“Who am I?”

I was asked for my name,

but I couldn’t give an answer.

It was at that moment I realized that only my memories

connected me to my past, present, and even my future. 

The memories I’ve lost have erased my past self.

The memories I've recovered have erased my present self.

The memories I'll make will erase my future self. 

And yet, within a glimpse of scattered memories, hazy recollections come to mind. 

. 

. 

Kabuanian Year 286 

On a particularly bright and sunlit spring day, I stood atop a podium.

My intellect astounded a countless number of youthful eyes that had gathered before me.

Then... then a pitch-black sky. Ashen winds. Blood-filled screams.

The eyes of all life in the world were stained red, but my eyes soon regained their golden light.

And I found myself with youth that seemed eternal.  

. 

. 

Kabuanian Year 381 

On a summer day where even a single breeze felt precious,

the flowers in the kingdom of Edana had still yet to wilt.

While my body—fit to lead an entire civilization—was still young and magnificent,

my mind was gradually crumbling away. 

. 

. 

After an unknown length of time, 

I was leisurely reading in the library of an ivory tower. 

“Forty-nine suns will rain down from the heavens,

and he will return of his own accord to complete the final destiny.”

Suddenly, from my left, a bronze mirror reflected its light upon me.

And then… the sounds of increasingly ragged breathing 

and a wild heartbeat, like a horse startled by a bear.

Kabuanian Year 237 

On an autumn day where fallen leaves rustle with passing footfalls,

I was still alive.

But soon, I would have no choice except to promise to the world that I would return again.

. 

. 

And so, the unstoppable and immense passage of time moved forward. 

Elionian Year 286 

In a place shrouded by eternal winter, 

I was still alive, and I would live on.

. 

. 

The past is not the cause of the future, and the future is not the result of the past.

Only I could decide my fate and write the final ending.

My light will pierce through the never-ending darkness.

. 

. 

And now, I will answer the world’s question.

“My name is Rux Maha Dehkia, and…”