"..." Normal chat.

ABC Thought.

If you gather our memories together. I will cry again, overflowing with loneliness.

Chapter 51.

Palace in the sky.

It's a surprise seeing Sesshomaru coming back to find her so soon. What's more, carrying in his arm is a mortal teenage girl that she has never seen before.

"So you've come all the way here to ask me saving her."

Just as expected, Sesshomaru nods.

"The answer you will get from me is no, my dear son."

However she cannot give in to his request that easily. When having helped him save the other one from before and even stated to not doing this again.

"..."

Still, Sesshomaru doesn't faze even after being straight out rejected. Knowing how persistent her son can be, he will not leave this place until getting what he wants.

Then she notices that his hands are trembling. Hands? both of them?

There's a sight of new sword lingering at his hips as well. Proving that Sesshomaru's finally succeed developing of his own inner strength, to surpass his father and become the great Inu Daiyoukai himself.

While she's being fascinated about her son triumph, Sesshomaru speaks up.

"I've never asked anything from you until now. So please."

Much to her shock, he gets on one knee and begs her to save this stranger. Yet when being asked why he's being so desperate to save her, Sesshomaru doesn't answer and keeps staring at the girl in his arms.

Eventually, after letting him kneel on the floor for a long while, she gives in. Since she's also curious about their odd relationship and how can her tiny life has such an impact on her stubborn son.

"You better have a good explanation for this."

She notices his face lightens up when she approaches them with Meidou stone in her hand. Then Sesshomaru gently lay the girl onto the ground before him. Carefully, she puts her necklace on her and he holds his breath, hoping for that miracle to happens once more.

However instead of shining a light from Meidouseki and bestowing one with its revival power, nothing happens and Shiomi's still not waking up.

"Her soul is missing. And it isn't in hell."

To his despair, she states that Meidou stone cannot revive her like how it has done to Rin. Putting the necklace back onto her neck, she turns to her son. And judging from the look on his face, it's not hard to figure out that bringing the human girl to her is indeed his last resort.

"And it seems that even you doesn't know where her soul is, as well."

Every word of her struck him down to his core. "Gone, perhaps?"

"It seems that my time is up."

Kasenada informed them, watching his hand begun to fade after using up his power to heal Shiomi earlier.

"Also, about the Ame no Nuhoko..."

Therefore he left Konohana's weapon in their care since the place sealing it had been destroyed. His final wish was to have it hidden away from anyone attempting to obtain it with bad intentions, as long as possible.

"Farewell."

One last time Kasenada expressed his gratitude for their noble sacrifices to help him defeat Konohana and bid them goodbye. Both Kagome and Inuyasha slightly bowed to him as he faded into nothingness.

"Goodbye, Kasenada-sama."

Nothing wasting time, they both returned to Kaede's house for a little rest to prepare for another big battle coming up.

Later on, inside Kaede's hut.

"That's what happened."

Sitting on the wooden floor, Kagome tells the others how their battle has gone and about Shiomi's ill fate in the end. Somewhat is confused by Sesshomaru's action in the latter, Sango speaks up.

"I wonder why Sesshomaru took Shiomi away."

"Maybe he have an idea on how to save her?" Miroku adds and looks at Jaken, who is sitting by himself at the far corner of the house.

"Do you even have to ask?! This is Sesshomaru-sama you are talking about!"

Irritated that they're suspecting his lord's ability, Jaken jumps to make his point and suddenly, gust of wind blows into the house from outside and knocks him off his feet.

Then they see Sesshomaru is standing by the door with Shiomi lying in his arms.

"How is she?! Where did you take her to?!"

Kagome rushes to where he is to check on Shiomi, only to find out that she's still out cold.

"I... couldn't save her."

Is all he can say before falling into silent. Perhaps what is keeping him from breaking down right now is his Daiyoukai pride, but even it's starting to run out.

"Sesshomaru-sama..."

Feeling his pain, Jaken cries.

"Senpai is..."

In the end Kagome has to accept the fact that it's impossible to bring Shiomi back to life. All hope is gone, tears uncontrollably falling down to her cheeks and she sobs again. Standing beside her, Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku can only remain silent.

