Kai held Terra close as he watched over the horizon for any signs of Hayden and Okami. She clasped tightly onto his shirt as he comforted her silently, stroking her hair. He had been Terra's closest friend ever since they were little and she had always trusted him with anything and everything. She was like a sister to him and, even though he had lost the ability to speak, he didn't care as it had been whilst saving her. He knew that Mikota would never hear his voice but it was a small sacrifice to protect family. Mikota knew this too. Although she would love to hear him speak, she was proud that he had risked it all to save someone so close to him. It made her feel safe and secure whenever she was around him. Zack was there when it happened, aiding Kai in Terra's rescue, and he was happy, although he didn't show it, that they had managed to save her that day. He had also known Terra for a long time and even though they hadn't been the best of friends, he still felt that closeness to her that friends have. The worry, the trust and the belief. He stood his ground as a lookout, every now and then looking back at the rest of the group, the ones he had sworn to himself to protect. If Hayden hadn't of run after Okami then he would have done so himself but, he couldn't leave Kai alone to watch the girls.
Mikota paced around the hill, watching in all directions. The sun was bright and hot causing her to sweat violently. If she was alone, she would have removed her shirt a long time ago but, with Zack and Terra around, she decided it better to keep it on. Suddenly, she saw an image on the horizon. Zack had sat down and was watching to their right, so had obviously missed it but she could see clearly. Coming across the plains were two figures, one holding their arm. It was Hayden and Okami.
'They made it!' she screamed, running forwards and grabbing Terra from Kai's grasp. 'Didn't I tell you!' Terra stared into the distance and smiled. Hayden and Okami were walking side by side, Hayden holding his arm and Okami limping slightly, using his sword to stop him falling. Terra ran forward, her arms outstretched, and flung herself around both of them, tears of joy falling down her face.
'Ow! Hold on, hold on.' Hayden said in pain as Terra crushed his arm. Terra shrieked as she finally noticed that they were both badly wounded.
'Sorry, I'm just so..I thought you were both..'
'We understand' Okami said. 'But do you think you could do your thing now?' Terra stood confused but then realised what he meant. Closing her eyes she summoned her white magic, casting curaga on both Hayden and Okami at the same time, their wounds were immediately healed.
'Holy shit!' Zack exclaimed as he walked over to the group. Kai had also joined them with Mikota and they were all wearing a shocked expression, including Hayden and Okami, who were examining themselves in awe. 'I have never seen, nor heard of, anyone casting curaga of that power on two people at the same time!'
'But I've always been able to do it.' Terra replied as she grabbed hold of Hayden in a giant hug. She kissed him softly then turned to Okami, who she hugged and kissed on the cheek. Okami put his hand to his cheek. He couldn't remember the last time someone showed him affection and he had forgotten how good it felt. The reunion continued for many more minutes before Zack broke the silence.
'Sorry to stop the party but aren't we here to find someone?' he asked. Terra span round.
'Loz! Crap I had almost forgotten!' Terra advanced towards the hill and scowered around the outside, placing her hands on the ground every now and then.
'Ok, so what the heck are you doing?' Mikota asked.
'I'm sure I sensed something.' Terra replied as she continued to look.
'Sensed?' Hayden queried. He looked at Kai who shrugged his shoulders. Zack was also confused. Okami however walked over and stood beside Terra as she continued to scower the hill.
'Here!' Terra shrieked as she placed her hand over a stone on the ground. The hillside began to shake and a crack appeared, slowly growing larger and larger. A dim light came from inside. Terra stepped in as everyone watched as she slowly disappeared into the ground. Okami soon followed her.
'Are you coming or what?' he asked the others. Mikota and Kai stepped forwards and Zack followed close behind keeping a look out. The group descended into a long, winding tunnel that seemed to continue forever. It was lit dimly with a red light and was deadly silent. They had found the entrance to the lair.