A/N: . Sorry! It's summer, and I should be updating every few weeks, but between Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2, The World Ends With You, and real life, time is scarce. I did finally write this chapter... sorry to keep you guys waiting! As always, thanks for all the reviews!


Antithesis

Chapter 8: Aishiteru

Finally! Amaterasu, seeing no other animals to feed or travelers to help, had begun to head toward the stairs leading to Kusa Village. I followed her, matching her blazing pace with little effort. I sighed and added another question to my already large, unanswered list of questions: why could I keep up with her speed if she was a goddess and I was just a mortal wolf? I hadn't even noticed just how fast we could run until one of the merchants referred to us as the "Blurs of Taka Pass." Our speed had seemed so normal that between the enemies that were out to murder me and the questions that were forever swirling in my head, I had never given it a second thought. I looked up as the last of the steps vanished from underneath my paws. Kusa Village lay just beyond the short trail, trapped underneath the influence of Crimson Helm. Already, I could feel the faint wisps of cursed air blowing past me, sending shivers down my spine. I sighed and looked over at Amaterasu, only to freeze in shock. Her divine markings, once a bright crimson, had turned dull; some of them had faded away completely. Her Divine Instrument began to flicker in and out of existence, while her tail began to look more and more like that of a regular wolf's. What's happening to her?! I blinked. And more importantly, why hasn't this happened to me...? I felt fine; nothing about me had changed as we neared the village.The goddess returned my stunned gaze with a regretful look of her own.

Shinryu. She spoke my name with something akin to respect and adoration. I have my reasons for not speaking to you since we met, but I can't avoid it anymore. A breezy sigh echoed in my head as she slowed her pace. Something ahead is sapping my strength; you will have to fight alone if we encounter any demons.

Great. Just great. So our next battle is probably going to be our last. I scowled at the air. Someone up there must really hate me... There was no possible way I could do this alone. I had honed my fighting skills throughout the days we spent in Taka Pass, but they were nowhere near what they needed to be if I had to face demons on my own. Seeing my expression, Amaterasu nudged me with her tail.

Don't look so hopeless; have some faith in yourself and your abilities, she advised.The barest hint of a smile appeared on her muzzle. If it helps, I believe you can do this.

Yeah, but you're also falling in love with me, I grumbled. That's got to be skewing your judgment...

Despite my protests, her words gave me more comfort than I expected. I looked up the stairs, almost wishing that the passage had been blocked. As always, I didn't have a choice. If I backed out now, Kusa Village would remain cursed, and we wouldn't be able to defeat Orochi without the brush power that lay dormant in the Gale Shrine. Resigned to my fate, I trudged past Amaterasu and entered the village.

Kusa seemed to be in low spirits; despite the fact that no cursed zone had appeared, everyone seemed drained of energy. The houses sported large gashes, as though something had ripped through them with ease, while the merchant stalls bore what looked like claw marks. But what unnerved me most was the almost tangible blanket of despair that had enveloped the area. Animals wandered from aimlessly in the streets, their ears and heads drooping, while people struggled to do tasks that had once been considered easy. Even the plants seemed to feel the change; every plant I could see had wilted, their leaves crinkled and dry.

"Yikes! What's this creepy evil atmosphere in this village?" exclaimed Issun, hunkering down in Amaterasu's coat to avoid being swept off by the breeze.

You can say that again... what gives? I thought, shivering as a gust of wind passed us by. It's like it's a ghost town or something... A low whine escaped the goddess' lips as the last of her markings, along with her Divine Instrument, disappeared with a faint poof. A small tremor passed through her body before she collapsed onto her side, panting.

Ammy?! I rushed to her side, lying down to look into one amber eye. Issun wormed his way out of her fur to stand in front of the other eye.

"Furball?! What's goin' on?!" The Poncle's aura changed from its usual green to a concerned blue. "You okay?"

I cannot go any further... I'm sorry. She closed her eyes, her breath getting shallower with each moment. I think... I must rest...

Come on, stay with me! I nudged her with my nose, trying to get her to stand. Don't you dare go dying on me!

"This doesn't look good, Shin," squeaked Issun, frantic with worry. "We've gotta find what's cursing this area, and fast - HEY! Where're ya goin'?!" shouted Issun as I took off down the street, clouds of dust billowing in my wake.

