Ch. 23

Summer was well and truly upon the world. Now, the mornings were heavy with heat and filled with the laughter of children as they scampered about on the beach. Not a day went by when Tomoko didn't see sunbathers a few feet away from his cottage or Miranda didn't wave to a horde of children ducking about in the waves. Indeed, the presence of Tomoko's human wife seemed to have had a new effect on his previously standoffish neighbors. Each day, more of them were willing to come by and talk to the couple and when Tomoko stepped out onto the beach each morning, there were children bobbing about in the waves in front of his cottage. Even better, when he waved to them, they waved back with no fear.

Indeed, if that wasn't a sign of good things to come, what happened on a day in the middle of July certainly was.

That particular morning, Tomoko took the opportunity to walk down to the water and feel the waves against his feet. The air blowing off the ocean was cool, but the yokai had little doubt that the summer sun would soon overpower any refreshing breezes. How lucky were Miranda and he that they could simply jump in the cool seas when the weather became too oppressive.

Well, Tomoko reflected, that was if Miranda was feeling up to a bit of swimming today. As of the past week or so, his wife had been uncharacteristically tired. Indeed, she was still sleeping even now when normally, Miranda loved to view the early mornings from the kitchen window or the front porch. However, she was adamant that she did not need a doctor.

"It's probably just a mild case of flu, Tomoko. I'm fine, really."

And perhaps that was true. Tomoko had little experience when it came to human illnesses, given how yokai were essentially immune to such problems. Still, if she wasn't better in a day or so, Tomoko would insist on Miranda being looked at by a physician. At least he was able to stay home and tend to his wife; Scotland Yard and the other police chiefs Tomoko had worked with knew summer beach tourists were often the targets of pickpockets and were hoping the bat demon's presence at the beach and seaside town would deter such problems.

That, and he would be on hand to break up any sudden displays of temper flared up by the heat.

Thankfully, all seemed to be at peace this summer morning. Tomoko's sharp ears caught the sound of Miranda moving about in the kitchen. Ahh, that was a good sign; perhaps she really was feeling better then!

"Miranda-daarin?" Tomoko called, entering the cottage through the back door that led directly to the kitchen.

"Good morning, my dearest. Would you like eggs and toast?" Miranda, her flushed cheeks a welcome change from the pallor that had clung to them the past few days, was standing at the stove and readying a hot frying pan.

"Eggs and toast sound delightful. And may I say, you're looking much better this morning."

"I do feel better," Miranda admitted as she cracked eggs into the pan. "I'm still feeling a bit woozy, though, so I plan to take things easy today. But I plan to sit outside with a book or some mending."

"An excellent idea; the sunlight will do you the world of good. Shall I pour us some orange juice?"

"Oh, yes please!"

Woozy or not, Miranda did manage to eat a full breakfast that morning. However, Tomoko couldn't help noticing a strange smell that cut through the delicious odors of fresh eggs, buttered toast and lavender perfume. A smell that, oddly enough, was coming from Miranda herself.

"Miranda-daarin?"

"Hmm? Yes?"

"You're not by chance using a new perfume, are you?"

"No," Miranda said slowly. "Why?"

"You smell... different. I was wondering if you're using a different lavender perfume."

"No, it's my same brand. But... I smell different? Like... bad?"

"No, not bad at all. Just... different."

"Hmmm. I haven't changed any of my soaps or shampoos either, so I can't imagine why. Do you think it's because I've been sick?"

"It's a possibility, I suppose. But... well, just let me know if you feel any different going forward."

"Alright, I will." Miranda still looked confused, but she turned her attention to clearing away the breakfast dishes. "I'll tidy up here before I go outside. I may change into a bathing costume in a bit. Maybe I will feel up for a swim later."

"Whatever you decide, daarin. I'll be out on the porch as well. From the sound of it, we have more young visitors and it wouldn't be wise to leave them without a lifeguard."

"Oh, that is a good idea." Miranda pondered for a bit. "I think I'll make jug of lemonade; let the children know that if they get thirsty, they're welcome to some."

"Most certainly."

