Okay, well, here's the next (boring) chapter of OACA! The next chapter will be posted when I return home from school. Since I figured this move will probably only get me one or two reviews, if I'm lucky, for this chapter, let me remind you that you all get time on cookie island based on how many chapters you review. You'll have more time if you review both chapters rather than just one! And let me just point out that a friend and I have just made a recent discovery. All the cookies on cookie island seem to be Orochi scout cookies! (ALBN references. I'm sure my sister doesn't mind. XD) (Shameless asking for reviews. I'm horrible. XD) And the review count is pretty dang close to 200. (WTC?) If it reaches that number by the time I check my review count, I'll...uhh...make cookie island 10 times bigger! More fun! 8D *shot*

Disclaimer: I don't own Okami. What? You thought I did?

Chapter 26- Meeting the rest of the Oina tribe

"Whoa!" Issun exclaimed as soon as we arrived. "It's like the whole village has been frozen solid. I wonder if anyone's still alive…"

Of course, even when everyone could be dead, our first priority was to slide and stumble over to the small island in the middle of the village, use our epic digging powers, and bloom a clover, finally getting us enough praise to upgrade our solar energy. Yes, we are the famous heroes of Nippon, and we care more about the size of our own life bars than we do about your life!

Okay, I'm kidding. Five seconds never hurt anyone.

Issun just ordered us to go up to the stairs to our left, and with nothing else better to do, we obeyed. It wasn't long before we ran into a very angry-looking person standing in front of a house.

"Halt! Who goes there?" He yelled.

"Um…two random wolves and a poncle?" I tried, grinning innocently.

"This is the house of the village elder. If you need something from the elder, you must go through me."

"You." Ammy said bluntly, although by the tilt of her head, it was clearly a question.

"I'm Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe!"

Issun scoffed. "Sheesh! Who does this guy think he is?"

"Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe."

"…Well, at least we finally met someone from the village." He addressed Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe. "So whaddya doin' standing around in the middle of this blizzard?"

Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, jumped in shock. "Hm? That grating voice…is that you, Issun? What in the world are you doing with those strange white and silver wolves?"

"We have names, ya know!" I growled irritably.

"That's none of your business, pal!" Issun shared my anger. "Anyway, what's with this village? It's a total mess. Is it true demons have taken over Ezofuji?"

"You must have been gone for some time if you don't know that." Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, crossed his arms. "Save your questions for when you get back to your own village. That is, if it hasn't already been buried by the snow. Oh, and take these suspicious wolves with you, too."

"We have names and we're not suspicious!"

"Why you little- we're done talking to you! Let us into the chief's house now!" Issun demanded in a no-nonsense tone.

"No. You may not pass." And thus, we learned that Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, is smarter than a blockhead. "We normally don't even let strangers into the village. And I've told the villagers not to let them into their houses. They will obey me, for I am Samickle, chief of Wep'keer! Now be on your way!" Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, chief of Wep'keer, did a backflip and turned into a light blue wolf, growling at us threateningly. We took the hint and decided to leave the village.

"Well, he sure knows how to pull together a welcoming committee, huh?" I commented dryly as we passed the origin mirror in the village.

"He is just trying to do what's bes-" Ammy was cut off by a bark that echoed across the village.

"Hey, wait!" We both turned around to see a light brown wolf run down the stairs at full speed, streak across the ice, and stop right in front of us. How she didn't crash and turn us into a literal dog pile, I'll never know. "You guys! Wait up!"

"Well, I'll be! I haven't seen you in ages!" Issun exclaimed.

The wolf smiled. "Issun! It is you! I thought I heard you talking to Samickle."

"I just thought I'd come back and see how things were after my trip. I can't believe what's happened to the village since I've been gone. And that Samickle's still as stubborn as ever!" Our poncle complained. "When did he become chief?"

"Well…a lot's happened this past year…" The wolf trailed. "Look, you'll freeze if you stay outside too long. Why don't you come rest at my place? And bring your white and silver wolves, too."

I nearly face/paw'd right then and there, despite the physical incapability. "We. Have. Names."

The wolf blinked. "Oh. Right. Who are you two, then?"

"I'm Celia." I said.

"And I'm Amaterasu." My friend gave a small nod.

"I'm Kai." The wolf introduced. "Now let's get inside. I'm already getting cold; I can't imagine how you three feel!"

"All right."

"TO THE WARMTH!"

(Time Skip: Inside Kai's house…)

"Brrr." Kai shivered. "At least the cold is a bit more bearable inside."

