Okami Vegeta Act 6: part 9

                                            The Spirit Gate
Vegeta: "You can open your eyes now, Kakarot."
Goku slowly opened his eyes upon hearing Vegeta's voice. He saw a strange new world. Pollen floated all around, water laid at the bottom of the stump. Mushrooms and vines all connected by little bridges of cobwebs. Then Goku looked over himself. There wasn't a mark on him, or Vegeta.
Goku: "Whoa... What...?"
Vegeta: "Didn't I ask you to trust me?"
Goku looked down at Vegeta and smiled. He had put his trust in Vegeta and nothing bad happened. Now they were in Ponc'tan. Maybe someone here knew what happened to Lika. Vegeta started their search by crossing the first bridge to the giant mushroom in the center of the tree trunk. The first house they visited was that of the Poncle girl Miya.
Miya: "Huh? You're a bit small for men, aren't you?"
Goku: "Huh... Most people say we're a little big for men on account of our muscles."
Vegeta: "Tell me about it. You have no idea at how many people stare at me."
Miya: "It looks like you're wearing some kind of strange make-up. You're the first visitors in this village who aren't Poncles. My name's Miya. Pleased to meet you!"
Goku: "I'm Goku, but my friend here calls me Kakarot."
Vegeta: "And I'm Vegeta."
Miya: "You know, there was a lost child in the forest the other day. She wandered even deeper into the forest and disappeared through the Spirit Gate, looking almost possessed."
Goku: "So Lika did come through here."
Vegeta: "What's the Spirit Gate?"
Miya: "The Spirit Gate is a relic that lies deeper inside the forest. It's a strange gate that takes you to another place and another time. But people say that opening the gate invites misfortune. We Poncles always make sure we steer well clear of it. But when I saw the girl wondering deeper into the forest, I decided to follow because I was worried about her. I saw the gate open the moment she stood before it. And then it was like she'd been swallowed up! Do you think I should tell the elder about this?"
Vegeta: "Don't bother. We will. I wanna know more about that gate before I go anywhere near it."
Goku: "Same here."
They left to find the elder. Behind Miya's house there was a centipede bridge and they decided to head up. At the top, they found the home of another Poncle girl Mura.
Mura: "Hey! That's amazing! Two humans the same size as us! Hm, it's all a bit suspicious if you ask me. How did you manage to find your way so deep into Yoshpet? Even the Oina tribe can't hold out in this forest for long. Any other creatures die out there in an instant! Long ago, there was an Oina girl who got lost out there, though. She was on the brink of death, poor thing. One of our tribe, Issun, found her out there."
At the very mention Issun's name, both saiyans listened in more closely.
Mura: "He helped her find her way back to the edge of the forest. Hm... It's funny remembering her after all this time. I suppose she must be all grown up by now."
Once Mura was done, they left to continue their search for the elder. At least now they knew how Kai knew how to get here. Vegeta and Goku went to the next house which had two guards standing by. This must be the house they were looking for.
Guard 1: "Hold it right there!"
Guard 2: "Are you some kind of humans?"
Guard 1: "You can't be ordinary humans if you got into Ponc'tan like this."
Guard 2: "We demand that you introduce yourselves!"
Goku: "Uh... I'm Goku."
Guard 1: "Never heard of ya!"
Guard 2: "Wait... That strange make-up and the Divine Instrument on that man looks so..."
Guard 1: "I have a feeling I've seen them somewhere before, too."
Vegeta tried to enter but was stopped.
Guard 1: "H-H-Hold it right there!"
Guard 2: "I remember where I recognize you from!"
Guard 1: "You look just like the woman god in the scroll at old Ishaku's house!"
Guard 2: "Does that mean you're a friend of our chief Ishaku?"
Vegeta: "No, I'm not."
Guard 1: "Then who are you?"
Vegeta: "My name's Vegeta. And I am the son of Amaterasu!"
Guard 1: "The son of...!?"
