...
The next morning Link woke up, but he woke up with Amaterasu laying partly on top of him. Her head was cuddling into his furry chest.
You're not the only one that had a rough night of sleep. Link thought groggily. As he still felt the sores from yesterday's battle.
He groaned as he shifted positions, ending up on his side with Amaterasu curled around him.
Amaterasu was still asleep and Link felt a little surprised. He almost forgot about last night, but soon he remembered how it came to be.
Amaterasu and Link liked one another.
They had a nice night.
Of course they did. Sure it was only a couple of kisses and sleep, but it was still a nice change from having to survive all the time.
All he had to do now was to wake her up and tell her that they would have to spend more time together now.
Link slowly nuzzled under her muzzle.
"Wakey Wakey." Link whispered.
Amaterasu groggily opened her eyes and let out a yawn as she gave a small start.
Link cocked his eyebrow.
"Jumpy?" He teased.
"You could say that," she replied.
Amaterasu sat up as she looked at her fur and let out a small laugh.
"I had the best dream." Link sat up.
"What was it?" Link asked, wanting to stay close. He sat up and basically hugged her. She gently wrapped her arm around his shoulders.
"We were together as a couple." She admitted.
Link smiled softly and he leaned his face closer to Amaterasu.
"Sounds like a good dream. Sure it's not real?" He cooed.
Amaterasu gazed into his eyes, she liked what she saw.
Link and Amaterasu felt their love hit it's peak again, and they leaned in for a passionate kiss.
However Issun, the inch artist wanderer, hopped on a rock out of the blue.
"Good morning Amaterasu!" He greeted loudly, in order to surprise the two, who were crushing on each other.
"Oh, hey Issun," Amaterasu replied, still trying to get her breath back.
"How's that wolf holding up?" He asked slyly.
Link felt himself slowly pull out from under Amaterasu, who hadn't moved from on top of him.
"I'm fine. Having fun sneaking up on us?" Link smoothly shot back.
"I've been having so much fun that I won't be troubling you two anymore." He hops off the rock as the pair of wolves stand up.
Link and Amaterasu watched Issun walk away, and Amaterasu turned back to Link.
"That's probably not the last time he'll try that..." She warned.
"Yeah, but he's smart enough to stop before he gets into trouble."
"Let's get going!" Amaterasu urged. "We're wasting time and losing ground!" Link smiled and put a paw on her paw.
"Today let's take our time..." Link suggested. "I'd like to enjoy the view and the moment."
Amaterasu gave a few nods, then slowly licked Link's face.
"You're sweet."
However it would seem Issun was the one leading, as they walked down a green field. Link didn't think a speck could move so fast, but they never bothered to ask about where they were going. Issun seemed to know the way.
As he tried to take in all the scenery, Link couldn't help but get distracted by all the plants. When he wasn't admiring the cool colors of the flowers, he liked how they smelled.
Link turned to Amaterasu, and wanted a way to impress her further.
"Hey, Amaterasu. Want to smell how beautiful these flowers are?"
He held out a flower as she approached it.
Amaterasu took a deep inhale.
"Mmm, yes. Very pretty," she complimented.
As she took a step back, she looked at Link.
"Are there any demons that enjoy this kind of stuff as well?"
Link was stunned by the question, but he twirled the flower in his paw.
"Yes... There was this princess of Twilight whose name was Midna... She liked flowers bathed in Twilight..." He told.
Amaterasu giggled a bit.
"Hah, that's good!" She smiled.
"What's so good?"
"I love how you care about other demons, because only humans do that."
Link felt his heart fall into his gut. He coughed.
Link was a human in a wolf's body.
"Well... Some demons ain't...demons." Link defended.
"Exactly!" Amaterasu laughed.
"So..." He started, trying to change the subject. "What's your world like, anyway?"
"It's okay. There isn't much to do, but the food is great. We have a lot of farmers there. They raise crops, livestock, and even fish!"