After going through everything to save Shiomi but couldn't. Sesshomaru brought her back here right away. He couldn't even have a moment to be alone with her.

When Naraku's catastrophe is still at hand, spending more time to grief for her than they are now would even be considered fancy. That's why Kagome has to stay strong to keeps on going. For Shiomi, for her and everyone else in this world.

"You brought her here because you needed our help, didn't you... To bring her back home."

Since out of all the people here, Kagome would be the most suitable person to speak to her parents about this matter. Without hesitation she agrees to help him, and Inuyasha offers to come along.

"Let's us go."

They rush toward to the Bone-Eater's well and jump in to get back to her own time. Having Sesshomaru's leading the way, they soon reach to Shiomi's house.

"We cannot trespassing when there are so many people inside. I will call the guard."

Standing by the gate, she ask Sesshomaru to give Shiomi to her before telling them both to return. Since their appearances and difficult manners may end up worsening the situation.

While Inuyasha agrees to follows Kagome's instruction, Sesshomaru isn't listening to her and insists on staying.

Damn it. This is not the time to argue with him.

Without a choice, Kagome gives in and approaches to one of the guard standing inside the gate to explain the situation.

"Excuse me. Mister."

The moment seeing Shiomi's lying unconscious in Sesshomaru's arms, they both are escorted inside to wait while they contact for her families.

"Shiomi? Is she here?!"

Soon Shiomi's mother, father and her older sister show up at the spot to meet them. Upon seeing Shiomi lying unconscious on Sesshomaru's arms, they all look confused and Kagome steps in to explain.

"Mrs. Sogo. There's something I need to tell you."

After hearing her quick explanation about Shiomi's state, her mother bursts into tear and cannot stand straight, having to have her sister standing by her side to support her. Immediately, her father calling for the medical's assistance.

"An ambulance should be here in any seconds."

Therefore he informs before heading back into the house to gather his cloak and necessary items for the trip. While Megumi leads their mother to a seat nearby for her to rest.

"Thanks... for bringing her back to us."

Her sister appears to be the most calm out of the three. As she nods to them to show her appreciation in her parents stead. Not once blaming them for not being able to protect Shiomi or questioning why they had let her become like this.

"It's here! We're leaving, now."

When the ambulance arrives and a gurney's taken out before them. Sesshomaru's asked to put Shiomi onto it so that they can transport her to the hospital. However, he ignores everyone's talking and keeps holding onto her body. Much to their confusion.

To make things worse, he glares at the nurses when they try to approach and doesn't let any of them touch her. It looks almost as if Sesshomaru's clinging onto her. Afraid that Shiomi will disappear forever if he let her go.

Notices that Shiomi's father is about to erupt due to his ridiculous act, Kagome quickly steps in to persuade him.

"Please, you have to let them take her. She needs their help."

Seeing a deep hesitation in his eyes, she assures him that the nurses are their allies and everything will be alright.

"There's a chance that they will be able to revive her. And if you're worried. You can come with us as well."

It's only then Sesshomaru allows her to take Shiomi from his hand. Seeing that he's showing less aggressive, the nurses rush to Kagome's side to support her.

Once everything's prepared, everyone gets into the ambulance. Though Sesshomaru doesn't join them and remains behind.

"Is he not coming?"

Puzzled by his weird attitude, Megumi turns to Kagome.

"Don't worry. He will be there."

She replies in full confident as they close the door and drives off.

And just as Kagome's predicted, Sesshomaru arrives to the destination as the same time as they do. Standing right beside the ambulance the moment they open the door to get out.

"How in the world?!"

Megumi questions out loud and stares at him in disbelief.

"No time to explain. Let's get inside first."

Kagome urges and they all rush into the hospital. As Shiomi's delivered into the emergency room for further check up. Everyone's asked to wait outside, including Sesshomaru. Much to his irritation. And it takes Kagome lots of effort to convince him to stand still and not interrupting anyone.

Half an hour of waiting feels like eternity for them. Once the light turns off, the doctor steps outside and Shiomi's family members rush to him to hear about the result.

