jeemeetspanda

[jeemeetspanda]

Chapter 1: Transmigration Begins

The tranquility of death felt like gentle feathers that lulled me to a never-ending sleep. -is what I would like to say. But what is this?

When I opened my eyes under an unknown tempting force, I was greeted with a bright light that extended far beyond my vision could reach. The experience was unbelievably unnerving and I found myself looking for something I myself didn't know.

Is this perhaps, the afterlife?

"Ah, you're finally awake!" A giddy voice chirped out of nowhere. Considering my confusion, I was shocked and turned towards the direction of the voice.

The figure that stood in front of me was… myself. I stared in bewilderment. Is this what they call a doppelganger? She looked exactly like me, with the exception of her clothes which was that of middle ages in the western country. I recognize this fashion since I've worn similar clothes during a cover photoshoot at New York.

I went blank for a moment, reminiscing the old times when I was alive. I caught myself staring and immediately repositioned myself to reality. "What do you want with me?"

"You're really interesting!" The doppelganger raised her voice in shock. "Don't people usually ask 'Who are you?' or 'Where am I?' in this situation?" She even placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head to the side to show her point.

"That is true, but I don't suppose you're gonna answer me even if I ask. I'm supposed to be dead, yet I'm here talking to my doppelganger dressed in suspicious clothing."

She stared intently at the wariness growing on my face and she immediately responded, "I'm not an enemy, you don't have to be so hostile…"

Why does it feel as if I'm bullying her? I sighed in defeat. "Then can you explain what's going on?"

Time seemed to pass by for a very long time but she didn't reply. I couldn't help but feel nervous. "Is it something you can't say?"

"That's not it," she hesitated. "You see I'm from a world that is completely different from yours."

"How different?"

"We have magic and monsters."

I paled. They have what?

"I know this will be hard to take in but I want you to believe in me." her face changed and she turned to me apologetically as if she's done something to warrant her to make that expression. "I kind of dabbled in dark magic."

"Dark magic?"

The doppelganger seemed to have not heard my words as she lowered her head and bit her lip. "In my world, it's kind of a taboo to try and practice dark magic because of it's dangerous properties. I was naïve and used it for my selfish gains, so now I'm being punished."

Hearing her words, I was as calm as usual but an unknown emotion glazed back at my deep-blue pupils. That didn't really answer any of the questions swimming in my mind but only added to the long list. "So you fucked up, what does that have to do with me?"

The tender, blushing young girl raised her head again. At this moment, the sunlight with invisible origins was overflowing onto her fair cheeks.

"I want you to help me!"

What?

"I don't want to."

It was as if her resolve came crushing down like a burnt-down mansion. It was amusing but I was the type of person who use people, not the other way round.

"I-in return, I'll help you. I'll grant anything you wish."

Oh? Now, that's what we call a fair trade. However… "What can you do for me? Can you revive me if I so wish?"

"Yes!"

I didn't expect such a positive answer but she didn't look like the type to lie. I paused in silence, pondering over the thought. "If you have that much power to revive even the dead, why not help yourself?"

My eyes never left the form of the young girl in front of me so I would know the slightest bit of changes in her expression. It was awkward since it feels like I'm looking at my reflection in the mirror. Although this reflection sure has her emotions like an open book.

"For now, I can't say anything about that but please believe me!" she sounded so desperate. "Only you could help me!"

My eyes widened in shock when she suddenly appeared in front of me, clasping both of my hands. I stared at her determined and delicate features, taking my time to process what I'm about to get myself into. "I'll help you but I need assurance. Dying twice isn't really that fun."

"Of course! I'll equip you with the appropriate skills. Alright, how about keeping your job as an idol? That way you wouldn't have to work twice as much!"

"Before that, tell me exactly what you want me to do."

"About that," she fumbled with her hands. "You just have to grow up healthily, and find a man who loves you- preferably a prince, have kids and-"

"Hold it young lady." I stopped her before her demand could get any worse. "How would that help you exactly?"

The doppelganger grabbed my hands tightly. Somehow, the warmth from her palms gingerly reminded me that she just sincerely wants me to live well. But for what reason? "It will help me. It will help me a lot so please…just live well."

=====

"-oing to die!"

I was awoken by a loud sound followed by hushed noises. It was dark and cold, and the feeling of dread that crept up to my cheeks sent a chill down my spine. What is this situation that it could even make me feel this afraid?

"Are you awake?" A childish voice sounded out. I squinted my eyes, trying to adjust my vision on the looming darkness. It was faint, but I know I wasn't alone in such a place. Other than the voice that asked of my condition, there were indistinct sobs of children.

"What's happening?" I asked, preparing for the worst.

"We've been kidnapped. Those damned fools don’t know what they're doing! If my Father hears about this, they're dead!" The voice which I could now clearly hear sounded that of a young boy.

