The pounding of my feet rings in my ears.

"Give it up, murderer."

They're close and drawing tight my noose.

The Death Cult, the martial sects, and the Heavenly Way acolytes.

Each has a reason to want me dead. But, for them all to rally to a common cause...

All I can do is run and fight for my life.

The mountain is tall and the pursuers' stamina is failing.

But, mine is of stronger fortitude.

I've trained my body and spirit for situations like this.

If I can just pick them off as they approach, then maybe...

No such luck. They are weary of drawing close alone.

Still, I charge one of the martial sects.

One man comes to the front of the column.

"Come to submit, murderer?"

I laugh as I strike out with a palm.

There is a distance between us as I attack.

The chi of my inner energy projects out to strike the man.

He smirks as he bats the attack away.

But, he fails to defend against my leap. My hand, like a knife, cuts into his chest.

Surprise registers on his face as he coughs up a mouthful of blood.

The man falls as I look at his sect's soldiers.

Fear registers on their faces.

But, I have dallied for too long. I turn once more to my fleeing as the Death Cultists draw close.

My path is blocked as Heavenly Way acolytes, adepts, and masters predicted my move.

I let a deep breath escape me.

I've killed more than one of them today.

I hear several shouts. Murderer and heretic being accompanied by various curses.

My movement stopped, and all of my enemies slowly circle me.

I wonder how terrible my deeds must have been to merit such a gathering.

I throw up my hands as they posture.

One man from the Heavenly Way steps forward, just out of my range.

"Fellow martial artists," he amplifies his voice with chi, "this day shall go down in history as the triumph of man over chaos.

"This day, we extinguish the light of the barbarian who has brought war upon our lands. Who has stolen the secret techniques of our orders."

The Death Cultists voice their anger at these words.

"I, Brother Gob, of the Heavenly Way sentence the barbarian, Meridian, to death."

I watch the show as each faction steps forward to condemn me to death.

Silence rings out and I feel the wind.

This mountain is peaceful.

Cries of rage break out as the masses fall upon me.

It really is peaceful.

"Ahh," I moan.

It's unpleasant.

The air, the light.

What's going on?

"Congratulations," I hear. "It's a healthy boy."

I can't comprehend what they're talking about.

The wetness on my body dries when I'm wrapped in something warm.

My thoughts are difficult to process.

"Wahh," comes out of me when I try to ask what's going on.

A kindly, if sweaty, looking woman smiles down on me.

I find myself feeling safe in a way I never have before.

What is this?

A man peaks into my vision.

"Hello, Adam."

He reaches out a finger, massive to my eyes.

My fingers clutch the huge digit while I try to process what's going on.

Before I can fully digest my situation, I find myself pushed into the woman's chest.

Rather than fight it, I find myself feeding.

Sleep soon takes me.

Time is a weird thing in this world of Titans. I find a life of comfort unfamiliar to me.

I've realized by now what's happened.

After I died on the mountain, I reentered the cycle of reincarnation.

What I don't understand is why I remember my past life.

Perhaps this is as it always is. You remember from the beginning and forget as you get older.

I don't remember much of my childhood.

Hunger and fear are what I remember.

I find myself pampered for the very fact of my weakness.

It's not a bad life, I think.

Day and night pass as I am ever close to my mother.

She's a gentle creature. And, I try not to cry too much for her.

My father is some sort of state official. Our home is more extravagant than I am used to.

Sitting up and rolling over are my big accomplishments and Mom is always excited as I grow more comfortable moving under my own power.

Rather than forgetting my past life, I'm remembering more and more as I age.

My name, the name I chose for myself, was Meridian.

I am the barbarian, the heretic, the murderer, and every other vile title they could conceive of.

I shouldn't have been gifted such a rebirth if karma were measured.

It's not that I was evil, I just knew that I couldn't live among the dregs of society.

Those in power stay in power. And, those at the bottom stay at the bottom.

All I wanted was to change that.

But then, I'm not Meridian anymore. I'm Adam.

