After her time spent in the garden and attending her morning classes at Kaika Temple, Hikari had made her way to the nearby classroom of Fumiko Harabani, a Sentoki teacher of fourth-year students and another member of the renowned Four Goddess Squad. She was a smaller and more delicate looking woman, significantly shorter than Hikari, Fumiko Harabani sat in her office behind her desk, her jet black hair draped across her shoulder as her striking blue eyes fixated on her work. Not only was Fumiko named 'The Water Goddess' but she had also been a long-time friend of Hikari's family and at one point her former school teacher as well. "Oh! You're early! Fumiko said cheerily as Hikari stepped in and stood underneath the doorway to her office. "Let me just gather my things and we can head out," Fumiko said as she pushed her hair behind her ear. "So how's things been lately? I feel like it's been forever since we got to catch up!" she asked Hikari as she began getting ready, gathering her bag and papers. Hikari let out a sigh of relief knowing Fumiko would understand her venting. "Graduation has been… crazy," She replied, letting her guard down a bit as the two of them stepped onto the streets of Kaika Temple. "Everyone thinks I have it easy just 'cause I'm at the top of the class, but it's a lot of pressure you know?" Hikari said to her former teacher in hopes of getting some sympathy. "That's the price," Fumiko stated bluntly as she stepped a few paces ahead of Hikari and turned around to face her while walking backward. "You can't be the best without feeling some pressure… and if it breaks you, well then you aren't the best and somebody else takes your spot… Your Mother understood that better than most," Fumiko said before turning back around and rounding the corner of a small alleyway between two buildings. Hikari was taken aback by her response, Fumiko had delivered the very matter-of-fact statement with such cheer it had left Hikari perplexed. "Have I been letting the pressure get to me too much?" Hikari wondered as she followed Fumiko around a bend and down a narrow alleyway before the space eventually opened up into a beautiful courtyard nestled in between a number of academic buildings.
"Listen up children, our lesson begins soon!" The teacher could be heard shouting as Hikari and Fumiko approached. Filled with carefully tended flora and striking foliage the space was a serene little escape from the busy temple. The deep red walls surrounding the clearing were littered with pillars and archways that led into the surrounding scholastic buildings and libraries. While children danced in between as they shouted and rejoiced in play. In the center of the clearing stood the class's teacher for the day, Saoirse Runaan. Mrs. Runaan, as the children were to address her, was one of Kamikochi's unique citizens; a Yokai from a group of people known as the Kitsune. Clad in a golden-yellow robe with a dark black sash, Mrs. Runaan dressed the same as anybody else in Kamikochi, but her outfit isn't what set her apart. Dark and glossy Black fur covered her body from head to toe along with two tall and pronounced ears perched on the top of her long and snouted face, surrounded by longer sleek fur that resembled something similar to human hair. Her hands and feet were clad with sharp animal-like claws. If one did not know any better, they might say the Kitsune appeared to be almost fox-like, a statement that is actually considered an insult amongst their people. "Gather round class! Our lesson is starting now," Saoirse shouted as the children all made their way to the center of the courtyard, gathering around her in a seated circle. Hikari and Fumiko sat off to the side and leaned against the wall as class began.
"Welcome, welcome!" Mrs.Runaan exclaimed cheerfully "Here we are just one week away from the end of our school year!" she said to her class. Hikari leaned over towards Fumiko and spoke quietly so she didn't interrupt, "I remember my first-year class with Mrs. Runaan, the kids are all so cute at this age." Fumiko smiled and replied, "I remember my class with her too, she's been teaching for over 70 years, I think she even taught your Father as well," she answered with a soft laugh. "What? 70 years!" Hikari said with surprise, "I knew she had been here for a while, but I had no idea it was that long." Hikari said as she and Fumiko watched Mrs Runaan continue with her lesson. "Yeah, the Kitsune live for around 300 years, and Mrs. Runaan is almost 150 years old I think," Fumiko replied. "Wow, I knew they live longer than us but I guess I never thought about how old Mrs Runaan was," said Hikari. Fumiko laughed under her breath, "I think you can call her Saoirse now," she teased.
