dream post 02 ☀ never wanted to say goodbye.
Warnings: Canon updating, spoilers for the game close to end game.
Effects: Feeling a giant weight was set on your shoulders, possibly even to the point where it's like struggling to keep straight. A feeling of pain and confusion till it changes into a seek of protection, along with dread. It ends in a very strong sense of dread, sadness and puzzlement, loneliness not far after. Till finding the strength to manage determination.
The long way took a while, many obstacles to overcome through Oni Island. However, in the end she had succeeded, and finally she was nearly to the top. Issun, who bounced on the top of her head reached his words out to her: "You feel that weird vibe this place is givin' off, Ammy? It may be quiet now, but I've got the major case of the creeps. I know she's watching us from the shadows! She's ready to strike at any moment! You ready, Ammy!?"
Was she ready? The travels to Oni Island, after the death of the beloved Queen all thanks to this murderous fox- and now here they were, just moments away. The wolf gave a slight nod, she was indeed ready. With a shot forward before soon closing to a stop upon the top, staring around with nose flaring, the sound of winds blowing and waters crashing about. As the green 'bug' hopped down, showing off his confidence in words and a sword spawn- the wolf simply raised up her head to give a loud long howl. A howl that had the dark gray clouds moving, separating with a red moon soon showing, details of many tails etched upon it. A constellation was shown with the few missing stars missing, after adding the missing stars with her brush did a ominous sound begin. A dark shadow having taken its place and once Amaterasu had realized what figure that was exactly did she crouch down, a snarl breaking out. With a quick step did the large Ninetails take its spot before her, nearly towering over her as tails waved about with the mask over her face and a thunderous glaive on her back.
"So, Amaterasu.. You have crept into my castle like a sneaky little mouse, have you? By the power of Yami, ruler of the Land of Darkness- I, Ninetails, have been made Lord of Ryoshima Coast! You needn't come all this way for me to kill you. I would have found you and done so just the same. Just like I did with Queen Himiko!"
"Yami? Lord of Darkness? Never heard of either of 'em! And I never gave you the OK to be lord of Ryoshima Coat" There goes Issun again, the Ninetails nearly huffed.
"Yami is the absolute ruler of all evil beings. He is the ultimate being of all darkness. And he is nothing like those false gods of your fairytales! Prepare to face the wrath of my terrible power!"
With that said, the battle had begun.
- - - - - - - - - -
Amaterasu had won that battle, obtaining the Blade of Kusanagi. At any rate, their next target was waiting in the frozen North.
Along the way did she upgrade her brush abilities, before finally making her way to the North, soon arriving in Kamui. There did she meet Oki, the man thrusting a fight at her to which she responded quickly to the threat, but during the battle he had turned into a wolf which had surprised her for a split moment. After the battle though, Oki introduced himself as part of the Oina Tribe, perhaps being a friend rather than an enemy. It was then explained of the two demons that have taken over the lands, most specifically the mountains; the twin demons Lechku and Nechku. Meeting the Tribe and the Elder leader, it appeared one of their kind was missing, one that possessed power to help stop the twin demon's abilities in restoring the lands the way they were. Yoshpet, the mysterious forest of deception seemed to be the next place to head to.
"We're counting on you, Amaterasu!"
Every place she visited, every obstacle she went through, that's what everyone always said. Despite any difficulty, she always went through. She was Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, but also a protector to Nippon, it was her role and she had to see it through. She had to make Nippon safe again.
No questions asked.
- - - - - - - - - -
Entering Inner Yoshpet and going through the Spirit Gate, Amaterasu along with Issun and Oki were not expecting what was to happen next. But to seem to be at the beginning again, in Kamiki Village, that was farthest from their minds.
After Oki had went off, Amaterasu appeared to have stumbled upon a small girl- a girl who held a striking resemblance to the full-grown woman who was the life of a grown tree. But.. there was no tree, but a small sapling in its place. What was going on? And this little girl, who claimed to be a Wood Sprite 'Shakuya' it sounded very close to Sakuya. Could it be..? Not only that, but the people within the village who had appeared welcoming and kind to Amaterasu before- were now suddenly holding hatred against her! Things only became more puzzling until the man they assumed was Susano had referred to her as 'Shiranui'!
