Chapter 4 ~The baby~

Winter rolled in, and the village didn't deal with snowstorms, more like heavier rain and more chill in the air. Toshi had a job. He has been hired to work at the nearby farm by a young man, aged twenty named Akihiko. The man was alone and it felt like a sound decision to have someone help him out for a couple of hours a day. Although the farmer still received dirty looks from the other villagers, Toshi was thankful for his kindness.

Chizuru sat down on the bathroom floor, heaving nonstop. Vomiting is the worst process she could think of. The way her stomach lurched nonstop, forcing everything she ate out. She felt him wrap his arms around her.

"Do you feel better now?" He asked as he helped her up on her feet. He could feel her temperature wasn't normal, neither too feverish either. Her stomach has grown considerably in the last few months.

"I hate you," she whispered, frowning at him.

He chuckled with a sympathetic smile, "I know. I love you too."

Once she reached the futon, she wrapped herself in the blanket, waves of nausea adding to her misery. He could do nothing but smile, a poor attempt to comfort her but still.

"Come now. We are having a baby. It's going to be worth it and I cannot wait to see him or her."

Chizuru's veins popped in her forehead. "Yeah right, you are not the one who has to deal with your body changing."

His shoulders sagged in defeat and he chose to be silent for the time being. He sat on the steps, looking at the freshly cleaned backyard. Good thing he would leave for work in three hours.

"That's right, breathe louder..that would totally help me relax and feel good," Chizuru snarled behind him. Toshi rolled his eyes and shook his head in defeat. He is on the verge of losing his mind. On one hand, he feels like he wants to punch something, on the other hand, he wishes there was something he can do to help ease his wife's discomfort. He wonders if all husbands felt like this when their wives were pregnant.

Ever since her pregnancy, Chizuru had become unbearable to deal with , angry most of the time then there were tears for no reason at all or her feelings would be hurt at the drop of a dime and then she would have bouts of laughter in between sobs. Then there is also her growing appetite, not just for food but for him. Within the past few months, her shyness waned and a new boldness came upon her. She wastes no time letting him know that she wants him and she pounces on him every chance she gets, not that he's complaining. His only wish was that he was a bit younger so he could keep up with her. He is brought back to reality and gazes back at her. "You know I wonder if the women in this village can deliver a baby that is half demon half pure evil." He grumbled the last word.

The noise that burst forth was like a cross between a snort and a drunken laugh, like Chizuru never knew when to breathe between the giggles. Another sign of her craziness.

"You planted this pure evil in me." She chuckled.

He knelt down and held her face between his hands.

"Chizuru, darling, the love of my life. How about you try to sleep until I finish work by nightfall?" He said with a smile. Those words seemed to get through to her, the expression in her face softened.

"Fine," she whispered and rolled back under the blanket.

He exhaled, and at last, she is quiet again.

Four hours later.

A woman stood in front of the house. Her jet-black hair was like a shadow swaying behind her. In contrast to her pale skin. She took a breath to relax. This is it, she was going to meet him.

"Excuse me? Anybody home?" she called out loudly. After what felt like forever, she heard footsteps approaching and the beating of her heart exhilarated. The sliding door opened to reveal a girl with dark hair, wearing a white kimono with an orange sash around her waist. Her baby bump was almost bursting through her clothes.

"Good morning," Chizuru said with a smile. "How can I he . . ." She stopped mid-sentence once she noticed the woman before her. The long jet-black hair, the intimidating presence. The similarities in the face were not lost in her.

"You are Aiya?" She asked, her voice rising and she spoke a million miles a minute. "It is so nice to finally meet you. I'm Chizuru, please come in, we have been waiting for you."

Once Aiya entered the house, she couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.

"Please, no need to act like this my dear sister-in-law." A wide smile broke across her face. "I'm a delight to be with. No need to impress me with anything."

Chizuru's cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment and her shoulders sagged, so much for a good first impression. Aiya placed her hand on top of Chizuru's head and ruffled her hair slightly. Chizuru flinched slightly and backed away from her.

"You are so cute. My baby has nice taste in women," she said and glanced around, trying to locate him. "Speaking of my baby, where is he?"

