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.


Chapter 13

He woke to the crack of ice. A thin beam of lantern light and a soft mutter dashed his hopes of a full night's sleep. Just what he needed: more visitors. Even a backwater like this must have better shit to do. He squinted a glare through the bars.

His nose made out the newcomer before his eyes: a woman swathed in feathers and fur. Her own scent was almost drowned by the reek of incense. Another gawker from the temple. As if the Avatar hadn't pestered him enough. He leaned back against his chains and settled into a determined silence.

"Well, here he is."

The guard's boredom echoed his own. Their throats had grown mercifully dry after the Avatar's visit. Shame the peace and quiet never lasted too long. His glare narrowed as the guard raised his lantern.

"The Master wants to speak with you."

Another Master. That festival clearly wasn't all it was cracked up to be. He kept his eyes on the wall.

The guard stepped back with a scoff. "Don't say I didn't warn you," he muttered.

"We'll take it from here, thanks."

That smug bastard's voice again. This just got better and better. He rolled his eyes towards the ceiling.

"You sure you don't need any back up? He's been... difficult. To say the least."

The woman gave a low chuckle. One that pricked his ears straight up. He shot her a glare from the corner of his eye. A familiar voice answered his suspicions.

"Oh, that won't be necessary."


"Please. Just wake me when it's over."

Kagome flopped back onto her bed. Her eyes sought the ceiling. Yuka blocked her view with a frown.

"Hey, you weren't bad."

"That doesn't mean I was good."

"Relax, it's just practice." Yuka laid her hand on Kagome's shoulder. "Let's run through it one more time."

Kagome gave a groan. "Let's not." Spirits knew how many times she'd been through her story already. They must know it better than she did by now. One more time and she really would collapse.

"Aw, don't worry, Kagome. I'm sure you'll be fine." Ayumi offered her a smile.

She didn't return it. She rolled over and buried her face in her pillow. As if a full morning's training hadn't been exhausting enough. At least she wouldn't need a sleeping draught tonight.

"Oh no. Are you-"

"I just need a break, Ayumi." She didn't lift her head.

"I guess we're all a little tired," Eri admitted.

"I know. But the Council's meeting tomorrow. If we don't-"

"Relax, Yuka." Ayumi hushed her. "I'm sure she'll be fine."

"A rest may do us all some good," Miroku agreed. He put down his pile of scrolls on the opposite bed. Water Tribe law was nothing if it wasn't thorough. "There's only so much we can rehearse, after all."

"Maybe," Yuka admitted. She studied her own scroll for a few more seconds before tossing it into the pile. "Okay. A break would be nice."

"That it would." Kagome pressed her face deeper. Ayumi tapped her on the shoulder.

"Um, sorry, Kagome. But we've got some clearing up to do first."

"Oh, no need," Miroku reassured her. "I can handle this by myself." There were a few more rustles as he got to his feet and began to gather up the scrolls.

Ayumi rushed over to lend a hand. Yuka and Eri joined her a moment later. That guilted her out of her bed. She stumbled to her feet and began to clear away the tea set.

"Ah, don't force yourself, Ava-"

"I'm fine, Miroku. I'm just tired." She carried on stacking up cups.

Her friends glanced over in her direction. Miroku put down his scrolls and strode over to help.

"Uh, thanks but I think the scrolls weigh a little more." She nodded towards a struggling Ayumi.

His eyes clouded with concern. "Are you sure you're well?"

"Positive." She swallowed a sigh. "Thanks for your help. I'll see you in the morning."

He gave her a nod. "Very well. I wish you a good night's sleep, Avatar. I'm afraid you're going to need it."

"I'll try." She was too exhausted to attempt a smile.

"I'm sure a rest will help," Yuka agreed. "I think that's the last of them?"

"Not quite." Eri held up two more scrolls. "These were under the bed and - oh no. Another one." She dropped them into Yuka's arms and went rummaging under the bed again.

Ayumi got to her knees to help her out. Miroku bent down to join them. Yuka and Kagome watched in weary bemusement, along with the guards. The scroll was finally retrieved by a triumphant Ayumi.

"That's the lot!"

She beamed as she offered it to Miroku. His face was almost as sunny as hers.

