Chapter 3 Early Years.
Hello everyone.
I was surprised to see so many views since the last update, so I wanted to treat you to a new chapter fairly soon.
Ain't that nice huh. :P
Without further ado.
Let's start the show!
It's been five years, since Inari the fox goddess had returned to take her rightful place back on the throne of the Shinto.
During those five years, many things have happened with, and around Issei.
First of all, what does a baby made of energy actually eat?
After trying numerous types of food, even having a woman who just had a child of her own breastfeed Issei, nothing seemed to work.
Till one day..
''Sigh, what am I going to do with you..'' Inari thought as she was slowly rocking Issei's cradle in the early morning.
He had been crying non-stop last night as he was sleeping next to Amaterasu. Her solar energy gave him a little energy, but far too little to properly feed him.
After she went to do whatever a sun goddess does, Inari stayed home to take care of him.
''Ooh!'' Inari suddenly thought. ''This might work''
''If she can provide him with energy, then so can I''
She undressed her gown, releasing her large breasts from their cage, and held Issei near her breasts.
Her baby managed to draw energy from her as she breastfed him, finally calming him down.
''I guess it isn't so bad to be a mother'' Inari thought as she smiled down at her eating baby.
After she found out how Issei could be nourished, Inari shared the news with Amaterasu who tried it as well.
She found out that he also enjoyed eating her energy, even though it wasn't the same as his mother's.
Amaterasu felt him absorbing parts of her energy and made them into his own, as it was a pure energy without a signature.
After a year of breastfeeding Issei, the gods were very surprised to find out that Issei was now able to get energy from the sun as well, which was something only she could do before.
The relationship between Issei and Amaterasu would only grow more as she would be sleeping next to him most of the time.
Ever since the accident, where Issei managed to release his father's power, Inari and the other gods were reluctant with leaving Issei alone at any given moment, so it was decided that there would always be someone sleeping with him till he was older.
Amaterasu immediately volunteered for it. She did not give another reason but feeling very connected to him.
Issei treated her as his beloved ''Ama-nee'' and she in turn called him ''Issei-chan'' and treated him as her son/brother.
During their nights, they would always cuddle together to preserve heat, or so Amaterasu said. But deep inside, she started to develop affectionate feelings for the small baby and decided to play a major role in his early years. If these would grow with time, she wanted to profit from them in a decade and a half.
It was not frowned upon in Takamagahara. If you're close to immortal, a decade or two doesn't mean a thing. Many of the elder gods had partners with an age difference of decades or even centuries.
''The little prince'' as he was affectionately called by the people, grew up with all the people. He considered everyone his surrogate family and treated them all like ''Nee-sans, Nii-sans, Oji-sans, Baa-sans, and Kaa-sans''
This made everyone around Takamagahara treat each other better as well. If their prince could treat your neighbour as an uncle, then so could you treat him good as well.
Within those five years, the unity in Takamagahara went to a level that has never been seen before. There was no doubt that everyone would defend every single person in the heavenly plains, because they were just as dear to you, as your own family.
But in all this sunshine and happiness, there was only one thing that Issei missed.
His mother wouldn't/couldn't tell him about his father.
Issei saw how most of the children had a father, and asked Inari about his own. She told him that she couldn't tell him yet, but promised that one day she would.
Even though she could be tough on him, Inari had been a fantastic mother. She was very fond of Issei and enjoyed spending every moment with him. He even brought her teasing side out more than the people of Takamagahara would have liked to see. After all, a fox never forgets it's tricks.
After they heard the news of Issei asking about his father, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo were both more than happy to fill that role, hoping to give Issei a good example of a male role model for when Issei has children of his own in the future.
Issei had his school intro yesterday, which he visited with Susanoo, a week after his fifth birthday.
Today was finally the day Issei had been looking forward to.
His first school day.
Woken up early in the morning by Inari and she dressed him in a little yukata.
It wasn't something new for him. The Shinto was very strict on the way the people dressed in Takamagahara.
''My little baby, you look so cute'' She said, as she started to nuzzle his cheek. Human form or not, Inari was still a wolf.