Chizuru was frozen for a moment. A stark difference between her and Toshi. She seemed to be cheerful and talkative while he is silent and not into conversation much. It's almost hard to believe they are siblings. Why was he bitter about her coming?

"Umm.. this way please." She escorted her inside to the living room. The moment the screen door opened and she spotted him , Aiya hurried and grabbed the unsuspected Toshi by his lapel.

"Hijikata Toshizo! How dare you?!" she screamed. The man was so startled, his face was frozen in a silent gasp. His skin turned even paler than usual.

"Hello Aiya, nice to see you too." He tried to break the awkwardness. His tone was shaky. The look in her eyes was murderous rage to the point she almost looked like Toshi, mixed in with love. No one can pull off a confusing look like that but Aiya.

"So my baby grew up, got a wife and I didn't get to see it, not to mention that wife is pregnant too?!" She started crying without realizing it. Suddenly he was pressed tight against her shoulder, their comforting warmth dispelling her fears like they never existed to begin with. He immediately returned the hug while fighting back the urge to cry with her. It really has been too long.

To think that I didn't think I would see you again let alone hold you, Aiya thought. "Oh my baby. I missed you so much!"

"Baby?" Chizuru said loudly. Aiya pulled herself off of him and her smirk returned to her face.

"I raised him. He is my precious baby."

Aiya went silent for a moment, eyeing Chizuru up and down, then she jumped in and grabbed her kimono. Chizuru whimpered as Aiya unhooked her clothes slightly exposing her cleavage. "This is better." Aiya said." You want to make him drool all over you. Show him your beauty."

"Umm….okay." She didn't know what to say. "I'll make you some tea."

Aiya shook her head. "Don't worry about that. I will go make it myself.''

She didn't even wait for them to say anything and walked away to look for the kitchen.

Awkward silence dominated the room. Neither one of them wanted to talk about their guest. Chizuru's mind was still reeling from how bold that woman was. Aiya returned with a tray filled with breakfast and tea. She placed it on the table and ushered for them to sit and eat. Nothing else to say, the two obeyed. The woman had a great amount of carefreeness, she started to eat with a huge smile on her face. It looked like she was lost in her own world and couldn't read the tension in the room.

"Um..so you said you raised Toshi," Chizuru spoke and broke the silence. An attempt to try to get to know the woman better. Aiya finished her omelette and glanced back at her sister-in-law.

"Oh yes, he was the most little runt of a child I have ever known. You better hope your child is not like him," she said. "I have so many stories about how terrible he was with girls. I still cannot believe this loser is married." She smirked and a mischievous look broke across her face. "Tell me Chizuru, does he pleasure you well enough in bed?"

"Huh?" Chizuru gasped, her face turning bright red.

"You have been married for how long and you are already pregnant? There has to be a reason," she continued with a chuckle.

While Chizuru gazed at Toshi, he had his hands clasped together and looked like he was praying for the earth to swallow him at this very moment. His embarrassment was immense by the protruding veins in his forehead and the redness in his ears, but he took it like a warrior. It's the price to pay for having a shameless sister like this. This is the very first time Chizuru saw him like this. He always seemed so confident.

"Come now," Chizuru coughed and changed the subject. "So are you married?" Toshi gave Chizuru a thankful smile.

"Yes, I have two kids as well. Feel free to ask me about pregnancy," she replied with a smile. "The travel was too rough for them so I didn't bring them to meet their Uncle Toshi."

Chizuru's expression broke slightly. "I'm sorry about that. I appreciate you coming all this way to meet us."

"You can rest here as long as you want," Toshi spoke at last. "It has been a long time since we saw each other after all."

Aiya's expression was serious, nothing but love and nostalgia. "That's kind of you baby. I would like to stay for a while of course at least until the man who brought me here goes back to Edo." She excused herself to go wash and change her clothes.

Once she closed the door, Chizuru exhaled, not knowing what to say to this untimely reunion.

"You still love me right?" Toshi asked. "You are not going to regret marrying me?"

"Right…huh I think I could see it now," she said and followed it with a burst of nervous laughter. No wonder he seemed bothered by her coming for a visit.

