One last time, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read and review this story. :) I hope you found it entertaining, even if you aren't a strong supporter of the pairing. If you are, you should totally check out some of the videos I made on Youtube for them. ^^ My account is twilitprincess. I wanted to make a World So Cold promo for this but summer is nearly over so that might never happen. XwX Maybe some other time!

Okay, that's all I have to say! Enjoy the final chapter of World So Cold. :)

Chapter 10

An animalistic roar ripped from Oki's throat. His paws barely touched the snow as he flew towards Kage. Rage sent electricity sparking through his body and clouded the edges of his vision. One moment, he saw Kage reeling backwards, eyes wide with fear. The next second, Oki had him by the throat. He forced Kage to the ground, tearing furiously at his flesh.

Blood gushed forth from Kage's torn jugular. The black wolf let out a dying wail, but Oki mercilessly continued to rip at his skin. Fur and blood clumped in his mouth, choking him. But his mind didn't process anything. He just had to keep tearing…and tearing…until the snow around them was no longer white.

Teeth prickled Oki's scruff and dragged him back. Snarling, Oki tore away and whipped around, swinging a paw. His claws slashed Samickle across the face, but the tribe leader barely flinched. He knocked Oki to the ground, shouting, "Get ahold of yourself!"

Finally, Oki calmed down. The energy that had forcibly pulsated through his limbs faded away. He lay on his side, panting. He lifted his head and looked at the damage. His muzzle and chest were matted with blood. Kage's body was sprawled out next to him. The demon had ceased breathing. His red eyes were two cloudy orbs, sunken in his face. His mouth was parted and blood seeped out through his lips.

He couldn't believe Kage was dead. He expected more of a fight. Yet so easily, Oki had torn his life from him. Just as he had torn away Chibiterasu's…

With a muffled whine, Oki shakily climbed to his feet. Chibiterasu was curled on the ground. His eyes were squeezed shut. He could have been sleeping. But his head was twisted at an odd angle and a trace amount of blood stained the back of his neck.

"Chibiterasu." Oki croaked, stepping forward and burying his nose in the little pup's fur. "Wake up. Wake up, I beg of you."

Around him, the tribe was beginning to wake. They were free of their curse. Chibiterasu had done his job, but at what cost?

"Oki!" Kai exclaimed, back on her feet. "You're back!" Her eyes fell on the scene before her and stretched wide with sympathy. "What…what happened?"

"Amaterasu's kin lifted the curse and Oki defeated the demon." Samickle explained hastily, supporting Tuskle. He swung his head around towards Oki. He was crouched over Chibiterasu's limp body, head bowed under the weight of sorrow it supported. "Oki, calm yourself. The little god is fine, I'm sure."

Oki didn't respond.

Tuskle shakily parted with Samickle and moved towards Chibiterasu. But just as she craned her neck to sniff him, Oki snapped, "Don't touch him!"

"Oki!" Samickle reprimanded, striding forward to tower over him, "How dare you speak that way to her! Come away from the god at once, you aren't—"

"Chibiterasu is a demigod!" Oki cut him off with a glare, "And he may already be…he might have…!" He trailed off, unable to continue. His face twisted with pain and he looked down at his son's body. He nuzzled Chibiterasu, willing him to wake up.

Samickle was finally beginning to understand. Shock gripped him and for a moment, his ferocity drained away. He could only stare at Oki. "How do you know such a thing?"

Oki's pained look said it all. "Because he's my son." He whispered.

Silence fell, heavy as an axe.

Kai began backing away, looking as if she had been struck. "No." She whimpered.

Surprisingly, Samickle did not unleash his rage. His voice was calm and cruel, his eyes the color of ice. "How…dare you…" He growled, the skin around his nose wrinkling. "I was willing to forgive when you stole the sacred sword from its shrine. I even forgave you for unleashing the full force of the blizzard upon our village. But I have run out of forgiveness. How many more of our laws are you going to break? You know you mustn't mate with anyone outside the tribe!"

Oki knew Samickle's words should have hurt. But he felt nothing. He was numb. He met his alpha's gaze calmly and murmured, "This tribe is already dead. If you do not learn to accept others, then your offspring will not live to learn your traditions."

A frustrated snarl came from Samickle, but he had no words to say.

Oki ignored everyone around him, bending down and gently picking up Chibiterasu by the scruff. The little wolf was so unbearably limp. His head lolled lifelessly to one side. Oki could feel tears gathering in his eyes, but he swiftly blinked them away.

