The Eternal Seals

Prologue: Seimei’s Last Heir

A long time ago, back in the Heian period, there was a famous Onmyoji named Abe no Seimei. He was the greatest of all, a savior who protected humanity from countless threats, yokai, demons, and restless spirits alike. He was the savior of mankind, and his legend still passes down to everyone at the present.

Around six years ago, before he passed away, he met his only granddaughter, Fuji, in the garden. At that time, 5-year-old Fuji possessed a special power with the potential to be either beneficial or detrimental to humans.

“You still talk with the spirits, little Fuji?” Semei smiled and patted her little head gently. “Did they tell you anything good?

Fuji smiled and pointed at the spirit with who she talked. “He told me about your fighting spirit… But Grandpa, how can I be strong like you?”

Seimei looked at his little girl with sad eyes but still said in a loving voice, "Good child, you will become strong. You have always been my pride. Always remember that."

At that time, little Fuji still carried the innocent smile of an optimistic child. She trained tirelessly, pouring her heart into every lesson so that she could be like her great-grandfather.

Legends say Abe no Seimei once walked through fire and left the flames hushed in his shadow. That he whispered to the wind and made it carry the cries of the lost back home. With one hand, he cast spells that made mountains sleep. With the other, he wrote talismans glowed like starlight and sealed monsters back into the darkness.

In battle, his silhouette was unmistakable - robes of deep indigo flowing like river currents, his golden staff catching moonlight as if it, too, followed his command. Crowds parted in silence when he passed. Even yokai bowed their heads in reluctant respect.

Temples carved his name into stone. Scrolls trembled with the weight of his ink. But none of it mattered more to him than a quiet afternoon in the garden… where a small girl traced summoning circles into the dirt, her brow furrowed with effort, her laughter echoing through the camellia trees.

"You," he told her once, as falling petals landed in her hair, "are everything I’ve fought to protect. The world will know me because of you."

To explain Seimei's reactions to his precious granddaughter, this had happened by the time Fuji was born. On a sunny and peaceful day, a little girl was born with the effort of her mother.

In that moment, a gentle yet powerful light surrounded the infant, an omen of the destiny she would bear. She possessed a power that could bring balance between yin and yang, or the power to destroy the world. Seimei saw through it all; he worried about his granddaughter because she might have to shoulder many things in the future.

And he was right. By the time she's 3 years old, she could communicate with the spirits and play with them. She was not interested in toys or anything except the knowledge from her great-grandfather's scrolls and his stories.

When she was 8 years old, she received a gift from Seimei. The gift was an Onmyouji staff made especially for her to use.

An elaborate head with a crescent moon holding a bright sun is the culmination of a sleek, silver staff. The celestial bodies, adorned with engravings and portraits, are connected by delicate silver strands. The sleek silver shaft gives off a feeling of strength and grace.

“This is my early gift for your birthday… excited, huh, little one?” Semei chuckled. “Use it wisely, my little girl.”

Fuji laughed happily and said, “It looks so beautiful… Thank you, Great-Grandfather. I promise I’ll use it wisely.”

Young little Fuji began her training on her special weapon. Seimei could only attend sometimes to watch and teach her the staff ability. Seimei knew his time would end soon, so he tried his best to train Fuji as well as give her scrolls to read and learn.

The day had come. Semei passed away. His legacy to his family is easily understood: “Live with honor, and guard what we’ve built. My name is only the beginning—Fuji is the future.” Fuji could not accept this day. She lost the person who loved her and taught her everything she needed. She shut herself in a room for a day, then returned to her work as an Onmyoji like Seimei. Despite her youth, Fuji was appointed as an advisor to the Imperial Court.

Part I: The First Life—A Flame Meant to Fade

Act 1: Seimei’s Shadow

After Seimei passed away, the palace requested another member of the Abe no Family to attend the court at once. However, in Abe no Family, not many Onmyoji were capable of replacing this responsibility like Seimei did. And for that, 10-year-old Fuji was chosen to be the next advisor to replace her great-grandfather's position.

