Chapter IV: Foreseen

"Where is it we are going, Miketsukami-kun?" Ririchiyo asked as Soushi led her down the halls of the Ayakashi Kan, holding his hand in her own.

"Be patient, Ririchiyo-sama. Everything will become clear shortly.

"Very well, but must I wear a blindfold?"

She sighed heavily and continued on, hoping this surprise was going to be a decent one. After a week of unexpected surprises, she was more than unsure of what the rest of her days may hold in store. As she felt herself be lead carefully down the staircase, the sound of crackling streamers and cheering filled the room. Startled, Ririchiyo pulled back the blindfold. Her fellow boarders surrounded the lounge, the tables filled with refreshments and assorted snacks. Placed on her usual table was a double layered cake, iced with pink and blue buttermilk and the words "Congratulations!" written in icing cursive in the center.

"W-What is this?" she asked, her lips gaping at the sight.

"We wanted to congratulate you and Miketsukami-kun, Ririchiyo. We thought you might like something small." Sorinozuka said as he leaned back in his chair.

"I wouldn't call this small." Ririchiyo said as she looked about the decorated room.

"Ririchiyo-chan!" Nobara shouted as she grabbed Ririchiyo for an embrace, "I'm just so happy for you!"

Ririchiyo struggled as the ice woman pressed her closer against her bosoms, wanting the slightest ounce of air.

"Please unhand me!" She mumbled against Nobaraf's embrace.

Nobara unhands Ririchiyo from her deadly hold, stumbling back into Soushi.

"Let me guess," Ririchiyo said as she turns to Soushi, "Was this your doing, Miketsukami-kun?"

Soushi smiled and stroked her hair. She observed his smile carefully, wondering if that was a yes, spreading over his face. Wait, now that she thought of it, how did the other boarders know of this news? She didn't recall sharing the news with anyone other than Soushi.

"You must be wondering as to how everyone know, aren't you, Ririchiyo-san?" Natsume asked as he approached her slowly, a wry smile plastered on his lips.

"So you did foresee my expectancy, Natsume-san?"

"Oh? What makes you think I had anything to do with that?"

She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. Ririchiyo knew better than to take part in Natsume's games, especially when she knew exactly that he was indeed the reason behind this congratulatory party. Although she found his foresight somewhat fascinating, it tended to work her nerves just a bit.

"Never mind, but you know we would have sufficed with announcing the news to everyone on our own accord, Natsume-san."

"Forgive me, I was simply much too excited to keep this to myself." he answered as he gave her a mischievous grin.

Karuta approached them, a red bean bun in her mouth and another held out to Ririchiyo, offering one to her like a grateful hostess. Her pink hair draped down over her shoulder, wearing a cream-colored sweater dress and a pair of long black stockings to match her Mary Janes. Ririchiyo took the sweet bun from Karuta's fingers and smiled, thanking her for the snack.

"Don't just stand there and chat all night, eat the food we all worked so hard making!" Watanuki shouted impatiently from the refreshment table.

The others began to gather over to the food table, snatching up platefuls of sweet buns and assortments of traditional Japanese snacks. Soushi lead Ririchiyo to her table and turned, going to fetch her a plate. Ririchiyo relaxed in her seat, glancing down at her flat stomach, wondering as to how large she was going to get as the months passed. Ririchiyo was never one who cared deeply for her vanity, but as thoughts of her pregnancy streamed through her mind, the image was growing more disconcerting.

"Is something the matter?" Soushi asked as he returned to the table, a plate of snacks in hand and two cups of tea balanced in the other.

"No…let me help you, Miketsukami-kun," she said, reaching up to take the cups in both her hands.

She placed their cups on the table top and reached out to take her plate. Instead, he gently handed the plate to her. Ririchiyo timidly sipped her cup of tea, glancing up at him as he drank his own.

"Are you going to tell me what has you looking for worrisome?" Soushi asked as he placed his tea down in front of him.

"I am perfectly fine, Miketsukami-kun."

Before she could react, Soushi reached out a hand, gently stroking her cheek with his fingertips. She blushed at his sudden touch and calmly pulled back her chair.

"I'm sorry…I'm just a bit uneasy.."

Soushi smiled and moved his chair closer to hers, placing his hand upon hers. She knew he was only trying to help, but she was a bit embarrassed to speak the truth to Soushi. She took a deep breath and turned her eyes to face him. Ririchiyo stared into those mismatched eyes, feeling herself sink into the and green spheres. Ririchiyo knew she should have more confidence in the father of her child, but somehow…she was just too frightened to confide.