He slowly padded away from the others, his head bowed. He could feel their gazes searing his coat, yet no one spoke a word. They thought he was a freak. But he was beyond caring. The only thing that mattered was the little body hanging between his legs.

Oki left the Oinas behind, barely aware of anything. He didn't feel the cold snow stuck in his pads. He didn't feel the sting of his wounds. He only felt raw grief, weighing heavy in his chest. He felt like he was drowning in it. Somehow, his paws led him back to his abandoned hut.

As soon as he stepped inside, nostalgia gripped him to the bone. It had been a long time since he had been here. Months. He was a different man back then. Hurtful memories threatened to consume him. But it didn't matter anymore. The present was just as dreadful as the past. And the future didn't look much better.

Slowly, tenderly, Oki set Chibiterasu's body on the ground.

"Chibiterasu." He whispered. Part of him wanted to believe there was some godly power that would bring Chibiterasu back to him. He was not truly dead. He was just recovering and he would return to him in due time.

Oki's paws were heavy with fatigue. His eyelids began to droop. With a weary sigh, he curled his body around Chibiterasu's, attempting to warm it. He thought he saw the little puppy's paw shift. His heart rose. A moment later, he realized he had caused the movement. A whine escaped his throat.

Oki settled his head on the soft pelts beneath him and closed his eyes.

Amaterasu was leaving.

The Day of Darkness was nearly upon them. Destiny called the white wolf to board the Ark of Yamato. It would take her away…perhaps forever. When she came to say goodbye, Oki acted aloof. Deep down, he knew it was foolish. But part of him wanted to believe he could make her stay.

Of course, he couldn't. He watched from the mist that had gathered as Amaterasu slowly padded up the rainbow path towards the Ark. The other Oinas were gathered around, in awe at the sight of a goddess ascending towards the heavens. But she hit a snag when Issun could not accompany her.

Oki could feel his paws tingling beneath him. He wanted to accompany Amaterasu, to fight beside her one last time. But he would not dare interrupt this farewell. He knew Issun was her best friend.

Amaterasu stepped onto the Ark, leaving her Poncle companion behind. A door shut behind her. At the last moment, her resolve seemed to vanish. She let out a wordless yelp and tried to leap back to safety, but the door shut firmly before she could. That final yelp echoed in Oki's ears. He could feel his heart tearing inside his chest. A whine somehow escaped his snout.

The white wolf had gone. And she had taken a part of him with her.

Oki turned back into a human and left the scene. There was nothing left to do but scale a lonesome hill and watch the sun. The Day of Darkness began, blotting out the last of its light. The earth turned a little colder under Oki's feet. But he was patient. This could only mean Amaterasu was fighting her final battle. The world hung in the balance. There was no doubt in his mind that the powerful goddess would save it.

But the sun remained black for a long while. Despite himself, Oki began to grow nervous. A sudden voice nearly made him jump.

"Oki!"

The young warrior whipped around to see Issun hopping towards him, leaving miniscule footprints in the snow. He was staggering under the weight of a scroll. Upon approaching Oki, he threw it to the ground where it rolled open.

Oki's breath caught in his throat. "Amaterasu."

Sure enough, there she was in all her glory. Issun had done the beautiful she-wolf justice with his articulate brushstrokes and stunning colors. But somehow, she was even more stunning with a flowing white mane and all sorts of colors weaved into her markings.

The little Poncle looked at his art proudly. "I've been going around telling everyone it's the great goddess Amaterasu, descending from the heavens. See, when anyone ever looked at her, all they saw was a white wolf. They never knew about her powers and she never got any thanks for saving their hides!" He paused in his speech, giving Oki a knowing smile. "But you…you could see what she was from the very beginning."

That was true. Right away, Oki noticed Amaterasu's divine instrument and godly markings. He wasn't aware of everyone else's ignorance. If they could not see Amaterasu for what she was, then it meant their faith in her was wavering.

"Anyways, that's why we need your help now!" Issun continued on strongly, "Furball is in the fight for her life. I'm trying to get everyone to believe in her…if we all pray hard enough, we can help her!"

Oki couldn't help but smile behind his mask. His warmth shone in his voice when he spoke, "Something in your brushwork touches the heart, Issun. You never abandoned your life as an artist after all."

Issun gave an audible huff, but Oki thought he could sense a grin on that tiny face. Without another word, the Poncle hopped off to continue spreading the word.