Without Seimei's existence, the palace was colder. Fuji was in her Onmyoji robe, and its size was not suitable for a child like her. People in the palace started gossiping about her. They call her “Seimei’s Ghost” and “Seimei’s Shadow” or anything they think of to mock the child before them.

However, to their surprise, Fuji, still raising her head high, walked in the palace with confidence, like her great-grandpa taught her.

From his vantage point, the king observed Fuji's unwavering stride. He had heard much from Seimei about this promising young heir, and her current composure confirmed those tales. A rare smile touched his lips. “Another legend in the Abe no Family. Seimei must be very proud of this girl.”

She attended the court along with scholars and nobles. Many were skeptical at first, but Fuji’s insight and wisdom, unusual for one so young, quickly earned their respect. On that day, Lord Minamoto and other onmyoji at the court met Fuji for the first time.

“Is this a jest?” Lord Minamoto scoffed, his ornate fan snapping shut with a flick of his wrist. “Seimei’s heir, you say? I see only a child.”

Fuji’s eyes did not flinch. Her answers to a lord were still calm and composed. “In front of you, I might be a child, but I am the great-granddaughter of Seimei.”

Lord Minamoto smirked at the young girl’s attitude. “Interesting girl. But let’s see if you truly can stand in the court.” He looked at his attendant, who approached with an old wooden box, placed gently in front of Fuji. “This box contains an ancient scroll inside. This scroll was found in the northern shrine during the early time of Heian. Many onmyoji were summoned to analyze this scroll, but they failed. If you’re Seimei’s heir, this scroll would be very easy for you.”

Fuji carefully opened the box. There was a scroll inside, a bit dusty because of time. She opened the string slowly when she held the scroll in her hand and put it on her mat. Just a quick glance at the scrolls, she placed her hand on them and mumbled ancient languages that Seimei taught her. The writing shone and danced in the air, forming words in an easier way to understand.

“The ink used on this scroll was a mix of powdered cinnabar and moonstone dust.” Fuji began her explanation. “This scroll’s about the protective spell during Emperor Saga’s reign. The spell will seal small yokai or weak ones into it without any noise. If they placed these scrolls at the palace gate, we will have fewer problems with small yokais.”

Hearing her explanation, most of the people exchanged their surprise faces. Lord Minamoto’s smirk faltered, his fan still in his hands.

Fuji continued, her fingers gliding over the scroll. “This particular sutra is a variant of the Kujiki, but it’s been modified. Seimei’s personal seal is here.” She pointed to the lower corner, where faint traces of ink marked a signature that only a trained eye could recognize.

An old onmyoji came forward and looked at the seal. He confirmed. “Yes, you’re right. This seal was from Master Seimei.”

Fuji smiled politely, her hands coming together in a respectful bow. “Would you like me to activate the binding ritual? I assure you, it is still intact.”

Minamoto stiffened, his eyes narrowing. But he said nothing. Fuji’s gaze remained serene, unyielding, as if daring him to speak.

After a long silence, Minamoto finally spoke. “You’ve proved yourself, little girl. I mean, onmyoji Fuji, Semei’s heir.”

However, she did not attend the court alone. There were four guardian spirits that always followed Fuji's footsteps:

Sakura (first guardian): A healing spirit. She appeared in Seimei Garden as his cherry blossom tree. When Fuji was born, Sakura’s spirit awakened and chose to stay by the girl’s side. She became Fuji’s main healer and soothed the young girl’s heart every time Fuji was sad, not just physically but also mentally.

Yukina (Yuki Onna): An ice spirit. She was once captured by Seimei due to her icy power that injured many people on the mountain. She accepted Fuji's warmth because Fuji often talked with her and comforted Yukina by her presence. The child visited her often, not with fear but with kindness. The spirit’s heart, long buried in snow, slowly thawed. Yukina became the second guardian.

Ootengu (the third guardian): A fierce flying warrior in the sky. He used to serve under Seimei and watch Fuji grow up. He also taught Fuji her fighting skills and became her protector after Semei passed away.

