-March 2013 Mediterranean Sea-
"Are we there yet?" Nanako pouted, her frustration evident as she folded her arms.
Perched atop a large winged curse spirit with Suguru, Miguel, and Manami, all she could see was an endless stretch of water and sun for miles. The island, the white villa, and the large aquatic curse spirit creature swimming beneath the surface were nowhere in sight. They had been riding for what seemed like an eternity.
"Why aren't we there yet!?" She slammed her hands down on the creature, causing it to wince and jerk. Suguru and the others buckled until it steadied. He turned to her.
"Nanako, don't do that. We need to get there in one piece," he scolded gently.
She frowned and turned away, her arms remaining crossed. "It's taking forever."
"We're almost there."
"You said that an hour ago. We should have left sooner," she muttered, a low growl accompanying her words.
"I had business to attend to. It took longer than expected."
She threw her hands up and pointed angrily at the white bag in his lap. "Stopping for a strawberry roll cake doesn't count!"
Miguel quietly snickered, while Manami continued talking on her phone.
Nanako turned her back to Suguru and muttered, "I wish I wasn't sick."
A brief chuckle escaped Suguru as he heard her. He had a feeling her illness was the reason for her frustration. Mimiko had been allowed to go and enjoy herself, while Nanako had been left behind at the temple with him. She had a fever, and Suguru didn't want to take any risks this time.
Not after what had happened before.
"Mimiko got to swim! She got to watch movies! Design," Nanako ranted, her frustration evident. "They probably baked something too. Stupid cold."
She slammed her hand down again, startling the spirit and almost knocking everyone off.
"Nanako!" Suguru chided, steadying the curse.
"Are they done yet?" Mimiko asked, standing in the open kitchen before the oven, looking through the window at the baking donuts.
You stood on the other side of the island, wearing a white sundress with your hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, setting out bowls of sprinkles, nuts, and squeezable frosting tubes of various colors. Laure assisted you, bringing plates, while Toshihisa cut up pieces of fruit.
"Mimiko, don't stand close to the oven," you warned, setting a few small bowls of candies down. "Please move."
She complied, coming over to you. "Are they almost done?" she asked, a subtle eagerness in her monotone voice.
"Almost," you smiled. "About another ten minutes."
She sniffed the buttery vanilla-filled air, sighing contentedly. A bit of drool almost escaped her mouth, but you quickly wiped it away with a napkin. That brought her out of her daze.
"They smell so good," she said, pulling out a stool and climbing up.
You took the plates from Laure. "I know. You did a good job. I'm sure they'll taste delicious."
"Can we make something else?"
Before you could answer, Toshihisa grunted, shaking his head, his eyes locked on you.
"No," he answered firmly, setting the knife down. "You're supposed to be off your feet at this stage. Right now, actually."
You sensed the annoyance in his voice but also the concern on his face. You responded with a soft smile.
"I'm fine."
"I understand that."
"Besides, there's nothing to worry about. They won't be back. Right?" You wrapped your arms around Mimiko and gave her a reassuring squeeze and smile.
"Right," she answered, smiling back.
Toshihisa huffed, doing his best to keep calm. "Regardless, he doesn't— I mean, we don't want to take any chances."
You sighed and rested a hand on your small, swollen stomach. His eyes fell to your stomach and then lifted back to you.
"You need to rest."
"I'm fine," you countered, helping Mimiko down. "I appreciate your concern, but—"
The timer buzzed. The donuts were done. Mimiko perked up and hurried over. You followed her when Toshihisa blocked your path, hands firmly on his hips.
"I'll take them out. I'll get everything ready. I'll finish the rest. Now sit!" he ordered, pointing a finger towards the family room couch.
As much as you wanted to protest, you knew it wouldn't work. You guided Mimiko to the couch. You felt Toshihisa's eyes on you until you both sat down. Once he turned away, you and Mimiko shared a quiet laugh.
"What do you want to do while we wait?" you asked, leaning back with a soft sigh.
Your hands rested on your stomach, and Mimiko sat next to you, beginning to apply gentle rubs.
"Thank you," you lightly patted her hands.
She nodded, smiling softly. "Soon, you'll finally be here," she whispered close to your stomach. "Right?" She lifted her eyes to you.
You took a moment and nodded. "Yes. Three months from now."
"Finally."
Her words stung your heart for a moment. She didn't mean any ill by it, but you knew what she meant. You could still feel the sharp pain of their punch—it was minor, but still present in your abdomen. You closed your eyes for a moment and listened to the calming coastal sounds around you. Every sound relaxed you, and you would have stayed there if Mimiko hadn't called you back.
You opened your eyes, finding her standing before you, holding a brush, comb, and hair ties. You knew what she wanted and gladly agreed.
"Finally!" Nanako beamed with relief at the sight of the villa. "We're here!"
Down below, standing on the outstretched cliff, Roselyn and eleven-year-old Ziad held an open umbrella.
The curse spirit landed, and Nanako jumped off first. Roselyn greeted her and everyone else right away, dropping her head respectfully.
"Welcome back, Lord Geto, everyone, Miss Nanako."
Ziad blinked twice with a slight nod, ignoring Roselyn's sharp disapproving glare.
"Forgive his impudence," Roselyn said, her tone respectful but carrying a hint of ire.
