Author's Note: Whew, long chapter! Sorry I haven't updated in awhile you guys, my internet was down for about a week. But I'm back now with more Ammy-action to come! So please, remember to review and subscribe~!
~ A Recap ~
The Goddess nodded in understanding, and the Tree Sprite began floating back to where the giant form of Konohana stood in the distance.
"Good luck, Amaterasu," She called to them. "And may the fresh scent of flowers guide you always~"
Ammy lifted her hand and gave a little wave as Sakuya departed. Issun hopped around between her shoulders.
"So we're off to the big city again, Furball!" He said excitedly. "I haven't been to Sei-an in so long! Let's get going!"
She nodded, then looked over to the entrance to Kamiki; it seemed everyone had made it back to the village safely.
"Aw, man…" She whined. "I don't wanna run all the way there…"
She heard Issun tsk in her ear. "So lazy. Remember the Mermaid Springs? They're still around, maybe we could see if the merchant sells Mermaid Coins?"
"Good idea," She said, relieved that she wouldn't have to make the tedious journey to Sei-an city on foot. "But we need to go back through Taka Pass so we can properly thank Princess Aya…"
Issun gave an impatient sigh. "Make up your mind, would ya?"
"Okay, fine, fine. We'll thank her later. Now, let's get to Sei-an City!"
( Waka's P.O.V. )
The Prophet hovered high in the sky, looking down upon the bustling activity that went on every day in Sei-an City. The many cherry blossom trees were in full-bloom this time of year, and in the air hung a light perfume of the fragrant trees. Waka's blue eyes scanned the cobblestoned walkways throughout the city, until he found what he was looking for.
She's the one, hmm? He pondered to himself as he gazed down upon one of the many buildings. He knew Amaterasu would most likely arrive in the city soon.
The Tao Master folded his arms over his chest and chuckled. "Good luck with that one, Amaterasu."
( Amaterasu's P.O.V. )
After resting in Kamiki Village for the night, stocked up on supplies for the journey, and her stomach still full of delicious cherry cakes, Amaterasu yawned as she adjusted the satchel that rested on her hip. She felt well-rested and nourished now, and she was ready to take on anything. As soon as she woke up a bit more, that is.
"C'mon Ammy, pick up the pace!" Issun scolded her as she slowly grabbed a few of the cherry cakes to take along with her. She groaned, still tired from her well-deserved sleep.
"Can't I go back to bed?" She whined. Even though she was the savior of Nippon, she was still insufferably lazy.
"Heck no!" Issun shouted, his firm tone making him sound like a drill sergeant. "We've got things to do, places to be! Now stop being such a couch potato and get movin'!"
After a few more very audible moans and groans, Amaterasu finally finished packing everything they would need. A light morning breeze ruffled her hair gently as she adjusted the bag again and snatched Issun from where he sat on a tree stump.
"Aren't you eager today?" She teased as he hopped up onto her shoulder.
"I'm just doing my job. If you were by yourself you'd never get up to do anything!"
A small scowl made its way onto Ammy's already-sharp features. With a "hmph" she began walking toward the exit of the village.
"Oh c'mon furball, don't be like that-"
But Amaterasu was no longer listening. She walked down the path to where the gates that led out to Shinshu Field stood, and with a bow to the merchant whose stand was set up there, walked through.
A few moments later, the plains of Shinshu greeted her, and she smiled slightly at the lack of evil in the air. Eastern Nippon was safe for now. She took a deep breath of the cool air and walked, her feet making little scuffing noises on the dew-soaked grass.
Soon the Shinto Shrine came into view. With a jolt, she saw someone walking around outside. Who in the…
The Goddess scurried down the hill to where the glittering waters of Lake Harami lapped against the shore. For a moment, her heart skipped into her throat; what if the evil wasn't gone after all?
"Ah, it's you," She heard a voice call to her. She looked to see the Shinto Priest she had seen the day before at the checkpoint walking toward her.
