511: My Only Hope
Anticipation filled Kagome, her nerves ablaze with adrenaline and anxiety.
Her hands shook, and she stood from where she sat
With a deep breath, she shared her plight with the imprisoned woman, and understanding slowly dawned upon Anesidora's beautiful face.
"I see," she breathed, empathy alight in ancient eyes. "There may be a way."
Kagome strode forward quickly, grasping the woman's hands.
"Please," Kagome begged. "You're my only hope."
A slow nod.
Revelations.
A glance at the towering silver-haired devil behind her long-lost sibling.
"Dear sister, how you have suffered along with me. Yes, I believe I can help you."
512: Resolute
"Hope is all the remains here," Anesidora said, gesturing vaguely. "You may harness the power it holds, sister, and as it senses the desires of your heart, it will grant whatever it is you seek."
Kagome nodded, though she wasn't quite sure she understood.
"Be warned," she added cautiously. "Your desires may not be what you believe they are."
Though it sounded ominous, Kagome had little choice. She knew what was in her heart. Knew her deepest wishes.
Clenching her fist, she nodded resolutely.
"What do I need to do?"
Anesidora smiled sadly, her eyes lingering on Kagome.
"It is already done," she said softly.
513: Heartfelt
Kagome suddenly found herself wrapped in feminine arms.
Her brows furrowed.
"I wish I could have known you, sister. Such warmth you carry in your soul." She pulled back and they locked eyes. "I wish you the best of luck; I know she is on your side. Be warned, though, that what you seek will come with a price."
"Doesn't it always?"
Anesidora smiled brilliantly. "It does. I hope you find what you desire."
The world around them began to vibrate, light bouncing off walls, ground, trees like glass, fracturing into rainbows and glistening from every surface.
"Thank you, sister."
514: Peace
Anesidora's parting words seemed a catalyst as a blinding light flashed over everything. Kagome lifted her arm to shield her eyes, blinded and deafened by its brilliance.
All was quiet, and the priestess got the sense she was drifting along in a vast, white nothingness.
Opening her eyes, she looked around.
"Sesshomaru?!"
For that matter, where was Aila? And Ian? Had they made it into the… jar?
"Anesidora?" She called frantically. "Anyone!"
"Hello, child."
She turned slowly, gravity nonexistent.
"Who…"
A figure slowly emerged from nowhere, lovelier than Anesidora had been, and Kagome marveled at the peace that filled her.
515: Touched by the Goddess
"You have made me proud, daughter," the being said, a gentle look in brilliant eyes. "For this, I will grant you your hearts desires. But balance must be maintained, and a sacrifice must be made."
All at once, Kagome understood. Gazing into Pandora's eyes, everything aligned perfectly, and Kagome knew who she was. Knew what was expected.
Knew she would overcome this challenge as she'd overcome all before.
A pleased smile spread over Pandora's face, and Kagome's nose stung as tears gathered in her eyes.
"Thank you," the priestess whispered.
Pandora lifted a hand, a single finger touching Kagome's forehead.
516: The Moment
It happened quickly.
Light fractured and shattered, an explosion of wind blasting Kagome back, back, back, and she tried to scream but the air was sucked from her lungs.
And all at once, it was over, and she was on her knees, opening wide, blue eyes to another place filled with white.
"Lady Kagome, listen well, for we have little time to spare."
Swords clashed behind her, and Kagome stared at Midoriko in shock.
It worked.
She was back.
Back to the moment – the one that started it all.
She'd come full circle, and finally she could make things right.
517: Urgent Matters
Sesshomaru brought his sword down swiftly, blocking Magatsuhi's attack and delivering his own.
A blast rang out around the adversaries, Magatsuhi retreating a step, assessing his enemy with crimson eyes.
"Midoriko…" A sweet voice floated to their ears and Sesshomaru glanced in Kagome's direction.
Magatsuhi smirked, using the distraction to his advantage, sending a powerful attack at Sesshomaru.
Dodging easily, the daiyoukai growled angrily, flashing forward to slash at the vile demon, drawing blood.
"You must repeat the words exactly as I speak them, do you understand?"
Midoriko's urgent words reached them, and Magatsuhi altered course, dashing toward the priestess.
518: In A Flash
Sesshomaru had nothing to fear.
It was beneath him.
He lunged for the demon speeding toward Kagome, narrowly missing, and something akin to lightning slashed up Sesshomaru's spine.
Amber eyes landed on the woman he loved, her hands grasped within Midoriko's.
Nostalgic feelings of worry and anger washed over him, memories surfacing.
"You were reckless, as usual. And within an inch of your life because of it."
Tear-filled blue eyes.
Sesshomaru blinked, dark brows drawing together.
Soft words, a soft, soothing touch. Warm lips brushing his ear.
He hand lifted to his ear, heart contracting painfully as Magatsuhi drew nearer.
519: White Banner
Magatsuhi's white hair flew behind him like a banner, waving in slow motion as the point of his sword took aim at Kagome.
Like a coward, he'd impale her from behind.
"Miko, you must hurry! Speak the words! Make the wish!" Midoriko urged.
"Don't move," Sesshomaru breathed, trembling as he held her in his arms. "Just…allow me a moment. Please."
Her hands moved over his back soothingly. "It's okay. I'm okay."
Feelings he didn't understand pushed him forward, memories compelled him to go faster, and he snatched the demons hair, ripping him back with such animosity it surprised even him.
520: The Right Wish
"Would you rather meet the love of your life knowing that you'll die in a year or never meet them and live forever?"
Sesshomaru growled threateningly, glaring down at the demon who threatened the woman he'd sworn to protect.
"Sesshomaru?"
"Yes?"
"Lay with me?"
"Pathetic." Sesshomaru sneered. "You'll die for your wasted efforts."
Talon-like claws bled green as acid dripped from sharp points. Without further contemplation, Sesshomaru plunged his fingers into Magatsuhi's gut, thrilling in the demons cry.
"Sorry, Midoriko. I can't make that wish."
"What do you mean you –"
Though soft, he heard Kagome clearly as she set them free.