DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the canon characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.
Author's notes:
First of all, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who's given comments, kudos, faves or follows so far.
There's also a couple of things I'd like you to note:
All of the characters in this fic are one year older than their canon ages. So Kagome is sixteen, Souta is ten, and so on.
This story is set in the far South of the AtLA world in winter, so the sun will not be making an appearance for quite some time.
That's all for now. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 1
Kagome was no stranger to legends. Thanks to her Grandpa, the Goshinboku was as much a part of her childhood as sea prunes and penguin sledding. The voyage had given him no shortage of opportunities to repeat the same old story.
No story could have prepared her for this.
The tree stretched further than her neck could crane. Its roots were thicker than most trees' trunks. Her entire family couldn't have encircled its own. Its branches reached out to cradle the winter moon.
"Told you it'd be worth the seasickness."
She glanced over her shoulder and met Yuka's knowing smile. Easy to say when you'd spent half your life in a kayak. An Earth Kingdom vessel like this must be as steady as a rock by comparison. Shame she couldn't say the same for her stomach. She and Ayumi had given up on finding their sea legs long ago.
"Yuka!" Ayumi giggled in protest. She clung to the deck rail with one mittened hand. The other clutched her hood to her face. Spring wasn't in much of a hurry. Yet no gust of wind was strong enough to wipe her smile away. The mere thought of the Glacier Spirits Festival was enough to bring a warm glow to her cheeks.
"Hey, I wasn't nearly so bad this time," Kagome protested. "I think poor Eri got the worst of it."
She returned Yuka's smile all the same. Shaky feet and a shakier stomach were no match for her friends' boundless enthusiasm. All those months of scraping and saving had finally paid off. They'd be at Goshinboku Island before the morning was done.
It was just a shame Eri wasn't there to join them. She turned away from the tree with a twinge of reluctance.
"Maybe I should go check on her. She'd hate to miss-"
"Oh!"
A gasp from Ayumi brought their eyes back to the shore. The island's small harbour would have been invisible if it wasn't for the lighthouse that greeted their approach. More lights winked into existence as they drew closer. A dock and pier emerged from the haze. They held their breath as the mists peeled away. The sight left their mouths wide with awe.
The Southern Water Tribe weren't ones for show. Yet the graceful tower that rose above the bay drew cries of wonder from all on deck. The entire building was shaped of ice and snow, an elegant monument to the shrine tenders' skill. As for the shrine tenders themselves -
"Kagome! Yuka! Look!" Ayumi let go of the rail to clap her hands in delight.
Kagome squinted towards the shore. They were too far away to approach anything like a good view. It was hard to make out the number of people, let alone who or what they were. Yet there was no mistaking the ebb and flow of their motions.
"Waterbenders!" Ayumi all but squealed the word.
Yuka rushed to the rail in excitement. A gaggle of children scrambled to join her. They jostled like a pack of wolf cubs as they pushed for a better view. One forced his way past Yuka and began to clamber up the rail.
"Careful, Tulok!"
The silly boy was already standing on top of it. He reached out towards the bay with a giddy smile on his face.
Too giddy for him to keep his balance. He toppled forwards with a yelp. Kagome made a grab for his parka. She shrieked as she lurched over the rail.
"Kagome!"
Her fall was halted by a strong pair of hands. Her breath was crushed from her lungs. Her grip held fast. Her rescuer gave a grunt. She was back on the deck before she could snatch a single breath.
She collapsed into a coughing fit. Tulok wriggled in protest. She released him with an apologetic gasp.
"Are you-"
"I-I'm fine Akitoki!"
She'd have thanked him but her lungs weren't too grateful right now. A few more coughs and some frantic gestures from Ayumi gave him a hint. He released her with an apologetic blush.
"Ah, sorry! I didn't-"
"It's okay. Really." She sucked in another breath.
Akitoki was still hovering over her like a mother hen. His brown eyes were soft with worry. She waved him away with a smile.