"Y-you?" She said, slightly startled. "What're you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," He replied with a smile. "Actually, after you left you got me to thinking about Priest Masato and well…I think he would want someone to carry on his legacy. So I've decided to take over here in Masato's place."
Ammy's eyes widened slightly in shock. "B-but what about the Shrine at the Checkpoint?"
He chuckled, the corners of his young eyes creasing with faint wrinkles. "I think it will be in good hands from now on."
She nodded in understanding, a vision of Sanbiki no Saru coming into her mind. She smiled faintly and gave the Priest a bow.
"You know, there's something peculiar about you," He said as he exchanged the bow. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel a certain…light, radiating from you. It warms me inside, it gives me hope."
Amaterasu lowered her dark eyes uncomfortably, feeling her heartbeat speed up. Was he suspicious? She sucked in a shallow breath as the Priest chuckled lightheartedly.
"I don't know if you're some kind of emissary of the gods, or maybe you simply just keep the faith that the people seem to lack nowadays," He said, studying her with his kind eyes. She looked up and instantly felt at ease under his gaze. "But whatever you happen to be, or what your mission is in this world, you can always come to me if you should ever require any assistance."
Ammy let out a subconsciously held breath and smiled at the Priest as he gave her a respectful bow. "Thank you, for everything," She replied, returning the gesture.
"My name is Koichi," He said as she turned and began walking away. "May the gods guide you in your quest."
Ammy then felt like a load was being lifted off of her shoulders. Koichi's kindness warmed her throughout, and the smile didn't leave her face as she walked toward the entrance to Agata forest.
"Alright, enough distractions," Issun cut in. "Let's get to Sei-an! I could use a drink right about now."
She laughed and flicked at him playfully. "That's right, you haven't had any of Kushi's famous sake since we've been back, have you?"
"No!" He pouted. "I think I'm starting to go through withdrawals."
"Alrighty then! Let's see if we can find some sake that's half as good as Kushi's in Sei-an."
"You got it, furball!" Issun cheered. "Full speed ahead!"
Ryoshima Coast had never looked so beautiful.
As the two made their way back their last route to the Checkpoint and crossed the huge bridge that passed over the roaring river below, Amaterasu felt that wave of nostalgia sweep over her once again. The salty breeze blew in her face, leaving a sheen of cold, clean moisture on her skin. She took a deep breath of the sea air and walked down the dirt path that wove its way through the long grasses that lined the coast.
"Man, it almost makes you forget what could be lurking around here," Issun commented. Amaterasu was about to flick him off of her shoulder for reminding her, but just as she was about to, the familiar wave of fire swept around them, and a few new enemies circled around her; a crow tengu, the long sweeping neck curled into an attacking position as it flapped its tattered wings, and two classic oni, hunched over and grunting through their masks as they beat on their drums.
"Nice going, Issun," Ammy said as she attacked the two oni, vanquishing them quickly with a few power slashes. She then turned her attention to the Crow Tengu, who dive-bombed her. She expertly dodged the lethal, sharp beak and with a few more powerful slices, defeated it.
By the time she had picked up the Yen and items the monsters dropped, Amaterasu was huffing. She bent over a little to catch her breath.
"I don't understand," She said in between breaths. "I could feel a strong evil coming from them…they're stronger than normal."
"I wonder why?" Issun bounced off her shoulder and collected a few Yen she had missed. "Do you think this has something to do with Taishoku?"
"No, this is a different kind of evil…" Ammy replied, straightening up and storing her Reflector on her back. "Come on. Let's get to Sei-an so we can see if there's anything going on there."
With a few more breaths, Amaterasu was fit enough to continue on through the coast. As they passed by the staircase that led up to Ankoku Temple, she felt a sadness lurch in her chest; up there was where Rao had been killed by Ninetails. She sighed at the thought of the priestess, and suddenly felt a sense of deprivation that she hadn't gotten the chance to meet the real Rao.
