The Sacred Artifact

Characters: Kagome, Sesshomaru

Description: He said something, but she couldn't hear a sound.

Rating: K+

Disclaimer: Not mine. But the mirror is. (no, that's a lie)

Dedication: Rikayu, for her delightful artistry that inspired this story. Mainly, her lovely pictures 'Mirror' and 'Helpless'. ^^

xXx

Every passing day became harder and harder to endure. He was almost tempted to term his life 'unlivable', were it not for the small, childish hope that it'd soon get better and he'd have a chance to breathe again. He felt like he was drowning in an endless pool of dark water with no end, no beginning and absolutely no way to take in a lungful of air.

And then there was that stupid promise.

A gift. For you, Sesshomaru-taicho. But only on the anniversary of your mother's death will you receive it. Look into it, and all your pain will melt away, given time.

It was a lie. It had to be. As the general of his father's army, he couldn't believe such a thing. It was only a fairy tale he'd talked himself into believing for the sake of his drooping hopes. A bit of the child he'd never been allowed to be.

With a thump, he slammed his bedroom door shut. The catch fell, locking out anyone who dared disturb him while he was in such a foul state. He knew instantly what was there but shouldn't be.

In the back of his room, beside his dresser, sat a cloth-covered something. A mirror, perhaps? Curiosity got the best of him and he strode across the room, ripping away the sheet... and froze.

xXx

Kagome ran her fingers along the frame, then across the glass. She blinked as it rippled, then grew murky. She was no longer looking into a reflection so much as through something like a window.

It's a sacred artifact, from the old Kingdom! she realized quickly, eyes widening with delight. She clapped her hands, then touched the glass gently with silk-covered fingertips. She was met with resistance, but that didn't deter her.

Pulling her hand away, she leaned forward, trying to see through what appeared to be a curtain of some kind. Muted light filtered through it, but beyond that, she couldn't see a thing.

Then, abruptly, the curtain was ripped away, revealing a handsome man with long silver hair and dazzling golden eyes. Those eyes widened in surprise and he said something, but she couldn't hear a sound.

She sighed and lifted a hand, touching her ear and shaking her head. He frowned slightly, straightening his shoulders, and held up a finger. Wait a moment.

She would wait as long as it took.

xXx

Thank you again, lovely Rika! ^^