PLEASE READ
This chapter includes self-harm. If you cannot handle that, please do not read this chapter. I do not condone this behavior, but it's for the plot.
ENJOY<3!
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In the desolate wilderness, Kagome's spirit writhed in turmoil. Each passing day plunged her deeper into a vortex of madness, fueled by the shattered mirror pieces that littered her desolate hut. Darkness had enveloped her abode for countless days, casting an eerie pall over her existence. She sat motionless, a figure cloaked in silence, her mind consumed by an all-encompassing hatred for Sesshomaru.
The transformation that had taken hold of Kagome was both profound and disturbing. Once pure and radiant, her spiritual powers had become tainted, corrupted by the darkness that had seeped into her soul. Her aura, once luminescent, now swirled with an ominous purple hue. Her raven black hair, which had once cascaded down her back in waves of ebony silk, now hung limp and lifeless, obscuring her face.
Night after night, Kagome's tormented soul found no respite from the relentless torment. She wept until her tears ran dry, her heart consumed by an insatiable loathing for Sesshomaru. In the depths of her being, he had become the embodiment of all she despised, a symbol of betrayal and abandonment.
Kagome's descent into madness was a chilling testament to the power of unyielding hatred.
In the serene village, Kagome's presence stirred unease among the villagers. They had heard whispers of her strange adventures in a distant era, and fear gnawed at their hearts. As she left the hut, their gazes followed her with curiosity and apprehension. Kagome walked with a newfound determination in her stride, oblivious to their trepidation.
Her mind raced back to the surreal experiences she had faced, encountering creatures from a time long past. The memories played like a kaleidoscope, each moment etched into her consciousness. A grim smile crept across her lips, a testament to the insanity that had become her reality.
Driven for her home, Kagome continued her journey until she reached the ancient well that had transported her to this enigmatic realm. The sight of the well triggered a flood of emotions, reminding her of the extraordinary circumstances that had led her there.
With a sense of desperation, Kagome wondered if she could return to her own time. Yet, as she pondered her options, darkness enveloped her. Her evil spirit, a malevolent force that had tormented her, whispered insidious taunts, trying to sway her towards a path of self-destruction.
Unable to bear the torment any longer, Kagome walked past the well and ventured into the depths of a dark forest. The trees loomed over her like giant sentinels, casting long shadows that danced ominously. As she made her way through the dense foliage, the taunts of her evil spirit intensified, echoing in the silence of the forest.
Driven to the brink of despair, Kagome stumbled upon a thundering waterfall. The sight of the cascading water offered a momentary respite from her inner turmoil. Without hesitation, she stepped into the icy embrace of the pool beneath the waterfall, not realizing the treacherous depth that lay beneath the surface.
As the cold water enveloped her, Kagome succumbed to the darkness consuming her. Instead of struggling to swim to the surface, she let herself sink deeper into the pool's depths. The weight of her sorrow and despair dragged her down, and she embraced the idea of oblivion.
Kagome found herself at the bottom of a dark, cold abyss. Everything around her was pitch black, and she felt a sense of panic rising within her. She spun around frantically, trying to find anything that could give her a sense of direction or hope, but there was nothing. Suddenly, she saw a faint glimmer of light and ripples moving towards her.
"Sesshomaru...?" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and hope. As the light grew closer, she saw the familiar figure of her beloved companion. Overjoyed, Kagome ran towards him, her heart pounding with anticipation. But as she drew closer, Sesshomaru's form dissolved into dust, leaving her heartbroken.
"No! NO!" she screamed in anguish, tears streaming down her face. She fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. In her grief, Kagome's senses began to blur, and she saw her companions from the group appear around her. They were all there, but they seemed distant and unreachable.
"Sango..." she murmured weakly, reaching out to her friend. But as she tried to touch Sango, she turned into dust, disappearing before Kagome's eyes. Desperation clawed at Kagome's heart as she turned to Miroku and Shippo, but their fates were the same. Her companions faded away, leaving her alone in the darkness.
