Curse of a Blood Moon - Prologue. Born with Curse

Being a Shinto follower, he didn’t like that today was the day for this. He was thinking seriously about what was going to happen. Izanagi Iwasaki, named after the first man according to Shinto Culture, was born in a shrine and raised by the priest. His wife Izanami Iwasaki, named after the first woman, was orphaned at the shrine on same day as he was born. They were raised by the priests of the shrine and eventually got married according to Shinto beliefs.

Izanagi is pacing in Hoden, the main hall of the shrine with a worried look. He was waiting for the old priest Itsuki Fujimoto, who raised him. He was so worried that he never observed his son in law was there with their family doctor Mrs. Takeda to look after Tsukuyumi Iwasaki, daughter of Izanagi. Tsukuyumi is pregnant and about to give birth to the child. The Doctor checked and told Izanagi she may have some serious complications and they can only save one.

"It cannot be happening!” Izanagi said to no one in particular.

"What?" Doctor Takeda asked him observing his state of concern.

"She doesn’t have to give birth tonight!" Izanagi said.

"What? She will die either way Mr. Iwasaki. At least we can save the child." Takeda replied.

"Call the healer!" Izanami shouted from the room.

"Doctor Takeda, she is fighting." Was all she heard from the man standing at the door. She ran into the room and closed the door.

Izanagi is glaring at his son in law, who is standing at the door, and said "This was your fault. You married our daughter against our will and now you bring this misfortune for her. I will never forgive you if something happens to her."

He was silent even after the blame and insults he got from his in-laws. He and Tsukuyumi married against their families will. They stayed distant from their families after marriage. Tsukuyumi was depressed over the separation. When she became pregnant, she asked if they could go to her parent’s house when the delivery date drew near. He knew how they would treat him, but accepted all to see Tsukuyumi happy.

He was patiently waiting outside of the door. He heard his wife cry out, and then a small baby's voice crying loudly could be heard. He got tears in his eyes, but still he waited for the doctor to come out. Doctor Takeda came from the room with a concerned look on her face. She spoke with a heavy voice "You have a boy... but..." She hesitated to speak.

As he felt his heart lurch, he asked "But... what doctor?"

Doctor Takeda turned to Izanagi and said "I am sorry Mr. Iwasaki. Your daughter is no more."

Izanagi felt a surge of tears at the edge of eyes, as does his son in law. But he controlled his emotions and wearing a serious look on his face, he glared at his son in law.

"Take your son and get out of here. I don't want to see either of you again." Izanagi snapped at his son in law.

"But..." He was about to say something but stopped when he the old man growled.

"Just get out of here." Izanagi shouted at him and went out.

He barely can speak to anybody. He went into the room where his wife Eva, short for Iwasaki, lies on the bed not moving. He looked at his son and his wife.

"He is so like you Eva. I am going to name him as we discussed."

He took his son from his mother in law and kneeled in front of his wife, "Here is our son Eva. Our Bryan, Bryan Carson Iwasaki, as you named him." He said to her lifeless body and kissed her temple. He left, having no reason to remain there.

_____ * _____ *_____

All the rituals were completed by midnight. Izanagi sat at Haiden, the worshipping hall. His wife Izanami came to him, "Why have you banished them? You can't be that cruel, I know. After all he is our grandson."

"He is cursed." He said dryly.

"What?" She was more frightened than shocked.

"He is cursed by that Blood Moon." said Izanagi, pointing at the lunar eclipse. It had turned blood red. "That is why I don't want him near this shrine" he said as a tear dropped from his right eye.