THE REBORN WORLD OF THE CHRONICLES

Alfie and Rebekah continued their journey through the winding outskirts of the capital, riding swiftly toward where Alfie's mother now resided. The air was tense but hopeful, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows behind them.

"What direction should I take from here, Rebekah?" Alfie asked, slightly tilting his head toward her.

"I never thought I'd hear you ask," Rebekah replied with a smirk. "I figured you'd charge ahead without knowing where you were going. Careful you don't trample someone's kid up there."

"I can see perfectly fine," Alfie shot back. "Just tell me where to turn when we hit the junction."

"When you get there, go left," Rebekah instructed. "And you should slow down a bit—the town's marketplace is up ahead. It's packed with people, and I doubt you want to cause more trouble. We've already delayed enough. The darkside spirits are on the move, and we can't let them get close to this town."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Alfie said. "But don't tell me to slow down when we've got no time to waste."

"I didn't say slow down! I said be careful!" Rebekah snapped.

"Nope—you definitely said slow down," Alfie teased.

"Whatever. Just don't run anyone over."

Soon, the bustling market came into view, and Alfie skillfully maneuvered the horse through the crowd under Rebekah's guidance. After weaving through the maze of vendors and villagers, they finally reached a small, quiet house near the edge of town.

"This is it," Rebekah said. "Your mother's staying here."

Alfie jumped off the horse and bolted toward the door. "Mama! Elijah! Marcus! Are you here?!"

The door creaked open. "Alfie… you decided to come back," Margaret said, her voice gentle but layered with emotion.

"Yes, Mama. I'm sorry," Alfie cried, rushing into her arms. "I never meant to speak to you like that. I was scared and confused… I didn't know what to do."

Margaret embraced him tightly. "It's okay now. But stop those tears, alright? You're not a little boy anymore. You've got two numbers in your age now, remember? Gusto would laugh if he saw you like this."

Alfie laughed through his tears. "You're right, Mama. I'll stay strong… no more crying."

He wiped his face with the sleeve of his worn, dust-covered shirt.

"Where are Elijah and Marcus?" he asked, looking around.

"You won't be able to say goodbye to them right now," Margaret said with a soft sigh. "Mr. Shinra already enrolled them in the Shinra Academy when we arrived. You can't make contact until their first session ends… that'll be in six months."

Alfie's face lit up with understanding. "That's alright. As long as they're safe. If you're here in the capital too, and under the Shinras' protection, then I can travel with Master Lu and focus on my training without worrying."

"Master Lu?" Margaret raised a brow. "Aren't you training under Mr. Shinra?"

"Yeah—uh, that's just my own name for… him. You know, a nickname," Alfie replied awkwardly, scratching his head.

Margaret chuckled lightly. "I'm just glad you're getting along with him. After he left, I couldn't find that little girl you brought home either. Did you hear from her?"

"She's the one who brought me here," Alfie said, smiling. "She's waiting outside on the horse. She's joining us on the journey too."

"I thought Mr. Shinra brought you back here."

"H-he's still at our old house. He's gathering some things for our trip," Alfie replied quickly.

Margaret nodded. "You'd better get going before it gets too dark. More darkside spirits could show up. Tell Mr. Shinra thank you for everything. And give Rebekah my regards. Travel safely. And remember—come visit your brothers in six months when their academy session ends."

She paused, then placed both hands gently on Alfie's shoulders.

"Whatever you do, Alfie… no matter who you face or what happens—don't die. Retreat if you have to. Learn when to fight and when to run. Elijah and Marcus will need you when they come of age. I need you. Stay alive—for all of us."

Tears welled in Alfie's eyes again, but he stood firm this time. "It's a promise, Mama. I will live. No matter what, I'll never die—not until I've done everything I swore to do. For you. For Elijah. For Marcus. For Rebekah. For Master Lu."

Margaret gave him a proud smile. "Before you leave… check your father's site on the way out of town. There's a storeroom he built for his finest weapons. There's a silver sword he's been saving since I met him. Take it. I believe it was meant for you."

Alfie nodded firmly. "I will."

"And don't forget to change out of those clothes. You look like you've been dragged through a battlefield," she added, eyeing his dusty, torn shirt.

Alfie smirked. "That's not the issue here, Mama—but fine. I'll change."

With one last hug, he stepped outside, the journey ahead still long and uncertain—but now, with a renewed heart and purpose.