Okami Vegeta Act 6: part 10

                                                           Reliving The Legend
The other side of the Spirit Gate looked familiar.
Oki: "Hm? This doesn't look so bad. What was all that talk about the Spirit Gate and misfortune?"
Issun: "Hey... This place looks familiar."
Goku and Vegeta looked around. It didn't take them long to see it. They were back in Kamiki Village!
Issun: "Yeah, that's it... It looks just like Kamiki Village."
Oki: "Kamiki? You mean that tiny village in Shinshu Field? That's where the whole legend of Orochi began. I've never crossed the sea and set foot on Nippon before. The divine guidance of Kutone must have led me here! The monsters of this land shall now taste its cold steel!"
And before anyone could stop him, Oki ran off!
Issun: "No, Oki! Wait! What about Lika!? He's gone... Oh, well. Anyway, this really is Kamiki Village, isn't it? But I'm getting a different vibe from here. Hm?"
Issun looked up and saw a full moon overhead.
Issun: "That's strange. Why's there a full moon again already?"
Goku: "And where are our friends? I'm not sensing any of them."
Vegeta: "Is it just me or isn't this the place where the sacred Konohana Tree is supposed to be?"
They all looked around. The great tree wasn't here. There was, however, a little sprout.
Issun: "Hey...What's this dinky little seedling doing here?"
Vegeta: "I've got a strange feeling all of a sudden."
Goku: "Same here. This feels like Kamiki, but at the same time, it doesn't."
Vegeta: "Let's look around. Maybe we'll find out what's going on."
They didn't have to go very far to find their first clue, and a major one at that. A little girl who looked like a much younger version of someone they already knew.
???: "Hm...? Wait a shecond... You're shome kinda god, aren't you? I'm a wood shprite. They call me Shakuya!"
Vegeta: "Huh?"
Issun: "What'd she say her name is? Shakuya? Sounds kinda familiar... Anyway, where the heck's Sakuya's tree?"
Shakuya: "Shakuya? That's me!"
Issun: "Yeah, yeah... We know already, kiddo. We grownups are busy right now. Why don't you go off and play?"
Vegeta, Goku and Issun left and started searching around for more clues as to what was going on. The village did indeed look exactly like Kamiki, but whenever they tried to talk to someone, Vegeta was treated with fear and hate! Then they walked up to a young lady who looked like Kushi.
Issun: "Heya, sweetie! How ya doin'? I hope you can cut that Susano some slack. He's so shy that-"
But the young lady screamed and ran into her house! It got even weirder. The sign next to her house said "Nami's Sake House".
Issun: "Nami? This is where Kushi lives, isn't it?"
Everything was strange. The more they talked to people, the more confusing things became. This was Kamiki Village. But none of the people they knew were here. What's more... Everyone kept calling Vegeta Shiranui or Orochi's familiar. None of this made any sense at the beginning. But slowly it seemed to be sinking in. Then they visited Susano's house. But the sign next to his house said the name Nagi. They followed the sound of snoring and found who looked to be Susano asleep on the ground outside. Vegeta thought that he was waking up Susano when he gave him a good whack. But what he had started was a chain of events that would become a legend.
???: "What the!? Huh...?"
The man stood up and stretched with a yawn.
???: "Ah... I slept like a log! I must've dozed off while training to defeat that no-good Shiranui!"
Vegeta: "Sure you did."
???: "Hm? Who are you? What do you want with me? I'm Nagi, the greatest warrior ever. Wait a minute..."
And the Susano looking man got right in Vegeta's face for a closer look.
???: "Y-Y-You're... Shiranui!"
Vegeta: "Would you get out of my face..."
Issun: "You still dreaming or something, pops!? I mean, greatest warrior ever!? Gimme a break!"
???: "You brought along a little pea-sized monster this time?"
Vegeta: "Wait, where's Kakarot?"
