For days on end, Kagome devoted herself to meditation before the statue of Priestess Midoriko, positioned within the tranquil courtyard of the temple. Draped in the Miko attire gifted by Sesshomaru, she immersed herself in the serene atmosphere, seeking guidance and insight from the spirit of Midoriko. Despite her efforts, Midoriko remained silent, elusive, leaving Kagome to exhaust her reiki in the manner taught by Kaede and trained by Kikyo.
It wasn't until the fifth day that Kagome sensed a subtle shift in the air. As she sat in quiet reflection, her mind open and receptive, she felt a gentle presence enveloping her, a whisper of energy beckoning her closer to the divine. With bated breath, she awaited the manifestation of Midoriko's spirit, knowing it held the key to unlocking the mysteries surrounding the jewel of four souls.
In a moment of transcendence, the spirit of Midoriko appeared before Kagome, her ethereal form exuding wisdom and grace. With a voice resonating through the fabric of existence, Midoriko shared the tale of the ancient artifact, revealing her eternal struggle encapsulated within the jewel itself.
Enthralled by Midoriko's narrative, Kagome listened intently, absorbing every word with reverence and awe. With newfound clarity and purpose, Kagome observed as the spirit regarded her from the pedestal.
"Kikyo advised me to harness your spiritual power to defeat Naraku," Kagome began, stretching her limbs after her prolonged meditation.
"She was correct," Midoriko, clad in a simple yukata, her youthful visage framed by tied-up hair, acknowledged. "I guided her through visions of what was to come."
Kagome felt a resonance within her soul, confirming Kikyo's truthfulness and the impending fate awaiting her.
"What if I fail to harness your power and control it as my own?" Kagome inquired, her heart racing with the weight of responsibility.
Midoriko turned to her, her gaze steady. "The world will face its end."
With a sigh of realization, Kagome understood the gravity of her role. The fate of the world rested upon her ability to deliver the final blow, vanquishing Naraku and reclaiming the jewel once more.
"How would I harness your power? Kikyo hasn't given me any indication of what I am to do or any further instruction."
As Kagome eagerly awaited Midoriko's guidance, the ancient spirit gazed upon her with a serene intensity, her ethereal form shimmering with a gentle luminosity. With a voice that carried the weight of centuries yet resonated with timeless wisdom, "Child of the modern age, the essence of spiritual power lies within the depths of your soul," Midoriko began, her words weaving a tapestry of enlightenment. "To wield it as your own, you must first acknowledge and embrace the sacred connection between yourself and the energies that flow through the universe."
Kagome listened intently, her senses attuned to the profound truths being unveiled before her.
"Close your eyes and center your consciousness," Midoriko continued, her voice a soothing melody that seemed to echo within Kagome's very being. "Feel the ebb and flow of reiki within you, like a river coursing through the landscape of your spirit."
With Midoriko's guidance, Kagome allowed herself to surrender to the currents of reiki, feeling its gentle pulsations resonating within her core.
"Focus your intention," Midoriko instructed, her presence a guiding light amidst the boundless expanse of spiritual energy. "Visualize the threads of reiki intertwining with your essence, forming a harmonious tapestry of power and purpose."
With a sense of determination, Kagome heeded Midoriko's counsel, channeling her focus into shaping the raw energies of reiki into a coherent and controlled force.
"Embrace the balance between strength and serenity," Midoriko counseled, her wisdom echoing through the sacred space. "In the crucible of your spirit, forge a connection that transcends mere mastery, allowing the purity of your intentions to guide the flow of reiki with unwavering clarity."
As Kagome immersed herself in the profound teachings of Midoriko, she felt a sense of empowerment swelling within her, a realization dawning that she held the key to unlocking the full extent of her spiritual potential.
"Remember, child," Midoriko concluded, her presence suffused with a quiet reassurance. "The power you seek resides not in dominance, but in harmony with the forces of creation. Embrace this truth, and you shall wield the essence of reiki as a beacon of hope and healing."
As the day slipped away, Kagome pushed through waves of exhaustion and hunger, her eyes closed as she clung to the crackling reiki in the air, the lingering presence of Midoriko infusing every breath she took.