This was almost comical to witness. Deep down she wondered if they had a terrible and complicated relationship but that was far from the truth. A soft laugh escaped her lips…a sound that made Toshi flinch. He knew all too well that she was laughing at his expense. Perhaps he deserved it somehow.

"I hate you," he grumbled. "You better go to sleep."

"I love you too," she replied with a chuckle. "You should go to work."

"Right…witch," he mumbled under his breath.

She chuckled.

Gladly he did so. Staying away from that madhouse is a pleasure. He could finally breathe a bit.

…

Akira Stood at his shop with his hands behind his back. His eyes observed his surroundings carefully. The man should come at any moment now, he needed to see him in this hour of the morning no matter what. A couple of minutes went by, Toshi appeared in his work clothes. He carried a scythe with him. Taking it to the other side of the farm where he works.

Old Man Akira's eyes twinkled slightly as he called out to him. "Master Toshizo, a moment please." Toshi had a look of great exhaustion as he came closer to the man.

"How is your wife doing? My grandchild is willing to come to check up on her again if it's needed," the old man said with a gentle smile on his face.

Toshi scratched the back of his head to ease the soreness there. "I'm at my wit's end. That creature is not my wife."

Akira was silent, watching him with keen observation before laughing out loud. He clapped the younger man on the back which gave him a look of confusion and irritation. "Don't worry, you're almost there. Just hang in there a little bit longer my boy. One word of advice, just humor her. Whatever she wants, just give it to her. Trust me, you'll find it easier to stay on her good side."

"Did she put a spell on you to get you to say this?" Toshi asked with a slight smile.

The older man laughed.

A crow of perfect, black inky wings flew down and stood on its legs right near Toshi. He was slightly shocked when he saw another crow followed suit, followed by another, and two more after that until he was surrounded by a flock of birds. Toshi sensed something…odd. Like it's there and not there, somehow. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He couldn't understand this strange feeling overwhelming him like he was trapped under ice. His hand slightly trembled as he placed it on the sword in his belt. He didn't know why but his entire being was shaking, looking at the crows with their crimson eyes. They were frozen in place like statues watching him. His lips moved but no sound came out. There was no way that those crows were normal. He could feel it. Other villagers noticed what was happening and a crowd gathered a couple of feet away.

"He is the demon!" someone screamed.

"It's true. May God saves us all," a woman cried.

"Curse you demon. Leave our village at once!"

His eyes were wide open, unable to move or say anything. Akira jumped in and stood in front of Toshi, opening his arms wide.

"Stop this at once! Leave him be! He is just a person!" he screamed at them, shaking all over his frail body. Like chanting as old as time, every crow turned to face the villagers and they started cawing simultaneously. The crowd started crying and cowering in fear.

Akira swallowed a lump in his throat to plead to them again. "I have been feeding these crows for a while, they know me. That's why," he glanced back at Toshi who looked pale as a corpse. "Go back to your work now. I can deal with them."

Like a spell being lifted, he was finally able to move again. Normally, he would have no problem dealing with agitated people like this. In fact, he felt like he was back with the Shinsengumi the last time he dealt with anger, hatred and fear towards him. He was used to this. Although, his methods of dealing with this type of crowd was sometimes frowned upon. He wasn't called the 'Demon Commander' for no reason. The only difference is that this anger and hatred is affecting his wife and now his unborn child. He cannot let that happen or mustn't let anything happen to them. He will protect them at all costs. With his mind made up, he hurried back to the farm, never looking back at the scene he just witnessed.

He could feel it, every villager was watching his every step. Did they call him a demon? How could that be possible? He doubted what Akira said.

They couldn't have known. Those crows were watching him, he could see it in their eyes. They targeted him.

His head was filled with questions that he didn't realize Akihiko was calling out to him.

"Earth to Master Toshi, are you alright?" the young man asked as he shook his arm. Toshi took a deep breath and tried to ease the grogginess in his mind.

"It's nothing, I'm okay," Toshi replied.

Akihiko's face fell slightly since he already knew the cause of Toshi's trouble from the time they spent with each other. He guessed that the villagers gave him a hard time again.

