Long, long ago... A tiny hamlet known as Kamiki lay nestled in a grove of proud and beautiful cherry blossoms. Each and every tree around the quiet burg was honored as a god. However, the village was not without its dark secrets.
To satiate the appetite of Orochi, a fearsome cave-dwelling beast, a young mare was offered as a sacrifice at the annual festival. With a body like a mountain and 8 heads mounted on necks the size of tree trunks, its blood-red eyes alone were said to curse anyone who gazed into them. No one dared disobey the horrific beast.
When the night of the sacrifice drew near... A mysterious white wolf appeared outside the village. This wolf, its coat as brilliant as snow, was dubbed Shiranui. The wolf kept a watchful eye on anyone who ventured outside the village, and made a habit of patrolling the streets at night. People assumed the wolf to be a familiar of Orochi.
One villager took it upon himself to face the fearsome Shiranui. The warrior Nagi attempted many times to challenge the wolf. But his attempts were thwarted by Shiranui's swift movements.
Before long, the night of the accursed festival had arrived. A white plumed arrow heralded the coming sacrifice. Piercing the sky, the arrow sunk its shaft squarely into the home of Nami, the village's most beautiful mare. Nagi, harboring a secret love for Nami, was enraged by this sign.
Determined to put an end to Orochi once and for all, Nagi traveled to the beast's cave in place of his beloved.
The Moon Cave, a place as dark as evil itself, served as Orochi's home. As Nagi stood bravely before the entrance... A beast appeared, eyes glowing crimson upon 8 thrashing necks. Orochi stood tall before him, anxious for another sacrifice. Nagi leap with incredible grace, swinging his blade valiantly. On and on he sliced, well into the moonless night... but Orochi's hide was like steel. The blade left nary a scratch.
At long last, Nagi, his energy spent from the intense battle, dropped to his knees, fatigued and gasping for breath. He knew he was staring death in the face. It was then that the wolf appeared. As if to protect Nagi, it stood its ground before Orochi. In the darkness of the cave, the wolf's coat shone brilliantly. Alas, it was Shiranui, the wolf that dwelled outside the village.
Baring its fearsome fangs, Shiranui leap toward Orochi. Orochi reared its terrifying heads, readying its fangs for battle. The beasts struggled wildly, thrashing in the darkness.
Mysterious and terrifying, the spectacle continued. Shiranui summoned gusts of divine wind to counter Orochi's flames.
As Orochi closed in on Shiranui, sharpened claws glistening... A gigantic tree suddenly sprouted forth, shielding the wolf. Shiranui fought gallantly to gain the upper hand. However... Orochi, protected by a mystical power, was not easily bested. Shiranui, covered in gashes, majestic coat dyed crimson, stood exhausted before the mighty Orochi. Orochi saw a chance to strike what would be the final blow. But Shiranui refused to give in. With its last ounce of strength, the majestic wolf gazed heavenward and unleashed a mighty howl. Suddenly, the black clouds overhead dissipated. The light from above glinted off Nagi's sword as a beacon of hope.
Guided by his sword, Nagi, who had been taking shelter in the shadows, stood proudly to face his adversary. Channeling all his strength into his scarred and battered arms, he leap ferociously toward Orochi, his sword poised high. The golden sword danced in his hands like a puppet on a string. One by one, Orochi's fearsome heads separated from their owner.
Orochi's broken body collapsed in a lake of its own blood. In that instant, the curse that plagued the villagers was lifted. As the battle subsided, the sun shone once again in the sky. Shiranui had succumbed to Orochi's poison and struggled to breathe. Nagi scooped the pony into his arms and returned to Kamiki.
When they reached the village, Shiranui was no longer moving. The village elder gently stroked the pony's head. In response, Shiranui let out a hoarse and pitiful bark... Then closed its eyes and drifted off as if into slumber.
Peace had at last returned to Kamiki Village. In honor of Shiranui's heroic exploits, the villagers erected a shrine and placed a statue of the wolf within it.
Nagi's sword was christened "Tsukuyomi" and placed inside the Moon Cave. The villagers all looked forward to an age of endless peace...However, this is not the end of the story... There is more to this tale than most ponies know. 100 years had passed since Nagi and Shiranui's heroic exploits. It happened so quickly that no one in the village even took notice...
