ENTRY #1
Turning Wheels
I DO NOT OWN NURARIHYON NO MAGO
It was utterly impossible. Master Rihan had never looked as happy as he did when he announced that Lady Yamabuki was expecting. It was perplexing to all of us. Main house youkai know the story of Hagoromo-Gitsune's defeat after all. The cursed seemingly coming to an end… It raised so many questions. In the end no one really asked. No one in the Nura household could possibly remember their questions the next morning. The mansion got turned inside out that day. Truly one of the wildest parties. No one even knew how much lively the place would eventually become with Master Rikuo's arrival.
- Kubinashi
Rihan stares unblinkingly with searching eyes. What answer could void space provide? He still does not know. However some part of him is hoping the answer will come to him long before his mind can push forth the question.
His mind is in an insistent turmoil. Thus, he's been unable to understand the words, incapable of processing the compound syllables that have come out of Yamabuki Otome's mouth. He must have heard wrong. The thing is that he's pretty sure he hasn't misheard…
That understanding plunges his mind into chaos.
Questions, phrases, outcomes, theories, fears; they all demand his conscious processing of them at once. Ruthlessly, they vie for his attention. To enhance his confusions, refusing to be ignored is the scene that has less than a few seconds from having played out.
The words uttered are bouncing and running circles through his mind, against his skull, behind his eyes, dizzying him from inside… Not giving him a break! Though they might as well have been in some ancient foreign language with Rihan's non-existent understanding of them.
"I'm pregnant," she has softly confessed, as if revealing him of a secret treasure that she has dreamed to obtain, which she has. Her voice has been barely above a whisper when she has spoken. Meticulously mindful to speak softly in order to not disturb the ethereal atmosphere the setting sun has bathed into the scene. Thinking that if this is a dream, she has no interest in waking up Rihan knows.
All the while his eyes couldn't quiet manage to focus comprehensibly on Otome's beaming face. Even in this circumstance, alone the two of them in the hall, steps away from the shallow water pond, their only company a rapidly chilling tea, with his mind probably broken beyond repair, he has time to wonder. Wonder as he has done millions of time before, because really, what deity has he gallantly pleased in order to have such a beautiful wife?
It may be her crimson eyes that usually reek of meekness and enigmas. They hold abundant mysteries, which Rihan is still uncovering every passing day. It can be the way her long midnight hair covers her, as if shielding her from the world. Making her unreachable, untouchable.
As if the long tresses provide a wall between the world and her own reality, a cocoon of impossibilities that only few ever discover. Though it can also be her voice, so charmingly sweet and small. Really, what is imperfect in his wife? She is his after all.
Tentatively, thoughts enter his mind. He marvels at the rare lack of composure currently being shown by his wife. Otome's face is commonly adorned with a tender smile. Rarely does grace fly out the metaphorical window, allowing her to not smile but give him a silly full-toothed grin.
Her face gets this look… Cheeks flushed, pulse high, while her midnight hair hangs around her face like a dark halo. It all adds up to leave Rihan breathless. And it has never been so marvelous to be without breath. That is his wife for him, making see things in so many different ways… When she looks his way, Otome smiles so openly, so unabashedly… nothing can compare.
Matching perfectly with the description of his thoughts is the Flower Youkai's current expression. While Rihan won't be caught dead admitting it, his heart does this weird thing whenever she gave him that look. And that look is the physical manifestation of his dreams. He makes her happy… nothing is greater than that.
In reality Rihan knows that there is nothing he loves or needs more in this world than seeing her happy. As happy as she is right now. He will do anything to do so everyday. Today's ecstasy, though, is unparalleled. And if what she says is true… How could she not fall into bliss? Her greatest dreams has come true!
In that moment, when Rihan knows she had lost all hope. When he fears she has decided to move on and free Rihan of the burden she thinks herself to be… Fortune has apparently smiled down on her! On both of them! Rihan's gaping mouth shows how surprised he is as well. Though shocked seems much more accurate.
