Kokari ran towards the Tsuta Ruins as quickly as his feet could take him. There had been a rather large delay when the huge fish that he had pulled out of the water had suddenly regained its energy once inside the hut. It had taken him and his father some time to subdue the wily fish, but it would make a very, VERY good meal later on. Kokari didn't care much about food at the moment, though. He had to save his dog.
"Hey, you stupid wolf!" Kokari shouted through the trees. "Wherever you are, give me back that key! I need it to get Ume back!"
Kokari ran all the way to the ruins and stopped dead. The first thing that caught his eyes was the open doors. Then, coming out of the ruins, he saw the figure of a short man and a large wolf carrying something alive in its mouth.
"…UME?" Kokari shouted as Issun and Amaterasu walked out of the ruins. Amaterasu set Ume down on the ground.
"Ume, are you alright? I'm so sorry for leaving you in the ruins! Can you ever forgive me?" Kokari began to sob, running over to embrace his dear friend. Ume snarled at Kokari, warning him to stay back. "What's wrong, Ume? Are you mad?"
Issun shifted awkwardly, wondering how to explain to Kokari what had happened. "You see, kid… Your dog was deep within the ruins and he didn't seem to want to leave…"
"Huh? Why is that?" Kokari looked at Ume who was still refusing to let Kokari come closer to him. "You must be really, really mad at me…"
"You got it all wrong, kid. You only THINK you left your dog behind." Issun explained. "The truth is... he decided to stay at the ruins himself."
"He did?" Kokari looked flabbergasted. Kokari looked back at Ume who still looked relatively hostile. "But why?"
"Maybe he was showing you that anyone, even a dog, can have an adventure." Issun explained.
Kokari looked up at Issun, then at Ume, then at the ground. Issun could tell that he didn't understand.
In a rare moment of ageless wisdom, Issun began to speak again.
"Look at it this way; there's not much separating a boy from a man. They grow up before you know it and accomplish great things." Issun said. Amaterasu looked over at Issun, shocked. He wasn't one who seemed very good with philosophy or wisdom. A bit of the true Issun had shone through for a brief moment, though no one knew it.
"…I see." Kokari said after thinking about what Issun had said. He turned to his dog with a new determination in his voice. His resolve was clear. "I guess you knew everything, Ume. "Like how my dad wants me to be more responsible and active but I was too sacred. Your fearless adventure has changed me! You have convinced me to stop shirking on my responsibilities!"
Ume began to wag his tail happily. He let out a happy bark and jumped on Kokari, licking his face. Kokari laughed.
"I'm going to work harder at becoming the man my dad wants me to be!" Kokari said determinedly.
Issun couldn't help but let out a smile. The crybaby that used to drive him up the wall finally made the decision to grow up. He looked at Amaterasu, still smiling. She seemed to understand that they had done a good thing and she wagged her tail back at him.
"Thank you, both of you, for saving Ume." Kokari said, hugging Ume around the neck while the dog continued to lick his face.
"It's not a problem." Issun said. Ume's rescue was more along the way of their real adventure.
"Where are you headed to next, I could show you the best way out of the forest." Kokari offered.
As nice as Kokari's offer was, Issun hesitated for a moment. It was nothing against Kokari… it was more likely that he hadn't put much thought into what they would be doing next. Amaterasu cocked her head at the frowning Issun.
"Uh… hold on a second." Issun said, grabbing Amaterasu and turning her around. He huddled close to her head and spoke in a low voice. Amaterasu paid close attention.
"To be painfully obvious, I don't have a clue what to do next." Issun muttered embarrassedly. Amaterasu twisted around and grabbed the Astral Pouch in her mouth, pulling it up so Issun could get inside of it. He rummaged around in its infinite storage until he found their map. He pulled it out and took a good look.
"Let's see… The merchant told us that Agata Forest, Kusa Village, Sei-an City, and Kamiki Village were having some problems too… we pretty much fixed the entire Agata Forest already… sooo… the next place we visit should be Kusa Village. It's relatively close, just through Taka Pass outside of the forest here." Issun said, tracing his fingers over the scroll so Amaterasu, who couldn't read, could follow along somewhat.
Amaterasu let out a quiet "wuff" to show that she agreed with Issun's plans. Issun quickly rolled up the scroll and tried to place it in the Astral Pouch as discreetly as possible. After becoming Kokari's hero, Issun didn't want to mess it all up.
"Our next stop is Kusa Village!" Issun said importantly.
"Oh, good! That's not too far from here. Just follow Ume and I; we'll get you out." Kokari gave them a thumbs up and lead them onward. Behind him marched Ume, who looked very proud of his master and very happy to be back out in the world.
They passed through the trees until things started to look less menacing and they entered a small pass. Ahead of them, they could hear a rushing river. They came upon a fast moving mountain river with a simple bridge to pass over.
"We're almost out, just go over the bridge, follow the path, and you'll be in Taka Pass in no time." Kokari instructed.
"Thanks a lot, kid." Issun mussed Kokari's hair. "Promise us that you won't say no to an adventure just because you're scared. Take care of that accident-prone mutt of yours too."
