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Thor could tell his Father was furious. It was the way he walked—not the slow, steady pace of a patient king. This was the stride of a warrior to the battlefield. Odin's spear hit the floor with every other step, the sound echoing through the halls, louder than the marching of the soldiers alongside them.

Odin was at the front of their group, followed by four soldiers who fell into line behind him. Thor and Amaterasu came next in line. Heimdall followed those two, and another six soldiers were behind Heimdall.

Quite the welcoming party.

Thor didn't blame his father for his reaction. After all, having two possible Ragnarök-causing weapons absorbed and eaten by a stranger to the kingdom was hardly ideal. Thor was certain the only reason his Father hadn't attempted to strike down Amaterasu in the vault was to move her away from the other magic artifacts.

Thor idly brushed the ice from his hair and beard.

Again, a reasonable decision. Amaterasu had an odd habit of licking and chewing on dangerous objects of immense power. Not the ideal individual to have in the armoury wing of the palace, let alone the Vault.

"I apologize, Lady Amaterasu." Thor glanced at the wolf trotting by his side. "I intended to conceal your presence until after the Bifröst had been restored. This is… not the outcome I wished for."

"Bwoof," Amaterasu replied, giving a nonchalant flick of her tail.

Thor sighed in relief. Thankfully, she seemed perfectly fine with how things have been going. It made sense when he thought about it. She ate the magic within the Casket of Ancient Winters and just stood in the Eternal Flame to absorb it.

That… That's not a thing that happens. Surtur was prophesized to use the flame to destroy Asgard. The Frost Giants had tried to use the Casket to freeze Midgard solid in a thousand-year winter, and longed to do the same to Asgard.

And Amaterasu just ate it.

If he were her, he'd be feeling pretty upbeat as well… As long as she doesn't overload in a cascading explosion of magic that causes the end of the world. That was still a very real possibility.

But she seemed fine.

Amaterasu let out a thunderous sneeze, quite literally exploding forth, causing several soldiers to jump. A large sheet of flaming ice spread out in front of her and covered her half of the floor for several strides. White fire danced over the surface, flickering with a soothing warmth that refused to spread to anything else.

Thor blinked.

Correction: Amaterasu seemed mostly fine. Only a little explosive and unpredictable.

Thor glanced behind himself, watching Heimdall wisely step to the left. He harmlessly passed by the ice with a bemused smirk.

The same could not be said for two of the guards, who decided marching on top of the magic flaming ice was a grand plan. The one in front let out a terrified gasp and windmilled his arms, his boots sliding effortlessly over the ice. The guard behind him also seemed surprised—Thor didn't understand how—and she slid forward.

The two guards twisted, slipped, slid, and spun around on the ice, their legs a blur of activity as they did their best to remain upright, clutching one another desperately.

Two more guards attempted to help the two who were struggling. With one foot on the regular flooring, and their other foot on the ice, the duo reached out toward the scrambling soldiers…

And promptly did the splits, their feet on the ice sliding out from under them. Two pained groans sounded out and they dropped to the floor, laying on the ice, spinning slow circles across it while clutching their groins. The two upright guards wound up slipping, falling backwards onto the other two. Four more pained groans and yelps echoed through the hall.

Odin sighed and his posture slumped ever-so-slightly. Amaterasu let out an amused huff. Even Heimdall had the good graces to cover his laughter by coughing and clearing his throat.

"Please, tell me that was not intentional," Thor whispered. He turned to look at Amaterasu, and was met by the biggest pair of eyes he'd ever seen. Wide, golden pools of vulnerability—so innocent and pure.

Unfortunately, it was offset by the rather smug look on her muzzle. How a wolf managed to look smug was beyond him, but she pulled it off well. Too well.

Amaterasu still denied it with a huff and a shake of her head. Thor didn't believe her.

Their stroll took them onto a battlement along the outer walls of the Palace. This path did technically connect the armoury wing to the central structure, but this was far from the fastest way to the throne room.

His Father was taking the long route for some reason.

While Thor was wondering why his Father was dragging things out, this gave him another opportunity. Thor could show Amaterasu the reason he'd brought her to Asgard in the first place.