"Are you sure?" He asks warily. For what has to be the sixtieth time. In his mind, he still cannot believe it. He has given up this particular dream so long ago. Always remembering when his parents had sat down and revealed to him of their curse. Of the vindictive reminder the evil his father had defeated left them. He had tried to shrug it off at first. Marrying Otome had made him realize all that he'd lost, all that she is loosing because of the damn fox.
"Otome, you know about the curse… It is impossible, I… I cannot father a child…" He pleads, remorse and guilt sickening his words. He doesn't dare believe. Not to have it rip away. They have been together for almost three hundred years. There has not been a single false alarm. Nothing to give them the hope of even a possibility. Mischievously Rihan thinks to himself that it isn't for a lack of trying.
A traitorous voice reaches the conclusion that perhaps it isn't in fact his child. Rihan is quick to dismiss it. He won't sink that low. No matter how far fetched Otome's confession seems. The Flower Youkai wouldn't do that to him. She wouldn't be this happy if it is to be somebody else's child.
She had been aware about the issue previous to the marriage. Rihan knows her and loves her enough to know the type of person she is. He has to trust that she loves him the same way she trusts him to love her. It reminds Rihan to the essence needed for Matoi. How could it not? When his love for her has inspired the technique? Total trust. Suddenly, she cut along his thought the same way his blade sliced through his enemy's fears.
"Apparently Yohime's trial and error worked. She must have done something right! It may just be a bit harder for us due to the circumstances, so it took some time!" She sounded so happy, so enthralled by the idea of carrying his child that it melted Rihan's heart like only she's able. The one thing he thought beyond his reach is at his fingertips. Fatherhood. And prideful youkai side is damn! Rihan will be lying if he says the thought doesn't make him giddy.
Suddenly, his wife looks frail, so fragile; more so than ever before. Otome has never been much of a warrior. Often preferring to tend the flowers and the home. Naturally, she spends her days teaching at a kindergarten and helping around.
Even though she's not quiet a pushover, she's certainly not a high level youkai. Maternity will only make her more vulnerable, and… So many things could go wrong! She can loose the baby! Or she can die giving birth… Or…
Rihan's mind goes from bliss to pandemonium faster than his subordinates can go from bloodthirsty warriors to harmless drunks. He feels himself being sucked in by all kinds of insecurities and possible outcomes. Some so ridiculous he is a bit put off and some so horrifying that he doesn't even dare discover their ending. In a moment, this entire baby dreaming seem much more complicated than it seem in all his fantasies.
Despite his age, he wonders to himself if he is really ready. The frightening possibility that his wife could be wrong and there is no baby at all… It is scarier than any enemy he's had to defeat before. Rihan knows that he loves that growing child more than his own life already. Accepting the fact that there is even the slim chance of it not existing, of it not surviving… is too daunting to contemplate. Absently, Rihan asks himself if Otome or himself will be ever able to move on from such a blow.
A grabbing of his face demands his attention. Pale hands are warm against his cheek. They bring him softly out of his worried mind, out of his fear. One look at her face washes his fear away. She's in bliss. A smile big enough to hurt adorns her rose tinted cheeks. Eyes twinkling in mirth but soft enough to let Rihan know, she knows too.
She is aware of all worrisome things this will entail. But she's ready and they will do their best, together. Her courage eases his worries, and in that moment he allows himself to breath. He allows himself to rejoice, to hold Otome close. So close that he fears, he may never let go. He smells her scent while imagining what it will be like to hug her when her belly starts to swell.
"I can't believe this. I just… Otome, I can't. So many times I had this phantom pain, this masochist wondering of the one thing I would never know, and as always you give more than I can ever repay." At this, he smirks. Gaze shining with his default amusement. All his previous preoccupations are no longer primordial. Only the fuzzy happiness remain and the excitement for the coming partying. One cannot forget the party.
"You are amazing, Otome. I love you." It would have been a sin to not kiss her right there. She just looked… she just gives him the look. Rihan knows he's too in love with this woman. So set on her happiness is he, that the world could burn away and he will be holding the matches if she is to desire.
There never would be quiet the same glint of happiness in her eyes, not until seven months later. And it is then, kissing her as the sunset slips away that Rihan feels content sink into his muscles, slither along into his veins and joined the calcium in his bones.