When Kagome felt like her heart could break no further, she heard a small, tender voice calling out. "Wake up, Kagome. Wake up." Kagome struggled to open her eyes, and finally, she managed to break free from the clutches of her nightmare. She found herself lying in the water she had stepped into, but this time, instead of sinking, she swam swiftly towards the surface, gasping for air as she emerged from the depths.
Kagome crawled out of the water and lay on the ground, breathing heavily. Her heart was still racing, and her body was trembling with fear and exhaustion. She wondered what had happened as she lay there, trying to compose herself. Had she been dreaming? Or was it something more?
As her heart rate slowly returned to normal, Kagome began to shiver from the cold. She realized it was already dark outside and needed to return to her hut before she froze. With newfound determination, Kagome stood up and walked toward her shelter, her mind still reeling from the vivid and disturbing dream she had just experienced.
As the moon began to rise, casting a silver hue over the ancient forest, Kagome finally reached her humble hut. Weariness enveloped her body and mind, and she longed for nothing more than a moment of respite. She slid open the wooden door, the creaking sound echoing through the quiet space. The interior was dimly lit, with the last rays of sunlight filtering through the paper windows.
Kagome stumbled towards her futon, her feet shuffling across the tatami mats. Her body ached from the events of the day, and her mind raced with the memories of her encounters with demons and spirits. She collapsed onto the cushions, letting out a soft sigh as she closed her eyes.
But sleep eluded Kagome. Instead, the same nightmare that had plagued her for days now returned. In her dream, she stood in a vast, desolate plain surrounded by a swirling mist. An evil presence loomed in the distance, its eyes glowing with an eerie red light. Kagome knew that this presence represented her past, the demons she had faced, and the darkness that lurked within her soul.
Kagome confronted this presence in her dream, but she was always defeated. Fear and despair consumed her, and she would awaken from the nightmare drenched in a cold sweat. This time was no different. Kagome bolted upright, her heart pounding in her chest. The nightmare felt so real and tangible that it took her a few moments to realize it was just a dream.
She reached for her Kiseru, the traditional Japanese smoking pipe that had become her companion. She lit the tobacco and inhaled deeply, the smoke filling her lungs and calming her racing thoughts. The warmth and bitterness of the smoke brought her a sense of relief, a respite from the darkness that seemed to envelop her.
A soft sigh escaped her lips. Feeling a peculiar restlessness, she decided to seek solace in the night sky. As she gazed out the window, her eyes alighted upon the waning crescent moon.
"It's like the crescent on Sesshomaru's forehead," she mused, the words slipping from her lips in a whisper. Its gentle curve, reminiscent of the crescent adorning the forehead of the mighty demon lord Sesshomaru, brought a bittersweet smile to her face. The comparison brought a chuckle to her chest, but as she continued to gaze at the moon, tears began to gather in her eyes, blurring her vision. Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks.
The moon held a special significance for Kagome. It was a constant in her life, a familiar sight that brought comfort during times of uncertainty. But tonight, the moon seemed to hold more than just solace. The moon, with its ethereal beauty, evoked cherished memories of Sesshomaru, memories that both warmed and saddened her heart. Each glimmering ray of moonlight seemed to carry fragments of their shared moments, painting a vivid tapestry of love, longing, and unspoken words. It stirred memories of Sesshomaru—his piercing golden eyes, proud demeanor, and gentle touch.
As she watched the moon, Kagome felt a sense of profound sadness wash over her. She longed to be with Sesshomaru, feel his strong arms around her, and hear his deep voice whispering sweet nothings in her ear. The weight of her unrequited love for Sesshomaru pressed down upon her, fueling the depression that had long lingered in her soul. She felt her spirit sinking deeper into the abyss of despair, unable to find solace or escape from the pain that consumed her. The moon, once a source of comfort, now reflected the turmoil within her, its pale crescent shimmering like a silent witness to her heartache.
Kagome tried to push away her negative thoughts, but the more she fought them, the stronger they became. She knew that her depression was creeping up on her, threatening to engulf her in its dark embrace.
Kagome's silhouette stood out as she moved away from the window, her gaze lingering on the broken mirror scattered on the ground. The mirror, once a symbol of vanity and self-reflection, now lay in ruins, its shattered pieces reflecting the fragmented emotions that swirled within her.
