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ABC Thought.

Chapter 59

Shiomi's house.

Despite efforts are made, they cannot purify the dark energy that is possessing her hand. To make it worse, it's starting to spread all over Shiomi's arm and making its way toward to her right shoulder.

"Is there really nothing we can do?!"

Kagome hates giving up, but she's running out of solution to save her.

Finally remember an important character that has been coming along with them from the beginning, all of their eyes turns to Toutousai, who is sitting alone at the corner of the room watching them.

"Hey Totousai. It's time to step in now, don't you think?"

Shippou reminds him to be useful and the old man scratches his head awkwardly.

"Well, I can create a seal. But..."

Somehow Toutousai begins to trail off. Much to their confusion.

"But what?"

Staring at Shiomi's arm, he sighs.

"In one condition that these two are separated."

Therefore Toutousai requires the weapon alone in order to seal it properly, not when it's possessing its host. And sadly, that is the exact one thing what they've been struggling to fix from the beginning.

"Why not cutting her arm off? She can just grow another one, right?"

In the end Jaken suggests a bold solution, much to their shock.

"Removing her whole arm? That's a bit..."

Despite knowing that Shiomi has regenerative power in her, Kagome afraid that doing so will hurt her tremendously.

"The girl is knocked out cold! I doubt that she will even feel anything!"

Jaken points at Shiomi, who is lying unconscious on the white futon next to them. Pressuring Kagome that if they don't act fast, Amenonuhoko will possess Shiomi completely and releases even more chaos later on.

"I think that he has a point."

Miroku considers to give it a try. His reason is that after having done everything and failed, this is their only option. And they definitely cannot risk having another Sora crisis befalls this small peaceful village.

"Not possible."

Just then Sesshomaru speaks up, openly disapproves of that solution. Much to Jaken's shock. And before he can opens his mouth to ask him why, Sesshomaru adds.

"That regenerative power... It disappeared."

Soon after hearing the news, everyone gasps.

"Since when?! Nee-san didn't tell me anything at all."

Among them, Kagome's shocked the most.

"Still... If it's to save her life and get rid of Amenonuhoko at once, sacrifice an arm may worth it."

Sango sides with Miroku in the argument.

"Hate to break it to ya but doing that won't work."

While everyone is still debating what should be done, Toutousai chimes in.

"Tis an ancient curse, it's not going to be removed just by casting off a limb."

Being a weapon that belongs from the ancient time, Amenonuhoko's origin is still a mystery to most people. Same goes with its strange abilities and how they function.

"Then... Is there any other way?"

Getting nervous after listening to those bad news, Rin asks whether they still have a chance to save Shiomi. However there is no answer to her question and the air around them tenses up even more.

After laying unconscious for gods know how long, I find myself waking up in the middle of absolute darkness.

Great. I'm back, again.

Realize the overly familiar sight, I sigh to myself.

"Remember this old place?"

Soon a dim light appears before me, and it doesn't take one second to figure out who that is.

"There has not been a day that I can forget."

Not after being stuck here, all alone for a whole year straight. To find that it still exist even when she's no longer around...

"I assume that you are the real master?"

"That's right. I had lent Konohana this realm so that she could collect those delicious souls for me."

They are what Amenonuhoko truly desires. The more it consumes, the more powerful it becomes.

"What was the purpose of showing those memories? Was you trying to make me suffer from the feeling of guilt?"

It goes silent while hearing me speak.

"Well, unfortunately for you. It didn't work."

Innocent lives were taken, so were the bastard's. What had happened in the past could not be changed. And there's no reason to show grief over something that I did not do.

"It was Konohana who killed them. But now she's gone, everything is over."

I want to do what Sesshomaru wants me to. Living for my own life and for our future.

"My friends are here with me. And so is he. This time, I know that I'm not alone."

I won't be afraid of you. And I definitely won't let myself become a tool for your scheme.

"...That stubbornness of yours never changes."

All of a sudden Amenonuhoko comments the way I act reminds it of Konohana when she's still alive. Then it starts shining up and brightens the whole area with its white light within seconds.

"It won't be long. For the day you come to me by yourself."

Just as my consciousness fades, I hear its voice lingering inside my head.

"Shiomi, I shall be waiting."

"Everyone, look! That dark energy is contracting!"

While the others are busy discussing their next plan at the back, Rin calls out to them.

"Quick! Gather her hair and blood. I'm going to use them to craft the seal!"

In instant Toutousai orders them to collect the main ingredients as he prepares his anvil nearby.

"Wait, blood? How much should I take?"

When Kagome asks, he casually passes her a wooden bowl.

"One full of this should be enough."

Her face turns pale due to the size of the bowl inside her hands.

"That's quite a lot. Are you sure that she's not going to die from blood loss?"

As Kagome carefully withdraws Shiomi's blood directly from her hand, Jaken comments.

"Please don't say that, Jaken-sama."

Rin tells him to mind his wording since Sesshomaru's watching them closely from behind.