Oki brought his hands together, interlacing his fingers in prayer. "When one tries to master something, it ends in either success or failure. But it is in the attempt itself where you find the true value. Believe in your own power and walk your own path." He murmured a familiar saying to ease the growing tension.

With all his heart, he prayed for Amaterasu's safety. He prayed for the sun to shine its gentle light on the land once more. He could almost feel this prayer flow through him and rise towards the heavens, where Amaterasu was. The thought of her fighting for her life sent something aflame within him. She could not die. She would not die.

A familiar howl reached his hears. "Amaterasu?" His head whipped around, but he was alone on the ridge.

Suddenly, the clouds parted and the moon drifted away. The sun came burning through, bright and beautiful as ever. She had done it.

"Well done." Oki whispered. He was overjoyed on the inside. For a long while, he stood calmly on the hill, watching the sky clear up. It was then that the strange ache returned. Amaterasu had driven out the evil, but she was not coming back. The peace they had worked so hard for was here. The land was no longer in peril.

Oki started home. But part of him asked…what now? A number of thoughts entered his mind. The many losses their tribe had sustained. The damage done to their homes. That white wolf, leaving on the Ark, never to come back…grief caused Oki's stomach to seize, but he shoved it aside.

Now was the time to forget.

Oki knew he was dreaming. Otherwise, Amaterasu would not have been here.

At first, his unconscious mind led him to recall sorrowful memories. One moment, he was nestled in his mother's warm belly fur, the next; he was curled around Amaterasu, protecting her from the elements. But these images were dark and blurry. They easily slipped from his grasp and were replaced with something much sharper.

It was Amaterasu. She stood before him in all her glory, much like in his dream when he had entered the Spirit Gate. He realized then it was another vision. The Oina warrior bowed his head, fearing what he would see. He had let Amaterasu's son die. He couldn't imagine what she must be feeling.

To his surprise, she stepped forward and nudged his chin up, forcing him to look into her eyes. They shone with a gentle light. There was no hatred or sorrow concealed there.

"Please don't grieve, Oki," She spoke. Her voice was lined with a trace amount of sadness. "Chibiterasu is fine. He's half-god, after all."

Oki's heart leaped. "He's all right?" He asked sharply.

She nodded, her expression becoming downcast. "In a sense. He's going to stay here, with me."

"…Can I see him?" Oki dared to ask. He looked at their surroundings for the first time. They appeared to be standing on clouds. But the white shapes shifted among shadows. It was strangely unnerving, as if the clouds pulsed with their own life force.

Amaterasu shook her head.

Oki felt rage flare up from within. But it was not the animalistic rage of the curse. It was white-hot anger mixed with devastating grief. "Why must I lose everything?" He demanded, digging his claws into the ground. He could feel the fur rising on his back, though his rage was not directed at Amaterasu. He didn't know who it was directed it. Perhaps he was just angry at the world.

"I'm sorry, Oki." Amaterasu whispered.

Oki began to pace, a stream of growls splitting the calm air. "I've committed my share of sins in the past. But I only ever wanted to save my tribe. I always fought against evil and for what?" He rounded on his forbidden mate. He could feel tears pricking his eyes, something he had not experienced for a long while. "To lose both you and my son? Must I continue to suffer?"

"Sometimes fate carries us to dark places," Amaterasu said, stepping towards Oki to comfort him with her touch, "But we must never lose—"

"There is nothing left for me!" Oki snarled, wrenching himself away from Amaterasu, "The tribe won't ever take me back. My life is worthless."

The blue wolf turned and began to race off.

"Wait!" Amaterasu cried out, remaining where she was. Oki stopped and looked back. Her eyes were wide and upset. "Where are you going?"

"I'll be with you soon." Oki promised. Then he wheeled back around and continued sprinting into the shifting shadows.

"Oki, no!" Amaterasu yowled, having realized what he was doing, "Please, no! It doesn't work like that—you can't be with me! OKI!"

But her voice faded out and Oki gasped back into the real world. It took him a moment to catch his breath, as if he had been running in reality. As he gathered himself, he remembered Chibiterasu. His body remained where it was, pressed up against his own. It had turned cold while he slept. Fresh sorrow overcame Oki. His son really was dead. Perhaps he was alive in heaven, with Amaterasu, but it made little difference. Oki could never see him again.

