Connecting Light [KNY FF]

CHAPTER 9: Demon sibling

Darkness was still evident in the sky. The sun was not coming out anytime soon. Ayume and Seko reached the orphanage safely.

"You should get some rest. It has been an eventful night." Ayume stated. Seko rubbed the back of her neck.

"I don't know if I could sleep after that-"

"Thank goodness, you're safe!" A worried voice sounded, interupting Seko. It was Tomiro who noticed the absence of Seko and Ayume. She went to Seko and gave her a hug.

The children and the other teenagers were awake as well. They were all happy to see Seko safe and sound. Ayume smiled from happiness and relief as well.

"Thank you. Thank you so much!" Tomiro went to her knees and kneeled down for a bow as a grateful gesture. Ayume got shocked at the actions.

"W-wait...please raise your head." Ayume told Tomiro but she started to cry.

"Tomiro-san..." Ayume called as she heard the cries. She could feel the amount of gratefulness and sorrow Tomiro felt. Ayume kneeled down to her.

"Raise your head." Ayume said calmly, feeling a hint of guilt.

"I do not deserve your gratitude. I wasn't able to save the other children before. All of you who stayed strong and persevered...gave me the strength to fight. Please do not bow down to me."

Tomiro raised her head and faced Ayume. Ayume had a warm smile which comforted her and the children.

"T-then, please accept our hospitality! It is the least we can offer!" Tomiro offered. Ayume blinked.

"N-no, it's alright. I best get going--"

"Please?!" Seko pleaded with puppy eyes. Ayume saw the look on her face and sighed with a smile of defeat.

"A-alright...maybe just for a while."

~Time skip~

Ayume, Tomiro and the children were paying their respects to the children who had lost their lives. The sun was already coming up, signalling that the children have stayed up all night.

"The sun is coming up. The children should go to sleep soon." Ayume suggested as she looks at the children being lively.

"I agree. It seems like they feel safe with you around." Tomiro added. Ayume smiled at the remark.

"That makes me happy. However, I can't stay for very long." Ayume had a hint of sadness in her voice.

"There is a way to keep out demons. Demons cannot withstand the smell and sensation of Wisteria flowers. I suggest that you burn Wisteria incense every night to keep the demons out." Ayume explained as she placed her hands into her pocket in her skirt to take a small packet out.

"Inside this packet are three Wisteria flowers. This is all I can give for now but I will send my crow to deliver some more." Ayume smiled sweetly. Tomiro took the packet and bowed.

"Thank you so much, Shinahora-san."

Ayume smiled in response.

"Pillar meeting! Oyakata-sama summons the pillars!" A crow flew from above the orphanage.

"Cool! A crow that can talk!" the children exclaimed in amazement. Ayume looks up at the sky and smiled.

"I'll be on my way." She informed the crow before facing back to Tomiro and the children.

"I have to get going now." Ayume informed politely. The children groaned out loud as they wanted Ayume to stay longer.

"Can't Ayume-san stay here forever?" A young boy pouted angrily and folded his arms. Ayume laughed lightly and smiled at them.