When the sun disappears, his human guise falls away and still he kisses her. What is time when he has love? What is night or day when she is there? Irrationality has never been so sweet. And never before has he been able to feel so complete. Not when he is made up of halves.
The moment is subsequently broken by the arrival of the King of Mischief himself. None other than Rihan's father, Nurarihyon, has made his appearance. Silently stepping into the scene with his meikyoushisui. His golden eyes are full of riddles and full of questions. They are a paler gold than Rihan's, Nurarihyon's much more honey like. They are the only remnants from his days as a youkai, a characteristic that hasn't faded like his physique has.
He allows for his coat of fear to wash away, expecting a sudden turning from his son. Right now, the same eyes crinkle in laughter as Rihan continues to devour his wife. Not a care in the world regarding his father's presence. If Rihan is even aware of his presence, that is, Nurarihyon thinks with a chuckle. Bored with the scene, the Supreme Commander of youkai decides to cough. Loudly.
"Aren't you two aware that my house has plenty of rooms? You should find yourself one" He fakes surprise as he turns around towards the shogi doors. "Oh but isn't this the door to your room, Rihan? Couldn't you walk a few steps before eating alive poor Otome?"
And only then, forcibly interrupted, does a satisfied Rihan and a blushing Otome end their session. Neither of them look as terribly embarrass as they should. Nurarihyon sighs. Remembering the times in which he had teased this particular pair of newly weds. Time has steeled them against his insinuations it seems.
"Hey, Dad." The younger Nura says calmly, a slight panting underlining his voice. His hands are firmly set around Otome's waist. Head tilted down to stare his father in the eye. Daring and arrogant, oh Nurarihyon has raised him well all right.
"Supreme Commander" Otome acknowledges with a curt bow. A salutation made to shows off her impressive kimono. It is white underneath all layers, though the overlay is a pale pink with red kerrias at the hems. The soft colors contrasted greatly with her black hair and matched perfectly with the red of her eyes. She looks strong and lady like, as the Lady of the house should. She is Lady Nura after all, the matriarch of the greatest Youkai Yakuza Clan.
Rihan on the other hand only wore his usual green and stripped yukata. The lower half of his hair tied. He is casual and cocky. Showing he's not one to upheld traditions and has distinct dislike for protocol. Although not quiet the rule abider, Nurarihyon had been much more dramatic in his own time.
He upheld dressing codes and forbid the use of western clothing to members of the Nura Clan. It was his own way to rebel against the occidentalization that had befallen Japan after the fall of Tokugawa. (Decidedly ignoring his hand in helping Tokugawa fall). In his younger days Nurarihyon was seen sporting colorful haoris of different textures but never amiss was his fox scarf. His son is much more practical. Preferring only the tradition cloth with no accessory what so ever.
"You have no need to do that Otome." The old man chides. Secretly pleased at such admiration. What an educated daughter he has! He never gets bored of her immaculate manners, if only Rihan was to learn a thing or two from her…!
"So have you told me, Supreme Commander." The Flower Youkai says with a smile. Nurarihyon has vaguely attempted to make her loose all traditional etiquette with him but it has been for naught.
"Father." Rihan says enigmatically. A smirk slowly appears on his face. "Otome is pregnant." The old man promptly almost falls, but he managed to catch himself in time. He has to be kidding! Rihan? A father? He couldn't be that old! Forget that! It is impossible!
"She's what?" He repeats, faux calm coating his words. In truth, the Lord of Pandemonium is trying no to shake. Did Rihan just say what he thinks he said? He hasn't been so baffled in four hundred years! Not since laying eyes on Yohime, or when she delivered the news of Rihan's coming arrival.
"Pregnant, my Lord. I am expecting a child." Otome says happily. Although she usually does not join in teasing the former Nura Commander this opportunity is too good to pass up. Nurarihyon's eyes went wide as a very uncool expression took over his features.
"YOU ARE WHAT?!" The rest of the household will come to share his feelings.