Moon Cave...
A shadow of an man walk up to the area that held the power of a ancient sword call the Tsukuyomi. He look at it before asking himself, "Is this the legendary sword? Is this Tsukuyomi, the sword that banished the dreaded Orochi? ... ... No... it couldn't be. It's just a legend... Nothing but a fairy tale!"
He sigh and grab the sword in his hands and pull it out. As soon as he did he saw sixteen eyes and each on belong to one head. He drop the sword and back away as eight heads appears and look at him.
"O, he who seeks power... He who has broken my bonds... Speak the words, "I wish darkness unto the world." Utter that prayer unto me, and unleash my power." One of the heads spoke.
But the man was so scare he couldn't say anything. The only thing he could do was get up and run, feeling like a fool for not believing the legend.
The beast unleash it power and soon everything was cover in darkness. However, there was one village that seemed to escape the terrible curse. The tiny settlement of Kamiki Village enjoyed the protection of a sacred tree.
As the dark winds blew across the sky, a rock started to head for the statue of Shiranui, but an spirit fairly tall and accompanied by a purple aura wearing a pink kimono and a purple wrap that reveals the top of her chest, her back and her rear, appear and destroy the rock before it reach it.
Wood Sprite Sakuya
"How troublesome! This is just like the ancient prophecy of doom. What has transpired to bring about such calamity? We must act quickly! There is no time to lose! My power has diminished over the years I've spent protecting this area. I don't have much time left in this world. Amaterasu, now is the time. We have never needed your power more. Shine your divine light upon this broken and polluted world. Let your heavenly rays become our hope as you guide us all!" It said and turn to the statue.
It soon hold out a green disk and toss it into the air, It floated away a bit before moving back and and land on the back of the statue and release small flames. In no time the stone fade away and in it place was a white wolf with red markings on her cheeks and on center of her bangs. Her long white hair slowly fade into black at the end fell to her waist, a calligraphy brush like tail and she was wearing a white kimono that fall above her knees with shoulder cuts to reveal her bare shoulders with red marks, markings on the long sleeves of her kimono, a red orb around her waist with a bow on the back, knee high stockings and lastly black sandals. The wolf land on the ground and yawn as if it was awoke from a long nap.
Ōkami Amaterasu
"Ah! Such divine white light! Such beauty and grace! The only one capable of such a wondrous spectacle is none other than our mother and the origin of all that is, Amaterasu! How delightful to see that the savior whose brave sacrifice sealed away the evil demon so many years ago has not changed one bit. Seeing you emerge after so many years spent as a statue brings happiness to my heart!" The spirit said smiling and started to cry.
Amaterasu just yawn again and suddenly heard someone groan behind her. Both of the turn to see what happen to be a orange Kitsune with two tails, that had white on the tip of it's tails, it also had red and white shoes on, with three of it hair sticking out. With a another groan, it pick itself self up and shook it head, opening it eyes to show that it was blue.
"Oh? And where did you come from?" Sakuya asked the Kitsune.
"I'm not sure. I don't even know where I am." The Kitsune said.
"Strange..." Sakuya said.
Amaterasu look at the Kitsune before placing a hand on his shoulder. The Kitsune look up to the green eyes of the white and red wolf before looking away, blushing. Amaterasu look confuse before looking over the Kitsune to make it wasn't hurt. As she did, the Kitsune remain still and was thinking. Then his eyes widen as if her remember something.
"Tails." He said confusing the two.
"My name, It's Tails, I think." He said.
Kitsune Tails
It nice to met you Tails." Amaterasu said smiling.
Sakuya watch then for a bit then remember why she had brought Amaterasu back to life.
"Amaterasu, gaze above you and take in the condition of the sky. Since your untimely departure from our midst, the world has succumbed to devious and vicious beasts. They have ravaged our fine and bountiful country... But never have the circumstances been worse than they are at this very moment. Please use your powers to banish the darkness and punish those who would do us harm." She said.
Both the Kitsune and Wolf look towards the dark sky and could feel some evil power at work. Before they could asked, Sakuya started to look over herself.
"Hm? Eh? What is this? Has something stolen its way into my kimono?" She asked before she started laughing.
After a while, something hop off her kimono and she sigh in relieve. She look at what come out and sign.
"You again?" She asked.