"I will! Thank you for rescuing him, I'll never forget you Issun and snowy wolf!" Kokari waved them off.
Issun and Amaterasu proceeded along the bridge. As they continued over the swift moving water, the bridge creaked loudly. Issun paused as one of the boards beneath his feet shifted. His heart sank as he kept his eyes forward.
"Not again…" He said pitifully as the bridge rapidly began to crumble beneath him. Amaterasu yipped in surprise and grabbed Issun by the cloak, dragging him quickly over to the other side. Once safely on the river bank, they watched as the bridge fell into the river and washed away.
"Oh no…" Issun frowned. Amaterasu's tail shot between her legs and her ears flattened in guilt equal to Issun's.
"Hey, kid! We can stay and help to fix it…" Issun began to say.
"Not a chance! You have your own adventure to go on. Ume and I will take responsibility and build the new one ourselves! Right boy?" Kokari looked down at Ume, who barked happily up at him.
Issun's guilt melted into a proud sort of smile. "That's a good answer; you've grown up so much already."
Kokari smiled back at Issun and Amaterasu. He was incredibly grateful to have met them.
Amaterasu wagged her tail happily.
"Now that we have that all settled… Ammy…" Issun said sweetly. "PUT ME DOWN!"
Issun and Amaterasu continued down the road to Taka Pass, Issun very grumpy that his butt was wet with wolf spit, and Amaterasu swerving all over the road. She was determined to locate every smell along the way to Kusa Village and identify it as well. This one was a sweaty fat man, that one was some spilled tea, the one by the rock was a fox… it was all very interesting.
"You're lagging behind, furball." Issun said. "If you don't hurry, I'm going to leave you be-…"
Issun cut himself short as they made it out of the small path surrounded by cliffs into the actual Taka Pass. Instead of the normal beauty of Taka Pass with its trees and bamboo woods, there was only grey coated with the familiar black and red clouds of a huge cursed zone. Amaterasu looked around at all of the dead plant life. Inside the cursed zone was a road-side tea shop for travelers; the tea master stood outside the shop, frozen solid as a statue.
"This entire area… is cursed too…?" Issun said weakly as he looked around. His heart sank as he took in the full damage. Some of the trees and other plants had been eaten completely by the curse.
Amaterasu snarled at the evil that surrounded the area, it made her furious to see so much of the earth in so much pain. Issun put a hand on her shoulder. She looked over at him quickly. He offered her a simple smile.
"Let's get to work. You wouldn't be much of a god if you left Taka Pass like this!" Issun said with an encouraging voice before hopping onto Amaterasu's back.
Amaterasu took the path along a small cliff wall; it was the only path that they could go without walking straight into the cursed zone. Before long, they say a man-made tunnel in the side of the cliff and they entered it. It seemed more peaceful and safe in the cave than it did outside. Torches for light along the wall told the two of them that this path was traveled frequently enough.
Not more than a minute later, they walked into a large room with a healthy spring glowing off to the side. There was a ledge high above their heads and a wooden walkway supported by the wall and thick wooden posts that wound its way up along the cave wall to the ledge. Another man-made object that gave them some comfort. It was well maintained, too. They needn't worry about the structure collapsing this time.
Amaterasu took a step towards the walkway when a breeze ruffled her fur from above. Caves didn't usually produce breezes, especially ones that carried such familiar scents. Issun noticed this too. He looked up and all around.
"I smell fruit…" Issun informed her.
Just then, the sweet and distinct sound of a flute being played echoed off of the walls of the cave. It was a melody that Issun and Amaterasu had heard before.
"Hark, the call of the heavens, the earth, the sea! They summon me forth to defeat evil!" A voice called from the top ledge.
"Oh no…" Issun groaned in deep aggravation.
From the ledge jumped the familiar figure of Ushiwaka. He flipped forwards in midair before visibly slowing while still in the air and landing gracefully upon the top of a rock in the spring. "Ushiwaka, the gods' gift to man, is here! Bonjour!"
"Not you again! What in the world are you doing here?" Issun shouted angrily.
"It is good to see you too, small friend." Ushiwaka gave him a less than sincere but very polite smile.
"My name is Issun, not small friend! I'm not, nor will I ever be, your friend!" Issun shouted.
"But you are little." Ushiwaka said, twisting Issun's words jocularly.
"Shut up!" Issun shouted louder.
Ushiwaka ignored Issun and turned his attention to Amaterasu, as predicted.
"Long time no see, ma cherie. Did you enjoy the web adventure that I prophesized?" Ushiwaka said with a devious glint in his eyes.
"Why, you…! You were behind that attack, weren't you?" Issun instantly accused. Amaterasu also seemed to agree with Issun's accusation. She immediately took an offensive stance and growled at Ushiwaka. Taken aback and possibly hurt, but never to be perturbed, Ushiwaka took a step back.
"Moi? Of course not-I would never do such a thing to put Amaterasu in danger. I simply had a fleeting glance of your future." Ushiwaka explained, crossing his arms and tapping his flute on his shoulder. "I have explained before, I have the power to see what has yet to come, even if it were something that you'd rather not know."
