Rain. It practically never rained in Kamui. In fact, it was almost unheard of. Every few years or so, a magnificent rain storm would come over the land of ice from the sea near the Shinshuu Plains over in Nippon. Kamui would get thunder sometimes, but always snow and blizzards. The sky had slowly darkened, and by noon the sky was almost black with grey highlights, and the freezing rain would glimmer a turquoise blue-grey upon the land. The rain was so cold, it was probably a degree away from being hail.
Oki sat in the rocky areas by Laochi Lake, the water just to his ankles. Even if it would rain for days there was enough snow that there would be at least a foot left after the shower. And Oki was so unfortunate to come out on this day. He had come early, at the dawn's peak. He took some 'back routes' behind the village of Wep'keer, to leave as little as evidence as possible to show where he was. Looks like it didn't make much of a difference now. He had noticed earlier as he sniffed and looked about that the skies were a little unusual, and that the lone bear had left for the higher cliffs where his cave must've been. Oki hadn't had much luck in finding any sign of anything. Just an Origin Mirror and some empty treasure chests lying about. Then it had gotten dark, fast, and now he sat there drenched and ankle high in water and snow. Wait. Oki looked town and tried to focus in the heavy downpour. Damn. The heavy rainfall mixed with the snow, and brought up mud from deep in the earth. So now, Oki sat there drenched and past his ankles in sludge without even a single clue.
"Brilliant." he sighed with evident sarcasm. he could hardly even open his eyes in such downpour. But being a warrior and having such dignity, Oki rose and began to make his way through the village, slowly. It was far too dangerous to take any more of his 'back routes', so going straight down through Wep'keer was his only sensible choice.
It was so hard to see, and his sense of smell was practically useless in all this mess, at least his hearing was still doing somewhat OK. Oki pondered as he made his way through the sludge and fierce rain. If he changed back into his human form, his mask would protect his face better. But then again, he would be a lot colder, not to mention slower. Wet fur was one thing, wet clothes on skin was another. Grin and bear it, that's the only thing that came to mind.
Quarter of the way there. Starting to get past Kai and Lika's house. All of the villagers had put up bags of sand and packed snow to block out the water from seeping through. Somewhat stumbling by, Oki's right hind paw got caught on something. He let out a small yelp in surprise which changed into a frustrated growl and he yanked his leg out and pulled off a small piece of wire. "Where in Nippon did this come from?!" It was too dark to see if he was injured badly or not, it hurt though. Alright then, time to get a move on. The young Oina woman, Kai, had heard Oki's yelp, and peeked out of the door flaps. What a mess! But there, she saw a figure. Wolf shape, large, spiky fur-"Oki!" He turned to her voice. Shaking his head slightly he answered, "Kai?"
"Oki! What in the heavens are you doing out in all of this?!" she was obviously shocked. Oh great. "Nothing Kai. I was simply trying to make my way home."
Dear Oki, surely now! "You cannot possibly be thinking of going through all the way back to your hut! It is far too long of a walk to make it! Here, please, come in. I will lay some mats down and get some towels." She pulled her face back in. "Lika, go get some towels and blankets, Oki's gonna have a visit." "Okay!" Lika replied, very excited. She liked guests.
He was sat on a mat and Kai had placed some blankets on him. He unsuccessfully had tried to wipe off some of the mud off his face with his paw, and resulted in nudging into a towel. Lika was giggling at him.
"What were you doing out there, Oki?" Kai beckoned.
"Nothing. I just went out around the lake in the morning and simply didn't see the oncoming storm." he replied. That wasn't it, no sir. All of the other villagers saw that storm coming hours beforehand, and someone like Oki wouldn't have missed that either unless he was so indulged in something. Kai wished he didn't lie, or make excuses or whatever you'd want to call it. She knew when he did that he just wants to keep anyone from worrying. It was a kind thought, she respected him for that. One of his admirable qualities among the more peculiar ones. But still, she wished he was more open. It's hard to deal with someone who hides his emotions and motives half the time. However, Kai just thought of what it probably was.
"You were out searching for those demons weren't you?" she hit the target. Oki's expression didn't change, but his red eyes ever so slightly lowered and glazed a bit. He shook slightly, he was cold, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. "So?" was Kai's only answer from him. "Oh, how are we going to get you cleaned off properly? Look at your mask!" It had mud caked on it, okay. His fur was filthy, alright. Oki can't return home to clean up at this point, oh great. He absolutly couldn't have Kai dry him off. Nor he can't change into human form to use the 'shower' area?!! "You know you could-" Kai started
"No!" Bless the gods that wolves couldn't blush or show as much emotion as he felt just then. But his hackles raised and eyes widened. "It's not that difficult Oki, I don't want you catching cold." Kai tried to reassure him. She had turned slightly and noticed that her little sister had dosed off due to the lack of stimulation. Poor thing, she had gotten bored of the two young adult's conversation and let in to her exhaustion. "All I have to do is pull down the the panels and put the curtain up, we have a pale of clean water."
Flicking his tail he said, "No thank you Kai. I uncomfortable as it is." She fiddled her fingers a bit, "Why Oki? Do you not trust me?" What? Wait a second, no! Oki had said the wrong thing. And why did she say it like that? "Of course I trust you Kai, I am just not accustom to being in some one else's hut that's all." he said, starting out in reassurance, ending almost in a mumble. "And besides, doing in so I will be thoroughly embarrassed." Kai knew that, she just wanted him to be more open to her, it was like he was constantly building a wall between himself and everyone. Would he ever show his true self? Even once? Every so often? It would make her feel a whole lot better.
Oki flicked his ear back, "The rain's died down." Kai stood and picked Lika up and laid her on her bed. She then walked over and peered out side. Oki was right. The skies looked lighter, and but a invisible drizzle fell on the village. The mud/sludge had washed away a bit too, and was thinner. Oki soon departed, thanking Kai and bolting out of the village before anyone else laid eyes on him.
He retuned home, did so with the washing up, and decided to practice with his sword a bit. He would later go hunting around the edges of Yoshpet.