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: Sorry for the slight delay. I haven't been well lately and this chapter ended up being a lot longer than I expected.


Chapter 8

Kagome made no reply. Hitomiko's hopes weighed heavy on her conscience. Did she even have a real choice?

"I..." She swallowed her nerves with a breath. "I... need some time to think about all this."

Hitomiko took in her reply with a slow nod. She mulled it over in silence.

"This is not a decision to be made lightly," she said at last. "But the Council will only wait so long. You will need to decide by their next meeting."

"And when will that be, Master?" She kept her voice as steady as she could manage.

"The Winter Solstice."

That was five days away. Five days to make the biggest decision of her life. Even Akitoki's proposal hadn't been this hard on her nerves. Her grip tightened around Mama's hand.

"The Council will expect to see you at the banquet," Hitomiko continued. "We will see that you are suitably attended."

"I see." They expected to see the Avatar, no doubt. Goodness knew what they'd make of her.

"We can give you some time, at least." Kaede's words were little comfort. "Please use it wisely."

She didn't need to fill in the blanks. Waterbenders were rare enough as it was. And getting thought of dashing their hopes wasn't exactly comfortable.

She shifted in her seat. She glanced down at the cup beside her. Some of the water had slopped onto the table. Its surface was still trembling. This wasn't going to go away. She squeezed Mama's hand.

Mama returned the squeeze. Her eyes held nothing but warmth.

"It's your choice, Kagome."

She took in her words with a breath. She released it along with her grip. She still had some time to decide.

"Could... could I try?" she asked.

"Try?" Hitomiko's lips drew together.

"Waterbending," she explained. "I - I'd like to have a go. You know, see what it's like and all."

Hitomiko's mouth stayed fixed. Kaede's expression was a little more open.

"See what it's like?"

"I just..." She paused to gather her thoughts. "I just want to make sure this is the right choice. "

Kaede's face relaxed. "I think we could arrange something."

"We could." Hitomiko's frown became thoughtful. "Perhaps tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?"

"Or the day after," she continued. "I'm afraid we can only give you so much time."

"Don't worry, you'll be having private sessions," Kaede reassured her. "Tapeesa already has her hands full."

"Tapeesa?" The name did ring a bell.

"Our youngest novice. She was very keen to take on more responsibilities. And most of her elders were only too glad to hand them over," she added with a smile.

"The little ones can be a handful," Hitomiko admitted.

"Your students are kids?"

"Some of them," Kaede replied. "Most have mastered the basics by the time they reach adulthood."

"Right."Guess she had some catching up to do. "Well, I'll give it a go."

"Tomorrow then," Hitomiko decided. "Please take as much rest as you can, Avatar. You may not get many opportunities before the meeting."

"I'll try." Try being the operative word.

"Very well." Chief Hojo was clearly anything but. He gave Mama a wan smile. "I'll make sure she has a full escort."

"Uh, thanks but will that really be necessary?" Kagome asked.

"I'm afraid so, Avatar," said Miroku. "These are dangerous times."

"We wish only for your safety, Avatar," said Hitomiko. It would be best to avoid another incident."

Kagome gave her a reluctant nod. She wasn't going to talk them out of this tonight, at any rate. So much for choices.

"Okay. Tomorrow then." She rose from the table and gave the Masters a deep bow. Mama did likewise. "Thank you for your time, Masters."

"You're welcome," Kaede replied warmly.

Hitomiko returned the bow. "I will see you in the morning."

"As will I."

Miroku got to his feet and bowed to all of them in turn. Kagome nodded her way through the formalities, anxious to keep her eyes from straying to the door. This was going to take some getting used to, indeed. At least he didn't hit the floor this time.

"Good night, everyone," Mama's voice was calm and pleasant as ever. "We'll be on our way." She gave the Chief an encouraging look.

His gaze had already drifted to the stairs. He glanced down at her in mild surprise. "Thank you, Sayuri but I have other business to attend to."

"Of course." She didn't press him.

Best not to mention it, after all. Kagome stuffed her restless hands into her pockets and followed Mama out of the chamber. She kept her eyes on the stairs. Some more rest would do them all some good. Things would be clearer in the morning.

It was her choice, after all.


Sleep didn't come easily to Kagome. Her body was too stiff and her mind too active to allow her much rest. She tossed and turned untilMeriwa arrived to wake her with a breakfast tray.

