pishirogane | prismatica

[He nodded and stooped to gather her up. The motion was so natural, second-nature even, but he knew that she was bothered with any notion of just how petite she was. Once she was secure, he sprung up and out of the nest. Tight control of magic wind stirred the trees overhead and parted them, granting an opening for the two of them to rise through. He'd picked a spot that had a lot of cover... to boot, god help anybody who stumbled on the nest and decided to do a little shopping.

It was strange, he noticed, as he started on the path to the district hospital. Last night everything was song and vibrant, incredibly sexual energy. But today it was quiet and warm, peaceful. Satisfied. What did that mean...?

Apprehensive to this vastly different environment, he pushed that aside. Instead, as he was receiving some odd pangs of queasiness, he offered more calm in kind. If Naoto was feeling nausea... b-but maybe it was nerves.]

[At the moment, she wasn't thinking about her discomfort at being scooped up. There was simply too much else on her mind to focus on it, her hands clinging to him as he took off. If anything made her feel discomfort, it was leaving their nest behind. No one better touch it while they're away.]

[What did any of this mean right now?]

[Sighing, she closed her eyes, opting to not enjoy her favorite high view of Lunatia, and just waited until they got in to see a doctor.]

[It was automatic, an out-of-body experience. He landed and no sooner had his shoes touched the floor did he make his long strides into the hospital. He smelled the cleaning solution and so many white walls, and wanted to turn and walk right back out again.

Instead he swallowed it down, and stopped at the front desk. The poor receptionist had to put up with a man trying to keep his cool; they wouldn't sit in the seats and wait when nobody else was here. If there was a doctor, a nurse practitioner, anyone available who could see his mate- girlfriend, that would be fuckin' stellar, okay?

Symptoms? ...Nausea, body changes outside the norm. Discomfort. Fatigue. At least, that's what he was getting from the link. But rather than listen to the urgency to sit down and wait until they were called, he opted to pace. He... didn't wanna set her down, didn't want to sit and be stuck with his own thoughts, let alone have her be stuck with hers. They were a pair of worrywarts, that's for sure...]

It's gonna be fine. Whatever's goin' on, these guys'll get to the bottom of it. And then I'll do my part to help you get better, yeah?

[She felt worse, not for herself, but for Kanji. The moment they seemed to enter the hospital did it seem like his stress amplified. Still, he was doing what he could to keep it together and tell the receptionist what was ailing her even though she could do that herself.]

[He then proceeded to pacing as opposed to sitting, but... she didn't know if she'd sit either.]

Mmm, that's right. It's going to be fine... so, can you take several deep breaths for me?

H-huh!?

[She got him to stop pacing. But he wondered why he needed to... needed to... okay, breathe in, breathe out. One, two. One. Two. He felt his heart slowing a bit, grateful for the oxygen when before he had gotten a little out of control.]

Right, I'm... I'm... right.

[God, why wasn't he over this yet? But maybe were this a normal check-up, he'd be handling it better. The uneasy feeling evaporated just a little further when he locked eyes with one of the doctors on duty, a very bat-like prismal who offered her best reassuring smile before beckoning them back. The smile faded to surprise with the speed with which Kanji followed. Ooo-kay. She figured the moonblessed had it more together, but you don't go to hospitals like these when you're entirely healthy. And look at the way he carried what she presumed to be the patient...]

[She nodded, glad that he had calmed his erratic heartbeat. Last thing either of them wanted was him passing out.]

Thank you.

[Noticing the bat-like doctor that came out for them, she was grateful - maybe an Iris prismal would have some idea. Casting the doctor an apologetic look for her boyfriend, she would handle talking once they were back in the room and ready to begin with the basic vitals. Woke up normally, noticed the swelling in her abdomen, nausea, all those fun recounted details... and if it was what she suspected it might be... how? And so quickly?]

[He only let her go once they were in the exam room, and even so he was fidgeting and wondering what was going on. The doctor went through the motions, checking blood pressure, taking her temperature and marking things down. Everything came through normal save for slightly elevated blood pressure, but in a time of anxiety it was typical.