Once everything is prepared, Toutousai rolls up his sleeves and starts working on his anvil. After a few swift hand movements, Toutousai creates something that looks like a red thin rope.

"Aight, this shall do."

Then he approaches Amenonuhoko and ties the small rope onto its hilt. Since the dark energy no longer possesses her arm, they take the weapon away and put it at the far corner just in case.

About an hour later, Shiomi slightly stirs and opens her eyes, much to their joy.

"Nee-san, How are you feeling?"

The first person I see is Kagome, who has an extremely nervous look on her face.

'I feel... dizzy. Very."

My muscles are screaming and for some reasons everything above my head is spinning nonstop. It's so tiring that I can only force a few simple words out of my lips.

"It's because of anemia. Here, drink this."

Kagome helps me gulp down some kind of liquid from a small bowl that she's carrying in her hand. While I have no idea what this is made of, it sure is stink and bitter.

Hold on, did she say that I have anemia?

"Is everyone okay? Had anything happened after I passed out?"

Worried that Amenonuhoko might have possessed my body and caused trouble, I ask them. While my eyes dart around the room before stopping at where Sesshomaru is standing.

Most of them suffer from a few scratches and bruises, no heavy injuries. Thanks god.

"Idiot, worry about yourself first. You're the only one being bedridden here."

And Jaken scolds me in his lord stead.

"So, what are we suppose to do with Amenonuhoko? Burying it off somewhere again?"

Unsure how to deal with the weapon, Inuyasha turns to Toutousai.

"Well, that is certainly not a bad idea. But..."

There is no guarantee that another accident like last time won't happen again. Therefore Toutousai suggests keeping Amenonuhoko by my side. Despite sounding reckless, it's actually the safest option for us.

"Even though Amenonuhoko's sealed, it's not completely useless. You can still wield it as a simple Naginata."

Last but not least, Toutousai warns me to never touch that youkai energy ever again. Cause doing so will result in waking Amenonuhoko up and breaking the seal apart.

"What if I break it by accident?"

Sometimes, careless or emergency moment may happen. So I wonder if that will be the end of me.

"Another seal can be made, but its effect will be weakened each time."

Since Amenonuhoko is a powerful weapon, there's a limit to errors. And that number cannot exceed three. When it does, the seal will be nullified and Amenonuhoko will be set free.

"Alright. I'll be careful."

I promise to keep a close watch over it and he nods.

As soon as his business is done, Toutousai leaves. Everyone also returns home to their home to rest after going through a long and tiring day.

A few days later.

Today, Kagome comes over to check on my condition.

"A couple more days of resting and you should be as good as new."

Kagome sighs in relief to see that color has returned to my skin, then she looks at the Naginata standing against the wall not too far away.

"And Amenonuhoko?"

"...Has been staying quiet ever since."

No random possesses or voices inside my head or whatsoever. Everyday is a peaceful day.

"I suppose it's sleeping for good."

Though there's something about our conversation from back then still bugs me. And the more Amenonuhoko acts arrogant, the more I want to prove it wrong.

"Why didn't you tell us that your regenerative power was gone. We were really worried!"

Kagome's upset that I've been keeping such important information from her. As they would have lost me, in any moment while being completely oblivious to the truth.

"I'm sorry... I didn't think it would be that serious..."

And I don't know what else to say but apologize.

"Just promise me one thing. From now on, no more secrets between us. Okay?"

Can't stay angry with me forever, Kagome then offers a pinky promise.

"Okay."

And I gladly accept.

"Say, your birthday is almost here. Right?"

Figure that it's already April, I ask Kagome whether they have prepared any special plan for it and she smiles. Happy that I still remember her date of birth.

"Isn't it suppose to be a secret till that day come?"

"Just now you've made me promise that there would be no secret. So..."

Can no longer hold back in, we both laugh at our own jokes.

"Nee-san, take care."

Before going home Kagome invites us, mostly just me since we doubt that Sesshomaru will join, to her house to celebrate her birthday with a small and cozy dinner.

The following days.

"Shiomi-chan!"

When passing through the field, I hear auntie calling for me.

'I haven't seen you for days! What happened? Was you sick?"

Needless to say auntie was worried since she thought that I was living alone.

"Yes, I was. But I'm alright now."

Hearing so, auntie sighs in relief and gives me a few fish that she has caught from the river since morning. Telling me to eat more because my body looks thin, I get sick easily.

"Recently, that white youkai has been coming to our village more often. I wonder if he's up to something."

Recalling to have seen him again yesterday, auntie finds it strange but has no idea why.

"That's because he has been taking care of me."

"Eh?"

"Yup! That white youkai is actually my husband."

She turns speechless when I apologize for keeping secret from her until now.

"What's that?! You two are living together?! How did that happen?! How did you two meet?! What kind of man is he?! You gotta tell me!"

And instead becoming wary of me as I had thought she would. Auntie starts bombing me with a bunch of questions regarding out relationship. Her eyes are sparkling with big curiosity.

