"So you're not dead," a smug voice called out as my eyelids began to flutter.

A small groan escaped from my throat as my eyes met the harsh, illuminating light of a midday sun.

"It's so fucking bright," I mumbled as I tried desperately to force my way out of the fog that clouded my mind.

I raised my hand to try and block out the sunlight, but the moment I did, and excruciating sharp pain shot through my side.

"Aghh!" my yell was loud as I grasped onto where the pain was coming from.

"Oi don't move you idiot," Aiko huffed as she reached over to close the blinds even more. "Your stomach almost fell out of your fucking body with that blow you took."

I shot her a glare as I carefully tried to readjust myself. I was in my room at Baba's house, laid up and unable to move. Aiko sat in a small chair next to my bedside.

As my mind became clearer, a throbbing began, pounding against the front of my skull. Every inch of my body ached. My mouth felt dry and thick.

"W-what happened?" I was finally able to ask her as I rested back, letting my eyes drift around the room before they met hers.

"You were reckless. As always."

"I think you mean to say thank you. For saving your ass," I huffed out with a smirk.

She smiled, "Mm. So I come after that black-haired cutie, but still before the others. Good to know."

Suguru... Waking up without him by my side is definitely a shock. I wonder what happened to him. Were they still here? Is he with Gojo? Is Nanami ok? Where's Baba?

My mind kept racing, only adding to the headache that was fighting to consume me.

"Where is he?" I finally worked up the nerves to ask.

She carefully began to push the hair out of my face, the disappointment in her eyes letting me know that he left me behind.

"I'm sorry, Y/n," her voice was soft and soothing.

I slammed my eyes shut as I added heartbreak to the list of overwhelming pain flowing through me at the moment. Warm tears slowly rolled down my cheeks.

"The six eyes dragged him out of there the moment you collapsed. They left. I haven't seen any of them since."

I shook my head softly. It seemed impossible. How could he leave me? Gojo stabs me, and he leaves me for dead?

"Since?" I peeked my eyes open at her. "Aiko, how long have I been out?"

She exhaled a deep breath, "5 days."

"5 days!?" I yelled as I tried to force myself up out of the bed, my body immediately revolting against me. I let out another sharp shriek with the pain.

"Fuck Y/n! Lay the hell down!" she called as she practically pushed me back down on the bed.

"W-where's Baba!? Is she ok? What about the village! What's been going on?!"

I frantically searched her face for answers. But all she did was stare back at me with a look full of pity. I couldn't even imagine how terrible I looked, but it really didn't matter at this point.

She let out a frustrated groan as she rubbed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Baba healed you, but it took a lot out of her..." she trailed off, her voice sounding broken and defeated.

"Is she alive?" I whispered.

Aiko nodded, "For now. But Y/n, it doesn't look good. She used everything she had to make sure you didn't die from that attack."

Baba was a cursed energy healer. It's not something many people knew since Baba hated the world of curses. It didn't matter if you were a protector or sorcerer. She thought they were all shit.

She blamed them for stealing her husband, her daughter and son-in-law... Everyone she knew ended up dead because of the pointless war.

And I'm sure she refused to add granddaughter to her list of losses.

The woman practically raised me. She took care of me while my parents were alive since they were always gone, and she continued to take care of me once they were killed.

She was thrilled when I left the protectors, and a little heartbroken when I went back to them. Still, she always supported me.

She left the organization herself when my grandfather began to lead the protectors. She always wanted a simple life, filled with family and friends and laughter.

It's a life she never really got.

"I need to see her," my voice cracking as I looked at Aiko through blurry eyes.

She nodded, "She's just in the other room resting, laid up exactly like you are."

"Y/n," she called out again, bringing me back into focus. "We're going to need your help."

"My help?" I questioned. For someone who's been constantly telling me not to move, it seemed like a strange request. They must be desperate.

"The sorcerers, they're not letting down."

"I don't understand..." I trailed off.

"Y/n, they think you're dead. And they're taking advantage of that as an opening. They seem to know you're our strongest."

I cursed myself for showing them all my techniques. For letting them know I could bind and seal cursed objects to me. For allowing myself to fight back so frequently and reveal just how skillful of a fighter I really am.