Tomoko left the kitchen and paused to view the ocean once more. Several boys and girls were splashing about, shrieking with joy as waves crashed over their small heads and sent them tumbling to shore. Gasping for air, they would jump to their feet and dive into the water to repeat the process. The yokai felt a smile steal across his face; ah, the children did look like they were having fun. And the waves, while decently sized, were not strong enough to sweep them out to sea. Still, better safe than sorry; Tomoko had taken only a few steps around the side of the house toward the front porch when his sharp ears caught Miranda's sudden gasp. A moment later, she was running up the stairs and throwing open a door. Tomoko froze as he heard the unmistakable sound of his wife being violently sick.

"Miranda!"

Tomoko barreled back into the house, racing through the kitchen and bounding up the stairs. The door to the bedroom was standing open, as was the door to the bathroom. Miranda sat huddled on the tiled floor, the smell of vomit thick in the air.

"Oh, Miranda." Tomoko leaned down to gather his wife in his arms.

"It's alright. I'm okay." Miranda's eyes were glazed, but she was breathing normally. "I don't know what came over me. All of a sudden, I just felt so nauseous."

"I think we should have you see a doctor, daarin."

"Maybe you're right. I've never been sick in the morning like this before..." Miranda's words trailed off as the meaning of the words she'd just spoken fully hit her. "Tomoko?"

"Hai?"

"I think... I think we should see a doctor. I think I... I'm almost sure I'm..."

Tomoko's eyes widened as he realized what his wife was saying. Without another word, Tomko carried Miranda out of the the bathroom, down the stairs and out the back door. Spreading his wings, the yokai soared into the clear blue sky before making a sharp turn and speeding off.

"Tomoko!"

"This way is faster."

"I can see that! But where-"

"To the doctor, of course! A very specific doctor!"
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"Dr. Vesper?"

Samuel Vesper looked up from his desk as one of the first-year university students stood in his doorway. The young man smiled, still hardly to believe that he had earned the rank of "doctor."

"Yes, John? Everything alright?"

"Tomoko Kurosaki and his wife are here. Shall I-?"

"Tomoko and Miranda? Yes, please, send them in!" Samuel got up from his desk to greet the couple, though he noted that Miranda was bit unsteady as she walked into the office.

"Tomoko! How nice it is to see you!"

"Dr. Vesper, an honor as always." Tomoko bowed to Samuel before stepping forward to take the young man's offered hand. " I hope we find you well."

"Busy, but very well indeed."

"That's wonderful. And how are Lisa and little Robert?" Miranda asked.

"Both are flourishing. Robert's already started rolling around quite a bit when we put him on the floor. Lisa says he has the makings of an athlete."

"No doubt he'll be giving you the runaround in due course," Tomoko laughed. "Although, speaking of children, that's why we're here."

"Oh?"

"Yes." Miranda smiled softly, gripping her hands together over her middle. "I think... I think I'm with child, Dr. Vesper. But Tomoko and I want to be sure."

"With... well, congratulations!" Samuel's grin stretched all the way to both ears. "But yes, you're correct; it's wise to make sure sooner rather than later. As it happens, I have a crack team of students who are nearly ready to take their final exams. If you're alright with it, Miranda, I'll have them perform the examination with me supervising."

"That's fine. Even if we're wrong, I'll at least be happy to know I was able to help give your students some experience."

"Indeed. But rest assured, they've all done this sort of exam before. We'll need to do a physical check as well as a blood test. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the examination room. I'm afraid you'll have to wait, Tomoko. But there is a lounge a few doors down from here; you're welcome to it."

"Arigato desu. I'll be there." Tomoko did pause to embrace his wife before she left to follow Samuel. "Good luck, Miranda-daarin. I hope we're correct."

"I'm sure we are, my dearest. I'm sure we are."

And indeed, they were.
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"Well, this time I can say congratulations in earnest. You are indeed expecting a baby, Miranda!" Samuel grinned as Tomoko and Miranda, now seated back in his office, practically jumped into each other's arms.

"Can you believe it, Tomoko? We're going to be parents!"