Goku was staying back for fear of Val getting mad at him. But as he watched the scene before him, something started to cross his mind. Nagi, Nami, Shiranui... Could it be that they?...
???: "Well, I have you now Shiranui, you monster!"
The confused man got into a fighting stance.
Issun: "Monster? C'mon, pops! Wake up! You must still be dreaming! And what's with this Shiranui business? You still obsessed with the past?"
???: "The past? Stop speaking nonsense. Look at the moon!"
The man pointed to the full moon high above.
???: "Tonight is the night when the moon waxes to its fullest! It marks the day when Orochi shall claim his human sacrifice."
Issun: "Orochi?"
At the mention of the name, an evil air loomed over the village.
Issun: "Wait a second... What the heck's going on!? This sinister air... That jerk Orochi must be stirring! How's that possible!?"
Nagi: "Hmph... Too late to feign innocence, Shiranui. We know you come each year to size up Orochi's human sacrifice. But this time things are going to be different. I, Nagi, shall put an end to your devilish work!"
And it all came together.
Issun: "Orochi... Nagi... No, it can't be...! Right, Geta!? I mean... The Spirit Gate couldn't have possibly sent us back to Kamiki Village 100 years in the past, could it!?"
Just then, Nagi attacked! Unlike Susano, Nagi was a fighter! He attacked by summoning multiple flying fire swords to attack Vegeta! The saiyan prince jumped clear of these swords and used the Mist technique to slow time down long enough to get closer to Nagi. Once he was close enough, the saiyan attacked but made sure not to seriously hurt Nagi. In seconds, Nagi was knocked out cold. Goku came running up to Vegeta to see if he was hurt.
Goku: "You ok, Vegeta?!"
Vegeta: "I'm fine, but we've got a bigger problem!"
They looked at the unconscious man.
Issun: "Uh-oh... You knocked him out cold. Wonder what's goin' on... I mean, he keeps calling himself Nagi. I thought he was Susano. Then again, he looks like the statue of Nagi in the village! Hmm... That vibe in the village and the villager's reactions... And now this big ol' full moon! Now I'm positive. We really did go back to Kamiki Village 100 years in the past!"
Goku: "But why does everyone think Shiranui was allied to Orochi?!"
Vegeta: "It was just coincidence that became a big misunderstanding!"
Issun: "I get it now. Everyone thought Shiranui came to the village before the festival to size up the next sacrifice. They thought Shiranui was Orochi's familiar or something. So that's why he called you Shiranui and wanted to fight you. ... ... Hey, wait a second..."
That's when it dawned on them.
Issun: "Where's the real Shiranui then? Uh-oh, I have a bad feeling about this. I just hope our coming here hasn't totally messed up history!"
Goku: "Oh boy! Good thing Future Trunks isn't here. He'd have a cow!"
Vegeta: "No kid-"
A lot of commotion at Nagi's house got their attentions.
Issun: "Hm? Look. The villager's are all gathered in front of his house."
The village elder, Mr. Grapefruit, his wife, Nami and the rest of the village were all gathered at the front of the house. They seemed agitated and for good reason.
Mr. Grapefruit: "Nagi! Please come out! We need your help! Shiranui once again roams our village. It seeks to size up Orochi's next victim! The moon is at its fullest tonight... And the dreaded Orochi..."
A second later and a loud roar echoed through the night sky! The 8 symbols of Orochi appeared and swirled around before they merged together and became the cursed arrow. As everyone ran out on the bridge, arrow lunched itself across the sky at a tremendous speed! It then sunk itself into the house of the chosen maiden. Nami.
Mr. Grapefruit: "The accursed arrow has marked the home of the chosen maiden. This will be the 100th maiden since this terrible rite began! Must our village suffer such tragedy yet again!? Poor Nami... To think we'd end up having to send you to that beast."
This was not a dream. Vegeta, Issun and Goku all watched as the legend played out before them. They didn't know what to do. If they did anything, they might disrupt history. Then, Nami turned towards Nagi's house.
