(A/N: For the beginning part, the song I'm using here is "Cursed Zone" from Okamiden. And by the way, in case I forgot to mention, all characters in this except Tadashi and Zion are from Okami and therefore belong to Capcom.)

Chapter 3: Kamiki Village

After they got out of Yakushi Village, they saw that the field they were standing on was covered in red patches of darkness.

"…Well this isn't good," Issun said. "It hasn't been like this for nine months… Anyway, we better get to Kamiki quick." Tadashi made his way to where Kamiki Village lay. The pathway was guided with cherry trees, which now appeared dead.

*Once they reached Kamiki Village, they saw that the village had not yet been affected. "Phew, I guess we made it," Issun said. "If it's that bad out there, then Miss Sakuya must really be working hard keeping that darkness at bay. Anyway, you see that large Konahana tree? That's where Miss Sakuya so let's make our way up there."

However, Tadashi decided to take a look around the village. After all, these people had to have known Amaterasu. The first house he went to was the first one on the right. Once he entered, there was a large man standing in the middle of the room. A large sword was hanging against the wall to his left, along with what appeared to be some sort of headgear.

The man turned around, noticing Tadashi. "Another pup," he said. "I seem to be running into a lot of them these days."

"Hey Pops," Issun said. "How's it going?"

"And I also see you brought the little bug with you," the man also said. "I haven't seen you in awhile."

"This here is Susano," Issun said. "He's a swordsman and a descendant of Nagi, who defeated Orochi one hundred years ago. When Orochi was revived, Pops here and Ammy helped take him down nine months ago."

Susano had been studying Tadashi closely and then suddenly something hit him. "Wait a minute," he said. "I think I recognize you. Yeah, remember before, that's when we met."

Tadashi turned his head in confusion. "Um, I don't this guy has ever met you before pops," Issun said. "You sure you're not thinking of another dog?"

"…I suppose so," Susano said. "Anyway Issun, do you by chance know where Kuni is?"

"Nope, haven't seen him around," Issun replied. "If I do, I'll make sure to tell to hightail it back home."

Once they left, they then went to the next house, which was next to what appeared to be a rice mill that made sake. In there, a woman was working on grinding down the rice that had been picked. "Oh, Issun!" the woman said, noticing them. "It's good to see you again. How are things going for you?"

"Not too bad I suppose," Issun replied. "The whole Celestial Envoy thing is hitting a curve though. This is Kushi by the way, pup. She and Susano got together after the whole ordeal with Orochi and well, you get the idea."

"Oh, and who is this?" Kushi said, looking at Tadashi. "With that white fur, he looks almost like Snowy."

"Heh, she's talking about good ol' Ammy," Issun replied.

"Have you seen Kuni by chance?" Kushi asked.

"Nope, Susano asked me the same question," Issun said. "We'll keep an eye out for him."

Once going back out, there was a boy and a dog on the other side. "Hey, that guy there reminds me of Snowy a little bit," the boy said, whose name was Mushi.

"You… you have a familiar scent," the dog said in his own tongue, whose name was Hayabusa.

"Well pup, you're sure meeting a whole lot of people here already aren't ya?" Issun asked. "Alright, enough dilly-dallying, Miss Sakuya is waiting for us."

(A/N: Okay, for this next part, the song being used is "Sakuya's Theme" from Okamiden.)

Once they made their way up towards the large Konahana tree, the tree glowed slightly and out of nowhere appeared a woman, who didn't appear to be wearing much clothing, but nevertheless was beautiful.

"Ah," the woman said, floating above them. "Issun, I'm glad to see you have returned here. It's good to see you again."

"Good to see you too Sakuya," Issun replied. To think only nine months ago he was hanging around in her cleavage. "This is Sakuya by the way, pup. The Konahana tree here is what stores all her power and there are more of them throughout Nippon."

"And I see you've returned as well Amaterasu," Sakuya said. However, she paused and got closer to Tadashi. "Wait, there is something different about you. You are not Amaterasu, but somehow you share some of her power."

"Yeah, he kind of came out of nowhere," Issun said. "So Sakuya, what's been going on?"

However, Sakuya was not paying attention and was instead looking at Tadashi more. "You are… so cute," she said, putting her hands on his face.

Issun rolled to the ground, his way of face-faulting. "Um… is this the time?" However, Tadashi had put his paws on her shoulders and was licking her face as hearts were forming around them. Issun sighed, shaking his head. "Hey!" he then yelled. "Sakuya, we have a problem here in case you haven't noticed!"

"My apologies," Sakuya said, who was blushing slightly. "So, your name is Tadashi, it seems. Am I right in assuming that Amaterasu sent you?"

"Wait what?" Issun said, looking down at him. "You actually know Ammy?"

"If that is true, then this will be Tadashi's task," Sakuya explained. "Evil has returned and struck all of Nippon. It will be up to you to restore the land to its peaceful manner."

"Very well then," Issun said. "You can count me in, Tadashi."

"I am sorry Issun," Sakuya said. "But you will not be able to accompany Tadashi this time. You still have your duties as a Celestial Envoy."

