Kamiki was just as lovely as Issun remembered. The fresh breeze filtering from the distant mountains was saturated with the sweetness of the cherry blossoms that covered the village's trees. He hadn't been here much during the last year; he hadn't really stayed in any one place for long. He liked to keep moving. He just couldn't seem to settle anywhere any more after all the journeying he'd done with Ammy last year.

Ammy tore through the village immediately, wagging her tail hard as she barked at everyone to announce her presence. Within moments she was surrounded by a crowd. Mrs Orange wanted to give her cherry cakes and even Mushi's mama was pleased to see her until Ammy made for the turnip plot. Issun laughed and shook his head. It was hard to believe Ammy was a god at times. Leaving her to dig up the turnips, and Susano and Kushi to prepare a picnic, Issun bounced up the sloping path to Sakuya's tree.

"Hey! Sakuya, honey! Did you miss me?" Issun called, standing on a rock near the base of the tree and staring up at the branches. Sakuya was obviously well. The tree hadn't flowered yet, but the budding blossoms between the leaves looked ready to open any day.

A pale pink light appeared at the tree's summit and Issun grinned as it faded to reveal Sakuya. Sheesh, he'd forgotten how pretty she was. She tilted her head at him. "Welcome back, little bug."

The dreamy cloud that had formed above Issun's head at the sight of her popped. "Bug? Bah! It's Issun, you silly tree-woman! Surely you remember that! I'm unforgettable!"

She laughed as she glided down to him. "I'm teasing you. Actually, I think you should be very proud of everything you've done this year, Issun. Your pictures of Amaterasu are beautiful. You've changed a lot since that irritating creature that used to sneak into my clothes."

"Well, I can't do that anymore, can I? You hardly have any clothes for me to sneak into."

Every time Issun saw her she seemed to be wearing less. Today she had her pink pants and lacy bra, and nothing else. Good grief, what would she be like by the time it was mid-summer when she was at her strongest? Not that Issun minded, of course. Ha! She probably dressed like this because she wanted to impress him. He'd have to come back when the weather was really warm. With any luck she wouldn't be wearing anything.

"So, Amaterasu has once again descended to our mortal world," said Sakuya, drifting to the edge of the plateau to look down at the village. It was difficult to see from this far up but Issun could just about make out a white shape dashing around the turnip plot, a large woman chasing her frantically.

"Yeah, she's trying to reclaim the title of hole-digging king seeing Kushi says Hayabusa has it at the moment. She can be very ungodly when she wants to be."

"Hmmmm." Sakuya frowned. "How wonderful to see her back again, but her presence troubles me. The land has been peaceful for so long, but now it seems tense, as if it is waiting for something to happen. Already the monsters are returning, but where are they coming from? The Ark of Yamato is gone."

"Ammy and I haven't seen any monsters, but Ammy seems to think there's danger somewhere."

"A monster is making its way across Shinshu. I hope it doesn't come here. The imps are stirring too. I can sense them readying for battle. They have been quiet this past year. They usually keep themselves to themselves and stay out of trouble, but now they are restless."

"Don't worry, Ammy and I will sort the monster and if any imps cause trouble then we'll get them too. I've not had a good fight in ages." Drawing his sword, he slashed the air but his arm ached after only a few moment. Hmmm, he'd need to work on that. He'd been lazy this past year. There was a price that came with peace.

"I knew I could count on you," said Sakuya. Drawing back from the edge, she smiled at Issun. He really needed to come to Kamiki more often. Sakuya was so into him. She probably wouldn't complain if he leapt into her clothes again. She'd probably enjoy it.

She moved closer to the rock where Issun stood and then leaned over him, giving him a good view of her cleavage. "Issun, I sense you are concerned about Amaterasu. What is wrong?"

Aawww, why did they have to talk about Ammy? He liked hearing about how great he was. "Um…" he said.

Sakuya was staring at him intently. Darn it, she was determined to have this conversation. Oh well. He'd jump into her clothes some other time.

"She's not been so bad these past few days," he said, "but before then she was acting a little… odd. She'd do things that was more human-like than wolf-like. She'd fidget and or even shrug. Wolves don't shrug. She's been moody too."

"Well, the gods can have any form they want on Takamagahala, the Celestial Plain. She's probably been human recently, but she can't change her form here. If she arrived as a wolf then she'll stay as a wolf. If she was human a short time ago then she's probably still getting used to the change."

A human Ammy? Issun felt his mouth gaping. She'd probably end up being the hottest babe ever – just to spite him for all the times he'd laughed at her. Shame he wouldn't get to see her. It might be nice to have a conversation with her other than trying to interpret her growls and barks and tail wags. He had to admit, though, it was a little disconcerting to think she had a completely different life somewhere. Ammy was a wolf. He couldn't imagine her as a human.