Tulok picked himself up and toddled off in search of more mischief. She let him go. She glanced up and met a wall of stares.
Yuka and Ayumi's were the widest of all. She whipped her head away. This time her eyes met Souta's.
Oh brother.
"Kagome?"
"I-I'm fine!" She dusted off her parka and pasted on a sunny smile. "Morning, Souta. Sleep well?"
Souta's brows creased. "Weren't you just-"
"Mama! Grandpa!"
Kagome threw them a wave as they emerged from below deck. At least it was more genuine than her smile. Any distraction was welcome right now.
Her mother's anxious face eased into relief. She helped Grandpa onto the deck. He surveyed the gathering with a deep-furrowed frown.
"What in the world is-"
"Ah, good morning, Sayuri."
Akitoki's voice was pleasant as ever. His parka was still crumpled. His ponytail wasn't much tidier. His cheeks remained a telltale scarlet.
Mama greeted him with a nod. "Good morning, Akitoki."
Grandpa's frown etched another furrow. "Isn't it a little early for horseplay?" His scowl homed in on Akitoki's cheeks.
"Oh, it's no big deal, Sir. The little ones just went a bit overb- uh, excited! That's all." He forced out a chuckle.
Grandpa's face wasn't quite so sunny. "That didn't sound like-"
Kagome came to his rescue. "It's okay, Grandpa. Akitoki was just helping me keep the kids out of trouble." She gave him a nod.
"Trouble. I see."
Grandpa's frown eased a fraction. Akitoki excused himself with a hasty bow. He stumbled below decks in search of his composure, almost tripping over Tulok on the way.
Grandpa watched his departure with a sigh. He turned his gaze to the shore. He gave the waterbenders an approving nod. Even he couldn't keep his eyes from brightening with anticipation.
Kagome craned her neck to follow his gaze as the island's temple drifted into view. The waterbenders drew the fog away, urging them on. The sight that emerged from the mists was dazzling. Every building was shaped from ice and snow. The temple's tower stood the tallest of all, yet it was a mere icicle beneath the Goshinboku's overarching branches. Her feet inched closer to the rail.
"Mind your step, Kagome." Grandpa shot her a warning look. "The Goshinboku is a sight to behold - but also one to be wary of. The veil between worlds grows thin as the solstice nears."
"Yes, Grandpa," Kagome replied dutifully. Her eyes stayed fixed on the shore.
Ayumi's face brightened. "That's tomorrow, right? Avatar Kikyou's festival."
"The Glacier Spirits Festival. The most hallowed of all," Grandpa turned his eyes back to the temple. "And the anniversary of Avatar Kikyou's sacrifice." His gaze rested on the Goshinboku.
Yuka pursed her lips. "I hear they never found the body."
"True," Grandpa conceded. "Yet even the Avatar could not heal injuries as grave as hers. If the Avatar returns, I doubt it will be as Kikyou."
Yuka titled her head to the side. "You're sure of that?"
"The Avatar never truly dies, Yuka. The cycle is eternal."
In theory, at least. Kagome turned back to Grandpa with just a hint of a frown. Even he must have his doubts by now.
Grandpa paid her no mind. "Still, her sacrifice was not in vain," he continued. "She gave her life for the sake of the four nations-"
"...restoring balance to the world," Kagome finished, with just the faintest roll of her eyes.
Grandpa gave a harrumph. "A little respect wouldn't go amiss, young lady."
Souta butted in before she could reply. "So, shouldn't there be a new Avatar by now?"
"Well..." Even Grandpa seemed lost for an answer for a moment. He recovered his composure with another cough. "The Avatar works in mysterious ways, Souta. Yet she may not be gone for good. Even now, her spirit is said to linger in the Goshinboku, watching over us all."
Ayumi nodded. "The Avatar would never truly leave us. Maybe we just haven't found the new one yet?"
"Maybe." Kagome gave a shrug. "We'd better check on Eri. She'll be kicking herself for missing out." She glanced towards the deck hatch.
