It was a bustling day in the atypical city-state of Suffragjord, located in the vicinity of California. Zkhayan alien beings strolled through the streets, some headed to work, others just taking leisurely walks. And there I was, Kelsey, a “normal” human boy with a box on my head, navigating the busy streets, trying to get to school, blending into the crowd. My curious gaze admired the city's uniqueness, the different beings that inhabited it, and the lively interactions among them. 

– Jord City... the only place on Earth where humans are unwelcome – I sighed, speaking to myself. For adventurers and brave humans to live here, they would have to accept the rule of hiding their faces whenever they ventured outside, a rule said to be due to the significant historical debt that the human race owes to this people. No, I don't mind hiding my face; on the contrary, it's exactly for this reason and others that I decided to call this place home, despite all the difficulties and challenges I encounter here every day. My mother used to tell me to find a better, safer place, but I chose to stay here. I felt as peculiar as the zkhayans. I am a Remini in an alien city... it was as if I were the outsider and, at the same time, a natural inhabitant of this part of my own planet. The chilly wind blew, and I tightened my coat around me, trying to keep warm. The zkhayans still hadn't acclimated to Earth's climate, but for me, even as a human, it wasn't so bad. Maybe I fit in better here than in the outside world. 

– This is my place now. A world of differences and eccentricities that I've always identified with. – I speak to myself, trying to convince myself that I was in the right place. As I continued my walk, my mind wandered between memories of the past and possibilities for the future, remembering that I let my headphones come out of my ear causing me to have another nightmare about the "shadow being" in the last night, once again chasing me; it's a recurring nightmare I've had since childhood. In a way, I've always had a lingering suspicion that this had something to do with the star-shaped mark in my eye, a mark of a cursed person, or in other words, Reminiscent person.

Finally, I arrived at Zumdzkhai High School, a large building with distinctly futuristic architecture that stood out among the peculiar structures of Suffragjord City. The shiny walls of the building were covered in an iridescent material that reflected rainbow colors as sunlight hit it. The main entrance was adorned with a series of sleek and elegant columns, sculpted with alien symbols and patterns that conveyed an air of ancient knowledge and wisdom. As I entered the building, I was greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that never failed to impress me, no matter how many months I'd been there. The spacious corridors were lit by soft panels of light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all the students, the walls were adorned with abstract and holographic artworks, depicting scenes and landscapes from different worlds, stirring the curiosity and imagination of those who passed by. 

Throughout the corridors, zkhayans of all shapes and sizes moved about energetically. Some floated gently in the air, while others walked on their slender, elongated legs. Their colors and textures varied, ranging from soft pastel blues and greens to vibrant and iridescent hues, creating a true spectacle of colors and forms. As I walked, I noticed curious and fascinated looks from some zkhayans, who seemed intrigued by my presence among them, not yet accustomed to a human exchange student. There were also those who cast disdainful glances, clearly looking down on me. I didn't let those judgmental stares affect me. I had learned to ignore criticism and judgments since my time among humans. In fact, this resistance only motivated me to strive even harder to prove my worth as a Remini, even if I was different from the rest. 

With determination, I continued to traverse the corridors, maintaining an upright and confident posture, I entered my assigned classroom and chatted briefly with my classmate Gzhry, the curious one with pointed ears and a flat nose. He is a big fan of the giant robots called Voyageurs, just like me and the rest of the zkhayan population. Our common tastes apparently brought us closer. Professor Mrogx, the Zkha-Human sociology teacher, entered the room, and we all greeted him formally. In the classroom, the professor talked about the various types of abilities among the beings in Jord. I was paying attention, but my thoughts were elsewhere, still a bit shaken by the dream earlier. As time passed, my curiosity about my own uniqueness only grew. I felt that there was something more to me, something beyond the common abilities of Reminis. 

The bell for the break rang, and students filed out of the classroom, scattering across the school campus. I decided to walk to an open field on the outskirts of the school for a moment of reflection. That's when I bumped into Gzhry again, the most curious of the curious. 

– Hey, Boxy, you seem really deep in thought. What's bothering you? I've been noticing this for a while now,– Gzhry asked with a curious look. 

– It's a bit complicated to explain, Gryz... 

I took a deep breath, feeling the anxiety dissipate as I opened up to Gzhry. I looked into his bright eyes and saw a sense of trust there. In my limited experience with friendships, I believed that was a sign for me to confide in him about my Reminiscent secret. 

– Ok, bro. You've been my friend for three weeks, which might not be long, but I think it's enough for me to trust you. Um... I'm going to show you something that few people know, and I ask that you keep it a secret, okay? 

– Of course, Boxy, you can count on me. Your secret will be safe with me. –  he nodded, showing his understanding and loyalty by hooking his pinky finger with mine. – I learned to do the human pinky promise just for moments like this, hehe. 

I thinking it over, and then decided to take him to a special place: the green rooftop of the building, which I used as a personal refuge when I felt lost in my own ideas. Luckily, I knew it was empty at that moment. Since we were students, we had access to common areas, but the green rooftop was a place that wasn't always available, and that's where I led the Zkhayan up the internal stairs, avoiding the busy areas, until we finally emerged on the spacious green rooftop. My heart was racing; I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing, but sooner or later, I would have to share my secret as a Remini with my new friend. And, with a mix of fear and relief in my thoughts, I stopped at a point where we felt more isolated, and I was looking down, paying attention to the synthetic grass beneath us, until I slowly lifted my head, meeting Gryz's bright eyes through the box. The silence was a bit awkward but masked by the virtual birds ambient sounds in the highest audio quality.

– We're here... Now you'll understand why I'm in Jord. – I said, my voice slightly shaky with nervousness. With trembling fingers, I removed the box that covered my face, revealing my Remini mark. Gzhry's curious expression turned into surprise as he saw the intensely black star in my right eye, standing out alongside my golden eyes reflecting the sunlight. I noticed that Gzhry was truly impressed by the sight, showing no fear or rejection. That's good... it's the second time in years that someone has looked at me with respect and admiration. 

– That's so cool, Boxy! You're one of those Remini humans, right? But what does that black star mean? – He speaks enthusiastically – I thought Reminis used a diamond mark or something like that... hmm... And your eyes... they're an intense gold!

– Um, I'm still figuring it out... But I know there's something special about me, something that goes beyond the common abilities of Reminis. – I replied, feeling a special connection with my noble zkhayan friend. 

– Boxy, I don't have all the answers, but I'm here to support you. Your peculiarity is what makes you special, and I'm sure you'll find the answers you're seeking – Gzhry said sincerely, giving me a thumbs-up sign with his hand. 

The afternoon passed quickly as, instead of returning to class, we chose to sit on one of the wooden benches of the green rooftop, talking about our origins and our dreams for the future. Slowly, I felt more confident about my peculiarity, and I was so grateful to have a friend like Gzhry by my side, I didn't know it would be so nice to spend time speaking with someone while watching the grayish sun set on the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

[...]

Heading back home with convictions that there was much more to be discovered in Jord City, pondering on what mysteries, adventures, and answers about who I am awaited me, and I was determined to face it all with my "box held high."