"You're most kind, Ayumi."

"Oh, it's nothing," she giggled. "You just looked like you needed a hand."

"Or ten," Kagome added. Best not let him push his luck too much. "We'll see you tomorrow, Miroku."

"Of course, Avatar. Sleep well, everyone." He handed the scrolls to a couple of guards and excused himself with a bow.

Her friends watched him go until he rounded the corner. Yuka and Eri were near as starry-eyed as Ayumi. Kagome shook her head.

"Aw, I thought he was cute," Ayumi giggled.

"And didn't he know it." She shook her head again. "Really. Who has time to worry about boys?"

Her friends exchanged a look. Kagome gave a mental slap to her forehead. Yuka pounced on the opportunity.

"So, did Akitoki-"

"He's doing better."

Eri fixed her with a stare. "Did something happen?"

"Nothing new." It wasn't really a lie.

"Kagome, you can tell us. Really."

"We just want to help." Ayumi gave her an apologetic shrug.

"Thanks guys but you've been plenty helpful already." She shook her head. "I've just got bigger things to worry about right now."

That at least was true. Her future, her family and her tribe all rested on the Council's verdict. The thief's fate still weighed on her conscience. As if she didn't have enough burdens already. It was a miracle they could worry about something so... normal. She almost envied them for it.

"If you say so." Yuka didn't even try to sound convinced.

Best not say any more about it. "Maybe I just need some fresh air."

One of the guards cleared his throat. "If you require an escort-"

"Oh..." Her face fell. Of course they'd never let her out alone.

Ayumi patted her arm. "Aw, don't worry about it Kagome. We can still go out together after the meeting."

"Maybe." Hopefully. The other possibilities didn't bear much thinking about right now.

"I'm sure we can arrange something," Eri offered.

"Thanks. I'll look forward to it."

Yuka patted her other arm. "Hey, don't worry Kagome. You've got this. And you've always got us."

"Thanks." This one was at least a bit more genuine. She managed a wan smile. "Well, see you tomorrow, guys."

"See you Kagome!" Ayumi hugged her arm before letting her go. "We'll come to see you first thing. Promise."

"Promise." Yuka gave her a hug of her own. Eri crowded in to join her.

"Thanks guys." She returned the hug as best she could. "Bye for now."

"Bye!"

Her friends left with bright eyes and brighter smiles. Her own smile held until they were out of sight. She tugged the curtain closed and flopped back onto the bed.

She spent a few moments in silence before she got back up with a sigh. She wasn't going to sleep any time soon. Not with this many worries hanging over her head. She needed something, anything to distract her.

Her eyes strayed to the window. Perhaps she could catch a glimpse of the festival? It had to be more entertaining than the ceiling, at any rate. She pulled on her slippers and made her way over to the window.

The small pane of ice offered a poor view. It was still better than nothing. Light and colour danced below her, beckoning her gaze towards the courtyard. They must be just getting started. Temptation tugged at her for a moment.

She sank back down onto her heels. There was no way they'd allow her out alone. Still, they couldn't deny her a little fresh air. She'd have a better view, if nothing else. She tramped over to the chest and began to rummage for some warmer clothes.


The guards didn't take much persuading. They were probably more bored than she was, if that was possible. She left her room with an escort of three and a promise to be back within the hour.

Tonight was stiller than the others, if no warmer. The temple's balcony was deserted. There was much more fun to be had elsewhere, after all. Her gaze drifted to the courtyard below.

The echo of drums rose to entice her. It was joined by a steady chant. The ceremony must have already started. The breeze brought the whistle of a flute. She'd best hurry.

She rubbed her hands together. A good walk would warm her up in no time. She beckoned to the guards and set off for the archway at the end of the balcony.

The archway opened onto a small terrace. The full moon and plentiful lanterns offered her a fine view. The evening's ceremony was well underway. A whirlwind of sound and colour played out before her. Hitomiko weaved through it all like the very essence of water. Her performance was seamless. No one could capture the Avatar quite like her.

Her face fell at the thought. Small wonder she was such a disappointment. She cast her eyes towards the other dancers. Even they couldn't rekindle her joy. The ceremony had lost its magic. She turned away from the courtyard and glanced over at the archway. Best go back in before someone spied her.