Where do you think?! I wanted to scream. I was the only one with the strength to end Kusa's curse; if I didn't do something now, Amaterasu would die. She'd already been sent to the grave once by Orochi; there was no way I was going to allow her to die again.I raced up the path, heading for the area just before the Gale Shrine. Princess Fuse would be there; all I had to do was take out the demons that were possessing her, and the curse would lift. Just hang in there, please...! I rounded the bend to see Princess Fuse, her back to me as she muttered to herself.

"Oh, this is most unfortunate... I have been possessed in a momentary lapse in vigilance." Her ashen skin underscored her words.

I snarled, looking for the demon causing the trouble. Damn it, where is it?!

"And I was trying so hard to defend this village..." The princess continued on; apparently, she hadn't heard me. "Now it shall be reduced to a horrid cursed zone. Alas, my strength... it wanes...!"

So does Amaterasu's! WHERE IS THAT DEMON?! I screamed within my mind. Every second that passed, the goddess came closer and closer to entering death's embrace a second time.

"All is lost..."

Before I could react, one gigantic claw smashed into me from behind and sent me flying into the side of the mountain. Ignoring the pain that swept through me like a raging deluge, I picked myself up and dashed at the monstrous demon that stood before Princess Fuse. It was unlike any of the other demons I'd seen before; row after row of black scales covered its body and limbs, protecting it from conventional weapons, while six horns sprouted from its head. Its massive arms swayed from side to side; from each hand extended six claws that created purple streaks that hissed and seethed wherever they touched. This has to be the thing that made the marks on the houses and stalls... I thought, and glanced at is eyes. Its venomous gaze swept across the area, looking for a target to destroy. And at the moment, that target seemed to be me.

All right, I growled, and sprang into the air to bring Ticking Death down onto its exposed head. You're finished! One mammoth hand swung up and batted it aside, its lethal claws missing my side by mere inches. I flipped away and landed on all fours, tail already lifted to wield the power of the Abyssal Brush. With a swipe my tail, the ground beneath the demon vanished, sending it crashing to its knees. Seizing my chance, I slammed into its chest, my scythe attempting to slice its way through layers of scales to the soft flesh underneath. Before it could strike at me, a strand of Silverwisp tugged me away to safety. I grit my teeth as I turned to face the demon again. Its scales seemed to be more than Ticking Death could handle. The scythe's slashes hadn't even made a dent in its scales, and without the Dark Instrument, I had no chance of killing the one who had set the curse upon Kusa. 'All is lost' began to echo in my mind, Princess Fuse's simple statement slowly but surely undermining my determination. With Amaterasu dead, Orochi couldn't be defeated; there was no chance of defeating Verel, no chance of getting home, no chance of restoring this world that had once been a game to me to its rightful state.

There would be no chance to ever truly know Amaterasu, to see her eyes alight with that happy-go-lucky spirit of hers again.

My head snapped up, all despairing thoughts vanishing in an instant. She had protected me up until now and had always found a way to cheer me up when I looked anything close to sad. The very least I can do... is try and do the same for her. Even if I couldn't take the demon down, I had to try. For her. I yelped as green fire poured from the cursed air around me and onto my scythe, mingling with the blue flames that danced around it.

You who have sworn to protect those you care about... spoke a light, airy voice in my mind. I am the Dark Instrument Fleeting Spirit.

Huh? What happened to Ticking Death?!

I am he, and yet I am not... he and I are one. Fleeting Spirit sounded amused. Do you understand?

I... think so. I glared at the demon in front of me. Does that mean that the two of you can cut through that thing's scales?

Yes.

Let's go, then!

I charged the demon once more, the green flames hissing as I jumped into the air and pushed off the fist that tried to slam me back down to earth. With a swipe of my tail, a strand of Silverwisp sent me hurtling towards the demon, scythe at the ready. The monster's roar was abruptly cut short as I sliced clean through its neck. It fell to the ground, its body disintegrating in the harsh winds that swept over the village. I glanced over at Princess Fuse. While she had fallen unconscious, her ashen skin had regained its normal, healthy color. That means the curse should be lifted! I bounded back down the path, only to stop in my tracks at the sight before me. Amaterasu's form was completely still; not even her tail, which swished from side to side in her sleep, moved. Issun stood a few feet from her, his aura a pale yellow.

