Prologue

A long time ago, in the land of Nippon, a sun-goddess ruled the land and protected it. She was an Okami by the name of Amaterasu, who watched over the mortal realm and kept it at peace. At least, until one fateful night- whereupon her home was attacked by the great, eight-headed serpent Orochi. Amaterasu fought valiantly, but he was protected by a mysterious barrier she could not break and she fell from the Celestial Plains- dragging the monster down with her.

For many long years Orochi reigned terror down on a tiny village known as Kamiki until Amaterasu faced the mighty serpent again, this time with the great hero Nagi by her side. They fought, and they won. Sadly, Amaterasu died after the fight and turned to stone. There she lay for another hundred years in slumber.

Another century passed before she was finally awakened when the world was once again in need of her protection. She traveled across the land with a poncle named Issun and battled many enemies, including Orochi- who had also returned-, Crimson Helm, Ninetails, Lekchu, Nekchu, and Yami- the Emperor of Eternal Darkness.

Amaterasu fought long and hard, and after a seemingly impossible battle in which she almost died- evil was vanquished from Nippon. Her power restored to its fullest, Amaterasu returned to the Celestial Plains at last with an old friend by her side.

However, peace didn't last long in the world of mortals, and mere months after her return, her son Chibiterasu was summoned to face the terrible Akuro- a remnant of Yami's power. With the help of his friends he defeated the enemy, and once and for all secured peace in Nippon.

Or so was thought...

There is more to this story than most people know, as few people know about Amaterasu's other child; Chibi's twin, the daughter of the sun. The red sun. The setting sun, Akimeterasu.

But… Before I go any further, there is something you must know...

You see… That Okami-

is me.

I am Akimeterasu, and I have a story to tell. A tale of dragons and war. One of mortals and gods. A story of loyalty, love, friendship, and betrayal.

One that you'll never forget.

The legend of the Dark Okami.

(Author's Note: Hello everyone, and thanks for choosing my Okami fan-fiction to read! I know there are a bunch out there. I hope you like it! This work is my tribute to Okami, -my favorite game- as it was completely inspired by it, and I know it will never be on the same level as the game itself, but I shall try my best to write something worthy of it. Clover studios' time ended far too soon.

This was originally just written for my own enjoyment, but I've decided to share it with you, the internet. And I hope you do enjoy it. :) If you have any questions about the characters, or story later on, please don't be afraid to ask, and I'll do the best I can to answer them. Well, except questions in which the answer would be spoilers ;) Stick with it, the story starts out similar to Ammy's journey, but then splits off entirely. I hope you enjoy TDO, the story of the Dark Okami. Anyway- Onward, to the first chapter! ༄)