Shiranui was a white wolf heard in the legends to have supposedly been siding with Orochi, that is till defeating him along side Nagi and becoming a hero amongst the lands. But that had happened one hundred years ago. Could they have gone to the past?
Orochi who they had defeated already, was alive here. And powerful. But as legend goes- they'll have to make sure it ran the way it was told- due to the chances of past changing was in stake. So they made their way to the Island that Orochi resided, preparing for another battle against the eight-headed Serpent. But the moment they were going to, Issun had began to word out his worries. "Hm ... There's no barrier this time. That Orochi must think no one would dare come in here. We should still be careful no matter how unprepared that snake is. I mean, if you think about it you managed to slay Orochi 100 years ago, but you died too. And you were at your peak then!" According to everyone back at their regular time, Amaterasu was nowhere close to her peak of power.
"Legend says you appeared each year around the time of the sacrifice. Back then you were called Shiranui and were said to be a monster." Ears pressed back, the wolf slightly lowering her head with a broken whine sounding out. Issun had moved to the tip of her nose, peering at her. "So how come you just didn't go get rid of Orochi right away? Well, I suppose you had your reasons. But I bet it made Orochi think you were a big fat chicken."
Soon enough, they were in Orochi's stronghold, and they weren't alone- Oki was there as well. Not to mention their search for the missing tribe member, Lika, was there. However, she appeared to be on the back of the powerful enemy on the lands during this time. Orochi. And so began the second time Amaterasu will fight Orochi, but this time more caution, knowing full well of what the legend had said of her. When defeat seemed to be close, it looked as if she would have to give it another go. However Oki's foolery nearly had him getting killed, till the legendary Nagi made himself known and made way to destroy Orochi. Drawing the moon within the sky, Amaterasu gave strength to Nagi's sword, who then made way to strike at each sword (along with Ammy's own powerful slashes.) Orochi was then defeated.
Their victory seemed short-lived, it appeared Orochi was not yet dead, conjuring up a large boulder to descend from the sky onto Nagi.
Immediate thoughts ran to Nagi's death, but that had not been the case, he appeared unharmed thanks to Shiranui who had stopped the boulder from crushing him. Amaterasu along Issun and the others stared, shocked at the sight. The fight appeared to be long from over, but it was known that Amaterasu had to return back with the now saved Lika. The moment they went through the gates, Issun was already saying what had ran through Ammy's mind. "You know that wolf who helped Nagi... That was Shiranui. Or in other words, that was you 100 years ago. That was how you met your end after your venture with my gramps. You battled and slew the dreaded Orochi, only to die yourself."
" .. .. " Despite all of this happening, they had to take Lika close to the mountains, to give the incantation and start the lands on returning to how they were.
During that time Amaterasu came to find the last and final Celestial Brushstroke technique. After handling with the device causing the dangerous blizzard over the lands, Amaterasu meets with Itegami and obtains the technique along a new reflector 'The Solar Flare.'
- - - - - - - - - -
They were now in Wawku Shrine, to soon face the twin demons Lechku and Nechku. But they first stumbled upon the Silver Demon, Nechku, who wasted no time to already starting an attack. Preparing to counter, Ammy and Issun notice the bird's attention is elsewhere. To their surprise, it was a bright white that showed to be no one other than Shiranui, Amaterasu's past self.
"Isn't that you... from 100 years ago, Ammy?! I don't get it. What's that old self of yours doing here!?"
Nechku launched an attack, and without moving an inch did Shiranui reflect it right back- stunning the bird for a moment. Next thing Amaterasu knew, Shiranui was emitting a loud howl which she soon joined in with and thus began the battle, Ammy fighting along side her other self. Thanks to Shiranui's power, the fight lasted not very long but ended rather quickly. A sight that had even Ammy herself in surprise and awe. Aiming to get the last attack, it was soon interrupted as the Gold Demon, Lechku showed up in thrashes and flails, fighting off Oki.
