CHAPTER 4: DAZED & CONFUSED

PREVIOUSLY:

"You mean… We can bring him back?"

"Technically, yes. But I'm not sure if he himself wants to go back."

"I don't care… He has spent most of the years doing nothing. It's time for him to come home."

The clock was ticking for Wakana. Even if the rest were aware of it or not, something from within her is failing and the poor lady could sense it growing stronger every passing day. From hospital visits disguised as harmless checkups, the brunette's future is drowning in murky waters.

And she had to deal with it all alone.

After the defeat of Seimei, things returned to its usual state. No more excessive bloodshed and cries of loss and pain, everyone seemed to live in peace. However, no one can really tell when trouble or evil decides to strike into their lives for the nth time around.

"Wakana-sama is the Second's treasure."

"Am I really?" Asking herself that question every now and then, Wakana lowered herself in the bath, completely dazed and confused about everything that has happened in her life.

You and me were so, so close

And maybe that's what hurts the most

It's out of my hands, I've done what I can

So I just save my breath

Heat immediately formed in her eyelids, and to prevent the gods from seeing her breakdown, she then masked it by submerging into the bathwater, allowing her body to stay under for a few seconds, listening to the tranquil sounds created by the ripples. Ah, it truly hurts this time. Being the second was not the problem, but with all the loose words released by those around them, it was hard to place faith over a dead man's words. Especially when everyone, including her, was certain that he was enjoying his well deserved moments with Yamabuki Otome.

I saw you just the other night

I didn't even recognize you

Find it kind of strange, I guess that people change

But I didn't expect you to

Wakana had to accept it. He loved them both, but one will always have the sweetest memory above all. Thus, along with her loss of breath, it was time for her to let go of the love that she had always held intact. Rikuo is a living proof of their union, but the lady needed to move on with her life. Thus, standing up rather quickly, she then dressed up and walked to her room in order to prepare some arrangements.

•●•

Hours passed since their last discussion and Nurarihyon sat by the garden, sipping his favorite sake. This was his downtime and honestly, after everything that the small ayakashi told him, the First Commander's hope was restored. Though, at this point in time, even he himself is not sure if his foolish son shall arrive late and miss this newfound opportunity.

"Father," Taking a deep breath as he heard the soft gentle voice of his daughter-in-law, the old male turned around with a small smile on his face. "I've decided to take my leave for a while. I need the time to heal. Please grant this small and selfish favor of mine. Even for a few days." Watching Wakana as she performed a dogeza (an element of traditional Japanese etiquette which involves kneeling directly on the ground and bowing to prostrate oneself while touching one's head to the floor), the head immediately rose and helped her up.

At this point, Rihan might not even make it.

"Take all the time you need, Wakana. Whatever your decision is, the house and our clan shall always remain open for you." Watching as the younger female's eyes shone with unshed tears, the First Commander could only think of prayers to his wife in order to slap some sense into their indecisive son. For his departure was never fair towards the grieving brunette seeking for solace and closure.

•●•

"Mother, I—" Looking into her earth colored eyes, Rihan pursed his lips as his eyes wandered to the raven haired beauty beside her. "... don't understand. Why would the gods grant me a chance like this?"

"Rihan," Yōhime reached out to place a loving hand on his cheek. "My son, this is not mainly for you, but for your wife who was left back there." She never really developed a close relationship with the woman of his first marriage, but they did agree on one thing that Rihan refused to acknowledge due to his guilt eating him all throughout the years. "Amaterasu-sama could not bear to see someone who had served our household suffer any longer."

"But…"

"Dear, the time has come. You came back for me, but for the past years, we have never really felt the same way. Our love may have been burning once, though things change all throughout time. I have forgiven us, and I hope that you would do the same thing." There is a saying that goes: 'if you truly love someone, you will have to set them free.' And no matter how much it pained her, Yamabuki Otome already knew that his heart solely belonged to the Wakana.

"Now, will you gamble your soul just to pick up what you've left behind?"

PREVIEW OF THE NEXT CHAPTER:

"My first love? Well, it's a bit complicated. But this is how it began…"

ScreeEEeee! Yes, I'm alive! Sorry that it took so long to update. I have been busy with life, and seeing your reviews, I got motivated to continue this story once more. Though I may not mention names this time, I would like to thank you all for following this story. Feel free to ask questions or send your opinions too! With that, have a great day/afternoon/evening! See y'all in the next chapter~