Tails and Amaterasu started to walk around Shinshu Field, both of them staying close together. Tails found himself peeking at Amaterasu a few times as they walk around the field. He didn't know why, but there was something about her that he couldn't ignore.
'You know, for a goddess of the sun, she's pretty. The white fur with those red markings really suits her. And she's pretty amazing in a fight. I wonder if I...' Tails thought before shaking his head.
'No, I can't think like that. Amaterasu is my friend! She's a goddess, yes, but just my friend. Augh, I wish my memories weren't trying to rush back to me. I can't think straight!' He added in thought.
However, Amaterasu, herself, was also peeking at Tails. She smiles as she thinks to herself.
'I know I have known him for a short time, but Tails is different than most of the other people I met. He's clearly smart and willy to help. Still, how is he getting my brush powers? But maybe that's ok. They are helping him, and he's not trying to steal them like Issun.' She thought looking away.
Issun notices the two looking at other even time one of them looks away. He wasn't going to lie, he could see that both of his furry friends have a thing for each. He saw it every time they fought. While he does hope they become closer, he knew that had a job to do.
They found a Merchant under the guardian sapling, and he mentions about treasures they could give him. Tails even saw Ida running around and rolled his eyes.
"Still seen faster." He said, trying to figure out why.
Amaterasu giggles and they kept walking. They spotted some more devil gates and destroyed them. They even use their bloom brush power to revive the trees and pacts of guess. They even feed some of the animals, giving enough praise to let Amaterasu "level up" as Tails called it. They continue their walk before Amaterasu stops. She could feel something powerful and it was coming from the gate on the beach.
"Amaterasu?" Tails asked, hearing a soft growl coming from her.
Issun notices the sigh and reads it.
"It says this is Lake Harami. You know, from the legend of Nagi? But it's kinda lost its luster. Probably 'cause the great Nagi's descendant is Susano." He said.
But Amaterasu didn't stop growling. She soon headed for the gate, causing Tails and Issun to run/hop after her. They soon pass under the gate and encountered themselves heading towards an island.
"Huh? We passed under the shrine gate and followed the narrow path. So where the heck's the Moon Cave? It should be right here! Hey, what's with that big ol' mountain over there? Since when did that appear in the middle of Lake Harami? They say the Moon Cave is where Nagi slew the legendary beast. But that huge mountain is way too big for the Moon Cave I remember. I mean, just look at it. It's massive!" Issun said, surprised.
However, Tails was more worried about Amaterasu. She didn't even listen to Issun as she started to walk close to the mountain. Tails quickly rush after her with Issun hanging on to one of his tails. They soon found her trying to enter the cave, but something was forcing her back.
"Amaterasu! Stop!" Tails said, grabbing her arm.
The she-wolf turns and saw Tails. She sighs and relaxed. Issun hops over to the cave and tries to enter himself.
"Youch! What the heck!? There's some kinda barrier here! Never seen one so powerful before. We'd be better off staying away from this thing!" He said, causing Amaterasu to pick him up.
"I'm sorry. I felt something coming from here. Something familiar. Something that I need to destroy." She said, looking at the cave.
Tails step up and look into the cave. He nearly jumps when he saw red eyes looking back before they faded. Tails had no idea what it was, but it was clearly evil.
"Hey, Fox boy! Are you alright?" Issun asked, seeing Tails frozen in place.
"Tails?" Amaterasu asked, also worried.
Tails didn't move. He was unsure what he saw was real. He felt a hand on his shoulder and broke free of his trance. He turns to see a worried Amaterasu and sighs.
"I'm fine. Sorry, but I thought I saw something staring back at me in the cave." He said.
"Really? I don't see anyone, Fox Boy." Issun said, looking in the cave.
However, Amaterasu didn't like it either. There was something about this place that made her fur stick up.
"Let us return to Shinshu Field. We still have things to take care of." She said.
Flashback,
A white wolf that looks very much like Amaterasu watches as Nagi fights the great beast with everything he had.
"He's spirited but reckless." She said.
A being like Issun hopped on her head, watching the fight.
"Doesn't look like he's doing a good job." He said.
The White Wolf saw Nagi kneeling on the ground before she grunted.
"Are you sure you're okay?" The Being like Issun asked.
"I'm fine. Miles, watch over me." She said before jumping down to join the fight.
Flashback end,
Tails and Amaterasu walk back to Shinshu Field and notice that the sun had set and it was now nighttime. However, Tails remembered a lone house they came across earlier that mention it will open at night. With a nod, they headed for it. However, they soon came across another new enemy. Strangely, it looked like a koi fish wearing a robe and geta, with large fins like wings.
"Holy! Dead Fish! Ammy, Tails, listen to me, when you beat those things don't let them grab you! They will blow up trying to take you with them! If you see them flopping, run!" Issun said, making them both nod.
They watch as the Dead Fish took the skies, throwing their fins at them. They both dodged before Tails jumped towards one. He whacks with his tails, knocking it to the ground. He landed before spin-dashing into it. He then backs away seeing the Dead Fish get back up and threw its fins at him. Tails dodge them both before rushing up and punching the Dead Fish. It landed on the ground and started to flop. Remembering Issun's warning, Tails took to the sky, staying out of its reach before it exploded.
