Chapter 63: Facing the Past

As Silver Moon Apartments became the center of an interdimensional community, Alex and Kai's lives grew increasingly busy. However, beneath all the bustle, Kai harbored an unsolved mystery, a past he had been avoiding.

One night, Alex woke to find Kai missing from bed. He left the room and found Kai standing alone on the balcony, gazing into the distance with a profound look.

"Another nightmare?" Alex asked softly, approaching Kai.

Kai nodded slightly, his voice a bit hoarse: "Yes, the same dream. I see my family calling out to me, but I can't reach them."

Alex gently wrapped an arm around Kai's shoulders: "Maybe... it's time to face it?"

Kai was silent for a long while, then finally took a deep breath: "You're right. I can't run forever. But I... I'm afraid."

Alex held Kai's hand: "Don't be scared. I'll be with you. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

The next morning, Alex and Kai went to the control room and explained the situation to Leo.

"I need to return to my original world," Kai said, his voice trembling slightly, "I need to face my past."

Leo's hologram flickered: "I understand. But be careful, crossing over to your original world might have some unpredictable consequences."

"We'll be careful," Alex promised, "Is there anything we need to pay special attention to?"

Leo thought for a moment: "According to my calculations, you can only stay in that world for 24 hours at most. Exceeding this time could seriously affect the balance of the multiverse."

Kai nodded: "Understood. So, how do we get there?"

Leo pointed to a special portal: "This door will take you directly to Kai's original world. Remember, you must return in 24 hours."

Alex and Kai exchanged a glance, took a deep breath, and stepped into the portal together.

After a moment of dizziness, they found themselves in a world both strange and familiar. The sky here was pale purple, with tiny points of light floating in the air.

"This is your home?" Alex marveled.

Kai nodded, his eyes full of complex emotions: "Yes, this is the Shadow World. Come, I'll take you to my former home."

They passed through a dark forest and arrived at an ancient castle. The castle walls seemed to be made of pure shadow, constantly shifting shape.

Just as they were about to enter the castle, an authoritative voice sounded: "Who dares to intrude on the territory of the Shadow family?"

Kai froze, and Alex could feel him trembling slightly.

"It's me, Father," Kai finally spoke, his voice shaking, "I... I've come back."

The castle gates slowly opened, and a tall figure emerged. It was a stern-faced middle-aged man, his eyes like two bottomless lakes.

"Kai?" The man's voice held surprise and a barely detectable softness, "You've finally returned."

Kai lowered his head: "Yes, Father. I... I've come to face my past."

The man's gaze turned to Alex: "And who is this?"

"This is Alex," Kai introduced, his voice suddenly firm, "My partner, and my companion."

Surprisingly, Kai's father showed no displeasure or surprise. He merely nodded: "Come in, we have much to discuss."

They followed Kai's father into the castle. The interior was much warmer than it appeared from outside, with walls covered in family portraits.

In a spacious reception room, Kai's mother was also waiting. When she saw Kai, tears immediately welled up in her eyes.

"My child," she said softly, opening her arms.

Kai hesitated for a moment, then rushed into his mother's embrace. Years of suppressed emotions finally burst forth, and he began to sob silently.

Alex stood nearby, feeling both happy for Kai and a bit uneasy. He didn't know what would happen next.

When Kai calmed down, his father spoke: "Kai, we've been searching for you all these years since you left. We... I'm sorry for putting so much pressure on you."

Kai looked up, surprised: "You're... you're apologizing?"

His father nodded: "Yes. I realized our expectations for you were too high. We only saw the family's responsibility and ignored your feelings."

His mother held Kai's hand: "We're proud that you've found your own path. We've heard about your deeds at Silver Moon Apartments. You've become a true guardian."

Kai felt dizzy, the knot in his heart suddenly unraveling after all these years.

"I... I always thought you'd blame me," Kai said softly.

His father shook his head: "We were disappointed, but more worried. Seeing you return safely now, having found your own mission, we feel immensely relieved."

Alex felt it was time to say something: "Kai is an amazing person. He's brave, kind, and the best partner and companion one could ask for."

Kai's parents looked at Alex, a glimmer of appreciation in their eyes.

"Thank you for taking care of our son," his mother said warmly.

His father nodded: "It seems the future of the Shadow family will continue in a way we hadn't anticipated."

In the time that followed, they shared their experiences. Kai learned that since his departure, the Shadow family had also been gradually changing, trying to find a balance between tradition and modernity.

As the 24-hour limit approached, Kai felt lighter and more at peace than ever before.

"We need to go," Kai told his parents, "But I promise, I'll come back to see you often."

His parents embraced Kai, then Alex.

"Take care of each other," his father said, "Remember, no matter where you are, this will always be your home."

As Alex and Kai left the castle, preparing to return to Silver Moon Apartments, Kai looked back at his family castle one last time.

"How do you feel?" Alex asked softly.

Kai smiled with relief: "It feels like a huge burden has finally been lifted. Thank you for coming with me, Alex."

Alex squeezed Kai's hand: "We're one, remember? Your past is my past."

As they stepped into the portal, Kai felt complete at last. He was no longer the shadow manipulator running from his past, but a true guardian, one with his family's support.

Back at Silver Moon Apartments, the entire building seemed to sense Kai's change. Previously dark corners became bright, and shadows were no longer something to fear, but full of warmth and power.

Alex and Kai stood in the rooftop garden, looking at the starry night sky. They knew this was just another milestone in their long journey. But at this moment, they were more confident than ever that they could face any future challenges.

Because now, they not only had each other, but also the support of families from two worlds. With the power of love and understanding, nothing was impossible to overcome.