Okay, I think I've decided. This story occurs before Okamiden. I don't know how Issun got there, but for the ending of this story, it requires Okamiden to not have happened. Not trying to spoil, just telling you. With that said, here you go!

I awoke to the sound of bugs buzzing in my ear. The sharp scent of pine intermixed with the soothing scent of lavender. Where am I? I must be near a forest. Perhaps in a clearing? The buzzing got louder; but as it did, it began to sound like words.

"Come on, you guys. Back up. You're gonna hurt him worse."

"When's he gonna wake up?"

"He's sooo cute!"

I opened my eyes and saw, well, nothing at first. Then I noticed little... what were they? They looked like bugs. Or maybe sprites. They were the ones talking. I tried to sit up, but fell back down. The... things hopped backwards. They must've realized I could have crushed them.

"Wh- where am I?"

A golden-yellow one bounced closer than the rest, "You, my friend, are right outside Ponc'Tan, the home of us Poncles. And, no, we are NOT bugs."

I blinked my eyes a few times, confused, "Ponc'Tan? Where's that?"

The Poncle bounced even closer, "In Yoshpet, Wep'keer, past the Oina Tribe's village, just north of Shinshu."

"Excusez-moi?" My expression must've been blank, because he then said, "You're not from around here, are you?"

I shook my head, "What tipped you off?"

"Well, the hair, for one. No one 'round here's got hair like that."

I started to raise my arm, then felt a sharp pain. I using my other hand, I ran my fingers through my blond hair, which was now matted with dirt and dried blood, "Yes, my... hair..."

"And now that you're awake, that accent of yours is pretty strange, too. And those eyes-"

A pink Poncle interrupted him, "Those big, blue, gorgeous eyes!"

The yellow one turned in her direction, probably to glare at her, "Will you shut the heck up already, Lilu? Yes, we know. You think he's cute. Let's just get on with this."

An older Poncle, by the way he stooped down, came closer, "Ishaku! Stop it. You are being rude to our guest!"

"Sorry, Elder Rashku." The yellow one lowered his head, "I wasn't trying to."

I struggled to sit up again, and pain coursed through my body. I winced, trying to ignore it, "It's all right. I'm sure Ishaku didn't mean any harm."

The Elder nodded, "Most of the time he doesn't. But only because he doesn't think before he does anything."

I finally sat up, and immediately my head started to spin. The colors swam before my eyes as I heard Ishaku say from what seemed like far away, "Look out, you guys! He's gonna-"

The next time I woke up, Ishaku was bouncing on my arm (my unbroken one). "Well, well, well. He lives! How're ya feelin', Pinky?"

"Um," I was still a little groggy, "Je suis désolé, quoi?"

"Whaaat?!"

"C'est ce que je viens de dire."

"O-okaaay..."

"Oh, sorry," I shook my head, "My head's kind of messed up right now."

"No kiddin'! You going bonkers or somethin'?"

"No, it's just..."

"Say, who's this Kusa? Friend of yours, or something?"

I gave a start, "Wait, how do you know about Kusa?"

"You talk in your sleep."

I closed my eyes, suddenly feeling very tired, "Oh."

"Who is she? And, while we're at it, how'd you get here?"

I attempted to turn away, but my aching body did not comply. I fell into my previous position on my back, my shirt starting to feel wet again, "Never mind."

Ishaku tried to get my attention again, "Hey, I didn't mean to- Aw, forget it."

There was an awkward silence until he spoke up again, "I'm sorry if I said anything..."

"Just forget it."

I don't remember much about my time with the Poncles. All I know is that they were very kind. I couldn't bring myself to tell any of them what had happened. It was just too painful.

One night, after countless nights of nightmares about what had happened, I left. Snuck away during the night, "I'm sorry, Ishaku," I whispered into the cool night air, "But I can't stay here."

So, I left. I limped through the forest for what seemed like forever. I came across the village Ishaku had talked about, but it seemed as if no one was there. I made my way further south, towards what Ishaku had called Shinshu. For weeks I walked, through blinding snow and harsh storms. I had nothing to eat, but I didn't pay any attention to the noises and pangs my empty stomach made. All I cared about was leaving. Getting away from that horrible ark and those terrible memories.

I was half-starved to death by the time I made it to a city. The sign read: "Sei'an, Capitol of Nippon" The place was separated into Aristocratic and Commoners Quarters. I headed for the Commoners Quarters, but somehow managed to stumble into the Aristocratic Quarters. I couldn't hardly tell where I was going. I found myself in a back alley when I was suddenly attacked by a demon.

This demon didn't seem to be that tough, but I was so weak, I could barely finish him off. When the dust cleared, I slunk into a corner. Curling up in a ball, my eyes began to close. I was so tired, I didn't care if I woke up or not. It hurt so badly, and the air was warm and comforting. A little nap won't hurt. I can just lie here... and... sleep...