The two demons didn't looked to be finished yet, and with Issun's advice to back off for now, it seemed Oki had other plans. He was going to see this end, here and now. Rushing towards them, he was stopped short by Shiranui, who barked and tried to restrain him from going on, but the now wolf lashed out and ran past. Amaterasu could feel this would not end well. The moment Oki was seconds away from attacking- time had froze due to Lechku, and he was moving and already launching an attack. Oki was in serious danger, and yet Amaterasu nor Issun could move. Shiranui, however, pushed and fought against the frozen time, pushing pass at the last second and shoving Oki aside only to get impale by the sharp cane. Sending one last lash to knock the two demons back and dizzy. Shiranui soon began to stumble and fall back, nearly over the ledge until Amaterasu shot after and managed to grab hold by the scruff, trying desperately to pull Shiranui back onto safety. Meanwhile the two demons began to take flight away, weak and slow. Oki had to make a decision. To go after the two demons, to seek victory and become the hero he so wanted to be, or choose to help Amaterasu and save Shiranui, the one who had saved his life. Along that a unstable large tree began to lean, seconds from falling in the direction of the two wolves, chances of taking both to their death. A crack and it began to fall, but Oki made it in time to slash the tree, and Amaterasu pulled Shiranui to safety. Oki realized his selfish needs were not the answer, gaining strength.
But Shiranui was badly injured, still they needed to go on and defeat the twin demons. So Oki decided to defeat the monsters around, letting Amaterasu and Issun go on ahead as he will soon catch up, the pair having faith that Shiranui wouldn't be alone for long- as the poncle companion (like Issun) would soon show up. Which was exactly what happened, Oki was there and the two then vowed to fight alongside another against the twin demons and end this evil covering the lands of Kamui. The twin demons which had suddenly awoken atop Ezofuji, and tried to lay waste to the land of Kamui were defeated. They disappeared in a burst of petals, thanks to Oki and Amaterasu. However, a giant cloud, black as night, cast a shadow on the scene. Blight... Ninetails... the twin demons Lechku and Nechku.. The souls of each were swept into the cloud as it moved. It drifted toward the Ark of Yamato at the bottom of Laochi Lake. "The Ark of Yamato is beckoning all of the world's darkness within." Tuskle's words echoed omniously, awakening Amaterasu's heart.
All the sacrifices, all the life lost in the name of good... Was it all in vain? Shiranui, Amaterasu's 100 year old incarnation, was fatigued and exhausted by the intense battle. However, when Shiranui noticed the glow of Oki's word, Kutone, a sly smile seemed to crease the wolf's tired lips. Satisfied with this bright glimmer of hope, Shiranui struggled to rise and put every last ounce of strength into passing through Ishaku's gate back in time... Back home... As Amaterasu and Issun looked on, they were fully aware that Shiranui headed back into the face of danger... to the battle with Orochi. After saving Nagi from the clutches of death and aiding them in their own quest, Shiranui would die a hero, marking the beginning of the legend of Orochi.
Now it was time for the last battle. All the shadows and evil lead to the Ark of Yamato, this must be where Yami resides within. The Elder had told Amaterasu, before she began to head into the Ark, "The legend about how this ark, which was sunk in Laochi Lake, fell from the Celestial Plain and into our world. It says the Celestials who fell to our world with it, were eaten up by countless vicious monsters... By the army controlled by the evil Ruler of Darkness, Yami. So the Ark of Yamato IS related to the power of darkness!" It only confirmed Amaterasu's thoughts. And so, she began to proceed onto it. However, it was Issun that had her pausing halfway up.