"So Children, Today we are going to be going over some of the things we've learned this year, and if you answer correctly I have a special surprise for you all!" Mrs. Runaan could be heard saying as the children all cheered and clamored as they sat gathered around her. "So let's start at the beginning, who can tell me what Ki is?" A number of the children raised their hands enthusiastically. "You in the front," she said to one of her students. The young man cleared his throat, "Ki is the energy and life force of the universe connecting us all and moving the world." He said astutely. "Very good!" exclaimed Mrs. Runaan as she patted him on the head. Still standing off to the side, Hikari was impressed by how mature the young student's answer was. "Next, who can tell me about the Mesukiro!" she asked her class again. This time a young girl blurted out the answer before being called on. "The Mesukiro is a human's awakened ability to manifest and interact with Ki! Which can manifest in one of three ways!" she shouted. Mrs. Runaan chuckled, "Yes, that is correct but let's wait until we're called upon to answer," she scolded gently. "It's important to note that the Mesukiro is specific to humans, Yokai like myself have different abilities and interact with Ki differently than you all will." Mrs. Runaan continued as she moved around the inside of the circle, "We also know the Mesukiro does not come easily, in order to 'open one's eyes' as we call it, takes an extreme amount of physical and mental dedication in order to achieve." She paused before she finished her explanation "... and not everybody will be able to do so." she said to the children more ominously, making their eyes go wide. Some with excitement, others with fear. Mrs. Runaan continued on with her quiz, "Alright next question! What are the three ways the Mesukiro can manifest?" Once again a rush of hands shot into the air. "You three," she pointed to a section of her class, "each one of you give me one of the ways, and be thorough with your answers," she commanded, and the three students answered as follows:
- "The Nikugan is the first and most common manifestation of the Mesukiro. Using one's Ki the Nikugan allows one to manipulate and control the physical forces surrounding Inertia, Resonance, Speed, and Strength."
- "The Gensogan is the second most common type of Mesukiro. Using one's Ki the Gensogan allows one to manipulate and control the elemental forces of Air, Water, Flame, and Stone. often starting with an affinity to only one in particular.
- " The Shishogan is the last and rarest type of Mesukiro, only occurring in less than five percent of people. Unlike the Nikugan and Gensogan, the Shishogan manipulates and uses Ki directly as both a weapon and a defense. Because of this, the Shishogan has a number of uses and applications."
"Very good students! Your answers are straight out of the textbook!" Mrs. Runaan said cheerfully. "Another simple way to put it is that the Nikugan and Gensogan use Ki as a sort of fuel while the Shishogan uses Ki as a tool," She added. "So now we've established what Ki is, as well as the Mesukiro and its types. Now I'm sure we all know this next answer, what do we call someone who has opened their eyes?" she asked the group, "A Sentoki!" The kids all shouted in unison. "Good, I expected you all to get that one right, but it is important to note that in the world there are still many people who may have a Mesukiro but don't follow our ideals or call themselves Sentoki. Can somebody maybe give the definition of a Sentoki?" Saoirse asked the class. Fumiko raised her hand jokingly from the sideline of the courtyard, catching Mrs. Runaan's attention, not really expecting to be called on.
"Oh, Mrs. Fumiko!" she exclaimed, "I see you've learned to arrive at class on time finally," Saoirse teased, making Fumiko instantly blush. "Class I've invited another teacher today to assist with our lesson, one of my fellow teachers and a distinguished Sentoki: Mrs Fumiko Harabani." The children all turned and looked to Fumiko, "Hello Mrs. Harabani!" They all said at once. "Mrs. Harabani, why don't you give the kids your answer since you raised your hand." Fumiko stepped away from where she and Hikari were standing off to the side, walking towards the children all gathered around their teacher. "Well Mrs. Runaan, if I had to answer that question I would say: A Sentoki is a proud warrior who vows to use their Mesukiro to see our world with open eyes and to protect those who live here, no matter the cost!" She stated proudly. "Very well said Mrs Harabani! A perfect answer." Hikari still stood off to the side, she was astonished at how articulate and well-spoken all the children were, she didn't remember her own class being quite so well studied as this one was.