Much to their distress, he informs them that Shiomi is now in coma. Despite not suffering from any brain damage or any severe injuries.

"We will do our best to help Shiomi-san recover. Though it will take quite some time."

As they're requested to fill in some necessary documents for Shiomi's long‑term care at the hospital's reception desk, Kagome approaches them.

"Then... can we see her? Please?"

Holding back the urge to cry again, she asks for their permission to see Shiomi one last time and they eventually agree. Though only for a little bit before the doctors return.

Gulping down a mouthful of cold air to calm herself down, Kagome steps forward and gets inside the room.

"Shiomi-senpai..."

Her heart breaks when seeing that figure lying stiff on the white hospital bed before her is Shiomi, connecting to her body are multiple of long tubes and medical equipment laying around her.

Standing by Shiomi's bed side, Kagome holds her hand tightly. Searching for the same warmth she used to feels that is no longer there.

Sitting right next to her, a vital sign monitor can be seen running. The numbers being shown on the screen seems to be low but at least it's proving that Shiomi's alive. Even if just barely.

"They say that senpai is sleeping. But no one knows when she will wake up."

Wiping away the cold tears, Kagome explains about Shiomi's condition to Sesshomaru briefly. Since he comes from the past and doesn't understand these modern medical terms.

"As long as Shiomi lives."

Sesshomaru's being skeptical about the whole thing at first, But soon having to learn to accept that this can be the only way to save Shiomi and agrees to let her stay within this strange place. Planning to visit her as much as possible after everything is over.

"That's right! I will never give up on her."

Clenching her hands, Kagome affirms.

They stay with her for a while more until Sesshomaru has to return to save Rin, who is still being captured within Naraku's body at this very moment. While Kagome goes home to attend her middle school graduation, before returning to other world to fight Naraku's battle as well.

Days later thanks to both Kagome's and Inuyasha's determination, Naraku is eliminated and Shikon no Tama is destroyed. Peace is brought back into their world and people are saved.

Just when they've though that everything will turn back to normal from now on, however, Inuyasha suddenly returns to the village without Kagome by his side. And the Bone-Eater's well is no longer connected to her world...

...

..

Several months later.

Inside Kaede's hut.

"As always, Sesshomaru-sama would visit the Bone-Eater's Well before leaving."

After receiving another new kimono from him, Rin tells Kaede. As they are watching Sesshomaru heading toward to the old well's direction through the window.

"Hmm as strange as it may sounds... I see that Sesshomaru cares for you lots."

Getting used to his bizarre appearance by her door. Kaede comments.

Once or twice per week, Sesshomaru will come to her house and bring Rin a gift. It would be either clothes or accessories, sometimes even delicacy that are rare to find. Despite never being asked for any of them specifically.

"The last thing I heard about onee-chan from Sesshomaru-sama was that she's recovering from her injuries at home. I wonder if she's okay..."

Clenching onto the new kimono's sleeves, Rin's face saddened. Recalling to that day when they found out the Bone-Eater's well had lost its magical ability. Sesshomaru was devastated, to the point refusing to speak or show up to anyone for quite a long time.

"Does onee-chan know that we miss her a lot? Why isn't she coming back to us?"

Up till now whenever Shiomi's being mentioned, whether it would be accidentally or intentionally, all Rin receives is utter silence plus a distant look on his face.

"That girl must have her reasons to stay. I'm sure she misses you as well."

Kaede sighs, patting Rin's head to comfort her. Sesshomaru's situation right now reminds her of Inuyasha, who has also coming to the well every three days in hope that Kagome will appear.

Two brothers falling in love with human girls coming from the other world. Only to lose both of them at the same time in the end. Such a twisted fate.

The sky is dyed in red, it's already autumn. Things have changed and yet this well remains cold and empty.

There's still no scent of her.

Again, today, I am here waiting for you. Brushing my hand against that same old wooden surface. My heart sinks, knowing that the distance between us is beyond our reach.

How is she now? Is she doing alright?