Souta was not to be put off. "But a new Avatar could do way more than some old spirit in a tree."
"The Goshinboku is not 'some old spirit', Souta," Grandpa admonished him. "It is the most sacred-"
"Oh let him be, Grandpa." Kagome shook her head with a smile. "I'm sure we'll be hearing all about it soon enough." She beckoned for Yuka and Ayumi to follow her. "Come on, let's go find some warmth."
Grandpa crossed his arms with a tut.
Souta turned his frown on Kagome. "But you can't believe that, right? People don't just up and disappear."
"Well, it sure sounds like the Avatar did." Kagome turned away with a yawn. "Best get to the galley before the word gets out. Hope it's not congee again."
"Hey, it's better than sea prunes. Right?" Yuka insisted.
"Oh, Yuka. They're delicious!" Ayumi insisted. "You just need to cook them right. I bet you've never tried them with cloudberries."
"Right." Yuka rolled her eyes. She fell in behind Kagome and Ayumi.
Souta didn't follow. He turned back to Grandpa. "She can't have just disappeared. Right?"
"Don't encourage him Souta," Kagome called over her shoulder. "You'll be late for breakfast."
"Well, at least Grandpa listens," Souta retorted.
"Not half as much as he talks. And he'll just tell you the same thing he did the other thousand times." Kagome shook her head with a sigh. She kept on walking. "Relax, Souta. There hasn't been a new Avatar in fifty years."
The port was well awake by the time they docked. A company of guards watched them pass down the gangplank. A smattering of fisherfolk watched from the shore, along with a gaggle of visitors and no doubt most of the local merchants. They kept their distance from the guards, although the merchants were already eying up their purses.
The merchants weren't the only ones with hungry eyes. Every twist and turn of their path brought new sights, sounds and smells. The port's buildings towered higher than any igloo or lodge. The docks alone were busier than any festival Kagome had ever been to. Only the other pilgrims' jostling kept her feet moving forwards.
The path to the temple was even busier. A steady stream of people flowed through the streets. By the time they were halfway up the hill the stream had broadened into a river. Kagome and Souta had to hold Grandpa's hands to keep track of him.
There were more than a few sighs of relief when they finally reached the temple. The sight of the queue before it soon changed them to groans. The chiefs' meeting with the temple elders was well underway. They'd be lucky if they caught so much as a glimpse of them before midday.
The queue wasn't getting any shorter either. Pilgrims trickled into the temple's courtyard from every entrance. Sightseers jostled and craned for a better view. Merchants and traders had squeezed their stalls up against every precious scrap of wall space. Only a wary respect kept them from cluttering the temple's steps.
Grandpa eyed them with disdain. "They get tackier every year," he muttered.
Kagome shook her head. As if he was one to talk. No doubt he'd be joining the hawkers before the day was out.
At least the temple itself was worth the trek. Its central tower was even more dazzling up close. Frost flowers festooned its outer walls. Delicate carvings traced its beams. Tightly packed snow carpeted its floors. Even the lanterns that hung from the eaves were hewn of ice. The crystal spire caught the moonlight in a scatter of rainbows.
Grandpa followed her admiring gaze with approval. "Most impressive, is it not? They built the temple in the Northern style to honour Avatar Kikyou..."
"I'll say." Kagome let his voice wash over her while her eyes drank their fill. If they had to wait she might as well make the most of it.
Souta allowed him a bare minute before he broke in with a cough. "Um, shouldn't we get in line, Grandpa?" He nodded towards the queue.
"Oh, there's no rush, Souta," Grandpa reassured him.
The bustling pilgrims didn't share his view. A couple of squabbles had already broken out over the prime position. Souta stood on his toes to get a better look. Grandpa acknowledged them with a sigh.
"I think we're going to be here for quite some time."His weary gaze trailed along the line of pilgrims. "Pity my land legs aren't what they used to be," he muttered.
