Koko's grip on her wrist never loosened for even a second. It made it difficult for Saph to swim back up to the surface, gasping and spluttering while the swift current swept them away, but it was a lifeline. A tether of hope.

They sped past several boulders, narrowly missing them. Somehow, Koko was propelling the two of them toward the far shore, slowly but surely.

It was all Saph could do to keep her head above water. Swimming in the swamp was one thing; this was an entirely different story and she was sure she would've drowned if not for Koko. Even kicking as hard as she could to stay afloat, hardly caring when her feet hit underwater rocks, it was impossible to make any headway on her own. Koko was literally dragging her along with a look of fierce concentration on her face.

Finally, Saph's shoes touched rocky mud and they scrambled up the bank on hands and knees. Both flopped over on their backs and lay there for several minutes, though Koko seemed to recover much more quickly.

"How did— you swim— so much?" Saph managed when she could speak again.

"Firebending."

"…Underwater? I didn't— even know— that was possible!"

"It doesn't actually make fire, just energy."

"Oh," was all she could say, not understanding at all.

They lay there for another minute or so until Koko got up. "Well…" she began, looking around with her hands on her hips. "There's good news and bad news. Good news is now we don't have to go out of our way to reach the bridge."

She paused long enough for Saph to get impatient.

"What's the bad news?"

"...We'll have to pass uncomfortably close to another blue sage facility."

Saph quailed at those dire words, shrinking in on herself. "Can't– Can't we just go another way?"

"There is no 'other way'." Koko gestured around her in various directions as she spoke. "The river is here. That way is ravines and mountains. That way is the facility, right between us and the road, which we need to reach to pass through the mountains."

"Why can't we just go a different way over the mountains?"

"Right. Just walk over a mountain. Easy."

Her derisive tone made Saph bristle with indignation. "It was just a question. I don't know everything."

"Exactly. And that's why you should trust that I know what I'm doing."

After the fear of being attacked and then nearly drowning, Saph's nerves were ragged and frayed. This minor argument was just enough to push her emotions over the edge. She felt her face begin to twist and contort against her will and she covered it with her hands out of shame as tears leaked from her eyes.

"Wh– Why are you crying?"

Saph sunk to her knees and tried hard to take deep breaths, but she felt like she was suffocating. Like something was pressing on her chest, waterlogged clothes weighing her down. It was all just too much—everything she'd been through, the uncertainty that it might happen again, the unanswered questions in her mind…

It was humiliating, kneeling there in the dirt, blubbering like a child. But she couldn't stop. In this moment, she felt like a little kid who wanted her mommy or daddy to hug her and tell her everything was going to be okay.

But she didn't have them. All she had was Koko, who just stood there impassively and waited.

Finally, Saph felt herself begin to empty of the turbulent emotions coursing through her. She felt much lighter, despite the awkwardness of making a scene in front of this woman she barely knew. Without saying a word, she wiped her face and got to her feet. Koko turned and started walking, and Saph followed. Several minutes passed until the tense silence became unbearable.

"I'm not a crybaby," she blurted.

"I never said–"

"No, what I mean is–"

"I understand. You don't trust me yet."

Koko's words hung in the air for a moment; Saph wasn't sure if they were true or not.

"You're right to be wary," Koko continued. "Keep your guard up. Always." She stopped and turned around, then pointed to her forehead, which had been cleared of makeup the night before. "You see this? This is a symbol to be afraid of. Never forget that."

Saph gulped nervously; she preferred not being able to see it. "You– You want me to be afraid of you?"

Koko started walking again. "I will earn your trust. Accept no less from anyone else you meet."

Saph listened this time when she was told not to say anything. It wasn't hard to obey; she was petrified, trembling to the point where it was difficult to walk properly.

This wasn't the worst fear she'd felt lately, but it was close. And different. When she'd been captured, the fear was for what was already happening. Raw panic. This was more suspenseful. They crept along through the trees, Saph following in each of Koko's footsteps as instructed. She thought the sound of her heart thudding must be loud enough that people could hear it for miles around.

They didn't come into view of any building that she could see, despite her head swiveling around constantly, eyes scanning the space between the trees. It seemed to take an eternity. A torturous eternity. Surely there were guards posted, watching the trees. They could jump out at any second and attack. There would be a big fight... Would Koko be able to win this time? What if there were too many?

And then the trees began to thin until, finally, a dirt road appeared in front of Saph. She took in a few gasping breaths, shocked at the strength of her relief.

