The dream was pleasant, as dreams went, but the fact that Kagome knew it was a dream told her how much trouble she was in. She felt so stupid. Of course a creature born of hate and jealousy would manage to curse her with something as simple as her own blood.

She continued to walk around, the landscape covered in stardust. So far, nothing had attacked her, but she wasn't out of the woods yet. The venom that had radiated from the woman's aura spoke of nothing but vengeance and malice. She doubted she'd be stuck here forever, but she wasn't sure if getting out relied on her own choices or those of others.

Multiple people had seen her draw the harpy away from the village, so it was only a matter of time before someone—likely Inuyasha—found her and brought her back. The only problem was trying to wake up. She'd pinched herself several times and even used her reiki, but so far, nothing had worked.

There wasn't even any scenery in the dream, so it had to be something on the outside. She snorted; maybe it would be as simple as letting the curse burn through her. She sighed, hands dragging through her hair.

If only.

Even if it was just that, Inuyasha was likely to freak out and badger Kaede about it, demanding all kinds of remedies—oral and otherwise. He never had any patience, not when a member of his pack was involved, and he'd likely convince everyone things were worse than they actually were. It was one of his more endearing qualities, but he usually missed a crucial detail amid his cries and grumbles.

There was a soft snicker, and Kagome whirled around. The landscape shifted from pastels to shades, and Kagome crossed her arms. "Having fun?" she asked in a bored tone.

"Not as much as you're going to have," the disembodied voice said. "I have seen your heart, and things are much more complicated than I imagined."

Rolling her eyes, Kagome continued walking, hoping to put some distance between her and whatever was taunting her but doubting she'd have any luck. "And why is that?"

"There is no love in your heart," it said, following her.

She snorted. "What would a vengeful spirit know of love?"

"It's not what I know but what I can feel," it replied. "You wish for love but have yet to find it." The voice began to cackle. "And now you will never recover without it." A blast of reiki silenced the jeers, though Kagome had no idea if that was due to the offensive attack. She couldn't even be sure she was in control of the dream.

Nothing changed, and she couldn't hear anything from the outside world. Time was fickle, especially in different dimensions, so it could've been five minutes or five days since she'd pricked her finger. At least she didn't feel tired here, so she could remain alert if the voice stirred up trouble.

Maybe someone would just kiss her, and she'd wake up.