"So let's review! We've spent all year learning about Ki, the Mesukiro, its types, and what makes us and our people into Sentoki." She paused and wagged her finger at the children, "but I'm not quite sure if you've earned your reward!" She said playfully as the kids groaned and complained at her teasing, "Okay, okay!" Mrs. Runaan retorted. "I've brought Mrs. Harabani here today to give you all a special demonstration!" She said as the children erupted in cheer, Fumiko blushing once again as they did. "Like I said before Mrs. Harabani here is an amazing Gensogan user, with an affinity to water, as well as the ability to manipulate stone! And she stopped by today to give you a show!" Fumiko stepped into the center of the circle before addressing the kids. "I've also brought you kids a surprise of my own!" Fumiko exclaimed as she waved Hikari over to join the class. "I've brought one of my former students and soon-to-be Sentoki, Hikari Umitasora!" The children all turned and waved to Hikari as she walked towards the center of the courtyard.
"Welcome Hikari! What a nice surprise," Mrs. Runaan said as she approached. Hikari smiled at the students as she greeted them, taking a place in the middle of the circle with Fumiko and the teacher. "So students, we've spent all year learning about these amazing abilities and the wonders of being a Sentoki, and today Mrs. Harabani and Mrs. Umitasora have been kind enough to come and put on a show!" Mrs. Runaan exclaimed. Hikari was taken back for a moment, she had never been called 'Mrs. Umitasora' before. Fumiko stepped forward next to address the class, "Listen up kids! Some of you are gonna end up in my class one day as third or fourth-year students! So it's my job to make sure you get a good education!" She said pretending to be somewhat stern. "Hikari here used to be one of my students and she's a perfect example of what I expect outta you all!" Fumiko continued as she pointed to Hikari and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. "Hikari is top of her class and set to graduate and become a Sentoki next week! On top of that, she's able to use two different elements of her Gensogan already! That's not something most students can say," Fumiko bragged to her captivated crowd. "Between me and Hikari, we can show you all four elements today! So let's get started!" Fumiko leaned in close to Hikari so the kids couldn't hear her, "Remember the show me and Kyuen used to do for you and your brothers?" Hikari's memory flashed back to being a kid for a moment as she smiled and nodded to her former teacher. The two of them positioned themselves back to back, their hands held out in front of them, palms facing toward the sky. They both closed their eyes and took a deep breath, the students staring with wide anticipating eyes. As they exhaled their Ki began swirling around them.
In one of Fumiko's hands, a ball of violet-tinted water began to form, droplets gathering from the atmosphere as it amassed. From around her feet pieces of the stone floor also started glowing with the aura of her violet colored Ki, levitating upwards as they gathered in her hand like the water. In Hikari's hands, her Ki gave way to a swirling ball of white flame in one, in the other a vortex of wind began to gather in her palm, made visible by the wisps and glow of her Ki. The two of them focused their concentration and within a few seconds, the swirling balls of natural forces erupted. From each woman's hands emerged a set of dragons, twisting and curving through the air in the courtyard as they sailed in between the building spires. Air, Stone, Water, and Flame, one composed of each danced across the sky as the children cheered and shouted in amazement. Hikari and Fumiko stood below, guiding them with their hands as if they were maneuvering a kite. Skillfully maneuvering the elegant elemental dragons across the sky the two of them beamed with excitement and joy from making the kids so ecstatic.
The Dragons made of air and water came down from the sky, weaving in between the children. Playfully ruffling their hair and spraying them with splashes of mist, as wisps of violet and white Ki filled the air. Up above the Dragons forged of Stone and Flame engaged in a captivating battle, crashing and clawing at each other as the vibrant shades of Ki exploded like fireworks. Fumiko and Hikari laughed and laughed as the children were steeped in bewilderment. "This is my favorite day of the year," Mrs. Runaan said to herself quietly as she watched them celebrate, her bright yellow eyes filled with pride. After twenty or so minutes the dragons that soared around returned to Hikari and Fumiko's palms dissipating into the air as the performance finished. The two of them bowed as the children clapped and cheered. Mrs. Runaan clapped as well, as the children began reforming the circle around them. "Well well class, that was really something!" she said excitedly. "Let's give our guests another round of applause!" she added before giving her final words and dismissing her students for the afternoon.