Today, my mother takes me out to the garden.

It's a scene that only the wealthy get to enjoy.

The flowers are exotic and colorful.

My mother enjoys reading to me under a tree.

It's a tale I've heard before. The sage emperor and his four magical beasts.

"The great warrior Nile sought council from the sage emperor. But, first, he had to prove himself.

"The first beast conceded his victory. And, the second and third. But, the final beast refused to submit before a man other than his master.

"Their battle was long and hard fought. Both warrior and beast were on the verge of death.

"It was at the moment that any blow could lead to death that the sage emperor interceded and recognized Nile's bravery and skill.

"The sage emperor gifted Nile with the boon of knowledge of the law.

"From this boon, Nile forged the kingdom of Karas. Our kingdom."

Mom looks at me expectantly.

I let a giggle pass my lips and raise my arms.

It brings a smile to her face and I feel glad.

Months and years pass like the blink of an eye.

I'm walking now and mom's belly is swollen once more.

I'm going to be an older brother.

I think about how family hadn't been a part of my old life.

There are times when I stop playing as memories, bad ones, stir in my subconscious.

"Adam," my mother says, "what's wrong?"

She has a concerned look. She often worries when this happens.

I stare at her a moment before smiling, "Nothing's wrong, Mommy."

I may have memories of a past life. But, I'm still a child.

She always frets over the smallest things. I just need to tame my memories.

The new baby is a joyous occasion. My little sister, Mai, has joined our family.

I find my first thoughts being how alien she looks.

But, then she clutches my finger.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

I'm happy to be a big brother.

My life is content.

But, life will always have trials.

As soon as I began speaking, my father began hiring tutors that teach me a variety of things.

Language and basic arithmetic fill my days and I can't help but want to train with the sword instead.

Despite how much I hate it, my grades on the practice tests are exemplary.

The benefit of an adult education, if limited, pushes me to greater heights.

"My lord, Kedro, I believe that when young lord, Adam, enters his sixteenth year, he will not only pass the civil service examination. But, he will be among the top percentile."

I listen behind the door as the tutor makes promises that I'll have to keep.

My father is pleased as he comes into my room.

He picks me up.

"You," he says as he looks into my eyes, "will bring honor to our family."

I smile. It is nice to have a family to care so much about.

Still, the classes are never-ending.

Days weeks and months pass.

My sister has grown from a small, snot-nosed, creature to a somewhat bigger, snot-nosed, creature.

She's crawling and testing her legs.

My family life is content.

But, I desire something more.

"Father."

"Yes?" my father looks at me curiously.

"I'd like to learn martial arts."

His brow furrows.

"Don't you want to work in the civil service? Your grades are important."

I knew I'd have to fight for this.

"Father, one must be prepared to adapt. Should I need to protect myself, or others, and not be able to would be greater dishonor than to have the ability but not the cause."

A smirk tugs at his lips.

"Quite the philosophy you've got there."

He pauses.

"Alright, I'll find you a fencing master."

I bow, "Thank you, Father."

He looks over me, "But, if your studies should begin to fall short..."

He leaves the thought unfinished and departs.

My fists clench in victory.

Some aspects of martial skills can be mental. But, the body needs to be cultivated. And, the earlier the better.

My smile is wide at the thought of training with the sword.

In my past life, I didn't pick up the sword as a weapon.

My hands were my weapons from a young age.

And, as my spiritual powers grew, it was the Open Palm style that I cultivated.

Each night I spend in quiet meditation.

It wasn't until I was an adult that I began cultivating my spirit seed.

The spirit seed is the source from which all spiritual arts get their power.

To be so young and cultivating with the insights of a lifetime passed is something I'll have to get used to.

Between studying and training, my schedule is fairly consumed.

But, I make sure I spend time with my mother and baby sister.

She crawls over to me and I realize how much I've grown.

"Adam, how was your day?" my mother asks.

"I learned about the Malik dynasty that King Nile founded. They ruled from 534 years to 381 years ago.