"I'm sorry. Let's go back to work."

….

Chizuru and Aiya sat beside one another, having spent the day lounging around the house like furloughed soldiers. Aiya advised her about how to make her pregnancy easier. Though Chizuru knew that her pregnancy was not like humans, especially since she was carrying a demon baby after all. Of course, she couldn't tell her that, at least not until she and Toshi discussed it.

Chizuru, on the other hand, told her about how she met Toshi and the Shinsengumi. She also told her what their wedding was like. They both wore dark blue clothes when they brought a pastor into some random meadow in Ezo and he married them right there, with Harada and Saito present.

"This is ridiculous, you two should have found me. I would have created a good small party for the two of you," Aiya cut her off.

"Right," Chizuru chuckled. "Sorry. You should rest a bit now. I want to go take a walk for a bit and be back before Toshi gets home."

Aiya flinched slightly at the thought of a pregnant woman walking alone.

"Okay, I will go with you."

Chizuru shook her head and politely refused. "It's okay. I'm not going far, I'll just walk nearby the house. Besides, Toshi is coming back at any minute now."

Reluctantly, Aiya agreed. Walking is indeed healthy for women like her. Chizuru bowed and wished her sweet dreams before she closed the door and started walking outside. The setting sun casted a warm glow over the village. The yellow-orange rays splashed down over the green lands making the whole village look like a perfect painting to the eyes. She rounded left at the oak tree, back at the area where she saw the foggy forest and to her surprise, nothing was there but a mountain pass covered by weeds and overgrown trees. Deep in her heart she knew that dream was real. The demon had the power to speak to her and make her see the truth she repressed. She heaved a long sigh, so much to think about so little time. She stopped mid-walk, a cramp started to take hold of her slowly. She knelt down slightly holding her belly. It started like a great sense of heaviness then increased into a dull ache that went from her belly button down to the middle of her pelvis.

"Dear god," she sobbed as she slowly fell on her knees. Her breath quickened with every second that passed. She wanted to try to go back home but everytime she tried to move the pain was unbearable. Sitting made it a bit easier. "Please, not now," she prayed and heaved in pain. No water or blood, so she could not be having the baby, she thought.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here, brother. Looks like the whore is hurt," The man's voice was slick. Chizuru gasped as she gazed up at her surroundings. She crawled backwards slightly. Fear consumed her like freezing water.

"Now, now, little whore . Don't go running away," said the other man who was ratty with a wiry frame. His thick black hair was almost covering his eyes, shining in the orange light. A thin smile painting his face. "We only want to play." Both men chuckled wickedly.

Chizuru's heart pounded. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking. "Please, just leave me alone. I don't want any trouble." The words trembled off her tongue.

"Little whore, we don't want any trouble either. We just want to play. You like playing, don't you? I'm sure your husband wouldn't mind sharing for a good fee." The two men circled her slowly, getting closer and closer, teasing and taunting her.

"Come on now. I think we could show you such a good time that you might even want to pay us after," the more handsome man of the two said, laughing to himself.

Chizuru's eyes glistened with tears, it was the first she heard a man speaking such horrendous words to her of all people. "This isn't how men act. Please leave me be," she shouted. She should know how men act, she's lived with them long enough. What Chizuru didn't know was that the members of the Shinsengumi were some of the most honorable and great men out there. They were outstanding men who stood apart from the rest of the lot including Toshi.

The two men pulled something from their pocket and let it shine in the light before her. A set of clean, sharp knives. "Don't even think about biting your tongue before we are done with you," the ratty man smirked.

" No…no," she cried, trying to throw a punch with all the strength she could. Before she could blink, one of them seized her arms easily in a matter of seconds. She felt her face slam harshly to the ground where some dirt snuck into her mouth and her cries were muffled. Her bones felt like they were twisted behind her back, both her hands made a cracking noise.

Panic sank in and she started crying without realizing it. Cries mixed with gagging sounds.

She felt the ratty man's hands roughly squeeze her butt, she let out a loud cry. The knife cut through her clothes quickly.