Ammy? Ammy?! I scrambled to her side and nudged her with my nose. A pitiful whine escaped my throat. Please don't tell me I was too late...!

"Sorry, furball," Issun mumbled, his voice cracking. "I heard her heart stop beating a few minutes ago..."

I took one step back, shaking my head slowly. Amaterasu couldn't have died. I refused to believe it.

"Ya did your best..." Issun trailed off, and I could tell he was trying not to cry. Something inside me seemed to shatter, a feeling I couldn't quite place seeping into my soul. I whimpered as pain, unfettered and raw, pierced deep inside my chest. I wanted to cry, to scream, to curse the world for letting her go this way. Unable to do any of those things, I howled. A long, sorrowful howl, filled with anguish and grief.

Then... a miracle. A swirling, pulsating light of orange and green spiraled from the heavens to settle gently on Amaterasu's back. With a flash, the Divine Instrument reappeared along with her crimson markings. My heart skipped a beat when her tail twitched and her eyes opened, revealing those beautiful amber pools.

Shinryu? The sun goddess sounded genuinely surprised. Why are you looking at me like that?

"AMMY!" Issun gleefully bounced onto her muzzle. "You're alive!"

I couldn't help but let out a howl of joy and run in circles around her, tail wagging ecstatically.

... Was I really that close to death? she asked, and I nodded.

In that case, I believe some thanks are in order. She got up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Normally, a kiss would work, but given that we're wolves...

I gulped. What exactly does she have in mind? I wondered, when she took a step forward and gently licked the side of my face.

I think that will have to do instead. Thank you, Shinryu.

Suddenly I was grateful for the fact that my fur was black; it hid the blush that was creeping its way onto my face.

"Okay... uh, furballs?" Issun's aura had turned a bright pink. "Can we move on?"

I suppressed a laugh. Issun, despite all his questionable comments on women, was embarrassed at the first display of affection. Sure. I took the lead for once, guiding the two of them up the path to where Princess Fuse was just getting up.

"Hm!?" Princess Fuse, restored to her senses, turned around to spot us waiting behind her. "Have I been freed from the evil curse?" she wondered aloud. She squinted at us, searching for something. At last, she nodded. "You have saved me, but I do not know how."

I do... and it certainly wasn't easy.

"What the heck happened, sweetness?"

I rolled my eyes. Now that Ammy was okay, Issun was back to being his usual self.

"Oh... Are you familiar with my family, the Satomi House?"

Amaterasu and I shook our heads.

"No... I can see now that you are not. Still, you may be of great service to me yet. Will you not listen to what I have to say?"

"You just keep talkin', pretty lady. Issun's listening!"

Womanizer. Why do I have a feeling you're looking more than listening?

Shinryu... do you ever get the feeling that Issun looks more often than he listens? I let out a quiet chuckle; apparently Amaterasu agreed with me. I gave her a slight nod and turned to listen to the princess.

"Oh, thank you! I am Princess Fuse, priestess of the Gale Shrine. The Gale Shrine stands atop Mount Kamiji. Kazegami, the god of wind, is enshrined there."

Kaze? He sleeps here?

Oblivious to Amaterasu's comment, the princess went on. "The wind blowing down from there keeps the monsters away. Known as the Divine Wind, it is venerated as our protector." She sighed. "However, it suddenly stopped blowing one day... and that has allowed the monsters to sneak into our village. Even I, the last remaining priestess here, was nearly slain. That horrible monster is behind all of this!"

Whoa, time out. I thought I killed the monster that caused the curse?

"Will you hear the rest of my story?" All three of us nodded. With a grateful smile, Princess Fuse continued her story. "There is only one explanation for why the Divine Wind stopped. It is that horrible monster, Crimson Helm! The beast now dwells within the Gale Shrine. The monsters in this area have all been under Crimson Helm's control ever since he appeared in Taka Pass 100 years ago."

Odd... Amaterasu, as Shiranui, had died 100 years ago. Had her power been the only thing keeping the major demons from stepping out of the shadows to do with Nippon as they pleased?