"We– We made it."

"We got lucky."

It was late afternoon by that point, which was apparently late enough for them to set up camp. Koko chose a small hollow between two hills, just off the road and well-hidden from any other travelers. Mountains loomed over them, casting a deep, twilight shadow despite it not being that late yet.

"On the other side of this range is a small community of air nomads," she said while they ate a meal of jerky, hard cheese, and crusty bread. "The blue sages mostly leave them alone as long as their numbers don't grow too large."

"That's where you're taking me?"

Koko bit off a large chunk of jerky and took her time to chew and swallow it before answering. "The family that used to live with you in the swamp lives there now. They'll gladly take you in until we can figure out what to do in the long term."

It was a relief to hear that the dangerous journey would soon be over, even if Saph would've much rathered be with her own family than some people she didn't even remember. "That's where you live, too?"

"No. I won't be staying long. I've got things to do."

"Oh." She didn't even try to hide her disappointment. "Will you keep teaching me firebending until then?"

Koko nodded, finished her last bite, and stood up. "Time for your next lesson."

This time, they did some work with actual fire. The afternoon sun might be hidden behind the mountain, but Saph could still feel it fueling her as she flowed through the demonstrated forms. She never felt more like herself than when she was firebending; it was as natural as breathing.

"You're learning quickly," Koko said with an approving nod after a particularly complex sequence. "Forms are an important foundation, but I think you're ready for a special technique that could help you defend yourself, should the need arise."

"What is it?" Saph asked eagerly.

"At its core, it's firebending from the mouth using breath."

"Firebreathing! Cool…"

"Now, there's normal firebreathing, which takes the heat from within and expels it, like so…"

She backed up and turned to the side with a fighting stance. A look of great intensity spread across her face and she breathed deep, then let loose a fierce, guttural noise. Flames spewed from her mouth like an inferno and Saph couldn't help but flinch back at the impressive display of raw power.

It only lasted a second or two, then Koko relaxed. "I don't want you to try that yet because it's wild and hard to control. Fire is a dangerous element and you can easily hurt yourself or an innocent bystander if it gets away from you."

Saph rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know. Gran taught me all about that."

"What I'm going to teach you now is more controlled, but very effective in close combat. You must consider the source of all firebending. Do you know it?"

"Yes, the sun," Saph said impatiently.

Koko nodded shortly. "The sun gives life to everything. Warms everything, including people. Firebenders generally use their chi to draw that heat from their own bodies, but you can pull it directly from the air, as well. It's called passive firebending—working with your environment instead of in conflict with it."

She bent down and took a handful of grass, then straightened and settled into a loose posture. Her face relaxed into calm neutrality, though Saph thought she saw a hint of something in her eyes. Some unexpressed emotion.

The hand that held the grass came up to hover in front of her mouth and she inhaled, holding her breath for several seconds. With the exhale, the air before her shimmered and the grass was incinerated in seconds.

"Don't misunderstand me," Koko warned. "This technique is extremely dangerous and can melt through metal with enough training and focus. But it requires intent. It's saved me on more than one occasion."

Saph was fascinated—awed, even—but she thought she understood how it had been done. "Did you invent it yourself?"

"No," Koko said, her rough voice more restrained than usual—sandpaper rather than gravel. "But I was taught by the person who did."

It was the closest thing to real emotion that Saph had seen from her so far, even if it wasn't much. Pressing any further didn't seem like a wise choice, mainly because it was just unsettling. Koko was brave and tough and strong. She was a monolith. A lone entity.

"I want to try it," Saph said to dispel the tense moment.

"Alright. Go ahead. Feel the air around you," Koko instructed once Saph had a handful of grass. "Feel its warmth. When you inhale, let it fill you. Hold it inside your body, but don't forget about the air that still exists outside of you. It isn't diminished by breathing, only temporarily displaced. When you exhale, shift your focus to that spot where the grass exists, and the air around it. Let it mingle and react with your breath and your chi."

A warm breeze swirled around Saph and she felt her clothes rustle against it as she inhaled. The heat radiated off of her. It was everywhere—in her lungs, on her skin, and rushing through her veins, but also spreading out like a wave in all directions, seeping into the earth like roots.

Koko's words filled her mind as she released her breath. For just a moment, the space in front of her mouth seemed to expand, pushing against her, but she opened to eyes to find that the grass remained, just smoldering a little. Her heart sank with disappointment and she glanced up at Koko, who was watching with a blank expression.