"W-Wait! Wait, Ammy! You know what'll happen if you cross this rainbow bridge and board the Ark of Yamato, don't you? I mean, that boat is bad news. The people of Kamui all know that. It's the most feared and hatred thing in all the land. Even legends have nothing good to say about it or Laochi Lake. And you know there's no turning back once you board that thing. Huh? You look like you wanna say something... 'Resolve'? You mean you've got the resolve to pass the point of no return?" Of course! "I see.. Well, I guess this is it then. Ammy... Don't you go dying like you did 100 years ago." Closer and closer to the doors, she was nearly there. Inches closer before suddenly, once more Issun spoke up. "W-Wait a sec, Ammy!" He had hopped down, bouncing in front of her as he finally continued. "Um.. Well... We've been through a lot together. How long it's been since we first met? It all started in the valley of Sakuya's chest... Then we laid the smack down on Orochi... Then that fox wrench..." The wolf tilted her head to the side, ears twitching. What was it that he was getting at..? "We even went inside an Emperor's body, and traveled to the bottom of the sea. Then, before I knew it, I found myself back in my own land. And now it all ends with the appearance of the legendary ark. But for you, it's just the start of an even greater adventure. Sorry, Ammy... I'm afraid this where we say goodbye."
The Goddess lifted her head higher, attention snapping on and focusing on that single word. Goodbye? Now? But why? She began to approach him, getting closer, but he hopped back and she stopped in place. "As I told you from the beginning, I joined you so that I could steal those 13 brush techniques of yours. We've found them all during our travels and now each and every one has been etched into my mind." Hopping up close to her face, he traced a circle in front of her and a flower bloomed right in front of her eyes before drifting down. "It's not like I've mastered them yet, but... I plan on having loads of fun with my newfound skills. It's a bit sad to see you go, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Take care of yourself, pal!" He moved around her, seeming ready to descend the rainbow bridge back to the lands and the wolf began to turn in place, seeming to follow with a leap in step and dart after. However, Issun immediately turned back, "No! Ammy, no! Look... You're a God, I'm a sprite. We live in completely different worlds. The road ahead may be a tough one, but it's one you're just gonna have to walk alone." Amaterasu listened to his words, but could not hold back from giving a sad bark. "Heh heh. I know I know... It's just, I got things I need to do too, ya know. Now let's wrap this up. I can't stand long goodbyes. Farewell, my furry friend!"
Once again he turned to step away, Ammy was quick to follow, but this time Issun unsheathed his sword and slashed in her direction. "Hold it right there, furball!" The wolf halted quick in step, ears pressed forward. "How many times do I have to tell you? We gotta go our separate ways! Now leave me alone, you thick-headed lump of fur!!" He began to slash his sword at her, Ammy only moving inches away, side to side with a broken whine leaving her. After all they've gone through together.. goodbye? Just like that? She didn't want to depart with her good friend. Suddenly Waka interfered, and both him and Issun exchanged words, explaining that Issun was right but even if he wanted to join them he could not. Because only those worthy were allowed to enter. With some words that possibly have cut deep into Issun, Waka had entered the ark and called for Ammy to come after. The wolf stepped to follow, only to notice the entrance now beginning to close, and still she tried to peek out, to catch a glimpse of her friend, whining and calling out to him. Soon enough it closed. There was no going back.
The fight with Yami was closer than ever.
[When the wolf finally opens her eyes, she doesn't look to the Dreamberry. She gets up, quiet but her eyes are searching, glancing around at her surroundings- as if lost, puzzled for a moment. She's not inside any home or place, still outside but within the village. Soon recognition settles in. She knows where she is. What felt like a long time, and she was back here? Of course, there was hardly even an absence from her, but she does not know that. Parts were gathered from her travels in one dream, what seemed to be within a moment of time was spread apart for at least a couple of days (possibly a week) for her.
The pang of loss was hitting her greater than ever, it effected her more with having to go through a 'goodbye.' Just maybe though, just maybe her friend had tagged along. She sniffed around, peeking under bushes till she peeked towards the sky with the Dreamberry still close by. The marks upon her coat are as strong as they ever were rather than faded, to Believers' eyes of course, but there is something different too. The weapon on her back has changed, now a Reflector by the name Solar Flare is there, the end flames flickering and moving along her back. Suddenly, she lifts her head and emits a long howl, sound reaching the sky above.]