"You must be cautious, Issun, especially if she hasn't yet readjusted to being on four legs again. Humans are unpredictable and prone to anger, and gods are more emotional and passionate than most. That coupled with a human form is dangerous. It's why gods usually assume the forms of animals."

"Yeah, but Ammy would never…" But suddenly Issun thought of goldilocks Moon Boy. Ammy had almost ripped his face off. Her anger had even frightened Issun, even though he'd seen her lay into monsters countless times. He swallowed. "I'll keep an eye on her. She's been better recently so hopeful she's already settled back into her furry form."

Well, at least everything made sense now, including why she'd been concerned about Waka the weirdo. Issun supposed that a human would worry more than an animal, though he didn't like the idea of her hanging out in human-form with Waka. Issun would definitely be keeping an eye on that idiot prophet to make sure he didn't overstep his boundaries. Waka was probably better at messing with people's heads than Issun was. Ammy didn't need that.

"You have an aura of jealousy," said Sakuya.

"It's not jealousy, it's concern. And don't look at me like that. Sure, I bet she's the hottest babe ever and we'll always be pals, but I'm a poncle and she's a god. No, I'm worried about other people upsetting her. Namely a specific half-baked prophet."

Sakuya frowned. "Prophet?"

"Yeah, he's called Waka and-"

"Oh, him. He was here a few days ago. He-"

Issun drew his sword. "Don't you dare go on about how lovely and handsome and amazing he is 'cause I'm sick of hearing it! That guy is a freak and I don't trust him!"

"My, my, you are jealous." Sakuya smiled but the expression only made Issun more irritated than he already was. She laughed. "He was a tad tasty but he's not my type." She frowned. "He was very odd. What is he? He's certainly not human. He could see me and he knew I was a wood sprite."

"What did he say?"

"I can't recall. I asked him who he was and he just danced around the question and changed the subject. He did it in such a way that I didn't even realise that he hadn't answered me. He's certainly one to keep an eye on him. I can usually sense if a person is good or bad but I didn't get anything from him."

"Well, the next time you see him make sure you listen properly rather than drool over his annoying pretty face. I don't like him. Ammy's been worried about him and he's busy prancing about the land."

"You're being very unfair, Issun. He was a difficult man to read but I think he's very worried about Amaterasu. He spoke to all of the villagers. He said there would come a time when Amaterasu would need us and that we would have to pray for her, just as we did the day the sun disappeared last year. I tried to ask him about it but he's very good at changing the conversation."

Issun didn't like the sound of what Sakuya was saying. He didn't like Waka but he'd never been wrong about a prophecy and, as much as Issun hated it, he supposed that Waka was a friend since Ammy trusted him. Yuck. "Do you know where he went?"

"He said he had a sword to deal with and then he was off to talk to everyone else in Nippon."

"Hey, it's my job to tell everyone about Amaterasu! Whose toes does he think he's standing on with those short legs and silly shoes?"

"Goodness, Issun, why are you so jealous? Amaterasu is allowed to have friends isn't she?"

"Bah, I'm finished with this conversation. Time to go bash that monster. That's what I hate about that prophet. He says a monster will come but does he stick around to deal with it? Nooooo. He skips off somewhere nice and safe. Bah!"

"You're unfair and I think you're going to have to learn to like him. If you're going in search of the monster you should set off in the direction of Ryoshima Coast. Waka said it would come from there."

"Well, Ammy and I will head towards the forest then."

Issun didn't bother to say goodbye. Stupid, treacherous wood sprite sticking up for Waka. And to think he'd almost jumped in her clothes. He didn't wanna jump into the clothes of anyone who liked him.

Why did everyone like him? How could Ammy like him? Waka had given them so much grief last year. And on the day of darkness it had been Issun who had saved everyone. He'd sensed Ammy was in trouble so he'd made everyone pray for her. Waka was just copying him. Plagiarist. Freak. Half-baked idiot of a prophet.

"Oi, Ammy!" Reaching the village, he leapt on Ammy's head and pulled her ears. "Stop playing in the dirt with the other dogs. We got a job to do. There's a monster coming this way."

Ammy tilted her head, like she always did when she was trying to look at him. Issun could feel some of what she was feeling. She knew he was angry and she wanted to know why, but Issun didn't want to talk about it. "Come on, let's go!" he snapped.

Ammy shook herself roughly. Issun was caught off guard. He tried to grab her fur but it was too late. He found himself flying through the air before he landed in the dirt. Angrily he picked himself up. "What's your problem, you stupid lump of fur?"