"Oh? Would you please to tell me what is ailing you?"

"Um, I-."

"Ririchiyo-chan," Karuta said as she appeared between them, holding a cake server in her hand and a smear of red bean paste across her lips, "Its time to cut the cake."

Ririchiyo smiled and rose from her chair, wrapping her cardigan closer to her small body.

"Yes, of course, Roromiya-san."

Karuta smiled and took her hand, leading her gently to the cake table, where everyone began to gather. Soushi stood up from the table and took his place beside Ririchiyo. Karuta gently sliced into the cake, carefully serving it on paper plates.

Soushi leaned forward, tucking the soft, down sheets over Ririchiyo. The sight of his Mistress's sleeping face always seemed to put him at ease, calming the worries that seemed to cross his mind. She sighed and turned comfortably on her side, cuddling the pillows against her. He leaned closer, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. He felt lucky to have this beautiful creature before him, thanking the heavens for her existence. He was grateful for her eyes, her lips, her skin, everything. Giving her one last kiss goodnight, Soushi turned and left her apartment, locking the door behind him, venturing back to his room. As he walked down the dimly-lit halls, he stopped, listening cautiously to the silence.

"Please reveal yourself, Natsume-san."

Natsume emerged from a hidden corner, his rabbit ears absent, his long glossy hair draped over his back, and lounging clothes clung to his lithe body.

"I see you're as sharp as ever, Sou-kun. Then again, I shouldn't expect any less from my dear childhood friend."

Soushi turned to face him, his eyes glowing in the dim darkness and his hands relaxed at his sides. Even though he knew Natsume was his friend and one of his dearest companions, he was also capable of becoming quite the threat.

"Would you like to tell me why you are following me this late, Natsume-san?"

"It's a message I wish to give you, Sou-kun, one that may involve Chiyo-chan as well."

"You foresaw something, I gather. It was not merely a vision of Ririchiyo-sama's pregnancy, was it?"

The thousand-eyes shook his head and smiled, leaning against the wall. Soushi studied his body language, wanting to mold the movement into a final answer.

"No, I'm afraid it is much more than that, Sou-kun, something that I hope does not become a reality."

"What do you mean?"

"I am not certain of whether the vision is true or false, but it might bring much misfortune in the near future, involving the growth of the fetus."

Soushi was not pleased with what he was hearing, but he knew better than to question Natsume's foresight.

"What have you foreseen, Natsume-san?"

He leaned up from the wall and looked directly at Soushi, making sure he clarified the importance of this situation at hand.

"As time progresses, I fear that the health of the fetus may diminish."

Soushi felt his heart stop momentarily, suddenly dreading the what holds in the remaining truth.

"What do you mean, Natsume-kun? What did you see?"

Natsume shook his head and placed a fingertip to his lips, as if to gesture a secretive sign. His actions began to gnaw at Soushi, his fear growing more intensely.

"I cannot say as to what causes the fetus's diminishing health, but it is significant enough to harm you and Chiyo-chan."

Soushi inhaled, trying to calmly gather his thoughts and ease the fear that began to gnaw at his heart. He was not believing this. Soushi could not believe that after only knowing of his parenthood for a week, it was possible that everything could be one day taken away. Natsume moved forward, placing a hand on his shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze. He did not take pleasure in seeing unfortunate futures and painful pasts, but it was his civil duty to deliver them, gently informing the subject of a possible occurrence.

"Now, please do not fear, Sou-kun. Although my visions are usually accurate, there is a slight chance that this may not become so. I have only seen pieces of Chiyo-chan's journey, not her entire future."

He inhaled deeply, gathering his thoughts, calming them into silence. Natsume was right. He could not afford to lose his composure when he knew it would effect his Mistress as well.

"Natsume-san, I thank you for bringing your vision into the light. Now, I am more motivated to protect and support Ririchiyo-sama as best as I can."

Thousand eyes smiled, placing his hands neatly behind his back.

"Good night, Sou-kun."

Soushi bows before him, bending elegantly at the waist. He knew Natsume was only trying to assist them in this long journey, but somehow, the gesture was not as comforting as it should have been. He continues down the hall, his footsteps weighing him like stones. He did not know what the days would hold…but he would support her…no matter what.