"W-Wait auntie, calm down!"

That night. *I cut this part on purpose so you can skip them if you want*

After dinner, Sesshomaru remains a little more to make sure that everything is okay before taking his leave. While he's calm as the water surface, I keep fidgeting and glancing around, getting even more nervous by seconds.

The moment Sesshomaru takes one step away, my hand reaches out on its own and pinches the back of his sleeve.

"Tonight... Can you stay with me?"

He turns around and looks at me with his eyes widened a little. Even I'm surprised by my own boldness.

We're frozen in place for a whole good minute, until it becomes too embarrassing to bear that I have to let him go.

"B-But if you are in a hurry then I won't stop you!"

Just as I finish speaking, Sesshomaru catches my hand and pulls me into his embrace. A thrill of excitement runs through me as I lean against his chest and hear his rapid heartbeats.

Is he nervous, just like I am right now?

Then I close my eyes when feeling his lips brushing against mine. This time, our kiss is... different. It's deeper and hotter. So mesmerizing that I keep craving for more.

By the time I'm able to breathe again, our clothes have already been stripped off and thrown away. The dim light coming from the candle at the corner of the room reveals all of his beautiful white skin to me.

This isn't fair. His skin is way smoother than mine...

I keep staring at Sesshomaru in admiration while he puts me onto our futon, with him laying on top of me. And anywhere he touches feels so hot like it's burning.

"Gasp!'

It hurts! But the pain where Sesshomaru bites me is way worse.

"W-Wait...! Slow down!"

Everything happens so fast and rough, it's driving me crazy.

"Ah!"

Another wave washes over and my mind is emptied. Those same motions and pleasures, repeating again and again throughout the night.

Next morning.

"Oww... "

"What's wrong? Is your back hurt?"

Just as Kagome offers me an ointment to soothe the pain, memories from last night starts rushing back and my face turns as red as tomato.

"Nee-san~ Did something good happen? Why are you blushing so much?"

Somewhat figures out the reason behind it, she teases me.

"I-I'm not! It's because of steam coming from the stove is too hot!"

However my feeble defense can't stand against her wit and Kagome keeps giggling.

"When will I be able to meet my niece? I'm sure he/she will be very cute!"

Niece?! No way! It's still way too early for that!

In one evening.

While picking some fresh vegetables from the garden behind our house for today dinner, I notice slight movements next to my feet.

Huh? Did that root just move by itself?

Putting the basket aside, I go searching for that specific looking root which seems to be hiding under the large leaves on the ground.

As I reach out my hand to grab it however, that root moves again in a ridiculous speed and disappears into the soil.

What was that all about?

The moment getting back up, the disturbance under my feet becomes stronger and the next thing I know, my body's taken into the air by someone.

"Sesshomaru?!"

Looking at the ground, I see several roots start growing from the soil and trying to reach to us. Quickly, Sesshomaru uses his sword to destroy them.

There's a youkai in our village? We have to warn the others!

Fortunately, our house remains intact despite the ambush.

Miroku and Sango's house.

"You was attacked as well?!"

Rin's shocked by the news.

"Eh? As well?"

I have asked Sesshomaru to take me here to tell Kagome and Sango about the earlier incident. In Rin's case, she's informed to stay in their house beforehand without knowing the reason.

"Yup! That root youkai also appeared here just a while ago."

Turns out, Kagome's been targeted by this youkai and she's already left with Inuyasha to kill it.

"Shiomi-chan, If you are here then Sesshomaru must be here too, right?"

Suddenly Sango asks me whether Sesshomaru is still around.

"Oh, I think he's guarding your house from the roof?"

Soon we hear a familiar voice calling for Sango from outside, then Kohaku appears with Kirara by his side at the door and she steps out to greet him. After a brief chat Sango hands him Hisui and changes into her youkai taijiya outfit, riding Kirara into the village to help the others.

"Is this youkai tough? Has anyone have trouble fighting it?"

Curious, I ask Kohaku if they have faced any difficulties when trying to get rid of the root youkai. And he mentions having met and helped Miroku kill some of it before coming here.

I wonder if Kagome is okay. She's the main target, after all...

Getting worried about her safety, I look up and make eye contact with Sesshomaru, who is standing at the top of the roof with Jaken and Shippou, to ask for his permission to leave.

In return, he gives me an intense stare.

Guess that's a no...

Without other choice, I give up and walk back inside with Kohaku to look after Sango's kids.

After a while, Kaede arrives and climbs onto the roof to shoot an arrow into the distance with her bow. Then we hear loud rumble from afar and at the sky appears a giant black hole. It sucks something huge that I assume is our enemy into it before disappearing completely.

"They did it! The land is being purified!"

As the sun starts rising behind those mountains, Shippou cheers for their victory. Now that our situation is safe, Sesshomaru leaves the roof and stands next to me.

"Let's go home. Shall we?"