She requested a physical examination, if anything to palpate the stomach. Moonblessed had for the most part remarkably similar physiology to prismals, so it was a safe bet to rule out some other purpose that her abdominal swelling was happening. But when nothing rang any bells for anything serious, the doctor would do a blood draw and send it off to the lab. They'd need a few minutes to wait for the results.]

...The lab will confirm or deny this for us. If you're positive for elevated hCG hormones, this does defy the Scientia's record that Moonblessed cannot conceive. I wonder if it has to do with our visiting Lyestellan lovers...

Wait, the dragons??

Yes. The way they breed is through a psychic link between prospective mates rather than the physical act. But they are also beings of pure chroma, and demand a great deal of it to develop and grow. Perhaps their chroma, coupled with the influence they seem to have on us and you, may have granted you previously-barren moonblessed with a reset reproductive cycle.

...Ah, excuse me-

[The lab tech peered in and handed the doctor the print-out. He merely gave the couple a smile before he dipped out. Claws unfolding the sheet, her sharp eyes looked everything over. After a moment's pause, she politely cleared her throat.]

Your hCG levels are... significantly elevated. Congratulations are in order: You may be the first pregnant moonblessed we have on record.

P...p-pregnant!? [Uh oh. Kanji gripped the handrests of his seat. He leaned back and needed a minute.]

As for how quickly you seem to be progressing, I suspect it may have to do with chroma as well: Such energy may accelerate the development of your child.

[She chuckled good-naturedly, and used her clipboard to fan Kanji. He was turning white.]

I take it this is the father? Were you partnered with anyone else prior to conception?

[As she expected, the blood draw was necessary. At least the muffins would be there when they returned... maybe. Prismals might stay out, but no promises of birds taking their food in the meantime.]

[Thoughts about food pushed aside (before she got ill), Naoto focused in on the doctor's words. Of course the dragons might have something to do with this - the markings they received upon hearing them, their bodies were likely altered again by their powers. Couldn't this planet pick one thing and stick to it?]

[Turning her head when the lab tech appeared, Naoto didn't know what to say when she read the report. She... opted for a moment of silence before some internal screaming again, her expression trained to neutral.]

I... see. [Well, Chroma did help the dragon eggs develop faster. Oh dear... a softer internal scream as she wondered how long before she gave birth then thanks to Chroma.]

No, he's the father. The news may have overwhelmed him.

This happens more often than you'd think. The gods can be a little fickle at times, and in others, they can smile upon a number of us. We prismals can pray for fertility, but from you moonblessed the gods only ask that you heal this world...

Hggmmmhh... N-naoto... I'm sorry... I-I should've...

[The screaming was terrible, it made his heart clench. This was his fault. They'd used condoms in the beginning, and they thought nothing of them since. But... b-but how could he have known? It was a night like so many others, they'd done nesting before...]

Because your pregnancy is progressing quickly, I recommend a non-petroleum-based lotion regularly applied to your abdomen to keep your skin nourished. I'd also like to schedule an ultrasound tomorrow to ensure we have a healthy baby... and rule something else out.

R-rule...?

We've never had a moonblessed pregnancy before. But I'd also like to give you both the opportunity to see your baby before they're here, whether it's Iris for instance, or Sanguis... or perhaps Lyestellan, to gather more information on the dragons' influence. We want to make this process as comfortable as possible.

[She took her pad and began to write.]

We have an accelerated pregnancy, but that doesn't mean we can't make sure mama is healthy! Judging by your hormone levels after a little over I'd say twelve hours since conception, I'm prescribing pre-natal vitamins for the next three days, with one refill if you need more. And papa...? Stay with us...!

H-huh!?

She and the baby need lots of chroma. And your hands look nice and big, perfect for helping her with the lotion. I hope it isn't a tall order to request you stay by her side...?

[The doctor mildly grinned. That did it. Kanji sat up straighter. Maybe his palms were sweaty now, but his color was beginning to come back. H-how could the doctor say that like he was gonna book it?]

