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."

it is. Mom picked it." My eyes

I never truly grasped the peril until now. My parents, as tough as they were, were just human after all. Vulnerable to time

they forged ahead, sheer grit and

must be

them walk, hand in hand, into the valley. No hesitation. Like they were embracing their fate. Or

I woke, sunlight was

cold. I nudged him,

before his eyes

sneaked over the potion. Never thought

The room was wrapped in a minute of

silence, "Did

"Yeah."

the same

"Yeah."

"This is just nuts."

a tiny bottle could do that? I thought

outside. I jumped out of bed, opened the door, and saw Mom and

and me emerging

military get-up, all intense and commanding. But now, even though he was well-preserved, there were those little wrinkles and a

the same. Time really

were you two up to last night? Your godfather called first

How'd he know we

clamped my hand over my

and decided to catch us. But why not just wake us himself? Why call in