Reincarnation. Also called rebirth or transmigration.

Philosophical or religious belief that the non-physical essence of a living being starts the new life in a different physical form or body after biological death.

But to explain reincarnation we don't need Wikipedia's definition. You can use three words, 'being born again'.

Question is. Do you believe in transmigration?

Not long ago, Hikari's answer would've been 'no'. She deeply connected with logical side of the world. As she often used to say, 'world can only be explained by science'.

She didn't give a second thought to the possibility of spirits or gods existing in this world. The so called 'hope of humanity' was nothing but a bullshit to her. A tool used to control masses. Of course, she would never admit to her beliefs as long as she lived in her grandma's house.

The old woman was a very superstitious person. Raising her grandchildren to always follow the old rules. Never sleep facing north! Don't kill spider in the morning! Don't step on the border of a tatami mat! Hide your belly button! Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice! And remember to avoid number 4!

So many useless things to remember.

Even if Hikari didn't want to believe in those radical things, she often found herself following whatever her grandma instilled from a young age. Human brain was an interesting and mysterious thing which was why Hikari wanted to become scientist so badly. To find an answer to questions that tormented her for years and discover new ones.

That was the main difference between Hikari and her younger sister. Kiyoko loved reading traditional ghost stories. She believed in them and was very careful just so she wouldn't anger any of the spirits. Often joking how one day her dear sister will get herself into some mess if she didn't start respecting the old beliefs passed down from generation to generation.

Not only that but two sisters also had very different hobbies. Hikari's interests focusing on science. The mountains of books she borrowed from their neighbour who was majoring in chemical engineering often scattered around the house. On the other hand, Kiyoko preferred to dive into the world of pop culture. The younger girl often ranted about latest trends to her grandmother and older sister, not caring if they understood a word she said. Hikari willingly listened to her internal debates whatever the recommended comics were worth the time she spent on reading them or she could've used this time more productively by playing her favourite games.

Ah, the world of otome games. That was something Hikari understood even less. The handsome and sparkly boys her sister loved so much. She often spent all of her pocket money on their merch. Sometimes asking Hikari for help with getting the limited edition ones. Of course, the older girl would help her little sibling however she could. The two of them often staying up all night just to clear the game as per Kiyoko's request. Hikari didn't mind sleepless night as long as she could spend some time with her little sister.

Lately, it was a rare thing for them to enjoy each other's company and relax. Especially when Hikari was getting ready for entrance exams as a soon high school graduate. This year had been especially hard for her. Spending all of her free time on studying or helping her grandmother out. Grandma often suggested that she could ask Kiyoko for help but Hikari insisted on being the one to do all work. She would rather have her sibling play her favourite otome games or spend time with her friends than sitting at home doing chores.

Her grandma often scolded her for trying to take care of everything but Hikari thought her hard work was a good thing. She didn't find anything wrong with her way of thinking. After all, trough all those years since their parents got that big promotion and started to focus on their work and providing money to their family, she was the one to shoulder all responsibilities. She didn't mind losing extra hours of sleep, if she could relieve her grandmother off some of her work.

With the same way of thinking she managed to bring doom upon herself.

It was one of those morning after she barely managed to get a wink of sleep. Kiyoko had a big test coming and since the subject was one of those Hikari excelled at, she immediately offered her help. After making sure she understood everything, both girls helped their grandmother out with preparing dinner. Hikari made sure her sister went to sleep earlier and the older woman took the medications before bed. Finally she could start with her own studies.

Hikari's friends immediately noticed the exhaustion on her face. They didn't let her go without good scolding before classes started. Maiyumi couldn't help but look in her direction from time to time to make sure Hikari didn't faint. The smaller girls suspicions were right.

In the middle of the class, Hikari asked the teacher if she could step out for a second since she wasn't feeling the best. Suzuki-sensei knew about her student's tendency of overworking herself. Concerned she asked if going to the nurse wouldn't be better but Hikari quickly denied.

Before she could take a step out of the door, her vision began to get blurry. Stabilising herself with the help of the door frame, she took a deep breath trying to shake off the weird feeling. Immediately blaming it on exhaustion and standing up too quickly, she didn't hesitate to take another step. Before Hikari could wrap her head around the current situation, she lost the footing and her vision went dark.

Waking up with the pounding headache, Hikari had a hard time opening her eyes. Giving herself time to ground herself, the young girl took a deep breath before her eyes opened. The ceiling before her was rather unfamiliar. It wasn't the same white ceiling in nurse's room (which she hated to admit but was a frequent visitor at) or the one in her room. This one was rather rich looking. Full of golden rose details.

She turned her head to take a better look at the place she was taken care at. Her eyes met the strange, bright orange ones.

「 My Lady! 」the woman with the strange eyes shouted out. 「 You finally woke up! 」

「 Mariel, stop screaming and go inform Master and Mistress that Young Miss opened her eyes, 」orange eyed woman nodded and quickly run out of the room.「 Jocey, you go get a doctor. 」

Hikari looked at the woman who went around and gave everyone orders. She seemed to be their superior with the air that surrounded her. Even if she didn't say anything, Hikari could immediately tell she was someone of higher rank with the confidence and strictness she carried herself. She reminded Hikari of her mother.

Looking closely, she was wearing rather strange clothing. It wasn't the usual nurse attire that they wore in hospital. The dress was similar to those of maids' attires from Kiyoko's favourite games.

Hikari furrowed her brows trying to make sense from the situation she was currently in. The headache still wouldn't go away which made everything two times harder. The usually quick-witted girl couldn't grasp what was going on.

「 My Lady, please don't try to get up. Doctor will be there soon. 」the brown haired woman reassured Hikari.

Young girl nodded at woman's words and got lost in her thoughts trying to figure out her current situation. The weird way to address her, the place she was currently in. It didn't look like she was in Japan anymore. Did someone kidnap her? But before losing concussion she was at school.

Hikari chuckled at her ridiculous explanations. Of course, it wasn't kidnapping. There was no way someone would kidnap a high school girl, transport her across the world and to dress everyone up like it was 18th century just to play a prank on her.

'Alright, Hikari. Think logically' she thought. There had to be some explanation to what was happening. It wasn't as if some magic got involved. Which of course didn't exist. There had to be some scientific answer to all of this.

Before Hikari could get lost in her thoughts again, the door to the room burst open. The first to come in was, what Hikari assumed, a doctor. Behind him stood shaken up woman in the embrace of a blond man. The woman looked straight at the lying girl with a face full of worry.

「 Albree! My sweet child! 」she run up to Hikari not minding the doctor who tried to get to the girl first.

It was clear as day that she was referring to Hikari with that strange name.

One word went trough the young girl's head.

Reincarnation.