L...Like hell I'd bail! Wh-what kinda man do you take me for!?

I made no assumptions, sir, but I have full confidence now.

[Looking over at Kanji, she shook her head.]

It's not your fault. This place hasn't been consistent... we probably should've practiced safer intercourse despite our 'sterile' status. If I can end up, well, as I did before the festival, then this may as well have been a possibility.

[Later she would scream properly. Something about doing it in her head just wasn't enough. Well, back to the doctor... she slipped a hand into her pocket and took out her notebook.]

It might be Lyestellan influences. However, I do see your point.

[So she was up for the appointment. Well, more things to do in the coming days... and other things to plan. She hadn't even looked into schooling here - hadn't considered she would ever have to. Should they do public? Private? Home schooling?]

[Flushing at the discussion of Kanji's hands, she glanced his way. Please do help her with the lotion.]

Well... about that ultrasound tomorrow. What time?

Y-yeah... I'll look into that when we get some free time.

[Lyestellan influences... so she could have a dragon baby? He was a dragon when they had sex last night. Oh, but he hoped the kid would be like her, too. She was no doubt a much cuter kid than he was.

But he tipped his chin. He was on lotion duty. Got it.]

Let's see... Miss Shirogane, I have 10 AM for a morning appointment tomorrow. After that is 3 PM at my latest. You can just inform the receptionist up front that you're here to see Dr. Natalus. Which time works best for you?

...C-can I come, too?

Of course. I'd like you to see your baby too. Name?

Kanji Tatsumi.

[She would look into it too. If this was a first time... might as well document it and then keep moving on. And honestly, she didn't care what traits the baby might have; she was fine with it being theirs...]

[About to answer, Kanji spoke first. Gazing his way again, she smiled. She would feel a lot better if he was with her...]

... 10 AM will be fine. 3 PM feels like I'm just delaying it at that point.

Of course. I have you marked in for 10 AM tomorrow. Take this to the pharmacy just down the hall on your left and we'll get you set up on your vitamins.

[It was scribbly shorthand that she passed to her on the paper, but it was Dr. Natalus' letterhead. Kanji sighed and stood, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.]

Thanks, Doc. I figured we'd get a bit of a scolding, like, age n' all...

Why would you? Most prismals who start families aren't terribly much older than you two. Two, three years. Now you get her home and relaxed- there's been enough stress for one day.

[Kanji chuckled awkwardly. He offered a hand off the exam chair. They definitely had a stop or two to make before heading home, but Kanji knew he wasn't the only one who needed to process everything. Best make tracks.]

Of course. Thank you, Dr. Natalus.

[She checked over the paper - force of habit, but the doctor would probably understand.]

[Naoto was rather surprised Kanji assumed they be scolded for their actions, but then again, if this was their world, this was earlier than she had been thinking should they have gotten around to a relationship and discussing children naturally.]

[Accepting Kanji's hand, she bid the doctor goodbye and yes, 'made tracks' with Kanji to get the prescription filled.]

... Is the apartment big enough?

[The apartment? Ah... he needed to think on that a moment.]

I think so. Until the kid gets bigger, anyway. I guess it's even better we didn't finish hammerin' out Lyestellus plans.

[Where was... ah, here it was. Jeez, the one good thing he could say about hospitals was that they put up plenty of fuckin' signs. The koi prismal was rather sleepily manning the counter and periodically, hopefully checking the clock. Must've been night-shift, waiting for their relief.]

Yes, that's true.

[They didn't know what accommodations they even had to look at, but now with Lyestellus able to be traversed to... they had to get on that soon. But first, Naoto approached the counter and the koi prismal with the prescription.]

Still, we can put that on hold if this is progressing as quick as the doctor thinks. I can get my stuff moved around no sweat and clear out for a nursery.

[All he needed was his sewing machine and that could literally be in the living room. The dolls can happily decorate a baby room! Hell, the place looked like a cozy paradise as it was, and the stools and mirror can go into a closet.