Nami: "I believe in you, Nagi! You have trained long and hard to slay the dreaded Orochi. I shall not lose faith! I'm not afraid to face Orochi in the Moon Cave. I know you will put an end to Orochi and this dreaded rite!"
Vegeta, Goku and Issun looked at one another in despair. Because of them, Nami's words have fallen on deaf ears. Nami turned to her villagers.
Nami: "I'm going to go change into the white sacrificial robe. Please, everyone. Go hide in your homes. It is not safe out here!"
And Nami went to change. Now our hero and his friends were in trouble. Nagi was still unconscious, time was running out and there was still no sign of Amaterasu.
Issun: "Bah, that Orochi... I'm sick of him and his antics! ... ... Hm? Hey! Wait! Maybe it wasn't such a good idea knocking Nagi out like that. I mean, what about the legend?"
Vegeta: "And you just figured this out now, Issun?"
Issun: "The legend says Nagi disguised himself as the maiden to be sacrificed and then slew the dreaded Orochi. But how's he going to do that if he's out cold right here!? This is gonna change history itself! What're we gonna do? We'll have to look for Lika later! Right now we have to think of something fast!"
Goku looked at Nagi. At that moment, he had a crazy, but clever idea.
Goku: "Wait... So long as we follow the legend, everything should turn out ok, right?"
Issun: "What are you getting at, Goku?"
Goku: "I know this is gonna sound crazy but... As you said, the legend says Nagi disguised himself as the maiden. What if we dress Nagi up like a maiden?"
Issun: "You're right. That does sound crazy!"
Vegeta: "No! Kakarot, you might be onto something... If we dress Nagi up as a maiden and take him to the Moon Cave, we'll still be following the legend!"
Issun: "Now that you've said it like that, it does sound like a good plan. Good thinking, Goku! Now then, where to begin... Oh, I know! Nami said she was gonna go change into a white sacrificial robe. We gotta swipe that robe and put it on Nagi, then get him over to Orochi's place! That should more or less fulfill the legend. At least, I hope it will... Anyway, we better hurry before Nami takes off! Let's go swipe that white sacrificial robe!"
Our hero an his friends set off to look for Nami. They found her in the lake next to the waterfall, bathing and purifying herself.
Issun: "Hold on a sec! Look at that, Geta. That's Nami. She's bathing in the lake!"
They all hid behind a fair sized bolder next to the bridge. There on the bank was the white sacrificial robe and a small barrel of sake.
Issun: "Look! The white sacrificial robe's there for the taking! Hey, what's with the glowing barrel of sake? You think it could be that 8 Purification Sake!?"
Just then, Nami heard something and looked around nervously. Vegeta and Goku ducked down to avoid being seen.
Issun: "Keep it down, guys! Nami must be purifying herself before putting on the robe. Pretty noble of her, considering Orochi's gonna gobble her up. I bet it's her devotion that made the legendary 8 Purification Sake. If I could just get an up close view of her like this... I'd... I'd... Heh heh heh heh..."
Vegeta suddenly grabbed Issun and handed him over to Goku.
Vegeta: "Hold him while I snatch that robe and barrel."
Goku: "You sure you can creep up there without getting seen?"
Vegeta: "You know how light I am on my feet, Kakarot. Besides, unlike (casting a glance at Issun) certain others, I don't goggle at the sight of a pretty lady."
Goku: "Oh that says so much."
While Goku held onto Issun, Vegeta carefully crept closer to the robe and sake barrel. Very carefully and silently, he picked them up. With the items in hand, he carefully and quietly crept back to Goku and Issun. Once he was at the bridge, he was out of earshot and sight of Nami.
Goku: "Yes!"
Issun: "Way to go, Geta! The white sacrificial robe is ours. Now, let's go get that Nagi into this thing!"
They hurried back to Nagi who was still out cold.