One of three reasons, actually. But this one was the most important. The other two were considerably less so for everyone else.

For him though? Priceless.

"Lady Amaterasu." Thor tapped the wolf's shoulder to gain her attention. "Do you see that colourful structure in the distance?"

Amaterasu padded forward and stepped up to the side of the bridge, rearing back to stand on her hind legs. She looked out over the city of Asgard in its entirety, lost in the view for a moment. Her ears perked up, and she gave an excited wag, using her nose to point.

"Wurf?" Amaterasu asked.

"No, that's the Rainbow District, a permanent stain due to my brother's antics. In all fairness, it did add some much-needed colour." Thor laughed. "I'm referring to the bridge that leads out over the water," he explained. Amaterasu's nod prompted him to continue. "That's the Bifröst—the rainbow bridge. I shattered it to prevent Loki from destroying Jotunheim. Unfortunately, without the presence of Asgard, war has spread across the Nine Realms."

Amaterasu made a curious noise and tilted her head, her ears flopping to the side.

"Without the might of Asgard's forces, fighting and pillaging has begun within the realms," Thor said. "This is why I hoped you would be able to repair the Bifröst. The longer it remains broken, the more lives are lost, and the Nine-Realms will continue to lose faith in Asgard's rule."

Thor continued walking forward, shadows looming over him once again as the walls of the Royal Palace surrounded them. Amaterasu fell behind, staring out over the city.

For a moment Thor was worried Amaterasu would jump off the battlement. That would give his Father an actual reason to end her life—fleeing into Asgard and putting their population at risk.

Much to his relief the white wolf gave a little yip and padded forward, falling into step beside Thor. He reached down to pat Amaterasu on the back, earning a happy sound and a wag of her tail.

Odin continued his march to the throne room, leading their group. Again, he took redundant turns and twists. It was then that Thor realized exactly what his Father was doing.

He was stalling.

Thor narrowed his eyes and looked at the bottom of Odin's spear the next time he hit the ground. There was a faint series of sparks that rolled out across the floor and seeped into the palace itself.

Odin was preparing something. Gods damn it.

"Amaterasu," Thor whispered.

The wolf's ears perked up and swivelled around in his direction.

"I believe my Father is planning to imprison you, or worse. If something happens, you must escape. Odin is not someone whom you can cross and survive. Do not act until you feel your life is in danger, or I tell you."

Amaterasu huffed and rolled her eyes. Thankfully she nodded and spoke a little "yip" of acceptance.

Thor didn't believe she was going to do anything in the first place, but it was better to be safe. His father tended to be stubborn when he settled on a solution.

To be fair, Thor knew he could be stubborn as well—he was willing to listen to reason though.

Odin finally led their group to the throne room; something didn't feel right. Thor looked around and narrowed his eyes. The area was empty, and the pillars were all unimpeded, displaying the enormity of the throne room.

Something was off. The air was thick with energy; it tasted stale and used.

Thor looked behind himself to Heimdall and noticed his eyes were moving about the room, focusing on one spot, and then another. His hand drifted down to the pommel of his sword but he remained expressionless.

Amaterasu's ears swivelled left and right, focusing on specific spots. She narrowed her eyes and glanced from one side to another.

Thor couldn't detect anything, though. There was nothing around them but the few guards in their escort, and the feeling of magic in the air.

So that's what his Father had done: gathered multitudes of soldiers. They were surrounded, and the soldiers were hidden from sight and conventional detection. It was likely the work of his Mother.

None of the three made the fact they knew this public, however. They continued to follow after Odin, all the way to the foot of his throne. Four guards stood at attention, their spears crossed, barring the three from ascending.

Amaterasu sat down and looked up at Odin, tilting her head and letting out a curious whine. The instant she sat, a transparent barrier shot up around Amaterasu, encasing her in a yellow box. Runes glowed along the side, flickering with power—the runes slowly trailed down the box, seeping into the floor before reappearing at the top once again.

Thor recognized some of the runes, noting that the use of magic was forbidden within those walls. Other runes pulsed and shimmered, the written rules of the container absorbing fire and ice energies from any being within it.