''K-Kaa-san, let me go now'' Issei squeaked and turned a little red as she kept nuzzling him.
''Why would I do that? Is my little prince not happy with his loving mother'' and started to tickle him.
Inari kept tickling and nuzzling him till he couldn't stand straight on his feet anymore.
''Now don't be late on your first day of school dear'' She laughed as she made her way out of the room.
Issei, who almost soiled himself from laughing, sighed out loud before mumbling ''At least I have enough time to get to school'' as he had gotten familiar with her teasing the past years.
It was a great beginning of a new time in his life.
He didn't know it at the time, but tonight would completely change his life.
''All her nuzzling will turn me into a wolf as well one day'' Issei thought, as he could feel an almost primal instinct coming up when she nuzzled him.
He was slightly daydreaming as he was walking towards school, greeting everybody he saw from the elderly going for an early morning walk, to the merchants opening their stores.
''Fox prince, have an apple. The farmer you suggested harvested them yesterday and they are selling like hot cakes'' One of the merchants said, and threw an apple at Issei.
''Thank you sir, I'm glad it worked out'' Issei replied, and bit in the apple.
''Hmm.. it's really good'' He thought as he continued his way.
Three shadows behind a bush, followed Issei with their eyes, as he walked behind them.
They slowly sneaked behind him, as he was paying attention to his apple.
But Issei was paying attention, as he walked with a hidden smile.
''3...2...1..'' Issei thought and quickly turned around to catch his assailants.
Three white foxes jumped into his arms and started to lick his face.
''Come on you guys, cut it out'' Issei laughed, as he played with them.
Ever since Inari her return, the white foxes have found their way back to the plains of Takamagahara and moved back into their dens on the outskirts of Takamagahara.
Issei, who basically is part Inari, has been followed by these three foxes ever since the first time he walked outside.
The people were also very happy to see the foxes back, as they were a sign of good harvest and prosperity.
''Let's go you guys. Ama-nee is going to kill me if I'm late'' Issei barked at the foxes and began to run towards his school.
The foxes followed him till he reached his school, and gave Issei a foxy grin when he waved them off.
The classroom was already full with children when Issei entered.
Talking stopped when they saw that their classmate was the prince.
''Is that the prince..?'' One of the children asked his neighbour.
''I think so'' He replied with awe in his voice.
But before they could ask Issei, the teacher came in.
''Hello everyone, my name is Omoikane, and I will be your teacher the coming five years'' He said to his new students.
Omoikane is one of the elder gods. He is the god of Wisdom and Intelligence.
''Today we will have a shorter day than usual, so please everyone introduce yourselves'' Omoikane said, as he pointed at the student in front of him to begin.
The school bells rang, and Issei made his way outside with his classmates.
''See you tomorrow, Issei'' One of his new friends said, as he walked away from him.
''Bye bye'' Issei yelled back.
As it was still pretty early, Issei decided to saunter around Takamagahara and search for his fox friends.
Issei played with the three white foxes, plus some extra just outside of the plains, all day long, till the sun slowly began to set.
He began to walk towards his home but saw some light still on in his mother's shrine.
In the inner sanctuary of her shrine, Inari was having a conversation with the Trinity.
''We have to protect Issei, we cannot have them discover his existence'' Tsukuyomi said, as the others nodded at his words.
''I think it's imperative to close ourselves off for the coming 5 years, and train Issei to the best of our abilities'' Susanoo continued.
''I agree, we will remain aligned with the Youkai. Search for every spy in Takamagahara and get rid of them. We can count ourselves lucky that none can enter our city, only the plains'' Inari said with a strong expression on her face.
''Inari-Ōkami, can you explain to us what Issei exactly is?'' Amaterasu asked curiously.
After these five years, the Trinity still didn't know what Issei was.
''Alright, but listen closely..'' Inari began. ''That night when Issei destroyed part of my shrine, I felt who his father was. It was Great Red'' Shocking the Trinity in quietness.