Issun: "Ok, we got the robe. Now all we gotta do is get pops here into it!"
Goku: "Let me handle this."
Vegeta and Issun watched as Goku started putting the sacrificial robe on Nagi.
Vegeta: "You look like you've done this before, Kakarot."
Goku: "Vegeta... I could tell you story after story about what YOUR WIFE used to do to me when I was a kid, and I guarantee that it'd make you uncomfortable!"
Vegeta: "It's already making me uncomfortable!"
Goku just chuckled as he finished putting the robe on Nagi.
Goku: "There. Whadda think?"
Issun: "Heh heh... Doesn't he look pretty?"
Vegeta: "So long as he passes for Nami for the time being, it doesn't really matter."
Goku: "True."
Issun: "Anyway, let's get on with it. Let's take him to the Moon Cave before he wakes up. After all, he's all dressed up for his date with destiny!"
Vegeta picked the now disguised Nagi up and threw him onto his back. With Goku flying close behind, they headed for the Moon Cave! Shinshu Field was much different 100 years ago. Much of the land that Vegeta and the others knew has yet to be.
Issun: "So this is Shinshu Field 100 years ago..."
Vegeta: "Can we get moving?! I'm not really enjoying this!"
Issun: "Hey, you've given a piggyback ride to the Moon Cave before. But it was with that babe Kushi last time... The view, not mention the smell, was a whole lot better then. I'm not sure I'm liking this whole going-back-to-the-past business."
Goku: "You ok, Vegeta?"
Vegeta: "Urgh! Somewhere down the line, his descendants got lazy! 'cause this guy just STINKS of training! PHEW!"
Goku took a good whiff of the air near Nagi and he instantly covered his nose!
Goku: "Ah, man... That ain't right!"
Breaking into a run, Vegeta headed for the Moon Cave! Just as they entered the field, a new demon appeared. A Clay Soldier. Those who opt to be buried with their lords in mourning are called martyrs. This clay figure holds the spirit of a martyred soldier. A number of them and other members of the Clay Warrior family appeared to challenge the prince. But he had a handicap on his back.
Vegeta: "Kakarot, take care of them!"
Goku: "What?!"
Vegeta: "You heard me! take care of them! I'm a little handicapped right now."
Goku: "But Val said..."
Vegeta: "She said not to help me unless I asked and I'm asking!"
Goku smiled before turning to his opponents. Although it would have taken Vegeta very little time to deal with them, it took Goku even less to clear the path.
Vegeta: "If anymore show up while I've got this guy, get rid of them for me! We're on a tight schedule!"
Goku: "Got it!"
Goku followed close as Vegeta led the way to the Moon Cave. Storm clouds circled overhead of the Moon Cave, a sign that a battle was about to ensue. They headed down the long path and were just near the entrance when a new demon appeared again. A Dogu, the strongest of the clay figures. Goku took care of the Dogu quickly so that they could continue on. Walking up the stairs, Goku couldn't help but gaze at the Moon Cave entrance. He's never seen the Moon Cave for himself, only heard about it legends.
Goku: "So this is the Moon Cave."
Vegeta: "Won't change much in 100 years."
Then Vegeta and Issun noticed something else.
Issun: "Hm... There's no barrier this time. That Orochi must think no one would dare come in here. We should still be careful no matter how unprepared that snake is. I mean, if you think about it, your mother managed to slay Orochi 100 years ago, but she died too. An she was at her peak back then and you're not!"
Just then, Nagi woke up. Vegeta looked at him and shook him off. The man obviously was still a little dazed.
Nagi: "Huh? Where am I?"
And then he noticed his outfit.
Nagi: "What in the world!? Why am I wearing this!?"
Issun: "Hey, Pops! You finally came to! Now you can pretend to be the human sacrifice and slay Orochi. Then Nami will fall for you big time!"
Nagi: "What are you talking about!?"
