After leaving Princess Fuse, the Canine Tracker appeared and started to lead them somewhere. They followed it, trying to ignore the evil power.
"What's a dog doing here? Hm? I think he's trying to say something! Let me listen carefully. I can understand some animals. It's wagging its tail! Bet it's that Canine Tracker you got there! Hm? What's that?" Issun said when they found one.
"Give me some food, I'm hungry." It said.
"Sheesh. We just met and it's begging for food!? What terrible manners!" Issun said, rolling his eyes.
"It's a good thing we took care of some shopping early, right?" Tails said, making Amaterasu nod.
She pulled out the meat bag she brought and gave it to the dog. They watch it eat for a few minutes before it lick its lips.
"I am full. My master, Princess Fuse, has summoned me. However, I didn't want to go straight home." It said.
"You hear that, you two!? That means this dog's one of those Satomi Canine Warriors!" Issun said.
Both Tails and Amaterasu could tell that it was carrying an orb around its neck and they couldn't shake they had seen it somewhere before.
"Now that my stomach is full, I will return to my master." The dog said before running off.
"You hear that, Ammy!? The way Princess Fuse talked about them, I thought they were human. You think these fleabags are gonna be any help?" Issun said.
"Well, goes to show you can't believe everything you hear." Tails said, making Amaterasu nod.
They continue to look for the Canine Warriors. When they found another one, Tails fed him this time. Amerstasu watches him, feeling happy to see how his transformation didn't change him. However, she could sense the evil power that was coming from that form. It felt familiar similar for some reason. Like she fought it before and banished it. Was it because of the evil around the area?
After the dog left, Tails noticed Amsterasu's worried look. He walked up to her and hugged her. Amaterasu was surprised at first but soon returned it. They both started to follow the tracker again until they reached a bamboo forest. They follow the tracker unit it stops at a large bamboo.
"Boy, this is some insanely huge bamboo. What's with the strange glow? Maybe there's something inside it!" Issun said, jumping.
Amaterasu used her power slash to cut before they looked inside.
"What's a dog doing here? It's wagging its tail, too. Must be that Canine Tracker you have! Hm? What's that?" Issun asked before the dog spoke.
"Give me some food, I'm hungry." It said.
"Sheesh. Why do these fleabags think we're gonna feed them?" Issun asked.
"You can't work on an empty stomach, Issun." Tails told him as Amaterasu fed the dog.
Once the dog had its fill, it ran off to join the others. Issun kept grumbling to himself as Amaterasu held Tails's hand. Tails was a bit surprised to see how close Amaterasu was after he passed out. He didn't dislike it, finding that the sun goddess close to him made him feel touch, but he couldn't shake that there was a different reason for it.
They spotted some curse grass and Amaterasu used her bloom to clear it. They saw another dog and fed it. After it ran off, Issun began to think to himself.
"Hey, Ammy, Tails, how many of these Canine Warriors does this make? Maybe we should go talk to Princess Fuse now." He said, making them nod.
Later,
They return to the shine, only to see another dog waiting for them, growling.
"Hey, Ammy. That fleabag's giving you the evil eye. I think it noticed that Canine Tracker ya got there. Hm? What's that?" Issun said before listening.
My master, Princess Fuse, has summoned me. But first, I wish to try out the skills I've honed on my journey." It said.
"You heard that, you two?" Issun asked, making them nod.
"Princess Fuse forbids me to join in fruitless battles, but I want you to prove your right to bear the Canine Tracker!" It said.
Issun looked ready to talk, but Amaterasu sighed. She let go of Tails's hand and removed her weapons. She then steps up and ready herself. Tails watched the two fight, not really trying to hurt each other. While the Canine Warrior fought much like a normal dog would, Amaterasu dodged and only gave soft bows to it. He could tell that she was holding back. After one last hit, the Canine Warrior was knocked back, looking at Amaterasu.
"I am done toying with you. Now you shall feel the wrath of the Satomi Power Orb!" The Warrior said, looking ready for round two.
"Satomi Power Orb? Bah! Bring it on, dog breath. We ain't afraid!" Issun said, looking ready to join the fight.
"Issun..." Tails groans.
"Oh, Tei!? I thought I heard something out here."
Everyone turned to see Princess Fuse running up to them, looking a bit worried.
"You two aren't fighting, are you?" She asked, looking at both Amaterasu and the Canine Warrior.
"Huh? Fighting? Oh, ah, of course not. Just some friendly wrestling. Look, not a scratch on either of us." Issun spoke up, trying to cover for both of them.
She didn't look to believe them, but she still sighs.
"Well, at least now we have 5 of the Satomi Power Orbs. But you've been naughty doggies! Why did you not come home immediately when I summoned you!?" She said, upset with the dogs.
Tails notices all five of the dogs looking sad thanks to their ears.
"Hey, Princess, what's with those Satomi Power Orbs?" Issun asked, knowing all three of them were thinking of the same question.
