Okami: A Thousand Suns

Slumber

"You may be against my proposal, but I believe the best way to get to the shrine unscathed is by traversing through the subway tunnels. The Guard rarely patrols down there so you should be able to pass through their defenses without a hitch. The only catch you should deal with is the fact that the nearest entrance to the subway is on gang territory. But I'm sure you shouldn't have a problem taking care of them. Also, there is a possibility that you can commandeer a train if there is still power down there."

"What do you think?" The Chief asked with a hint of nervousness in his tone.

Roland thought about this for a good minute. He was a bit reluctant to venture to the subway tunnels as he truly doesn't know what might be lurking down there, and it is backed up by the fact that there must be a very good reason why the Guard doesn't go there either. He then looks at Amaterasu to hopefully obtain a second opinion from her. But he noticed that she was staring into space and likely didn't hear a thing they were saying. A typical quirk of hers.

"Fine. We will head out tomorrow morning then." Roland said with an attempt to show whatever confidence that he had.

"Excellent! I really thank you for agreeing to do this. For all of us..." The Chief says displaying a grand amount of gratitude.

"You better get some rest now. You will have a long day ahead. Also make sure to stop by the Quartermaster to gear up."

"Will do sir. Let's go pooch." Roland tapped his thigh twice as a command for Amaterasu to follow him.

Roland leads Amaterasu through a maze of hallways throughout the establishment to an apartment complex connected to the distillery by a tunnel system underground where most people resided. The conditions were not as grandeur as it used to be due to the current circumstances, but Roland of course has one of the most "luxurious" rooms of the complex considering his status among the resistance and faithful citizens. His room was still not spacious, it at least consisted of two rooms, a single bed, a kitchen which he doesn't use at all, and a TV which he never watches.

"Well. Welcome to your new home pooch, for the time being." Roland takes off his book bag containing his equipment and hangs it on a nearby coat rack along with his hoodie. He then takes a seat in his bed and gives a big sigh of relaxation from the stress he has endured during the day. Meanwhile, Amaterasu was sniffing throughout his room to see if there was anything of interest to her. It was not until she came across the bedstand next to Roland that had three pictures in each separate frame on top of the table. The pictures themselves included a family portrait of Roland, his sister, mother, and father, a photo of a younger Roland with his family at a theme park somewhere in Sei'an City, and finally a snapshot with Roland's dad working in a laboratory at the Nippon Institute of Technology, the place of his employment.

Roland and his family were born in the city of Corvus, an ancient city that had existed ever since the founding of the Clan. The Corvids were one of the most unique civilizations on Nippon. Rich in culture, intelligent, advanced, and skilled fighters. In addition, they practiced and wielded magic for a very long time and continue to do so. They also worship their own separate deity, simply known as The Outcast. Not much however is known about the demi-god nor what he is capable of, even Amaterasu has never met him. Nowadays, the Clan has integrated itself into human society and most traditions have been lost to time. But some have been kept in individual families. It is customary for every Corvid to learn the art of combat and fighting, as well as to use their abilities to the highest power. Though most never utilize these kinds of skills anymore.

Regarding Roland's family, they moved to various locations around Nippon and lost all contact after the catastrophic event. Roland originally moved to Kamiki for university, his mother and sister are somewhere in Sei'an, and his father is likely trapped at the Institution. Roland hopes to reach them one day with the aid of the resistance, but as Amaterasu looked at Roland, she notices his expression of hopelessness and despair.

"I honestly doubt I'll ever see them again... I feel like anything that we do does not lead anywhere. I don't know how long they'll last through all of this, and it's hard to keep my spirits up anymore."

Amaterasu gave a small whimper and hopped onto Roland's bed, curling up behind Roland's back and rested her head on his lap. Roland smiled out of solace and started petting her head. Amaterasu happily yawned in response.

"Thank you for your understanding. To be honest, I haven't had a good friend like you for a long time. Even though you aren't human, a fellow avian, or just an ordinary dog. You look more like a lupine to me by the way."

Amaterasu simply glanced at him and gazed into his soul with a tired look.

"Alright, let me go and tidy up for the night and then get some sleep. We've got quite a big day ahead of us."

Roland got up and headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower, after that he dressed up into his PJs. He came back and proceeded to lie down on his back and turn to any side which was his usual sleeping position. This time, he did not need any covers since Amaterasu provided all the warmth and comfort needed for the night. Amaterasu also came over to where Roland was facing and lied down on her side as well. Roland embraced her by wrapping his arms around her back and pressed his body against hers as if he is snuggling a large plush toy, feeling the soft texture of her fur and the heat radiating from her body. There was however a slight stench coming off her fur which was the direct result of Amaterasu's aversion to bathing, but Roland did not mind it one bit. He soon fell into slumber almost instantly, followed by Amaterasu.