"Ow ow ow ow ow! Are you nuts? Boy, for a little thing, you sure make a big fuss! I was just tryin' to make the conversation a bit more interesting, that's all." said what appears to be a bug.
"Were you napping in my kimono again, bug?" Sakuya ask.
"Bug? I told you a thousand times not to call me that! I'm a wandering artist. The name's Issun!" It said.
Wandering Artist Issun
"I'll show you just how great I am and it won't be long till you're bowing before my great brush!" He said and pull out a scroll and threw in Amaterasu face.
Tails took the scroll off her face and look at it. Sure enough it was a drawing of Sakuya.
"Well, whaddya think? Even cuter than the real thing, no?" Issun asked.
Amaterasu look at scroll before Issun hop on her nose.
"What's with you, mutt? You look kinda down in the dumps. Actually... You look kinda familiar... Got it! You look just like that statue of Shiranui!" Issun ask before notices something about her.
"Mutt?!" Amaterasu yell before shaking her head, making Issun fall into her mouth.
Tails just watch as Amaterasu face turn into shock before spiting Issun back out.
"Whoa! Whaddya think you're doin'!? Are you crazy? A handsome guy like me should never be covered in wolf slobber! You'll regret messin' with the great Issun! Don't make me use my prized sword, Denkomaru against you!" He said before a loud roar was heard.
Everyone was shock to hear it and look around trying to fine the source.
"Wh-Wh-What's that growling sound? And why's it so dark, anyway?" Issun asked getting on Tails head this time.
"Not sure, but I don't like it." Tails said sounding with a mix of fear and curious in his voice.
"O, great god Amaterasu...," Sakuya spoke up, "I've used all the power I have to protect Kamiki Village. The village lives on. Their spirits lie encased in my fruit. Cut it free, and the village will be reborn! I trust in you. I know that you will lead us down the right path. Only your awesome power can restore life to the world."
After Sakuya said that, a giant tree appear bare with no leaves but had one single huge fruit. Amaterasu turn back to Sakuya, but she was gone.
"What is this place?" Tails voice out loud.
"The tree's returned to normal, huh? That Sakuya sure said some weird stuff. The villagers' spirits are being kept inside the fruit..." Issun said and look at the fruit, "that's the fruit, Sakuya said that if you cut it down, the village will be restored. But it's awfully high up there. If you don't use some kind of special power, there's no way you're gonna reach it. This darkness is really gettin' to me, too. A lot can happen while you're taking a nap."
Amaterasu started to walk towards the the tree before noticing Tails wasn't following her.
"Tails? Are you coming?" She asked him.
"Are you sure? I mean, I don't even know what's going on. I don't remember how I got here." He said.
"I understand. I don't remember much myself. But I'm sure we can figure it out as long as we work together." Amaterasu said smiling.
Tails smile back and both of them walk into the tree. Once they step inside the tree, everything has change. The place was quieter, the grass was green and there was a starry night above them. The two just stood there shock at the change.
"Where are we? It got awfully quiet all of a sudden. I don't remember any place like this in the village. Well, we better keep our eyes peeled." Issun said.
Both Tails and Amaterasu nod and started to walk forward. It wasn't long before Issun stop them.
"Hold on! That's an Origin Mirror! They say once your reflection appears on its surface... your memories will be stored in the mirror for all eternity!" Issun said pointing to a mirror.
The two turn to the said mirror and Tails had a unsure look on his face.
"For some reason, I find that hard to believe." He said.
Amaterasu walk up to the mirror and look into it. She saw herself being awoken from her statue, meeting Tails and Issun, and entering the tree before coming to the mirror. Tails step up and saw the same thing, which shock him. Amaterasu jut place her hand on Tails shoulder, and the two started to walk some more. They walk over a bridge and spotted a few jars laying around.
"Look at all those pots just waitin' to be broken! If you bust 'em, there might be something good inside. Try breaking them!" Issun said with glee.
Both Tails and Amaterasu just look at each other and shrug. The broke the jars and found what was call yen in them. As the two walk, they was stop when Issun spoke up again.
"Whoa, whoa, hold on there, mutt! Get a load of that! That chest looks mighty tempting. Let's go check it out. Getting up that high oughtta be a piece of cake. Just jump and press yourself on the wall and jump off it to get more height!" Issun said.
