By: tearsofamethyst
Prologue: Yume
She was walking. The air was scented with flower blossoms and trees rustled lightly in the breeze. It was a paradise, one she had created for herself in her own mind- her secret safe haven. She closed her eyes and blissfully breathed in the wonderful scents and smells. It was then she realized that she was not alone. There was one more creature of beauty sharing the paradise with her.
She opened her eyes and turned. There was a figure before her and she found herself looking into a face much like her own but still so different. Dark black hair framed the face, hair longer and darker than hers, hair that trailed down the back of her red and white priestess clothing, shining and free. But her gaze remained focused on the face- a beautiful face, one with brown eyes devoid of emotion of any kind.
She was her- they were each other. They were linked at their very core- their souls were one. And yet…they were nothing like alike.
Then she spoke. The sound of her voice was lost to the soft wind but her words somehow still reached her ears. It was as if she didn't need sound to communicate. She was above it.
She asked only one question- three simple words.
"Who are you?"
Atashi…
I…
Atashi wa…
I am…
She tried to answer- searched for the right words to say but nothing came out. The other girl turned and began walking away from her.
No…
Wait…
Don't go…
I…
She ran, chasing after the other girl. As she ran, reaching out to touch her, the trees and flower blossoms faded away. The paradise was gone and she was left running in darkness. The only thing visible was her- that girl. She was running as fast as she could and yet not fast enough as she, her other self, always managed to remain ahead no matter how hard she tried to catch up.
I…
I am…
Then she felt herself losing balance, falling gracelessly to the ground. The girl then turned with a poise and grace that she knew she could never possess. Her long dark hair swayed gently behind her back with the motion. Her movements and appearance were sleek and elegant. She was beauty itself and she was merely a child in her presence playing a game she could not possibly win.
And as she stared down at her with dark brown unblinking eyes, Kagome realized with a sick feeling that somehow this was how it was supposed to be- Kikyo always above and ahead and her on the ground at Kikyo's feet and mercy. In some cruel twist of fate- this was the destiny that they had been cast.
And then she asked the question again.
"Who are you?"
I…
I am…
Wordlessly, Kikyo turned and walked away, leaving her on the ground, helpless.
Kagome sat up in bed panting. She held a hand to her heart and tried in vain to calm her ragged breathing.
Who are you?
The words from the dream. They were back again in her head, tearing at her mind, begging for an answer.
I…I am…
Then with a sorrowful, horrified expression, she realized.
I don't know who I am.
Kikyo has stolen my identity.
***
^_^ Okay, prologue's up! I want to hear what you think of the beginning- review! And email if you wish! ^_~
Amethyst
