Prologue
I ran through the forest, stumbling along the way, trying to get away from the terrible, clutching darkness. I couldn't run fast enough- I couldn't make my legs move any faster. It was like I was running through molasses. I screamed, hoping that someone- anyone- would help me. I instantly regretted it though, for that just took more precious breath than I had to spare.
No more sound came but my mouth stayed open, laboring to supply my screaming muscles with as much oxygen as I could. The crawling, seeping blackness was gaining on me and the thought occurred to me that there was no way I could hope to outrun it. I couldn't even fight it- I wasn't strong enough. All I could hope to do was delay the inevitable. I- Kagome Higurashi- was going to die alone, terrified and helpless.
Naraku would have me soon.