"Amen to that." I commented from my lovely seat of a few inches away from the fireplace.

"It's really been ages, hasn't it, Issun?"

"Let's just cut to the chase." Issun said. "There's so much I wanna ask you. First of all, about those demons that are plaguing Kamui…what the heck brought that on?"

"No one knows for certain. Those twin demons, Lechku and Nechku…they were sealed away by a brave Oina hero years and years ago. They have been enshrined at the Wawku Shrine ever since. Then, one day, they suddenly stirred and went berserk. A terrible blizzard descended upon Kamui. Kemu set out for the shrine at the top of Ezofuji to pacify them, but they nearly killed him. He was no match for their evil magic. Samickle managed to get him just in time and bring him back. Then they got even more violent and turned Ezofuji into a glacier! They unleashed a blizzard to smother Kamui in a layer of ice and snow. Chief Samickle's trying to protect the village while Kemu recovers, but there's nothing we can do against those demons."

"You really are in a fix if old man Kemu's prayers don't work." Issun commented.

Kai continued the story. "The day before the twin demons suddenly went berserk, we heard what sounded like an earthquake from Shinshu Field to the south. On that fateful day, Kemu declared that the evil force from the south had made its way here to Kamui. Kamui is sometimes called the land of hidden darkness. There's a legend that says all demons are born from this land. I wonder if all the world's demons are coming back to Kamui now. A black shadow passed overhead from the south recently and vanished into the Wawku Shrine as if it'd been swallowed up. Actually, I think the blizzard's been stronger since then…"

"Kai, there's something else I want to ask you. What's Oki doing with the sacred sword Kutone?" Issun questioned. "I saw him with it outside the village. How could old man Kemu let him take it at a time like this?"

Kai jumped in surprise. "Oh. You met Oki?"

Ammy just nodded, while I answered, "Heck yeah! He's awesome!"

Girl talk is contagious, and Kai seemed to quickly catch the bug. "I know! His mask…"

"And his hair…"

"And his fighting skills…" Ammy joined in.

"This isn't the time for your girl talk!" Issun exclaimed. We all muttered an apology before getting back on topic.

"Anyways…" Kai coughed awkwardly. "He left here with our sacred sword the morning after it all started. As soon as Samickle was chosen to take Kemu's place a chief, Oki just took the sword and left without permission. People from the village have tried to persuade him to bring it back, but Oki chases them off. He says he'll defeat the demons by himself."

"He just walked away with the sacred sword? He didn't even ask permission?" The shock was evident in his tone.

"Well, everyone admits Oki's a great warrior."

"Amen to that."

"Yup."

"Seriously, you two?"

"Sorry…"

"Even Samickle does."

"Y'SEE? EVEN SAMICKLE, TOP WARRIOR OF THE OINA TRIBE, CHIEF OF WEP'KEER, ADMITS IT! WHAT'S WRONG WITH US SAYING IT?"

"You said it like you were going to start more girl talk."

"…Shut up. Girl talk is fun, dang it."

"But it's impossible to defeat those demons all by himself! I just don't know why he did it. Now, of all times."

"One last thing, Kai." Issun said. "It's about Samickle. He seems awfully nervous about protecting old man Kemu. It's 'cause of Oki, isn't it?"

"Well, everyone's angry at Oki for taking the sword like that. But you see…well, Samicle would never say it, but he believes in Oki more than anyone else does. He's convinced Oki will come back and help the village." Kai answered.

"So then why'd he have to snap at us like that? He even told Furball and Fluffy here to get lost!"

She was silent for a few seconds. "Well, the day after the village was attacked by demons, Lika went missing."

"Lika? As in Lika, your-"

She cut him off. "That's right…my little sister. We scoured the village and the surrounding area, but we couldn't find her. She just vanished."

"Not poor little Like, too…" Issun said sadly. "Why would those demons mess with a little girl like that?"

"We don't know for sure if the demons are behind her disappearance. But they would certainly have reason to seek her out. You see, Lika…Lika holds the fate of the village in her hands!"

"The fate of this village?"

A howl suddenly echoed, causing Kai to jump.

"That was Kemu's howl!" She gasped. "He's calling to you, Issun. He's summoning the three of you."

"Well then, let's go." Ammy said.

(Time Skip: In front of Kemu's house…)

"What, you still got a bone to pick with us or something?" Issun asked a very annoyed-looking Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, chief of Wep'keer.

"The elder summons the white and silver wolves to his home." He replied. "You may enter."