Unless…

Oki sprang to his feet. He left Chibiterasu's body curled by the fire, as if he were still asleep, and headed out into the cold. A blizzard was beginning to stir. The cold air bit right through his fur, but pain was nothing to him now. He skidded over the snow, going as fast as he could towards the village. Wind howled and battered at his ears, numbing them. But he pushed on, nonetheless.

Everyone was locked in his or her homes. Good. No one from the tribe would look upon him with their judgmental eyes. He couldn't bear the shame. But he wouldn't have to wait long.

He passed by Kemu's hut and through the gate that took him to the lake. There, he found what he was looking for: Kutone's shrine. The magnificent sword rested on its pedestal, not far from where Amaterasu had left the mortal world. Oki approached Kutone fondly, as if he were meeting with an old friend. The Oina tribe forbade removing Kutone from the shrine. But that he never stopped him before. Oki took a deep breath and shifted to his human form. Then, gently, he eased the sword from the pedestal and pointed it at his chest.

It was only fitting for Kutone to take his life. It had slain so many demons in its time, but much like him, its role had ended when Lechku and Nechku had been defeated. Oki closed his eyes. You have one last duty to fulfill… He told the sword, reunite your master with his family.

The wind picked up to a wailing shriek. Snow and ice attacked the shrine, as if trying to hinder Oki. It was enough to knock him off balance and make his eyes fly open in alarm. It was then he spotted a strange shape taking form among the fog. Snow swirled together to form what looked like a white wolf. Oki staggered and fell to his knees, due to a combination of grief and weakness. Amaterasu? He dared to hope. Would she really return to the human world for him?

"Oki?" A shy voice graced his ears.

Kai came bounding out of the fog, her brown pelt coated with flurries. She shook them off under the shrine and transformed into a human. Oki was so shocked by her appearance that he just sat there, sword in hand. It was still pointed at his chest, ready to tear through his heart.

But Kai's voice was calm and stern as she addressed him. "Please put down the sword, Oki. Amaterasu wouldn't want this."

Oki's grip tightened on the hilt, stubbornly. "I must go to her."

"You can't!" Kai said, her voice rising, "You're not a god! Killing yourself wouldn't bring you to her side."

"Maybe not," Oki admitted, his voice cracking slightly, "But it would bring me release."

In one quick movement, Kai shot forward and closed her hand on his, restraining him. Her mask fell and clattered to the floor. Oki stared at her hand on his, mutely. She had always been faster than him. He looked into her eyes and saw that they were shining with tears. They broke free and streamed down her red-flushed cheeks.

"There's so much more you can do with your life." She murmured, "I know it feels like there's no hope, but there is. I'm sure Amaterasu loves you very much. She wants you to keep going so she can watch over you."

Oki could feel his heart twist painfully in his chest. "How can you speak so kindly to me?" He asked despairingly, "After all that I said to you?"

Kai smiled and wiped her eyes. "You've been my best friend since we were young. And nothing can come between our friendship."

Oki finally let Kutone fall. The next thing he knew, he was embracing Kai in his strong arms. He could feel his chest surging with love for her, his very best friend. But it wasn't the sort of love her felt for Amaterasu. He would never feel that way about Kai. But she was still special to him. No one else would have shown him the same compassion and forgiveness.

Kai was the first to let go. She backed away and he could see her expression was full of regret. "It's okay," She murmured, "I'm going to be okay. But as long as you promise me you won't hurt yourself, all right?"

"I swear on the lives of my parents." Oki said, removing his mask and placing it over his heart. He knew now he couldn't leave this world if Kai was still here. But after a moment of realization, he noted, "But no matter how you feel, the tribe will never take me back. I can never regain their forgiveness."

Kai's uncertainty was clear. "I'm going to try speaking with them," She said slowly, "They don't like change. But if we want our species to survive, then we must open our minds…and our hearts."

Oki nodded. "If anyone can open their hearts, it would be you. I'm sorry I will not be here to witness it myself."

"What?" He could see Kai's eyes light up with panic.

But Kutone remained at their feet. Oki knew now what he had to do. Killing himself would have been selfish and cowardly. As one of the strongest warriors in the land, he needed to use his strengths to help others, as long as he lived.

"I've decided to leave Kamui once more," He told Kai, "There might be more demons like Kage out there, roaming the land in disguise. I will hunt every one of them down and smite them so that they will never harm another living being again!" In one swift motion, he picked up Kutone and slashed the air with it.

Kai looked as if she wanted to argue for a moment. But she clearly thought better of it and smiled. "I can think of no better duty for a hero such as yourself."