Kilometers away from the Nura Headquarters, in the Youkai Capital another woman rubs her own flat belly. It doesn't show now since the woman still sports her usual graceful figure, but Keikain Nadeshiko is expecting her second child. She is a small woman with a lithe frame. Her long black hair is tied stiffly in a high ponytail that reaches her lower back in a typical eastern fashion.
Despite a traditional Japanese appearance, Nadeshiko's eyes break that line of thought. Coupled with sharp features and the pinkish skin is a set of ice colored eyes. They are a really clear blue. No one has been able to identify the origins for them. They are pretty enough so that not many complain.
Sadly her first son was born with his father's visage, with soft hollow features and black hair and eyes. Japanese down to his teeth. Although a distinct lack of baby fat causes Ryuuji to look older than he is. Usually, boy and man look nothing alike despite sharing a face. Something that not many people understand. It is so because Ryuuji has his expression constantly twisted into a scowl while his father is all smiles.
It is a defense mechanism, his mother knows. He doesn't wish to be read. And the fact her son is smitten with the trickiest of onmyouji's techniques: deception. He is all about tricks under tricks, traps over traps and lies inside lies. But for his expert of a mother, who could by now decipher the feelings of a wall, no scowl could fool her. In the years to come, when Ryuuji's deception technique is refined he will still be unable to fool his mother. A fact that will remain with him for life.
Nadeshiko is hoping her future daughter will inherit them though. Her eyes, that is. Because she wants her daughter to look like her, and not Natsume. For the baby is a girl. Everyone in the family is wishing for a boy. Contradictory, her maternal instincts have declare her a girl already. When ask she could only say the truth. It is a matter of intuition.
A soft smile settles on her face as she remembers her father's expression towards her believes. Hidemoto 27th hasn't been as thrilled at the idea of a girl as his daughter has. The main house is in need of an heir. Boys do better, according to… boys. Nadeshiko lets a chuckle escape her. Loving how the sound blends into the wind.
She is so happy. She has so many things she wants to do. She wants to see her daughter get marry. (Though that's a bit far away.) Wants to see her graduate. Teach her to drive. Give her advice. Take her the first day to school. Put her down for the night. Show her to Ryuuji for the first time. She wants to see her and Natsume play together. To get that feeling of… She couldn't explain it. It is just so comforting. It may very well be love or happiness. But whatever it is… it is amazing.
Nadeshiko sometimes can't believe how lucky she is. So many people wishing for love, for happiness, for family, for kids… And she has everything she could ever want. An amazing husband. Two kids – kind of. An extensive and loving family that cares for her. The world couldn't get better. As she thinks, she has the feeling that her baby may prove her wrong. With the little girl perhaps life will get even better.
Her hands fly to her stomach. Caressing and feeling, despite its impossibility she is dying for the baby to give a kick. It is too soon though. The news is recent. Recent enough so that Natsume has yet to know. He had left for a scouting mission a few weeks ago. Her dear husband is due to return today. Nadeshiko is giddy with excitement.
After her first born – a beautiful if taciturn boy – Natsume and her have been eager for another one. They have discovered there isn't quiet a joy like parenthood. There is something truly magical in seeing a child and realizing that, somehow, you had a hand in creating that. Children truly are an incarnation of love.
Though, Nadeshiko sweat dropped, with little Ryuuji's demeanor, some might disagree. Her husband, despite loving his child, is one of them. Slyly, she is hoping to use her pregnancy to keep him a bit more settled the coming months. Her husband is nothing if not dedicated. To his family, to his wife, to his kid and unfortunately, to his job.
Now, some men are lawyers or bankers. Nope. Such isn't Nadeshiko's luck. Her husband is nothing else but an exorcist. A real-life, annoyingly talented onmyouji. His job consists of endless patrolling, and house visits to affected victims. In some cases, like this one, the new recruits are taken to the field for the first time.
Natsume, as one of the head onmyouji has the responsibility to accompany the group in case anything was to happen. Though in present time it isn't as dangerous being an onmyouji as it had been two hundred years ago. It still keeps him away from home more than Nadeshiko likes.