Also, what the fuck.... They don't even care that I'm dead? They're just continuing to go after the cursed objects as if I'm nothing.

What the hell is Suguru thinking?

She continued, "They don't, however, seem to know that all most important cursed objects are bound to you."

The time turner wasn't the only object I have a binding seal with... And as long as they were connected to me, and as long as I stay alive, they'll remain safe and hidden.

The entire country could be taken out with the power of some of those cursed objects. That's why we protected them so fervently.

Sorcerers have a tendency to turn evil when faced with an opportunity to seize power, so to have that kind of strength at their disposal could cause an all out war between themselves as they battled for control.

Case and point, sorcerers murdering Niko's group while the four of us were out here sipping tea with my fucking grandma...

"So what do you need me for?" I asked her as I finished letting it all sink in.

"We need a plan. We need to end this."

"I mean I've been out for 5 days. Has no one thought of anything useful?"

"With so many innocents killed, the protectors are out for blood."

I couldn't help but to roll my eyes. Out for blood? As if we stood a chance in a war... As if we were ever ones to seek revenge.

"Then you can count me out," I muttered. "I'm not killing anyone."

"But you're the only one who stands a chance!" she pretested. "If you release all your binding seals, your power might be able to match that of the top sorcerers!"

Release all my binding seals?... Now there's any interesting idea.

"If I agree to help, then I have conditions."

She nodded furiously, "Yes. Anything. I already have permission to do whatever is needed to get you back on our side."

I smiled softly as I reached out for her hand, "Aiko, I've always been on your side. You're like family to me. You know I believe in our cause. My parents died for this cause. I didn't turn my back on you. I just...."

My heart felt so full as I thought over the last few months of my life.

"I just fell in love," I whispered out as I smiled at her, tears falling once again.

It really wasn't anymore complicated than that. I fell head over heels in love with Suguru Geto. I was ready and willing to give up everything to be with him.

Part of me still was ready for that, even though I knew it would never happen now.

Until the very last moment, I chose him. But when he got to his final moment, he chose the sorcerers. He left with Gojo. He left me, even though they all thought I was bleeding out in the woods.

I wasn't mad at him for decision. It just really fucking hurt, like my heart had been ripped out of my chest.

It hurt so much more than any of the physical injuries I had acquired. Floating up that high feels like a dream until you have to come crashing back down.

I wondered if I'll ever be able to pick up the pieces...

She smirked softly back at me, "You've always loved everyone, but I honestly didn't know you were even capable of falling in love."

"You and me both," I laughed with her.

"I'm sorry for the way things turned out. And I'm sorry your family has held the burden of saving us generation after generation," she spoke gently as she held my hands. "But I'm always here for you."

I nodded, "I know you are. Thank you for that."

She let out a quiet sigh as she stared at me before leaning back in her chair once again.

"So," she continued. "What's next?"

"We don't need to overpower them-"

She cut me off with a laugh, "We just need to outsmart them. You should get that tattooed or some shit since it's always your go-to."

"Hey!" I whined. "But it's true!! Even in a chess match you can win without the queen as long as you have a little bit of creativity and forethought."

She nodded along with a devious grin, "Alright then. Let's get to work."

I shook my head, "No. You hear my conditions first and, once they're approved and a binding vow is in place, then we get started."

She raised a brow at me, "You want a binding vow? Do you really not trust us?"

"Don't take it personally," I smirked at her. "It's been a long couple weeks. I'll help you out, but I need to put myself first this time."

"Plus it gives me some time with Baba."

"Fine," she slapped her hands on her knees before pushing herself up out of her chair. "I'll go get this shit figured out."

"Take it easy while I'm gone," she called back as she began to walk out of my room.

I slowly sat up in my bed, pushing my hands back through my hair at the thought of what was to come next.

This definitely wouldn't be easy, but if anyone could do it, it was me. I was certain of that.

My grandfather told me I was born to put the world into balance, and maybe he was right. Maybe I could live up to that expectation.

And then afterwards, with my conditions in place, I'd finally be free of this shitty life. I'd go live the life Baba always wanted for me.

It wouldn't involved Suguru, and I don't know if I'd ever really get passed that. But I'd do my best.

I'd find a way to truly be happy.

••••