Geto smiled, unbothered, and chuckled at the preteen. "Talkative as ever, Ziad."
Ziad dragged his feet to Geto, looking away. Roselyn grunted quietly, lifting her head. She had a few words to say, but knew it wasn't proper and kept her attention on Geto.
Miguel and Manami began walking towards the villa, and Ziad followed. Nanako was already halfway there.
Giving a shrug, Geto followed, with Roselyn trailing behind.
"Lord Geto, shall I put your bags away?" Roselyn inquired, noticing the two as they entered the villa and straight into the family room.
"Huh? Oh no. But could you take out a tray, a saucer, and a plate? It's for May," he said, scanning the room and kitchen. Nanako was throwing a fit at the sight of the decorated donuts, but he ignored that and walked into the kitchen, searching for something, or rather, someone. The others noticed, as he set the two bags on the island. Confusion creased his brow as he continued scanning the area. Right away, they knew his question. Still, it commanded everyone's attention, despite the calmness in his voice. "Where's May? Where's my wife?"
With those two words, everyone began searching the villa earnestly. Ziad reluctantly did the same. They searched every room and area they could think of. Toshihisa, especially, was thorough, his heart racing with each empty room and spot where you weren't. He was sure… he was sure you were on the couch. Just how did you even... he didn't want to think about that; Geto had already shot him a furious look. With beads of sweat dripping from his brow, he had to be the first one to find you. You were under his care this time, and no one wanted a repeat of last time. Of course, he had to remind himself, and what you said to be true—there wasn't any need to worry this time around with your condition since they were completely gone.
Even so, that didn't lessen his worry.
Just where were you?
"—And the end," you finished, closing the book. "What did you think of that story?"
Mimiko, lying next to you, both of you sitting on her bed in her room, shrugged a little. "It was fine. Boring but fine. There wasn't anything scary."
You laughed at her response and bothered expression. "But you told me to read it. I liked it."
"You like stories either way," she retorted. She wasn't wrong; you did.
"True," you yawned a little, setting the book on the nightstand. "They've always been interesting to me. Who doesn't love a good book?"
Mimiko slid off her bed, being mindful not to disturb you, and took the book off the nightstand. She went over to her bookcase and put it back. You watched her stand there, deciding what she wanted you to read next, her hair now in two braids. As you waited, you relaxed in her bed, your hands on your stomach, your thoughts elsewhere, mostly to keep you awake. You were rather tired, but you pushed it aside, although your drooping eyelids said otherwise. To keep yourself awake, you hummed softly, rubbing your stomach. It wasn't a good idea; it only added to your exhaustion. Hearing your humming, Mimiko turned from her bookcase and back to you.
She wasn't the only one; outside her room, your humming reached Manami's ears, and she knew. Pressing her ear quietly against the door, she listened to be sure—it was you. She wasted no time and hurried to inform Geto and the others.
Within moments, he and the others arrived, relief apparent on their faces. Geto remained calm, but his eyes revealed his relief. He opened the door cautiously, so as not to startle you, and kept Nanako back, who wanted to rush in.
"May," he called for you.
There was no response. He opened the door a little more and found you peacefully asleep with Mimiko tucked close. The others couldn't fully see, nor did they see the softness that settled in Geto. He slipped into the room, blocking the others, and shut the door softly behind him. Spotting Mimiko's desk chair, he went and got it. He carried it back, placed it close to your side, for a moment, and just as he sat down, his eyes traveled over your features with a tender intensity for a moment, he extended a hand and rested lightly it on your bump.
This stirred you partially awake; he noticed, and in your daze, you smiled, welcoming him, before closing your eyes, missing the tender smile forming on his lips.
Present
Your eyes opened, waking from the memory, and you found yourself in bed the next day, unclothed and curled up. You stared straight ahead at nothing, despite the gorgeous scenery before you. Open skies, touched up by the sun's highlighting rays and pure clouds. A view that spoke freedom, yet your eyes couldn't capture it.
No.
The kimono was tossed aside, every layer, every part on the floor. You could still feel their touch, not Suguru's but theirs, touching every part of you. A disgusting shudder ran through you, but you remained inactive and just lay there. Your mind held nothing. The spot on your bed next to you was weightless. You knew what that meant; they had left earlier this morning. You knew it was best to pretend you were asleep, but you had heard them leave... you had heard all of them leave from your room.
You had heard your son leave, and you couldn't even say goodbye.
A soft knock came. "My lady," Roselyn called with compassion and care. "We're coming in."
She opened the door, and she and Ziad scanned the floor. Their eyes rested on you. They quietly entered. Roselyn went over to you; Ziad walked by and went to your bathroom. You heard the water turn on as Roselyn, with the utmost care, helped you sit up. From her apron, she took out a small tin container and opened it. She took out a small blue pill. Ziad came back just in time with a glass of water. They gave you both items.
You swallowed the pill and drank the water.
Neither said a single thing. What could they really say? What could they even do?
As dilated and broken as your mind was, you collected yourself and forced a smile for them. "I better get ready," you said, your voice trying to sound cheerful despite its cracks. "I start today."
You tossed the covers aside. Ziad shut his eyes, and Roselyn stood and helped you up. She quickly draped you in your robe and guided you to the bathroom.
"This way, my lady."
"What's the scent today?"
"Twilight's Essence."
"Sounds lovely."