"What?" Saph asked, a little self-conscious. She had tried so hard…

"That was good."

"But…the grass is barely burning," Saph protested, not feeling at all deserving of the praise. "Actually, it's stopped now. It was gone in a second when you did it."

"That's the difference between learning a technique and mastering it. You internalized the core principle and applied it."

"So…I really did it…?"

"Yes. Now do it again."

Koko said it would take them two days to traverse the mountain pass, and that they were likely to encounter other travelers along the way.

"There may be other blue sages. I'll keep my tattoo covered so as not to attract unwanted attention, but if we're stopped, do not say anything. Not a word. Let me handle it."

The first day passed slowly and boringly, up and up and up. Saph's thighs burned from the exertion, and then Koko made her train for a whole hour after they stopped.

"You're a slave driver, you know that?" she grumbled once given permission to finally rest.

"I thought you wanted to learn?"

"Well, yeah. I do. But still…" That was all she managed before yawning and passing out.

On the second day—around late morning—she picked up the noise of several pairs of boots just up ahead around the bend. Koko gave her a significant look and put the hood of her cloak up. Only a moment later, three fit and muscular blue sages appeared—two men and a woman. They were escorting a wagon with a fourth person, a man who was chained up and positively desolate.

Saph missed a step and nearly stumbled right into Koko. She very suddenly felt light-headed and weak as if she were coming down with a terrible sickness. Every step was a struggle as she tried to figure out what was happening to her.

"Spirits, I think it's them! The ones that blew up the Tachi facility!"

"Run!" Koko commanded, shoving Saph down the road.

But the sudden forceful motion made her lose her footing and she pitched forward, rolling on the rough stone. Her head was spinning and it took several seconds for her vision to clear. Getting up was well beyond her at the moment, though she could at least turn her head to witness what was sure to be a gruesome fight. She didn't want to, not in the slightest, but found herself unable to look away.

Something…wasn't right. Actually, nothing was right, but that was beside the point. There was no fire spewing from Koko's hands, nor any explosions or lightning. No one was bending at all. But she was fighting. Oh, yes, she was certainly fighting. Her face was deathly pale and yet she was moving like a wolverine rabbit, going hand to hand with the three blue sages.

Saph was in awe. She caught glints of steel in the confusing brawl—knives that had gone unnoticed at first. Koko dodged and swerved with the grace of a dancer. One of the men suddenly screamed and fell, then Koko was on the other in seconds, flinging herself onto his back. Blood bloomed on his throat and he clutched at it with a look of shock as he fell to his knees.

The final blue sage took a swipe at Koko, cutting her arm. It didn't seem to slow her down; her face was the picture of fury, a mindless killing machine. The woman lunged forward but Koko dove out of the way, rolled, and then propelled herself up to land a mighty kick on her opponent's face.

As the blue sage reeled back, dropping her knife, Koko snatched it up and threw it. Saph finally squeezed his eyes closed, violently suppressing the urge to retch. This was far worse than when Koko had killed that guard, what seemed like years ago. Saph had never seen such feral ruthlessness.

Quiet voices made her crack her eyes open. Koko was speaking to the prisoner in the wagon.

"Please…" he whimpered. "Just kill me… Please."

"But you're free. Take the key. Get away from here."

"No, no, no… Just kill me… They'll find me again." The rest of his mutters were unintelligible.

Koko spoke to him for another minute or so, her voice now too low to be heard, then glanced over her shoulder with furrowed brows. They locked eyes for a second and Saph turned away, unwilling to watch whatever might be about to happen. Her entire body began to shake as feverish chills washed over her.

She clamped her hands over her ears to block out everything. Yin… I wish you were here. I need you! Where are you? Please… I'm not brave enough without you.

A hand suddenly wrapped around her wrist and—for just a moment—she thought it was Yin. It didn't matter how illogical it was; her wish had been so fervent that it seemed possible for a split second. But her eyes popped open to find Koko hovering over her.

"You need to get up. I know you feel like you can't, like all you want to do is lie here forever, but you need to get up and walk."

Saph shook her head. "I can't…" she squeaked.

"You can and you will. You're stronger than you think."

The memory of the fight swam to the forefront of her mind: Koko battling three blue sages all by herself. That was strength. Saph knew she would never measure up.

