Janet paced back and forth in her small living room, her mind racing with uncertainty. For all her determination to help Lina, she didn't know where to start. Her instincts told her to fight—to drive away whatever dark force was plaguing her friend—but the how eluded her. Her thoughts circled back to the monk she had seen in her meditations. If anyone could guide her, it would be him.
She sank onto the floor, crossed her legs, and closed her eyes. She focused her breathing, calling upon the calm that came with connecting to the monk's presence. Slowly, the familiar figure emerged in her mind's eye, serene as always.
Seeking Guidance
"Master," Janet spoke hesitantly. "I don't know what to do. Lina is in danger, and I feel so powerless. All I can think of is driving away the spirit, but I don't know if that's enough—or even possible."
The monk regarded her calmly, his voice steady and measured. "Janet, the fight you wish to wage is not one of brute force but of protection and resilience. The first step is to build your own defenses. Without a shield, you cannot shield others."
Janet frowned, feeling a twinge of frustration. "How do I do that? I've never done anything like this before."
The monk's expression softened. "Visualize yourself surrounded by light—a barrier of purity and strength. The light will shield you from harm and keep dark forces at bay. Focus your intent. The more you practice, the stronger your shield will become."
Her First Attempt
Janet took a deep breath and followed the monk's instructions. In her mind, she imagined a radiant white light forming a sphere around her. At first, the light was faint and flickered like a fragile flame. She concentrated harder, willing the sphere to grow brighter and more defined. Slowly, it began to take shape—a glowing, protective orb that enveloped her body.
But the effort left her drained. The sphere wavered, then vanished entirely. Janet opened her eyes, frustration creeping in. "It's so unstable," she muttered to herself.
She tried again, this time pouring more focus and energy into the visualization. The light returned, stronger this time, but still imperfect. As she repeated the process, exhaustion began to set in. Her eyelids grew heavy, and her thoughts blurred. Despite her determination, her body refused to cooperate.
She stumbled into the kitchen and brewed a strong cup of coffee, hoping the caffeine would keep her alert. While her mind felt sharp, her body felt like an empty vessel, completely drained of energy. She sank onto the couch, realizing she couldn't push through any longer. Reluctantly, she closed her eyes and allowed herself a brief nap.
Waking to Renewed Resolve
When Janet woke, she felt a small measure of clarity. The rest had replenished some of her strength. She sat up and resumed her practice, this time with a more deliberate focus. The white sphere returned, and now it felt sturdier, more stable. It pulsed gently around her, a shield of light that felt protective yet serene.
Encouraged, Janet decided it was time to take the next step. She closed her eyes again and activated her "third eye," focusing on Lina and the spiritual surroundings that might be affecting her. In her mind's eye, she saw a faint image of Lina's apartment. The air around it felt thick, heavy with an oppressive energy. Janet pushed her vision further, searching for the source.
Suddenly, she saw it—a shadowy figure hovering near Lina's bed, its presence dark and malevolent. Its form was indistinct, constantly shifting, but its eyes gleamed with a familiar green light. Janet's breath caught. It was the serpent from her dream, now fully manifest in Lina's reality.
She pulled back from the vision, her heart racing. The shield around her flickered for a moment but held steady. Janet knew she was just beginning to scratch the surface of this battle. She would need to build her strength, refine her skills, and prepare herself for the fight ahead. And this time, she wouldn't forget to shield Lina as well.
Janet took a deep breath, determination burning in her chest. The fight had only just begun.