Link nodded and smoothly placed a white flower in her fluffy ear.
"We got those too..." Link informed.
"That looks like a great system! So you don't need to worry about food shortages," Amaterasu said with interest.
Link wanted to know her more, so they talked for a while. Link was glad that Issun seemed to take his time in the flowers. It was a small luxury, but for a trapped beast, it was something to enjoy.
Eventually they got around to the business at hand.
They saw the Eastern ruins at the far distance of the flower meadow.
"Two day ago, Royal knights came here to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a team of explorers," Amaterasu started.
Link nodded.
"I wonder if they're okay..." Link pondered out loud.
"We should find out," Amaterasu finished.
They headed towards the ruins, towards a stone archway.
Link stayed close to Amaterasu as they ventured further into the ruins. They were quite old, and had an eerie feeling to them.
Soon they entered into a huge chamber that had three doors, each heading in a different direction.
"Which way?" Amaterasu asked herself.
However, there was a sudden clap behind them.
"I think there's something behind door number one." A new voice said from behind.
Amaterasu and Link quickly turned around to face their foe.
Before them was a creature with a pale, death-like appearance, which was accentuated by its dark red eyes. It had slender legs, and long arms with needle-like claws.
Link backed up.
"Who are you?!" Link asked, worried.
"I am called Pila. It's nice to meet you." She had a crystalline, monotone voice.
"You're a demon." Amaterasu said simply.
"How can you tell?"
Amaterasu growled under her breath.
"I can always tell... Do you work for Akuma?!" She yelled out.
"I work for myself. I can work with either side, as long as there is conflict." Pila responded.
"What are you?" Link asked the newcomer.
"I am a Shadow Blade. We are Halflings, or human-hobs, with the ability to use any weapon, and transform ourselves into any creature. We are the Royal Family's private guard."
"Shadow blade? Are you someone from the Royal Knights missing from two days ago?" Link asked curiously.
"No, I'm someone who found your missing team, dead. So what is it that you want,...pair of wolves..."
Link stepped forward, wondering if they should trust this stranger.
"How can we trust you?" Link questioned.
"If I was working for someone, your team would be alive. I'm telling you the truth." Pila responded.
"How can we know you're telling the truth?" Amaterasu asked.
"I don't lie."
"How can we be sure?"
"I don't..." Pila thought for a moment, and then responded, "Wait, do any of you happen to be royal?"
Link seemed to tilt his head with question, but then he remembered he had a piece of royalty in him.
He soon lifted his paw and revealed the Triforce that was marked on his paw. The courage piece was the only piece of the Triforce lit on his paw.
"Yes, I may trust you. You may all come with me to the Royal Palace."
"Why?" and "How?" were both questions by Amaterasu and Link.
Link tilted his head.
"Why do you know about the Triforce?" Link asked.
"I can't get into specifics."
"How did you know about the Triforce?"
"It's my job to know about the Triforce."
"What's your job?"
"I'm a Royal Reporter."
"Is that a real job?"
"Yes, it is."
Link stopped questions even though a million questions ran through his mind. He followed Pila, and stayed close to Amaterasu.
They soon arrived at the Royal Palace, only to be stopped by two Royal Guards.
"What's your name?"
"Pila."
"What do you want, Pila?" The two of them followed Pila as she led them to the edge of the ruins and through a forest until they reached a cave.
Pila turned to Link. He smiled.
"I want to defeat Akuma... It's my duty as a fellow server to the Princess." Was all she answered.
"Fine." The two Royal Guards let them pass, and entered the cave.
Pila continued to lead them through the cave system, which seemed to have been made by someone in a hurry.
"What is this Royal Palace?" Link asked.
"It used to be the home of the Royal Family of the old world, long before this place was inhabited. The King, his wife, and their children would live here."
Soon they finally appeared in a chamber of the mountain. It was a huge cavern that also held black and white flowers.
Out on a path led a huge castle that was as big as Hyrule Castle.
"Here... I believe it is one of the Light Vessels..."
Link shook his head and turned to him.
"How do you know about-"
"A Kannon.." Pila turned to the two wolves. "He came to me, and told me where you were heading. I figured you would investigate the ruins, but I decided to show you the Vessel's true location. The Shadow Clan has been watching this place ever since... Twilight has filled the air. We Shadow Clan members happen to be all over Hyrule, each wanting to profit from this darkness spread... However Akuma wants to destroy this world, not profit... So I will side with you two until the end of this heir of darkness has passed." Pila explained further.
"Why did you come?"
"I wanted to help stop this destruction, and maybe even profit from it."
Pila sighed. He stared out to the castle.
"The vessel is also... protected by twilight guards."
Link nodded. He started forward, with Amateraus close behind.
"That's our job..." Link boldly stated.
"There are many kinds of Shadows. Some are more powerful than others, but they all serve the same purpose. Protecting the vessel, and continuing the twilight process.", Pila gave her final words.
Amaterasu nodded to Pila.
"Thank you for all your help." She thanked.
"Princess, we should be going." Issun teased.
Amateraus bowed while Pila just simply bowed her head.
The trio went through the cave, and climbed their way to the Royal Palace.
Link and Amaterasu climbed to the top of the steps, and examined this mighty castle.
Ahead was the large palace doors.
The castle was nicely made, with blue being the Royal color. There were decorations on the wall, and Link felt nervous. Link leaned close to Amaterasu.
"Stay close." Link suggested.
Amaterasu nodded, and Link grasped the door.
He slowly opened the door, and peered in.
Then he quickly opened it.
Crowds of people filled the palace. They were all souls.
Link slowly walked in, staring at the figures. He soon found the King, or at least what was left of him.
The old man's chest was blown apart, and his head was leaned over. He was a skeleton.
Right then he felt danger prick his fur. There was a steady clap.
Link and Amaterasu turned and there stood the one and only.
Akuma.
He was tall, just like Link had heard. He was dressed in fine clothing, and carried a giant zweihander, a light long sword.
He grinned, and his fangs could be seen immediately.
"Amaterasu... Sun goddess... Still trying, I see..." Akuma taunted the white wolf.
He took a step forward, and Amaterasu growled.
"Demon."
He laughed.
"Glad you noticed. I'll be taking your friend here back to Ganon."
"What?" Amaterasu was confused by the name Ganon.
Link laughed.
"I defeated Ganondorf..." Link taunted back.
"I'm sure you did." He stepped forward, and examined everything. "I was speaking as a mere example... You will see Ganon."
Akuma soon eyed Link hard.
"...In hell."
"What?"
"You think I came up here without planning. You are a fool."
"I'm not a fool."
"You are if you believe you are anything else."
Now Amaterasu brushed by Link protectively.
"Akuma, we will stop you... We will stop the progress of Twilight..." Amaterasu boldly declared.
"I'm sure you will."
He took a step forward, and Amaterasu stepped back.
"Why are you doing this?"
"You care about him..."
Amaterasu was shocked.
Link stepped in front Amaterasu.
"Stay away from her..." Link growled.
"You've beaten Ganon... I've been fighting the goddess Amenouzume for millennia, and I know a losing battle when I see one."
"I don't believe you."
"Hehehe..." Akuma suddenly snapped his fingers.
Crash!
Suddenly something broke through the ceiling and crashed into the chamber in front of Link and Amaterasu. Akuma stepped back.
"Believe me now?!"
Dainn roared with power as he shrieked into the sky. His horn was already glowing a demonic red.
"You dare attack one of the Dark Blades? One of the Lords of the New Age Demon?" Dainn roared.
Link growled as their exit was blocked by Dainn, the giant darkness bat.
"What the hell are you yelling about demon?" Akuma asked without a care.
"Silence!"
Dainn flapped his wings, sending a blast of air in Link's direction.
Link tried to hold on, but he was suddenly sent airborne into the wall.
"GAK!" Link cried as he hit the wall, falling to the ground.
He quickly stood, and backpedaled to avoid another attack.
But as he did so, a claw grabbed him and lifted him into the air.
"I've wanted to do this for awhile."
"Sorry to disappoint!" Link raised his claw and slashed Dainn's eye.
The demon howled in pain as Link was dropped.
"Ahh! You little bastard!"
Link landed by Amaterasu. Amaterasu was watching Dainn.
"Good bye Link and Amaterasu. I hope your love won't be your downfall!" Akuma chimed as he made his way out, exiting the temple that held this rampaging bat. Dainn was still howling in pain.
"Damn you Link!'' Suddenly he gripped his arms, and then lashed out in a deafening roar. "I will kill you both!" As he said this his wings split into four wings. His horn was now completely red. He had transformed into a more powerful being. His eyes were also shining red.
"The time has come..." Dainn simply walked towards them. They didn't have many options left, and hoped that they would be up to the challenge.
Link looked at Amaterasu with a huff of air.
"...You with me?" He asked for reassurance. He wanted to protect Amaterasu with all his might.
"You bet." She nodded at him in return.
Link gave her a quick kiss...
…. and the two charged at Dainn.
Dainn chuckled deeply and he soon punched the two walls to his sides. This causes debris to fall towards them.
"You really think you can beat the likes of me?!" Dainn questioned boldly with his attack.
The two quickly ran out of the way of the wreckage and dodged his next attack which was sending large boulders at them.
"Come on!" Amaterasu cried as she ducked under a swing.
Link had jumped on his large arm. He soon dashed up his arm, and soon delivered a headbutt at Dainn's forehead.
It made a cracking sound, but Dainn simply grabbed Link and smashed him into the wall.
"End this fool!" Link cried as he tried to stand up.
Amaterasu ran and jumped into the air. She soon surrounded herself with fire.
"Try this!" Amaterasu spun hard, and Amaterasu soon sent an ink slash that was covered in fire.
Dainn simply stepped back as he saw it coming. He soon charged at the ink. It gave way before his incredible speed.
Link soon waddled over to Amaterasu, ignoring his own pain.
"We need a plan..." Link groaned.
In between the two's conversation, Dainn had easily destroyed the slash attack. He wasn't even slowed down by the burning sensation of the attack going through him.
Link turned to her.
"Ideas?" He asked with hope.
"We need a diversion of some sort. We can't beat this beast."
"How come you're always so pessimistic?" Link whined.
"I'm thinking here!"
Issun finally spoke up.
"How about a coordinated attack?" The artist suggested.
"What do you mean?" Link asked.
"You both attack him at the same time. He tries to defend, he'll get caught."
"That's..."
"How hard could it be?" Amaterasu wagged her tail bravely. "Is that more optimistic for you?"
They soon stared into each other's eyes with confident smiles.
"Let's do it!"
They both made their preparations.
Amaterasu put her hands together as her reflector shield floated between them. The shield caught fire. She launched it at Dainn, who had no time to react.
Dainn smacked the fire away with a laugh.
"Pathetic!"
However, Link had jumped as she fired, and he fell right after Dainn deflected the blast.Link soon slashed hard with his front claws, and ripped a lot of skin on Dainn's face.
Dainn yelped in pain as he jumped backward while holding on to his face.
"Ack! You little..."
Amaterasu however was in the air now.
She spun hard and performed a large power slash with her ink tail.
It went right through Dainn's stomach. He doubled over in pain and started to shoot fire everywhere.
On the ground, Link was charging up a powerful spark from his Triforce. Link didn't notice.
"Go! Now!" Issun shouted at Link.
Link bent down.
"Got it!"
Link soon bolted with power. It seemed to scatter debris everywhere, but Link was too busy flying.
Dainn tried to reach him, but soon Link zipped and ripped right through his chest.
Dainn soon died as he fell onto the ground.
Dainn reached up gagging.
"...Sorry master... I couldn't keep it..."
It a split second, Dainn suddenly bursted into several rays of light, and Dainn went limp.
Dainn exploded into shadow...
...However now there was a Light orb in the air where he was.
"We need to..." Amaterasu gritted her teeth.
The orb dropped to the ground and rolled on the floor.
Wolf Link slowly picked it up with his teeth.
He soon walked right up to Amaterasu, staring into her beautiful eyes.
He soon leaned in and gave Amaterasu the orb.
Amaterasu was blushing as Link eyed her with a smile.
"One Light Vessel down..." Link cooed with a hint of anguish. One more step into becoming human again and killing Twilight.
Amaterasu wagged her tail as she transferred the Light orb into the Light Vessel Branch.
"Good dog!" Issun taunted as he was glad they were alive.
Link dropped the light Vessel branch on Amaterasu's back.
"I can't wait to get out of here." Link said with excitement.
"We will..." Amaterasu said as she walked towards the exit. She turned with a smile.
"... Together..."
Another campfire was made at the apple tree. They didn't see Pila and figured She went back to Kakariko village to see A Kannon.
Twilight still overshadowed the still barely up sunset.
Link and Amaterasu were focused on the green field before them.
It was a repetitive motion, as they would look up at the sky once every minute or so.
Looking at the sky for meaning, for answers, for something that may have passed them by.
Hours pass. They were tired from the battle.
Link felt awkward not speaking as they had just defeated Dainn. Link looked at Amaterasu.
"Thank you..." Link thanked with his heart.
Amaterasu patted her head. "I'm glad you're here..."
They both sat in silence as they looked at the sky. The moon was beautiful as it had just passed through its cycle. It would soon be full.
"We should head down." Amaterasu suggested.
"Down where?" Link asked as he tilted his head.
"To the village! The first light has come! The moon is full!"
"You want to go now?" Link was stunned by the sudden offer. He was a little confused by 'First Light.'
"Please, it would be a waste to miss such a chance!"
"Alright!"
Link stood up. Amaterasu seemed to be excited, but he had to process why. He figured out when he was looking at the near full moon.
"She wants to howl with me..." Link murmured as a warm smile crossed his face.
Link caught sight of Amaterasu gaining distance as she trotted fast.
Link quickly followed her as she soon saw a great spot.
It was a small cliffside close to Death Mountain.
Here, they both saw the lush green field for miles, and the moon...
...was full.
They exchange glances before smiling. Amaterasu and Link moved at the same time.
They both howled into the sky.
The howl shook the bones out of Link's body...
but Amaterasu let out a sweet howl that filled him with excitement and happiness.
This made Link howl louder, and prouder.
Amaterasu cooed in her howl before letting out her powerful howl.
The sky was filled with their syncing song.
Even Issun who was in camp heard their song.
Link and Amaterasu slowed their howl.
"That was amazing..." Link said as he tried to calm his pounding heart.
"You think we'll do this again?" Amaterasu asked with a smile.
"Of course." Link said reassuringly.
Amaterasu slowly leaned into Wolf Link's furry chest.
He wrapped his arms around her.
"Then again, my moon on my world may be nearing..."
"We should do this every night." He said with a smile.
She gently nudged her head into his, their faces less than an inch away from each other.
Link went in for a passionate kiss.
Amaterasu wanted to kiss him but she was scared.
After a moment, she pulled away with a frown.
"What's wrong?" Link asked.
"I'm not worthy of you."
Link shook his head and held her paw that held him back.
"It's the other way around...", Link cooed.
Amaterasu giggled as she felt her blood rush.
"I should be the one to reward you."
She moved in closer to lick his face and nuzzle him.
Link cuddled into her and they stared at their moon.
"Let's sleep here tonight..." Link suggested.
With that, Amaterasu laid her head down on him as he wrapped his arms around her.
They slept soundly in each other's embrace, as their moon rose into the night's sky.