''In the centuries after our fight, there was a part of my and his energy that came into contact and fused together. Throughout the many centuries afterwards the energy attracted more of our energy, which made him stronger and protected him from the harsh environment'' She continued ''My divine energy managed to protect him, and Great Red's dragon power managed to create a sustainable body. As far as I know, Issei is me and Great Red''
''T-That's quite a story'' Tsukuyomi said. The power of Inari and Great Red in a single boy, how powerful could Issei become.
''Thud''
The four were quickly alerted by a small thud that came from behind the door.
Amaterasu quickly ran to the door and opened it.
She widened her eyes when she saw what made the thud.
''What was it?'' Inari asked, and was shocked when Amaterasu lifted up Issei's schoolbag.
''It looks like Issei found out'' Susanoo said with a small frown.
''He must feel so betrayed that I didn't tell him'' Inari said as she softly started to sob.
Amaterasu softly rubbed Inari her back, and whispered ''Don't worry, Issei-chan has never held grudges against you. He'll understand why you didn't tell him''
''I'm going to look for Issei now, so please stay with Inari-Ōkami for now'' She told her brothers, and made her way out of the room.
Issei was running as fast as he could towards his own shrine.
A magnificent temple with a silver roof, similar to the color of his divine aura, loomed up in the distance.
The shrine was dedicated to him as a prince. His mother's shrine was just across the street.
He went inside his shrine and ran towards his own room.
Issei jumped into his bed when he got to the room, and started to cry.
Silently, the door opened and Amaterasu stepped inside.
She slowly slipped behind Issei in his bed, and as he noticed her solar energy, he buried his face between her breasts and bawled.
Amaterasu just held Issei, as he kept crying.
''Ama-nee..what am I..?'' Issei softly said as he held onto her like a lifeline.
''You're my little Issei-chan'' She replied with a small smile.
''But you heard kaa-san, I'm not her real child.'' Issei continued
''She loves you just as much, you know'' Amaterasu said
''..do you love me too, Ama-nee?'' Issei asked
Amaterasu developed a small blush at his honest question. No one had ever asked if she loved someone besides her brothers.
''..I do'' She softly replied.
''I love you too, Ama-nee'' Issei shouted in her bosom ''and when I grow up I want to marry you''
''Fufu how cute Issei-chan. If you still feel the same in 10 years, you can try it again'' She replied, and gave him a small peck on his nose.
''Are you feeling any better, Issei-chan?'' Amaterasu asked as she felt his breathing calming down.
With everything that happened today, it wasn't a surprise that Issei had fallen asleep in her arms.
She softly sighed, as she ruffled his hair and whispered ''marrying me huh..''
Over the centuries, many gods from several religions had tried to wooh the beautiful sun goddess, but none succeeded. Even her own brother, Tsukuyomi, tried to win her affection.
But ever since meeting Issei, his divine aura and using her own ability, awakened something inside of her.
Even though he is so much younger than her, she is more than interested to get to know the grown up Issei.
''It will take Issei-chan a bit more than a decade to mature..'' Amaterasu thought. ''If you turn out just as handsome as I think you'll be, I'm definitely going to make you mine''
After she grabbed Issei's blanket and laid it over them, before she fell into a deep slumber as well.
It had been 5 years since that faithful night ever since Issei found out about his origin.
Inari apologized profusely the next day, telling him that she was very sorry. Issei instantly forgave her and told her that she was his mother and knew what was best for him.
This strengthened their already strong ties, and that night, she explained everything she knew about him.
His relationship with Amaterasu had also grown tighter. Ever since he proclaimed he loved her, he did everything he could to win her love. Much to the amusement of Tsukuyomi and Susanoo.
It grew even more after Issei's eight birthday, when his father truly came through for him, as his dragon aura started to grow significantly, attracting females from every species
During their training exercises, Amaterasu couldn't keep the blush of her face and would hold him as often as she could.
Issei also grew significantly stronger over the years, as he started to train with his mother and the Trinity.
Inari trained him to use her divine power in objects, such as swords and arrows, and worked together with him to turn into her animal form, the wolf.
Amaterasu trained him how to use her heavenly flames, but when she showed him and he tried to recreate them, something amazing happened.
Instead of a black flame, he made a deep white flame with a pulsing red core. Issei threw it at a large rock, and it spontaneously combusted. They found out that the white fire had the superheated properties of the heavenly black, the same length as well, and the red core would simply evaporate everything it touched.