This morning's fare was a bit more substantial: clam soup with seaweed noodles, crowberry tea and a bowl of sea prunes. The cooks must have got word of her training. She ate as much as she could manage and offered the rest to Meriwa. She declined with a blush and hurried back off to the kitchen.

At least she didn't insist on helping her dress. She'd laid out a training outfit on the chest at the end of her bed. It was very similar to Meriwa's own: a form-fitting navy undershirt and leggings, a violet wrap shirt, and a long blue tunic with short sleeves and deep side slits. The white collar was decorated with a simple indigo wave design.

She cinched the tunic with a broad white sash patterned with a violet wave. Navy cloth bracers gathered her sleeves. Tough grey leather boots protected her feet. She twisted her hair into a braid under her usual bun. One less distraction to worry about.

She finished off the braid with a plain blue ribbon. Simple, practical and easy to wear. The thought was a small comfort but she'd take what she could get right now. She straightened her tunic and scanned the room for a mirror.

"Avatar!"

Meriwa arrived in the doorway with her arms full of fur. She bustled into the room before Kagome could return the greeting. She unfurled her bundle with a flourish.

"Your parka, Avatar."

Kagome could only stare in reply. The parka's hem reached almost to the floor. The sleeves weren't much shorter. A deluge of fur spilled over its shoulders. The hem and cuffs were festooned with embroidery. It scarcely needed Meriwa to hold it up.

It was all she could do not to shake her head. This was a shrine tender's ceremonial garment, not something for a village girl. Just what had Hitomiko told her?

"Um, thanks?" she managed.

"You're welcome." Meriwa's face was stolid as ever. She motioned for Kagome to raise her arms. "Please. Allow me."

Kagome's stare remained unbroken. So much for being practical. Still, it wasn't like she had much of a choice. Even Mama hadn't been able to rescue her old parka. She raised her arms dutifully.

Meriwa dropped the parka over her head and began fussing with the hood and sleeves. Kagome just about kept her footing as she tugged them into place. No wonder Hitomiko was so keen for her to start training; if all waterbenders dressed this way it must take quite some practice. She'd be happy enough if she made it down the stairs.

Miroku awaited them in the hallway. He was accompanied by a squadron of six guards in full leather armour. Each carried a spear, a club and a shield. Wolf helms shaded their faces. War paint covered what little she could glimpse of them.

Their appearance didn't exactly inspire much calm. She approached them with a nervous smile. Miroku answered it with a far brighter one.

"Good morning, Avatar. I hope your night was a peaceful one."

"Well, I got a little rest." There wasn't much point in trying to convince him otherwise.

He looked her up and down with a measured eye. "Perhaps a little more wouldn't hurt?" he offered.

She shook her head. "Thanks, Miroku but I'm good." She widened her smile. "I just have to do my best, right?"

"I'm sure you will," he assured her. His gaze remained concerned. "Still, there's no need to force yourself. No one expects you to master waterbending overnight."

Well, that was a relief. She swallowed a chuckle. "Sure. I've got this." She searched for another subject. "So, will you be joining us?"

"I'm afraid not, Avatar." He let out a breath that just might have been a sigh. "I have some correspondence to catch up with."

She wrinkled her nose at that.

"The Temple Elders can be somewhat... verbose," he admitted.

She hid a smile behind her hand. Some things really did transcend cultures. "Okay. See you later, then."

"With a bit of luck I should be done by supper." He wasn't too hopeful. "I wish you well with your training, Avatar." He excused himself with a small bow.

Kagome gave him an absent nod. The guards took that as their cue. They filed out around her to form an escort. One of them ordered the bystanders to clear the way for the Avatar. They scurried off before she could offer them an apology. As if she could get used to this. She shook her head and followed the guards down the hallway. Meriwa hurried behind her.

The moon shone bright over the central courtyard. The pilgrims and traders had been herded to the corners to clear the path to the temple. More guards flanked her approach to the training grounds. The onlookers crowded as close as they dared.

It didn't take long to reach their destination. The training grounds were located in a cluster of courtyards on the far side of the temple. Children's voices echoed around the lofty walls. Even they weren't thick enough to drown out their laughter.

The guards drew to a halt before the entrance. It was marked by an elaborate archway. She had a moment to admire it before the first guard raised his voice again.

"Master Hitomiko. The Avatar is here."

His only response was more laughter. He tried again.

"Master-"

"It's okay. She can come in," a cheery voice replied.

That definitely wasn't Hitomiko. Surely it wasn't like her to be late? She turned to the guard for answers.

He stepped aside. "You're free to enter, Avatar."