Well, they were trying to.

The only reason Thor didn't start swinging his hammer at the barrier was because Amaterasu looked almost entirely unaffected. The smallest wisps of red and blue pulled away from her form—barely anything at all, almost like residual energy. He kept his hands at his side, one resting on Mjolnir's handle, while the other was balled into a fist.

The whole scene felt drastically unnecessary in his opinion. His Father's looming throne; being forced to look up at the King in representation of literal and figurative hierarchy; Amaterasu's sudden imprisonment; what had to be countless soldiers surrounding them all, waiting.

Thor tried to voice his opinion.

"Father, this all seems-"

"Silence!" Odin's voice was brimming with power and the shout echoed throughout the hall.

It was almost like a spell, the words carrying a compelling force that made the world around them fall silent. Thor found his tongue heavy; difficult to maneuver properly to even speak.

Amaterasu… Her tongue was hanging out the side of her mouth without a care in the world.

"You will not speak until I tell you, boy," Odin growled. "Are my instructions clear? Or will you disobey them once more?"

Oh yeah, he was furious.

"Yes, Father," Thor managed to say. He winced and glanced at Amaterasu, who seemed… calm. Impossibly so. Maybe a little bored, if the lazy swishing of her tail meant anything.

"Heimdall," Odin commanded.

"Yes, my King," Heimdall said as he stepped forward, bowing as he approached.

"Why have you allowed this to happen? The Tesseract is meant to remain in your possession or within the Vault at all times," Odin said. "It is only to be used in matters of restoring the Bifröst and in dire circumstances. What has been done could be considered treason."

"The Tesseract was within the Vault, my King," Heimdall explained. "As Prince of Asgard, Thor has access to the Vault. The actions taken have been in line with both my Oath to Asgard and your orders."

"Explain," Odin ordered. His eye narrowed, and his glove creaked as he tightened his fist around Gungnir, his spear.

"Thor invited Amaterasu into Asgard to repair the Bifröst, as he asked you prior," Heimdall said. "You did specify to Thor that Humans were not allowed. The situation within the Nine Realms is dire, for hundreds of people are losing their lives each day without Asgard's rule, and millions may follow." Heimdall stood tall and looked Odin in the eye. "As for my Oath: there is not an enemy of Asgard within her walls. I have fulfilled my duty to Asgard and her people, my King."

"A technicality does not excuse placing Asgard and her people in jeopardy!" Odin shouted. "That mutt is not Amaterasu. You've invited an energy-consuming parasite into Asgard, and you have fallen for its trickery."

"Father, I'm sorry, but that is Amaterasu. She-"

"That creature is not Amaterasu any more than you are Zeus!" Odin yelled. "You seem to think you exist outside of the rules, just as he does!" The King of Asgard stood up from his throne and slammed the haft of his spear to the floor.

The hidden guards around them materialized, golden sparks shimmering off of their forms, revealing the weaponry pointed at the trio. Swords and knives hummed with power; guns sat at the ready, whining with energy; magic users had their palms raised, the sound of spells and incantations on their lips.

The pillars around them shifted as well, reality rippling and distorting as the golden surfaces flowed like water. Thick lengths of chain started to form from the pillars, glowing red with a sinister magic that seemed to suck the very energy from the air. The chains began floating and snaked about above them like serpents waiting to strike.

Mjolnir shot into Thor's hand, cracking with electricity. Heimdall drew his sword, the large blade glimmering in the light. Amaterasu-

Thor looked over at Amaterasu and furrowed his brow.

She was sleeping soundly.

Amaterasu was curled up elegantly, her tail wrapped around her, and her head on her paws. She would have been the perfect picture of grace, had her head not been tilted hard to the side. That had to be uncomfortable.

And her tongue was out, resting on the floor.

…And there was a puddle of drool forming beneath her jaws.

"Father, you are making a mistake," Thor spoke up. "Amaterasu helped defend Midgard during Loki's invasion. I witnessed her help countless humans, slaughter Chitauri soldiers, and heal the injured. She can restore objects that have been destroyed, so I believed her abilities would work upon the Bifröst."