In theory the young woman is an onmyouji as well. It is for nothing else than her last name. The Keikain are the most ancient and renown house of exorcists in Kyoto. If she dare say it, in the whole of Japan. Yet, despite her position as direct main house heir. Nadeshiko had back out of the family business years ago.
Just her luck that she would fall in love with an onmyouji anyways. Her oldest son is well underway in his studies. He was quick to decide that he wants to kill demons as job. A traitorous part of her is proud at his progress. Many call Ryuuji a prodigy despite his age.
Uncalled for, a dark shadow crept up her face. She is worried, though more like terrified, about the curse. She doesn't want to tell Ryuuji that he's fated to die. More so, she doesn't want him to die. It scares her. It just isn't a bone chilling, heart stopping feeling. Guiltily, Nadeshiko has resigned herself to the fact her male children will most likely die. And how the hell does one get accustomed to that fact?
Now, having Ryuuji in her life. Old feelings resurface and choke her. The fears have yet to crush the walls she had built long ago, but she isn't too confident as to how well they will hold. Ryuuji is the best son anyone could ask for. As long as she keeps hope and fear away. Then maybe her heart can take on the future. How wrong she is.
The somber thought aside, Nadeshiko allows her mind to wander to the future. She and Natsume will raise another child. Maybe this one won't have to be an exorcist! Inside she knows it is most likely impossible. Hopefully, her daughter won't want to become an onmyouji… Suddenly and for no reason, Nadeshiko felt as if the universe is laughing at her. She feels ridiculous; as if part of some cosmical joke she doesn't know about yet.
She turns while aughing, face against the coming winds. The air currents are making an excellent job on disrupting her black tresses and it is annoying. Clear blew eyes observe lovingly the gardens. They haven't changed from the times in which she was a girl.
The same maze of flowers, where she scrapped her knees so long ago. The same elegant seals that have protected her – which warned about the barriers around the house – continued to do the job now. The bench in which she and Natsume had sat ten years younger remained untouched. Where the future couple spend talking away the nights on the days in which she had sneaked him into the property. Months before her family even knew they were dating.
The same bushes and grass in which baby Ryuuji has cuddled and hide within in the rare moments when he allows himself to be a child. At five, her son is unnaturally mature. Sometimes it worries her, she thought. Taking a hand to cover her eyes from the sun's unforgiving glare. Distracted she realizes that it won't be long until sundown starts… It will be perilous to stay outside. Even with all the barriers in place. One doesn't need to tempt fate.
With sundown also comes one fact. Natsume has to be arriving. Giddy and eager Nadeshiko imagines her husband's reaction to the news. She knows he will be happy. Nadeshiko still remembers his gob smacked expression from when she has announced the conception of Ryuuji. She sure hopes his group isn't delay. It will murder her excitement to wait another day.
Today. Today they continue to build their family. It will probably be their last child. The Keikain are an extensive clan. With the new addition, there will already be two direct descendants and heirs from the main line. Small number of children is advice in order to maintain position struggles to a minimum.
Jealousy is hard to counter and much too easy to spread. If there are too many protest at the time of succession, there is the risk of the Keikain succumbing to inside forces. That won't do.
Gently, Nadeshiko brings her hands to her womb. Caressing the baby inside. Her baby girl will be amazing. The black haired woman feels it. Her child is destined for great things. She isn't sure if that meant as an exorcist though. But of one thing she is sure. The little princess will grow up very loved. Nadeshiko will make sure of it.
"You know sweetie? I am dying for you to meet this world." Nadeshiko says aloud. For some reason she doesn't feel silly at all. "You will love this family. You have such a courageous dad, and a protective brother. No one will give you advice like your grandpa, and no one will love you as I do." She continues, hands settling once again.
"I want to see you. To hold you. To tell you how beautiful and small you are. I want to see your dad carrying you around. To see Natsume look like an everyday dad instead of the fearsome onmyouji. Something that only ever happens when he's changing diapers! Unfortunately, Ryuuji hasn't needed those for a while now." She says.