"I'm sure they won't mind if we sit down." Mama reached into her picnic basket. "The blanket should be okay here."
"I suppose not," Grandpa unshouldered his pack and began to unroll the blanket. "Some tea wouldn't go amiss either," he muttered.
"I'm sure I can find some."
"Kagome?" Souta turned to her with raised brows.
"Oh, it's no bother. Yuka and Ayumi said they'd go too," she replied with a dutiful smile.
Her friends waved back as if on cue.
Souta wrinkled his nose. "I thought you weren't that big on tea."
"Oh, Ayumi loves the stuff. Especially cloudberry."
Ayumi backed her up with another wave. Kagome shot her another smile. "I'm sure it won't take longer than this meeting."
Grandpa cleared his throat. "Thank you but we'll manage, Kagome. This isn't like going to the village fair, you know."
"It's okay, Grandpa. I'm not going off alone."
Ayumi nodded brightly. It did nothing to ease his worry. He eyed the growing crowd with concern.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Mama placed a hand on his shoulder. "We've got a long day ahead of us. There's no harm in taking a little break while we've got the chance."
"Still-"
"Don't worry, Grandpa. We're not going far." Kagome pointed towards a line of stalls clustered against the opposite wall of the courtyard. "I hear they even have jasmine."
That brought a spark of interest to his eyes. He attempted to cover it with a sigh. "Oh, very well then. Be sure you're back before the meeting's over."
"I'll be back as soon as I can. Promise." She turned away with a wave. "See you later!"
"Oh, Kagome!"
Kagome turned back with a frown. "Yes, Mama?"
"Just a little something for helping out," Mama reassured her with a smile. She withdrew a coin from her pouch and offered it to Kagome. "I know it's not much but..."
"Oh, Mama! Thank you!" Kagome accepted it with a hug.
"Aw, no fair," Souta pouted.
"Don't worry, Souta - you've got your share too." She dropped another coin into his eager hand. "Mind you don't spend it all at once."
"But I can spend a little now, right?" he asked with pleading eyes.
Grandpa gave a cough. "I'm afraid not, Souta. Those bags won't watch themselves."
"Aw, Grandpa!"
Kagome patted his shoulder. "Never mind, Souta. I'll get you some lotus buns."
He shrugged her away. "You don't even know if they sell those." He snuck a quick glance at the stalls regardless.
Mama ruffled his hair. "Don't worry. They're still setting up. There'll be a lot more to see later on."
"Okay, Mama." Souta knew when he was beaten. "They better have lotus buns." He muttered under his breath.
"I'll save you some," Kagome promised. "Take care of Mama and Grandpa for me, okay?"
Souta considered her offer for a moment. He accepted it with a nod. "I'll let you know once the chiefs get tired of their own voices."
"That could take a while," Kagome laughed. She shouldered her bag and surveyed their options.
The first tea vendor she caught sight of was nearly as popular as the temple. The second was starting to rival her. The third had already sold out. She might as well go and ask the elders for a drink at this rate. She turned away and scanned the street for any further possibilities.
A simple sign caught her eye. It was nothing special, just a crude etching of a cup of tea with an arrow pointing to a side street. Well, it was worth a try. It'd be quieter, if nothing else.
"Wait. There's one here." She pointed Yuka and Ayumi towards the sign. "You coming?"
"You bet." Ayumi rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "Oh, I do hope they have cloudberry."
"Anywhere warm's good with me." Yuka fell in behind them. "I've got change if you need it."
"I'll be fine, thanks." Kagome patted her purse. The jingle was enough to stifle Yuka's objections. "Let's go before word gets out."
Their path was short but challenging. Half the Water Tribe crowded the square. The visitors almost outnumbered them. There were enough sailors and traders to crew an entire fleet of Earth Kingdom vessels. Everywhere they looked another stall was being assembled. Every twist and turn brought a new obstacle to avoid.
By the time they made it to the alley another tea stall had sprung up beside the temple. Kagome gave a groan.