Suddenly, there was a flash of movement that Chizuru sensed. She felt the hands on her rear were gone. The ratty man went crashing to the ground with a howl.

"You piece of filth!" a man yelled with authority, a voice she knew all too well, especially with the anger he was feared for. "You disgraceful cowards," he yelled again.

She felt her hands were loose and she could move again. Chizuru moved her face slightly to the side and through her blurry vision, she saw the silver-haired man standing before her, rage was evident in his entire body. He pulled the man who seized her arms by his hair and slammed him to the ground.

The pain in her belly increased, all of this was too much and she buried her face again, crying.

"Oh, you are going to pay for that," the ratty man growled. He twisted his hands into fists.

Toshi drew his sword and took a stance. "You dared to touch my wife, you won't leave this place alive," he threatened darkly.

"Oh, I didn't know monsters had an honor," the handsome man heaved the words as he pulled himself onto his feet. "This is what you get for coming to our village with your whore."

Toshi prepared his sword in a traditional guard stance, knees bent, legs dynamic, and arms together. He slowed his breathing and concentrated on his heart. "Come on. Show me how much of a man you two are."

The two men prepared themselves with their own swords drawn.

Toshi launched himself forward, his sword held at his waist, propelling it from the side for a clean slash. He sliced horizontally and a trail of blood splattered to the ground. The ratty man stood still mid-charge, frozen for a moment. A gurgling sound followed as blood burst from his mouth and he fell on his face, dead before he hit the ground, almost cut in half from his waist.

The handsome man whimpered at the sight. The sword was shaking in his hands as Toshi focused on him. The handsome man let go of the sword and started backtracking, in an attempt to run away. Going three steps forward, he slipped over dirt and fell, cursing his luck for the demon man was already upon him.

Toshi's demon powers were gone and purple eyes gazed at him with great malice within.

"Please….leave me be," the man begged. "I'm sorry."

Toshi tilted his head slightly. "Like hell. You just tried to rape my wife, I'll be damned if I let you live." He raised his sword and with a scream, drove it down the top of the man's head, impaling him on the spot. Blood sprouted, staining his clothes bright red. Toshi stood there for a moment, heaving at the sight before him. His rage has finally been extinguished. "Chizuru!" He called out as he looked back at the small figure of his wife, in a fetal position, crying. He knelt down and slowly lifted her up into his arms. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

He thanked any god that is out there that he left work at this moment or else who knew what would have happened? That horrible image played in his mind again. That man touching her like that was a sight that would be burnt in his head for a while.

She buried her face in his chest, and within a second, his clothes were stained with her constant tears, the fear she felt at this very moment was nothing like she has ever known.

"I'm so scared," she whimpered. "They were touching me…and our baby."

He patted her head.

"Please don't cry. We won't stay here anymore, even if we sleep in damp caves, it's much better than this village." He put his hand under her knees and the other behind her shoulders and carried her bridal style.

Once Chizuru's nerves settled slightly, she noticed something. The cramps subsided. What was all that about? Her mind returned back to what recently happened and so she buried her face in his chest, crying.

Toshi was about to enter his home when he heard someone call out to him.

"Master Toshi!"

Akihiko's brown hair looked damp and stuck to his face as he ran for miles. His face was full of sweat and his breathing was troubled.

"I have heard it all, I'm very sorry. This is the first time something like this has happened in our village" He trembled, a sense of great shame was evident on his face.

"I own a house far from this village, you could stay there until your wife is able to travel."

The young man explained to him how this house is located near the mountains, a valley filled with flowers and types of plants that are not native to this part of the country. He worked to have them grow there. He left that house after the farm's work was left for him alone to take care of.

Toshi bowed his head slightly. He had grown to like and respect this man as a young friend in this strange village. "Thank you very much for your help. You are an honorable man." He gazed at Chizuru, her face still buried in his chest, eyes closed tightly.

"She would have thanked you too if…" He paused. "I need to go now."

Akihiko nods in understanding. "I'm glad that I met you master Toshi," Akihiko said as he handed him a sum of money. "This is your payment for this month. Good luck to you in the near future."