Effects: Feeling a giant weight was set on your shoulders, possibly even to the point where it's like struggling to keep straight. A feeling of pain and confusion till it changes into a seek of protection, along with dread. It ends in a very strong sense of dread, sadness and puzzlement, loneliness not far after. Till finding the strength to manage determination.
The long way took a while, many obstacles to overcome through Oni Island. However, in the end she had succeeded, and finally she was nearly to the top. Issun, who bounced on the top of her head reached his words out to her: "You feel that weird vibe this place is givin' off, Ammy? It may be quiet now, but I've got the major case of the creeps. I know she's watching us from the shadows! She's ready to strike at any moment! You ready, Ammy!?"
Was she ready? The travels to Oni Island, after the death of the beloved Queen all thanks to this murderous fox- and now here they were, just moments away. The wolf gave a slight nod, she was indeed ready. With a shot forward before soon closing to a stop upon the top, staring around with nose flaring, the sound of winds blowing and waters crashing about. As the green 'bug' hopped down, showing off his confidence in words and a sword spawn- the wolf simply raised up her head to give a loud long howl. A howl that had the dark gray clouds moving, separating with a red moon soon showing, details of many tails etched upon it. A constellation was shown with the few missing stars missing, after adding the missing stars with her brush did a ominous sound begin. A dark shadow having taken its place and once Amaterasu had realized what figure that was exactly did she crouch down, a snarl breaking out. With a quick step did the large Ninetails take its spot before her, nearly towering over her as tails waved about with the mask over her face and a thunderous glaive on her back.
"So, Amaterasu.. You have crept into my castle like a sneaky little mouse, have you? By the power of Yami, ruler of the Land of Darkness- I, Ninetails, have been made Lord of Ryoshima Coast! You needn't come all this way for me to kill you. I would have found you and done so just the same. Just like I did with Queen Himiko!"
"Yami? Lord of Darkness? Never heard of either of 'em! And I never gave you the OK to be lord of Ryoshima Coat" There goes Issun again, the Ninetails nearly huffed.
"Yami is the absolute ruler of all evil beings. He is the ultimate being of all darkness. And he is nothing like those false gods of your fairytales! Prepare to face the wrath of my terrible power!"
With that said, the battle had begun.
- - - - - - - - - -
Amaterasu had won that battle, obtaining the Blade of Kusanagi. At any rate, their next target was waiting in the frozen North.
Along the way did she upgrade her brush abilities, before finally making her way to the North, soon arriving in Kamui. There did she meet Oki, the man thrusting a fight at her to which she responded quickly to the threat, but during the battle he had turned into a wolf which had surprised her for a split moment. After the battle though, Oki introduced himself as part of the Oina Tribe, perhaps being a friend rather than an enemy. It was then explained of the two demons that have taken over the lands, most specifically the mountains; the twin demons Lechku and Nechku. Meeting the Tribe and the Elder leader, it appeared one of their kind was missing, one that possessed power to help stop the twin demon's abilities in restoring the lands the way they were. Yoshpet, the mysterious forest of deception seemed to be the next place to head to.
"We're counting on you, Amaterasu!"
Every place she visited, every obstacle she went through, that's what everyone always said. Despite any difficulty, she always went through. She was Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, but also a protector to Nippon, it was her role and she had to see it through. She had to make Nippon safe again.
No questions asked.
- - - - - - - - - -
Entering Inner Yoshpet and going through the Spirit Gate, Amaterasu along with Issun and Oki were not expecting what was to happen next. But to seem to be at the beginning again, in Kamiki Village, that was farthest from their minds.
After Oki had went off, Amaterasu appeared to have stumbled upon a small girl- a girl who held a striking resemblance to the full-grown woman who was the life of a grown tree. But.. there was no tree, but a small sapling in its place. What was going on? And this little girl, who claimed to be a Wood Sprite 'Shakuya' it sounded very close to Sakuya. Could it be..? Not only that, but the people within the village who had appeared welcoming and kind to Amaterasu before- were now suddenly holding hatred against her! Things only became more puzzling until the man they assumed was Susano had referred to her as 'Shiranui'!
