~ A Recap ~

"So, Amaya," Mrs. Kumquat said, her sweet old voice just like honey. "How would you like to come back to our house for some of my world-famous cherry cakes? The recipe was handed down to me, you know."

"That sounds wonderful," Amaterasu replied. "But first I have some other business to take care of."

She dismissed herself, and when it seemed like they were fine with it, she went off to unlock the other cages. As it turned out, Taishoku had been holding most of the villagers hostage, while eating travelers that happened to pass through. Everyone they found was virtually unscathed, save for some cuts and bruises here and there.

"Good, everyone's safe," Amaterasu said, relieved, as her and Issun finished unlocking all of the cages. She looked down when she felt a tugging on the hem of her kimono, to see a little boy standing in front of her.

"Can we go home now?" He asked. "My mom and I got a turnip field to take care of."

Ammy nodded, and felt a smile come to her lips. "Yes, everyone can go home now. You're safe, little one." She knelt down to ruffle his hair.

Just then, a massive rumbling shook the whole room, causing people to look around in confusion. Amaterasu looked up just as a beam of light erupted through the ceiling, and before any of them knew it there was a gaping hole that let the daylight in. Waka was hovering next to it, and he peered down and smiled at the Goddess.

"Bonjour, Amaterasu!" He said. "I figured you would need an easier way out!"

Ammy looked around to make sure no one had heard him, but the villagers were too caught up in their happiness and relief. She looked back up to the Tao Master and gave him a single nod of thanks.

"Okay, Issun," She said, looking over at the Poncle. "Let's get these villagers outta here."

( Amaterasu's P.O.V. )

Shinshu Field suddenly seemed a lot more populated as the villagers waited patiently to be carried up out of the Shrine by Waka. Why none of them found a flying Frenchman to be even slightly odd, Ammy didn't know. But heck, it made her job a lot easier.

"Geez, we sure were in there for awhile," Issun commented from where he sat, nestled safely inside Ammy's cleavage. She looked up out of the huge whole in the ceiling, and noticed he was right; the early-morning sunlight now spilled into the room, the sky a pale blue-orange colour as the sun came up. She could tell already that life had been restored to Shinshu.

Just a short while later, everyone had been rescued from the Shrine, and now made their way slowly back to Kamiki Village. Ammy looked up to see Waka swooping down, and he landed beside her.

"Thanks for your help, Waka," She said genuinely. "I don't know what I would've done without you."

He dipped his head graciously to her. "Of course, Amaterasu. I live to serve only you, mah cherie."

"About the only time he's ever been useful…" Issun muttered quite audibly from his comfy spot in Amaterasu's kimono. A small growl rumbled in Ammy's throat as she shot a glare at him.

"W-well then," The Poncle stuttered, desperate to change the subject. "Let's get outta this place, eh?"

The Goddess nodded, but before latching onto Waka so he could lift her out, she looked back toward the way she had come in; where the many bodies still lay.

"All of those people made a brave sacrifice," Issun said; quite off-character for someone like him. "If they hadn't died, perhaps we would've never found all of the villagers."

Waka, although he didn't know exactly what they were talking about, picked Amaterasu up bridal style. She cried out a little in surprise, and he gave her a lopsided grin.

"Enough of these tragedies, hmm?" He said. "You just leave them to me, Amaterasu. I'll see to it that each one of them gets a proper burial."

With that he swept Ammy up and out, landing safely on the ground outside.

Ammy hopped out of Waka's strong arms and onto her own two feet, then looked around at the still slightly frazzled villagers that littered the plain.

"Wait," She realized. "What about the girl that…"

"Oh, don't worry about her, mah cherie," Waka said. "I've already given her a proper burial and fixed the village up a bit."

Amaterasu breathed a sigh of relief. That's the last thing she wanted the villagers to see as soon as they returned. She blinked and looked around, squinting slightly in the early morning sunshine.

"Well what're we waiting for?" Issun cut in. "Let's get back to the village and party it up!"

Amaterasu gave him a scolding look. "Issun, I doubt that anyone wants to party after what they've just been through." She looked back at the now partially destroyed Shrine. "Besides, I need to fix this place up a bit."

With this, she pulled out her Celestial Brush once again and with a calm breath, filled in the areas where the wood had splintered, and the rafters were rotted. In a wave of sparkles the Shrine was restored to its former glory, and she smiled in satisfaction.

"Very nice, Amaterasu~" Waka praised her. She was about to say thank you when she noticed the Guardian Sapling; cherry blossoms were blossoming like never before, and the thick, old roots glowed with life.

Just then the glowing form of Sakuya appeared in front of her. She looked revitalized and the peak of wellness, her pale ivory skin emitting a soft, vibrant glow. She smiled down at Amaterasu, her clear crystal-green eyes sparkling with joy.

"Thank you, Amaterasu," She said in her wispy soprano voice. "You've ridden Shinshu Field of evil, and I have never felt so alive. But you mustn't rest yet," She paused, her eyes suddenly filling with worry. "A dark threat is still rising, and the power of the gods has weakened immensely."

"Impossible!" Issun spouted. "How could anyone ever forget my beautiful paintings of Ammy!"

The Tree Sprite shook her head sadly. "Faith in the gods' power is gone. The people of Nippon no longer believe that you can protect them, Amaterasu."

Ammy nodded solemnly; even though she already knew she was weakened, it still hurt to know that people didn't believe in her power anymore.

"So what do we do next, Babe?" Issun asked Sakuya. Ammy could automatically see a look of disgust come over the Spirit's face.

"You don't stand a chance against the darkness if your power isn't restored," Sakuya began. "I think it's best if you go to the city and try to restore the faith there."

Even though Amaterasu was doubtful, she could tell that Sakuya knew what she was talking about. She nodded softly and turned to Waka.

"Worry not about me, mah cherie," Waka assured her. "I have my own business to take care of. Au revoir for now~!"

In a shower of sparkles Waka vanished, leaving just the three of them.

"I must go now," Sakuya said, her form beginning to fade. "I have duties that await me in Kamiki. I must watch over the villagers and keep them safe."

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!"