"Rest, child," her teacher's gentle voice echoed after a time. "You will resume tomorrow."
Kagome nodded gratefully, acknowledging the wisdom in Midoriko's words. "Thank you," she murmured, opening her eyes to find herself alone once more.
With a sense of peace settling over her, Kagome rose from her spot and made her way out of the shrine room. The memory of Midoriko's presence lingered, a comforting presence even as it faded into the ether.
Returning to her room, Kagome retrieved her bow and quiver before venturing out of the temple. Each day followed a similar pattern: she would rise, prepare breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around the temple grounds, and then devote herself to meditation at the shrine, losing herself in the depths of spiritual communion until late into the day.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kagome would venture out to hunt, her skills steadily improving with each passing day. With her catch in hand, she would return to the temple, prepare dinner, and tend to the chores that kept the sacred space immaculate.
Yet amidst the routine, Kagome couldn't shake the ache of longing that tugged at her heart. She missed her friends, the familiar faces of Rin and Shippo, and above all, she yearned for the presence of Sesshomaru.
In the midst of her solitude, Kagome found solace in the steady rhythm of her days. Each moment spent in meditation or honing her skills brought her closer to her goal, each night's rest a renewal of purpose.
And as the stars twinkled overhead, Kagome embraced the uncertainty that she felt, knowing that with each passing day, she grew stronger in both body and spirit.
Midoriko stood in silence, facing her own statue within the shrine as Kagome approached. The tranquil air seemed to envelop them both.
"Did you live here alone?" Kagome inquired softly.
"No," Midoriko replied, her voice carrying a hint of sadness. "My entire clan resided here. We were all warriors, but my affinity for spiritual energy set me apart. I devoted myself to rigorous training, balancing the roles of warrior and priestess. However, upon my return from the Shinto Temple, I discovered a tragic fate had befallen my kin. Demons, threatened by my existence, slaughtered them in search of me."
Kagome listened intently, feeling the weight of Midoriko's ancient grief.
"After laying my family to rest, I pursued those responsible relentlessly. An old friend, consumed by demons, transformed into a full-blooded yokai. It is that same yokai, bound within the jewel alongside my spirit, that continues to wage its eternal battle," Midoriko recounted, her gaze lingering on the statue depicting her younger self, a stark contrast to the mummified remains Kagome had seen in Sango's birthplace.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Kagome offered, her gaze shifting between Midoriko and the statue. "Was it your family who built this statue?"
Midoriko nodded solemnly. "Yes, it was erected just before I departed for the Shinto Temple. They were immensely proud of me. Upon my return, I was meant to lead our clan against the looming threat of demons who sought to annihilate us. When I forged the jewel, it forced the demons into hiding, granting humans years of peace. But now, demons and humans alike are embroiled in conflict, turning against each other and themselves."
As Kagome recalled the stones protruding from the earth behind the temple, a memory that had previously seemed insignificant now weighed heavily on her heart. She felt profound sorrow for Midoriko, mourning the loss of her family, as though it had been her very own.
"Let's resume our training; time is not on our side," Midoriko said, turning to Kagome with a newfound sense of tranquility. "I've been observing you. Your fear and anxiety are hindering the flow of my power into you."
Seating herself on the ground, Kagome lit the incense and closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath. She could sense Midoriko's watchful gaze upon her, a presence she had grown accustomed to since their first encounter. Kagome suspected there were depths to Midoriko's story that she had yet to reveal, or perhaps, was not yet ready to share.
Kagome had completed her training for the day, followed her nightly routine, and retired to her futon. However, sleep eluded her as she tossed and turned throughout the night. Eventually, she abandoned her futile attempts at rest and wandered through the silent temple, the chilly air brushing against her skin.
Her steps led her to the gravesites, where the moonlight cast an ethereal glow upon the serene scene. Kagome instinctively reached for Mokomoko, only to realize it wasn't there to provide its comforting warmth.