Shiranui was a white wolf heard in the legends to have supposedly been siding with Orochi, that is till defeating him along side Nagi and becoming a hero amongst the lands. But that had happened one hundred years ago. Could they have gone to the past?
Orochi who they had defeated already, was alive here. And powerful. But as legend goes- they'll have to make sure it ran the way it was told- due to the chances of past changing was in stake. So they made their way to the Island that Orochi resided, preparing for another battle against the eight-headed Serpent. But the moment they were going to, Issun had began to word out his worries. "Hm ... There's no barrier this time. That Orochi must think no one would dare come in here. We should still be careful no matter how unprepared that snake is. I mean, if you think about it you managed to slay Orochi 100 years ago, but you died too. And you were at your peak then!" According to everyone back at their regular time, Amaterasu was nowhere close to her peak of power.
"Legend says you appeared each year around the time of the sacrifice. Back then you were called Shiranui and were said to be a monster." Ears pressed back, the wolf slightly lowering her head with a broken whine sounding out. Issun had moved to the tip of her nose, peering at her. "So how come you just didn't go get rid of Orochi right away? Well, I suppose you had your reasons. But I bet it made Orochi think you were a big fat chicken."
Soon enough, they were in Orochi's stronghold, and they weren't alone- Oki was there as well. Not to mention their search for the missing tribe member, Lika, was there. However, she appeared to be on the back of the powerful enemy on the lands during this time. Orochi. And so began the second time Amaterasu will fight Orochi, but this time more caution, knowing full well of what the legend had said of her. When defeat seemed to be close, it looked as if she would have to give it another go. However Oki's foolery nearly had him getting killed, till the legendary Nagi made himself known and made way to destroy Orochi. Drawing the moon within the sky, Amaterasu gave strength to Nagi's sword, who then made way to strike at each sword (along with Ammy's own powerful slashes.) Orochi was then defeated.
Their victory seemed short-lived, it appeared Orochi was not yet dead, conjuring up a large boulder to descend from the sky onto Nagi.
Immediate thoughts ran to Nagi's death, but that had not been the case, he appeared unharmed thanks to Shiranui who had stopped the boulder from crushing him. Amaterasu along Issun and the others stared, shocked at the sight. The fight appeared to be long from over, but it was known that Amaterasu had to return back with the now saved Lika. The moment they went through the gates, Issun was already saying what had ran through Ammy's mind. "You know that wolf who helped Nagi... That was Shiranui. Or in other words, that was you 100 years ago. That was how you met your end after your venture with my gramps. You battled and slew the dreaded Orochi, only to die yourself."
" .. .. " Despite all of this happening, they had to take Lika close to the mountains, to give the incantation and start the lands on returning to how they were.
During that time Amaterasu came to find the last and final Celestial Brushstroke technique. After handling with the device causing the dangerous blizzard over the lands, Amaterasu meets with Itegami and obtains the technique along a new reflector 'The Solar Flare.'
- - - - - - - - - -
They were now in Wawku Shrine, to soon face the twin demons Lechku and Nechku. But they first stumbled upon the Silver Demon, Nechku, who wasted no time to already starting an attack. Preparing to counter, Ammy and Issun notice the bird's attention is elsewhere. To their surprise, it was a bright white that showed to be no one other than Shiranui, Amaterasu's past self.
"Isn't that you... from 100 years ago, Ammy?! I don't get it. What's that old self of yours doing here!?"
Nechku launched an attack, and without moving an inch did Shiranui reflect it right back- stunning the bird for a moment. Next thing Amaterasu knew, Shiranui was emitting a loud howl which she soon joined in with and thus began the battle, Ammy fighting along side her other self. Thanks to Shiranui's power, the fight lasted not very long but ended rather quickly. A sight that had even Ammy herself in surprise and awe. Aiming to get the last attack, it was soon interrupted as the Gold Demon, Lechku showed up in thrashes and flails, fighting off Oki.