"We'll take care of you, my darling. Until one day you will have to take care of us." Eventually, she and Natsume planned to forego the expansive city for a small house in a nearby rural area. It will be their private piece of paradise.
At the time of leaving, Natsume has promised to resign his job. In the countryside they will not need much money. A small sealing here and there will pay the bills. Their children are welcome, though Nadeshiko pictures them as onmyouji by then.
She snaps her gaze to the far horizon. The sun is halfway gone! Where is her time going lately? Has she been that out of it? Suddenly, she felt her stomach sink. Nadeshiko can't control the desire to cry in agony. What is this tortuous feeling? A warning? Chills crawl along her arms and legs. She can't control the waves of panic that curse violently through her.
Is it an ayakashi? She has never felt such fear. One of her hands goes to her tummy, mannerism protective. And while she sinks to her knees, panic pulsating through her… As quickly and sudden as the bad omen has come it suddenly is no more. No pain. No panic.
"What…?" Nadeshiko asks, feeling faint. Is she going to pass out? She should fall backwards…
"Lady Keikain." Another voice calls out. The cry sounds winded, bordering on exerted. It is one of the new recruits. Nadeshiko can tell by his pastel blue outfit that he is still stuck doing chores and taking messages. He is running towards her. Apparently, he has been searching for the Keikain's heir for a while now. If his panting breathes are any indication. His voice brings her out of the episode. No lingering feelings or faintness remains. Suddenly the scene is dream like in her mind. Had it really happened? Hadn't she been on her knees just now?
"Lady Keikain" He says, much calmer. He is stressed, that much is obvious. What is it with this guy? What could be making him so upset? "News on your husband has arrived." He says stoically. Monotonously, he frowns.
This guy has a talent, who could look expressionless while frowning? But the look seems as if the following sentence brought within him great displeasure. The memory, which feels older than it should, comes to mind, of that paralyzing fear that has descended upon her. Has something happened? Nadeshiko worries.
"Has he arrived yet?" She sounds hopeful, but her chest is hollow. The onmyouji shakes his head. "Don't tell me he is delayed! Argh. That man! He's going to get it! I tell you… I'll be… mad?" Momentarily ire has overtaken any fears. Natsume had promised that he will be on time. She has things to tell him dammit! And she misses him.
Nadeshiko is routinely entering the nonsensical rambling that is characteristic to this situation, when she notices the onmyouji somber expression. These guys are usually a bit too eager to please. This one is… too serious. He seems upset.
"Where is my husband?" The question comes more forcefully that she intends. She will look really stupid if she is panicking for nothing. Nadeshiko hopes fervently she is just overreacting. Images and unrequited fears are bumbling along, screaming their horrors with all their lungs inside of her. Deafening levels of panic are display on the forefront of her mind. In the calmer, saner parts there is just an overwhelming sadness. She knows. But she has to confirm it.
"Onmyouji, where is Natsume?" She asks miserably. Voice clogged in worry, words empty in knowledge. She has already figure it out. She feels like a criminal sentenced to death row. Already dead on the inside, silently awaiting the finishing touches of the guillotine.
"Lord Natsume was ambushed on his way back to the Main House." The onmyouji relents. And so, her personal guillotine falls. In one deadly swoosh of mortality. Severing her from her dreams, from her happiness and from her husband. The kid's voice is sympathetic, but all Nadeshiko felt is the iciness of his words. Like a freezing hand is squeezing her heart in a merciless grip. Suddenly, she isn't breathing.
"Reinforcements were… too late. The threat has been eliminated, but Lord Natsume has been killed in battle." This time. Keikain Nadeshiko does faint. Thankfully, she fell on her back.
She is carrying the remnants of her husband; her kids are all she has left of him. Like a reminder that is a sign of masochism but brought forth an unearthly pleasure. The woman's last thoughts are that all her precious dreams have ended and died. There won't be a future as bright as before. She is a widow, and that is one chilling thought. Her poor Yura… Her poor Yura will live without a father…
…Since when has she named the baby Yura?
This has been edited as of 28/02/15.
I am looking for someone to help me with the summary of this story, if you have any interest please PM me.
Thank you for reading.