"If it's reasonable, I'd like to take Kutone with me." Oki said, observing the fine blade, "We've been through too much together. And this sword does not deserve to sit in a pedestal for the remainder of its days."

"I couldn't agree more!" Kai declared cheerfully. But then she lowered her voice and added, "Just take it and leave before Samickle or Kemu find out."

Oki reached forward and placed a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Thank you for everything." He said, giving her a genuine smile.

She blinked back the tears that were forming and returned the smile. "Good luck." She whispered. "May the spirits of the air, earth, and sea go with you."

"And with you."

Oki turned and stepped off the shrine. As soon as he hit the snow, he was in wolf form, racing along on all fours with Kutone on his back. The blizzard had calmed in the time he spent with Kai. The gray clouds had parted to reveal the sun. It shone on his back, warming him to the tip of his tail. He felt jubilation rise up from within. Chibiterasu was with his mother. Both were looking after him. They would be with him always, when he traveled to foreign lands and encountered all sorts of new people.

Wep'keer passed by in a blur. Oki visualized running through the green grass of Shinshu Fields. He imagined lazing under cherry trees and using Kutone to smite monsters once more. An excited grin parted his jaws and his tongue lolled freely out of his mouth. Fresh air inflated his lungs. He couldn't believe that just a few minutes ago, he was readily willing to give up his life. Now he knew this gift had to be treasured. He had to live it to the fullest.

Oki's paws carried him to the tunnel that led to Nippon. He slowed down and stood before it. It felt like standing on the precipice of a tall cliff. But he was ready to take that leap and start a new adventure.

Just as he took a step, someone called out to him.

Oki turned around to see little Lutra come galloping up to him in wolf form. His tiny chest was heaving, but his eyes were bright and playful. Oki was reminded of Chibiterasu instantly. He missed the little pup desperately, but he knew he was safe, with his mother.

Lutra finally caught his breath and straightened up. "It's later." He announced.

Oki stared at him blankly. "Excuse me?"

Lutra cocked his head, attempting to look endearing. "You said you'd make snowballs with me later, remember? Well, it's later!" His tail gave a hopeful wag and he waited patiently for Oki's answer.

Oki let out a long sigh, prepared to shoot down the little wolf's request once more. But then he took a moment and realized…there was no later. He was leaving after this. By the time he returned, this pup would most likely be all grown up and having to face the turmoil of the real world.

Lutra's ears went flat with disappointment at Oki's hesitation. "It's okay. We don't have to do it." He said, turning to leave.

Oki reached out with a paw and stopped him. Lutra glanced at him curiously. He smiled at the young wolf. "You're right. Later is now. Let's make that snowball."

Lutra gave an overjoyed yip, instantly burying his nose in a snowdrift to press it into a ball. Oki stayed by his side, helping him roll it along, making the snowball bigger and bigger. Pretty soon, it towered over them. But with Oki's impressive strength, they continued to push it along until it was the largest snowball Kamui had ever seen.

Finally, they could make it no bigger. "Wow! Wow!" Lutra kept barking, running in circles around the behemoth. "This is the biggest snowball I've ever seen! It's even bigger than the one that white wolf made!"

Oki chuckled. You hear that, Amaterasu?

Lutra stopped gushing and turned to Oki, eyes shining appreciatively. "Thanks, Oki. You made my day!" He yipped, tail wagging a mile a minute. "Can we do this again sometime?"

Oki paused. "I might be busy for a while," He said kindly, "But I'm sure Lika would be happy to play with you. There's a nice pup named Ume living on the river, as well. Gather a few friends and you can make the biggest snowball in the land."

"Bigger than this one?" Lutra gasped, staring at the one they had forged.

Oki nodded, eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Wow…" Lutra breathed.

"I must go now." Oki said, rising to his feet and padding towards the mountain. "Farewell, Lutra."

"Bye Oki!" Lutra called cheerfully, bouncing on his paws.

As he entered the tunnel, Oki spared one last glance at his homeland. He could see the twin mountains rising in the distance, the village nestled between them. Nearby stood his abandoned hut, a fire still burning in its hearth, warming Chibiterasu where he slept. Lutra was attempting to climb the snowball while a boy and his dog lazed by the nearby river.

Oki fixed this image in his memory. Then he turned and entered the dark tunnel, away from the sun's light. But he knew he was not going alone. No matter what, the sun would always be there for him. Even on the stormiest day or the darkest night.

Amaterasu would be with him for every step of the journey.

~END~