Issun was obviously disappointed by this but said, "But Tadashi isn't as powerful as Ammy. He can't go on his own."

"Then you'll have to find a partner for him," Sakuya said. "There must be someone around here who can accompany Tadashi."

All of a sudden, clouds appeared in the sky, but very dark clouds that consisted of the darkness that had been seen outside of the village. A blade of lightning came down and struck the Konahana tree, splitting the trunk in half. In that instant, Sakuya started disappearing. "My power… is fading," she said as she disappeared.

"S-Sakuya!" Issun said frantically. Suddenly the sky turned to black, almost resembling what had taken place in Yakushi Village. "Oh man, this is really bad," Issun said. "Do something Tadashi!" However, Tadashi wasn't sure what he could do. "Wait, if you have the same power as Ammy, then you can use Rejuvenation. Hurry, try drawing an outline around the tree and see what happens."

Tadashi quickly did that, and soon the tree was back in one piece, but the flowers on the branches were still gone. "Phew, that was close," Issun then said. "We better go down and see if anything has happened in the village."

However, things looked worse than they had thought. Where the people had been now stood statues. "Everyone's turned to stone," Issun commented. "I haven't seen this happen since the day Orochi returned. Wait, there's a spot up top we can go to, and maybe we can get everyone back to normal. Let's go Tadashi!"

Going back up the path, they took the right pathway instead and found themselves on top of a large deck. "Try calling out the sun Tadashi," Issun replied. "I know it may not be enough but it's better than nothing."

Tadashi acted quick, drawing a circle in the sky. The sun soon appeared and just like before, the sky lightened up to a grave purplish color. "Well, the villagers should be back to normal now so hopefully we'll be able to find someone now," Issun said.

Once they returned back to the village, they were walking back to where Susano's house when they saw a little girl by the bridge, crying. "Huh?" Issun said. "Who's that?" They then went up to her and she then looked up to them.

"Oh, hi there doggy," she said sadly. "I'm sorry if I'm making a commotion."

"It's alright," Issun said. "What's the matter?"

(A/N: For this next part, the song I'm using is "Kuni's Theme" from Okamiden.)

"Oh, I lost something very important to me," the girl said, tears in her eyes. "And I can't seem to find it." Suddenly-

"Is that the cry of a fair maiden I hear?" a voice said. Tadashi looked around until he looked up on top of Susano's house. There stood a boy with a wooden sword on his back, resembling Susano slightly. "Someone would dare break this young girl's heart?" He then jumped and landed on the ground next to them. "Never fear, Kuni, the son of Susano, the greatest warrior who ever lived, is here."

"Jeez," Issun said, not in the slightest bit amused. "He's just as cocky it seems. Well, like father like son I suppose."

Kuni was then looking at Tadashi. "I've never seen a dog like you before," he said. "In fact, I don't even know if you are a dog."

"Wait a minute," Issun said. "You mean you can tell what Tadashi is?"

"It's as clear as day," Kuni replied. He then turned to the little girl. "What seems to be the problem little girl?"

"I had this mirror that belonged to my mother," the little girl said. "Unfortunately, I dropped it and I can't go back and get it."

"Do not worry," Kuni said. "I can recover your lost item."

"Hmm…" Issun said. "Hey Kuni, if you go you should take Tadashi here with you. He'll be a great help. I think I found you a partner Tadashi."

"Hmm… well I guess he can come along," Kuni said. "But I hope you're quite the fighter boy."

"Excellent," Issun said, jumping off Tadashi's back. "Well buddy, it appears it's time for us to part. I have to return to my Envoy duties, but I'm sure we'll see each other again." And just like that, he bounced his way out of the village.

"I guess that makes us partners now," Kuni said. "So little girl, do you know where I could find this mirror of yours?"

"I think I dropped it somewhere in Hana Valley," the girl said. "But you have to be careful because the place is crawling with monsters."

(A/N: For this last part, the song I'm using is "A Real Knee-Slapper" from Okamiden.)

That made Kuni stop. "Did you say… m-monsters?"

"Mhm," the girl said. "Since the darkness returned, the valley is probably infested with them."

*Kuni then started sweating. "I… um…"

Tadashi stood there and shook his head. Some warrior he was…

"S-Sure… I can go there and find it," Kuni said.

"Oh thank you!" the girl said happily. "I greatly appreciate it."

"R-Right…" Kuni then turned around and walked slowly, showing how reluctant he was to do this now.

Tadashi sighed and then grabbed him by the back of his shirt and threw him onto his back. "Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice now," Kuni said. "Well, now that we're partners, I ought to give you a name. Something simple of course. How about… oh I know, I'll call you… Mutt."

Tadashi went rigid as his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Mutt?

(A/N: Oh I loved those parts in the game with the name calling. As you can see, this game has A LOT of humor in it despite what's going on, which is nice for a game. Anyway, I may not have lined up all these parts correctly by the game's standard but oh well, I will try to be as accurate as I can. So I hope you enjoyed the chapter and by all means people, if you're interested, you should consider buying Okami and/or Okamiden. They're both really good games.)

FoxMcCloud7921