"I know, my dearest, I know! Oh, Miranda, I can't even describe how happy I am!"

"I know the feeling," Samuel laughed. "And believe me, if you think you're happy now, wait until your little bundle of joy actually arrives."

"When do you think it'll be?" Miranda asked as she and Tomoko sat back down across from him.

Samuel glanced down at the notes he had made in the file he'd started for Miranda. "You're about a month along. And from what Tomoko has told me, the length of gestation for a half-demon child is roughly the same as for a human. So, I'd say late March or early April is when you can expect to give birth."

"Oh, good, we have plenty of time to prepare. We'll have to get started on the nursery right away, Tomoko. And we'll have to start buying baby clothes and supplies and... oh, my, there's going to be so much to do."

"Don't you worry, Miranda, I'll make certain you and our child have everything you need."

"Speaking of which, I think one of the first things you'll need is a midwife."

"Midwife?" Miranda looked confused. "Why is that?"

Samuel caught Tomoko's eye; the bat demon sighed, but nodded at the doctor to continue.

"Well, for one thing, most hospitals would not be comfortable delivering a half-demon child. They would if they had to, of course, but many would prefer not to. We both know that Tomoko is a wonderful person and any child you both bring into the world is going to be extraordinary, I'm sure. But put a lot of expecting mothers together- some of whom are going through childbirth for the first time- and they will panic if something new and strange is introduced in the area around not just them, but their newborns."

"I suppose that's true." Miranda sighed and looked down at her hands. "And, in a way, I can't truly blame them. Of course, that's not a slight to you, Tomoko, but I know the birth itself is going to be stressful on me; if I thought even for a second there was a threat to our baby..."

"Of course. And I completely understand, Miranda. After all, our own neighbors only started getting to know me after I married you. I couldn't in good conscience ask complete strangers to endure my presence when they're already worried about delivering healthy children."

"Your presence is welcome, not one to be endured," Miranda said firmly. "But if having a midwife come to the house makes it easier, then I'm fine with that." The expectant mother smiled. "Plus, it'll be more comfortable, I'm sure."

"That's the other reason I think hiring a midwife is the better option for you, Miranda," Samuel said. "Tomoko?"

"Hai. I know I mentioned this to you before, Miranda, but humans who give birth to half-demon children often have a difficult time of it. Not just the birth, but the months leading up to it are going to take a toll on your body. After all, you've only been carrying our child for a month and you've been so tired."

"Oh yes, I remember you saying that. Will I need any special medicine or a specific diet?"

"Since you've been feeling exhausted, I'm going to prescribe you an iron supplement." Samuel was already filling out a form on his prescription pad. "And I want you to drink at least ten glasses of water a day from now. As for your diet, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and lean meats. You'll want to gain weight, but not too much weight, especially not all at once. Do you drink milk?"

"A glass or two a day, mostly."

"Make it three if you can. The important thing is that we make sure you keep your body as full of nutrients as possible. From what I can gather, a half-demon fetus will be taking more from your body than a human fetus; we must make sure to keep both of you healthy."

"Well, then if you don't mind, Tomoko, I think we should head for the grocer's before heading home."

"I agree. And I'll ask Takashi if he can send us a midwife; I'm sure there's someone in Kurosaki territory who would be able to help us."

"Good. Miranda, if it's alright with you, I'd like to continue to oversee your care until your child is born."

"Yes, please, Samuel."

"Right then, I'd like to see you next month for another blood test and exam. In the meantime, keep me informed if you experience any sort of pain or abnormal bleeding. Your cycle should be on hold, but you may experience light spotting. If that changes, I need to know immediately."

"Of course. Thank you for all of your help."

"My pleasure. And once again, congratulations!"
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"Well, now, this is a bit of a puzzle." Ladahlord stared down at his newest mixture. "Poppy and begonia petals, so I have intelligence and creativity here. So, why are you brown? Yellow or blue, I could understand, but brown?" The sorcerer paced around the cauldron, inhaling the steam as he tried to work out what his creation was telling him.