Well, there was nothing for it. It was her first day. There was only so much Hitomiko could expect of her. All she had to do was try her best. She straightened her back, squared her shoulders and took a bold step into the courtyard.

A torrent of water shot towards her.

Meriwa forced her head down just in time to avoid the impact. The archway took most of the blow. They were drenched in a shower of slush.

"Oops! Sorry!"

Kagome shook the slush away with a splutter. She was met with an apologetic giggle from a girl who barely reached her waist. Two of the others avoided her eyes with a blush.

"Aoi! Be careful!"

A rangy, red-faced girl rushed to their rescue. Her messy braid whipped behind her as she skirted past the marauding children. She swept away the slush and dumped it in a pile beside the wall. Before Kagome could thank her she hurtled into a breathless apology.

"Oh, Avatar, I am so, so sorry. Aoi didn't mean any harm, she just gets a little carried away and - oh, where are my manners!" She held out her arms. "Here. Allow me."

Well, it'd be a relief to take this lot off, if nothing else. Kagome raised her arms above her head.

"Thanks. Although you might have a bit of a job."

The girl shook her head with a titter. "Oh, there's no need, Avatar."

She twirled on the spot and swept the water from their clothes. She spun it into a ball and tossed it back to the children. They scampered after it like puppies.

Kagome's arms dropped in shock. She patted at her parka. Her mittens came away completely dry.

"Wow, thanks!"

"Thanks, Tapeesa." Meriwa gave her a surprisingly soft smile. There was an unmistakable blush on her cheeks.

Tapeesa couldn't keep herself from beaming. "Oh, don't mention it. I swear half my job's cleaning up after this lot." The grin didn't leave her face.

Kagome couldn't help but grin in return. "I guess bending makes that a little easier."

"It does come in handy," she agreed. "Even if it's not the most glamorous of- oh, I'm forgetting my manners again!" She dropped her head in a low bow. "I'm Tapeesa, novice of the Goshinboku temple and instructor to our young ones. Honoured to meet you, Avatar."

"Uh, pleased to meet you too," Kagome replied, taken aback by her sudden formality. "I'm Kagome."

Tapeesa straightened up with the smile back on her face. "Thanks. I - oh, sorry."

She threw out her arm to raise a shield of ice. Two snowballs thudded into it. Her eyes flicked towards her charges. "Hey, careful guys."

"Kallik started it."

Aoi pointed to a boy around Souta's age. He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze nonchalantly fixed on the sky. His shaggy black bangs shaded a pair of mischievous blue eyes. His face couldn't have been less innocent if he tried.

"Kallikshould be practising his forms," said Tapeesa, with as much firmness as she could muster.

"Already have," Kallik replied with a shrug.

"So I suppose you'd like to give the class a demonstration?" Tapeesa replied with a knowing smirk.

"Sure. If you can get them to sit still and watch," he retorted.

Tapeesa was not to be beaten. "Okay then." She turned to Aoi. "Aoi, would you like to show the Avatar your bending?"

"The Avatar? Really? You're the Avatar?" Aoi practically bounded towards Kagome in excitement.

Kagome held up her hands with a laugh. "Well, to tell you the truth, I'm not quite s-"

"Ila! The Avatar's here!"

Another, slightly taller girl scampered over to join Aoi. She scooped a ball of water from the snow and thrust it towards her friend.

"Catch!"

Aoi held out her hands and caught the globe with a giggle. It hovered between her palms for a brief moment before she tossed it back to Ila. She threw up her arms and stopped it in midair. She flung it back to Aoi with a laugh. They continued their game with smiles as wide as the sky.

"Great job, girls!" Tapeesa turned back to her with visible relief. "Sorry about that. The little ones don't stay focused for long so it's easier if you make it into a game."

"Oh, that's okay."

There was no need for apologies. She'd never manage to get mad with someone that adorable. Even Meriwa couldn't help smiling at them. She let out a giggle of her own.

"It does look like fun."

"For them? Sure." Kallik gave a yawn.

When he took his hand away from his mouth it was covered in water vapour. He straightened his fingers to freeze it into ice. He drew back his arm and let the ice darts fly. They hit the wall mere inches from another boy's head.

"Kallik!" the boy yelped.

"Gets old pretty fast after you've got the basics down." He couldn't keep the smirk from his face. It was strikingly close to the thief's.

"Hey! He's only little."

He dismissed Kagome's protests with a shrug. Another thing they had in common. She bit back her irritation. He wouldn't get to her so easily.