Leaving her weapon behind, knowing the temple's protective barrier would shield her from any demonic threats, Kagome ventured to a nearby field. With nimble fingers, she plucked flowers until her fingertips grew numb from the cold. Carrying the blooms with reverence, she spent precious moments at each grave, offering silent prayers and paying homage to the fallen.
Upon returning to her futon, Kagome collapsed onto her pillow, her hand instinctively grasping the crescent pennant hanging from the chain around her neck. Exhaustion claimed her swiftly, and she sank into a deep slumber. In her dreams, Sesshomaru appeared in his true form, a sight she rarely beheld but cherished deeply nonetheless.
A delightful shiver coursed through Kagome's veins, a tingling sensation that seemed to resonate deep within her core. A cold yet familiar energy washed over her, enveloping her entire being in a radiant pink glow. With each pulse, ancient spiritual power surged into her, as if pouring from a celestial carafe. Faint sparks of pink electricity danced at her fingertips, a manifestation of the potent energy now coursing through her veins.
Several feet away, Midoriko smiled approvingly. After days of arduous meditation and confronting the barriers she had imposed upon herself, Kagome had finally tapped into Midoriko's spiritual power. It was a breakthrough moment, marked by the overcoming of fears and doubts that had long hindered her progress. The fear of failure, the weight of responsibility for the shattered jewel—all of it had been barriers that she had now managed to overcome.
"Now that you've harnessed my power," Midoriko began once the pink light surrounding Kagome had faded, "it's crucial that you gain control over it. I suggest heading to the courtyard, where targets await for you to practice channeling your energy into your arrows."
Kagome nodded, gathering her bow and quiver before swiftly departing from the shrine. As she made her way to the courtyard, the mingling sensation of Midoriko's spiritual energy with her own felt like an invigorating plunge into cold water on a hot day.
Arriving at the courtyard, Kagome initially felt confident in her ability to hit the targets. After all, she had honed her archery skills quickly after shattering the jewel. It would be a piece of cake.
It was in fact–not–a piece of cake
Despite her vast reserves of spiritual energy, when she drew back her arrow and focused her reiki into it, disaster struck. The arrow exploded prematurely, not even reaching halfway to the target. It was a stark reminder of the need for control—a realization that hitting the mark would require more than just raw power. If she couldn't master it, there was a risk of accidentally purifying her beloved demon friends like Kirara or Shippo.
With determination renewed, Kagome understood the gravity of her task: gaining control over her newfound power was imperative, lest she inadvertently harm the demons that were her friends and family.
As the day drew to a close, Kagome managed to hit the target, albeit with less precision than she had hoped for. Instead of hitting the center, her arrows often veered off course, leaving her feeling frustrated and fatigued. Hungry, tired, and chilled from the unexpected cold of the mountains despite it being summer, Kagome decided to call it a day.
She knew she needed to improve her accuracy, but for now, satisfying her hunger and seeking warmth took precedence. As she trudged back to the shrine, thoughts of Sesshomaru lingered in her mind. In a few days' time, when she would see him again, she resolved to inquire about whether her burgeoning spiritual energy affected him in any way—a question she hoped to address before facing the others.
"You've made significant progress, child," Midoriko remarked with a gentle smile, having observed Kagome's diligent practice day after day.
"Do you believe I've mastered control over it?" Kagome inquired, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Midoriko nodded affirmatively. "There is little more I can teach you. Your journey of improvement will continue on its own. Tomorrow, as you depart, I ask that you continue infusing the jewel shard in your possession with spiritual power."
"Why?" Kagome queried, curious about Midoriko's intentions.
Midoriko's smile remained enigmatic. "There is a plan in motion, but it's not yet time for you to know its details."
"I understand," Kagome replied, gathering her belongings. However, before she could step back into the temple, Midoriko halted her with a solemn gaze.
"Kagome," she began, using her name for the first time. Kagome blinked in surprise, intrigued by the sudden change in demeanor.
Without uttering another word, Midoriko began to walk, and Kagome instinctively followed, her curiosity piqued. They arrived at the same field where Kagome had gathered flowers for the graves.