Guard 2: "Then I suppose we'd better let you in!"
Guard 1: "But the other one stays here."
Vegeta just gave the guard a look that made him reconsider.
Guard 1: "Uh... This is the home of Ishaku, chief of the Poncles."
Guard 2: "He's resting inside at the moment. But please go in."
Guard 1: "He's old and has become quite weak."
Guard 2: "His eyes are particularly bad, so keep that in mind."
Guard 1: "Make sure you don't give him any trouble."
Vegeta walked in with Goku right behind. Inside, there was a giant scroll with a painting of a woman on it who had crimson markings all over her. Whats more, she looked a lot like Vegeta. Even Goku knew immediately who this was. Amaterasu.
Ishaku: "Hm?"
Next to the painting, an elderly Poncle.
Ishaku: "Hmmmmm? I recognize that smell! Who's there!? Wait... A-AMMY!?"
Vegeta: "No. I'm her son."
Ishaku: "Her son?... Oh!... You're Vegeta! Yes! When your mother departed this world after that brutal battle, I never imagined I would see you again! My eyes have started to fail me in my old age, but... But I can sense it. The last time I saw you, you were just a newborn baby. And boy did you have a set of lungs."
Goku: "He still does."
A second later, Goku got a hard hit to his gut from Vegeta's elbow.
Vegeta: "I still have my dignity, ya know."
Goku: "Sorry... Oh god that hurt..."
Ishaku: "Ah yes... That fiery saiyan spirit burned brighter in you then any other back then, and it still does. You've grown into a fine man, haven't you? Who is your friend?"
Goku: "Urgh... I'm a saiyan like Vegeta. My saiyan name is Kakarot, but I grew up here on earth as Goku. Ow..."
Ishaku: "I'm no longer the young boy your mother knew me as, Vegeta. I've grown to become the leader of Ponc'tan. Yes, I am the legendary swordsman, Ishaku!"
Vegeta: "Self-proclaiming must run in the family."
Ishaku: "I'm sensing something about you that worries me. Your divine powers have weakened considerably. I assume you haven't retrieved all 13 of your mothers powers yet, have you?"
Vegeta: "Yeah. I've got just one left though."
Ishaku: "That's not just it. Things have certainly changed since your mother and I last fought together. People no longer have faith in the gods like they used to. Without the people's faith, the gods will grow weaker and weaker. It's sad to see you like this, Vegeta. Let me tell you straight, Vegeta. In your current state, you can't possibly fight off the powers of darkness."
Vegeta: "Thanks... Thanks for that vote of confidence."
Ishaku: "So tell me... Do you have a companion traveling with you?"
Vegeta: "Various friends of mine but one always staid with me. First time I've been anywhere without him actually."
Ishaku: "Who is this companion?"
Vegeta didn't say. Something told him that there was a little more to this old Poncle then meets the eye. Even Goku staid quiet.
Ishaku: "Oh, well... Nevermind. It's no big deal. Vegeta, as I already told you... In your current state, you can't defeat the Ruler of Darkness. We Poncles always knew that darkness would come one day. That's why we've been training to be Celestial Envoys."
Vegeta: "What are Celestial Envoys?"
Ishaku: "Celestial Envoys are the messengers of the gods. The gods cannot live on unless people believe in them. We Poncles are the only ones who can communicate with gods. And we train as artists to teach the world their divine power. Then only the very best of us are chosen to be given the honor... The honor of being named a Celestial Envoy! I was the 6th Celestial Envoy when I traveled with your mother. But I'm old now, and I'm not as strong as I used to be. So I decided to take everything that I've learned, and teach it to my people! I've been very strict, but it's paid off. Now almost all of them have what it takes to be a Celestial Envoy! So, Vegeta. Take a look around the village and talk to them. It's up to you to decide who will be the 7th Celestial Envoy. Whoever you choose will accompany you on your journey. Their amazing paintings will show the world your divine power. If people believe in you, your powers are sure to return. Then, and only then, will you be able to defeat the darkness."
