. Elle is my foster daughter and she's your wife. That means I'm your father-in-law," Phantom said while tapping Erick's shoulder.
Erick nodded with a smile before calling him "Father."
"I've been dying to meet you ever since the day Elle told me about your existence. I wanted to formally ask your blessings for my relationship with Elle. I hope my job as a detective is not a hindrance to that. Do you hate me?" Erick asked him anxiously.
Phantom let out a soft chuckle when he saw Erick's troubled face. He could understand his fear. He thought he was against Elle marrying him because of his job as a Detective.
"Erick, relax. I am not against your relationship with Elle. Since then I already supported her. I'm at ease because Elle found a good man like you. You brought light to her darkest world. You changed her. Actually, you didn't change her." Phantom said to him meaningfully.
"You just brought back her true self. She's the sweet little angel of Falcon Family, she's Ma. Belle. That's her true self. Catseye was just her mask that she used to cope up with her dark past. And you are the one who was able to take off that mask from her."
Erick was grateful to hear those words coming from Phantom. He couldn't agree more. Phantom was telling the truth. The sweet little angel turned into a devilish assassin because of the unfortunate event that happened to her family eighteen years ago.
Until now, the true culprit for Elle's misery was still unknown and unpunished, enjoying his freedom for so many years now.
"Thank you, Father, for saving Elle." Phantom could hear the sincerity in his voice. He was truly thankful.
"You don't have to thank me. I also did it for myself. I wanted to save her that day. Even though you and your father were not there at that time, the second time she was endangered, you were there to save her. Both of us became her savior," Phantom said, there was a glint of humor in his eyes.
The two of them burst out into waves of laughter. They were still laughing when Charles, Bryan, and Elle approached them. It did not take long when Elle's phone suddenly rang.
It was an overseas call coming from Dr. Argus. Elle immediately answered the phone. Seeing the seriousness in Elle's expression, the men fell silent as they watched her.
When the call got connected Elle spoke up. Erick and others just remained quiet as they listened to Elle and Dr. Argus's conversation. Since Elle knew that others were also curious about their conversation, Elle turned on the speaker of her phone.
Elle: "Hello Dr. Argus."
Dr. Argus: "Ali! How are you? Did I wake you up? I know we have a 12 hours time difference. I'm afraid that I disturb your sleep."
Elle: "No, it's alright. I'm not sleeping. I am still fully awake. Why did you call me, Dr. Argus? Is there something wrong? How's Lu's condition."
Dr. Argus: "Actually, that's the reason I called you. I have something to say to you about his condition."
Everyone exchanged meaningful glances when they heard that. They were both excited and nervous to hear the updates from Dr. Argus.
Elle: "What is it? How is he?"
Dr. Argus: "Ali! Lu finally woke up from a coma!"