I remained silent trying to mentally analyze the situation. But before that…

That little bitch! Live well my ass! How is it that the moment I open my eyes, I'm already a foot away from my funeral?! My inner thoughts came crashing down and I almost yelled a string of curses if it wasn't for my god-level self-control.

"Could you tell me exactly what happened?"

Whatever, I just have to solve it on my own.

I sat there, just realizing that my arms were bound behind my back. Nevertheless, I listened to the child's story. So apparently, every kid here was taken at random times. I also learned that from these children, the kid who talked to me first was the second son of a noble. His name is Livius. He was kidnapped when he was sneaking into the town while secretly following his older brother.

A troublemaker at such a young age, I feel bad for his parents. Well, I can't really judge him since seeing as how I'm here with him, I must've done something to be taken too. Judging from my expensive clothes, I should belong to a well-respected family as well.

There were about 11 children including Livius and I squeezed in the cart where we were forced to stay. For some reason, I became a child. Although in this situation, I could say that my soul was transferred to that of a child. Unfortunately, I had no memories at all to when I took control of the body. I could however didn't have a hard time speaking the language. That's something I should be thankful for at least.

"How many bad guys are there?" I asked, coming up a more appropriate term for 'thugs' that a young child could understand.

"I was blindfolded so I didn't see much but guessing from the talking voices, there should be more than five of them." He replied, showing me his hand.

Five men huh, this will be difficult; not to mention using a child's body. "There's no choice, we need to observe and find an opportunity to escape."

The children whom we've managed to calm down all nodded their heads in unison. As if responding to our resolute disposition, the carriage stopped to a halt. We all braced ourselves instinctively. Even Livius who was usually loud and making a fuss, was quiet. I internally smiled, he knows when not to act rash. He's a smart young boy.

"Get up and follow me. Try anything funny and I'll kill all of you!"

We were ushered one by one into another carriage. My gaze swept past the carriage that we're being transported into and slowly scanned the surrounding area. Sadly, it was too dark to see anything plus the fact that either way, I wouldn't have any idea since it wasn't even half a day that I transmigrated into this body.

"Found anything useful?" Livius whispered beside me. I shook my head 'no'. "You?"

"I heard them talking," I couldn't clearly see his face but he sounded proud of this feat. I couldn't help but praise him. "I have a good hearing, anyways- it seems like we'll be sold off as slaves. However…" His tone suddenly grew weary.

"What is it?"

"Your clothes,"

"What about it?"

"They found out that you're from a noble family… I didn't hear anything more after that but it seems like…" It was obvious that he is having a hard time explaining the rest thinking I'd become terrified. "b-but don't worry! I'll protect you. If it comes to worse, I will also reveal my identity."

His idea was so stupidly heroic and adorable that I couldn’t help but let out a muffled laugh. He became flustered at my unexpected reaction.

"Sorry, it was just too cute… but thank you. I appreciate it." Such a young child would risk his life for me: a stranger, how could I not get touched?

“That’s right I didn’t ask for your name.”

“Eh?” I made a stupid noise as he suddenly looked at me with probing eyes.

“Umm,” to be honest I had no idea. I was thrown into this world with barely any information to who or where I am. “Rizu.” I answered either way. Technically, I wasn’t lying so. He looked satisfied enough so I left it at that.

Our destination ended up being displayed on a text screen in front of my very eyes. Yes, a text screen. It was similar to those from video games I’ve played when I was still on Earth.

[Bandit’s Temporary Lair]

I unconsciously read it out loud. Livius and another young girl who were closer to me, gave me confused looks, but I merely shrugged and smiled.

The bandit’s lair was unimpressive and I found myself cringing at the dilapidated shack we’ll be held in. I was expecting at least a normal, livable building if they were as to kidnap young children. What if we get sick? Right, as if they care about something trivial like that. They only care about how much money we’ll actually go for and hearing Livius earlier, I sound like I’d go for a lot.

“Now get inside!” A man with a long beard and an unkempt face opened the entrance to what seems to be a prison and herded us inside like cattle. “No screaming, no crying or else-“ he threatened and I saw most of the kids tremble in fear.

“It seems like we’ll be kept here for a while,” Livius began as he sat beside me. “They’re waiting for this ‘boss’.” His face showed puzzlement.

He was probably confused about the slang term the thugs have used. He was raised as a noble so I understand why.

“Livi, I’ll come up of a plan so could you take this time to listen to their conversations? Any info is fine even if you don’t understand it.”

“L-Livi?!” The young boy made surprised noises and gave me a look of embarrassment.

Was I too bold? He is just a young child so I didn’t know he’d react so strongly about a petty nickname. “Yeah, Livius is such a mouthful. So? Could you do it?”

“Ah yes,” he bolted up and sat further away from the rest of us.

I didn’t expect him to do that but part of me was thankful he did so. At least he wouldn’t see how weird I’ll be in a moment. I had a lot of assumptions as to how this world works and if what my doppelganger had said was true, then I might be in a world totally opposite of where I come from. She said that monsters and magic is present here. If that’s the case then I might be blessed with one. She did say I could keep my job as an idol.