"Aw man," Issun said, pulling her out of her thoughts. "This is where Busty Babe…you know…"
Amaterasu nodded without speaking. After a moment, she felt a small smile come to her face. "Rao made a brave sacrifice," She praised. "And with her memory I know I can keep going."
She felt Issun's miniscule hand on her shoulder. "Well said, furball."
With one last look at the steep stone staircase, Amaterasu continued walking, past the Temple Bell, and down the cliff to where the soft sand glowed in the sunshine.
"It's so soft…" She said as she slipped off the wooden zori on her feet and let the sand slip in between her toes. A downside to being a wolf was that she hadn't been able to feel the sand very well, because of the rough pads under her paws. She smiled at this new human pleasure.
As Ammy took this moment to relax, she looked around at the features that littered the land; the Moon Turret that stood as a path to the Dragonian Kingdom, the various sea cliffs and islands that dotted the vast expanse of crystal-clear water. Looking at all of the beauty nature had to offer reminded her of her purpose for fighting: to protect this gift from those who would wish to destroy it.
Then, the peace was shattered by a force blowing into her from the side, knocking the wind out of her. She looked around wildly, then noticed a man lying on the ground, knocked over by the force of their bodies connecting.
"E-excuse me!" He stuttered as he got up and brushed off his bare chest. A messenger bag hung on his shoulder. "I didn't see you there, Miss."
"It's fine," She replied graciously as she examined him further; his slender frame and attire reminded her of Hayate, the messenger who would always challenge her to races along the beach.
"So, where are you headed?" He asked her as he adjusted his letter-filled bag.
"Sei-an City," She said. "I have some business to take care of there."
The messenger's eyes lit up a little. "Oh, I'm headed there right now! I have a few letters to deliver. Perhaps I could escort you?"
Before she could answer, she felt him grab her wrist and take off running. "W-wahh!" She cried as he dragged her along the beach, past the trees that littered the coast, and up the stone pathway that led to the dock. In just a matter of minutes they were right outside the gates.
"There you are!" He said, a triumphant smile gracing his face. "So whaddya think? Pretty fast, huh?"
The Goddess nodded, a little lost for words. She brushed off her kimono and clumsily gave him a bow.
"Thank you for the, er, lift," She said. He grinned at her. "No problem! Just remember me, Zuma, as the fastest runner in Ryoshima!"
With that, he was off, disappearing in a cloud of dust as he ran through the gates toward the city.
"Well that was weird," Issun said. "He was pretty fast though!"
"I'll say…" Amaterasu muttered, shaking her head a little. Once she had regained her bearings she looked up at the towering gates that led into Sei-an. She could already hear the bustling activity from the Commoner's Quarter from where she stood.
With a nod toward the guards that stood on either side of the gate, Amaterasu began her descent down the hill that led to the city, which floated in the center of Lake Beewa. Huge mountainous cliffs surrounded every side of the lake, creating a sense of isolation.
"Alright, finally!" Issun yelled. "I haven't been to Sei-an in years. Get in there, Ammy! I need booze!"
With a roll of her dark eyes Ammy obeyed and entered the huge wooden gate that allowed entrance into the city. As soon as she felt the cobblestones beneath her feet, she was captivated by the familiar festivity of the Commoner's Quarter. The petals of the cherry blossom trees littered the crowded walkways. Amaterasu smiled a little as she walked down the main pathway to where a huge fire pit stood that lit up the city at night. On either side were shops upon shops, selling everything from medicine to fireworks. Statues of Lucky Cats stood outside the shops, warding off evil.
"Oh, yeah! I love the city life!" Issun said as he bounced around in circles on the ground. "This place hasn't changed a bit. C'mon Ammy, let's go get a drink at the restaurant!"
Ammy shrugged and began making her way through the crowded streets to where Yama's restaurant was located. She spotted it from far away, the elegantly placed trees and warm glow of lights outside giving its position away immediately.
