Goodbye

-1st person-

??? Years later,

And I eventually left my home. To go back to my fifth birthday. I wonder how I'll get out of this one...

A portal was created in front of me as I held Eris, who was in the form of a teddy. Slowly, I took one step, then the other.

I went through space, just like that day. And within a few minutes, I fell face flat onto an unfamiliar ground. I stood up, brushing the dirt off my clothes as I tightly held Eris. I then looked up at the crowd surrounding the house behind me. It was vaguely familiar...

Ah! That used to be my house, it's changed so much. Or not at all... Let's not sweat the details.

This was the problem, there was a crowd. I couldn't just go up to someone yelling Mom! Dad! Since I can't even remember what they look or sound like. Not even a feeling. So if I tried that and went to the wrong person, I could be called a creep, or worse, my biological parents wouldn't even notice me. It wouldn't even occur to them that it's me. And that's bad because then I wouldn't have a cushion to bounce back on. I'd be a nameless child judged as an orphan and then it'd her even more difficult to find allies...

Just then, I noticed 2 people who looked even worse than the rest.

Aha.

A faint memory popped up in my head, 2 people with similar features to mine.

Well, they looked like they'd aged 20 years since my only and last memory, their faces gaunt and eyes wide as they stared at me. And then they both simultaneously ran at me, I almost walked back to dodge the hug they threw at me...

That would've been embarrassing. Wouldn't it?

I stared at the 2 expressionlessly for a moment before returning the hug with a smile, it was flawless and displayed true happiness. With the crinkle at the corner of my eyes as they curled, if you looked deep within though, you'd find a concealed dryness.

"Ray! Where have you been?!" The female yelled.

"I'm, I don't know!" I stuttered as I spoke, feigning fear and clasping the 2 harder.

This further worsened their faces as he hurriedly checked my temperature and checked me closely to see if I was hurt. Soon after, they seemed to have calmed down and we slowly sat back down on the grass. We would've been in the cottage but there were too many spectators and they didn't want to move me an inch. For some reason...

"Uhm... Rayna, Laud, there are some Purples looking for you over there. Uhh, who's that kid over there?" A woman walked in and pointed to a random spot behind her and then she stared at me.

Ah, right. There were 2 or 3 factions and my parents were a part of the Purples.

"What do you mean? This is Ray, my son." Rayna said indignantly.

"But Ray had..." Her gaze wandered up to my head, I also thought the hair thing was strange too...

"Well? We look exactly the same except for that point." We didn't really, I took after Laud's white hair and most of his facial features whilst a few were after Rayna.

Laud was a fragile and intelligent-looking man with the personality of one too. The first impression you'd get of him when you first meet is someone who owns a cat and works as a teacher. A kind yet quiet person.

Rayna, however, looked more like a farmer. If Laud looked like he'd break with even a little force, Rayna looked like she could break anyone with a little force. It wasn't her physical appearance or anything, but the aura she exuded. It was an aura of power and coupled with her sharp eyes, she looked like a scary woman. However, she was the complete opposite, she was a very nice person who'd give flowers to all her friends if she could.

However, no one bothered to correct Rayna's statement.

"Well, shouldn't we test him then?"

No, we can't have that... I barely remember the name of the (dead) pet rat I used to experiment on.

"Don't be silly, Raymond's but a child. We can't test a child or else it will be dangerous for his mental health. I've already noticed and he is almost exactly like our child. The only difference is his demeanor and hair. That could also contribute to the shock of almost dying though." Laud argued in a serious tone, although, I don't really understand why my mental health matters only right now. They must have not noticed it...

Just as that happened, 2 people in purple robes walked over and politely bowed to Laud and Rayna.

"Mr. and Mrs. Valtere, we came on urgent notice at your call for help. What is it that needs assistance." The one in front spoke as his gaze lingered on my hair before turning to them.

"Ah, right. Raymond almost died, so we would like to have you check on his health. Please make sure there is nothing wrong with him." Rayna spoke, she seemed to take the lead in these situations as she looked at the purple-robed person with a hardened gaze.

"Hmm. I see, we will take Raymond to our headquarters for a check-up and will return him to you after affirming his health." He looked around before continuing, "Where is that child anyway?"

"What do you mean? Ray's right here." She turned to me as the Purple widened his eyes and gaped his mouth.

"Ah. Ah? Isn't Raymond supposed to have white hair?" He tilted his head as he spoke.

"But he almost died, doesn't that suggest a situation that occurred to cause his hair to change color?" Laud spoke in Rayna's place this time.

"Okay... You will need to write a report for the Branch Leader later."

"Yes, I understand." Laud agreed quickly before helping me up and taking me to the man who stared at me with piercing eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Sir..." I purposely slurred the end of my words, waiting for a reply.

"We've already met, it's me, Crimson." He gave a mini bow to me and then turned to Laud and Rayna and then he continued, "We will take him back to headquarters for a check-up now and return as soon as possible."

They said bye and then it was my turn to be alone with 2 strange men that I don't know.

Crimson seems vaguely familiar... Ah, right! He's the purple who'd always come and go to make sure I didn't go over to another faction.

Shortly after we left, Crimson began a conversation with me. We talked about random things and soon enough, I felt comfortable with him.

We arrived at the main office for the Purples and I had a check-up. Answering questions checking my power and so on.

I was deemed to have partial memory loss and I also made sure to lower my rank to Count. Everyone was surprised but they thought the situation caused enlightenment for me. Which was kind of the goal all along.

Then, I was taken back to the cottage where the results were told and I had to take many pictures in commemoration of my new rank.