Amaterasu did just that, but Tails started to think. He look at his tails and then came up with idea. He started to twist them up and soon started flying and land next to Amaterasu and Issun who stood in shock.
"I knew ya could do it. They say, "Good luck is found in high places." So, keep your eyes peeled. We don't wanna miss any treasure! And wow fox boy! I didn't know you can do that with your tails." Issun said.
"It strange, it felt Like I could always do that." Tails said looking at his tails.
Amaterasu then bash open the chest and found a Holy Bone S, one of her favorite snacks. They move on until they reach a broken bridge.
"Looks like the bridge is out." Issun said.
"We can see that." Tails said rolling his eyes.
"This shouldn't be so hard, um...Amaterasu, was it? That's kinda long. Mind if I call ya "Ammy"? Listen, Ammy... Ever heard of the spirits of the brush? Good brushwork has its own soul, 'least that's what they say. Just watch. It'd take all day to explain... A picture's worth a thousand words, right?" Issun explain, giving Amaterasu a nickname during the talk.
Both Ammy and Tails watch as the bridge appear on a scroll and Issun started to paint. Once Issun stop painting, the bridge repair itself as black ink appear off of it.
"What just happen?" Tails asked.
"Nice, huh? Just a little technique I've mastered called Rejuvenation. It's one of many brush techniques that use divine power. It's a brush god power that can restore broken or missing things. I've practiced really hard just to master this one technique." Issun told them, "but there are 13! Each one is a power of one of the 13 brush gods. Originally, all 13 were a single powerful deity. When the deity died, its power was split into 13 separate gods. The gods now dwell within objects all around us, but... God or no god, how could anyone have the power to master all 13!?"
Both Tails and Ammy thought about it, but wasn't sure how to answer the question. They soon came to a hill on their right and a house ahead of them. But they had no way to the house and Ammy could feel something call to her from the top if the hill. She and Tails walk up it and passes a small monument that Issun run over and read.
"The River of the Heavens? They mean the fabled stardust river? But I sure don't see anything like that around here. It couldn't be that little puddle over there, could it?" Issun said and turn back to where they saw it.
Both Tails and Ammy just shrug and started to walk up the hill again. Once they reach the top, they got a much better view of the starry night.
"Wow! What a beautiful night." Ammy said.
"Yeah." Tails agree.
Issun caught up and saw the night as well.
"Wow! Look at the stars twinkle! I haven't seen such a beautiful nighttime sky in ages. Hey, look! Are those stars forming a pattern, or is it just me? Hmm... There's one missing... Guess I'll just have to draw the missing star!", He said and try it, only to fail, "Bah... Looks like I'm just not ready to draw missing stars. Why do you try?"
Ammy look at the pattern and saw that look to be a dragon. Ammy grab her brush from her Kimono and painted the missing star. Once she was done the Dragon more freely from it place in the sky and floated down to where she was at. The dragon had red tattoos wearing a white kimono with red outline, red hakama and whit in his white hair, tied into a ponytail. It floated down and land in front of of Amaterasu.
"Ah... Why, if it isn't mother Amaterasu. I apologize for not contacting you sooner during these long years. Having never forgotten you, I, Yomigami, god of restoration, have eagerly awaited this day when we could meet again." The Dragon said.
Yomigami turn to Tails, who step up a little unsure. It nods at him as if it knew something about him.
"While you were away, the 13 spirits of the brush that you once possessed, including myself, have been scattered across this land of men, and now lie in disarray. I became a constellation and managed to survive until now. The time has come for you to seek out and reunite all the techniques. Your power is what is needed to restore the dried riverbed of the heavens and renew the flow of stardust." Yomigami said before turning into a writing symbol and entering Amaterasu.
Ammy remain still before the skill Rejuvenation in her mind.
"Wow! That was Yomigami, the god of Rejuvenation! Wait... So you have the power of Rejuvenation now?" Issun said excited, "Can you really use it to restore the River of the Heavens? That would mean you were as good with a brush as yours truly! Nah... It couldn't be true. Who else could master this incredible god technique!?"
Tails just remain quite. He was loss for words at what he just witness. He was snap out of it when Ammy touch his shoulder again. With a smile, the two walk back to the River of Heavens.