Youko (the fox spirit): Youko was a divine gift from the god Inari himself. With nine flowing tails and golden eyes that could see the truth in men’s hearts, Youko aided Fuji not only in spiritual matters but also in court politics. Cunning and loyal, he guided her like a hidden blade wrapped in silk.

Some could see her 4 spirits; some couldn’t. For some scholars who could see her guardian spirits, most of them were surprised to see her talents. From that day on, the whispers faded. They still called her Seimei’s heir—but now, they said it with caution. With awe.

Once the court was over, Fuji went to the royal garden to relax and read the scroll she found in the library. It’s written about Seimei. That was when she met her prince, Takumi.

Act 2: The Prince and the Onmyoji

A path with falling cherry blossoms, the air filled with the scent and freshness of wisteria. A little girl was walking towards the ancient tree in the royal garden. That little girl was Fuji. Fuji found many scrolls about Seimei in the library, so she borrowed them to read. She knew about this quiet place thanks to Sakura, her healing guardian.

After sitting down in the corner of the ancient tree, the little girl began to flip through the book to read. Not far from her, light footsteps approached her. She looked up and saw a boy whose robes had a royal symbol on them.

Takumi was 12 years old at that time, with his warm brown eyes and a posture befitting a prince. It was their 1st time meeting each other in a royal garden. He heard about the new advisor in the court. With that curiosity, he came to meet her. Takumi felt something the first time seeing this little girl, adorable and lovely. He mumbled to himself, “Did fate bring us together?”

Fuji, on the other hand, also looked curiously at Takumi. She bowed to him lightly and said, “Your Highness, I am Fuji, advisor at the court.” Takumi nodded and then picked a small flower for her. “For you.”

This encounter marked the beginning of Fuji’s love story in her first lifetime. By the time she turned twelve, she had come to understand the strange warmth in her chest whenever she saw Prince Takumi. Their souls, though bound by duty to different worlds, quietly found one another.

It was a normal court day when Lord Ito summoned Fuji to perform a purification. A noble child had been possessed by an oni. In her formal onmyoji robes, she knelt gracefully by the child’s bedside and raised her hands. With firm concentration, she soothed the malicious spirit and sealed it into the prepared talisman vase.

The task left her drained—not just physically, but spiritually. She was still a child, yet she had to carry herself like an adult, her every step echoing with the weight of her family’s legacy.

Her feet dragged as she made her way to the ancient tree in the royal garden—her place of quiet refuge. To her surprise, Prince Takumi was already there, waiting. He was fourteen then, his posture relaxed but his eyes filled with concern.

“Fuji, you’re tired,” he said gently. “You don’t have to pretend when you’re here with me. Let this place be our secret.”

Fuji hesitated, caught between protocol and the comfort of his voice. “But… Your Highness—” she began, only to be interrupted.

“You know I prefer it when you call me Takumi,” he said softly.

Though it wasn’t proper, Fuji sighed and complied. “Takumi… it’s my duty. I am an onmyoji of the Abe no family, a court advisor, and heir to Seimei. I shouldn’t be so… comfortable.”

Takumi reached into his sleeve and held out a small, golden-wrapped candy. “But right now, I only see my friend Fuji—the little girl who used to read me stories here under this tree. The only one I’ve ever felt at ease with.” He smiled gently. “Happy birthday, Fuji.”

In that moment, something stirred inside her. Her heart fluttered—not out of obligation, but something far more fragile and tender. He didn’t see her as Seimei’s heir or the palace’s onmyoji. He saw her.

And slowly, Fuji understood what it meant to love someone.

But what she did not yet know was that this love—so pure and quietly blossoming—was never meant to bloom. Their fates would not be allowed to intertwine… not in this life.

Many years later, Fuji grew up beautifully. At 16, her fair skin had a radiant luster, similar to polished ivory, which made for a delicate canvas. Her long, dark hair flowed like liquid night, each strand catching the light and creating a stark contrast to her skin. The sheer length, which reached her wrists, accentuated elegance and grace. Her beauty lay not just in these characteristics but also in how they worked together to produce a stunning and unforgettable sense of youthful loveliness.