My mother smiles at me, "Very good. Tell me, what else have you learned about them?

I go through the facts and receive the accolades of a proud mother.

Mai crawls over to me and plays with my robe.

I give up on my recitation and spend the evening playing with my cute sister.

As I age, I become more conscious of all that goes into our life.

The maids and gardeners. All the little people that pamper me because of the family I was born into.

At every opportunity, I express my gratitude.

I remember being at the bottom.

A little kindness and appreciation does a world of good.

Time is on an ever-forwarding course as I mature past my tenth year.

"Ha!"

With the wooden sword in my hand, I let my chi pass from me and into the weapon.

The practice is something I take very seriously.

In my life as Meridian, life was something you had to fight for.

"Again."

My fencing master, Syrio, is an austere man. Despite my obvious talent, he never praises me.

I rather like him.

My routine is augmented by my spirit seed.

At ten years of age, my spirit seed is half that of my peak as Meridian.

A thrill courses through me as I devastate the air.

Every strike carries my will as the hours pass.

My morning training ends while the household rouses from their slumber.

"Thank you, master." I bow before the man.

He waves me away.

"Go on, little lord."

My time with him in the morning and evening are joy in my life.

But, playing at war is not my sole joy.

Mai stares at me from across the table.

I pay her no mind as food is passed around.

Duck flesh and cranberry sauce fill me after the trials of dawn.

I sigh, "What, Mai?"

My parents look up briefly from their meals. But, quickly turn back to the food.

Mai ponders, "Big brother, why do you train with the sword?"

I look into her innocent eyes.

A comforting smile comes over my face.

"If I don't learn to fight, how can I protect my little sister when she gets caught up in mischief?"

Dad chuckles as Mai looks indignant.

"What mischief?" Mai asks.

I throw up my hands, "Nothing. I was just saying."

Her indignant play turns into a smug smile.

"You haven't forgotten? Right?"

I look at her with a blank face.

"Remember what?" I play dumb.

Her ire is noticeable.

"We're going to the festival."

"Oh," I feign ignorance. "That. Well, huh."

She's trying to look angry. But, I know she sees through me.

I smile at her, "Of course I remember."

My mother cuts in, "You can have fun later, Mai. But, your studies come first."

My sister pouts. She doesn't like studying any more than me.

"On that note," I say. "Thank you, mother and father."

They both smile as I leave the table.

My education is handled by several tutors.

I have learned things about the history of Karas, and the continent, that would shock my past self.

The dynasties that have ruled Karas and the many laws by which the people are regulated.

My father's role is that of a bureaucrat. He manages the public purse of our city of Reyl.

The current dynasty that rules our kingdom is one thing I remember from my life as a Meridian.

Twenty years ago, my tribe, the tribe I chose, was hunted by the royal army.

What I lost at that time set me on the course that led me to that peaceful Mountain.

The Jal dynasty is still new, with only five decades of their reign.

Before, it had been the old fox who sent forth extermination squads.

But, now, the rule of his son, King Marchus, suppresses the masses.

The civil service examination is an egalitarian method for finding administrators. And, has been the standard method for filling out the government for generations.

Egalitarian in that anyone can take the exam. But, only those with wealth can afford the extensive education needed to succeed.

The day passes slowly as my tutors carry on about marriage ties, wars, and mathematics.

At last, I am let go.

I may have a high aptitude for learning. But, that doesn't mean I enjoy it.

Mai's classes ended earlier than mine and she waits in the courtyard for me.

Her smile is bright as she dances around in her new dress.

I come up to her with a smile.

"What do you think?" she asks.

Her purple dress compliments her black hair.

"It suits you."

She is bubbly as I say, "Just let me tell Mother we're going."

Mai nods respectfully.

Father is in his office in the city. His hours are longer than mine.

Mom sees us coming.

"Off to the celebration then?"

"Yes, mother.

Her eyes are warm as she looks over us, "Have fun. Take Leon with you."

Mai and I bow before going in search of the bodyguard.