"The Bifröst is a technological marvel that was built on the backs of our greatest minds," Odin said. "Why would you think-"

The transparent barrier around Amaterasu rippled from a single spot and then fizzled out of existence. The barriers slowly melted to the ground, everyone watching in stunned silence.

Then, everybody vanished.

A confused murmuring filled the throne room. Metal boots tapped on the floor as people turned to look around and see what was going on. Armour shifted, and curious mumbling sounded out as people searched.

But there was nothing to see. It was all just a big, empty throne room.

"Hey, where did you go?" a guard asked from Thor's left.

"I'm still standing here, why- ow! That was my foot!" another voice exclaimed.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there," the presumed foot-stepper apologized.

"Hey, quit yelling over there!" someone on the opposite side of the room shouted.

"You're the one yelling, you idiot!"

"Don't call me an idiot, moron!"

"Don't call me a moron, you fool!"

"Would you idiots shut up?"

"You shut up!" several voices shouted at once.

Thor was lost. Not physically, that was what the guards were suffering from. No, he was mentally unprepared for the utter lunacy that erupted.

Carefully, Thor stepped to his right, angling himself to roughly where he recalled Amaterasu to be.

"Lady Amaterasu?" Thor whisper-yelled. The confusion surrounding them covered his voice. Barely. "Are you still there? Was this your doing?" He reached out and blindly fumbled around, reaching out for the wolf.

Thor bit back a surprised yelp as something warm, wet, and slimy ran along the back of his hand and up his arm. He pulled away, only to get caught by that thing again, this time across his face! It was-

"Wurf!" Amaterasu announced. "Awuff."

So, this was her doing—the invisibility at least. The loss of the barrier was not her, however. Who could have dispelled his Father's magic like that?

Thor was caught off-guard by the mass of fluffy wolf launching herself at him, sending them both to the floor in a tangle of limbs, tail, hammer, and fur. Thor grimaced and turned his head to avoid the licks assailing his face.

It would have been easier to avoid if he could see her!

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Thor didn't understand this creature in the slightest. When did she start breathing fire? When did she start using illusions on a wide scale? How did she absorb the Eternal Flame and then eat the magic within the Casket of Ancient Winters? Why could she heal people and restore structures? What else was she capable of?

Who was she? If Odin claimed she was not Amaterasu…

"I believe we should cool our tempers," a new voice entered the fray. "Let us all take a moment, lest we do something we regret."

Thor knew that voice.

"Mother?" Thor asked.

A shimmer of gold rippled from where the voice sounded out, quickly spreading throughout the room. Within seconds the magic within the throne room faded, as did the weighted presence surrounding them all. The invisibility dissolved with a shower of sparks and the chains floating above them crumbled to dust.

Frigga, his mother, stood at the center of it all, between himself, Heimdall, and Amaterasu, looking up at Odin. Her hands were at her side, and she looked entirely unconcerned standing between four of the most powerful and skilled beings on Asgard.

"Frigga, why did you set it free? What is the meaning of this?" Odin asked, taken off guard. "Step away from that parasite."

Thor untangled himself from Amaterasu, pushing himself to his feet while Ammy stepped back.

"My dearest Husband, this is no parasite," Frigga responded. She turned and crouched lower, offering a palm to Amaterasu. "You should have more confidence in our children."

Thor glanced up at his Father, who seemed torn. The guards and soldiers surrounding the group had all lowered their weapons, not daring to point them at the Queen. Confusion was also evident on their faces—the frequent switching of magics and tone threw them off.

They weren't the only ones.

Thor turned his gaze back to his mother and Amaterasu.

Ammy leaned forward and sniffed at Frigga's offered palm. Then, the great wolf took a step back, and dipped her head in a bow, even extending a leg out in front of her. The image of grace was immediately dispelled when Amaterasu proceeded to drag her tongue across Frigga's palm, leaving a glimmering trail of saliva on her hand.

His mother merely laughed in response.

"Frigga. Come to me and away from that thing." Odin started his descent down the stairs, his eye narrowed, spear at the ready, aimed at Amaterasu.