Vegeta: "Ok. But I've got a question?"
Ishaku: "What is it?"
Vegeta: "I'm interested in knowing a little more about the Spirit Gate."
Ishaku: "The Spirit Gate!? Only a fool would be interested in something like that. That loathsome gate invites misfortune, I tell you! If you open it, you'll be engulfed in a vile, sinister air. There's no reason in the world you'd ever need to open it!"
Ishaku then drew out his own sword.
Ishaku: "Anyway, it can't be opened without my trusty sword, Denjinmaru! Nevermind that. Have you chosen a Celestial Envoy yet?"
Vegeta: "Actually... I was wondering about something... Do you have a grandson?"
Ishaku: "No, I don't have a grandson anymore! That no-good rascal gave up on his training and ran away with one of my treasured paintings! He's no longer a grandson of mine! I've washed my hands of him."
Vegeta: "Ok... Thanks for the visit. Let's go, Kakarot."
Goku: "Oh, ok. See ya!"
Ishaku: "It was a pleasure to see you again, Vegeta. Remember what I said. If people believe in you, your powers are sure to return. Then, and only then, will you be able to defeat the darkness."
And Vegeta left, content after learning a bit more about his mother at last. Despite what it seems, the trip inside the Poncle village was very productive. They now know where to look for Lika. At the Spirit Gate. They decided not to waste any more time and left Ponc'tan. Outside, Issun was patiently waiting for the two saiyans to return when they suddenly appeared, back to their original sizes. In no time, Issun hopped right back on Vegeta.
Issun: "You done yet?"
Goku: "Yeah, we're done Issun."
Vegeta: "Issun. We need to go to the Spirit Gate."
Issun: "The Spirit Gate? Are you tellin' me Lika went through it!?"
Vegeta: "Yep."
Issun: "Heh. You're as easy to read as a book. Well, I ain't gonna go in there, either. It's nothing but trouble. If you have to go, ask that old man Ishaku to be your guide-"
Just then, they were interrupted.
Miya: "Issun...? Is that really you!?"
Issun: "Who's there!?"
Just then, Miya came out.
Miya: "Issun! It's me, Miya!"
Issun: "Mm? Oh! Miya!"
Miya: "So you've finally come home! And I bet you've become a real Celestial Envoy! Just like grampa Ishaku and everyone knew you would be! But why won't you come into the village? Oh, I get it! You don't want to go see him, right?"
Issun: "Put a cork in it!"
Miya: "What!?"
Issun: "And what's with this Celestial Envoy business? Gimme a break! What good would it do to become something like that!? I'd rather live happy and carefree!"
Miya: "I can't believe you'd say that... So does that mean you don't paint anymore!? We Poncles are supposed to help people believe in the gods. Otherwise the gods will remain forever powerless, remember?"
Issun: "I said, put a cork in it! If you like painting so much, go for it! But you can count me out! Go hawk your silly ideas and harebrained plans somewhere else!"
Miya: "Issun!"
Issun: "Go away! We're busy! We have urgent business beyond the Spirit Gate!"
Miya: "What!?"
Issun: "Listen. I don't have time to help ya with your boring old paintings. Let's get outta here, Geta!"
Miya: "Issun, wait!"
Vegeta wanted to stay a little longer but Issun started gabbing him with his sword. It was enough to make the saiyan prince move on and they went further into Yoshpet. Inner Yoshpet was a little darker then the first half of the forest. Once again, Goku rode on Vegeta's back as they prepared to go further into the forest.
Issun: "Ok, Geta... The Spirit Gate is further on this way. Even we Poncles hardly go that far into the forest. Nobody knows when it was made or even who made it. They say that opening the gate only invites disaster. But I doubt we'll find any curiosity seekers around there. After all, no one but the chief of the Poncle clan can open it. Plus, the road to the forest depths is like a maze. It's even more confusing than the part Kai guided us through! But if you're really bent on going through there, I'll be your guide."