Susanoo his lightning training was a lot more difficult for Issei, as his thunder would turn into a pale red, destroying everything in its path. Susanoo decided it was too dangerous to continue, and would wait till he was older.
Tsukuyomi taught him everything he needed to know as a future leader. He taught him diplomatics, vocabulary and dinner etiquette.
Even though he was warned by Susanoo, at night he would go to the courtyard and tried to control his father's power.
Issei quickly managed to discover that his father's power grew the more agitated he was and decided to pick up meditation as well.
The first year he made little progress with using his father's power, but the second year he saw significant improvements.
He was now able to make lightning coil around him without harming himself or the area around him.
But one night, Issei was shocked to see small red scales appear on his arms. Something inside of him said to try and flare a small amount of energy in his arms, and so he did.
His arms lit up in a crimson miasma, and he punched a target in the courtyard, completely turning it into nothingness.
''Wow'' Issei thought. ''Tou-san must be really strong''
Issei kept training as much as he could, and today, the day before his tenth birthday, Issei had finally managed to control his father's power on a basic level.
Today was the day of Issei's tenth birthday.
He was woken up by a happy Amaterasu, wishing him a happy birthday as she hugged him.
When he got downstairs, Inari also happily held him, and gave him his first ''gift''
''Today is the first day you'll be joining me in the throne room'' Inari said as she ruffled his white hair.
''Hehhh, what about school?'' Issei asked his mother.
Inari looked at him with a strange expression, before she smiled.
''Didn't you know? Yesterday was your last school day, and everything else you needed to know, was taught to you be Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto'' Inari replied with a small smile.
Issei facepalmed himself before he chuckled a little. ''I forgot, I was so tired that I can't even remember what happened yesterday''
''Come on Issei, let's get to the council'' Inari said, and half an hour later after they were both dressed they entered her throne room.
For an hour, the council spoke about the economy, the education, the other mythologies and the Shinto follower numbers.
''Very well everyone, I agree with your statements. Implement them as soon as possible'' Inari said from her throne, receiving a bow in confirmation.
''I believe that was the entire agenda. You are all free to leave'' She continued and the council stood up.
''Wait a minute, Issei'' Inari said as the council left the throne room.
''What is it kaa-san?'' He asked her.
''It's time for you to know more about my existence after all these years'' Inari said, as she sat her son into her lap.
She turned the smile on her face into a serious expression when she began..
''Issei, I'd like to tell you the story of how I came to be the fox goddess.
Once upon a time, there was a white wolf living in a forest.
One day, a wounded fox entered his territory, but instead of killing it, the white wolf nursed it back to health.
Weeks later, more and more foxes appeared in its domain, seeking shelter from the growing human population that tried to catch these foxes.
For years, the wolf protected them, attacking humans to stop them from harming his precious friends.
The foxes from then on followed the wolf everywhere it went.
But one day, the humans entered it's domain, seeking food they so desperately needed.
The wolf, which had grown in size and intellect after the foxes started to worship it, showed the humans how to grow food, by planting rice in shallow water.
The humans learned from the wolf and treated it with respect. The first small shrine was soon a fact.
Word spread among the humans that there was a wolf in Japan walking through the lands, followed by white foxes, showing the people how to grow rice and fertilise their lands.
It did so for hundreds of years,now protecting foxes and people from starvation. It's status quickly reached godlike proportions and the wolf grew in size, power, and sentience.
It was five hundred years ago that the wolf finally reached humanlike intelligence and sentience.
Inari the fox goddess was finally born.
''Wow'' Issei exclaimed after Inari finished her tale.
''That's right, your kaa-san is pretty cool'' Inari said, as she was glowing from pride at his comment and gave him a peace sign.
''I hope to protect Takamagahara one day just as well as you protected the foxes'' He replied with a bright smile.
Inari softly nuzzled her little boy on top of his head, and said ''Come on, let's go home''
They walked hand-in-hand towards his own shrine, as the streets were mysteriously silent.
''Where is everyone'' Issei asked as even the late night bars were closed.