The man turned his back to him and started heading back home. Toshi sighed and closed the front door behind him.

"Aiya!" he called out.

A woman's gasp can be heard on the other side of the house. Aiya ran to the hall, her hair disheveled.

"My God, Toshi what happened?!" She hurried toward them and tilted her head to check on the woman in his arms.

"Aiya, you need to leave us at once." His tone was deadpan. "We cannot stay in this village anymore. They won't hurt you though since you are not involved and no one knows your relation to us."

Aiya couldn't understand what he meant by that, she only spent a couple of hours with them. Why can't she stay any longer?

"Toshi, I'm not leaving you behind, we just reunited." She replied.

Toshi walked past her and went to their bedroom, gently propping Chizuru against the wall, and started gathering their things. Time is of the essence, he must leave this place at once.

He couldn't wipe the image off of his mind - he couldn't take it. Aiya was at the door watching him in silence. She never saw him so serious and hiding his anger so well. He might be able to fool others but he can never fool her. He really has grown up. She knew all too well the look he had on his face - the look of a determined husband protecting his family at all costs. Her husband wore the same face one time so she understood.

" I wish I could tell you what's going on, but you do not deserve to be dragged into this." He spoke at last.

Aiya had a look in her eyes of disappointment and understanding.

Toshi understood, back when he was young, he always spoke to her if there was something troubling him. It probably bothered her as to why he cannot explain.

She must have felt the bitter taste of change and the fact their relationship would never be the same ever again.

She understood this but hated to admit it. He is a married man after all. Even though she will always have a place in his heart, she has been replaced by his wife. She could just see the smile on her wretched mother-in-law's face. That witch must've cursed this upon her.

He let go of their bag and pulled his sister into a knowing embrace. It was his way to apologize for this. "I love you Aiya, always. It's not like a goodbye forever, when I'm able to settle down, I will inform you. I promise." He glanced at her ocean-blue eyes for a moment, he knew she wanted to say something, but was unable to express them.

"I love you too Toshi," she replied with a bitter smile gracing her tired face. "Please take care of yourself and her."

Aiya told him that there is an inn for travelers where the man who brought her stayed.

She would stay there until it was time for her to leave for Edo. As is typical of the two of them, they didn't speak any more goodbyes, Aiya gathered her things and left immediately. They were always like this even in the past. Not too much into sentimental feelings.

Chizuru was still frozen in the spot where Toshi left her. Her eyes were blank and glassy, with no emotions within them, like she was staring into the abyss.

Worried about her, Toshi knelt down in front of her. "Please, say something?"

Chizuru met his eyes at last and her expression softened slightly. "I… will be okay," she said and took a deep breath.

He heaved a sigh of relief, at least she is talking.

"Come on darling, it would be alright. Just give me a moment to pack."

After an hour, everything was packed. Chizuru took care of the bags that had food and tools in them. It was their supply for the time being after all.

Chizuru stood at the entrance of the house and gave one last look at the place that has been her home for months. "Goodbye."

They left the house and went for the side path. Their mood is somber. Both are hoping for the best in this new location. Toshi promised that he would carry her after a while because she cannot walk long distances.

After a couple of hours, they finally reached the mountain and found the tunnel that would lead to the place Akihiko spoke of. When they came out to the other side, they didn't expect their new home to be beautiful.

The valley was small and very secluded. In the middle, they could see a lake, and on the other side of it there was a beautiful waterfall, which gave the valley a peaceful drone.

Beyond the lake, there was a forest and on the outskirts of it, they glimpsed a small house.

It was located near a creek that ran playfully into the lake nearby.

"You know, I don't mind if this is our new home," Chizuru commented, a smile creeping into her face.

"I cannot believe it. Who would have imagined the villagers would leave this beautiful place?" Toshi commented. "Unless he only knew about it."

Toshi carried Chizuru once more and started heading for the house. It has been a long night. The house had no futon so it's a good thing Toshi chose to take the one they used in the other home. He swept the room from its dust and prepared the bed for her. Chizuru rested her back finally and took a breath.