Vegeta: "Then let's go, Issun."
Issun: "Ok. Let's run full speed to the Spirit Gate! Now stick close to me, Geta. I don't want you gettin' lost!"
Vegeta: "Let's move out!"
And so Vegeta followed Issun further into the forest. Going this deep into an unknown forest was dangerous. So Goku acted as a second set of eyes, watching their backs as he rode on Vegeta. Everything in this side of the forest seemed to be alive. Ice made it tough to run up hills. Ice made everything more dangerous. At one point, they came across a chasm that was too wide for Vegeta to risk jumping over. But there were walls with the mark of Kabegami on them and Vegeta used the Catwalk technique to cross the chasm safely. A little further and they finally reached the end of the forest. And there was an iron door. Drawing closer, it was unlike anything they've ever seen yet.
Issun: "The Spirit Gate... Nobody knows when it was built or even who built it. All we know is that it's been here since the age of myths. And that's a whole lot older than even old man Ishaku! The Poncle chief's clan has served as its gatekeepers for generations. It's said that needlessly opening this gate only invites disaster. But I have no idea what kinda disaster it might be."
Goku: "Plus, we're not needlessly opening it. If Lika did go through, we have to find her."
Vegeta: "Agreed."
Issun: "I'm gonna force this gate open! After all... Like Goku said, we have no other choice if Lika's on the other side of this thing!"
And Issun drew his sword!
Issun: "Stand back, Geta."
Vegeta stood back with Goku as Issun leaped up and forced his blade through and down the door! When he was done, he stood back. A bright light poured from within the Spirit Gate upon the Poncle and two saiyans as the door opened.
Issun: "Boy, old man Ishaku would have my head if he knew what I just did. Let's keep this between you, Goku and me, Geta."
Vegeta: "Sure, Issun."
Issun: "Just look at that light. Looks way too pretty to be anything that invites misfortune."
Issun turned around to see Vegeta staring at him.
Issun: "What are ya lookin' at, Geta? The door's open, ain't it? Do you have the guts to go on through it? If you turn back now after all I've been through, I sweat I'll..."
Goku: "We've got company."
Vegeta and Issun turned around.
Issun: "Hm!?"
Oki was there.
Issun: "Oki!?"
Oki: "Hello again, Issun, Goku and... Vegeta, was it? I thought I'd come and join the fun. I've never seen the Spirit Gate open before. They say that opening it only invites disaster."
Vegeta: "I'm getting really tired of hearing that line."
Goku: "Me too."
Issun: "What're you doing here anyway? And how the heck did you get this far into Yoshpet to begin with?"
Oki: "Ah, you must be talking about this forest's power to confuse beasts. Indeed, we half-man, half-beast Oina should feel the effects."
And Oki pulled out his sword and held it up to Vegeta.
Oki: "But it seems the sacred sword Kutone has kept me safe. This is no surprise, as the sword itself has driven me here. "The wall of ice shall shatter and open the way to the heavens when Kutone glows silver." As the prophecy foretells, when Kutone starts glowing, it is a sign that the demons shall soon fall. What's more, some say that even the heavens will be within reach."
Issun hopped right back on Vegeta and tried to make sense of everything.
Issun: "What the heck's that supposed to mean?"
Oki: "Heh heh heh... Anyway, it hasn't even begun to glow. I must not have slain nearly enough monsters yet. If that's the case, this Spirit Gate should be just the thing! I'll give those monsters of misfortune a taste of Kutone!"
And Oki started to go to the gate's light.
Issun: "Oki, wait! We have no idea what's on the other side of this thing. All we know is Lika somehow ended up going through it. I guarantee you're gonna find more than you bargained for in there!"
Oki: "That's what I'm hoping for... For the sake of Kutone!"
And Oki rushed through the gate! Although Issun protest, Vegeta leaped through the gate as well with Goku right behind him! And with that, the Spirit Gate closed.