I always wondered what life is…
What it means to be alive…
Am I even worthy of being alive?
Well, I guess it's no use thinking about it now because I'm dying after all.
What a shitty way to go. And here I thought I was the protagonist of this story. Guess not.
At least I saved the kid. I wonder if he's doing alright. Maybe there was never really a reason behind my struggle. I thought I was doing the right things… but of course not. I'm a psycho who killed thousands—slaughtered for my own vengeance.
Sorry, sis. I died too….
I wonder if I'll meet you in the afterlife.
(a small chuckle) Of course… how stupid can I be? With my sins, I'm definitely going to hell. But still… it would be nice to see you again, sis. (tears slip down his face)
Well, I guess I'm passing on now…
So long, everyone.
Wait what's that light? I can't see anything…
"Richard, my dear Richard… mama is here."
What? Did I hear someone? Am I not dead yet?
"Richy, open your eyes… your papa is here."
Papa? Did he say papa? Am I having some kind of dream at the end of my life? Wait… I don't feel pain anymore. How's that possible?
(struggling to open eyes) Wait where am I? Wasn't I in Ogre Town? What's happening? Who are these people?
"Richy, my boy, welcome to this world. I'm your dad, Zachary Devontte."
"Honey, what are you doing? Our Richy is still a baby."
"Ha ha… I guess you're right."
Wait… I don't understand what's happening.
(lifts his tiny hand) Why is my hand so small? Why does my body feel so fragile… like a baby's?
Wait. Whaaaaat?! I've turned into a baby?!
"So, Richy dear, are you alright now?" (a gentle hand strokes my back)
"You seemed so puzzled earlier."
"Of course, he's puzzled, honey, he's just been born," Lilia says softly.
Okay… I get it now. I've been reborn as a baby.
I didn't think that was even possible. I've read about it in books, but never thought it could actually happen.
But more than that, why was I reborn?
And why do I still have my old memories?
I don't understand anything right now..
But this much is clear: I've been reborn, and these two people are my parents.
My dad Zachary. Handsome, with a bright smile, probably glowing because of his child's birth.
My mom Lilia. Beautiful, with silver hair and long ears. She must be from the elf race.
So I, Richard Emiry Devontte, am a half-human, half-elf.
"Dad, Mom, let us see Richy too!"
"Okay, okay but be gentle," Zachary says.
"Dominic, Stella, be careful with our Richy. He's still a baby," Lilia warns.
"We know, Mom! He's our precious little brother—we'll always protect him."
I guess these are my brother and sister.
They look so innocent… so caring.
Wait. All these people… they're really caring for me.
They… they genuinely love me. (his chest tightens, tears blur his sight)
How long has it been since someone cared for me?
(crying out loud)
"Hey! Dominic, what did you do?! You made him cry!" Stella accuses.
"No, I didn't do anything! Please don't cry, Richy. I'm so, so sorry!" Dominic panics.
It's not because of you, dummy… I don't even know why I'm crying.
But I do know this..
I'm happy.