Mrs. Runaan turned to Hikari and Fumiko as the children scattered about the courtyard, "I didn't expect to see you today Fumiko. I thought we had agreed upon you coming by for tomorrow's lesson?" She said with a confused tone. "What? Fumiko-" Hikari interjected as she looked at her former teacher with disbelief. Fumiko blushed once again and scratched her head in embarrassment. "Well I wasn't sure if Hikari would be able to join me tomorrow and I wanted her to come along," She said in a clear attempt at a last-second excuse for her forgetfulness. Hikari just shot Fumiko an exasperated glare before turning back to Saoirse. "It was quite a short lesson today, I feel like I remember this being a longer class," she said. "Nope," Saoirse replied bluntly. "It's always been a short lesson, in fact, the first-year lessons are all about that short. It's important to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for the kids…. becoming a Sentoki is an ordeal, something not all of them will be able to manage. As children, they don't need to feel the full weight of that in their first year, so we just teach the basics." Hikari was taken aback once again for a second. For all her skill and expertise she had never given much thought to how delicate a thing it was to be able to teach children, and it was something she surely lacked the ability to do.
"Mrs. Hikari, you recently had a big achievement as a student, you're able to use both your flames and wind in tandem quite well now I see," Saoirse complimented. "She's gonna be amazing once she graduates, just you wait!" said Fumiko, adding to the praise. Hikari, now the one feeling embarrassed, tried to brush off the praise from her seniors. "It's not a big deal, I still have a long way to go," She said nervously as she looked down at the ground for a second. Mrs. Runaan's demeanor changed in an instant as she took up a more serious tone, "Don't sell yourself short, Hikari. Not on my watch." A look of panic came over Hikari's face, "Wait am I being scolded?" She thought to herself. "Even being able to access more than one element is something most users don't accomplish until well after they graduate, being able to use both at once is nothing short of impressive at your age," Mrs. Runaan continued. "She's right Hikari, at your age I could only use water as an element. It wasn't until I was in my mid-twenties that I learned to wield stone as well, and even then it was another few years before I could use them at the same time," said Fumiko. Hikari looked up and tried to argue with her former teachers, "Sure maybe for most people, but at my age my Mother had both water and flame under her control and was working on her control of stone as an element as well." Saoirse and Fumiko both looked at each other before trying to combat Hikari's rebuttal. "You shouldn't compare yourself to-" Saoirse started to say before Fumiko cut her off, "No, you're absolutely right Hikari," Fumiko began to say while looking at Saoirse intently, as if to say she had more expertise on the matter. "Your Mother was a great woman, you should strive to be like her every day if that's your goal," Mrs. Runaan said, correcting herself with a bright smile, her ears perking up and facing forward as she did.
"Hikari, I'd actually like to ask you to come back with Mrs. Harabani tomorrow if you can. I have one more first-year class who would love a demonstration," Mrs. Runaan asked. "We'd love to!" Fumiko said before Hikari could object. "I guess so why not," Hikari added, not having much of a choice in the matter. "Great!" exclaimed Saoirse, "Well I should be getting back to the children, and I'm sure the both of you have classes to either teach or attend so, tomorrow morning it is!" Mrs. Runaan made her way over to the children scattered around the courtyard, listening to all of them still reeling and discussing the amazing display of Ki. Fumiko and Hikari made their way out of the courtyard, waving goodbye to the children as they made their way back into the busy temple. "Well thanks for dragging me along Fumiko, now I'm roped into showing up tomorrow too," Hikari said, slightly annoyed. Fumiko laughed, "Don't lie, you loved it!" she said, teasing Hikari. Hikari rolled her eyes, "Well anyways I have to get some studying done, but if you want to come by our house in the morning tomorrow before we have to come back, I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind making an extra plate of breakfast for you," Hikari said to Fumiko cheerily. "Sure, Sounds like a plan!" Fumiko replied excitedly, "I haven't seen Gado or your brothers in quite some time." "Well I'll see you tomorrow," Hikari said as she began to walk away. "And for your training after the exams!" Fumiko shouted with an overly playful wink before taking off into the crowded Temple streets. "She's awfully confident that I'll place in first, isn't she? " Hikari thought to herself before brushing it off and making her way towards the center of the temple.