Chapter 39: Elder Pepé
Swinging from branch to branch, the two delved even deeper into the jungle. The air continued to grow thicker with humidity.
"Orangi," Arthur called. "How much further?"
Ooka-Ooka slowed down a little to rumble, "Patience, little Alex. The heart of the Cayman Jungle is a place of secrets. Elder Pepé resides somewhere most primates wouldn't find him. It's not a place easily found by outsiders."
The relentless canopies finally gave way to a rise in elevation. Ooka-Ooka, still navigating, led Arthur to the base of a mountain.
Towering rocks were shrouded in mist. The air here felt different and thinner, carrying a strange scent of minerals in the wind. The humidity of the jungle had receded, replaced by a cool breeze.
With a nod, Ooka-Ooka began the ascent with ape-like ease. Arthur, less accustomed to such a climb, found himself keeping pace.
The path wasn't readily apparent, requiring them to scramble over moss-covered boulders and navigate around jagged outcrops.
Halfway up the mountain, the mist grew thicker. Visibility dwindled to a mere few feet, forcing him to slow down. He couldn't rely solely on sight; his other senses were heightened, alert to the sound of Ooka-Ooka's heavy breathing.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, they reached a plateau.
The air here was surprisingly clear, but ahead, a wall of white vapor blocked their path. The scent of it was strong, unlike anything Arthur had ever encountered.
Instinctively, he activated his Tamashii.