"Kallik!" Tapeesa glowered down at him with her hands on her hips. "What have I told you about-"

"Hey, no harm done, right?"

"And what do you think Master Hitomiko-"

"Okay. Forms. I get it."

He wandered off to practice. Meriwa followed him with a watchful eye. Kagome did likewise.

Tapeesa heaved a sigh. "Okay, you lot, playtime's over." She dipped her head in another bow. "I'd love to chat but-" She dodged another snowball. "Oh dear. See you later, Avatar!"

She dashed off to corral the children into some semblance of order. Meriwa watched her with a half-smile still on her face. She wiped it away as she caught Kagome's eyes.

"Oh, sorry, Avatar. I was-"

"It's okay," Kagome replied. "She looks like she could do with a hand." She giggled as Tapeesa dried off a couple of squabbling students.

"I guess she could," said Meriwa with a faint frown. "Would it be okay if I...?"

"Sure."

Meriwa couldn't keep her frown from relaxing into a smile. "Really? I-I mean, thank you, Avatar."

She gave her a hasty bow and hurried off to join Tapeesa. The two of them were soon engrossed in hauling another child out of a snowdrift. The other students gathered round to shout encouragement. One of the guards shook his head. Kagome couldn't keep the smile from her face.

"Good morning, Avatar. I trust you're ready to begin?"

Hitomiko strode into the courtyard with an air of purpose. Kagome dipped into a bow to hide her amusement.

"Good morning, Master."

"I see the young ones have already made a start." She surveyed the class with an air of well-worn patience. They hurried into line.

"I've booked us another courtyard," she explained.

"Oh, thanks but I really don't mind-"

"Peace and quiet would serve us best," she replied. Her stare settled on Kallik for a moment before she beckoned for the guards to follow them. "I'm sure you'll agree."

Well, she wasn't in much of a mood for an argument. Kagome fell into line and followed her into a second, smaller courtyard. Kallik's curious gaze was at their backs.

This one had a plain archway of solid ice. The walls were even thicker than the first courtyard's. Hopefully they'd be strong enough to take anything she could throw at it. There were no signs of any special equipment or training facilities, just a large round pool in the courtyard's centre. It was covered with a thick layer of ice.

Hitomiko led her to the pool and dismissed the guards with a nod. They fanned out to cover all the openings and vantage points. One she was satisfied with their arrangements she turned her attention back to Kagome.

"Have you warmed up, Avatar?"

"Um, not yet," she admitted. "Tapeesa kind of had her hands full."

Hitomiko was unsurprised. "I see. Are you ready to begin?"

"I guess so."

Hitomiko looked her up and down. Her face betrayed little of her thoughts. "Very well. We'll start with some basic exercises. No waterbending until you're warmed up."

"Okay."

"We'll begin with a breathing exercise. Place your feet apart. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed..."

Hitomiko took her through a series of breathing exercises to quieten her racing heart. When the tension left her face she showed her some simple movements to get her blood flowing again. They moved on to some gentle stretches to loosen her joints. By the time they'd worked down to her ankles she was almost relaxed.

Hitomiko eyed her with a hint of approval. "Feeling better, Avatar?"

"Um, a bit." She covered her embarrassment with a bow. "Thank you, Master."

"Then let us begin."

Hitomiko raised her hands and swept them over the pool in graceful, flowing motions. A small puddle formed on the pool's surface. Her gestures quickened. The puddle began to spread. In a matter of moments the ice melted into water.

She beckoned for Kagome to approach.

Kagome blinked. "Uh, I'm not sure I got all that."

"There's no need to worry, Avatar. We'll start with the basics."

She raised her hands again. A small wave formed on the surface of the pool. Hitomiko moved her arms back and forth, as if pushing and pulling an invisible object. The wave ebbed and flowed in time with her movements. She continued the motion for a few cycles before relaxing her hands. The water sank back into the pool.

"Try."

Kagome stared at the water's surface. Hitomiko's reflection returned her stare. She raised her head and hands. Her feet shuffled in the snow as she attempted to mimic Hitomiko's stance.

"Spread your feet a little wider. And relax your arms."

Kagome followed her instructions, still fighting the trembling in her hands. She started as Hitomiko laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Relax. Let your chi flow."

Kagome let out her breath and let her shoulders drop. Hitomiko removed her hand. She studied Kagome's posture and gave a nod.

"Better. Bend your wrists a little more."

Kagome adjusted her hands. She waited for the next instruction.