''Who knows Issei'' She said, but her thoughts were like ''I know, Issei''
Inari opened the front door of Issei's shrine and walked him in.
It was very dark, till the lights were suddenly lit when they reached the inner courtyard.
The courtyard was filled to the brim with people from all over Takamagahara, shouting ''Happy tenth birthday!''
The party was over, and everyone slowly went home.
Issei had tremendously enjoyed the party and received several dozen gifts from the people of Takamagahara.
He just entered his room with the gifts he received from the Trinity. Issei received a small floating moon from Tsukuyomi, which he could use as a night light and showed him how visible the moon would be that night.
Susanoo gave him a book about lightning magic and would train him with it starting the next week.
Amaterasu gave him a small necklace that would amplify his ability to gain energy from the sun.
As Issei was enjoying these gifts, there was a knock on his door.
''Issei, are you there?'' Inari asked.
''Yes, kaa-san'' He answered, and she opened the door.
''Did you enjoy yourself, Issei'' She asked, as she sat next to him on the bed.
''Hmm I did'' he answered, as he laid his head in her lap.
''Issei, as the Shinto prince you have certain responsibilities..'' Inari began as she softly played with his hair.
''The Trinity and I have decided it is time for the next part of your training, which will take place in Kyoto''
Issei, who said nothing, waited for his mother to continue.
''Every mythology gains power from faith of the people, even we do. Fortunately, we aren't in dire need of believers as we still have 100.000 shrines left in Japan'' Inari continued
''And from those, 32.000 are solely dedicated to me, and in extension to you'' She said as she puffed her chest out in pride.
''Why do I have to train there, when I can learn everything here?'' Issei asked in a solemn voice, not looking forward to an adventure away from home.
''That's because humans can reason for themselves. If you can't understand their motives, we won't be able to change the tide if we ever get in trouble as a mythology'' She answered softly.
''In the morning, you will go towards the floating bridge of heaven, which connects Takamagahara with Kyoto. When you reach Kyoto, search for the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, there will someone wait for you'' Inari continued, as he son started to sob softly.
''Don't cry now Issei, you can return here every weekend as Susanoo will have to train you as well''
Inari released her large white wolf tail and wrapped it around Issei.
''I'll miss you too you know'' Inari continued, as she had a few droplets dripping down her cheeks as well.
''I'm also really sorry for not being able to send you off tomorrow. Amaterasu will do that for me, so the best I can do is sleep with you tonight''
He didn't reply but made himself comfortable in Inari her arms and tail.
''Goodnight Issei'' She whispered, as she saw her little boy asleep.
The next morning, Issei woke up early to spend the day in Kyoto.
Inari already left, but she'd written a small note for him and left it on his desk.
''Good luck Issei and I'll see you Friday'' He read.
Issei quickly got dressed and made his way to the bridge, where he was greeted by Amaterasu.
''Goodmorning Issei-chan'' She said, as she gave Issei a big hug.
''Morning Ama-nee'' He answered, as he deeply enjoyed her voluptuous body encasing him in warmth''Hmm..I'm really going to miss your solar energy''
She softly slapped him on top of his head ''Baka Issei, you're supposed to miss me'' Amaterasu replied with a fake angry tone and tried to get him off of her.
''I'm going to miss you too Ama-nee, I really don't want to go'' Issei answered as he grabbed her tighter.
She slowly kneeled down to look him in his eyes and gave him a soft smile.
''Issei-chan, you're our prince. You must be able to protect us in the future'' She said, as she would miss him more than he could imagine.
''But Issei-chan, listen..'' Amaterasu continued in a soft whisper. ''When you come back from Kyoto on your fifteenth birthday, I'll have a special surprise for you'' and she slowly dragged her tongue over his helix and sucked on his earlobe.
''W-W-What are you doing, A-Ama-nee!'' Issei shouted as his face turned crimson and held his wet ear.
''Don't worry about it Issei-chan. When you're fifteen, I'd be more than happy to show you'' Amaterasu said with a small amount of lust in her voice. ''But for now, good luck in Kyoto''
Issei, now back to his own self, gave her one more quick hug and a small peck on her cheek and ran off towards the bridge.
