After sharing a long-lasting hug, we separate from each other. I looked up into Lucas's eyes and gave him a big smile; Lucas and I decided that it was time for the both of us to head back to the village.
Lucas takes my hand in his as we walk back to the village. We met up with Lucas's parents, who were currently waiting for us, not too far from the village entrance. The two of them had confused looks on their faces. I was nervous about explaining all that had happened at the lake; I could see that Lucas was also scared.
"It's confusing to explain, but Lucas and I confessed to each other by the lake that Okami told Lucas about." I didn't go on much longer, not wanting to give too much information. I looked down at the grass, tugging on the sleeves of my sweatshirt.
Lucas's mom comes up to me, enveloping me in a friendly, warm hug, also giving me a warm smile on her face. I could tell that she wasn't upset; she moreover looked thrilled for me to be together with Lucas.
Okami interrupts the session between the group of us and leads all of us to a den-looking structure.
"This is where the group of you guys will be staying, it's not too much like a house, but it still has all of the necessities that you need to survive."
I see Lucas's parents head in first as Lucas is close behind them; before I can walk in after them, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I see my father smiling at me before opening his mouth to speak.
"You can take all the time that you need to get settled, but before we get anything done, I'd like for you guys to see the entire village. Go ahead and give me a second to go and grab the animal who will show you around." After that, Okami leaves to get the animal he had mentioned.
A couple of minutes later, he comes back with another animal—a wolf with a grey fur coating. The Grey wolf stood just a couple of inches above Okami.
"This is Monster; he is one of our protectors around the village." the Grey wolf introduced as Monster waved towards me.
Monster had red eyes, different eyes than I have ever seen someone have, he had teeth growing out of his mouth similar to a crocodile; Monster also had piercings in his ear and a bandana with his name on it.
Although I believed that Monster did look pretty scary, I then realized that he wasn't. He looked down at me and gave me a heartwarming smile.
Okami leaves as I head into the den; Monster agreed that he would stay outside our den and wait for us to finish getting settled.
The den was a pretty big size, better than I had imagined it would look. There was a couple of rooms, enough for Lucas and I to share a space and his parents to share a space also. After getting everything settled, the group of us head outside of the den.
I introduced Monster to the rest of the group so they wouldn't be confused.
Before starting the tour around the village, Monster mentions that he has heard all about me. That confused me, though; I haven't met any other animal except for my father. So how did he know who I was?
"Your father left the village for quite some time but came back telling news that he found his daughter, Junsuina Chi, or you have taken the form of Maya Cheyne. The village didn't know how to react at first, but then everyone was relieved that we still had a chance to revive this broken world."
After Monster and I ended our conversation, the group of us started the tour around the village. While we were walking around, I noticed that people were getting down on their knees when they saw me.
I was pretty confused about what they were doing, what kind of importance did I have. I mean, Monster did mention that I could help save our broken world, but the thing is, I don't even know how to turn into my animal form, so how am I supposed to accomplish something like that.
Once Monster finished showing us around the village, we all headed back to our assigned den. Monster led everyone inside as he mentioned that Okami wanted to meet with me; I understood as I let him lead me to the place my father was waiting.
We arrive in a short amount of time; Okami and Monster make these chirping sounds as if speaking in another language; I guess that was their way of saying goodbye.
Okami turns towards me and starts to make his way to where I was. He pulls me into a big, comfortable hug. Okami only stood a couple of inches above me. After pulling away, he was the first to speak up.
"I know there must be so much confusion going around; I will confirm, though, that you are my daughter, the second strongest animal in the world. I'm so sorry that I had to keep you in such a disastrous world." I could hear the distraught in his voice; I mean, what parent wouldn't when their child is hurt and was bullied all their life.
"It's okay; I understand the purpose of doing so. It took some time to reveal who I was and the power that I wielded, but I am so happy that I get to be with you, Dad."
I emphasized the dad part at the end; it was lovely to meet with my biological father. After our little bonding moment to get all of the confusion out of the way, we begin our season together.
Today my father said that he would help me turn into my animal form, which is the key to my power.
"I want you to know that turning into your animal form won't be easy; it's a process where your bones will rearrange into the form of your animal. If you aren't careful, you could seriously injure yourself and your animal form. Don't worry if you cannot get it on the first try; it takes time and practice." I listened carefully to what he had to say about turning into my animal form.
I took in a deep breath, my eyes turning yellow in the process. I took a quick glance in father's direction to see him shocked. I don't think he's ever seen my eyes turn yellow or seen me like this in general.
I then took a moment to relax my body to ensure I wouldn't tense when Junsuina Chi started to take form to my body. I then got down onto my knees and closed my eyes; I wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any distractions around me. I don't know the proper way to turn into my animal, but it felt so right to do all of this.
I whisper to myself in a small voice, " Junsuina Chi, I am ready, take control of my body and take form. Lend me your strength and power." I started to get an unsettling feeling, but I just passed it off, thinking it was just part of the process.
Slowly my world starts to fade, a black void forming around me. Did I do it? Was I in my animal form? Didn't Okami mention that I should be able to see everything but not control my body? I feel weak, but why?
How am I supposed to know if it worked? I can't hear anything. Can somebody hear me? That was the last thing I thought as I lost the complete feeling of my body; my eyes started to close as my mouth slowly closed as well.