But how do I know that? I thought about how the text screen worked earlier and assumed I can summon at least a status screen. That is, if this is really a game-like world.

“Status screen.” I stated and sure enough, a conspicuous screen popped out.

{Name: Lizzy Sapphirus Aphelion}

{Title: Idol Transmigrator (+10 All Stats)}

{Job: Idol}

{Status: Anxious, Confused}

{HP: 100/100}

{MP: 150/150}

{SP: 50/50}

{LEVEL: 1}

The first thing that caught my eye is a portrait of myself and the uncanny similar features of it and my original appearance. As if that isn't suspicious enough, on the right side is information about myself. Lizzy Sapphirus Aphelion. So I'm called Lizzy. I don’t know if it's a coincidence, but it sounded awfully similar to my stage name on Earth which was Rizu.

As promised, I still have my job as an idol and a title that left me with more questions so I chose to ignore it for now. If it says stats, that means I have attributes, and if I have attributes, I will definitely have skills- well, that's how RPG games work anyways.

"Attributes."

{BASIC ATTRIBUTES:}

Strength: 23

Constitution: 20

Dexterity: 25

Intelligence: 33

Wisdom: 35

Charisma: 25

Luck: 13

{ADVANCED ATTRIBUTES:}

Voice Mastery: 11

Dance Mastery: 11

Expression Mastery: 11

These stats… look tremendously weak that it's baffling. How could I even escape with this shitty stats. That doppelganger sure knows how to tug at my murder strings.

=Chapter End=

[jeemeetspanda]

=Prologue=

"Thank you everyone for the constant support!", I held the microphone tighter with both my hands as I fought back the tears from falling. "This night has been amazing, you, YOU guys are amazing! It was such a perfect night already but everyone had been so lovely during this performance,"

I grinned joyfully at the audience as the band began to play the intro to my last song.

"Superb show as always Rizu." My manager, Kei, gently tapped my shoulder.

"I have an amazing manager you see." I smiled back, plopping lazily down on the couch. Kei shrugged at my comment, a kind reminder that we were both used to flattering each other.

"Mr. Song is inviting us for dinner tonight. I'll give you 15."

"Can I not go? I hate Mr. Song." I groaned, sinking deeper into the sofa.

"He's the Company's Director."

"But I'm his golden unicorn-"

"Goose, golden goose." He clarified, smirking at my lack of vocabulary on idioms.

"Goose, hen, duck whatever- I'm not going."

Kei frowned at my abrupt spoiled behavior and immediately knew there was something wrong. "Did the Director do something to you?" he came closer, probing me for an answer when I just gave him a weird look. "Well, that can't be right. I'm almost with you 90% of the time."

It was at this moment that I would find my manager disturbing but I've been so used to it that his level of creepiness became normal.

"I'm just really tired," was of course- a blatant lie. The truth was I received a call from my Aunt demanding for money in exchange for information about my family. Just thinking about their endless greed is making me nauseous. I sighed in utter disappointment.

My manager mistakenly took this as a sign that I was seriously in need of rest. He gave me a look of pity. "I'll give the Director a call. Rest here, we're leaving right after this."

He definitely misinterpreted but I'm not complaining. It didn't took him long when he ended the call. I wanted to ask how the conversation went. It probably wasn't that interesting so I pushed the thought aside.

"Can we stop by the coffee shop I frequent to real quick?" I dropped a question as he slowed down from the yellow light. He looked askance as if he was trying to accuse me of something.

I sure do hope he didn't catch anything from the way I said that. It was 5:30pm- way too late for a coffee break. "No, I just wanted pick up something I left behind before."

"Rizu, I haven't said anything yet."

"But you were suspicious of me."

He went quiet. I was right. "I'll be quick. 5 minutes max." I bargained.

Five-minutes was enough to slap the stack of money at my aunt's face, take the information and leave. I wanted to stay longer for the first one but my manager is far too impatient for such a graceful act.

"Alright. I'll be waiting in the c-"

It happened so fast that both of us couldn't even react on time. The deafening screech of the car topped with the loud crash were the last thing I could remember before I fainted. Fainted? That would be an understatement. I died.

I died at the young age of 18. It was unfair to die having everything in your reach; but not actually the things you've needed. I've wanted wealth and fame but truthfully I've only needed one thing. I can't believe it would become the reason for my untimely death.

I felt undeniably empty even in my death. I wanted to meet my real family. I wanted to be loved. Being a world-renowned idol has its price to pay. I wasn't allowed to date. Keeping my idol image was of topmost priority. Scandals weren't allowed. Because of this, even if I had millions of fans supporting me, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted more. I wanted to be loved; not as an idol, but as a person.

Then a realization hit me. To say that I had an unfair death... when was death ever fair?

=End of Prologue=

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