Goku: "Wasn't that your plan? Disguise yourself as the maiden and slay Orochi?"
Nagi: "Oh, yes. Of course! I am Nagi, the greatest warrior who ever lived!"
Goku just rolled his eyes while shaking his head. Vegeta suddenly turned around as the earth started to shake! He knew what was coming!
Issun: "Brace yourself, Geta! Here it comes!"
Vegeta: "Get ready!"
A second later, a black shadowed head came forth and snatched Nagi up before withdrawing back into the cave! Vegeta ran in with Goku right behind him! But halfway into the cave entrance, they ducked as Nagi was thrown back out! The moment Nagi was out of the cave, a barrier came up and blocked their way out.
Issun: "Looks like Orochi can taste the difference between man and maiden! Well, this is it, Geta! Psych yourself up! We're about to face Orochi in peak condition!"
With Goku right behind him, Vegeta ran further into the cave to face Orochi in his prime. The Moon Cave was just as dark as Vegeta remembered. Halfway up the steps, they found Nami's 8 Purification Sake. They picked it up and continued up the stairs. There was no detour or anything. They went strait to the heart of the cave. There they found nothing but a bell and shrine. But Vegeta wasn't fooled.
Issun: "Hey, isn't that..."
Just ahead of them, was Oki!
Issun: "Oki!?"
Oki: "An evil power lured me to this cave. And now that you're also here, there can be no doubt. This must be Orochi's stronghold!"
Great doors behind them closed and a rumbling came up from the ground. Vegeta looked towards the shrine and bell, only to see...
Issun: "Hm!? Geta, there's someone passed out over there! Oh, no! It's Lika!"
But before Vegeta could go after her, the ground around the shrine started to break! Goku watched with horror and awe as Orochi burst forth from the ground with a roar! The only difference that Vegeta saw with Orochi this time was that the great 8 headed serpent was a gold color. Other then that, he looked the same.
Oki: "So this is the dreaded Orochi..."
Goku: "This is Orochi?!..."
Vegeta: "Stay with me, Kakarot! I beat him once, I can do it again!"
Issun: "Geta, this time's the real deal! You may have defeated Orochi already, but he wasn't in his peak. And remember, Amaterasu just barely managed to slay Orochi at her peak. And in the end, she died, too!"
Orochi: "Fools! How dare you stand in my way! I shall claim my 100th sacrifice and become god of the underworld! Then I shall bring eternal darkness upon all the land! But first, you shall pay for defiling my dark sanctuary."
Vegeta looked towards Goku to see the earth raised saiyan shaking in fear. Vegeta was a god but he wasn't. Orochi's presence was having a huge effect on him! It made Vegeta nervous to see the amount of fear that was in Goku's eyes.
Oki: "I am a stranger to these lands. Your words mean nothing to me. Now, Kutone shall feast on your blood. That should be more than enough to fulfill its need!"
Oki turned into a wolf. Things were getting out of hand! Vegeta had multiple things to worry about and deal with! Lika on Orochi's back, Orochi himself, Goku and now Oki!
Issun: "No, Oki! Wait! Lika's on Orochi's back!"
Oki: "I care not. For Orochi will be my ultimate offering to the sacred sword! Kutone will devour the beast down to the very marrow in its bones!"
And Oki leapt towards Orochi! Issun hurried to get the sake ready for Vegeta to use!
Issun: "This is bad! The sake's not even ready yet!"
As the golden sake filled the pools, Vegeta went to work! Never blinking, Goku only watched as the man who once came to kill him, his friends and family, and destroy the earth, began to fight the fearsome Orochi! Like before, the Fire Head inhaled and breathed out flames that followed Vegeta! The saiyan used Galestorm to blow the flames away! When the flames were gone, the Fire Head opened its mouth and roared! Quickly, Vegeta used Waterspout from the sake to the serpents mouth! The Fire Head swallowed the sake and became dizzy. Vegeta did the exact same strategy that he used on the Orochi in his timeline, keeping close to the legend as possible. After three heads fell, he climbed up and destroyed the bell! One by one our hero started defeating each head. On his last legs, Orochi roared with anger! Vegeta charged towards him, but Oki got in his way!
