Yo!

Another story from me!


The deep shuddering breathes taken by the dying woman tore his heart to millions of tiny pieces, pieces that would take time for him to pick up and mend. He closed his eyes, not being able to bear seeing the woman he had come to love as his own mother wither away, swallowed by the time and the death that awaits at the doorstep.

No medicine, no matter how many yokai he had asked favor from, could release her from the grasp of old age. Her time had come, her life would end and a new one would be born, an endless cycle that are ingrained into the nature for eternity.

But he couldn't help but hope for a miracle, something ethereal to happen, something that would save this woman he love so dearly, more than anything.

He grasped the wrinkled hand that always tend to him with so much warmth and love, the hand that caressed his cheek tenderly and the hand that held his when he was at the edge of his sanity. Her smile gave him strength, the strength that always encourages him to continue on living, even if it was only for another day.

The woman is irreplaceable to him, a mother he never had and a pillar that always support him during his time of need, and also the one thing that protected him from the cruel world during his time of vulnerability.

He couldn't lose her, not after he lost the man he had cherished as his own father. He knew he is selfish to wish for the woman to stay with him and make her beloved husband wait in the heaven but he couldn't stop himself, she is too precious to him.

"Takashi-kun…"

Her voice is soothing, like a gentle breeze during the spring. It warmed his quivering heart but at the same time, it made thin spider web cracks spread all over it when the thought of not being able to hear it ever again crossed his mind.

He held her weak hand close to his cheek, grasping it desperately as he leaned into it. His eyes prickled when those thin lips stretched into a familiar smile he dearly loved.

"K-Kaa-san…"

He choked back a sob, not wanting to waste the small amount of time he still have left with this woman, his mother, in all but blood.

Her smile seems to brighten more at the title he had used, and it tore at his quavering heart like a hot knife through butter despite the warmth that washed over him.

"You had been the son me and Shigeru had wished for; we are blessed to have you as our own. I am sure Shigeru is proud of you. You had grown into a fine young man, someone who has a very kind heart."

His lips trembled at her words and he grasped her hand desperately, wishing with all his might for his mother to live.

Touko smiled softly, her wrinkled fingers caressed the soft cheek tenderly with love shinning in her hazel brown eyes.

"I am glad you had accepted us as your parents, even if it was short, the time with you is our most precious memories. You had given me and Shigeru a chance, a chance to feel the wonderful feeling of being a parent to a caring boy like you."

She wiped away the tears that gathered around her son's long lashes, feeling the cold grip of death envelope her. Her chest constricts painfully but she willed herself to cling to whatever little time she has with her beloved son.

"So that's why please don't lose your smile. We always love you, will always do. I love you…..sochi…."

Takashi's heart plummets into the deep void inside him but he forced himself to smile, even if it is painful deep inside. If his mother is going to pass away, he will see her off with a smile to ease her worry.

His lips quiver under the strain of his forcefulness and he tried to stop the dams from breaking.

"Arigato, Kaa-san. Aishiteru…"

Before he could stop it, the barricades that held back the salty liquid broke. Crystal clear droplets trailed down his cheeks when the last of the life in his mother's eyes fade away. The gorgeous hazel brown eyes darken to murky grey as the light in it were snuffed.

The hand his fall limp as the lingering warmth in it slithering away to let the coldness of the death took over. He let himself break, crying over the cooling body of his beloved mother in uncontrollable flurry of sorrow.

His chest tightens and he felt a part of himself died along with her. The world suddenly felt dark and smothering, swallowing him whole inside the coldness and the harsh truth of reality.

Once again, he lost a mother, he had lost one before he could know her but this one's passing is more painful than anything else. He had known the consequences of seeking to form a bond with another but he still done it to quell the deep desire for human's love. And now he's paying for it.

Forming bonds is delightful and it brought utter warmth to anyone, but it was more painful when it ends, when you have to say goodbye.


Please don't kill me or anything. The idea just pops out of nowhere when I was re-watching Natsume Yuujinchou while hearing a very heartbreaking song.

And no. I do not hate Touko. In fact I really love her.

I may turn it into a 3 to 8 chapters story if I survive and receive good acceptance.

Review is very much appreciated.

Ciao Ciao

Y.L