"You don't smell of fresh earth or a newly-tilled garden. I don't sense an autumn forest or a roasted chestnut in your steam. So why are you-" Ladahlord paused. "Wait, what was that?"

Ladahlord watched as the potion bubbled, the liquid becoming thicker as it seemed to meld together almost like-

"Oh of course!" Ladahlord smacked a palm to his head. "How could I not see? Yes, yes, I understand now. Wait a moment!"

Reaching over to one of his many shelves, Ladahlord's keen eyes spotted several brightly-wrapped candy bars. He waved his hand over the selection until a tingling in his fingers told him he had found the correct confection. Pulling the bar off the shelf, Ladahlord grinned as he looked down at the bright purple wrapper emblazoned with a bright golden "W."

"One Wonka bar, coming up. Now let us see if this does the trick."

Pulling the sweet chocolate free from its colorful paper casing, Ladahlord dropped the delicious treat into his cauldron. Sure enough, the potion began to bubble and froth as a cloud of yellow steam curled its way into the cave. Grinning Ladahlord watched as the creamy brown potion became a shimmering silver liquid that seemed to throw off sparkles as it shifted slightly in the cauldron.

"Perfect."

Ladahlord had just finished storing his new potion when he heard the tell-tale sound of flapping wings and bounding footsteps.

"Well, now, you sure seem to be-"

Ladahlord got no further. Tomoko all but pounced on his friend, embracing the sorcerer tightly. Tomoko's wings beat the air and made the jars of ingredients and potions rattle as the bat demon cried,

"I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!"

"You... you're... WHAT?" Ladahlord managed to gasp out the words through his rapidly dwindling supply of oxygen. Thankfully, Tomoko let Ladahlord go, but the demon's expression of pure joy didn't fade.

"Hai! Miranda is expecting! We will have a child come the spring!"

"HAHA, CONGRATULATIONS!" This time, Ladahlord was the one to hug Tomoko, nearly knocking the yokai into a nearby shelf. "Oh, Tomoko, I'm so happy for you and Miranda! In the spring, you said?"

"Hai, that's what the doctor said. We just got confirmation and now, we need only prepare."

"Oh prepare indeed. Much to be done before the little hanyo arrives, yes?"

"Yes. That's why-"

"Say no more!" Ladahlord was already scanning his shelves. "How has Miranda been feeling?"

"She's been tired and pale this past week. She initially thought she had the flu, but she was better this morning. It was until she got sick after breakfast that we realized what the cause of her fatigue must have been."

Ladahlord nodded. "Did you visit Samuel Vesper?"

"We did. He gave Miranda an iron supplement."

"Good, she'll need that. But she'll also need these."

Ladahlord set three large glass bottles in front of Tomoko, pointing to each one as he explained the potions within.

"This first potion will help keep any morning sickness at bay. A teaspoon in tea or milk each night for the next three months. The second one here she'll need to take with food; a tablespoon with your evening meal will work best. It will double the nutrients her body receives, so as long as Miranda eats well, both she and the child will be properly nourished."

"That will help. And this last one?" Tomoko pointed to the smallest bottle.

"Same as the first, one teaspoon in tea or milk at night. This is more for the child than Miranda, a sort of superfood only the unborn babe will get. With a human mother, you'll need a way to keep her demon half satisfied. This potion will ensure that."

"Thank you, Ladahlord. I feel much better knowing Miranda will have your aid through this trying time."

"I wouldn't dream of not helping. But this is only the beginning, Tomoko. As the little one grows, it will need more. And I'll need to prepare stronger potions not to just keep your child healthy, but to help Miranda recover after she gives birth. And even with my help, this isn't going to be easy for her."

"True, but every bit helps, my friend."

"That it does. Anyway, start Miranda on these potions tomorrow. She'll need stronger mixtures when she hits her third month and then another round at the six month mark."

"Very well. Domo arigato, Ladahlord nii-san."

"Dou itashimashite, Tomoko otouto-san. Bet I wouldn't let Takashi hear you say that."

"Oh don't worry; he feels the same. And I've no doubt, so will my child."