"Rebirth in Darkness"

I was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, my body screaming in agony as my mind struggled to comprehend the horror that had been inflicted upon me. My abusive father, the monster who had given me life, had taken it away with his cruel and twisted actions. I remembered the pain, the feeling of my skin burning, melting, and charring. The flames that had engulfed me had been so intense that they had left me unrecognizable, my body a grotesque, red, and blistered mess. The 100% burns coverage had necessitated a deluge of wet bandages to cover my body, a futile attempt to ease the suffering. As I lay there, I was aware of the beeping of machines, the whispers of strangers, and the faint scent of antiseptic. But it was all so distant, muffled, like I was trapped under a thick layer of fog. My mind was foggy, unclear, and my thoughts were disjointed. I knew I had severe autism spectrum disorder, and the world around me was a cacophony of stimuli that threatened to overwhelm me at any moment. The hypersensitivity was suffocating, making it hard for me to breathe. The memories of my past came flooding back – my dad abandoning me as a newborn, leaving me with a deep-seated separation anxiety that had only worsened with time. My mind was a jumble of fears, anxieties, and phobias, and I had learned to cope by regressing to a younger state. I was mentally a newborn, unable to process the complexities of the world around me. But even in this state, I knew I wasn't alone. There was someone, a presence that comforted me, soothed me. Hange, my beloved boyfriend, the dragon emperor, and the yakuza king. He was my rock, my safe haven. I remembered his strong arms, his gentle touch, and his loving gaze. As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I became aware of a new sensation – a warmth, a wetness that enveloped me. I was in a makeshift artificial womb, a creation of Hange's dragon magic. The hospital bed was transformed into a cocoon, a nest that cradled me in comfort. I felt safe, protected. Hange's voice was a gentle whisper in my ear, "You're safe, my love. I've got you." His dragon magic created a barrier around us, a shield that kept out unwanted eyes. The nest was invisible, hidden from the world. The sound of a mother's heartbeat played softly, a rhythmic beat that soothed my frazzled nerves. Hange's hand gently patted my back, mimicking the motion of a mother's loving touch. I felt a sense of peace wash over me, and my body began to relax. Inside the nest, Hange's dragon magic worked its wonders. His tail wrapped around me, acting as a breathing tube, supplying me with oxygen. I was aware of my legs, or rather, the absence of them. The severe burns had necessitated amputation, and my stumps were covered in warm, wet blankets. My eyes, once bright and full of life, were now dull and sightless. I was completely blind in my right eye, and 99% blind in my left. But I didn't need to see to know that Hange was there, caring for me, loving me. His shadow acted as a feeding tube, providing me with sustenance. His hands gently and slowly changed my diaper, wiping my butt clean, and putting a new one on. It was a humiliating experience, but with Hange, I felt no shame, only gratitude. As I lay there, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of the nest, I knew I was reborn. I was given a second chance, a chance to heal, to grow, and to love. And with Hange by my side, I knew I could face anything, overcome any obstacle. The darkness was no longer suffocating; it was a cocoon that nurtured me, protected me. I was home, and I was safe.