The two demons didn't looked to be finished yet, and with Issun's advice to back off for now, it seemed Oki had other plans. He was going to see this end, here and now. Rushing towards them, he was stopped short by Shiranui, who barked and tried to restrain him from going on, but the now wolf lashed out and ran past. Amaterasu could feel this would not end well. The moment Oki was seconds away from attacking- time had froze due to Lechku, and he was moving and already launching an attack. Oki was in serious danger, and yet Amaterasu nor Issun could move. Shiranui, however, pushed and fought against the frozen time, pushing pass at the last second and shoving Oki aside only to get impale by the sharp cane. Sending one last lash to knock the two demons back and dizzy. Shiranui soon began to stumble and fall back, nearly over the ledge until Amaterasu shot after and managed to grab hold by the scruff, trying desperately to pull Shiranui back onto safety. Meanwhile the two demons began to take flight away, weak and slow. Oki had to make a decision. To go after the two demons, to seek victory and become the hero he so wanted to be, or choose to help Amaterasu and save Shiranui, the one who had saved his life. Along that a unstable large tree began to lean, seconds from falling in the direction of the two wolves, chances of taking both to their death. A crack and it began to fall, but Oki made it in time to slash the tree, and Amaterasu pulled Shiranui to safety. Oki realized his selfish needs were not the answer, gaining strength.
But Shiranui was badly injured, still they needed to go on and defeat the twin demons. So Oki decided to defeat the monsters around, letting Amaterasu and Issun go on ahead as he will soon catch up, the pair having faith that Shiranui wouldn't be alone for long- as the poncle companion (like Issun) would soon show up. Which was exactly what happened, Oki was there and the two then vowed to fight alongside another against the twin demons and end this evil covering the lands of Kamui. The twin demons which had suddenly awoken atop Ezofuji, and tried to lay waste to the land of Kamui were defeated. They disappeared in a burst of petals, thanks to Oki and Amaterasu. However, a giant cloud, black as night, cast a shadow on the scene. Blight... Ninetails... the twin demons Lechku and Nechku.. The souls of each were swept into the cloud as it moved. It drifted toward the Ark of Yamato at the bottom of Laochi Lake. "The Ark of Yamato is beckoning all of the world's darkness within." Tuskle's words echoed omniously, awakening Amaterasu's heart.
All the sacrifices, all the life lost in the name of good... Was it all in vain? Shiranui, Amaterasu's 100 year old incarnation, was fatigued and exhausted by the intense battle. However, when Shiranui noticed the glow of Oki's word, Kutone, a sly smile seemed to crease the wolf's tired lips. Satisfied with this bright glimmer of hope, Shiranui struggled to rise and put every last ounce of strength into passing through Ishaku's gate back in time... Back home... As Amaterasu and Issun looked on, they were fully aware that Shiranui headed back into the face of danger... to the battle with Orochi. After saving Nagi from the clutches of death and aiding them in their own quest, Shiranui would die a hero, marking the beginning of the legend of Orochi.
Now it was time for the last battle. All the shadows and evil lead to the Ark of Yamato, this must be where Yami resides within. The Elder had told Amaterasu, before she began to head into the Ark, "The legend about how this ark, which was sunk in Laochi Lake, fell from the Celestial Plain and into our world. It says the Celestials who fell to our world with it, were eaten up by countless vicious monsters... By the army controlled by the evil Ruler of Darkness, Yami. So the Ark of Yamato IS related to the power of darkness!" It only confirmed Amaterasu's thoughts. And so, she began to proceed onto it. However, it was Issun that had her pausing halfway up.