The prismal woman accepted the prescription, but the fatigue left her eyes quickly. With an owlish blink, she stared at Naoto, then Kanji... and remembered she had a job to do and went to fill the bottle with a few vitamin tablets. A moonblessing pregnancy!? Why hasn't the Queen made a statement? More moonblessed meant more chroma, they should be celebrating!!]

I hope it's just this and not the kid's life... I mean, wouldn't it be hard to get enrolled in school and then needta look for a high school a week later?

Mmm, alright.

[She felt bad, but there were a lot of things they needed to consider. Just like that look from the pharmacist, this would be a first here... How quickly would the baby develop was indeed a question they needed an answer to.]

It would... I would hope their growth isn't that quick either, but it'd be beneficial, wouldn't it?

Maybe, heh. Bein' able to breeze through the terrible twos, puberty, all that awkward teenage shit... wish I could'a signed up for that. Puberty kicked my ass.

[He stepped behind her and didn't care where they were; he brought his arms around her and settled his chin atop her head. A palm settled on her baby bump.]

We'll give 'em as many good growin'-up memories as we can.

Hm... I'm envious that you were able to gain height.

[Look at her, now twenty and still barely taller than her high school self. Naoto didn't mind his moment's display of affection, but she did somewhat tense when he touched the bump. It wasn't that she disliked it, but it was still strange.]

... Yes. Even if it needs to be condensed into a week or two.

Edited 2020-07-02 02:42 (UTC)

Hoo, man... I got some stories to tell ya sometime, then. Not that I'm sayin' ya can't be sore about your height, but I gotta tell ya, in a lotta ways you actually lucked out.

[The koi prismal returned and placed the bag on the counter before them. With a cheery smile, she informed them that their cost would be waived, because there was no way in heck they were imposing anything on the people who are responsible for the prismals having a future. What were a few vitamins? Congratulations~]

Uh... thanks.

[He did wish they wouldn't be weird about this, though. We're not zoo animals, dammit...]

Hm, I would like to hear them.

[Ready to pay for her fill, Naoto blinked when the pharmacist said it would be waived. She didn't like this... It was an expectation, but...]

We're monitoring it closely, but please keep the news to yourself. There's no idea how this will turn out yet.

[Which was why they couldn't inform their Queen.]

Yeah, w-we're as confused about this as anybody else! Keep it down!

[It was enough that he withdrew and bristled. The prismal raised her hands with an, "Okay, okay" and perhaps there would be no word to anyone else. Patient confidentiality, perhaps? That'd be nice.

But with this tended to, all that was left was to... well... head home and try not to stress too much. Worrying would make things worse for sure, but Naoto's well-being needed to be taken into major consideration. When the pharmacist greeted her replacement, relieved for the distraction and the chance to head home, Kanji sighed.]

We can only stop a rumor mill so much... and I'm sorry in advance.

[A beat.]

You ain't made of porcelain or nothin', but there's a whole lot we dunno about this and I want you to be safe n' healthy. The kid, too. So... I'm gonna be the 'dote' guy.

But it ain't like you can't tell me to fuck off, neither. I just... I don't wanna mess this up. I'm here for you.

Rather... please don't get anyone's hopes up.

[But she was grateful for Kanji bristling all the same. Walking with him, her thoughts were slowly coming back together - very slowly. She didn't like it.]

Hm? No, it's fine. We know how to handle rumors anyway.

[Her brows furrowed a bit. After a second, she relaxed.]

I couldn't see you any other way if I'm honest. I apologize now if I end up snapping at you.

... Thank you for being here. I might've been scared if you weren't.

[An arm around her shoulders, he offered a comforting rub.]

It's a scary time, I won't lie to ya. But you n' I have been a team through a lot scarier, ain't we? Never thought I'd add "punched gods in the face and told 'em to cut that shit out" to the lifetime achievements.

...But right now I wanna get you back and check on breakfast. I think even a little bite and some wake-up tea should help our brains.

[And you needed to eat, Naoto... Kanji had to recall what kind of muffins he'd brought. They weren't anything intense; he knew she didn't like sweets. But one had oatmeal in it, didn't it...? That'd be perfect, maybe.]

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