"Wonder if drawing some stardust would get the river flowing again? Nah... It's one thing to fix a bridge, but fixing a starry river? There's no way you could pull off a stunt like that!" Issun said before doubting Amaterasu could.
"Issun..." Tails groan not believing he forgot that just met the god of restoration.
Amaterasu wasted no time in taking out her brush and soon the River of Heavens appear on a scroll. Amaterasu started to paint and the River of Heavens was fixed when the black ink came off.
"Whoa! A river of stardust! So this really must be the River of the Heavens. But what I really wanna know is who the heck drew the darn thing!" He said.
Tails and Amaterasu just sign before moving on. The cross the river and soon came to another chest. Amaterasu bash it up and grab a pouch.
"Look what you found, mutt! This Astral Pouch here's amazing. It can swallow up lots of food. Then when it's full, it can revive its owner if he or she dies! Let's start feeding it with whatever food we can find around here." Issun said explaining it to her.
"That's sounds useful." Tails said.
"Indeed. Let's find some food." Amaterasu said.
After breaking a few pots to find food and fill the Astral Pouch, they enter the gate and step into a new place. Amaterasu and Tails look around and saw it was clear area with trees, rocks, a path and a moon watching over it.
"Wow! This place is just a nice." Tails said and Amaterasu nod in agreement.
As they walk, Tails couldn't stop looking at Amaterasu. He didn't know why, but there was something about her, something that he couldn't figure out. Amaterasu look back at Tails who look away in thought. She too couldn't understand why she felt so close to him. As if they had met before.
"Tails?" She spoke up.
"Yeah?" He answer.
"How much have you remember right now?" Amaterasu asked.
"I'm afraid only my name. I trying to remember where I came from and why I'm here, but my mind is blank." Tails said signing.
"I understand, don't try to rush it. I'm sure it will return to one day. Just like mine." Amaterasu said.
Tails smile and the two walk on. They follow the path through the trees, pass the rock and over the bridge near a waterfall. They walk through two gates before entering a cave. Issun knew where they where as soon a they enter.
"Is this... Is this the legendary shrine? We must be in the Cave of Nagi! The legendary hero Nagi is enshrined here! He vanquished evil 100 years ago with the help of the white wolf, Shiranui! First the River of the Heavens and now this place... Where the heck are we, mutt? Boy, this place is a wreck. See? That sword's in really bad shape. The gods sure didn't do much to protect this place." Issun said.
Both Tails and Ammy look at the shrine and saw Nagi. For Tails, he was an unknown person and the name Shiranui was unknown to him as well. Amaterasu on the other hand, thought the two names she hear sounded very familiar to her. Wasting no time she use her Rejuvenation skill to fix the sword.
"That really WAS your brushwork all this time! How'd you get so good?", Issun said and ask, "exactly who are you, anyway? Hey, there's another constellation! This one looks like a..."
Both Tails and Amaterasu look up to what appear to be a mouse. Amaterasu then took out her brush again and fill the missing star soon was face to face with a mouse that took out a long sword and swing it around. It appear to be a child and was wearing a sleeveless red shirt with a high collar and tied in the back, red sleeves attached to his elbows, a grey hakama, and a white kusode hanging from his red obi. His hair was messy and his eyes was color black. He had a sword sheath attached to his left hip.
"Well, well, well... If it isn't Mother Amaterasu and that looks like Father Kitsune. It's been a long time.", It said sitting on the sword, "but with all these monsters around, the only place I could hide was in this shrine dedicated to ancient heroes. If there is anything I can do to assist you in your endeavors, I'm at your service. Make good use of this sword, as it was designed to conquer evil."
It turn into a writing symbol and enter Amaterasu. Amaterasu had the skill; Power Slash. Tails on the one hand was shock to heard what the Brush god call him.
"Hey, that was the god, Tachigami, master of the Power Slash technique. Wait a minute." Issun explain before a thought appear in his head, "if you're getting all these powers... Then you're just like that Shiranui! You know, the wolf who fought and died alongside the great Nagi. When Shiranui died, the wolf's power was split into the 13 brush gods. This is crazy. Shiranui and Nagi? It's just like the legend. Well, anyway, I've never seen this Power Slash technique myself. How 'bout showing your stuff off on that boulder over there? Lemme see you slice it in half by drawing a single line! I won't believe it till I see it!"
