I do not own Waka, Okami or any other things of Okami. However, Yima is my own character. This is my first story, and also the first I try to write in English. If there are any mistakes, please contact me.

Chapter 1

Apprentice

It was tree days after the man rescued the girl. He said his name was Waka. Vaguely, the girl recognized it. But she didn't knew from what.

"Girl, are you sure you don't remember your name?" Waka asked.

The girl nodded. It was night, and Waka and she were sitting on the roof of the shrine. The girl looked up, watching the moon. A voice. It softly spoke to her. One word. "Yima."

"Yima, what is that, ma cherie?" Waka frowned. "My name" Yima said. She looked away.

"How are you so sure?" Waka asked her. "I'm not sure. It just popped into my head" Yima shrugged. "Aha".

The morning after the night, Waka found Yima in the room he gave her. "What are you doing, ma cherie?" he asked. Yima startled and turned to Waka, which was leaning against the doorpost.

"I'm packing" she answered, and she continued. She didn't had much stuff: Waka had gave her a short flute, even shorter than his. Also he gave her tree kimono's and a uniform from the Tao Troopers. And a backpack.

"Packing? Why?" he asked. "I'm leaving, why else?"

Waka smiled. "Where are you going to? Taka Pass, Kamui, Agata Forest?" Yima startled again. "I'll see" she answered. She didn't sound sure anymore.

"Yima, Yima, Yima. You don't know these lands. It's dangerous. Here, it is safe. And.." Yami interrupted him. "I'm sure. I mean: I'm disturbing you with your work. I heard you had very important work.." "Who told you that?" Waka asked. "Mika" Yami said, more unsure than moments ago.

Waka laughed and sat down on the futon. He pulled Yima on it too. "Mika thinks that, because he is a lower priest. However, there is another reason that you'll need to stay.." Yami looked up. "Why?"

"Pick that flute I gave you" Waka commanded. Yima noticed it many times: If Waka wanted, he could sound funny and gently, but other times he sounded mysterious and even authoritarian

Yima took it out of the bag pack. Again, she wondered what this flute was made of. It was not wood of a Cherry Blossom, but also not from bamboo. It was different than any wood she knew.. And she knew a lot kind of trees. She didn't knew where she knew the trees from, but she simply did. And for now, it was right, enough.

"And now?" she asked. "Place your hand for it. And pull." Waka said. "Pull what?" "Just pull. You feel what, if you have it in you.." "Wh.." Yima opened her mouth to protest, but a stern gaze of Waka made her close it again. She did what he asked.

She brought her fingers to the end of the flute, expecting to find there only air. She shrieked when she felt something playing around her fingers. And she pulled. Green light. She pulled green light! It was small, like a small blade. Waka smiled and clapped in his hands. "Bravo! Bravo!" he called out loudly. He danced trough the room. Yima sat down on the futon again.

"Yima, how would you like it to be my apprentice?"

And she smiled. This sealed her destiny.