"My people, the Satomi House, keepers of the Gale Shrine, have been battling the beast and his minions ever since... but last year, the fiends attacked and killed the head priest while he was weakened by sickness, and the Gale Shrine fell into their hands."

"I remember hearing that story," Issun piped up. "It was big news in these parts."

One of her hands balled into a fist, the frustration on her face apparent. "If only I could vanquish Crimson Helm and free the Gale Shrine... but I am no match for the evil barrier that now bars entry. There is only one hope now."

Us?

"Only the warriors who serve the Satomi House can right this wrong!"

Oh. I blinked, slightly disappointed that she hadn't called upon us; helping people out of dire situations had become routine for me over the past few weeks. Ah well... just tell us where the unlucky warriors are and I guess we can convince them to come back here... though why any samurai would willingly want to come back to defeat a monster is beyond me.

"Our last remaining hope for defeating Crimson Helm is... the Satomi Canine Warriors!"

I stared at her in disbelief. Please tell me you're joking. Dogs?! You depend on dogs to save you?!

Ah... the Canine Warriors still exist, then.

I turned to look at the sun goddess. How does she know about them?

A century ago they vigilantly guarded Kusa; I never had to worry whether a stray demon would make it past them, explained Amaterasu when she saw my confusion.

"The Satomi Canine Warriors have protected the shrine and served the Satomi House for ages, but alas... they are now scattered throughout Nippon. If we could bring them together again, they could break the barrier and retake the shrine."

"Really?! Then why don't ya just summon those puppies on back?" asked Issun.

You know, Issun, that's the first decent idea I've heard out of you in a while.

"I have already tried," replied the princess with a shake of her head. "But I have yet to receive any word of their coming. I sense their presence nearby, but have yet to find them. What if they were attacked and injured, or even worse...?" she trailed off, the thought clearly frightening her. "I beg you, would you please sniff out their whereabouts? You might find this useful..." She reached into her kimono and pulled out a small slip of paper attached to a bell. Kanji markings covered both sides of the paper, while what I guessed was the seal of Satomi House was engraved on the bell. She handed it to the sun goddess, who tucked it under the rosary she carried.

"Leave it to us, sweetness! We'll get 'em all back without a scratch!" promised the artist. I rolled my eyes but said nothing as I followed Amaterasu away from the princess.

"Can't wait to see how she thanks us, furballs! Heh heh heh..." said the Poncle once we were out of earshot. Issun continued talking about one thing or another as we searched the village for the Canine Warriors, but as time went on, my thoughts went back to Amaterasu.

What did she mean to me, exactly? She was a goddess who never seemed to run out of forgiveness or kindness. She was a friend, a companion. We fought together, traveled together, laughed together, slept underneath the same stars.

Did I care about her? Of course I did; it was almost impossible not to. She was Ammy, the "lovable furball," as Issun put it. Amaterasu grew on you. The longer you knew her, the more you liked and cared for her.

Did I love her? This was where the trouble began. I wasn't exactly sure where I stood. I knew she loved me in some way, and before today, I'd believed I thought of her as a friend and nothing more. But as I thought back over the way I'd reacted when she'd fallen and how determined I'd been to save her... I realized that just wasn't true anymore. Fighting for her, seeing her motionless form on the ground, and thinking she was dead had irrevocably changed me as much as time had. Things could never be the same between us now. Did I love her? The question repeated itself in my mind, and this time, I had an answer.

Yes. Yes, I did. I almost laughed at the irony of it all. Over the past two weeks, I'd tried to keep my distance from Amaterasu, hoping that maybe she would go after Waka instead. Whatever little progress I'd made had been undone in a single day. I was undeniably bound to her, as she was to me; there was a connection we shared that words couldn't express and didn't have to.

Ammy walked ahead, her light footfalls accompanied by the soft tinkling of the tracker hanging off her neck. As my mind struggled to find the simplest explanation of how I felt about her, I began to slow down. When she noticed my sluggish pace, she turned to me, concern reflected in her eyes.

Are you okay?

I couldn't help but smile at the sound of her golden voice. Now the words I wanted to say came easily, far too easily. Though she couldn't hear me, I let the words sound in my head.

Aishiteru, Amaterasu.


A/N: If you knew Japanese, you could already guess what was coming from the title of the chapter... There's a small button down there begging for attention... make it happy please!