Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

Might as well make sure this girl never ties the knot. Ever.

I asked, "Are you guys gearing up for a showdown at The Silent Shadows' entrance?"

"A showdown? With this tiny crew? That's practically a suicide mission."

Sophie leaned back, saying, "We're just going for a look-see, but that's risky enough. You and your buddy will hang back."

I nodded, playing along.

The car cruised towards the foot of The Silent Shadows. As we piled out, everyone was fussing over their gear, prepping for the trek.

I remembered Mom telling me how every venture into those mountains was a brush with death.

Dad helped Mom strap on her gear. Adler gave us a stern look, "You two stay put. Don't even think about moving, or else..." He mimicked a throat-slash.

Alec and I just stood there, unfazed. Mr. Wesley was known for his dramatic flair. We grew up on his tales of terror.

"Tom, Jerry, keep an eye on them. No jungle adventures, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Sophie slipped on her gloves, turned to me, and asked, "By the way, what's your name?"

"Fiona. Mom says time flies, and their journey is full of memories worth keeping, so I'm Fiona."

"Fiona..." Sophie mused, "That's a lovely name."

Mom picked it." My

My parents, as tough as they were,

they forged

must be

into the valley. No hesitation. Like they were embracing their fate. Or perhaps, it

I woke, sunlight was streaming in,

was still out cold. I nudged him, "Alec!

few shakes before his eyes fluttered open, realizing

over the potion. Never

stayed silent. The room was wrapped in

broke the silence,

"Yeah."

the same

"Yeah."

"This is just nuts."

a tiny bottle could do that? I thought it was just

from outside. I jumped out of bed, opened the

they saw Alec and me emerging together, Dad's

back to the dream-Dad in his military get-up, all intense and commanding. But now, even though he was well-preserved, there were those little

looked the same. Time really does catch

were you two up to last night? Your

he

hand over

us. But why not just wake us himself? Why call in the parental