At that time, more and more generations in Abeno also grew up healthy. Unfortunately, most of the Abeno members did not have skills or knowledge like Seimei. At this rate, the Onmyoji line is in danger. Long ago, the fox god Inari warned the Abeno family of this future. Seimei's bloodline, other than Fuji, no one can surpass. Fuji is the only hope of their family.

There is no doubt about the parents' love for their only daughter. They watched her grow up strong and beautiful like she is now. However, with many years living under someone's shadow and his reputation, they possessed knowledge about power, legacy, and family reputation throughout generations. The way they looked at Fuji was not like they were looking for their daughter; it was a look for the last flame of Abe no Seimei.

Consumed by a growing fear of losing their legacy and desperate to ensure the survival of their lineage, they resorted to forbidden means. They secretly set up an altar and cursed Fuji's soul to live forever. Fuji's soul will always be reincarnated. A duty from which she could never escape. Her parents thought the curse was for the best of the family and for Fuji; however, they became the ones who betrayed their most precious daughter.

Seimei, now in the spirit realm, could not do anything to stop them. Bound by the laws of the spirit realm, his power, once boundless, was now confined, leaving him a helpless witness.

Her parents kissed her forehead, whispering apologies she’d never heard. In their fear of losing everything Seimei built, they sacrificed the one thing he loved most.

Fuji went about her duties, unaware of the silent tragedy unfolding behind her back.

During her work in the palace, she often met Prince Takumi in their secret royal garden. Beneath the ancient tree, they would read together, share quiet stories, and steal precious moments away from the world’s expectations. In those peaceful intervals, their bond grew—subtle yet profound—until love quietly took root in both their hearts.

But as the emperor’s son, Takumi had no freedom in love. He was bound to marry a princess from another kingdom—a political alliance that demanded his compliance. Though married, he lived with his wife as one would with a stranger. His heart remained devoted to Fuji, his only love.

The day had come, Takumi’s wedding day.

It was a sunny, warm afternoon, with no clouds in the sky, as if the world itself refused to mourn. Dressed in ceremonial robes befitting a prince, Takumi stood beside his bride. They performed the traditional sake-sharing vows in silence. Each sip of sake felt like ash on his tongue, each traditional movement a hollow echo of the vows his heart refused to make.

Their hands met during the ritual, yet Takumi didn’t flinch—his body moved with precision, but his heart was far away.

The princess, too, seemed like a figure caught in duty. There was no joy in her smile, only acceptance. Both of them were merely completing a task written by the hands of others.

As soon as the ceremony ended, Takumi slipped away. He found her where he knew she’d be—the ancient tree in the Royal Garden.

“Fuji… you came.” His voice was low. “I didn’t want you to see me like that.”

Fuji stood under the shade, bathed in dappled sunlight. Her court robes were heavy with formality, and her hands trembled slightly beneath the folds. “I know,” she replied softly.

Takumi raised his eyes to her. “I couldn’t escape my duty. But please believe me—you’ve always been the only one. I’m sorry…”

Fuji smiled, a bittersweet curve of her lips. She had long understood this day would come. “I know,” she repeated. “And… that’s enough for me. As long as your heart still holds my name, that is enough.”

She turned fully to face him. “My prince… may your marriage be blessed with peace and harmony.” Her voice wavered slightly. “And may your heart… find rest, even if it’s not with me.”

They stood in silence, neither willing to look away, until the moment passed. Then they turned, walking separate paths away from the garden—away from each other.

But their hearts, quietly and eternally, remained intertwined.

Years passed.

On the day Fuji grew old and was nearly at her end of life, Takumi appeared in her room and took her hand in his.

“Fuji, don’t be afraid; I will go with you soon. You will never be alone on your road… I will always love you. In the next life, I will find you again…always.” Fuji could not hold back her tears after hearing that. Although they could not get married in their youth, they still cared for each other.

Fuji closed her eyes. She watched her soul leave her body and head to the path for dead people. Takumi felt his love was gone, so he lay down next to her and joined her as well. In silence, they left the world together.

And so, the true journey begins—a path across lifetimes, where love defies death and duty is sealed in the soul.