Akina Neoma, a name that I hear quite often. A name that I gave myself since my birth parents weren't so kind. However, it surely wasn't my first name. You see, I remember my past life. Whether it be by accident from higher beings or some form of blessing or torture, it is true. I don't remember much, not even my original name. However; what I do know is that I had been a psychology major, and I seemed to be good at it. I could tell peoples' thoughts, emotions, state of mind, and whether or not a person was lying by looking at body movement, body patterns, and voice. Knowing what gave people away allowed me to become an expert at deception.
I also remember having a strange fascination with the human body and what could kill or injure a person. This was probably caused by my learning of self-defense and reading many books about serial killers, medicine, etc. The knowledge stayed with me even when I got reborn, in a world that isn't advanced at all and still relies on royalty, this allowed me to survive when I got abandoned by my birth parents at five. I knew exercises that could improve stamina, speed, and strength; which allowed me to outrun those I stole from to survive. It was something I'm not the proudest of. However; survival is animal nature.
One day, I made the best mistake of my life. I got caught stealing from an old baron. I saw the sparkle of jewels and I snatched it. His bodyguard saw me and made chase, saying words such as "Thief!". Of course, no matter how nimble I was. I couldn't outrun a knight. After a bit of running, I was caught. The knight grabbed me by my skinny wrist and took back the jewel I had taken. Its shiny scarlet appearance with gold accents that drew my attention in the first place. The guard also dragged me back to the old baron.
"Oh? What do we have here?" Said the old baron with a small smirk. The knight replied tiredly, as if he didn't want to be in this situation. "I'm sorry my lord. However, this child pickpocketed a jewel of yours. I'm sorry I couldn't prevent it in the first place." I was petrified. My thoughts could only comprehend the fact that I was caught and needed to escape. However, the old man's voice brought me back to my senses. " Aiya, all so much fuss over a simple jewel? You know very well I can afford millons of said jewerly if I wanted to. However, what did shock me is that I didn't feel or sense this child stealing it. I may be old, but my senses aren't bad." The guard nodded in agreement, holding my wrist tighter than before. "This... child was rather fast for their age. It was impressive, many criminals can only dream of said speed."
The old man pondered for a moment. I was getting nervous. What were they going to do to me? Was I going to be killed for my impudence and thievery? The old man cut my thoughts off once again, now looking closely at me. I could see that he was looking with kind eyes. Eyes I have seen only from trustworthy people. This calmed me down a bit. "Say child... what is your name?" I stared at him blankly for a moment, wondering what the man was plotting, but still responded when the guard tightened his grasp on my wrist. "My name is Ilya..." The man shook his head. "I mean your real name." I was surprised. Unless a person was extremely detective, they wouldn't be able to call my bluff, especially for something so innocent. "I- my name- I am Ilya!" I shook my head slowly... What was wrong with me? I would never stutter when lying. "No... My name is Akina... I don't have a last name." "Say... isn't honesty much better! Sir George! Please let go of this lovely lady's arm. I'm rather afraid you might snap it. Anyway, do you want ro come with me?" Huh?