Flux's mom, Alicia, and Mike sat in silence.
The room was heavy—like the air itself refused to move.
Flux's eyes were blank, lifeless. Inside, he was already gone.
Mike's knees trembled; his chest felt crushed.
Alicia's hands clenched.
Do I… use it? If I don't, that monster will destroy everything. If I do, I'm rewriting destiny itself… committing a crime against the universe.
She looked at the two boys.
"Mike, Flux… I know you're both broken. But there's one thing I can still do."
Flux's voice was hollow, trembling.
"Mom… I can't… I can't take this pain. I feel like I should just die… to be with Mineko."
"Wait." Alicia stepped forward, tears gathering. "Flux… will you believe me, just this once?"
Flux raised his head, eyes shaking.
"…Yes, Mom."
Mike nodded silently.
"Then… forgive me." She lifted her trembling hands. "I'll erase this life. Your memories, your suffering. You'll be reborn."
Flux exhaled. "Do it… please… anything."
Mike whispered: "If it means peace… yes."
Alicia bit her lip. "I'm sorry, my son… my heart… but I must."
She raised her hand and chanted:
"Zin Getsu… Kaga Naame… Su Shin Haai…"
Light wrapped around Flux and Mike. Their bodies began to dissolve into glowing fragments.
Their eyes grew hazy.
Flux whispered: "Bye, Mom…"
Mike forced a smile: "Bye, Aunty. Flux… be my best friend again… in the next life."
Flux: "…Me too."
Alicia's tears fell. "You will find each other again. You will become what you're meant to be. Please… forgive me."
As the last fragments of their bodies faded, Flux thought:
I know… I know… You're not really my mother… but please… take care of me, Caretaker.
---
Rebirth
Morning.
Bzzzz—Bzzzz.
A phone alarm blared.
"Good morning, wake up… Good morning…"
Flux groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Ugh… it's already morning?"
From downstairs:
"Flux! Are you awake?"
"Yes, Mom!"
"Breakfast is ready—come down before it gets cold!"
"Okay, but shower first!"
Water splashed. Shhhhhh.
Flux sighed in the steam. "Ahhh… feels good."
He bounded down the stairs, hair still damp, and sat at the table.
"Mama, my milk?"
"It's right here."
He smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mom."
(Author's note: Flux still only drinks milk for breakfast—it's his comfort.)
Flux: "I'm off to school!"
Mom: "Bye, sweetheart! Don't be late!"
---
At School
Flux entered his class. His best friend looked up.
Mike: "Yo, Flux!"
Flux: "Yo, Mike!"
They grinned at each other. Familiar… but they didn't yet understand why.
Suddenly—
DOOOOOOM!
The ground shook. Windows rattled.
Mike shot up. "W–what was that explosion?!"
Flux's eyes narrowed. "…I don't know. But it's close."
They rushed outside.
Smoke rose from a crater near the schoolyard.
And there—standing calmly in the chaos—was a lone figure, untouched by flame.
Flux stepped forward cautiously. "Who… are you?"
The man smiled faintly.
"You figured it out quickly. Impressive. In your language…" He raised his hand. "…I am God."
Flux and Mike froze.
"W–WHAT?!"
The ground trembled again.
---
Later…
Mike's voice was low as he explained everything to White.
"That's the full story… I only regained my memories when Flux fell unconscious."
White's eyes widened. So… this entire time… they've been carrying such weight…
Hidori clenched his fists.
"…I quit doubting. They're something beyond what I can measure. Now I understand why the Lord chose them."