Rebirth in Darkness

As the days passed, I slowly began to emerge from the fog, my mind and body healing at a pace that was both agonizingly slow and miraculously fast. Hange's magic had created a sanctuary, a cocoon of love and protection that shielded me from the world's cruelty. His presence was a constant, a reassuring heartbeat that synchronized with mine, reminding me that I was not alone. The nest, as Hange called it, was a marvel of dragon magic. The air was thick with a soothing mist that cooled my burns and eased my pain. The soft, pulsing light that emanated from the walls was like a gentle sunrise, warming my skin and lifting my spirits. I could smell the sweet scent of lavender and vanilla, calming my senses and transporting me to a place of serenity. Hange spent hours by my side, his voice whispering sweet nothings in my ear, his hand stroking my hair, his tail wrapped around me like a protective shield. He sang softly, his deep, rumbling voice a lullaby that soothed my savage breast. His songs were of love, of hope, of rebirth, and they awakened something deep within me. As I listened, I began to remember fragments of my past, of who I was before the accident, before the pain and the trauma. Memories of my childhood, of my parents, of Hange and our life together, began to resurface. They were hazy, fragmented, but they were there, waiting to be reclaimed. One memory in particular stood out – a memory of Hange and me standing on a cliff, overlooking a vast, sparkling ocean. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the waves. Hange's arm was around me, pulling me close, and I felt safe, I felt loved. I remembered the feeling of his warm breath on my skin, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the smell of saltwater and seaweed. As I recalled this memory, I felt a surge of emotions – happiness, sadness, and longing. I realized that this was what I had been missing, this sense of connection and belonging. Hange's love had given me a new lease on life, and I was determined to hold onto it, to cherish it, and to make the most of it. Hange sensed my stirring, my growing awareness, and he leaned in closer. "Welcome back, my love," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I've missed you." I tried to respond, but my voice was barely a whisper. Hange didn't seem to mind; he simply smiled and pulled me closer, his dragon magic infusing me with strength and vitality. As the days turned into weeks, I began to regain my strength, my body slowly rebuilding itself under Hange's tender care. The burns were still there, but they were no longer the raw, open wounds they had once been. My mind was clearer, my thoughts more coherent, and I was beginning to see a glimmer of hope. One day, as Hange was feeding me a bowl of warm, nourishing soup, I managed to speak, my voice barely above a whisper. "Hange?" I said, my eyes searching his. He looked up, his eyes locking onto mine, and smiled. "Yes, my love?" he replied, his voice full of concern. I swallowed hard, trying to find the words. "What...what happened?" I asked, my voice cracking with emotion. Hange's expression softened, and he set the bowl aside. "You were in an accident," he said gently. "You were badly hurt, but I've been taking care of you. You're safe now. You're with me." I nodded, my mind reeling with questions, but Hange's gentle fingers on my lips silenced me. "Don't worry about that now," he said. "Just focus on healing, on getting better. I'll take care of everything else." I nodded, feeling a sense of trust wash over me. With Hange by my side, I knew I could face anything. And as I looked into his eyes, I knew that I was ready to take the next step, to face the world, as long as he was with me.