The floor of this house made a sound and creaked anytime someone walks on it, especially outside of the bedroom. The house was cozy. It has one room and a kitchen with a small backyard where they can wash. Toshi lay down next to her, tired beyond belief. He wished he could sleep for a whole month. His eyes were almost shut when he heard it again…a crow cawing.

"I didn't imagine there were crows in these areas," Chizuru commented.

Toshi pulled himself off the bed and opened the back door. Right in the middle stood a crow with shining red eyes, watching them. He felt it again, the frightening sense in the pit of his stomach. Another bird landed on the ground, making the same sound and another one followed until a flock had gathered.

"Oh god," Chizuru moaned. He glanced back at his wife who was kneeling down and holding her belly. Her eyes were closed tight. "Not again."

Toshi could see a wet stain between her legs. This was it, they were having a baby at this very moment.

Worried, he held onto her shoulders and laid her back on his chest.

"Chizuru, on my mark. Breathe," he spoke under a bated breath.

Chizuru looked at him with murder in her eyes.

"I swear I'm going to break your teeth with my fist," she threatened menacingly

Again that attitude is back, still, he counted with his fingers and Chizuru followed his breathing that she felt against his chest. Breathing in and out. The dull cramp on her pelvis increased immensely. Her uterus felt like it was ballooning up and poking her with hundreds of needles.

"Oh…oh." Chizuru's moans of pain got louder. "Oh god!" She screamed the last word. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Toshi placed the pillow behind her and laid her against it. He went to the other side and held unto her knees and pushed them apart.

"Darling, focus on me. On my count, breathe again."

"Right.." She gasped... "I could imagine what it would feel like to kill you."

Toshi rolled his eyes and focused on his beautiful wife. She's only saying this because she is in pain. She'll be back to her sweet self once she gives birth. Though it couldn't come soon enough. Once again, he counted and did a breathing process with her. He lifted her kimono up to her knees and was silent for a moment. This is it. He had to help make this easier for her.

"Alright Chizuru, at the next contraction you must push. Push with all your strength, you can do it." He offered his hand to her and she squeezed.

Then she screamed again. Fear reverberated through Toshi's body as her suffering flowed unleashed through his own veins. He could see blood seeping through. He took her hand to his lips and kissed it a number of times as if he wanted to pour the warmth and vigor of his body into her tired but beautiful face.

"You can do this, darling, you are tough," Toshi said. "I know it hurts. But you must do it again. Push, help our baby out."

Chizuru was heaving and crying "I…I'm going to die." she answered feebly, tears now rolling copiously down her face. "I love you."

Toshi remained silent for a moment, pondering the situation. Chizuru's cries had now turned into prolonged moans until she was almost gasping for air. He knelt forward and gave her a kiss on the lips, to help comfort her a bit. His smile grew even more. "It's going to be alright. Our baby is almost here, come on."

He felt her hand shaking against his as another strong contraction came. She heaved a deep sigh and finally started pushing.

….A time later…

He held her against his chest. Her hair appears greasy and stuck to her head from the constant sweating and the rough labor she went through. In her arms is their sleeping baby, wrapped in a white sheet after Toshi cleaned him up. The boy had the most jet-black hair anyone could have ever seen and pale skin.

"He is so adorable," Chizuru sobbed because she couldn't hold back any longer. It is over. Their child is here at last. No more nausea, no more horrific pain, and her body will return to normal.

"Our boy," Toshi whispered, overwhelmed. He didn't know what to say anymore. He was a father. The idea still hadn't sunk in. He kissed the back of her head again.

"He looks so much like you." Chizuru chuckled.

Toshi studied his son. Yes, there was definitely something of him in the baby. The shape of his face, maybe. The eyes and the hair of course. The tiny features had a delicate quality to them, which could never have sprung out of the mortal race. The boy was a demon.

"What are we going to name him?" Chizuru asked.

Toshi didn't need to think about it much, he knew for a long time what name he would choose for his boy.

"How about the name Kondo."

Chizuru felt it in her heart, a choking pain at the mention of the fallen commander.

"Kondo it is" Chizuru whispered.

Thank you for reading. Hope you liked it. Sebastian is born :D

Thank you Lilc77 for your help