"Should we go back?" Ayumi asked.
"Don't bother. There's already a queue."
Yuka turned away and set off down the alley. Kagome followed her with a shrug. Ayumi tagged along behind her.
A few steps later they all froze in their tracks.
The alley led into a courtyard surrounded by walls of ice. It was smaller than the main one, its walls lower and less ornate. Yet the sight that met their eyes was far livelier than anything the main attraction had to offer.
A group of shrine tenders had gathered in the centre of the courtyard. Some carried bales of furs. Others held bundles of bones. A few had water skins at their waists. Their hands were curiously empty. A crowd was already gathering as they approached.
"What are they all doing here?" Ayumi whispered.
One of the shrine tenders raised her hands as if in reply. The snow before her feet rose in response. By the time it reached her hands it was a globe of water.
The crowd gave gasps of awe. Ayumi grabbed Kagome's arm in excitement.
"Oh! Waterbenders! Let's see if we can get a better view."
Kagome's gaze followed her outstretched hand. Another bender had drawn a second globe from the ice. Two others were filling water skins. The rest were limbering up. The crowd was growing by the moment. Ayumi was practically bouncing with excitement.
It was rather infectious. A smile spread over her face as two of the benders began passing water back and forth between them. Their movements were smooth and sinuous as eels.
Her smile took on a tinge of sadness as two of the children in the crowd shadowed their movements. The children's arms remained empty. Time wasn't enough to heal all the Water Tribe's wounds. Even Chief Hojo's family couldn't boast a single waterbender.
Yuka brought her back to the present with a cough.
"I think they'll be a few minutes yet." Her eyes shifted towards a makeshift stall. Another simple sign indicated that this was the tea shop they'd been seeking.
Kagome nodded apologetically. Well, it was better than nothing. "I guess we won't miss much. Let's get out of the cold for a bit."
She turned back to the shop. It was more of a lean-to than anything else. The roof and walls were made of bones and skins. A tattered curtain covered the doorway. The scent of cloudberry tea was a little more encouraging. She made her way over to the stall and pushed the curtain aside. She met a smile that could dazzle the sun.
"Good day to you, Miss. Care to hear your fortune?"
The slight lilt in the stranger's voice drew her curiosity. The fresh-faced young man beaming down at her held a tray of knickknacks that could put Grandpa's collection to shame. An abundance of charms and amulets ornamented his simple parka. His unruly black bangs overshadowed a broad headband. His pale skin and grey eyes confirmed him as a foreigner.
She waved him away. "Thanks but we're-"
"Fortune?" Ayumi piped up.
Kagome swore Yuka's ears pricked towards them. She groaned inwardly. If there was one thing her friends loved more than a handsome face it was a juicy piece of gossip. She'd already had her fill for more than one day.
The fortune teller turned his smile on Ayumi. No doubt he'd measured her up as an easier mark. She returned it with a blush.
"Fates, visions, omens." He nodded sagely. "Hidden mysteries from beyond the veil. All will be revealed."
"For a price." Yuka's raised brows betrayed her interest.
"True wisdom is a pearl beyond price." The fortune teller's voice was smooth and steady as a summer breeze. "It would be most presumptuous of me to set one, would it not?"
The wink he gave them was a good deal more roguish.
"You're giving us a freebie?" Kagome's eyes narrowed.
He met her suspicions with a mere nod. "Consider it a gift, if you prefer. No strings attached."
"Not even a price tag?"
He gave her a chuckle. "Oh, come now, Miss. What cheat would dare be as brazen as I?" He flashed her another smile.
Yuka's eyebrow quirked higher. Ayumi stuffed a fit of giggles back down her throat.
Kagome gave a huff. "Oh, I didn't say you were a good che-"
Her retort was lost in the crash of water.
