In the heart of the bustling city marketplace, amidst a haze of incense and mingled voices, a young girl, no more than fifteen, stood atop a raised wooden platform. The towering structures around the square—painted in faded reds and adorned with gold, curving rooftops—loomed above like the watchful eyes of silent ancestors. Mei’s slender form, accentuated by a small box supporting her, contrasted sharply with the harsh rope encircling her neck, casting a somber shadow over the chaotic scene below.
At ground level, standing on a slightly elevated pedestal, a weaselly-looking man with a wiry mustache began to make a public announcement. His voice, loud and piercing like a gong in a quiet temple, carried further than expected, drawing the crowd’s full attention.
“People of the glorious Kuro Empire! We have gathered together to witness what happens when you insult the Eternal Emperor or his family.” The man’s arm shot out, pointing dramatically at Mei, who wore a tattered robe resembling little more than a burlap sack. Traditional Kuro script, elegant and refined, had been hastily scrawled across the platform’s base, spelling criminal. “This girl, as lowly and wretched as she is, attempted to harm his royal majesty, Crown Prince Ryohei,” he sneered, his fingers clutching an ivory fan decorated with ink-drawn dragons.
The crowd murmured, some clutching wooden prayer beads, others fanning themselves with paper fans decorated in intricate floral designs. A few were wrapped in silk robes embroidered with auspicious symbols like cranes and clouds, their brows knit with interest and suspicion. The elders in the crowd frowned, muttering incantations under their breath, casting brief glances toward the platform.
Mei stood on her toes, her face expressionless as she scanned the onlookers. Though petite, her presence held an undeniable intensity. Her snow-like skin, smudged with dust, was as smooth as white jade, and her long, midnight-black hair was tied back into a ponytail with a worn red cord, the color symbolic of vitality and protection. Her almond-shaped eyes, however, drew the most notice—unsettling ice-blue irises that were almost unheard of in a land where dark eyes were considered not only normal but a mark of purity. Many in the crowd whispered among themselves, casting wary glances at her.
“Those eyes… they say she is cursed,” a woman murmured to her companion, clutching her jade amulet for protection. “Blue eyes are a sign of misfortune.”
“Well, that was only half true,” Mei thought, unable to suppress a flicker of sarcasm. She knew her crime was not one of malice against royalty; she had merely attempted to steal the crown prince’s coin purse and had been caught. In the ensuing struggle, she had dared to kick him, even biting his hand in a final, desperate attempt to escape. “Of course, how could I have known I was biting a prince?” she thought, a wry smile ghosting over her lips.
Below, the man continued his speech, his voice adopting the cadence of a ritual chant. “This girl will serve as an example for all who might think to disrespect the Emperor’s blood,” he announced, brandishing a short ceremonial sword from his sash, its blade inscribed with characters signifying “justice” and “retribution.” He looked at Mei with a theatrical flair, his narrow eyes glinting.
A faint shiver coursed through her as the rope tightened slightly. Mei's eyes scanned the vibrant reds and golds of the market stalls, the lingering scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced wine, the faint music of a street performer’s shamisen drifting through the air. For a brief moment, her heart ached for these simple things, the sights and sounds that she would never again experience. But alongside the sadness was a relief that washed over her like the cool, cleansing rains of early spring.
“This world has given me nothing,” she thought, looking out over the onlookers who had already decided her fate. Though her heart was young, her soul felt worn, burdened by the years of poverty and hardship that lay behind her.
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The man gave a final, solemn bow, his robe sleeves fluttering with the reverence of a monk offering incense. “For her crime, she is to be delivered to the afterlife.” And with a single swipe of his sword, he cut the rope holding the trap door beneath Mei.
SWWACK!
The sickening sound of the rope going taut was accompanied by a collective gasp from the crowd, their fans and parasols suddenly frozen in mid-motion. Some onlookers quickly turned away, while others pressed hands to their chests, muttering prayers to the gods of fortune and prosperity. To many, it was a relief—a purification of sorts—to see the “cursed child” gone.
As the crowd dispersed into the narrow cobblestone alleys, past red-lacquered doorways adorned with protective charms, they cast away their thoughts of disgust as quickly as they came. The marketplace returned to its usual bustling rhythm as if nothing of consequence had transpired.
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“Well… that hurt,” a thought surfaced in Mei’s mind as her soul detached from her body. Floating above, she gazed down at her lifeless form swaying gently with the wind, her pale face framed by strands of black hair. The sensation was disorienting but surprisingly calm, almost like drifting on the gentle waters of a river. “So this is what death is like?”
The world blurred and shifted around her, colors swirling and twisting until she found herself racing through dense clouds, speeding toward a distant light. She was pulled toward a massive citadel built atop the peak of an unending mountain. The towering structure resembled a temple, its spires reaching into the heavens, with carved stone dragons coiling around pillars and ornate lanterns casting a soft glow.
When she finally stopped, Mei found herself in a grand hall, the walls shimmering as if illuminated by the sun itself. Intricate murals of gods, dragons, and mythical creatures covered the walls, telling stories she vaguely recognized from the temple folklore of her childhood.
“Um…hello? Er…what is going on?” Mei called out, feeling strangely small and out of place amidst the grandeur.
“Ehem!” A voice, as deep as a temple bell, echoed behind her.
Turning, Mei saw a man dressed in traditional Kuro robes of deep azure and silver, a jade belt securing his robes, from which hung a large, curved sword. His hair was tied in a high topknot, and his face bore the serene wisdom of a temple sage, tempered by a mischievous glint in his eye.
“Welcome, Mei, to the afterlife,” he said with a smile that seemed almost amused.
“What is going on? I know I just died… but I never thought…” Mei’s voice trailed off, marveling at the possibility that she might have reached the heavenly realms. She knew from countless temple tales that only the greatest heroes and those who honored the gods could earn such a place.
“Yuk yuk yuk!” The man chuckled, shaking his head. “No, child, I am not here to grant you eternal peace alongside the gods,” he said with a slightly mocking tone. “I am merely the caretaker, charged with maintaining the balance the One has decreed.”
Mei’s face fell, and she looked away, wondering what fate awaited her if not peace.
“Child, my name is Kozuma, god of rebirth.” The man’s voice softened. “And I have chosen to grant you another chance. Consider it a small act of mercy—though I must admit, I could use the entertainment.” His mouth curled into a grin. “I am going to reincarnate you fifty years into the future. You’ll look much the same, but I’ll make one small improvement: this time, you will have a family.”
“Wait!” Mei protested, raising her hands. “You’re reincarnating me, but what good is that if I still have these eyes? People will always see me as cursed!”
Kozuma chuckled again, his robes rustling like a breeze over silk. “Oh, child, you may curse those eyes now, but one day you will see the truth of the gift you have been given. The world you knew was but a small piece of what lies beyond. Live well, young Mei…” He paused, a glint of something ancient and knowing in his gaze. “I think your name suits you, so we’ll keep it, yuk yuk yuk!” He laughed heartily, flicking her forehead lightly. The motion sent Mei hurtling backward, and in an instant, everything went black. A sense of peace enveloped her as the world faded away.