Alfie and Rebekah rode through the winding outskirts of the kingdom's capital, heading toward the town where his mother now lived. Moonlight stretched their shadows across the road as they pressed onward.
"Which way should I go from here, Rebekah?" Alfie asked, tilting his head toward her.
"I never thought I'd hear you ask for directions," Rebekah replied with a smirk. "I thought you'd just charge ahead without knowing where you were going. Just be careful not to trample someone's kid along the way."
"I can see perfectly fine," Alfie shot back. "Just tell me where to turn when we reach the junction."
"Turn left. And slow down a little. The marketplace is up ahead, and it's packed with people. I doubt you want to cause more trouble. We've already wasted enough time. The Darkside Spirits are on the move, and we can't let them get close to this town."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But don't tell me to slow down when we don't have time to waste."
"I didn't tell you to slow down. I told you to be careful," Rebekah snapped.
"Nope. You definitely said slow down," Alfie teased.
"Whatever... Just don't run anyone over."
Before long, the bustling marketplace came into view. Following Rebekah's directions, Alfie guided the horse through the crowded streets, weaving between vendors and residents until they reached a small, quiet house near the edge of town.
"This is it," Rebekah said. "Your mother is staying here."
Alfie immediately jumped off the horse and rushed to the door.
"Mama. Elijah. Marcus. Are you here?"
The door creaked open, revealing Margaret.
"Alfie... you decided to come back," she said gently, emotion filling her voice.
"Yes, Mama. I'm sorry."
Alfie rushed into her arms, tears streaming down his face.
"I never meant to speak to you like that. I was scared and confused... I didn't know what to do."
Margaret held him tightly.
"It's okay now. But stop those tears, alright? You're not a little boy anymore. You're already in your double digits, remember? Gusto would laugh if he saw you like this."
Alfie chuckled 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. He had already taken off the alien costume.
"Where are Elijah and Marcus?" he asked, looking around.
Margaret sighed softly.
"You won't be able to say goodbye to them right now. Mr. Shinra enrolled them in the Shinra Academy as soon as we arrived. You won't be able to contact them until their first session ends, and that won't be for another six months."
Alfie nodded, his expression brightening with understanding.
"That's alright. As long as they're safe. And since you're here in the capital, under the Shinras' protection, I can travel with Master Lu and focus on my training without worrying about you."
"Master Lu?" Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you training under Mr. Shinra?"
"Yeah... uh, that's just what I call him. It's a nickname, you know?" Alfie replied awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
Margaret chuckled.
"I'm just glad you two are getting along.
"Yeah me too."
Rebekah is outside. She's the one who brought me here," Alfie answered with a smile. "She's waiting outside with the horse. She's joining us on our journey too."
"Oh? I thought Mr. Shinra brought you back here."
"H-he's still at our old house. He's gathering a few things for our trip," Alfie replied hastily.
Margaret nodded, accepting his explanation.
"You'd better get going before it gets too dark. More Darkside Spirits could appear at any moment. Tell Mr. Shinra I'm grateful for everything he's done, and give Rebekah my regards."
She paused before continuing.
"Travel safely, and remember to visit your brothers in six months, when their academy session ends."
Then she placed both hands gently on Alfie's shoulders, her expression growing serious.
"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 too."
Her voice softened.
"Stay alive... for all of us."
Tears welled up in Alfie's eyes again, but this time, he held them back.
"It's a promise, Mama. I'll live. No matter what happens, I won't die... not until I've fulfilled everything I swore to do."
He clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes.
"For you. For Elijah. For Marcus. For Rebekah. And for Master Lu."
Margaret smiled proudly.
"Before you leave, stop by your father's site on your way out of town. He built a storeroom there for his finest weapons. There's a silver sword he's kept safe since the day I met him. Take it with you."
She looked into his eyes.
"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 dirt," Margaret added, eyeing his dusty, torn shirt.
Alfie smirked.
"That's not the important thing here, Mama... but fine. I'll change."
After embracing her one last time, Alfie stepped outside to rejoin Rebekah.