Gasps rose from the gathering crowd. All eyes shot towards the benders. A lone woman hovered atop a vortex of water. Her robes billowed behind her like smoke. Her hood was thrown back to reveal a tousled mane of black hair and a stare as piercing as a spear. It homed in on a creature shrouded in a cloak of mist.
The mist parted to reveal a ghastly puppet. The benders worked it with water rather than strings. Its body writhed and flowed like a monstrous serpent. Its face was almost human. Somehow, that only made it more monstrous. A shudder passed down Kagome's spine.
She turned to Yuka, her annoyance forgotten. "What in the world?"
"And so it begins." The fortune teller's voice was as solemn as ever. Yet she caught a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
"It?"
"The final reckoning. The battle of the ages," the fortune teller replied without so much as a titter. "And the talk of the town, no less." He gave her another wink. He laid down his tray and strolled over to get a better view.
"This is... a play?"
"After a fashion. The locals prefer to call it a ceremony. Mind you do the same." He motioned towards the players. "Of course, this is only a rehearsal. Still, it is rather diverting, you must admit."
The crowd's murmurs drew her attention back to the square. More players had appeared on the scene. A trio of warriors fanned out on either side of the monster. Each was clad in black and crimson armour. Their helmets bore crests of flame. Skull masks hid their faces. Each held a swath of crimson cloth.
"They're... firebenders?" Kagome frowned.
"For all intents and purposes, yes."
Kagome gave him an absent nod. Her eyes were still fixed on the players. They unfurled their cloths and raised their arms to gather gusts of steam from the snow. The cloths billowed and rippled like flames. She gave another nod. Of course real firebenders would be out of the question.
Another half dozen warriors took up their posts. Each was clad in fur and leather armour with a wolf helmet. They uncorked their water skins as one. They drew out long whips of water and swirled them into encircling rings. The crowd gave a cheer.
More benders appeared on the scene. Their parkas and trousers were a uniform dark blue. Their faces were half covered by masks. They drew water from the banks of snow and swirled it through the puppets. The crowd cried out in wonder as the creatures billowed into life.
Kagome stared at the puppets, as open-mouthed as the rest of the crowd. "Are those-"
"Dark spirits." The fortune teller's gaze stayed fixed on the rehearsal. He remained as po-faced as ever. "They say there were so many of them that day they blotted out the sun."
Understanding dawned in Kagome's eyes. She pointed towards the woman facing the shadowy horde. "So that's-"
"That would be our Avatar," the fortune teller nodded. "Of course, you may know her as Mast-"
The crowd gave a rumble. More spirits rose to life. They fanned out into a crescent, surrounding the Avatar. The crowd gaped upwards as they cast their shadows over the square. The spirits drew ever closer. The benders tensed to strike. The great spirit gave a piercing screech. The others surged towards the Avatar as one.
The benders followed in their wake. They joined in a clash of flames and waves. Their voices were lost in the fury. The spirits swirled above them like a maelstrom. All was chaos.
The Avatar towered over it all.
The lesser spirits honed in on her like hawks. She batted them away like feathers. Those that were bold enough to return were felled by spears of ice.
The firebenders rushed to their defence. The waterbenders met their charge with a wall of ice. A wall of "flames" rose to the challenge. The ice gave way to water.
The waterbenders rallied around the Avatar. They cloaked themselves in water and extended it into tentacles. They let them fly with a yell. The Avatar rained down fury from above the battlefield. The firebenders began to give way.
Ayumi gave a whoop of encouragement. An old woman with a broom shot her a glare from beneath her tattered parka. She clapped her hand over her mouth. The woman returned to sweeping the streets with a scoff.
Kagome shook her head with a smile. You couldn't really blame her. This was turning out to be quite the show.
"Look out!"
This time it was Yuka's turn to clap her hand over her mouth. The great spirit had finally made her move. She slithered towards the waterbenders like a monstrous unagi. The waterbenders held their ground. They unleashed their tentacles as a wave of fury.
The spirit didn't so much as falter. The wave ground to a halt before her. She clove it in two with a single swish of her tail. She sent the two waves hurtling back at them.