"Can you not feel it?" Frigga asked. "The warmth? The energy within her?" She kneeled and reached forward, fearlessly grabbing Amaterasu's face. She squished the wolf's cheeks, and then stretched them out, turning to inspect the wolf and handling her like a common dog. "She clearly has a connection with the heavenly bodies."

Amaterasu loved the attention if the wagging of her tail meant anything. She followed Frigga's motions and inspection, opening her jaws when the Queen pried at them and looked at her teeth.

"It consumed two ancient magics that could bring about the destruction of Asgard, and possibly the Nine Realms," Odin growled. He came to a stop at the foot of his throne, his gaze on Amaterasu. "That thing is not Amaterasu. It is no member of the Amatsu-Kami."

"Perhaps not," Frigga admitted. Yet, she moved her hands back up to squish the wolf's cheeks together, prompting Amaterasu to blep out her tongue. "You are not our Amaterasu, that much is clear. But you are an Amaterasu, are you not?"

Amaterasu confirmed with a muffled "wurf", speaking through the squished face Frigga held her in. The Queen laughed and rubbed Amaterasu some more, moving her hands up to massage her ears, which flopped about from her touch.

"That is impossible," Odin protested.

"Are you saying Lady Amaterasu is of another world?" Thor asked. He looked upon the wolf, eyes following her red markings, and examined her form more closely.

Indeed, she was still a wolf. All furry and had four legs and everything.

"No, my son. Another universe," Frigga responded.

Despite the world-shattering realization that fell upon them, Frigga did not stop petting the wolf. Instead, she took her thumbs and pressed them just past the fluff of Amaterasu's ears, getting at those hard-to-reach spots that are seldom touched.

Amaterasu immediately tilted her head to the side and let out a groan, her eyes clenching shut. Every movement of the Queen's fingers was met with another little grunt or sigh, and Amaterasu leaned further and further over.

Thor and Odin both watched in silence as this Goddess of the Sun from another universe fell victim to the magic of Frigga. Specifically, her fingers. Amaterasu flopped onto her side with a groan and sprawled out, enjoying the affections, rubbing, and pats from the Queen.

Finally, Odin let out a long, low sigh, and closed his eye. He turned to the guards who were standing around awkwardly and addressed them.

"Leave us. Return to your regular duties."

Confused murmurs and curious sounds escaped the dozens of Einherjar—Asgardian soldiers—who began to disperse. Several looked back at the scene and shrugged their shoulders.

Life in Asgard was full of curiosities sometimes.

Odin tapped the bottom of his spear upon the floor again. A wave of energy radiated outward, dispelling some magic Thor hadn't been aware of.

"So… Is everything fine?" Thor asked with a sheepish grin.

"Do not push your luck," Odin growled. He sighed again a moment later, and his gaze softened. "The Queen's counsel has convinced me to allow this… theory of yours to take place. If, if, it works, I will consider all transgressions forgiven."

Thor paled slightly, and he flicked his gaze to Heimdall. He seemed completely calm. Maybe he had seen Amaterasu's powers work at some point and had confidence in her.

Thor turned his gaze back to Amaterasu and felt his worry ease somewhat. The wolf was lying on her side, her hind leg lazily kicking while the Queen scratched at a spot along her side.

Thor jolted in surprise at seeing two beady red eyes peering up at him out of Amaterasu's fur. The upper half of a white rat poked out of Amaterasu's neck fluff and looked around, gave a little squeak, and then vanished back into her fur.

He didn't even want to ask at this point.

Luckily, he wouldn't have to.

A set of side doors to the throne room were thrown open with a thunderous bang. A guard who had been reaching for the handle was sent flying backward, skidding across the gold floor.

"My King!" The soldier that threw open the doors cried out, winded. He jogged forward, slumped over, out of breath. He was missing his helmet and one of his boots. "My King!"

Everyone present turned to face the soldier. Everyone but Amaterasu, who had fallen asleep and was now snoring, sprawled out on the floor.