Amaterasu turn to the boulder and and took out her brush. In a quick movement, she drew a line and the boulder slash in half.
"Wow! I didn't think you had it in ya, mutt! I'm not even in the same league as you! Guess I really overestimated myself. ... ... Hey, mutt... Er... I mean, Amaterasu... I've made up my mind! If you're Shiranui reborn, then that means you can master all 13 techniques, right? In that case, I think I'll tag along until I'm as good as you! Lucky you!" Issun said.
Ammy shook her head as if tell Issun to leave if he thought about stealing her new powers.
"Heh heh... It's no use tryin' to change my mind. There's no stoppin' me once I've made a decision! But enough about me! Now that you've mastered the Power Slash, you can cut down that thing Sakuya was talking about. Let's go back and give it a shot!" Issun said before he remind about the task they need to take care of.
Amaterasu turn to to the gate the close shouted on them and slash it open. She was about to walk out when she notices Tails was deep in thought.
"Tails? Is everything okay?" She asked worry.
"It just that, that brush good call me Father Kitsune. But I don't remember that name or what it means! I can understand why the call you Mother Amaterasu, but I confuse of why I'm call that." Tails explain with a sign.
Amaterasu look at Tails, she was just as confuse as him. She walk up to him and gave him a hug. Tails was shock at first but then return to hug.
"Don't rush it Tails. I'm sure you'll figure out what it means one day." She said with a smile as she broke the hug.
"Thanks Amaterasu." Tails smile back.
The two then walk out of the cave together and once the step out of the cave a black and purple wall appear, surrounding them. Both Tails and Amaterasu watch as a a monkey-like creature of a small frame, with flesh and muscle of a sickly green shade. It also wears a tattered green outfit with fluttering sleeves. It carries an extendable wooden flute ob it back
Green Imp
"What the!? Where'd they come from!? Ah, whatever. Draw first, ask questions later, right? You know that Divine Instrument you have on your back? Well, you can use that to attack them, you can also use your back legs too." Issun said shock at first then explain Amaterasu about the object on her back.
Ammy grab the Divine Instrument and started to attack the Green Imp. She was so busy attacking one, that she didn't see another Green Imp appear and got ready to attack her. Luckily Tails saw it and quickly ran over the Green Imp and and slam it away from her. The Green Imp try to attack him back, but Tails started to dodge, unknowing that his fur started to turn white and get red markings on his face and ears. He also started to gain more tails. When both Amaterasu and Tails knock the Green Imps away then turn black and white, confusing them.
"Look, Ammy! Once you've caught 'em off guard and turned 'em black and white, they're easy prey for your brush, no matter how nasty they are! Grab your brush and give 'em a Power Slash!" Issun said explaining what happen to her.
Seeing her chance she did just that. The Green Imps was cut in half and then disappear as the wall did the same. Amaterasu turn to Tails to see his new look before it fade back to his normal look.
"Tails?" She asked shock.
"Yes Amaterasu?" Tails answer.
She wasn't sure what she just saw. Could Tails be what she and the other are? Could that be the reason why Tachigami call him Father Kitsune? Tails look worry as Amaterasu just stare at him.
"Amaterasu? Is everything ok?" He asked her.
Amaterasu shook her head out of her thoughts. She might have to asked about later.
"I'm just seeing if you're okay. And thanks for getting the imp." Amaterasu said.
"You're Welcome and I'm fine." Tails blush.
"Okay, enough with the mushy stuff!" Issun said bouncing in between them.
Both of them look at Issun and roll their eyes. They started walk again and fought more Green Imps. Tails's new look didn't appear this time, but Amaterasu was still confuse why Tails had that look. They soon reach the exit and step out ready for an adventure.
I have Okami for my Wii now and I been been playing it for the few days. I'm almost at the Nine-Tails boss and got 11 of the 13 brush gods. I have made Tails have amnesia but he will remember bits of his past as he and Amaterasu defeated boss as the do. The Celestial look for will only appear in boss battles, but I might make it show up at outside of battles so Tails can learn to control it. Tails is also the only Sonic character in this story, but the others will be mention as Tails gains his memories. He'll also be use Amaterasu's Divine Instruments as well. Tails will carry the old ones as Amaterasu gets new ones. Please review.