The benders broke ranks to avoid the onslaught. Only four avoided the deluge. The others were swept away like rags.
The Avatar turned her gaze on the spirit. The spirit reared up in response. She towered even higher than the temple's spire. A few spectators shrank back at the sight. The Avatar was undaunted. She acknowledged the challenge with the barest of nods.
The spirit edged closer, keeping its gaze on its prey. The Avatar's stare was just as constant. She drew towards the spirit with a dreadful certainty in her eyes. Neither made a single attack.
They circled one another in a dance of death. Water whirled and swirled from bender to bender. None of them faltered a step. The bystanders hung on their every move. The silence was thick as snow.
"Oh, just get on with it already."
Kagome frowned. The complaint had come from the same direction as the street sweeper's glare. She craned her neck for a better view of the complainer. Ayumi tugged at her sleeve.
She didn't look back a moment too soon. The spirit and the Avatar sprang at each other like leopards. Water crashed around them like thunder. The crowd's cries were drowned in its roar.
The combatants broke apart in an instant. They resumed their circling without a hitch. Only the Avatar's eyes betrayed her tension.
"Again?"
The voice came from her right. Kagome stretched onto her toes and caught sight of a tall, shapely woman lounging against a free spot of wall. Her parka was a well-cut midnight blue. Her hood was pulled up to shield her face from the battle's spray and the street sweeper's scrapings. Her arms were folded most indignant against her chest.
"Oh come now, Sister. Where's your sense of drama?"
The second voice came from the slight young man beside her. His clothing matched his sister's. His bearing was far more relaxed. He watched the proceedings with an air of both interest and amusement. The street sweeper carried on her work as if they were just part of the scenery.
The younger woman heaved a sigh. "You call this pantomime drama?"
The man gave a shrug. "Hey, it's entertainment."
"For rubes."
The woman shook her head. She turned away from him in disgust. The sweeper carried on sweeping with a chuckle.
She wasn't even trying to be quiet this time. Kagome sank back down with a huff. Whoever they were, they weren't worth missing out for. She folded her arms and turned her eyes back to the play.
The Avatar took the cue for another attack. She whipped her rings to a frenzy and unleashed a volley of water globes. They froze into boulders in midair. The spirit swatted them away with a snarl.
That gave her an opening. The Avatar swept her rings into a wave and surged forwards. Darts of ice glinted at her fingertips. She took aim with a yell.
The spirit blocked the darts with a shield of ice. It leapt over the barrier with an unearthly screech. The Avatar swept herself away from its charge. It spun on her with a snarl.
They continued their battle, ebbing and flowing but never relenting. They whirled together in a dance of death without missing a step. They were clearly seasoned partners. Kagome stretched onto her tiptoes again as the battle neared its final moments.
"Behind you!" Ayumi's voice joined the children's.
A spirit sprang up from the snow. It made a dive for the Avatar's head. She felled it with a single swipe of her whip.
The great spirit surged towards her unprotected back. Water gathered beneath it as it sped towards its prey. It encircled the Avatar in a mighty vortex. There was no place to run.
Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Ayumi gasped. Yuka looked away with a wince.
The vortex froze in mid-air.
The monster was paralysed mid-strike. Only its head remained clear of the ensnaring ice. It flopped downwards in defeat.
The Avatar broke through the ice with a single blow. She stepped through the opening to survey the crowd. She acknowledged them with a bow.
The other benders broke into applause. The visitors gave whoops of delight. Yuka and Ayumi exchanged a hug. Even the fortune teller gave her a respectful nod.
The young man joined the applause with a sardonic smile. The tall woman continued her sulk. Only the sweeper's eyes betrayed outright contempt. She shot the Avatar a glare.
"Master!"
One of the benders called out to the Avatar with a wave. They were already packing up the props. Some of the townsfolk hurried to help. The Avatar turned away from the crowd to lend her aid. The street sweeper's glare trailed after her.