But…maybe I can get up and walk. Maybe I can do just that… But don't look at the wagon. Don't look…

Koko grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet. "It's all downhill from here." She draped Saph's arm over her shoulders to support her weight, though their height difference made it awkward. "Just focus on one step at a time."

Saph suddenly began to understand what felt so wrong. She lifted her right hand and tried to summon a flame. Even when at her weakest, she'd always been able to feel the chi flowing through her to produce some heat.

But now there was nothing.

"My bending…" she said, utterly numb. "It's gone…"

Somehow, Saph made it to wherever Koko had in mind for them to hunker down for the night. There was no hope of reaching the town that day, as planned. Instead, they set up camp in a little hollow just off the road.

For once having no trace of an appetite, Saph curled up on the ground and closed her eyes to sleep. She hadn't cried; the only thing that filled her mind was her conversation with Koko earlier:

"My bending… It's gone…"

"So is mine, but it'll come back."

"Come…back?"

"It's temporary. You just need rest."

She replayed the words in her mind over and over again to give herself strength. Just need rest… Just need rest… It'll come back… Just need rest…

Once again, there were no dreams of Yin that night—only nightmares. She was running and running but going nowhere. Someone was chasing her, flames licking at her heels. Mud sucked at her feet, pulling her under. She couldn't breathe!

Then it all vanished and she was falling through the air. Wind rushed past her face while she tried in vain to scream, breathless. Then an abyss opened up beneath her and she plunged into the water. There was no up or down, and no one there to save her.

"Saph! Saph, wake up!"

She jolted upright with a strangled scream and clutched at the first thing her hands found. It felt like an arm, though in the dark, it was hard to tell. "What–?"

"You were shouting in your sleep."

As her sense of reality began to return and her eyes adjusted to the dimness, Saph had the presence of mind to look around. Gray dawn illuminated the sky; it was almost morning. A burst of hope shot through her and she once again tried to summon a flame in her hand, but still nothing happened.

"It might take a day or so for it to come back," Koko said.

Saph wanted to believe her, but it wasn't easy. Adults were always telling kids lies to keep them calm and happy. "This– Has it…happened to you before?" she asked, hoping that talking would be enough of a distraction.

"Yeah. A few times, actually. I recognized the feeling as soon as that wagon came around the corner."

"How were you able to fight like that? I couldn't even…" She trailed off, ashamed at how useless she'd been.

"It's not as bad after the first time. And those blue sages—they were affected, too."

Saph squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to think about them. About the bleeding, broken bodies littering the road. "It's the bending plague, isn't it?"

"More aptly called a 'chi plague', I think. But yeah."

"I don't understand. What made us all sick at the same time?"

"The man in the wagon was a carrier. You only need to be near those people to be affected, though some believe touching them will make you become a carrier, yourself. Or at least cause permanent loss of bending. It's not something I'm eager to test out."

The thought of that chilled Saph to her bones. "Why was he their prisoner?"

"Why do you think?"

Thick and fuzzy as her thoughts felt at the moment, Saph still felt her mind begin to work it out: No bending for anyone nearby. He was a threat to the blue sages and their power. But why not just kill him? Unless… "They wanted to use him? Like... Like a weapon?"

"Yeah."

"That… That's horrible."

"I agree."

It seemed so hopeless. Without her bending, Saph felt like there was no reason to even keep on living, despite the fact that part of her knew it was irrational to feel that way. The thought of it being gone forever was…far too painful to contemplate. No wonder that man had begged Koko to kill him.

"What hope is there of stopping them?"

"This problem is spiritual, I think. Only the Avatar can restore the balance that's been upset."

"Do you know where they are?" Saph asked hopefully. If anyone knew, it would be Koko. "Is Avatar Korra still alive?"

"No one knows. But probably not."

Everything Saph had seen so far from Koko—every incredible feat and display of skill—gave her the distinct impression that she was someone significant. Perhaps a former leader in whatever organization controlled the blue sages—a defector, maybe. Surely, she must know things.

"But who would've killed her? Blue sages? Did they exist that long ago, before the comet?"

"They've been around for a long time. A long, long time." She sighed softly. It was uncharacteristically wistful, laced with regret. "Now go back to sleep. We'll leave at sunrise."