She was met with a pair of knowing eyes.

"Master Amaruq." She dipped into a bow and schooled her face into a smile.

"Avatar."

He emerged from the shadows with a bow. The guards lowered their spears to return it.

"A most pleasant evening, is it not?" He nodded towards the courtyard.

"Oh. Yes." She fought back a flush. "I was just getting some air."

"As was I."

He made no attempt to move out of her way. Of course he wasn't going to budge that easily. Her guards would be no match for a Master. She bit back a frown.

"I do hope you'll pardon my intrusion the other day."

"Oh, it was no bother, Master." Honesty wasn't exactly the best policy right now.

"Glad to hear it. I wished only for a moment of your time." His smile sharpened. "And now it seems I have one."

A likely story. Still, there was no way around it. She gave him a stiff nod. "I see."

"Don't worry, Avatar." His smile grew more apologetic. That only made it more infuriating. "This is just an informal chat."

"A chat?"

"I merely wished to ask how you're getting on." He gave a nod towards the courtyard. "Are you enjoying the ceremony?"

"It's amazing." That was no lie.

"Indeed." He gave another nod. His eyes narrowed a fraction. "And your training?"

Her throat tightened. He sure wasn't one for beating around the bush. "Master Kaede says I'm making progress." She kept her voice steady.

"Progress." He considered the word for a moment. "And Master Hitomiko?"

She stilled her clenching fists. "We're making progress too." Her voice stayed even.

"I see." His smile was sharper than ever. "Are you enjoying your lessons?"

His smirk needled her like a splinter. No doubt he'd keep digging at her until he got the answer he wanted. Well, she wasn't going to play his game. She met his eyes with a challenge.

"Is there something else you'd like to ask me, Master?"

He gave a chuckle. "Straight to the point. Well, I suppose Kikyou was never one for small talk."

She smothered her wince with a smile. "So there is something?"

"Very well, Avatar." Amusement still tugged at his mouth. "We're having a practice session in the Eastern courtyard tomorrow morning. You'd be very welcome to join us."

"We?"

"Just my students and I. They're keen to master the advanced forms."

She bowed her head. "Thank you, Master. But I think it would be best to master the basics first."

"Still, there's no harm in watching," he pressed her. "You could learn much from them. And you'd be far from the only Southerner in the class."

His gaze strayed to the courtyard. She couldn't help but follow it. Hitomiko's performance was nearing its climax. The crowd's cries almost drowned out the maelstrom encircling her. All eyes were on Hitomiko. It was nearly enough to make her miss the stares.

A cough from Amaruq brought her gaze back to him. His stare was heavy with expectation. That only hardened her resolve. She wouldn't turn her back on her. Especially not for him. She shook her head.

"I'm happy to learn at my own pace."

His brows creased a fraction. His smile stayed fixed. "Very well. My invitation remains open."

"Thank you, Master." She gave him another bow. "I wish you a pleasant evening."

She straightened up and made for the doorway. She beckoned for the guards to follow. Amaruq made no move. She fixed him with a frown.

"There's no need to limit your horizons, Avatar."

His smile gaze pinned her with a challenge. She sucked in a breath. That was quite enough indeed.

"I can decide my own limits, Master." She walked past him without another word.


"You sure about tha-"

The guard's voice cut off in a strangled gasp. His hands reached for his throat. They got halfway before they slapped to his sides. He crumpled into a twitching heap. His comrades slumped down to join him. Only the bastard and the woman remained standing.

His eyes flew open. "What the-"

"Oh, hey, Kanna." The smug bastard cast a smile over his shoulder.

His head snapped towards the doorway. A small figure stood silhouetted in the dim light, her hands outstretched like claws. She lifted them to push back her hood. Her face was as pale as the moon with hair to match. Her eyes were as dark as the pit. They stared at him without even a flicker of emotion.

"Byakuya." Her voice was as flat as her face.

That sure explained a lot. None of the Spiders ever worked alone. He set his jaw against the chill creeping up his spine. That kid had never sat right with him.