"I haven't divulged the entire story to you," Midoriko confessed softly, her hands trailing over the blossoms as they came to a halt in the center of the field. "I once had a lover—a being of remarkable beauty, intellect, and power. Our union held the promise of bridging the gap between humans and demons, offering hope for coexistence in peace."
Kagome listened intently, struck by the relationship must have been shrouded in secrecy, for Kagome had never heard even a whisper of Midoriko having a lover, especially not one who was a demon.
"You were his mate," Kagome spoke aloud, her words carried away by the gentle breeze. "What happened?"
A melancholic smile graced Midoriko's features as she gazed into the distance, memories swirling in the depths of her eyes. "Yes, we were mates," she confirmed softly. "We had only been mated for a year."
Her expression grew somber as she continued, "But after my passing, he found himself consumed by grief and guilt. Unable to bear the weight of his perceived failure to protect me, he chose to end his own life, wielding his own sword as his final act."
Kagome felt a wave of sorrow wash over her, a sob threatening to escape her throat as she struggled to comprehend the depth of their tragedy. The pain in Midoriko's voice echoed the ache in Kagome's own heart, mourning the loss of a love that had transcended boundaries and defied fate.
"How did you meet him?" Kagome inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected twist in Midoriko's tale.
Midoriko chuckled softly, reminiscing about the unlikely encounter. "I was traveling, and he crossed paths with me. Initially, he sought to end my life, as one might expect from a demon encountering a human. But in a surprising turn of events, just as we were on the brink of mutual destruction, he kissed me."
Even as a spirit, Kagome observed Midoriko's blush with amusement. She hadn't realized that spirits could still display such human-like reactions.
"I am sorry for what happened between him and you," Kagome expressed, a compassionate ache in her heart prompting her to extend a comforting gesture.
Midoriko's smile held a gentle understanding as she met Kagome's gaze. "Thank you, Kagome," she replied softly, the weight of centuries-old sorrow lingering in her voice.
"I am sharing this with you because I know you have a demon lover of your own," Midoriko continued, her words carrying a sense of wisdom born from experience. "Embrace the love you share with him, cherish your bonds with your friends and family here in the feudal era. With all that you have endured and conquered, I have faith that you will continue to overcome whatever challenges come your way. Hold onto them in your heart, in your very soul, you will need them."
Kagome pondered the significance of Midoriko's words, sensing a deeper meaning beneath their surface. Was she offering advice for the future, or perhaps imparting wisdom gleaned from her own experiences? Kagome decided not to press for clarification, trusting that Midoriko's words held a purpose that transcended immediate understanding. Plus, she had a feeling that she wouldn't answer her anyway.
As Kagome bid farewell to the spirit of Midoriko, a profound sense of sorrow settled over her heart. Already, she found herself longing for the familiar surroundings of the temple and its sacred grounds. Yet, amidst the bittersweet farewell, another sensation gnawed at her—a visceral tug, a connection to Sesshomaru that transcended distance and time.
As she stepped beyond the protective barrier of the temple, the sensation intensified, coursing through her veins like a relentless ache. It was as though a physical weight had settled upon her chest, stealing the very breath from her lungs. Kagome staggered, her hand instinctively flying to her chest as she sought support against a nearby tree, her knees threatening to buckle beneath her.
The pain was palpable, consuming her senses with its intensity. In that moment of vulnerability, Kagome realized the depth of her bond with Sesshomaru, a connection that defied logic and reason. With each heartbeat, she felt his presence echoing within her, a reassuring reminder of their intertwined destinies.
As Kagome descended the mountain, her steps were slow and deliberate, each movement weighed down by the lingering ache in her chest. Yet, with every step she took downward, the intensity of the pain gradually lessened. It was a curious sensation—one that she couldn't ignore.
Instinctively, Kagome knew what it meant. The diminishing pain signaled Sesshomaru's proximity. As she continued her descent, the ache faded further, replaced by a growing sense of anticipation and longing.
With each passing moment, Kagome's heart quickened with the anticipation of their reunion. Though the journey down the mountain seemed endless, she pressed on, fueled by the hope of being reunited with Sesshomaru once more.