As they got closer to the town—the name of which Koko had yet to reveal—Saph was given a very stern command:

"Tell no one who you are, or anything about yourself. Nothing about what happened with the blue sages. No personal information. And most importantly, don't tell anyone anything you've learned about me. Nothing at all. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Saph breathed, intimidated by the sudden sharper tone and fierce expression. It hinted at terrible consequences for disobeying, and she now knew very well what Koko was capable of and how far she was willing to go to protect herself. "But…um– Why? I thought we were going to a safe place? With people who already know both of us?"

"Have you already forgotten my lesson? Trust no one until they've earned it! Even then, be skeptical."

Saph nodded but said nothing, afraid that any words that might come from her mouth would be wrong. Instead, she looked around at the scenery.

It was midday, sunny and warm with a blue sky full of fluffy clouds. They'd reached the foot of the mountains and left the main road some time ago, then spent about an hour making their way down a cart path that wound through green hills.

Saph's bending still hadn't returned, but Koko's had. Underneath the envy, she was heartened by that. It was clear evidence that the effect was, in fact, temporary.

Around a bend, buildings suddenly appeared. They were a mix of stone and wood—all relatively new and well-kept. People in colorful clothes of all hues milled about while children darted past on bare feet or small spheres of concentrated air. Couples walked arm in arm. Tame animals approached their masters for attention.

It was the most beautiful place Saph had ever seen.

She gawked shamelessly as Koko led her through the heart of it all, and the residents stared back at her, conversations halting. A curious, wary silence followed them until they finally arrived at a stone house that was somewhat larger than the others.

Koko hadn't even had the chance to knock when the door flew open to reveal a stocky middle-aged man with a wide grin on his face. Short-cropped salt-and-pepper hair and thick, black eyebrows framed sparkling green eyes.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" he exclaimed.

He wrapped Koko up in a hug that seemed to be only barely tolerated. Saph stifled a laugh at the sight, content to stand back and watch the normally very stern woman uncomfortably pat his broad shoulders.

"Okay, okay, that's enough hugging."

As soon as Koko was freed, a small black-haired girl darted out of the house and squealed happily, plowing into her legs. She looked to be about five or six and didn't act like she was even the slightest bit afraid of Koko, who—oddly enough—didn't seem to mind having a child briefly cling to her.

"Gran, Koko's here!" the girl yelled back into the house.

"Sapphire?"

She turned to the man that had greeted Koko a moment ago. Remembering the earlier warning, her usual response of 'It's Saph' died in her throat, despite the fact that this man obviously remembered her.

"It is you, isn't it? All grown up!" He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and began to lead her into the house, just behind the girl tugging on Koko's hand. "It's been a while. You look a lot like your mother."

Saph was completely tongue-tied and the house had entirely too many people in it. Everyone was talking at once. Several of them greeted her by name and hugged her, chuckling at her surprise and discomfort.

At the moment, Koko was deep in conversation with a middle-aged woman who had blue arrow tattoos on her hands and face. Saph shot a furtive glance over at them with an expression that she hoped would convey her desire to escape. Koko must have understood because the other woman nodded at something she said and approached Saph with an oddly familiar smile.

"Sorry to overwhelm you with all of this. We're just excited." She had such a soft, gentle voice—especially compared to Koko's—and kind, emerald eyes. "Why don't you come with me and we'll get you a bath and some fresh clothes, then something to eat?"

Saph nodded dumbly and followed her, studying her bobbed silver hair, loose, flowing robes, and the sinuous blue lines on her arms. She'd met airbenders before but never an air nomad master. Gran had told her stories, though, so she did recognize the significance.

They went into a cozy bathroom featuring a large tub made of polished marble. On one end was a metal lever. The woman gave it several vigorous pumps, then it continued to operate on its own. Water spewed from the tap while Saph watched in fascination.

"My name is Sherabi. I understand you go by Saph these days?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions—"

"You and your family lived in the swamp when I was little," Saph blurted, feeling the need to show she wasn't completely oblivious.

"Yes, that's true." She turned to halt the pump, as the tub was nearly full now. "Do you need any help, or would you like some privacy?"

The very idea of an unfamiliar woman seeing her naked and bathing her like a child made her face go red with both embarrassment and indignation. "I don't need any help."

"Of course. I'll bring you some fresh clothes and leave you to it."

The water was cool but not as brisk as expected; it was quite comfortable and refreshing, actually. The shape of the tub was nice, too, allowing her to recline back and let the water soothe her sore muscles. She was quite sure someone had earthbent it to be that way. It took some time to stop relaxing and actually work up to scrubbing the dirt from her scratched and bruised skin.