"The half-baked prophet is at it again…" Issun muttered to Amaterasu.
Amaterasu stood up and looked back at Issun questioningly.
"If you're so great, how come you didn't foresee any of this crazy evil stuff going on?" Issun asked snidely.
Issun had a very valid point. Even Amaterasu looked back at Ushiwaka to give him her big eyed, questioning look.
"Heh heh. What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Issun mocked.
Ushiwaka remained silent for a very long and awkward amount of time. "….excuzes-moi? Did you say something, my small friend?"
"That's it!" Issun shouted, drawing his sword in anger.
"By the way, I saw your battle with the spider lady. You have improved… but you are still quite clumsy with your fighting skills." Ushiwaka changed the subject completely. He turned away from Amaterasu and Issun with a heavy sigh. "How could a washed up old wolf like you possibly expect to save the world? Ridiculous!"
"Whoa, whoa! Back up a second…" Issun said.
"You were spying on our battle but in never once crossed your mind that you could help out?" Issun shouted, jumping off of Amaterasu and brandishing his sword in Ushiwaka's face.
"Please, put your weapon away. I did not come to fight you." Ushiwaka placed a finger delicately on the tip of Issun's sword, lowering it gently.
"I see how it is. Still hurting from that nasty blow Ammy dealt you in our first fight, huh? You're too scared to fight us." Issun smirked pompously.
"Not hardly." Ushiwaka smiled. "I actually came to ask you a question."
"Why can't you ever get right to the point so we don't have to waste our lives with you?" Issun climbed back upon Amaterasu.
The sight of Issun resting upon the goddess's back was a bit too much for Ushiwaka to stomach. He had no right to ride her like she was a common beast of burden, she was a goddess and deserved much more respect than that. What really bothered Ushiwaka most was that Amaterasu didn't seem to mind this treatment at all. She accepted Issun… but was rejecting him. He was trained not to let jealousy cloud his judgement, but…
"It's not as much fun when I tell you everything." Ushiwaka said with his faux smile.
"Oh, how I hate you…" Issun muttered so just Amaterasu could hear.
"Have you ever heard of the Dream Beads?" Ushiwaka changed the subject, addressing Amaterasu instead of Issun.
Amaterasu cocked her head.
"Well, I suppose a better question to ask is; do you REMEMBER the Dream Beads?" Ushiwaka asked again.
"How is that any different? We don't know what the heck it is." Issun retorted angrily.
"The Dream Beads are curious artifacts that may give the wearer insight into the dreams of another. I believe that they are located somewhere in this area. They would prove most invaluable in your quest." Ushiwaka informed them.
"Why should we take advice from you? You attacked us in Agata Forest, why in the world would we trust you." Issun asked suspiciously.
"If you will be traveling with Amaterasu, it is only fair that you know what you will be up against. No one will think any less of you if you back out." Ushiwaka began to say.
"Are you saying that I can't handle myself?" Issun shouted. "Let me tell you something, buddy! I may not be incredibly tall but that doesn't mean that I'm going to back out of an adventure just because it's difficult! Ammy and I are a team and we're sticking this one out until the end."
Amaterasu barked in agreement, snorting to seal their partnership. This was not the answer that Ushiwaka wanted to hear. He didn't wish to see Amaterasu agreeing with the young man either. Once Issun understood the gravity of what he was facing, Ushiwaka knew that he would not be so confident. He simply had to wait.
"I cannot do anything to change your mind… but I can warn you. The things that you may find in Amaterasu's past are not happy. We prophets have something of a saying that I think will apply here nicely. 'Once it is seen, it cannot be unseen'. Take these words to heart and continue with caution, small friend." Ushiwaka waved them forward to the walkway.
Issun stared at Ushiwaka. It seemed almost as disturbing to watch him be serious as it was to watch him be his normal self. He watched Ushiwaka suspiciously as Amaterasu passed him and took a few steps onto the walkway.
"Oh, before you depart, I have another prophecy for you!" Ushiwaka spun around to look at them. Issun groaned, he thought that they'd get off free on this encounter. "I foresee a dog-GONE difficult quest!"
Issun and Amaterasu stared at Ushiwaka as he posed while prophesizing. Both of them were unsure what they were supposed to think.
"That is all for now. Au revoir, baby!" Ushiwaka bade them before jumping onto the top of the walkway and then out of the tunnel on the top. Amaterasu and Issun stayed for a moment longer to think.
"I've said it before and I will say it again. I hate that guy so much." Issun said with a sigh. "Anyway, those Dream Beads sound kinda trippy but still pretty cool. I bet I could use them on a few girls that I know."
Issun laughed lecherously as Amaterasu continued to climb up the stairs. The annoying buzzing had returned to her head. She flicked her ears and shook her head as she went up higher. Issun might have noticed if he wasn't so busy ranting about Ushiwaka. Amaterasu knew Ushiwaka from somewhere… but the only thing she could remember about him was an emotion; a bad one. Was this correct? Was Ushiwaka not to be trusted? Or was it her memories that shouldn't be trusted?