"Well, it's about time!"

"Amen to that."

"Outta our way, chump!"

Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, chief of Wep'keer, backflipped into wolf form and snarled at us. We just ignored him and went inside.

(Time Skip: Inside Kemu's house…I'm being over-used…)

The first thing that occurred was an awkward silence. The next was Issun doing his job as the helping character.

"This is the village elder, old man Kemu, but…looks like he might've already kicked the bucket."

"Samickle, top warrior of the Oina tribe, chief of Wep'keer, will never let us hear the end of this." I muttered.

"How many times did gramps here tan my hide?" Issun thought aloud, then changed the topic. "Bah, this is no time to be dredging up the past…"

At that moment, the old man who we thought was lying dead on the floor jumped to his feet. "Grrr! Who was that bad-mouthing me? Looks like there are some hides to be tanned!"

"Dear Yumigami, run!" I yelled, making a beeline for the door. I ended up hitting something and fell to the ground.

"What the heck? Some invisible force is blocking the door!" Issun shouted in a panic.

I got to m feet, baring my teeth at the old guy who was running towards me. "We're screwed!" I yelped in pain as I was hit, and a second later, Ammy came to the rescue, tackling my attacker and sending him falling to the ground.

"Hm? What happened? Was that a dream? Was I sleepwalking again?" Kemu asked, a confused look on his face.

"Sheesh…old man snooze-a-lot tans hides in his sleep, too?"

"What, is that little Issun? So then I wasn't dreaming!"

"Why'd you have to hit me instead of the poncle, then?" I muttered angrily, lying and resting my head on my paws.

"I thought I heard Samickle talking to someone outside. I must say, Issun…you've grown…barely at all since I last saw you." I burst out laughing.

"Aw, put a cork in it, gramps!" The annoyance and embarrassment was practically rolling off him in waves. "Did you summon us just 'cause ya wanted someone to clobber?"

"Ah, yes…let us get down to business, eh? It is the white and silver wolves I wished to speak with. You've no doubt already heard this from Kai, but…her little sister, Lika, has gone missing."

"Yeah, we know about that. She disappeared about the time the demons started running amok."

"That's right." Kemu nodded. "And her disappearance threatens the very existence of our village!"

I yawned. "We've already heard all this."

"Kai said something like that, too. I can see why you'd be worried, but don't ya think you're exaggerating a bit?"

"No, we are not exaggerating! Besides, you have been gone so long, how could you possibly know? Lika has gained spiritual power far beyond my own." The old man explained. "Her power is now the key to saving the land of Kamui!"

"Huh? Are you saying Lika's power can defeat those demons?"

"Not exactly. There is another reason we need her power. It is for Ezofuji, the protector deity of Kamui."

"Ezofuji?"

"Issun, quit asking questions. This explanation is taking long enough as is." I chided irritably.

"As you know, Ezofuji is formed from two active volcanoes. Each year, I recite the Volcanic Incantation. That triggers an eruption that warms this frigid land of Kamui. But the demons' power has plunged Ezofuji into an icy slumber. Day by day, Kamui grows weaker and weaker, colder and colder. If we don't have Lika recite the Volcanic Incantation soon, the land of Kamui will become an icy tomb for us all!"

"Why don't you just recite the incantation yourself, old man?"

"Seriously, Issun. Just shut up."

"I would if I could! But I no longer have the strength to pray in this raging blizzard."

"Any idea where Lika could be?"

The poncle earned himself a wolf slobber bath.

"That's the problem! We've searched high and low for that girl with no luck. Still, there is one place we have yet to look."

"And where would that be?" Ammy inquired, since Issun was still trapped in my mouth. I gave my friend a death glare.

"Yoshpet, the mysterious forest of deception!"

I finally spit Issun out. "Sounds fun."

"I caught a faint whiff of Lika emanating from Yoshpet. After all, I do have the keenest nose of all the Oina tribe! I suspect she could be somewhere around here on your map. I'd like you to conduct a thorough search of that forest."

"You've gotta be kidding me. I wouldn't touch that place with a 10-foot-pole!"

"O white and silver wolves, you are our last hope!"

"Not me?" Issun whined.

"Not by a long shot, bug boy."

"…"

"Chief Samickle must remain here to protect the villagers and Oki has left the village on some fool's errand."

"Hey, don't talk trash about Oki! He's awesome!"

"You're the only ones left!"

"Hold on a minute, old man." Issun interrupted. "Do you even know who these two are?"