The offset step-slap of the soldier racing toward them was rather off-putting in the throne room, the sound echoing for an uncomfortably long time. Finally, the running came to a stop and the man in armour hunched over, out of breath.

"My King!" The man gasped. "My Queen! My Prince!" He looked up, and continued, taking in everyone else. "Heimdall. Weird stripey wolf thing… I have news!"

…

There was a long moment of silence, everyone looking at the man who had his hands on his knees. He looked right back at them, his gaze flicking from one to another. They waited for him to continue for several more seconds.

…

"Well? What news?" Odin finally asked. "Spit it out."

"The Bifröst, it's been restored," the soldier huffed.

Thor turned his attention to Amaterasu. She was now sitting up, looking as smug as a wolf ever could. How did she pull off that look? It had to be practiced.

Odin took a breath, facepalmed, and sighed into his hand. He slowly dragged his palm down his face, staring at the exhausted soldier.

"Of course it has," Odin said. "This information would have been useful five minutes ago."

"Apologies, my King, it was a long run. There was an energy barrier around the palace; I could not get in."

Thor didn't miss the pointed look Frigga gave Odin, nor the little clench of his Father's jaw.

"Skourge, what happened to your armour?" Heimdall asked.

"Well, I couldn't get in the normal way, so I tried a bunch of other spots. The barrier seemed to disappear when I was under a balcony, so I climbed up. I… fell several times and lost my helmet and boot. But! I made it to deliver the news!" Skourge stood up straight, arms crossed, and flashed Heimdall a smile.

Then he immediately hunched back over and took another breath, hands on his knees.

"Heimdall, why did you not tell me of the Bifröst?" Odin asked.

"I was distracted, my King. I have not looked at the Bifröst in a short while." Heimdall admitted.

"Distracted?" Odin asked.

Heimdall's only reply was to bow slightly and use both hands to gesture outward, encompassing Thor, Odin, Frigga, and Amaterasu.

"To his credit, dearest," Frigga said, "you are quite the distracting individual."

Odin's age showed at that moment, an old king exhausted with the antics of the younger generations.

Thor couldn't help the grin on his face when his father sighed once more.

~{O}~{O}~{O}~

Odin had, at the encouragement of Thor, Frigga, and Heimdall, begrudgingly allowed Amaterasu to accompany Thor.

Odin also threatened to strip her of her magicks, lock her mind, and chain her to a tree like a common dog if she stepped out of line. Then, he threatened Thor with banishment again if Amaterasu intentionally harmed Asgard or her people.

Just a delightful little cherry on top of it all.

This travel Odin specified was a straight line from the Palace and out over the Bifröst.

Amaterasu idly noted that a raven was following them from high above, like an escort.

She listened, however. Now was not the time for antics. People needed help, and as tired as she was from the fighting—and nearly exploding—earlier in the day, she was ready to go. There was no time to rest when lives were on the line.

"Are you prepared, Thor?" Heimdall asked.

"Indeed," he replied.

"Are you ready, Amaterasu?"

"Arf," she responded.

"Very well. Good luck, you two. I will be watching." The Gatekeeper of Asgard activated the Bifröst, turning his mighty blade within the mechanism.

In a brilliant flash of light, Amaterasu found herself hurtling through a tunnel of colour, an entire spectrum of brilliant lights shifting around her, carrying her and Thor toward the battlefield.

Their destination?

Vanaheim.

With the loss of the Bifröst, Asgard was cut off from the Nine-Realms, which meant they no longer had Asgard's armies to protect them. According to Heimdall, space pirates called the Marauders began looting and claiming these realms for their resources while Asgard was unable to help.

Some of realms either had their own armies to put up a fight against the Marauders, or had almost nothing to offer, and as such were left alone.

According to Thor, no one was crazy enough to attempt a strike upon Nidavellir, the home of the dwarves, as their weaponry and might were known throughout the universe. Likewise, the Marauders seemed against targeting Asgard, for obvious reasons.

Thankfully, they were against going to Midgard—Earth—due to how thoroughly Ammy, Thor, and the rest of the Avengers defeated the Chitauri. Apparently, that was a big deal in space politics and news cycles.