Once finished, Saph dressed in the provided clothes—which were exceptionally comfortable—and wandered back out to the kitchen to find the whole family gathered around the table eating, though she noticed Koko was missing. Surely she wouldn't leave without saying goodbye... Right?

"Come, sit!" Sherabi said, gesturing to an empty chair.

Saph obliged and a hearty plate of steamed vegetables, egg tarts, and buttered bread appeared before her. She dug in eagerly while introductions were flung at her from all directions: There was Sherabi and her husband San—who had been the one that greeted them outside—then their adult children, Toru and Ryu. Toru's husband was Lorne and their daughter was the young girl from before, Mina. And then there was Lang—who was apparently Sherabi's brother—his wife, Nia, and their daughter, Kiloa.

They seemed content to let her eat in peace after that, continuing their enthusiastic conversation while Saph promptly forgot all their names except for Sherabi, San, and Toru. She studied them silently and tried her hardest to remember them from when they lived in the swamp together. Sherabi and San did seem vaguely familiar, but that was it. Toru looked a lot like her mother, both of them very pretty with delicate features, though Toru's thick black hair fell down to her waist and she lacked the air nomad tattoos.

More than ever, Saph missed her own family. Seeing these people here, so happy and without a care in the world, made her chest ache and her eyes burn. She blinked quickly, not eager to cry in front of them.

After the meal, Koko reappeared and took her aside. "Why don't you go take a walk around the town?" she suggested.

"What? Are you serious? I thought I wasn't supposed to trust anyone?" A nap sounded like a far better idea, if she was being honest with herself.

"That's still the case, but there's no danger here as long as you don't run your mouth. Just don't leave the settlement." When Saph didn't move, Koko added, "Getting some fresh air might help your bending come back sooner."

Saph didn't need any more encouragement. Her weariness evaporated and she darted out the door like an eager child escaping from chores. Looking around, she could actually picture herself living here. If only her family could join her, it would be perfect.

But as she walked through the town, many eyes following her, she began to feel exposed and self-conscious. Suddenly, the sky seemed grayer and the stares less friendly. Despite logic telling her that it was probably just her imagination, she sought out a more secluded area by a pond and sat in the shade of a tree. For about the hundredth time that day, she tried her bending. Nothing.

"Who are you?" someone asked behind her.

The voice belonged to a boy who looked to be about her age, or maybe a little older. He was dressed in loose brown pants and a red and orange sash that left one lean, muscular shoulder bare.

"Um…?"

"We don't get a lot of travelers here," he said as he sat down next to her.

Saph remained silent. It really didn't even have much to do with Koko's warnings; she wouldn't have known what to say, regardless.

"What's your name?"

More silence.

"Oookay?" He let out an awkward chuckle, his brown hair falling over his gray eyes. "I get it. You're secretive. That's cool. My name's Shylo."

"Hi."

"So you do speak!"

"...I'm not stupid."

Shylo's smile faltered a little. "No, no! I didn't mean that! I was just– Heh. Never mind. So what are you doing here, anyway? I've seen that woman before—the one you came with, with the…" He pointed to his forehead. "What's her name? I can't remember…"

Saph just stared at him, wishing he'd leave her alone.

"Alright, alright. I can take a hint." He got up and brushed the dirt and grass off his pants. "See ya 'round, I guess."

This is why you have no friends, Saph, a small voice in her head whispered, to which she retorted, How could I make friends right now? Even if I wanted to! I can't risk saying anything to anyone!

Exhausted, annoyed, and disheartened, she curled up next to the tree and let herself doze off. Koko had said there was no danger here, and Saph found she did trust her now. Enough for a nap, anyway.

Some indeterminate time later, the laughter and voices of nearby children woke her up; a quick glance at the sky told her it couldn't have been more than an hour or so. She stretched and yawned, figuring Koko might be wondering where she'd gotten to, and decided to head back to the house. It was much quieter when she arrived, the front door wide open with only a single occupant inside.

Toru turned to her with a friendly smile, shifting her flowing hair over to one shoulder. "Saph, right?"

"It's–" She stopped short and couldn't help but grin back sheepishly. "Yeah."

"I know we were introduced before, but it was kind of chaotic and not…entirely the truth. I'd like to be honest with you. We actually all have different names now, since the comet. For protection. I'm Toru now, but my name was once Toph."