Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

Twenty years back, he might've caught a glimpse of the legendary Colby in his prime. And maybe even caught a sight of his folks.

"Where did they live twenty years ago? Are they still in the same spot?" My curiosity was written all over my face.

Alec paused for a moment and then said, "My parents always said the old estates of the four big families never changed, so they're probably still there."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go check it out!"

"How do we get there? Do you even know the way?"

Alec's question was like a cold splash of reality.

Do I know the way? Not a chance.

Devonport, twenty years down the line, is all about skyscrapers and that sleek, futuristic feel. But the Devonport of today...

Sure, it's got its skyscrapers, but there's something different about it. Every road seems like it's been swapped out for a new one, except for a few old buildings we kind of remember.

"So, what's the plan? Should we just grab a cab? I mean, calling one should be easy these days, right?"

"And how exactly are you planning to call a cab?"

"You said we're dreaming, can't we just, y'know, steer the dream with our minds?"

"Are you talking about lucid dreaming?"

"...Isn't that possible?"

"Give it a shot, though it might be a tad risky."

Playing with lucid dreaming is tricky business, especially in this odd shared dream we're in.

We stood there, trying to focus, but didn't budge an inch. Looks like dream control isn't as straightforward in this setup.

I finally threw in the towel on the lucid dreaming idea and turned to Alec, "Let's just hoof it. I'm sure we'll find it."

II

We started walking down the road from our memories.

Luckily, being in the city center helped. I didn't find our old homes, but I did spot the S Corporation building.

Back in the day, S Corporation was quite the big deal. Their sign was the largest in the city center and hard to miss.

As soon as we got to the entrance, I saw Uncle John. Without thinking, I shouted, "Uncle John!"

He'd been with my mom the longest and practically watched me grow up. But dream Uncle John looked way younger.

He glanced up, adjusted his glasses, and someone nearby asked, "Tricia, is that a relative of yours?"

"Not a clue."

Tricia frowned and said, "Let's get what Ms. Sophie needs ready. These days, the company's in a tight spot. Tell everyone to stay sharp and not let their guard down."

"Will do, Tricia."

Seeing Uncle John not recognize me hit hard. It finally clicked that no one here knew us, not even our own parents.

Alec tugged me over to the café next door and said, "Something's not right." "What do you mean?"noveldrama

"Didn't you notice the extra security at the S Corporation entrance?"

In real life, when we visited

Corporation, there were only a handful of guards. But just now,

therewere at least ten people

keeping watch.

Some guards were carrying batons, and it seemed like they might have concealed weapons too.

Clearly, we picked a bad time to drop by.

"Did something big happen in Devonport twenty years ago?"

I racked my brains and remembered those tipsy adult conversations at the dinner table, where they'd talk about the ongoing battle with The Silent Shadows.