"Do not mock me, little sprite!" Kemu suddenly snarled. "That pure white coat…those crimson markings…that silver fur…those vibrant purple streaks…and those divine instruments…these are none other than the legendary wolves, Shiranui and Shamiterasu!" Those names are known in this distant land of Kamui. But I never dreamed the legendary wolves live!"

"Well, actually, these two here are-" Issun was cut off.

"Shiranui, Shamiterasu, please! You must help us! Lika must recite the Volcanic Incantation soon. Without her, the land of Kamui will become an icy tomb! I beg you. You must find Lika! I had warned the villagers to be wary of strangers, but I will make a special exception for you. And I will open the village's far gate that leads to Laochi Lake. You should get what you need from the village before you set out."

"Well," I stood up. "Let's go do everything we can around the village."

(Time Skip: After blooming clovers, digging up treasure chests, feeding animals, finding sun fragments, and way too much girl talk…)

"All right, you two, just shut up for one second." Issun interrupted our conversation about Oki once we had stepped off an origin mirror. "This is the altar where the sacred sword Kutone was enshrined. There's a great view of Laochi Lake and Ezofuji from here. That's why they come here to pray to the mountains each year. Too bad the sacred sword isn't here now."

"Hey, at least it's being put to good use…probably." I defended.

"Most likely." Ammy nodded.

"Maybe."

"Hopefully."

Issun quickly changed the topic. "The alter is also dedicated to the Ark of Yamato. It's said the ark has been frozen in Laochi Lake for countless seasons. Look, you can see it down there in the frozen lake."

"Pretty. Can we go now?"

"That's the Ark of Yamato." I was tempted to bash my head on the nearest rock. "Ezofuji and the Ark of Yamato…this is a very sacred place for the Oina tribe."

"Oh, hey! Look! A random treasure chest!" I said in mock excitement and opened said chest. It contained a scroll titled Another Civilization. "Issun, read it."

"Because you asked so kindly." The poncle replied sarcastically. "Modern Nippon offers mysteries that cannot be easily explained: Devices that even scholars in the capital are unable to decipher…stone artifacts that endow the wearer with special abilities…they are thought to be evidence of a civilization beyond our own. My great-grandfather spoke often of such matters. He had traveled to the windy plains of Taka Pass for brush training. While there, he noticed a strange light tracing an arc in the sky. The light eventually settled in the area of Sasa Sanctuary. Great-grandfather graveled there the following day. Where the light had landed, he saw a mysterious symbol floating in midair. It is not uncommon to hear such tales repeated here in Nippon. Whether one believes in this otherworldly civilization or not, it would seem that many among us certainly want to believe. I am not ashamed to say I count myself among their ranks."

All I could think about was the massive plothole Clover made. Either there was a random symbol in Sasa Sanctuary before the bamboo rocket incident, or Kaguya was an old lady. Yes, I am immature enough to look past the point and spot stuff like that.

Aside from that, all we really did was walk up the path to Ezofuji, walking into a random house near a gate. We also accidentally fell of the cliff (Don't ask how.) and stumbled upon a spring that, once we dumped in a crapton of yen, upgraded our powerslash. And we got enough praise to upgrade our solar energy again, but that's irrelevant.

"Um…hi. We were told by various people to come see you." I said awkwardly to the Oina woman in the house.

"I know who you are! Yes, those divine looks of yours are unmistakable. You're the legendary wolves Shiranui and Shamiterasu, aren't you?"

"Actually," I sat down and randomly wondered for a second why she had two small owls on either side of her mask. "My friend is Shiranui reincarnated, but I'm not Shamiterasu. She had golden fur with blue markings." I explained.

"Oh…I see." The Oina nodded.

"Wow…they've heard those names here, too."

"Late reaction there, bug boy."

Issun was quiet for a second. I assumed he was glaring at me. "Well, I suppose Shiranui's legend did travel across the sea to Kamui. Guess it really resonates with the Oina 'cause they're so spiritual."

Tuskle gasped in surprise. "Oh! Issun! It's been quite a while. So you're still alive!"

"Heh heh. I ain't ready to kick the bucket yet! I just left on a little trip. That's all!"

I gave him a sideways glance. "Yeah, because in his world, traveling all around Nippon with a goddess on an adventure classifies as a 'little trip'. I honestly don't think I want to know what a big trip would be."

"Well, I'm glad to see you're safe. As you can see, we haven't been so lucky here in Kamui. Since the monsters were revived, many people have lost their lives."