We've got separated so suddenly, never had I expected that very day would be our last. You were right in front of my eyes, but now you've disappeared again completely.

How long had it been since the last time I held her in my arms?

Over and over again I come to this place to find the traces that you have left behind. Hoping that one day I will be able to find you. However all I've gotten is disappointment.

Has she not yet awaken? Is that why she hasn't come back?

No one knows a thing. While I cannot fly to your side to confirm about your well beings.

Perhaps she has forgotten about me, about our promises?

In that summer. We made an infinitely large wish.

You said that we would venture into the world together.

You said that you would not part with me. And that we would be together forever. Shiomi, do you still remember?

Even now, your face and smile appears vividly in my head. Just like a fool, I keep saying your name and holding onto our memories. All those days we have spent together.

Where are you now? Don't you hear my voice?

Gently floating, falling down like those golden leaves. The dream we wished for has melted too quickly.

Somewhere deep within the endless darkness, shines a small new light.

Is it lost? Just like a I am?

Once getting close, it shines so brightly.

"This blue aura. You must be Shiomi!"

Everything becomes hazy. Is it talking to me?

"Come, I will lead you out."

Unconsciously I find myself following that strange light. Uncertain about what our destination will be.

"We're here!"

After floating around for awhile, it stops and cheers. Then the next thing I know, my hands are touching the surface of what so called a soul realm.

Standing a few feet away are Sora and a kid that I've never seen before. Seeing him hugging her leg fearlessly, I assume that he's also on her side.

"You better thanks Haru for this. It's his idea to save you."

While I'm still being all confused about why being suddenly brought up here, Sora speaks to me. Surprisingly, that arrogant attitude of hers from when she sealing me off into this place is no more. And she's showing much less aggressive, too.

"That won't be necessary! I only do what is needed to be done."

And the boy called Haru giggles. For some reasons he has the same voice with that talking light just now.

Had I been released? But why? What happened?

Having no context of what is going on, I keep sitting there and staring at both of them. In hope that either one of them will actually explain something to me.

"Alright, let's hurry and get this over with."

Without warning, Sora walks toward to my spot. In reflex, I back away and try to hide from her. Being reminded that things never ended well whenever she got too close.

"Afraid not, Shiomi. I won't harm you."

Sora holds out her hands before my face. Focusing into a ball of light in orange colored aura and letting it flying toward me. Curious and alerted, I slowly reach out to catch it.

Somehow it looks... familiar?

After taking a closer look, I realize that this energy and the thing being sealed inside the chest back then are the same thing. Isn't this her youkai power? Why is she giving it to me?

"Soon enough I will be leaving this world. Therefore I bestow this power to you, so that it won't go to waste."

And I find it incredibly hard to believe. Sora, who has gone every way and scheme just to be resurrected and takes revenge, is actually telling me that she's tired of living.

What has caused her to have such sudden change of mind? She's not fooling with me now, is she?

However my doubts soon vanish the moment seeing Sora slowly fading away right before my own eyes. Together with the boy standing beside her.

"To be able to make use of it. Is all depend on your will."

Again with giving me hints instead of explaining stuff directly.

"Making use of this? For what exactly?"

Holding the spiritual energy in my hands, I ask. Obviously not understand a single thing.

"Mama's only trying to tell you to use that power to get out of this soul realm on your own."

Thankfully Haru is here to make it sound less complicated. Hold on, did I just hear him calling her mama?

As I about to open my mouth to ask why Sora's being address by such exotic title, however, her expression instantly turns deadly. As if she's warning me to not question any further and I fall back into silent.

"So you are telling me that I can go back with this?"

And as wonderful as that sounds, there is one important thing that needing to be considered. Which is that I don't even know how to activate this power of hers. Talk about using it get out of here.

"I wonder how long you are going to take? Better not leaving yourself rotten and still not waking up."

Thanks to Sora's sarcasm, I've learned the concept of time in this hell. And that while I'm busy to get used to these newly earned abilities, my body from the outside world is also aging as day passes.

"Will Sesshomaru still be there for you after waiting for so long?"

Even in this last moment. she's still testing my nerve.