Return of the Monarchs

General Summary

Having failed to reach the land bridge, the group made one last ditch effort to reach Susano'o. Flying straight into the storm Genji came face to face with the Storm Monarch in his mind's eye and with the help of Yuuna's  inspiration, was finally able to persuade him into cooperating. Susano'o revealed that after his falling out with Amaterasu, she'd hidden herself in the Sunless Grotto within a sacred cave called Amano-Iwato. He also told them that in the very likely case they weren't able to persuade her out of the cave they should speak the words "the Sovereign of Storms has sent us to confirm his supremacy". Susano'o then sent the group directly to the Sunless Grotto, a partially submerged portion of the Underdark that has never known the light of day.    The group made their way through miles of winding tunnels and claustrophobic underwater caverns, battling the creatures that called the tunnel system home. After several hours of grueling travel, they made arrived at a chamber sporting a massive cave painting of Amaterasu. Conradus, Benkei , and Genji took turns attempting to persuade the Sun Monarch to show herself but they were met with failure. With no other choice Genji resorted to speaking the words Susano'o had instructed them to which immediately caused the reclusive Monarch to reveal herself in a blind rage. After a momentary scuffle with the group, Benkei was able to calm her rage and explain their situation.   Noting that she wouldn't part with Ame no Murakumo so easily, Amaterasu took the group inside Amano-Iwato where she created an endless field of weapons among which the last Jingi was hidden. Giving Benkei one hour to accomplish the goal, she disappeared and left them to the search. By interacting with the spirits of their comrades that appeared around them, they collected a number of weapons and Benkei made his choice-a battered wooden bokken that the spirit of his former master Yoshitsune had picked out. With the challenge completed, and Ame no Murakumo retrieved, Izanagi, Susano'o, and Tsukuyomi appeared as well. Benkei entered into a pact with Amaterasu and earned her Grace, while Genji and Conradus earned Susano'o and Tsukuyomi's. Izanagi and his three children then revealed their intention to join in the battle.