Kagome frowned as the sweeper raised her hand. No one else was paying her any mind. Nor did the sweeper pay any mind to her. She snapped her fingers once. There was a faint crack. Kagome's frown deepened. The sweeper returned to her sweeping.
Another crack sounded above the square. A low groan followed in its wake. Kagome raised her head. A third crack changed her frown to a horrified stare. She rushed forwards with a yell.
"Look out!"
An iron grip halted her dash. She gasped as the fortune teller yanked her off her feet. An icicle speared the snow she'd trod on a mere moment ago. Her outstretched hands still reached towards the Avatar.
The Avatar's gaze shot towards her. The frozen vortex gave way with a roar. The spectators broke ranks with a collective scream. The Avatar swept herself aside.
Kagome grabbed at the fortune teller's arms. He took a deep breath and leapt away. A torrent of ice tumbled after them. Her eyes shot wide once more as it loomed overhead.
It froze in midair with a snap.
"Wha-"
Her breath was forced away as the fortune teller's feet hit the ground. They both gazed upwards in awe.
The Avatar stood before the deluge with her arms outstretched. A mass of ice towered before her. Every shard was suspended in time. Only her quickened breath betrayed her strain.
"Master!"
The other waterbenders rushed to her aid. Three of them raised their arms to support the ice. The others formed a line and began to gather the shards from the air. Together they streamed the ice back into water.
Kagome found enough breath to sigh in relief. The fortune teller's grip slackened a fraction. Yuka and Ayumi scrambled to her side.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah..."
Kagome's eyes were still fixed on the wave. It was now only a few feet higher than the wall. Some of the townsfolk were rolling out barrels to aid the benders. They carried on their task without a moment's hitch. The Avatar didn't lower her arms until not a drop of it remained. She turned away and fixed Kagome with a silent stare.
"Uh, thanks," Kagome managed.
The Avatar's stare sharpened. She looked the pair of them up and down. Even the fortune teller tensed under her gaze. He released Kagome without a word. She studied them for a few moments before she spoke.
"No injuries." Her voice was as steady as her gaze. It betrayed nothing. "See you take care of yourself, girl." She turned away to rejoin the other benders.
"Kagome."
The Avatar turned back with a hint of a frown. The fortune teller raised an eyebrow. Kagome's hand rose to her mouth. She steadied her breath and looked the Avatar in the eye.
"My name is Kagome, Master-"
"Hitomiko." She acknowledged her with a nod. Her eyes remained cold. "You should thank your companion. Another step would have killed you."
"But-"
"But?" Hitomiko pursed her lips.
"That was no accident."
The words rushed out. The other waterbenders turned to stare at her. Both the fortune teller's brows shot behind his headband. The sweeper gave her a warning look.
Hitomiko's eyes narrowed. "What makes you so sure of that?"
Kagome raised her hand. Her brows creased as it began to shake.
"Sh-she-"
Her hand slapped back against her side.
Kagome stared at it in shock. Hitomiko's frown narrowed. She strained to lift her hand. It remained motionless. She couldn't even move a finger. She tried her left. It fell to her side the moment she tried.
"Kagome?" Ayumi took a tentative step towards her.
Kagome opened her mouth to reply. Her tongue clove to her palate. She gave a startled squeak. An invisible arm tightened around her throat.
"Kagome!" Yuka and Ayumi shouted as one.
Hitomiko's eyes shot wide with shock. The grip on Kagome's neck tightened like a noose. Her eyes were forced shut. She could barely choke, let alone speak. Footsteps rushed towards her as her legs gave way. Two pairs of hands caught her arms. A third steadied her shoulders.
"Kagome..."
She had no breath left to reply. Her voice had fled her throat. She reached for it in vain. Her vision narrowed to a slit. Her eyes closed on a glimpse of the sweeper hobbling away. Her unbroken glare followed her into a sea of red.
Constructive criticism is very welcome!
I update once a month.