"Each Satomi Canine Warrior bears an orb of a different virtue. The Satomi Power Orbs are the Satomi House's greatest treasure. I need the orbs' power to break Crimson Helm's barrier. But the Canine Warriors never listen when I summon them back! And 3 of them have yet to be accounted for! I fear something may have happened to them. But there is no one I could send out to help them." Princess Fuse said, looking at them.
"Hey, what's with that look, lady?" Issun asked, causing both Tails and Amsterasu to look at him.
"OK, OK, I get the hint. We'll find the rest of 'em, too! After all, I said we'd get 'em all back without a scratch!" Issun said, making Princess Fuse smile.
"Wonderful! I'll be forever grateful! I know the general locations of the remaining 3 Canine Warriors. I shall mark them on your map." She said as Tails handed her the map.
"You have the Canine Tracker. They shall return here once you have shown it to them. That is, if they have not been injured, or even worse. Please, hurry. We must get the Power Orbs and break the barrier!" She said, giving the map back.
Tails and Amaterasu nods. They looked at the map and saw that three remaining Canine Warriors were outside the village, back in some places they had been to before. However, Amaterasu sensed something in the shine and headed that way. Tails notices and follows her. Once they were inside, they spotted a floating man.
"Hey, what's with this guy? I can see right through him!" Issun asked, making the person turn.
"Hm? Who are you? How is it you can see me? I am Yatsu, the earthbound spirit who haunts this area. Long has it been since any have ventured this way." Her said.
"Hey, Amaterasu, didn't Princess Fuse say that the head priest was killed when he was sick?" Tails whispers.
She nodded and stepped forward. Yatsu saw her true form and was shocked.
"My eyes have failed me. I can no longer see. In their stead, my inner eye can judge a person's true form. You appear to be a maiden most fair. What could possibly bring you to the Gale Shrine? You must leave this place, for it is no longer a shrine of the gods. It is now cursed and under the control of a horrible creature. This is no place for a fair maiden such as you." He said, warning her.
"Fair maiden? He talking about you, furball!? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard. Aha ha ha ha ha!" Issun laughs.
Before Amaterasu could say anything, Tails snatched him out of the air and threw him out of the shine. He then steps forward and pulls Amaterasu into a hug. She places her head under his, showing Yastu the love between them, though they haven't admitted it yet.
"Ahh! I see the Maiden as found a worthy lover. Reminds me of my love." He said before warning them again.
"Mount Kamiji is the sacred mountain overlooking Taka Pass. It is the source of the Divine Wind, which once blew down onto the village, keeping the monsters at bay. But the wind stopped the day Crimson Helm took over the shrine. The village is vulnerable to monsters without the Divine Wind. But the Divine Wind was not our only loss... This shrine is home to the Serpent Crystal. It is said to have the power to lift the 8-headed serpent's curse." He said.
"Serpent Crystal? Wait! That's what that two-bit prophet's looking for!" Issun said, bouncing back in.
"Of course, nobody knows if it truly has such power. Nonetheless, the Gale Shrine is under Crimson Helm's control." Yatsu said.
That name rang a bell in both of their minds.
"This shrine is home to the Serpent Crystal. It is said to have the power to lift the 8-headed serpent's curse. Of course, nobody knows if it truly has such power. Nonetheless, the Gale Shrine is under Crimson Helm's control. Please, fair maiden, leave this dangerous place at once." He said, once more.
Both Tails and Amaterasu looked at each other. If this shine held Orochi's power, then leaving it here was a bad idea. Plus, this evil power could cause more trouble if it was left alone. They soon left the Shine and the village. However, before taking another step, Tails grabs Issun again and glares at him.
"Issun, listen to me carefully, I may not know Amaterasu that well, but DO NOT make fun of her for being called a Maiden! You forget, everyone else sees us as a normal fox and wolf. But some can see our true forms! So, laugh at the idea of Amaterasu being called a maiden, I will toss you so far, it will take you until we stop Orochi to get back! UNDERSTAND!?" Tails yelled.
Issun nods. Remembering the dark form he took. Tails let him go before taking a breath.
"Sorry about that. I needed to vent." He said, only to find Amaterasu place her head under his again.
"It was sweet of you to defend me, Tails. Thank you." She said, making him wrap his hands around her.
"Anytime, my love." He said.
Both of them looked at each other. Did Tails just say...?
"Err...I...um..." He blushed.
Amaterasu rubbed his cheek, not bothered by it. Tails relaxed and the two held each other for a bit longer.
And stopping here. So, Tails and Amaterasu found some of the Canice Warriors and are going to find the rest outside. They are getting closer, but I'm trying to hold off for now. While this was a bit closer to the game, I decided to add Tails standing up for Amaterasu after Issun laughed at the idea of her being a maiden. Remember, Amaterasu is the Japanese Sun Goddess in real life. So, I'm sure some people would call her a "Fair Maiden".
Anyway, I'll try to get the next chapter after Halloween. But remember, I have other stories to work on too! And Fanfiction really needs to fix the Email. No matter how many times I click yes, even after making sure I have what I need, I still have to check yes and see the same message pop back up.