Conqueress of Demons - Demon Slayer x fem! Xiao Reader

Chapter 28.75 - Warped Memories

A/N:
Feeling like a cat bringing something to y'all's doorstep rn. Sorry for the delay, I went through quite the messy breakup with my ex since our relationship turned extremely toxic. I'm currently trying my best to heal, so chapters might not be as frequent but I'll try! This chapter is a little necessity for the plot I've cooked up. (I actually dreamt it. But no more yapping now, Enjoy!)💗

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The bed was soft as Y/N lowered herself onto the mattress, her muscles relaxing as she took a deep breath in, before slowly exhaling. Her little talk with Tengen earlier and the consequences of it still whirled around inside her head. Why did the red bindings appear? Did she cause it by speaking of her origin? Her fingers dug into the sheets as she chewed on her lower lip, eyes anxiously darting around. Shaking her head, she laid down, the pillow cold against her skin. She would have to find out why she couldn't talk about her past. Was there some connection to Teyvat that was still upheld by something about her? Something that forced her to keep this information about her past to herself? These memories? A deep sigh left her lips as she started staring at the ceiling. Chatter and murmurs could be heard from the streets, making Y/N close her eyes to drown the noise out. She needed to rest. They had a mission, after all. Reaching out, the adeptus turned off the light, shrouding the room in darkness. She turned to lay on her side, golden eyes slowly closing as she drifted off to sleep. However, sleep wasn't what she got. The soft sounds of water flowing nearby made her stir, a cold sensation enveloping her body, the feeling of floating in a body of water. Opening her eyes, she was met with an image she had seen before. Petals floated in the water around her, water lilies littering the pond she was laying in. A familiar figure sat on the stone nearby, red eyes widening as he recognised Y/N.

„Y/N.. you're back?"

Yoriichi asked softly, jumping off the rock and walking towards the pond, offering the woman a hand to help her out of the faintly glowing water. Y/N had to take a minute to ground herself, head spinning slightly. She brushed some of her wet hair out of her face, hands pulling up the fabric floating around her legs. The same white gown she had worn the first time, when she initially entered the spirit realm.

„Looks like it.."

She mumbled, taking the man's hand and stepping out of the pond. The fabric pooled around her ankles, her feet touching the soft grass underneath.

„But why? Did something happen? I mean.. last time you came here you were injured before, no? Are you alright?"

His eyes scanned her body for injuries, worry reflecting inside them. His warm hand still held onto hers, before he realised and bashfully pulled his hand back.

„No. I'm not injured. But.. something strange happened. I.."

She inhaled, awaiting the sensation of the red bindings wrapping around her throat. She held her breath, nothing.

„I spoke to a friend about my past and the second I wanted to tell him about my death, back in my home world, I couldn't speak anymore. My red chains prevent me from doing so. But here, that doesn't seem to be the case."

Y/N mumbled. Yoriichi tilted his head.

„That is.. concerning. Do you know why this is happening?"

He asked, starting to walk through the scenery starting to form around them. Another part of Y/N's memories. This time, the spirit realm reflected a flowerbed near Qingyun Peak, one of her favourite places back in Teyvat. The night sky was grand above them, even though it was only an illusion.  A melancholic smile played at the corner of Y/N's mouth as she sat down between the Qingxin, the white petals delicately brushing against her skin. It all felt so real.