Amaterasu had a different kind of fight. She lacked flight, but she had her own way of fighting. The Dead Fish threw its fins at her, but she slash them back with a Power Slash, knocking the Dead Fish out of the sky. She grabs her Divine Instrument and started slashing away at the Dead Fish. Since Amaterasu was quicker, she easily defeated the Dead Fish. Instead of flopping, it stood up and ran toward her. It grabs her and started to blink.
"AMATERASU!" Tails shouted and quickly use a Power Slash of his own to free her.
The Dead Fish let go of her as it splits in half. Amaterasu sighs as Tails walks over to her.
"I'm fine, Tails." She said before kissing his cheek.
"Thank you for saving me." She smiles.
Tails could only nod as he blushes from the kiss. Amaterasu giggles, thinking Tails's reaction was a bit cute. They enter the house and notice a man trying to make something.
"No, no, no! That can't be right! It shouldn't be doing that! No, no, no! I checked and double-checked my formula! No, no, no!" He was mumbling.
"Hey! You there, got a minute?" Issun spoke up.
"Hm? Whoa! What's this little wisp doing here?" The man asked.
"Hey, who you callin' a wisp! I'm Issun the Wandering Artist!" Issun said, upset.
Both Tails and Amaterasu chuckled/giggle at the new name that Issun had before listening to the man.
"Well, well, well. You're a little ball of fire, aren't you? I'm Tama. Tama, the Flaming Pyrotechnist! That's what they call me." The Man said.
Flaming Pyrotechnist, Tama.
"Listen up, you three. I'm just about to set off a hum-dinger of a doozy. Take a look at the formula I posted on the wall there. My whole career as a pyrotechnist has led to that formula, friends. It's for a little firework I've dubbed the Midnight Wonder Boy! There's only one problem. Even though I know the formula is sound, it's not working right yet. I know! Listen, pups. You've got good eyes. Fiery eyes. Smoldering eyes. Maybe your red-hot glare is just what I need to set this off! Feast your eyes on the greatest display the world has ever seen! Hold onto your hats, kids. Here I go! The brightest constellation in the sky - the Midnight Wonder Boy!" He said, trying to light up his work.
However, he couldn't get it working, causing him to mumble to himself. Tails turn to look at the formula and notice something.
"Amaterasu, look." He whispers making her turn.
She caught on and use her brush to draw the missing piece. Strangely, it felt like she knew that power. They then ran outside seeing the night sky light up with colorful lights and Amaterasu beamed in happiness! Tails stood next to her, smiling.
"Holy smokes! That Tama may have a few screws loose but boy, can he deliver! Hm? That light again. Oh, it's another constellation, Ammy!" Issun said when a light shine on them.
Tails could make out a boar standing on something as Amaterasu full in the missing stars. They watch as boar came down, riding what looks to be a firework ball with three smaller ones behind it, each one holding a small stick with fire. One of the small boars lit the fuse, but the bigger one quickly blew it out.
"Ah, Amaterasu. Origin of all that is good and mother to us all. Too often, it is easy to forget that which we cannot see. Hidden away, I had lost track of you. But now my soul is at ease. I, Bakugami, god of explosive force, lend my power to your cause. Use the Cherry Bomb to lay waste to foes and obstacles alike!" He said.
Tails was a bit surprised to see the smaller boars jump on him, making him laugh. Amaterasu smiles as she watched. However, the small boars soon jump off him before lighting the fuse again.
Bakugami notices and tries to roll away before both Tails and Amaterasu heard an explosion and flinched. They notice the symbol rolling back towards them, and Amaterasu absorbs it.
"Hey, did another brush technique just come back to you!? That was Bakugami, the god of explosions. His technique is called Cherry Bomb. Tama's enthusiasm must've awakened the god's power in you! Well, what're ya waitin' for? Let's give that Cherry Bomb a try! What about that cracked wall over there? Why don't you try a Cherry Bomb on it? But be careful." Issun said, a bit worried.
Amaterasu rolled her eyes before taking out her brush and drew a Cherry Bomb. Soon it explodes, breaking the crack.
"Whoa, look at that hole! It blasted that cracked wall to smithereens! That Cherry Bomb is one destructive technique! I mean, just think what it could do to monsters! It's gonna be tricky handling something that powerful! But I bet you'll be using it all the time once you master it!" Issun said, smiling.
They turn to see Tails doing the same, showing that he, too, had the brush power. Were the brush gods leaning their powers to him as well?
"Well, I think we have seen enough," Amaterasu said, making Tails nod.
"I guess so. Well, might as well go check on Sakuya. Hoping she's feeling better. If not, I know a way to help. Hehehe." Issun said.
Tails and Amaterasu shook their heads. They ended up spending the rest of the night at Tama's, who was glad to let them stay after helping him.
And stopping here. Well, Tails and Amaterasu explored Shinshu Field. I know I didn't cover all of the places, but I didn't want this to be too long. But as you read, Amaterasu went to the Moon Cave and felt something familiar and there was even a flashback. And she mentions Miles, Tails's real name! What does that mean? Well, this is going to be a long story so it's going to be a long time before I cover it. Up next, the return to Kamiki Village and...I kind of forget what was next after it. I haven't played Okami in years. So I hope the people that were waiting for this are happy! I'm not giving up on this story. I just get busy with other stories. I come back to this at a later date.