Amaterasu, who was waving at the retreating back of Issei, thought ''I'm all hot and bothered now. You better come home soon'' before making her way back towards her palace.
The arrival of Issei wasn't announced to the public as it would cause a mayhem among the youkai living in Kyoto, so he was able to calmly walk the bridge between Takamagahara and Kyoto.
It was the first time for Issei that he could walk around normally without being bowed to constantly nor that anyone would request his aid.
Issei, who of course didn't mind helping his people, was elated with this development, though he missed his mother and Amaterasu very much.
During his walk around the city, he visited several of the famous landmarks Kyoto had to offer before he made his way to the main shrine of his mother, where someone would pick him up.
Last night, when Issei asked Inari who would wait for him, she would only laugh out loud without answering his question.
This, of course, made Issei slightly nervous, as he got very familiar with his mother's teasing side, and couldn't stop him from imagining the worst.
But when he finally arrived at the shrine of his mother, there was a beautiful young woman standing there next to the main shrine building.
She didn't look a day over sixteen years old, had long locks of blonde hair, and when she noticed him, her golden topaz colored eyes were directly focussed on his own yellow slitted ones.
She walked towards him with a sway in her hips, making her large breasts jiggle in her white haori, and gave him a small bow when she stood in front of him.
''Issei-sama, please follow me'' She said, as she made her way inside the shrine.
Issei yieldingly walked behind her, but instead of watching her walk, he was immersed in her voluptuous figure as they made their way towards the throne room.
When they arrived, the young woman excused herself and left the room for a few minutes to return with a small dish and a drink for Issei.
''You must have been very hungry after spending the day in Kyoto'' She said with a small smile and slightly dilated eyes.
As Issei ate, she started to sniff the air, which caused her eyes to dilate even further.
He completed his dinner in silence, and she wordlessly took his plate and excused herself once more.
''M-My name is Y-Yasaka, I will be your trainer the c-coming years'' She said as she returned from cleaning Issei's plate after dinner.
Issei, who was slightly confused at her sudden nervous behaviour, was shaken as she slowly stood up and walked towards him.
Suddenly, a pair of large fox ears came out of her hair and nine fluffy blonde tails shot out of her back before she stood in front of him.
Yasaka looked at Issei, who by now was positively mortified at the look in her eyes, and tried to shoot back away from her, but was stopped by a kneeling Yasaka who held onto his hands.
By now, she was definitely acting very strange as a large red blush covered her entire face, and got even closer to him.
''Wh-Wha-'' Issei began but was stopped as she pressed her index finger on his lips, and moved forward.
Issei, who was now completely flat on the ground, heard Yasaka softly mumble some words as her hot breath tickled his cheek.
''I-I'm sorry, I-Issei-sama..It's just..'' Yasaka said with a honey voice.
''J-Just what..?'' He answered as her face got closer to his.
''…..''
''…..''
''You just smell really delicious!'' She shouted, and glomped him right there, nuzzling her face in his hair and wrapped her nine tails tight around his chest.
Within a minute, Yasaka was fast asleep on top of him, keeping Issei trapped between her nine very fluffy and curious appendages.
''Sigh, This training is going to take a loooong ti- Hey don't grab me there!'' Issei shouted, as her tails tried to find his own appendage.
''Haaa, Ama-chan, save me!'' Were Issei's last thoughts, before he drowned between her generous breasts with a big blush on his face.
There we have it guys, chapter 3 of The Shinto Prince.
I did enjoy writing the chapter, mainly the last scene with Yasaka, she's a real tease :) but to be honest, it was kind of a filler/mandatory chapter.
Those that might be a bit offended by the small amounts of ''ecchi'' themaximus is kind of very strict on the oppai, need to give him his moments as well.
That was enough information I suppose, coming chapters will have more fun and more action.
So yeah, chapter 4 will come your way probably somewhere mid next week, but for now I've hoped you enjoyed the story.
Btw, this has been the last chapter where I had to describe Issei as such a small kid. He's a little older now and more intelligent so now the story will be more enjoyable to write.
Chapter 4 – Yasaka's Training
Peace out!