"Now try pushing the water. Just a little at first."

Kagome thrust her hands forwards. The pool shuddered. The water surged upwards and slopped over the pool's edge.

Kagome leapt back with a yelp. The water crashed to the ground.

Hitomiko gathered it up in a circular motion. She streamed it back into the pool.

"Try again. More gently this time."

Kagome straightened her sleeves and resumed her stance. She mimed a slow push towards the water. A large ripple spread away from her. It faded out with only a minor splash.

"That's it. Again."

Kagome gave the water another gentle push. Another ripple formed, a little larger than the first. Hitomiko nodded her encouragement.

"Good. Now try pulling the water towards you. Remember, just a little water will do."

Kagome gathered her breath and pulled back her arms. The water surged towards her.

She took a step backwards. The water surged higher. She dropped her arms in shock. The water crashed back into the pool. She was completely drenched.

"Sorry!"

Hitomiko whirled on the spot and swept the moisture from her clothes. She dropped it back into the pool with ease.

"Again. Gently."

Kagome attempted a small pull. A large ripple spread towards her. She held her ground. Only a little water slopped over the edge.

Hitomiko gave her a nod. "Keep going."

Kagome continued her practice, as slow and steady as she could stand. Even a slight jerk of her wrists was enough to send up a spray. Those blasted sleeves did much of nothing to help. After a dozen repetitions she was just about getting the hang of it. A smile found its way to her lips.

"Pay attention, Kallik!"

Tapeesa's voice startled her out of her concentration. She threw out her arms to keep her balance. The water leapt up like a serpent. She thrust it away in shock. It sprang aside and shot straight towards one of the guards.

"Look out!"

Hitomiko caught the water inches from the guard's face. She swirled it past him and poured it back into the pool. The guard's shoulders slumped in relief.

"Oh no!" Kagome clapped a hand to her mouth. "I'm really sorry," she mumbled.

Hitomiko's eyes weren't on her. She shot a withering glance towards the archway. "Kallik, this is a private lesson."

Kallik shrugged off her warning like a gnat. He leaned back against the archway and folded his arms. A slight tick of his brows betrayed his interest. "Hey, Avatar. What're you-"

"Practising." Hitomiko answered for her.

"Oh." He took no notice of her pointed look. "Can I-"

"Kallik."

She didn't have to tell him twice. He flashed Kagome a quick grin before he disappeared behind the wall. One of the guards gave a cough that might have been a chuckle.

Hitomiko composed herself with a sigh. "Pay him no mind. We will continue our training." She turned her attention back to the pool. "I'd like you to try another exercise."

Kagome shook a few remaining droplets from her hair. She straightened her sleeves again before giving Hitomiko a nod. "Okay."

"See if you can gather the water. Like this."

She raised her arms. A stream of water drew upwards from the pool. It thickened as her arms rose higher. She spread her arms wide and scooped the water into a ball. She drew in her hands to hold it to her chest. It hovered between her circling palms.

"Try."

Kagome took up her stance again. She lifted her hands to draw up the water. It rose in a steady stream. She held her concentration as she lifted a globe of water from the pool's surface. It shivered in the moonlight as she drew it clear of the pool.

"That's it. Just a little-"

"Hey! Master!"

Kallik's yell shattered her concentration like glass. The globe dropped straight back down. Both her and Hitomiko were soaked to the skin.

Hitomiko spun to level a stare at him. "Kallik..." Her voice was as tight as a noose.

"But Master Amaruq's here." For once his face was truly innocent. He stepped aside to allow the Master to pass.

"Master Amaruq." Hitomiko's expression resumed its usual tranquillity. She sank into a deep bow.

Kagome did likewise. It hid her blush. She kept her head low until the Master prompted her with a light cough.

"Master Hitomiko. And the Avatar, I presume?" His voice was old but firm.

Kagome raised her head. Master Amaruq was a weathered old stick of a man yet he bowed with remarkable grace. He stood with the ease of someone half his years. His keen eyes regarded her with interest.

"This is Kagome. Our latest pupil," Hitomiko replied.

Kagome gave her a questioning glance. She didn't return it. She straightened up with an air of defiance.

The corner of Amaruq's mouth quirked upwards. "Kagome, eh?" He looked her up and down. His eyes certainly weren't fooled. "It seems the gossipers aren't so idle after all."

Kagome couldn't keep a brief frown from her face. He answered it with a chuckle.

"Well, well. You really are alike."

"Alike?" As if she needed to ask. The pit of her stomach quivered.