"W-Wait! Wait, Ammy! You know what'll happen if you cross this rainbow bridge and board the Ark of Yamato, don't you? I mean, that boat is bad news. The people of Kamui all know that. It's the most feared and hatred thing in all the land. Even legends have nothing good to say about it or Laochi Lake. And you know there's no turning back once you board that thing. Huh? You look like you wanna say something... 'Resolve'? You mean you've got the resolve to pass the point of no return?" Of course! "I see.. Well, I guess this is it then. Ammy... Don't you go dying like you did 100 years ago." Closer and closer to the doors, she was nearly there. Inches closer before suddenly, once more Issun spoke up. "W-Wait a sec, Ammy!" He had hopped down, bouncing in front of her as he finally continued. "Um.. Well... We've been through a lot together. How long it's been since we first met? It all started in the valley of Sakuya's chest... Then we laid the smack down on Orochi... Then that fox wrench..." The wolf tilted her head to the side, ears twitching. What was it that he was getting at..? "We even went inside an Emperor's body, and traveled to the bottom of the sea. Then, before I knew it, I found myself back in my own land. And now it all ends with the appearance of the legendary ark. But for you, it's just the start of an even greater adventure. Sorry, Ammy... I'm afraid this where we say goodbye."
The Goddess lifted her head higher, attention snapping on and focusing on that single word. Goodbye? Now? But why? She began to approach him, getting closer, but he hopped back and she stopped in place. "As I told you from the beginning, I joined you so that I could steal those 13 brush techniques of yours. We've found them all during our travels and now each and every one has been etched into my mind." Hopping up close to her face, he traced a circle in front of her and a flower bloomed right in front of her eyes before drifting down. "It's not like I've mastered them yet, but... I plan on having loads of fun with my newfound skills. It's a bit sad to see you go, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Take care of yourself, pal!" He moved around her, seeming ready to descend the rainbow bridge back to the lands and the wolf began to turn in place, seeming to follow with a leap in step and dart after. However, Issun immediately turned back, "No! Ammy, no! Look... You're a God, I'm a sprite. We live in completely different worlds. The road ahead may be a tough one, but it's one you're just gonna have to walk alone." Amaterasu listened to his words, but could not hold back from giving a sad bark. "Heh heh. I know I know... It's just, I got things I need to do too, ya know. Now let's wrap this up. I can't stand long goodbyes. Farewell, my furry friend!"
Once again he turned to step away, Ammy was quick to follow, but this time Issun unsheathed his sword and slashed in her direction. "Hold it right there, furball!" The wolf halted quick in step, ears pressed forward. "How many times do I have to tell you? We gotta go our separate ways! Now leave me alone, you thick-headed lump of fur!!" He began to slash his sword at her, Ammy only moving inches away, side to side with a broken whine leaving her. After all they've gone through together.. goodbye? Just like that? She didn't want to depart with her good friend. Suddenly Waka interfered, and both him and Issun exchanged words, explaining that Issun was right but even if he wanted to join them he could not. Because only those worthy were allowed to enter. With some words that possibly have cut deep into Issun, Waka had entered the ark and called for Ammy to come after. The wolf stepped to follow, only to notice the entrance now beginning to close, and still she tried to peek out, to catch a glimpse of her friend, whining and calling out to him. Soon enough it closed. There was no going back.
The fight with Yami was closer than ever.
[When the wolf finally opens her eyes, she doesn't look to the Dreamberry. She gets up, quiet but her eyes are searching, glancing around at her surroundings- as if lost, puzzled for a moment. She's not inside any home or place, still outside but within the village. Soon recognition settles in. She knows where she is. What felt like a long time, and she was back here? Of course, there was hardly even an absence from her, but she does not know that. Parts were gathered from her travels in one dream, what seemed to be within a moment of time was spread apart for at least a couple of days (possibly a week) for her.
The pang of loss was hitting her greater than ever, it effected her more with having to go through a 'goodbye.' Just maybe though, just maybe her friend had tagged along. She sniffed around, peeking under bushes till she peeked towards the sky with the Dreamberry still close by. The marks upon her coat are as strong as they ever were rather than faded, to Believers' eyes of course, but there is something different too. The weapon on her back has changed, now a Reflector by the name Solar Flare is there, the end flames flickering and moving along her back. Suddenly, she lifts her head and emits a long howl, sound reaching the sky above.]
