Chapter 3

"Good morning Oki." Issun yawned

Oki had a terrible headache when he had awoke. He got up from his hammock and let out a big yawn and stretched his arms out.

"Good morning Issun."

"Hey, Oki, looks like nobody else has woke up yet."

Oki looked around, the camp was silent. The fire had not been started and the sun was just behind a mountain.

"I better make some breakfast for everyone before they wake up." Said Oki.

Issun started a fire while Oki cut up some fresh deer meat in small strips. He grabbed two pans and put the meat strips on both the pans and took the pans to the fire that Issun had started.

"It's funny… that these Dragonian warriors are men." Said Issun.

"Well, you have only been in the palace, it is traditional for women to guard the palace." Explained Oki.

"I didn't know that… huh, ya learn something knew each day." Replied Issun.

Oki proceeded with cooking the fresh deer meat. Issun sat by the fire.

"Issun, you don't suppose that maybe something happened to Ammy, do you?" Asked Oki.

"I don't know… but I hope we see Ammy again someday…" Replied Issun.

"Well… I had a weird dream last night, about Ammy." Confessed Oki.

"Yeah? What happened in you dream?" Asked Issun.

"Well, Ammy talked and she led me to a cave…" Replied Oki.

"Then what happened next?" Asked Issun.

"Well, I went into the cave and Ammy was a human girl but she still had her red markings, she was trapped in some vines." Answered Oki.

"But, wasn't Ammy talking to you?" Asked Issun.

"Yeah, and she was a wolf but she wasn't the real Ammy it was like a ghost." Oki Explained.

"Well, that must've been a pretty weird dream, Oki." Replied Issun.

"I thought you would say that." Said Oki.

Oki continued with cooking the meat. When he finished, he woke up the rest of the campers for breakfast. For the rest of the day, Oki and Issun worked, found food, and helped to make a bathroom.

It was late in the afternoon. Their was a cool breeze, but Oki felt as if his skin was burning. He was angry, but he had no idea why.

"Hey Oki, your skin looks a little red, do ya have a fever or something?" Issun asked.

Oki stared at him. His heart beeted faster and he felt even more angry. Something was defiantly wrong.

"No, it's just been a really long day, that's all." Oki answered.

"Okay… if you say so, Oki." Said Issun.

Issun gave Oki a funny look and then he left to look for food in animal holes.

Oki decided to go out of the camp, he needed to cool off his skin. Oki headed for the pond. His skin was burning even more. He began to quicken his speed. He was almost at his limit when he then stopped at the pond. He stared into it for a moment and then he jumped in it without thinking about it. He was underwater now. He stayed under for a few moments until he went back up to take a breath. The water on his skin was evaporating. His skin burned and made him feel much pain. He tried hard to keep from making any noises. He knew that the cause of what was happening was the power of the demon. His eyes where turning yellow. His human form was slipping into his dog form. He swam out of the water and onto the land.

"Oki! Oki where are you?" It was Issun's voice.

Oki, in his dog form, was gasping for air. Smoke was clouding his throat and leaking out to his mouth. The white of his eyes were becoming a dark grey. His fur was becoming darker as well.

"Oki… Oki are you there?" Issun's voice sounded closer.

Oki's fur became a smoky black. His claws became longer.

"Issun! Don't come near me! Stay away!" Oki let out a hoarse growl.

Oki's ears became longer and his fangs became sharper. He yelped in pain. He saw a small green light at the corner of his eye. He looked directly at it. It was Issun.

"Gah! I told you to stay away! I don't want to hurt you!" Oki barked with a dried out, hoarse voice.

"Oki, what are you turning into?" Issun asked hesitantly.

"I don't know! Get away from me now!" Growled Oki hoarsely.

Issun didn't move, he just stared at Oki. Oki growled loudly. Black smoke pouring through his teeth.

"Fine! If you don't go, I will!" Oki barked as smoke poured out of his mouth. Oki turned around and jumped on a rock, looked back, and ran swiftly into the dense forest. He had disappeared from Issun's sight.