Sid𝄞⨾💿✮˚.⋆

 His cruel words send you over the edge. Tears slip down your delicate face, and a wretched cry of terror and sorrow is wracked from your throat. 

    “Eh?” The monster drops your mangled mother, the bloodied corpse letting out a lewd thud as it hits the ground. The monster takes a moment to fathom that there's a small child present. After a moment of processing, though. The monster lets out a delighted shriek. 

    “My, My! Another contender, I see? Simply marvelous!” It clapped its many small hands together in sheer excitement. Within mere seconds, the towering monster is now in front of your smaller form, rambling on about himself. 

    “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear! My name is Gyokko, ah.. And I must say”.. One of his small hands forcibly takes your own, looking over your delicate skin. “My.. You are exquisite.”  

    You start to feel faint due to his words. This isn’t real. You told yourself over and over, in your head. But this.. Gyokko. Didn’t seem to vanish whatsoever. In desperation, you let out another sob. But Gyokko doesn't seem to appreciate the noise. 

“Now listen here, damned brat. Stop that needless hollering.” His smooth hands trace the outline of your small, dainty face. Even though his voice has deepened threateningly, that cheeky look never left his horrid face. “My, look at the pitiful look on your face, how very sublime it is”! 

He leaned closer, the smell of your parents’ now rotting flesh washing over your senses. It sickens you. Bile is building up in your throat. Is this really the end? You thought to yourself. All you could do was hope. 

     When you thought all was lost, the sound of multiple voices came from outside, and a wave of relief crashed over you. “Help me, please!” you called out, trying to scramble away from Gyokko, but he’s just too quick. He grabs your small form, holding you back. 

     “Ah, Ah. Do you really think you can just run? You truly are vapid! Hyo, Hyo”! A pot emerges from one of Gyokko’s many hands. “Blood demon art-” Gyokko’s about to unleash the attack if not for the swordsman who grabbed you; it catches Gyokko off guard. 

     Suddenly, you’re being carried away by a man, the one who kept a kanta at his side. The one with the uniform. After that, though, everything's just a blur. You don’t remember much after that incident, only Gyokko. 

     Eight years have passed since that.. Incident. Well. That's what Jiji-Kun (grandfather) and  Baba-Chan (grandmother) tell you. You’re now sixteen, and getting ready to meet your Fiancé, Kubo Reiji. From what you’ve heard, he’s a sweet, considerate young man, so you can't help but feel a little giddy whilst getting ready. 

     Once ready, you head out of your room in the new silk garments your grandmother bought for you. You’re stunning. Exquisite.. You pause to scold yourself. Get it together, Y/N. That thing is gone. It won’t hurt you ever again. Your thoughts are interrupted because your grandmother calls you from the Washitsu. 

      Quickly, you bound down the hall towards the Washitsu. You slide the wooden door open, bowing your head. “Good morning, Jiji-Kun, Baba-Chan.” You raise your head, and a bright smile is plastered on your face. You truly are delighted about what lies ahead of you today. 

     Baba-Chan (Your Grandmother) rushes towards you, her frail arms encircling you in a hug. “Y/N-Chan. My, look how you've grown.” She presses her soft, wrinkled hand to your cheek. Causing a warm, tingling feeling through you. 

Once Baba-Chan pulls back, Jiji-Kun (Your Grandfather) approaches you with a small wrapped gift in his hand. “We are so proud of you, Y/N-Chan. Baba-Chan picked this out specially for you at the market.” Your eyes dart towards the small gift that Jiji-Kun holds out, offering it to you. You take the gift and start to unwrap it slowly. 

     Inside the packaging lies a beautifully crafted kanzashi. It’s gold-plated and has a beautiful emerald sphere on the end of it. When your grandparents said they picked the kanzashi specially for you, they really meant it. And that means a lot to you. 

     You don’t even notice, but your eyes begin to well with tears. You grasp the kanzashi securely; it brings you contentment and joy. Taking a step forward, you wrap your arms around both of your grandparents in a tight embrace. “It’s.. It’s wonderful, thank you.” You manage to choke out after a moment of trying to compose yourself.           

    “Oh dear.. We love you so much.” Baba-Chan brings her hand to your back, rubbing up and down in a comforting motion. The sound of the carriage approaching is audible. It’s time for you to go, to go meet the soon-to-be love of your life. Hopefully. 

    Jiji-Kun ruffles your hair, a gesture he’s done since you were just a child. He then takes your hand. “I shall lead you outside,” he inquires before slowly hobbling his way towards the door, and leading you into the streets of Kyoto. 

     The cool air is slightly bitter on your face, but nonetheless, the sight of Kyoto’s bustling streets is always a pleasure to see. Once you’ve approached the carriage, the Coachman rises from his seat at the front of the carriage. He then opens the door to the carriage, holding his hand out to help you. 

       “My Lady..” He addresses you with such formality. It’s strange to think you’re going to marry a sweet, considerate young man who comes from a rich family. Lucky you. You take the coachman’s hand, carefully making your way inside the carriage’s leather interior. The door is closed behind you. 

     You look out the window, and both of your grandparents stand outside, waving at you. A shy smile crosses your face, and you wave back. 

     “Whup-trot!” The coachman signals, the horses start to trot up the path, and your grandparents fade out of view. This is a new beginning. You foretell, at least you hope so. A new life awaits you, one filled with happiness. One where nothing will hurt you ever again. 

───────────────────────────────𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆟