Hey everyone, I reuploaded chapter 4 because I did a minor change at the end. Sorry about that, I wont be changing anything again.
Amaterasu awoke with a large yawn and stretch of her legs. It was a rather uncomfortable sleep in the cave; she would've preferred soft grass and the cover of a sakura tree, but Link insisted that sleeping inside was much safer.
Link didn't seem any more pleased with his sleep, he had tossed and turned, and who knows what else within the night. She didn't understand that behaviour of his. She assumed this was his den and had slept here many nights before, but if this was his den, then why was there a burnt out fire pit here? Surely this wolf didn't make fires, did he?
Whatever the reason was, it didn't matter to her. She just wanted to find Issun and get back to Nippon. Just then, Link arose from his spot and stretched his tight legs. He did a big shake, and turned his head to her.
"Ready to go?"
Amaterasu barked a "Yes!" in reply.
The two wolves began traveling to the castle in the dim early morning light. The air was crisp and fresh, with the smell of the grass and the large open fields. They trekked along, as the warm sun arose a little higher in the clear sky. It warmed Amaterasu, and filled her with more energy and strength. When the sun was up it always made her feel better from inside out.
After awhile they came to a large pathway that cut through the cliff, it was more than wide enough for a horse and wagon to come through, and it looked well used. They continued forward with no words spoken. Link was a rather quite one, and Amaterasu had nothing to say at the time.
Amaterasu glanced at his shackle that was clinking on the ground every time he stepped. She remembered their conversation the day before and decided to press the matter with him.
"It seems like a ways to the castle, so let's hear about that shackle of yours!" She then waited patiently for a reply that wasn't coming. She knew he heard what she asked, and figured he didn't want to talk about it, so she decided to change the subject.
"The people here must have good reasons for being afraid of wolves..." She paused for a moment, but then continued. "You don't have anything to do with that, do you?"
Link stopped, and looked around at her.
"No, they were always like that." He replied calmly, and then continued.
She felt better knowing that he didn't scare the people, if he did, she would've ended up helping the town and possibly having to fight him, which, she really wouldn't want to do. She kind of liked Link, in a way of adoration and curiosity. He was something more than just a "wolf", not to mention he looked so unique. That strange fur on the back of his neck, and his human like blue eyes. She also realised that she might have to tell him she was a goddess, and didn't know how he would take it. Usually Issun would blurt that out for her to anyone knew that they met, but he was not here... Amaterasu was not one to brag about her abilities, she just did what she thought was right, and helped all she could.
They walked a little more down the road through the cliff, this time, Link spoke.
"What does your friend look like? I didn't see him with you when you were in the town."
Amaterasu listened to his question and thought how to best describe Issun. "Well he is small... And he glows green... And..."
"Is he a fairy?" He asked suddenly, cutting her off in the process.
"No, he is a poncle." She replied not a moment after.
Link turned his head to her with a confused look. His expression clearly stated that he was looking for a better answer. She couldn't blame him, how would he now what a poncle is. She wasn't the greatest in explaining things, especially when there really was no one to explain things to, but she did the best she could which was a rather blunt reply.
"He looks like a miniature person." She hoped he would understand better this time.
He nodded his head in reply. He was still unsure, on who, or what this friend of hers was.
After awhile more of consistent jogging, they finally made it to the castle town entrance, and stood just on the outskirts of the wall. Amaterasu looked at the castle, it made her think about the day before and how Issun got separated in the crowd of angry people. She felt awful that she left him behind; but she really had no choice. Thinking about it, made her want to find him faster.
Link started towards the town gate with Amaterasu close behind. The two lupines slunk in the doorway like sneaky weasels. Link went first, and gestured for Amaterasu to follow with a flick of his tail. They snuck in without being seen, and scooted to a dark alley, located to the side of the street. They quickly jumped behind some large crates, hiding them from the sight of fearful towns people.
"I know some cats and dogs around here that may have seen your friend." said Link in a quiet grumble.
Amaterasu nodded. She was great with animals and usually they all loved her, especially when she would feed them! She loved feeling their happiness and love after she helped them, and it made her feel so great afterward.
Link and Amaterasu slowly snuck down the alley way until they came to the other side. Link slowly and cautiously, poked his head out into the light. The coast was clear, and they could dash over to their next hiding spot. They sprinted quickly across the stone street, and hopped over a low and wrecked part of a fence. It bordered a house that was located on the other side of the street, and made for a good hiding place. Link crouched down, and hoped Amaterasu would do the same. Her snow white fur could easily give them away, if anyone were to notice them. If someone did see them, there would be a huge panic just like the day before. To Link's relief, Amaterasu crouched down and snuck up behind him. They kept down and stayed in the shadows of the house and fence.
Amaterasu's ears suddenly pricked at a meowing sound, she looked around to see many cats trotting up to them. They meowed loudly in friendly greetings, and stood before the two wolves. Five or six cats horded around them as if looking for food. Link knew they weren't though, in fact, they did this every time he came by.
"Hello wolves. What brings you here?" Asked a grey and white tom, in a loud "meow"
Before Link could even think to reply, Amaterasu was in there. She was very anxious to greet them, she thought they were absolutely adorable with their cute meows, and outgoing behaviour, and she needed to ask them about Issun.
"Hello!" barked Amaterasu "Were looking for my friend. He is small and glows green"
The cats looked at each other, and meowed in question. After a little while of the cats exchanging confused glances, a tortoiseshell she-cat finally answered.
"I haven't seen him personally, but I have a friend name Louise, who lives at the bar around a couple streets. She mentioned something about a green glowing fairy."
She was happy to hear that Issun might be around. She wished she could've given these cats some fresh fish, for their kindness, but she didn't have any on her. She promised herself she would give them some another time.
The cats were still swarmed around them and meowed some. The tortoiseshell she-cat looked at Link and began.
"Link, you've talked to Louise before right?"
He nodded.
Out of the large group of cats, a large black tom stepped forward. All the others cats crowded closer with the tom as he spoke.
"Link, we would all like to thank you for saving our friend Gengle, along with his master..." He then bowed his head down, followed by the other cats in a very respectful manner.
Link held a surprised and confused look on his face, he really didn't expect this.
Amaterasu watched in awe, as the cats showed their respect for Link. She thought it was the cutest thing, the fact that he helped them, and them, giving their thank you. He really did seem like a sweet wolf. She couldn't possibly see what he could've done to deserve that shackle, it all added to the questions of him.
"Oh... It was... nothing really..." Said Link modestly with an embarrassed look from all the attention. He didn't really know what to say. It was just recently that he completely lifted the curse off Gengle and Jovani, he did it because that's just what he did. He helped people and sometimes animals too. He really didn't expect the cats to be so thankful. It was such an awkward situation of them thanking him so greatly in front of Amaterasu, he was sure she would ask about this.
"Gengle is currently at Telma's Bar." Stated one of the cats.
"I'm sure when you stop by, he would love to give you his own thanks." Said a white she-cat with a very sweet and gentle voice.
"My my, Link. You must've saved someone really special to them." said Amaterasu as she playfully nudged his shoulder.
A tabby tom stepped up and looked eagerly at Amaterasu.
"That he did! Gengle, not long ago, had a curse that made him pure gold, but Link managed to lift it!"
Amaterasu's mouth dropped in surprise. She was very impressed on how Link lifted a curse, and helped this cat and his master. Link really was something! She had to ask him more about this!
"Well.. We better get going." started Link, he turned, and prepared to jump over the wrecked part of the fence. "Thanks for your help." he finished His jump over the fence and walked down the street.
Amaterasu watched him go, she faced the cats, giving them one last glance. She gently closed her eyes and tilted her head down.
"Thank you..."
She jumped over the fence and caught up to Link. She slowed to a walk and was now beside him.
"Link, who exactly are you? It's not every day that you hear a wolf saved a cat from a curse!" Her face was begging for an answer. She was now certain he was not just some wolf. She actually guessed that there was something different about him when she first saw his earrings, but this made her sure that he was hiding something!
"Well...Uh... Funny that you ask that..." He replied, sounding a bit unsure on how to answer.
Amaterasu kept her gaze on him, she waited eagerly for his answer.
"You see I'm n..." He suddenly stopped as he shoved into Amaterasu, pushing her into the shadows of another alleyway. Amaterasu landed awkwardly with her legs sprawled out on the ground. She recovered quickly, hopping up with much energy. She shook her fur from the bit of dirt that got on it. She narrowed her eyes at Link, who was also in the dark alley; pushing himself up against one of the building that formed the alleyway.
"What was that for?" she asked with a bit of an annoyed look.
Link suddenly lunged out and grabbed her scruff, pulling her to the edge of the wall with him. She growled in protest but then was quickly let go.
"Quiet, someone is coming." Link said in a whisper.
She then looked to the street that they were just on and saw a guard walk by, as he whistled a little tune. He took no notice of them, and went on his merry way.
"Sorry.." Link then said, as he held an apologetic look.
"There wasn't time to tell you to move."
"It's fine." replied Amaterasu, as she shook her fur again.
The duo continued their little journey to Telma's Bar, skulking in the shadows and avoiding being seen. It was still quite early in the morning, which made the streets calmer with less people. Amaterasu realized that he never finished answering her question, which made her a bit suspicious. He seemed to avoid the subject, which left her wondering why.
In short time, they made it to Telma's Bar, and stood before it. Link looked up at the bar's window which was always open. It was much too high for them to jump up to it, or so he thought. He knew little about Amaterasu's jumping abilities, he assumed if he couldn't jump it, then she definitely couldn't. The large crates that he would normally use, to get inside, weren't there, which was very unfortunate. It would make finding Louise allot harder and longer.
He grumbled in annoyance on how to find the cat, and didn't notice a snow white figure trot happily to the wide open door of the Bar. Her white coat finally caught his eye, and he watched as Amaterasu walked right into the bar before he could stop her.
Amaterasu licked her chops from the delicious smells coming from inside, she hadn't eaten in awhile and the warm smell of food made her mouth run. As she walked inside, she saw it was a cozy warm building, with some people in it, but before she knew it, she was tossed out! She tumbled outside and hit into Link; which knocked them over in a heap of fur.
She glimpsed at Link with a guilty look of embarrassment.
"They don't like stray animals inside." Came a voice from the doorway of the bar.
Both wolves looked at the bar door. There stood a well groomed, long haired cat, with light cream color fur. Darker colors hinted around her face and tail, and she wore a fine purple collar. It was Louise.
"Link, didn't you tell her that she wasn't allowed in?" Asked the cat.
"Uh... Well... I"
"It was my fault." Amaterasu suddenly said, as she got up from the ground. "I should have known I wouldn't be allowed in. It just smelt so good..." Her mouth began to water again as she trailed off in thoughts of the deliciousness.
Link got up and walked over to Louise. "Louise, we were looking for you."
"Oh! How come?" Louise asked in some surprise. Piercing light blue eyes looked up at Link with much question.
Link turned his head to Amaterasu "Were looking for her friend." He replied.
Amaterasu walked up to Louise, and began explaining. "He is very small, and he glows green. He heard that you might know where he is"
Louise sat down on the stone ground, and flicked her tail from side to side. Amaterasu waited patiently for her answer, she hoped the cat had seen Issun somewhere...
"Funny that you say that." Started Louise. "There is a little sprite inside the bar, who matches your description perfectly."
"Really!" barked Amaterasu.
Louise nodded her head. "He is inside drinking and socializing with some of the castle guards."
Amaterasu was sure it was him now. She could just picture him in the bar, drinking and having a good old time! She wanted to go in there and see him, but She knew now, that blundering inside wasn't going to work. She would ask Louise if she could fetch him, since Issun could talk to, and understand animals, but had a strange exception for her. Issun was never able to understand Amaterasu.
"Can you get him to come out?" Asked Amaterasu, with a hopeful look in her eyes.
Louise nodded, and trotted into Telma's Bar.
Both wolves waited eagerly for the cat to return. Link was very curious to see what her friend looked like. Amaterasu on the other hand, just wanted to see Issun, and make sure he was okay. As she looked to the open door, her tail began to naturally wag and she barked from happiness! Louise came out with a little green ball of light following behind her, bouncing up and down.
"Well, well, well, look who came back to find me."
Louise walked up beside Link. They both watched the odd duo reunite.
"He took a little persuading, but I got him to come!" Said Louise triumphantly.
"Ammy I can't believe you left me behind!" Shouted Issun as he jumped in front of Amaterasu's face. He almost turned red from his anger as he bounced up and down with annoyance.
He got no reply from Amaterasu. She didn't really have a choice but to find him later. He knew this, but was still annoyed.
"Bah! It wasn't so bad being left in the town. I mean it's not like the people were are afraid of me!" said Issun.
Amaterasu felt very relieved to have found him, and he seemed to be okay. he was certainly acting like his normal self. Amaterasu suddenly noticed Louise go back inside, but she didn't get a chance to thank her... Amaterasu's ears drooped a bit, she felt a little bad about it.
"Looks like you made a new friend, furball." Stated Issun, as he pointed to Link. Who was quietly watching the two of them. He bounced over to Link, and studied him carefully. Link stared back at him. There was a pause, until Issun broke the silence.
"Ammy, did you notice that this guy has a shackle on? Better keep an eye on that one!"
Link narrowed his eyes from Issun's comment, but before Link knew it, Issun had suddenly jumped on his nose and began speaking with his whiney little voice. This made Link let out a low growl from sprite's bold actions.
"What's your problem blue eyes? cat got your tongue?"
Link snapped his jaws together, to get the irritating sprite off his nose. His plan worked for Issun jumped off from his motion and recovered quickly from the surprising snap.
"Hey watch it, I' am the great wandering artist Issun! You should be bowing down before my great brush! Not bluffing a bite at me! Boy, he is wilier then those canine warriors!"
Link gave Issun a doubtful look. This sprite probably took bigger bites than he could chew, he also had a smart mouth. Link was patient yes, but Amaterasu must be REALLY patient to put up with him.
Amaterasu stepped towards Link and the fiery Issun. She rolled her eyes at his rudeness, and decided to shut him up. She playfully pushed Issun back with her paw, sliding him across the stone street.
"That's Issun for you." She giggled.
He tilted his head and smiled lightly from her comment. Link mused on how Amaterasu and Issun treated each other. He could tell they were friends, but they both seemed to have a knack to annoy each other. It made him think of Midna, and when they shared adventures... He missed Midna, but he knew it was her place to be in the Twilight Realm.
"Link." said Amaterasu suddenly.
It pulled him out of his thoughts and he looked at her gleaming amber eyes.
"Thank you so much." she started with a slight wag of her tail, swaying ever so slightly.
"But Issun and I must find our way home now." She stepped into the dark alleyway and began walking down it. Issun bounced up behind her and made his way to her head.
"We gotta go, cya blue eyes!" said Issun, as he nestled himself in her fine white fur.
"Where are you going!" called out Link.
Amaterasu stopped and looked back through the darkness of the alleyway. In a way she felt a bit sad having to leave, she really liked Link as a new friend, and knew that she would most likely, never see him again. The thought made her a little bit sad.
"Home." she finally replied.
Link ran and caught up with her. He figured he should help her leave the town, after all, she got in so much trouble before. He almost wanted to convince her to stay longer, so he could ask about where she came from, and why she came here, but it seemed she was in a rush to get home.
"Don't you want help leaving town?" He asked, as he caught up to her.
Amaterasu smiled at his kindness. "We'll be fine."
Issun bounced up and down on her head, his bright green glow catching Link's attention. He pricked his ears and listened to what Issun had to say.
"Amaterasu is a god after all. Or did you forget?"
Link recoiled his head back from Issun's words. A god? Was Issun trying to say that Amaterasu was a god, like the three goddesses of the Triforce? He shook his head in disbelief. Issun had to be lying, or was meaning something else!
Issun noticed Link's strange reaction, and was a little surprised that Link didn't know. He assumed Amaterasu must've have told him, or at least mentioned it.
"Hmm? Did furball not tell you that she was a goddess?" asked Issun, sounding a bit surprised.
Link lowered his gaze to Amaterasu, meeting her amber eyes. "No..." he replied.
"Gee Ammy, you really gotta start struttin your stuff! How about you show him something fun!"
Amaterasu barked; agreeing to Issun's words. She drew a inky line across Link's shackle, preparing to cut it off of him. To Link it was a quick flick of her tail and his shackle suddenly burst off.
His mouth dropped and he almost jumped backward from what happened. He lifted his paw to see that it really was gone, with the heavy weight no longer there he felt lighter and free, he forgot how good it felt with the shackle no longer there. He looked at Amaterasu, still stunned from what just happened. She smiled playfully at him, knowing how surprised he was.
"Hehehe... That's the celestial brush for you. Great choice of technique Ammy!" said Issun happily.
Amaterasu barked in reply to Issun's words.
"So, you... Cut the bridge...? And made the lily pads?" Asked Link.
Amaterasu nodded.
"So are you really... A goddess...?" Link was still so surprised, his words were broken up, and he still didn't quite understand. Was she really a powerful god? Just who was she exactly?
"That's what I just said, isn't it? Yes Ammy is a god!" said Issun with an impatient tone. "Boy this guy is really slow..." muttered Issun to himself and Amaterasu.
"Like I said before, it's a long story." Amaterasu then said, trailing off a little as she scratched behind her ear with her back leg. Loose hairs fell from where she scratched
Link looked at her, and recalled all of the strange things that happened in the past events. The giant lily pads, the bridge mysteriously breaking in two, and her being able to jump so far, and high. It all seemed to make some sense. It wasn't like he didn't believe in gods, Hyrule had its very own story of the three goddesses of the Triforce; which was indeed very true. He just never expected to meet a god. He still didn't really know if he fully believed them, but he wanted to hear Amaterasu and Issun's story, and what their explanation was.
"One I would like to here." He finally replied.
"Oh gee, this is gonna take awhile to explain... We better go somewhere hidden before the town's people have a freak fit again." said Issun, sounding a bit stressed.