"Yeah, we've heard all about it." Issun said. "So what's with those demons coming back? And where the heck is Lika?"

Tuskle paused. "Hmm…the demons have shut themselves up in Ezofuji's Wawku Shrine. They're responsible for the fierce blizzard raging throughout Kamui. We're managing to keep some of it at bay thanks to Affun Gate, but when the day comes, Kamui is sure to freeze over completely. That's not what worries me most, though. What worries me is how the demons were revived in the first place. Kemu noticed it as well, but just before the demons made their return, a dark force traveled here from the Southern Land. We both felt an evil energy flowing into Kamui. That's when the demons woke up, as if in response to it."

"Southern Land…" Issun trailed. "Oh, she must mean Nippon! In other words, she's talking about the return of Orochi, you two!"

"There have been so many monsters here in Kamui that some even call it the birthplace of evil. I can't help thinking all this havoc in Nippon has its root in Laochi Lake, the eternally frozen lake at the foot of Ezofuji. I think the reason Kamui is called the birthplace of evil is because the Ark of Yamato that rests in the lake."

"The Ark of Yamato…anyone from Kamui knows that story!" Issun said. "It's said that the legendary iron ark fell from the heavens. My grandpa used to tell me that story. Long, long ago in the age of myths, an iron ark fell from the Celestial Plain above and sunk into Laochi Lake." Some ark that was. "The Celestial Plain is the land above where the gods dwell."

"Yes, Issun. We learned that back in Kusa village. Now continue the story with less redundant information, please." I told him in an exasperated tone.

"The gods are known as Celestials there. The ark that the Celestials were on came crashing down to this land. It was as if they were being chased by something. What they didn't know was that onboard with them were countless monsters. One by one, they were consumed, till all the Celestials were dead." That…was actually rather depressing. "Once the ark crashed, the monsters disembarked and started ravaging the lands. The world hasn't been safe since. It's said that monsters still rise from the lake's depths. That must be why they call it the lake of demons. That's all I know about it."

"Hm…I do have one thing to add to that." Tuskle told us. "And that's the story of the one surviving Celestial of the ark. The ark fell to this world from the Celestial Plain. It was full of monsters, which killed the Celestials on board. But the legend tells that there was one man who survived. He managed to escape from the hell that the ark had become. He then fled, going into hiding somewhere in our world." I heard Ammy murmur something under her breath, but I didn't catch what it was.

"Hmm…first time I've heard that." Issun commented.

"They say the reason monsters emerge from the ark in Laochi Lake is that the ruler of darkness is still searching for that man."

Ammy and I exchanged glances. Yami.

"Ruler of darkness? Does he have a name?" Issun asked. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to eat him right then and there.

"It's all just a legend. No one knows if it's true or not." Tuskle dismissed. "No one has ever set foot on it. But the ark brought tragedy to our world, that's for sure. If the powers of darkness are gathering in Kamui, I believe it's because the Ark of Yamato is beckoning them." She was quiet for a few moments before speaking again. "I apologize for chatting so much. Now, if you've come all this way, am I to assume you have Kemu's permission? I speak of permission to enter Yoshpet, the forest of confusion."

"Yep, that's right." Issun answered. "I really couldn't care less, but Ammy and Silver here are another story."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Next time we decide to go on a search mission for a missing person, we'll make sure to leave you behind." I growled.

Tuskle just ignored us. "The entrance to the forest is sealed with the Oina crest. It's our way of protecting the place from evil. There's no way that I can break the seal, but if the elder has ordered your entry, then I must comply. Shiranui, Terasugin, you may have the Oina amulet, Sewaprolo!" She handed us a trinket, which Issun stuffed into our inventory. "With that amulet, you can pass by the Oina crest unhindered and enter the forest of Yoshpet. If the elder has deemed it to be right, there can be no mistake. You are the ones who can find Lika! Find her before it's too late and Kamui freezes over!"

I was about to protest the new nickname, but I closed my mouth. It beat being thought of as Shami any day. (No offense to her whatsoever.) I gave a small nod, and we were off to Yoshpet!

…but not before we were interrupted by Kai, who was waiting for us at the entrance of Wep'keer.

"How did it go with Kemu?" She asked. "Did he want to talk to you about something?"

"Yeah, in addition to tanning our hides for no reason." I deadpanned.

"It was a little more than a leisurely talk." Issun added. "We were asked to go look for Lika in Yoshpet."