Kagome's heart ached as she recalled the moment when, in a fit of anger and frustration, she had lashed out at the mirror, punching it with all her might. The sound of the glass shattering had filled the room.
Looking at the broken pieces, she felt sadness and anger. The mirror had been a gift from her grandmother, a precious keepsake that held sentimental value. But in a moment of weakness, she had let her emotions get the best of her, and now the mirror was irreparably damaged.
Bending down, Kagome picked up one of the broken pieces, its sharp edges cutting into her palm. She held it up to the light, examining the intricate patterns and designs that had once adorned the mirror's surface. Those patterns were distorted and fragmented, just like her own heart.
She felt the mirror's sharp interior slicing across her delicate skin. A wave of pain washed over her as the excellent, smooth surface of the mirror suddenly became a razor, a weapon that tore through her flesh with relentless precision. She looked down in satisfaction at the red line that marred the pale expanse of her forearm, a thin crimson ribbon that marked where the mirror's edge had met her flesh. The blood welled up from the wound, a slow, steady stream that dripped onto the floor in a macabre rhythm. She felt the sharp sting of it, a burning ache that radiated through her body. Her heart pounded in her chest, a frantic beat that echoed the chaos in her mind. She stood there, frozen in place.
Her gaze locked onto the intricate lines cut on her arms. The sight filled her with the euphoria she had yearned for and longed for. Every worry and anxiety she had harbored about the enigmatic Sesshomaru melted away, leaving her feeling liberated and at peace.
Kagome's hands, adorned with the cuts, moved gracefully as she traced the delicate lines with her fingertips. The room was illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow, casting an almost otherworldly aura around her. A smile graced her lips, and her eyes sparkled with a newfound joy. The weight of her past fears seemed to dissolve, replaced by a lightness and freedom she had never experienced before.
As the night wore on, Kagome was surrounded by abundant blood. It seeped through the cracks of the floorboards and dripped from her arms. Pools of crimson liquid gathered around her feet, creating an eerie and surreal scene. Yet, Kagome remained unfazed. The sight of blood, once a source of hatred and fear, now brought her a sense of comfort and familiarity.
As the first rays of dawn pierced through the darkness, Kagome lay down on her bed, her body still adorned with lines. A profound sense of satisfaction washed over her as she closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful slumber.
The Next Morning
As the sun's golden rays bathed the tranquil village of Kaede, Kagome arose from her futon, her mind and body feeling light and airy. An inexplicable headache throbbed relentlessly behind her eyes, a pain that gnawed at her like a persistent insect. Seeking solace in the familiar embrace of nature, Kagome stepped outside, hoping that the fresh air and serene surroundings would alleviate her discomfort.
Kagome's senses grew hazy with each step, and the world around her seemed to dance and shimmer like a mirage. Suddenly, her knees buckled beneath her, and her vision went black. Fortunately, Sango was nearby and swiftly rushed to her side. With practiced efficiency, Sango lifted Kagome's limp body and carried her to the village's medics, where she lay unconscious on a cot.
As Kagome drifted in and out of consciousness, her mind struggled to understand the hazy world surrounding her. Blurred figures moved around her, their features indecipherable. A muffled cacophony of voices buzzed in her ears, but no distinct words could be understood. It was as if she were trapped in a strange, silent world where everything was shrouded in an impenetrable mist.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the fog, cutting through the silence like a ray of light. "Kagome, are you alright?" Sango's concerned voice echoed in Kagome's ears, but she could not muster the strength to respond. Her eyelids fluttered feebly, unable to open fully.
Sensing Kagome's unresponsiveness, Sango turned her head towards the door. With a slight bow, she uttered a name that sent a shiver down Kagome's spine. "Lord Sesshomaru," Sango said, her voice tinged with respect and apprehension.
At the mention of that name, Kagome's heart skipped a beat. Though her vision was blurred, she saw a tall figure with flowing silver hair standing in the doorway. A faint whisper escaped her lips, "Sesshomaru..." It was the last word she uttered before darkness enveloped her once more.