She stared at him, scrutinising him with her big brown eyes. She looked sad as she moved her nose to try and nuzzle him.

"No, gerrof! You wanna know what's wrong? How about this, Furball. We're pals and yet you've been hiding so much from me! Why didn't you tell me you have a human form on Takamagahala? And what the heck is going on between you and Waka? I swear, he had better not be your boyfriend or we are through. Understood?"

She stared at him.

"Don't give me that look. I don't care if you're a daft wolf and you can't talk. You could have found a way to tell me what's happened. We can communicate with other can't we? You can tell what I'm thinking and I can tell what you're thinking, or at least I used to. Since you've come back it's like you've been trying to hide stuff from me and I don't like it one bit, Furball!"

She whined and then lay down, her head lowered in shame. She wagged her tail slightly.

"I'll let you off the hook for now, Furball, since we got bigger fish to fry but this isn't over. You got a lot of explaining to do. I wanna know what's going on with the Moon Tribe and I wanna know about Waka. Now let's move."

Issun leapt back on to her but Ammy stayed where she was lying on the ground, her tail wagging sadly. She whined.

"Stop moping like a human. You're a wolf. Act like one. I said you're off the hook for now so there's no need to sulk. Let's go get that monster. And just so you know, you're new best friend told Sakuya about it and then instead of taking care of it he cleared off. Why kind of friend is he, Furball? You've been going out of your mind with worry thinking he drowned in Laochi Lake when he's actually fine and dandy and just couldn't be bothered to tell you. Yeah, you're great at picking friends."

Ammy buried her head in her paws and her tail drooped. Issun thought she gave another whine but it was muffled that he couldn't be sure. He'd upset her. If she'd been in her human form she'd probably be crying.

Speaking of human forms, he remembered what Sakuya had said about gods being more passionate. He shouldn't be winding Ammy up and he felt guilty for shouting at her. Sighing, he patted her head.

"I'm sorry, Furball. I shouldn't have yelled like that. I was just a bit hurt, OK? Look, I know you like Waka and I'm sure he had his reasons for staying away."

Her tail began to wag again, gradually picking up speed. Standing, she barked.

"That's the spirit!"

Issun suddenly realised how quiet the village had become. He looked up. The entire village was staring at him and Ammy silently.

"Uh, what are you all looking at you nosy lot?" said Issun.

"That's no way to treat a lady, Issun," said Susano, shaking his head.

"Uh… look, it's none of your business. It's private. Now get back to whatever it was you were all doing. We got a monster to kill."

"W-where is the monster? Is it here?" It was Mushi's mama who spoke. Usually she had a booming voice but now she was quiet. She wrung her hands.

"No, but it's close. Don't worry, we'll find it," said Issun.

She looked at the sky. "It's getting late. Oh, he should be back by now…"

The villagers were starting to whisper urgently. Susano and Kushi exchanged looks. Issun frowned. "What's…"

Wait… there was someone missing from the village. Where were Mushi and Hayabusa? Ammy was looking round too as she suddenly realised they were gone.

Mushi's mama burst in to tears that were just as loud as her usual voice. Mrs Orange hugged her and then glanced at Issun. "Issun, will you…?"

"We'll find them," said Issun. "Come on, Ammy. We gotta go!"

The words weren't even out of his mouth and Ammy was already away, growling furiously.

"Fido, wait!" Susano shouted.

Ammy paused and looked back, just as Susano emerged from his house by the edge of the water carrying his sword. "I'm coming with you."

They didn't need him. Whenever he fought with them Ammy did all the work but Issun knew they didn't have time to argue. Instead he simply nodded.

Beyond the boundaries of the village, Shinshu field was quiet. Sunset was drawing near and the sky was slowly beginning to fade into bands of pink and purple. The breeze silently ruffled the cherry trees, ripping the petals from the flowers.

"Where do we start?" said Susano.

"Agata forest."

Ammy was away and Susano was soon left behind. Easily Ammy climbed the sloping path but as soon as she was at the top of the ridge that looked down over the rest of the field she froze. Issun saw her ears prick. He strained, listening for whatever she had heard.

A dog was barking. "Help! Help!"

"That's Hayabusa," Issun muttered.

But the sound didn't seem to becoming from Agata Forest. Ammy turned, looking instead at the dark hulk of the Moon Cave that stood in front of the red ball of the sun. The light was fading but Issun could see a small shape dashing out of the cave.

"Why have you stopped," Susano panted as he caught up with them. Seeming to see where they were looking, he glanced at the cave and grimaced. "I hoped I would never have to go there again."

"Well, that's where we're going, pops."

Hope you liked! Thanks to everyone who's been reviewing. Let me know if there are any problems with this chapter!