"Yoshpet…you mean the forest in the east? I don't think anyone's been there to look for her yet…"

"Well, that doesn't surprise me. I mean, that forest isn't exactly a prime tourist spot." Our poncle pointed out.

"Issun…" Kai trailed. "Are you really going to go back there?"

He suddenly started to rant. "Who says I'M goin' back? I was using the royal 'we'. I was talkin' about Furball and Fluffy here. Yoshpet is like another world. Get lost and you might never return. But don' worry. Ammy and Silver here will find Lika!"

Kai was silent for a moment, thinking. "If that's the case, I'll lead the way."

"What?" Issun and I both gasped.

"I know you must be worried, but we haven't got much time."

Issun's confusion was evident in his tone. "What do you mean?"

"The demons are waiting for the day of darkness." Kai explained. "It's a solar eclipse that occurs once every 100 years. Kamui will be in total darkness for a whole day when it happens. Without sunlight, and with the demons' blizzard going on, no living thing in Kamui will be able to survive the day. There are only a few days until the day of darkness. If Lika's not here to recite the volcanic incantation by then…" Her voice trailed off. We all knew the unspoken end to the sentence. "Amaterasu, Celia, you're no ordinary wolves, are you? Kemu wouldn't have asked you to do this otherwise. Amaterasu, maybe you're the reincarnation of the white wolf, Shiranui. You both must be very strong if you can cope with Issun." Despite the serious atmosphere, I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

"And your point is…?" The poncle was clearly unamused.

"Sorry…" Kai apologized, suddenly realizing her mistake. "Anyway, there's no time to lose! I'll lead you both into the forest, Amaterasu and Celia. Come when you're ready. I'm going ahead to the edge of the forest." She changed into wolf form and ran off.

I looked at Ammy. "Are we ready to go?

"Yep." She answered.

And with that, we finally went to Yoshpet without any more-

Oh, wait. We ran into the newest version of ogres, the bull charger. Here's a friendly tip: Use fireburst after it's dead. It gives you a crapton of demon fangs.

And then- Okay, I take it back. I forgot about Issun's small monologue.

"The eastern forest…the ancient people of Kamui dubbed it Yoshpet. It means 'consuming forest' in their ancient language. They say the forest will swallow you up if you lose your way. Kai said she'd be waiting for us here…I wonder where she is…"

And-

"Hm? Why, Amaterasu and Celia!"

-we ran into Waka.

"Bah, not that half-baked prophet again!" Issun complained. I agreed with him 100%.

"What are you looking for now, ma Cherie?" Waka inquired. "I'm still looking for you-know-what. But this cold sure is making it difficult."

"Like we really care, pretty boy! If you're gonna be doggin' our tracks like this, you'd better tell us who you really are!" He demanded.

Waka raised an eyebrow, a tiny smirk on his face. "Who I really am?"

"That's right! I mean, we already know you're up to no good!"

"Excusez-moi, but I don't know what you're talking about." He said innocently. "I'm just looking for a certain path. You could say I am a seeker of the eternal heavens."

"Aha!" Issun yelled out suddenly. "Now I know why you keep babbling on about a path to the heavens!" Oh, goodie. Conspiracy theory time. "You're planning a wolf murder! Then, you'll take Ammy's place in heaven!"

"...Wow."

Waka looked genuinely shocked. "Huh?"

Issun just chuckled, smugness practically overflowing in his words. "By that look I take it I've hit the nail on the head. That also explains why you keep showing up wherever we go. A path to the heavens? Bah! More like a highway to you-know-where!"

"You misunderstood me, my little bouncing friend." Waka had already gotten over how ridiculous Issun's theory was. "The path to the heavens I seek is not a vulgar thing such as that. My path to the heavens slumbers here in the land of Kamui."

"Are you done saying 'path to the heavens' yet?" I questioned boredly, really having nothing better to comment on.

"I seek a heavenly ark." Waka finished, ignoring me, as per usual.

"Heavenly ark?" Issun sounded confused.

The prophet nodded. "That's right. In Kamui, there is a ship of iron locked in ice. I can sense it now. It is almost within my grasp. You too know this, do you not, Amaterasu?"

"I swear, it's like you two always know all the important information and you like to leave us out of it or something." I complained under my breath.

"Hey! Leave Furball outta this!" Issun yelled.

"Well, I must bid you adieu. No need for prophecies this time. Au revoir!"

And then we finally went into Yoshpet.

…That was a total repeat of Taka Pass.


Am I the only one who remembers how many distractions stopped Celia from going to that place? .'