"How'd she get-"

"Same way she always does." Byakuya wiggled his fingers in mockery. "Nice job, by the way." He gave the girl a nod.

She accepted it with her usual silence. Her stare drifted towards his cell. Her eyes were as blank as the walls.

"If only we could say the same for you." The woman turned on him with unmistakable contempt. "Do you have any idea how much time you've cost us?"

"Missed you too, Kagura."

She answered him with a scoff. "I'd ask what you were thinking but... " Her question hung like a hawk.

He shrugged it away. "Keh."

"You had one job, Inuyasha. One."

"Should've put your hand up while you had the chance."

She flung off her hood in disgust. Not like she needed to make the effort. Her scarlet scowl was as familiar as her brother's shitty smirk. Near as irritating too. He gave her a glare.

"You done now?"

"I'm done with this whole damn place." She heaved a sigh. "Just don't make this take any longer than it has to."

"Heh. Took you long enough."

"You try getting down those stairs in this get-up," she muttered. She reached into her robes and began to rummage, still cursing under her breath. "Of all the... "

Inuyasha had to smirk at that. "Chop, chop, Kagura."

"Ugh. Save it for-"

"You know, as fascinating as this conversation is... "

Byakuya cast his eyes towards the doorway. Faint voices were already echoing down the corridor. Kagura shot him a glare. He replied with a shrug.

"Fine. If you want a job doing... "

She pulled her hand from her robes and drew a slender fan from her sleeve. The voices rose with the rush of footsteps. She spun on her heel and flicked the fan open. The rush became a thunder.

"Stop right th-"

The guard froze in the doorway. His voice cut off in a gasp. His eyes shot down to meet Kanna's bottomless stare.

She dropped him with a twist of her arms. Kagura swatted him away. He slammed straight back into two of his comrades. They thudded into the wall.

The other guards drew up in shock. That was all the time Kanna needed. She had them out cold before their spears hit the floor.

Kagura closed her fan with a sigh. She turned back to Byakuya.

"Happy now?"

"Hey, you try airbending with one of these." He tapped his spear butt on the floor.

"Whatever." She slipped the fan back into her sleeve and reached back into her robes.

"Looking for these?" Byakuya held up a set of keys.

She held out her hand with a roll of her eyes. He tossed her the keys. She caught them with a curse. She strode past Inuyasha's cell without so much as a glance at him.

"Oi, Kagura."

"Wait your turn, brat." She selected another cell and began to fumble at the lock. "Ugh. This is actually making me miss Yura," she grumbled.

"Ooh, harsh." Byakuya watched in amusement.

"Kagura..."

She carried on ignoring him. Byakuya kept on smirking. Kanna ignored the lot of them and turned back to the guards. She jerked two of them up from the floor and floated them past his cell. They didn't so much as stir.

Inuyasha leaned back with a sigh. They didn't so much as look at him until all of the guards were safely locked away. He cleared his throat.

"Y'know, you could've-"

"Here. Catch." Kagura flung the keys straight at his face.

He ducked them by a hair. "Shit! What are you-"

"Just be glad I'm not the one calling the shots. You're more trouble than you're worth."

"You're-"

"I believe we're done here."

Byakuya put his hand on Kagura's shoulder. She shrugged it off in a huff.

"Fine. Just don't expect me to wait all night." She stormed down the corridor with clenched fists. Kanna followed her without a blink. Byakuya shook his head in mock despair.

Inuyasha turned back to Byakuya with creased brows. "Now what?"

"Slight change of plan, I'm afraid." Byakuya couldn't keep the smirk from his face. Not that he ever tried. "You see, the boss has bigger things in mind."

"Bigger than the Oasis?"

"Oh please, that's a mere puddle by comparison." He gave a chuckle. "It's almost funny, really."

Inuyasha set his teeth. Like any of them had time for this. "Just cut the crap for once. What the hell are you up to now?"

"Oh, don't worry. You'll soon find out." His face was more punchable than ever. "In fact, I'd say we owe you one."

Fine. He'd take the bait. "Heh. Now you're telling me."

"Oh, I'm quite serious, Inuyasha." He gave another chuckle. "After all, it's not every day you see a new Avatar."


Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update once a month.