"Master Amaruq." Hitomiko lifted her chin to catch his eyes. "My apologies for interrupting but there will be time to reminisce after the lesson."

The Master gave another chuckle. One as dry as dust. "Oh, I won't keep you long. And I'm sure your novices would appreciate some more help."

He cast a knowing glance over his shoulder. Tapeesa stood between two laughing boys, frantically waving her arms to stop them smacking each other silly with water whips. Meriwa was attempting to lend her a hand. Both of them were almost as wet as Kagome.

He turned back to Hitomiko with a mock sigh. "It does seem the Temple is rather short-handed these days."

Hitomiko's jaw gave a faint twitch. She swept out her arm and snatched the water away from the boys. She streamed it into the pool with a circle of her hand.

"If you have any concerns it would be best to share them with Master Kaede."

"Kaede, eh?" He stroked his goatee. "I suppose Sori always was fond of her."

"Master Kaede is the most experienced bender on the island." Hitomiko's tone teetered on the edge of brittle.

"And the Avatar's sister, no less." There was an audible smirk in his voice.

"Uh, pardon me, Masters but-" Kagome waved their attention towards the pool. The water was thrashing like a speared fish.

Hitomiko's jaw relaxed. The pool stilled. Amaruq's eyes retained their smirk.

"Of course, you have other matters to attend to. Very well." He lowered his head in a brief bow. "You're welcome to talk with me later, Avatar."

"I-" The pool gave another quiver. Kagome composed herself with an inward groan. "Thank you, Master Amaruq."

"No thanks necessary," he replied. "I shall leave you to your studies."

He left them with a wave that was almost nonchalant. Hitomiko followed his footsteps with a steely stare. A couple of the children turned to watch him pass. Kallik's stare was the most curious of all.

Kagome swallowed her annoyance and turned her attention back to the pool. Hitomiko was still staring after Amaruq.

"Master Hitomiko?"

Hitomiko shook her head. "My apologies, Avatar. This morning has yielded more distractions than I expected."

"It's okay. We can carry on. If that's okay with you, I mean?" she added.

"We can." There was a touch of relief in her voice.

She reached out and swept the water from Kagome's clothes. "See if you can gather the water again."

"Okay." Kagome took a deep breath and slowly raised her hands.

The water rose in a thin, sluggish stream. Compared to her earlier efforts it was barely a trickle. She lifted her arms higher.

"Relax."

Kagome slackened her shoulders a touch. She focused on the water, willing it upwards. The stream thickened slightly. It wasn't even as broad as her forearm. It had been so much easier the first time. Her brows drew together in concentration.

"Keep breathing."

She exhaled and fixed the pool with a stare. Her reflection shivered on its surface. It rippled into clarity as she drew the water away.

"Let your chi flow through you."

Her face was strangely calm. So stoic. So serious.

Almost like someone else.

Her stomach lurched at the thought. The water trembled in midair. She tightened her jaw. She could do this. She'd just done this. If she could only just-

Kagome.

The name was a pressure in her mind. She dropped her hands in shock. The globe burst in an instant. Even the guards couldn't escape the spray. Everyone in the courtyard was soaked.

"Ah!" She clapped both hands to her mouth. "I-I'm so sorry! I don't know-"

"Kagome."

Hitomiko strode over to her before she could manage another word. She wrung the water from their clothes in a single gesture. Kagome could only shiver in reply.

"Sit down. Here."

She swirled the water into snow and formed it into a simple bench. She led Kagome over to it. She sank down, half in shock, half in relief. Hitomiko laid a hand on her arm.

"How much sleep did you get last night?" she asked.

"A-a little," Kagome admitted.

Her forehead creased in concern. "When did you last eat?"

"I had some breakfast."

"Some." She made the word a sigh. She rose from her seat.

"Master Hitomiko?" Kallik peered around the archway. Several other children clustered behind him. Even Tapeesa and Meriwa had stopped to watch.

"Training is done for the day," Hitomiko declared. "Please escort the Avatar back to her room." She turned away to finish off drying the guards.

Four warriors hurried to Kagome's side. One of them helped her to her feet. The others waved the children aside. She avoided their anxious stares.

Kallik remained beside the archway. One of the guards shooed him away. He retreated a few steps. He still couldn't take his eyes from Kagome.

"Are you really the Avatar?" he asked.

She didn't answer him. Not that she had any answers herself. She stared down at her trembling hands.

Did she really want to know?


Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update once a month.