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The petite Beast nodded in understanding to Mr Bates' words but still considered it a possibility, something to talk to Rick about for sure.
When it seemed apparent Al wasn't going to hang around, Terri had to agree.
"Thank you for this, Akaru. Is there any way we can repay your good nature?" Terri asked with a friendly smile as she began to walk, making sure to observe the beautiful surroundings with each passing step.
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The white fox feeds off Al's excitement, hopping off the tree he was sitting on. "Let's go!" he says as he lands on the ground next to them. "Well, there's one thing you could do," says Akaru in response to Terri. "Shortly after the first sightings of Orochi, a statue was stolen from a local temple. I'm pretty sure that he took it...so if you could look for it while you are searching for your friend, that'd be great!"
Hana nods at the young Kistune's words. "Of course! It is the least we can do," she says and then turns to Terri and Mr. Bates. "Again, thanks for all your help." She then turns back to the Kitsune with a smile as she says, "and thank you as well."
Akaru smiles back at her, his three tails swaying back and forth. "No problem! Now follow me, it shouldn't take us long," he says with eagerness in his voice before he turns around and charges forward.
Mr. Bates nods at Hana, acknowledging her gratitude. "Let's try to keep up," he says to the group. "Of course it won't be much of an issue for you." The last words are directed at the Prince of Joy, which is obvious by the smile the Wizened offers him.
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Tally can't help but smile at the excitement that Al sparked within the three-tailed fox. The request of returning the statue didn't sound like that big of a deal to her as she follows after Akaru. The sight of the fox did remind her of the form she had sported while in her Keeper's realm. She glances at each of the other Changelings, the sight causes her eyes to soften a bit and their presence recalls the emotional impressions of running with a pack and its not such a bad feeling.
"Thank you for agreeing to aid us, Akaru." The Hunterheart says, echoing Hana's thanks. Once more she falls into a comfortable pace and moves to the left, doing her best to keep those at point within sight while being alert to her surroundings.
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"Sure!" Terri said, happy to aid the three-tailed fox. Beginning to walk, she followed behind Al, trying to match his pace.
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Al-Adin takes off, not letting the fox get more than a few feet ahead of him. "Come on!" He calls back to everyone.
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After about twenty minutes or so of running through fields of grass and cherry blossom trees, the group finally comes to a stop in front of a mountain as the last bit of sun hides away in the horizon. The crackling sound of thunder is head again, and a lightning bolt lights up the sky above them for just long enough that the group manages to see a pagoda atop of the mountain.
"Alright, this is as far as I go," says the young Kitsune to the group. "You all better be careful. It feels like its gonna rain soon, and things could get slippery."
Pagoda
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"Thanks! You are a good friend!" Al-Adin calls out to the fox. "Alright, in the cool building we go!" The monkey man takes charge, pointing his hand full speed ahead at the tower.
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"Thank you, Akaru," Terri says to the fox, giving him a small bow. Looking up at the pagoda, Terri seemed a little more sure of the trip, especially if it meant climbing the mountain, a challenge worthy of any steepscrambler.
Although, here, none of that meant a damn.
"Oh, one more thing before you go, Akaru. That statue? What did it look like?"
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Tally stares up at the pagoda. She listens as Akaru answers Terri's question concerning the statue they agreed to retrieve. She then glances about for Al.
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"You are welcome," says the white fox to the monkey and the squirrel in a friendly tone; his three tails swaying behind him. He is about to take his leave from the group when Terri asks him about the statue. "Yikes! I almost forgot!" he says as he turns back around to face her. "The statue is a depiction of a pretty young woman, with a sickle in one hand and a sack of rice by her feet. It is made of marble and its about three feet tall."
Hana smiles, nodding at the Kistune's description. "Of course, that makes perfect sense," she says in response. "Don't worry Akaru, we will recover the statue. And thanks again for your help!"
The white fox gives a little nod and then turns away as he charges forward, making his way back to the town nearby.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bates is studying the pagoda closely, a slight frown on his brow. He turns to the rest and warns them once again. "Stay close together. We don't know if Orochi is in there himself, or what else we may encounter." The Wizened looks over to Al-Adin. "I know you really want to save Yata, but this isn't the time to be a hero. Be smart Al, and don't charge in leaving the rest of us behind. Our strength lies in numbers."
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