Leon is a stalwart guardian, and his company will ensure our safety.

"Little lord," Leon says. "And, the little lady."

He bows politely.

"Are you busy, Leon?"

"Ah," the guard looks at his work. "It's nothing I can't do later. I imagine the lady has assigned me a task."

I nod, "We're going to the festival. If you could protect us..."

"Of course, little lord."

With our trio formed, we depart from the safety of our home.

The city streets are suitable for foot traffic. But, the odd horse can be heard clopping along.

Mai can't contain her excitement as she runs out ahead.

We don't get out of the mansion we live in very often.

Still, the streets are congested with the traffic of city dwellers obscuring my little sister's placement as we advance.

I was unconcerned as I placed a portion of my spirit upon her. It will be easy to find her at play.

But, Leon shows greater concern. "Little lady!" he calls.

She stops at his voice.

Sheepishly, Mai comes back to us.

She loops her arm through mine.

I smile as we continue on our path.

The fireworks will come when the sun has set.

Now we celebrate with food stalls and games.

We each have a purse, so there is no trouble in treating ourselves.

I enjoy odd food like small balls of pancake wrapped around a chewy bit of squid or octopus.

I think about my life before. I'd been to festivals as a child. I remember the first time I saw fireworks.

But, I only watched as others filled their bellies and played games.

As Mai plays an odd game of catching goldfish with a paper hoop.

I notice the numerous hungry eyes as young boys and girls watch on as we rich folk fill our bellies.

It leaves a disquiet in me as I think of how fortunate my sister and I are.

"Muu-" Mai groans. "I can't do this."

I smile as I look at the many hoops she had destroyed trying to catch the fish.

"Brother..." she whines, "catch me a fish."

I pat her head as she moves out of the way.

I buy one of the instruments.

My spirit spreads from my hand and into the paper.

I fortify it with as much spiritual energy as I am able.

In the blink of an eye, I sweep three goldfish into the waiting bucket.

Rather than carrying on, I allow my spirit to recede from the tool.

It breaks as I sweep for the fourth.

I look up to see the shock in the vendor's eyes.

"Uh," he says. "How did you...?"

I show my teeth as I smile at him.

We take our spoils.

Mai hugs me, "Thank you."

"You know..." I say. "You'll have to carry them until we get home."

A scowl takes her face before Leon sweeps in and takes the fish.

"Thank you, Leon."

His face is impassive as we return to our exploration of the booths.

We entertain ourselves with darts and strength tests.

Every time Mai is at her limits, I step up and claim the prize.

Leon carries it all without complaint.

The lanterns keep the festival going as night sets in.

"Come on. Come on." Mai drags me by the hand to the viewing area.

The first firework wails as it climbs into the air.

The explosion echoes all around as we come out into the open field.

Stars dance in my sister's eyes as she watches the spectacle.

As much as I want to enjoy the moment, my thoughts turn to the past.

Fire and the clamor of combat.

The roar of cannon fire. And, the screams of the dying.

The peasants' rebellion that Meridian had played a part in.

The Jal royal army and their cruel repression.

I catch my sister looking at me quietly.

Rather than watching the display, she looks at me with curiosity.

Self-consciously, I look away.

The fireworks continue with ever-grander explosions.

The colors and sounds keep us entertained as the night continues.

It's relaxing as we lie down in the grass to watch the sky.

The grand finale lights up the whole sky with colorful sparks.

As we stand, I can't help but see the stars in Mai's eyes.

"That was amazing," she says.

It was her first time watching such a display, so I'm not surprised by how much she enjoyed it.

"It was like flowers."

I nod my head.

Our path home is easy and Leon doesn't complain about his burden.

Our mother sees us return to safety.

Father waits in his study for our return.

"Hello, father," we say in unison. Bowing to show our respect.

He stands from his chair and sets his book aside.

"So," he smiles. "How was it?"

Mai regales our father with tales of exotic food and games with prizes.

He pats her on the head as she finishes.

