I Am Me; No One Else

Chapter 18: Reflection of Myself to Me Now

'It has been another two years since I left the world behind and was locked away for this training' She thought to herself, 'I hope it has not changed too much and that Sesshoumaru hasn't changed his mind.'

She shook her head in utter disgust with her thoughts, "Of course he hasn't, Kagome. He's Lord Sesshoumaru." She muttered quietly, "And now you are the Heiress of Midoriko, so quit talking to yourself as if you are an insecure three year old toddler and act like it."

She sat in the garden of the temple, cross-legged and in deep meditative thoughts.

Flashback

Kagome finally arrived at the Temple of the Pure Heart. She had made it and entered where the visual spirit of Midoriko greeted her.

"I knew you would make it." She said, "However, I will now teach you how to be both warrior and healer. Peacemaker and war-lord, if needed. Diplomat and Blade of Justice. This training will not be easy and I am not here to coddle you and hug you. If you fall, you must get up on your own." She told her

"I may heal your wounds, but I will not allow you to wallow in yourself and you will not be allowed to try and skip these lessons."

Kagome nodded tiredly as Midoriko beckoned her to follow and she had followed her to an arena, "You only know your true strength when you are forced to push yourself beyond its normal limits and boundaries. Draw my sword and we begin now." Midoriko told her sternly

End Flashback

Kagome had changed in two years of time. Still kind and compassionate, but very aware of her title and power; she was more observant and aware to those around her. She sensed everything from trees and flowers living auras to all humans and demons close-by.

Dressed in Midoriko's armor with her sword by her side and her bow on her back; she was now about to return to the world outside and hoped she had trained enough. Naraku had increased in power due to his gaining shards in her absence, but she could worry later.

She stood and slowly walked to the temple doors and exited before vanishing in a flash of pale purple light.

--

The elders and the students of the Temple of the Sacred Arrow waited patiently for their friend and most notable student who was returning to them today. Now twenty years old, Kagome was likely different than she had been when she left. There was no telling of what she had endured within the Mountain temple, as only those chosen by Midoriko had ever been allowed entry.

Then the crowd felt it. Her aura had overwhelmed them and they were in awe as lavender light burst from the tree-line and Kagome walked out of it. Standing elegantly in the armor and wearing her regular smile.

"Kagome. Kagome." Aki yelled to her and the girl turned

"Aki." She greeted gently, "How are you doing?"

Aki glared at her, "What's with the noble's greeting? Oh well..."

Aki then jumped at her and hugged her as Kukiko let go of her poise and gave in as she ran to hug her too. Overwhelmed by the reaction of her friends; she smiled and let go for once and hugged them back.

"So, how was training? You were gone for a long time?" Aki said

Kagome nodded, "It was the most enlightening and cleansing experience in my life. I will never forget it. I will be leaving here soon too though; it is time for me to go and live up to my title and destiny."

Aki and Kukiko, both eighteen now, faltered.

"You're leaving...so soon..." Kukiko whispered sadly

Kagome smiled to them as she hugged them both, "I will visit if I can, but Naraku will not wait for me forever. It has already been three more years and I do not intend to let him grow more powerful. Surely you both understand?"