As the two walked inside, they were greeted by the smell of freshly-brewed sake and barbecued meats. Amaterasu inhaled the delicious scent and felt her stomach growl; all of that running had wiped her out.
One of the many waitresses bustling around busily came over and directed them to a table, where she set down two clay mugs filled to the brim with fragrant sake. Ammy giggled a little as she watched Issun dive into his, his small form trembling with joy as he gulped up the drink. She took a sip of her own sake and let the strong brew sit in her mouth for a moment before swallowing; Nope, not nearly as good as Kushi's.
The waitress came over a few moments later and smiled politely at them. "Welcome to Yama's Restaurant, over 100 years of service," She said. "Our specials today are filleted blowfish and the Fiery Chef's famous Mushroom Soup. Are you ready to order?"
Ammy sat up a little as she considered which one she wanted. "I'll have the Mushroom Soup," She said finally. The waitress nodded and looked at Issun, who was still swimming in his sake.
"I don't care, just keep that sake comin'!" He slurred happily. Ammy looked back at the waitress and shrugged.
"Alright, I'll have that out soon," She said with a bow, then retreated to the kitchens.
After thanking her, Amaterasu propped her elbows on the table and took another drink of her sake. She let her eyes wander around the crowded restaurant, noticing people from all around; there were a few Shinto Priests seated in the corner, traveling merchants, ambitious monster-hunters, young samurais.
"Oh my, is that a Poncle?"
She jumped at the sound of the voice. She turned to see a rough-looking man staring at Issun as he soaked in the sake. She eyed him suspiciously, but when his dark, deep-set eyes caught the look he just laughed.
"Don't be alarmed," He said. "I just couldn't help noticing him."
Issun was too wasted now to be paying attention. Ammy sent a silent thanks to him for not being sober enough to embarrass her.
"Y-yes," She said with a nervous smile. "He's my companion."
He laughed again, a loud, gruff sound that made her flinch at the noise level. "Well, what luck! I've never seen one before."
She laughed a little, shifting uncomfortably. "So, what brings you to Sei-an?" He asked, taking a generous swig of the sake that sat in front of him.
"We're just…passing through," She said. He nodded.
"Ah," He said. "I'm here to see the Emperor, but I was turned away by the guards." He slicked back his long black ponytail with his hand. "I heard there's been some turmoil in the Imperial Palace lately, but I didn't think I wouldn't be able to see the Emperor because of it."
Ammy's head tilted a little in a silent plea to elaborate. He chuckled a little and took another gulp of his sake.
"The Emperor's gotten sick recently," He explained. "No one knows why. Not even the Empress knows, and she's the smartest in Sei-an. Some even say she's the smartest and wisest human being in all of Nippon."
The Goddess's brow furrowed as she mulled this over. The Emperor had mysteriously fallen ill? It sounded pretty familiar to her.
"He's been calling all kinds of different doctors and Priests to help him," He continued. "But none of them have been able to diagnose him with anything. I've heard it's causing a lot of trouble here in the city."
"Hmm…" Amaterasu set down her sake cup and stood, grabbing the drunk Poncle out of his own glass. "Sorry, but we have to go."
The man nodded and raised his glass to her. "Good luck," He called as they left.
Once outside, Ammy held Issun up by his scruff, watching as he lazily swung at her.
"Hey, what're ya…ugh…"
"Snap out of it, Issun," She said sternly. "Sounds like I may have an idea of where that evil was coming from."
She stared out into space for a moment, trying to push the fears out of her mind…what if Blight, the evil sword that had shrouded Sei-an in toxic mist all those years ago, had somehow returned? It didn't make sense though…the city would be covered in the same foul fog, wouldn't it? She shook her head a little. The only way to confirm her fears would be to visit the Emperor and see for herself.
"Come on, Tiger," She said, stuffing Issun into her kimono. He catcalled at her and nestled into her cleavage. "We've gotta find out what's going on."