Issun: "Hey! Get out of the way!"
Oki: "Silence! Kutone! Awaken! The time has come to glow silver! Grant me the power of the heavens!"
Oki tried to impale Orochi, but Orochi's barrier was too much and he was thrown to the side!
Oki: "I don't understand... Why won't Kutone awaken!? Why, Kutone? Why?"
Orochi was about to finish off Oki when...
Nagi: "Hold it right there, vile serpent!"
All eyes turned to the platform above Orochi. It was Nagi!
Nagi: "Behold! Nagi, the greatest warrior who ever lived! And from this day forth, guardian deity of Kamiki Village! Hear me, vile serpent who would do violence upon the weak! Your time is up! Feel the wrath of my trusty sword!"
Nagi leaped down and crashed on the ground. Vegeta just tilted his head as he looked at Nagi with a blank stare. The greatest warrior ever?
Nagi: "Shiranui, I don't know why you are here, but... Orochi is mine! I shall slay the beast!"
Nagi got up and ran to Vegeta's side. Goku watched on as the highlight of the legendary battle took place.
Nagi: "The time has come! O great gods of the heavens, sweep away these dark clouds! Bear witness as the beast succumbs to my trusty sword Bokunenjin!"
Issun: "Wait... This sounds familiar... Oh yeah, the legend of Nagi! His sword gained power over evil when the moon shined upon it."
Vegeta knew what he had to do! Once again, he glanced up at the moonless sky and howled with all his might! Nagi held his sword high as the clouds overhead parted and Vegeta drew the moon in place! The moons heavenly glow shined down on Nagi's sword and caused it to glow gold!
Oki: "His sword... It's..."
Nagi: "Hm!? What devilry is this!? My sword... It suddenly blazed gold! It must be the heavens which aid me!"
Vegeta: *You're half right.*
Nagi: "I shall wield this divine gift with all my might! Nagi-Style Blade of Truth!"
Nagi leaped up and Vegeta knew exactly what to do!
Nagi: "GOOD!"
Vegeta sliced the first head off with ease!
Nagi: "WILL!"
The second head came off in a flash!
Nagi: "NEVER!"
The third head was sliced clean off!
Nagi: "GIVE!"
The forth head came off!
Nagi: "IN!"
Then the fifth!
Nagi: "TO!"
The sixth!
Nagi: "EVIL!"
The seventh head came off! Now only the Fire Head was left! It reared up its head and roared!
Nagi: "Now, for the ultimate in Nagi-Style martial arts! Celestial Cleaver!"
Nagi leaped up over Orochi's last head and sliced his sword right down the serpent's head and neck! The two halves split apart and fell to the ground! Lika was thrown from the slayed beast and landed on Vegeta's back. Shocked but amazed, Goku walked up next to the saiyan prince while observing the scene. With the defeat of True Orochi, Vegeta obtained the Divine Instrument Thunder Edge. And that was the moment that the legend of Nagi was fulfilled... It was the most beautiful sight one could imagine. Bathed in moonlight, Nagi's sword twinkled, reflecting golden light. With Orochi's body cleaved, the beast was sealed 100 years. The sword was dubbed Tsukuyomi and enshrined in the Moon Cave. Little Lika, the Oina girl who had been tainted by Orochi's dark power, had her curse lifted and returned to normal. However, one man, Oki, did not show such signs of recovery. Orochi's power had interfered with his most desperate attack. Despite the grave danger, Kutone did not exhibit the silver glow. Oki's heart burned at the thought of what Nagi's sword had wrought. Thoroughly humiliated and boiling with rage, he skulked away into the darkness, making sure that no one lay eyes upon him.