Yes, this took awhile. The good news is that I now have an outline for the next two spirits. The bad news is that this will probably do nothing to speed up updates.

The Wii version of Okami might, but that won't come out until April 15. ::Pouts::

Until then, I remain honored that you would choose to satisfy your Okami craving with my humble fic. Thank you.

On with the chapter!

Restoring Faith

Chapter 9

Waka silently stroked the bloodied side of his lupine friend as he waited for their pursuers to pass. The goddess whimpered in pain from the deep slash that ran from her right shoulder to her left hind leg. Issun, easily camouflaged in the green of Agata Forest, was perched outside the small cave as a lookout.

Waka's heart clenched as he listened to Amaterasu's labored breathing and he prayed that the villagers would tire of their search soon. The goddess' wound needed attention. She couldn't survive much longer without treatment. Goddess or not, trapped in her mortal wolf body, Amaterasu could be killed as easily as any other.

Keeping an eye on the cave entrance, Waka silently tore his pants into long bandages to quench the blood flow. Without any medical herbs, he could not heal the wounds, but preventing serious blood loss was within his capabilities.

As he leaned forward to put pressure on the wound, the prophet longed for his pack, containing the most useful healing herbs he had collected over the years. Much to his dismay, his pack and all their other items were still back at the campsite they were forced to flee from.

-Begin Flashback-

Waka's good mood dissipated as the trio got closer to Kamiki. He could see Amaterasu tense, preparing for an attack. Silently, the moon warrior took the lead, subtly steering them towards the remains of Konohana.

It took longer than Waka would have liked for Issun to catch on to their changing path.

"Oi, Ammy! Why're we going this way? The village is back that way."

Ammy whimpered, head drooped to convey her sorrow at the state of the world. Waka was silently for a moment, mentally bemoaning his task of informing the reclusive Poncle.

"Kamiki has become… hostile."

Issun glared up from the top of Amaterasu's head. Swallowing his pride, the artist politely requested more information.

"What are ya talkin' about, ya half-baked prophet?"

Well, politely for Issun, anyway.

Waka responded to the angry tone, snarling his reply in an attempt to relieve his frustration.

"Look, just because YOU'VE been holed up for a hundred years, doesn't mean that that the world has remained the same. People are distrustful, hateful, and downright disgusting. Humanity is rotting!"

"Why you useless Tao master…!"

Amaterasu's silent disproval broke up the impending argument. The arguing pair fell into an unwilling silence that lasted as they set up camp. Waka volunteered for the first watch and settled himself in a nearby tree while the wolf and Poncle fell asleep by the fire.

Upon reflection, Waka realized that it was probably his music that drew the villagers to them. Not long after midnight, an arrow landed near the fire, startling Amaterasu into wakefulness. Before the goddess could move, a villager slashed her flank.

-End Flashback-

Waka had gathered the wounded Amaterasu to his chest and made a dash for the safety of Shinshu Field. He had then been forced to flee for the tangle of Agata Forest when the villagers had continued their chase.

Hiding amidst Agata's foliage had not been Waka's first choice for shelter, but risking Amaterasu's life on the open expanses of Taka Pass was an even worse choice, so the trio had hidden in a small cave among one of the tree's roots.

Waka nearly fainted with relief when Issun returned with the news that the villagers had returned to Kamiki. Carefully gathering the wounded wolf in his arms, Waka made his way down to the river.

The prophet set Amaterasu down at the edge of the river, absent-mindedly smoothing her fur. Issun hopped up to wolf's ear, murmuring reassuring phrases. Waka removed his shirt to use as a water skin.

Waka hesitated as he bent down to the river. All his senses screamed danger, and though the surrounding area seemed empty, Waka drew his sword, silently entering the forest.

The prophet moved slowly through the tangled expanse, investigating every shadow and movement. He ventured a hundred or so meters before heading back to the river after finding nothing, senses still on an unreasonable high-alert.

Sounds from the riverside hated his pace. The prophet burst through the tree line, sword drawn, to be confronted by a pale blue, human-shaped figure bending over Amaterasu's prone form. Waka leapt forward, delivering a sharp slash at the figure, who promptly dodged it, and Waka landed in a ready stance behind it. The creature held up its hands, as a sign of peace.

"Moon Warrior, I have come to offer the aide of my people."

Waka scoffed under his breath. His sword did not waver.

"Now is not the time for talk. The humans are near." The figure beckoned with one hand. "Please, let us aid the Great Mother."

Issun sat uncharacteristically silent. His sword was also drawn, but the Poncle made no move to use it. Waka glared into the creature's eyes. With the experience gained from years of dealings with the unsavory of the human race, the Tao master carefully weighed the creature's expression and honesty, ever mindful of the increasing sound of pursuit that echoed from Agata's depths.

Finally satisfied, the prophet sheathed his sword and gathered the wolf goddess on his arms. Issun hopped silently to Waka's shoulder. Waka followed the creature to the source of the Agata River.

As the group disappeared into the darkness of the cave, Waka wondered to himself if they would ever see the forest again.

To Be Continued…

Yes, I am introducing a new race. This is mostly due to the lack of characters I am able to use from the game. There will be more new characters, but the focus will remain on Amaterasu, Waka, and Issun, so please bear with me.

Review!