"Sounds like fun. I'm sorry I couldn't be there."

Mai hugs my arm. "Big brother was there."

He chuckles, "I'm sure he will always be there for you."

"Go on, get ready for bed. I need to talk to your brother."

My sister obediently leaves.

"Sounds like you two had a lot of fun."

"Yes, father."

"You know, Adam," he pauses. "Your coming-of-age ceremony is still a few years away.

"You are but a child. And, yet, I feel you are a match for any man I've known."

I keep my silence as I wait for my father to reach his point.

"I find," my father says. "I find myself needing something from you, my son."

I feel I have some inkling of what he is about to ask of me.

"As you know, the Li family is a powerful force in Karas. They control 80% of the medicine market.

"Our family is small in comparison. Our business is more mundane.

"What I ask of you is for our family.

"Your renown as a genius scholar is known far and wide.

"Because of this, the Li family has looked kindly on our stature.

"They have proposed a marriage between you and the third-born daughter of the direct line."

I breathe in and out.

It's something I had expected to come up as I matured.

As Meridian, I never married. My lover had been taken from me.

"I will fulfill my duty to the family."

Father looks down on me. A sad smile on his face.

"It's not so bad, Adam. Your mother and I had an arranged marriage.

"She's as young as you are yet. But, the Li family promises her beauty as the blossoming of the lotus."

I nod.

"Thank you, Adam." he touches my shoulder. His eyes are on mine.

The moment passes and he turns once more to his book as I bow.

I find myself wondering how I feel about all this.

Sandra, the woman I loved as Meridian, is long dead.

No one would call her beauty as that of a blossoming lotus. She was worldly and down to earth.

She hadn't been a delicate flower preserved only for me.

But, I loved her.

I shake myself free of the past.

A son must give up his whims and wants for the advancement of his family.

In some ways, Meridian had more freedom than me.

But then, I'm not Meridian.

I can't remember when it was that I became a different person. But, I have.

Rather than going to bed, I have my nightly training to perform.

Syrio would be upset if I neglected my training for fun.

The moon is full as it illuminates the courtyard I train in.

First, I practice the kata. The strikes and routines as art.

No spiritual energy passes through me as I ensure that my base physical capacity is trained.

As the sweat beads on my brow, I memorize every routine and all the variants.

My motion stops.

My breathing steadies.

I feel the energy that stirs in me.

First, it circulates within me. The energy travels through my meridians.

I hold my wooden swords with both hands.

My energy spills into the weapon. It becoming an extension of my own body.

The sword rises and then falls.

A pop resounds through the courtyard and two feet in front of me the air collapses under my strike.

A string of pops let loose as I return to the routines.

As focused as I was on the standard kata, now I spend all of my energy to perfect the sequence of strikes.

Over and over, I train as the moon moves through the sky.

My practice ends and the courtyard goes silent.

I make my way, quietly, to my room.

My clothes are sweaty as I strip them from my body.

A wash basin rests in the corner.

After cleaning myself, I put on fresh robes.

My bed stands undisturbed. I don't use it.

I don't sleep in the conventional sense.

Seated on the floor, I meditate.

The deeper I go into my mind, the more rested I feel.

My spirit seed grows with each passing night.

The energy I command as Meridian has plateaued. I was a powerful warrior of the Open Palm path.

But, I had only learned as an adult.

Truly powerful warriors in the martial sects had been trained from a young age.

That would require the attention of a powerful practitioner.

I have Meridian to teach me all that I need to know.

I envision my spirit seed as if it were something separate from my body. A greater sphere with power coursing over and over.

It's larger than me. As it grows, I can't help but think it's growing into something more.

As Meridian, my seed had grown to capacity and been fairly uniform.

But, my spirit seed as it is now looks like it's dividing.

My life passes happily.

Mai grows more feminine as the years pass.

My coming of age is to be a great affair.

Our branch families show up for me as the heir of the main branch.

I can't help but feel the envy of my kin.

Those at the bottom usually stay there.