Call of the Moon

Chapter 14 – What Lies Ahead

Okami groggily opened her eyes to sunlight peeking through the window, feeling numb around her midsection. She sat up and held her head. Glancing around, she noticed that she was back at her room in the Myouren Temple, and her stomach wound has been bandaged. Okami noticed that Kyouko was in her room too; asleep, sitting on a stool and leaning on her broom.

Kyouko blinked her eyes open and gasped. "Okami's awake! You're awake!" she shouted in delight, dropping her broom and giving Okami a great big bear hug. "I'm so happy to see you again! I thought you were dead, but Byakuren said that you were okay, but I was still worried, but you were a big dummy for letting Nue get to you and running away like that, and I'm just happy you're back home with us again!" the yamabiko blurted.

"Oof! Good morning, Kyouko," she spoke, smiling softly. "And… thanks. I'm awake now, and I feel fine." Okami petted the yamabiko on her head gently.

Kyouko's loud yell brought Byakuren and Nue to Okami's room.

"You're awake, Okami," Byakuren spoke, a musical tone to her voice. "Nue would like to say something to you."

Nue stared at Okami. "I'm sorry I blamed this whole mess on you, Okami. I didn't think you would actually fix it. I was just so angry and so frustrated, that I couldn't think straight, and as a result, I put my friend in danger."

"It's fine, Nue, but I should be apologizing. This was indeed all my fault. I wanted to learn about my sword, and I got my wish. I was the one who endangered everyone," Okami replied.

"And with that, can I please speak to Okami alone?" Byakuren asked. Nue nodded and left the room. Kyouko glanced up at Okami with large eyes, and reluctantly let go of Okami.

Byakuren brought the stool to Okami's bedside and sat down. "So, how are you feeling, Okami?" she asked.

Okami stared back at her blankly. "I feel… tired. I've lost my reason for staying here at the temple. I don't know what to do anymore," she replied quietly.

"Well, Okami, how would you like to live here at the temple not as a guest, but as a permanent resident?" Byakuren asked the wolf youkai, an honest smile on her face.

Okami stared at Byakuren, this time with wide eyes. "I… I... accept, Byakuren-sama! Thank you. Thank you so much." Okami bowed her head gratefully. How long ago was it since she actually had a family? It didn't matter anymore. She has one now. Okami looked out the window her room and several birds caught her bright yellow eyes. The birds flittered off into the distant forest.