THE REBORN WORLD OF THE CHRONICLES

"That's a complicated story," Alfie said, stepping out from behind the house. "But I think I understood some things."

Marco turned and gave a tired smile. "You were there all this while, huh? I'm glad you heard it. Saves me the trouble of explaining everything twice."

Margaret stood quietly, the wind catching her dress. "Since it's come to this... the peaceful life we once had shattering so suddenly... I have no other choice but to trust you."

"I think you should," Rebekah added from the doorway. "Alfie's mama, my father refused to let us join the Shinra academy too. He thought he could protect us alone. That mistake cost me my entire family. Please... don't let history repeat itself."

Margaret looked down. Her heart ached. Her soul trembled.

"Mama," Alfie said, stepping forward. His voice was calm, but his eyes burned with fire. "I've made my decision. Not because of Mr. Shinra. But for you... for Papa... for Eli and Marcus. I'm going with him. Not to suppress my Renshi, but to master it. I'll eliminate all darkside spirits from this world."

"There you go again, boy—carried away by emotion," Marco replied, folding his arms. "You're closing the connection. That's final. You're not ready to handle the burden of two opposing Renshi. You're too immature."

"Thank you, Mr. Shinra," Margaret said softly. "For keeping your promise to my husband... What about Falco? Where did you lay him to rest?"

"At the Shinra cemetery," Marco replied. "He rests among heroes now. He earned that place."

"Thank you," Margaret whispered.

Marco turned to Alfie. "Hey kid, stop standing there like a statue. Go pack up. We're moving out."

But Alfie didn't move. His smile had faded. His boyish warmth gone.

"Thanks for honoring my father's promise," he said, voice cold. "But I'll figure things out on my own."

He walked away, hands in his pockets, heading toward the distant cliffside.

This is where my journey begins, he thought. Not just for Papa... but for every innocent life taken. I'll be their vengeance. Their salvation. I'll eliminate them all. Every last darkside spirit.

Reaching the cliff, he opened his arms wide and let the wind wash over him. The sun was bright. The trees leaned westward.

"What a view," he whispered. "Maybe one day I'll see what other humans look like on different planets."

Then a familiar voice called out.

"Hey brat. You really think that was the best way to speak in front of your mom?"

Alfie didn't turn. "I just said what I meant, old man. I don't care if you're training me or not. I'll figure it out."

Marco raised a brow. "You've got guts. I'll give you that. But earlier—you weren't mature. You were selfish. You wanted to sound cool instead of showing respect to your mother and brothers."

Alfie stayed quiet.

"You won't last 24 hours out here with your Renshi leaking like that. If your father's sacrifice meant nothing to you, then sure—go ahead and throw your life away."

Marco turned to leave. "The choice is yours. Come with me, prove your potential, and I'll decide if you're ready to control your Renshi. Or stay... and die alone."

As Marco vanished down the hill, Alfie clenched his fists.

What should I do, Papa? he asked the sky, tears falling freely. I said awful things. Mama must be hurting...

Then his father's voice echoed in his memory: "You're my first son. I want you to follow in my footsteps."

Your footsteps...

You fought for mankind. That's my dream too. I'll follow you, Papa. I'll be the light in this world's darkness.

Alfie turned and walked slowly down from the cliff.

Back at the house, Marcus tugged on Margaret's clothes.

"Mama… is big brother going to be alright? He sounded angry…"

"Don't worry," Elijah said, trying to sound brave. "He just needs some time."

Marco approached. "Ma'am… it seems your son isn't changing his mind. I'll take Elijah and Marcus to the academy. You should come too. I'll prepare a home for you in our kingdom."

Margaret shook her head. "There's no way I'm leaving Alfie behind. Not alone."

"Then I'm sorry," Marco said. With a swift, gentle strike to her neck, he knocked her unconscious.

"Hey! What did you do to our mom?!" Elijah shouted.

"She's fine," Marco said. "Just asleep for a few minutes."

Rebekah looked around. "How are we all supposed to fit on your horse?"

"No problem," Marco replied. "I found a chariot behind the house. Hooked my horse to it. We're leaving now."

As they all climbed in, Marcus cried.

"Is Mama gonna be okay?"

"She's safe," Elijah said, hugging him.

"And Alfie?"

"…He'll be okay. He has to be."

Inside the moving chariot, Rebekah whispered to Marco, "Are you sure this will work? Will he learn anything from this?"

Marco nodded. "It's a test. One night. If he survives, I'll train him to master both his Renshi. If not... he'll be forced to close the connection."

Earlier that night, Marco had told Rebekah the plan in secret. When a witch awakens through darkness, the spirits of pride, anger, lust, and revenge cling to them. To conquer them, Alfie must face himself—alone.

Margaret groaned and sat up. "So that was your plan… leaving my son out there... alone?!"

"I didn't want you to hear this. But yes. Once I get you and the boys to safety, I'll return and keep watch. I made Falco a promise. I won't let his son die."

"How will you know he's not in danger right now?"

"Darkside spirits take time to arrive. Trust me."

Margaret turned and looked at her youngest, sleeping peacefully in her arms. "Our lives changed in just a few days. My ten-year-old son… alone out there in the dark. He's just ten years and one week old... he's still a kid..."

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Don't cry, Mama," Elijah said, wrapping his arms around her. "Big brother Alfie is going to be alright.