I tuck my head into my chest as I go flying through the air, feet over head, crashing into a tree with my back. I suck in a quick breath of air, eyes squeezing shut for a moment, before I pick myself back up and continue running downhill, trying to be more aware of hidden rocks and tree roots. The new moon coats the forest in pitch black, making it nearly impossible to see anything in. Bushes and trees fly passed me. I force my legs to carry me faster, farther. My lungs scream for oxygen and tears sting my eyes, throat burning as every part of my body throbs in agony, but I don't slow down. I'm not far enough yet. I'm not safe yet. My breath is just barely visible in front of me, every exhale coming out in a puff of transparent cloud. A low hanging branch smacks across my face, scratching my eyelids and pulling at my hair. I keep running, feeling several strands pulled from my scalp.

Must keep going, I urge myself on. Have to get away. He's coming. I don't turn around to check. I can't feel him following, but that doesn't mean that he isn't. Maybe the nature around me, and now all over me, is covering my scent. The animals that must live here hiding the sound of my feet against the dirt and leaves. Or maybe he just hasn't noticed you've escaped yet. No, can't think that. Can't get ahead of myself.

I feel my right foot give out from under me as the ground gives way, sending me sliding down the hill. Rocks, sticks, and fallen branches tug at my skin, drawing blood, and I try my hardest to keep my limbs tucked in and my head protected. As the ground levels out, I roll into a standing position and take off again. Can't get caught, can't go back. Tears burn my eyes but I don't let them fall, not until I'm safe. Until then, all of my energy has to stay focused on escaping. Nothing else matters.

There's a subtle shift of energy about three hundred yards ahead of me just to the left. Hesitantly, I reach out a bit of reiki to inspect the area. Not his, I bite my lip. Doesn't mean safe. With a huff of breath, I turn towards the strange energy. It's my best bet at this point. Energy manipulation means people. Or youkai, the voice in the back of my head reminds me. It's a risk I have to take.

I jump over a fallen tree trunk, barely catching myself on shaking limbs. The energy is still a hundred and sixty yards away, I can't give up yet. In a last-ditch effort, I push my legs even harder, occasionally checking the area behind me for any of his youki. Nothing yet, what's keeping him? I can't help but wonder. This is different. The other times didn't go like this. It's never been this… easy. Despite knowing this, I keep running, trying to put as much distance between me and that monster as possible. Even now, I can hear him laughing at my struggles, my desperation for freedom, despite the quiet surrounding me. The only sound in the immediate vicinity is my ragged breathing. It's been months since I've moved this much. The only thing keeping me going is pure adrenaline.

I feel a faint ripple of energy and am almost immediately enveloped in warmth. Wasn't the air just cold a few feet back? I don't stop to ponder the sudden change in temperature, focusing on what's in front of me. Just at the edge of the tree line, the faint outline of a cabin slowly comes into view. The lights inside are on, illuminating the windows and the ground surrounding it. My heart skips a beat at the first sign of hope and a few tears manage to pull themselves from my eyes, leaving a cold trail behind as they fall. I close the distance as fast as I can, circling around to the front of the cabin. There's a red jeep parked to the right of the door. A few stubborn flowers stand their ground against the chill in the air, defiant against the winter closing in on them, trying to kill them off. Kinda like me, I think, finally finding the door. I throw myself at it, pounding with both fists. I don't dare speak, ask for help, still sure he would hear and find me.

Several seconds of knocking, banging, praying to every deity to ever exist that someone is inside to hear me pass. No answer. I don't stop. This is likely the only cabin in the forest, My only hope. I keep banging on the door as hard as my hands and arms can manage, feeling my energy fading quickly. Finally, I hear the sudden pounding of feet as someone rushes to the door from the back of the cabin. Hope igniting in my chest again, I take in a sharp breath, eyes wide, and hit the door harder, putting every ounce of strength and desperation into each hit. Suddenly, the door swings out, knocking me backward. I sprawl across the cold ground on my back, hitting my head on the rocky walkway. I quickly glance behind me, checking again for his sudden presence, only to find him still absent. I turn my gaze forward to find an all too familiar figure standing in the doorway, as all the air rushes out of my lungs in one breath, any hope instantly dying out.

Icy blue eyes meet mine, confusion and panic dancing behind them. Long black hair tied back in a ponytail hanging just below his shoulder blades. I watch as he sniffs the air. Watch as recognition takes hold of his features, followed by shock, then worry. His eyes narrow slightly as he looks me over from head to toe, unable to believe the sight before him, until he finally finds his voice, that sweet, deep voice I've dreamt about too many times to count.

"Kagome?"