… Was she going to be a space celebrity now? She hoped not.

Two of the realms, Svartalfheim, and Niflheim, were both untouched as well. The former was a wasteland corroded by dark matter, and the latter a bleak world used to imprison prisoners and horrendous creatures. Pirates didn't seem to want to capture deadly creatures that Asgard locked away. Likewise, they stayed away from the prisoners—no one wanted competition over the Nine-Realms.

Muspelheim was a fiery hellscape that contained Fire Demons and Fire Dragons (who hated Asgard); Jotunheim was an icy wasteland defended by Frost Giants (who didn't want Asgard's help, and also hated Asgard); Alfheim, home of the Light Elves, had their own technology, shapeshifters, and armies (they were too prideful and snobby to ask for assistance. They might also hate Asgard).

Amaterasu idly noted that, despite being in command of the Nine Realms, almost all of the other civilizations that lived within hated Asgard. She wondered what exactly caused that rift between the worlds.

Maybe there was some sort of ancient rivalry or war? She'd ask later on.

With the military might of the other planets a sizeable threat, the pirates settled on skirmishes and brief looting runs. This meant that Vanaheim, home of the Vanir (who, Amaterasu learned, are just Asgardians with less fancy technology) was ripe for pillaging. A vibrant world without the defenders they once relied on, and technology that had no chance standing against space-faring weaponry.

Just free resources to plunder, and people to collect and kill, as far as the Marauders were concerned.

Thor and Amaterasu were being sent to the front lines of the war efforts against the Marauders. Ammy was a little excited. She'd never fought space pirates before. Sure, she'd flown on a stone ship that travelled through space in another life.

Here though? This new universe was full of wonders that just never ceased to amaze and excite her.

Thor and Amaterasu landed upon Vanaheim in a brilliant flash of light, the Bifröst scorching the ground beneath them with runes. Ammy took a moment to regain her bearings.

Immediately, they were set upon by the sounds of war. Lasers and guns fired from both sides in rapid bursts, trading shots. Marauder ships skimmed over the ground just above the heads of Asgardian troops and Vanir warriors alike. The sound was deafening and the air pressure from the passing ships knocked soldiers to the ground.

Air strikes caused thunderous explosions that shook the ground and echoed against the trees of the heavily forested world. A dull orange glow covered the battlefield, courtesy of the smoke pillars rising from the infernos that consumed the forests.

There were far too many ships; the invaders' air superiority was absurd. Several Asgardian attack vehicles zipped about the sky and shot down some of the Marauders, but progress was slow.

"Odin's beard," Thor cursed.

Amaterasu had to agree. Heimdall's description didn't seem nearly as bad as what was happening here. Maybe they dealt with worse than this on the regular.

Still, despite the legions of Asgardians being sent out across the planet, wave after wave of support coming in, it was early into the fighting. The Marauders had months to entrench themselves and take over.

Asgard had been at it for little over twenty minutes.

"Amaterasu, I will strike down their ships. I need you to provide support and halt the enemy on the ground," Thor said.

It was a solid plan, all things considered. Take care of the air superiority, and send her in to deal damage in large swaths to the enemy.

But Amaterasu had a better plan.

She was going to put an end to everything right here, right now. That, or just paint a massive target on herself, which, ideally, would have a similar effect and put a stop to everything.

It might also significantly inconvenience her for the rest of her life, and/or lead to Odin trying to strike her down.

If it succeeded, the result would be fewer casualties, or an end to the battle completely. Win-win.

Amaterasu gave Thor an affirmative bark, turned, and then bolted straight toward the battle. She pushed hard enough to crater the ground beneath her paws and kicked up a cloud of debris. Ammy sprinted across the battlefield littered with bodies and crashed ships, weaving between them effortlessly.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Thor shouted.

Vanaheim was a lovely, vibrant planet, filled with natural wonders that called out to Amaterasu. However, the world had odd features scattered across its surface: massive arches that towered high into the sky, well above the trees.

There was one of those arches right in the middle of the battlefield. That was her target.

Ammy glanced to the side. On her right were mostly Asgardian forces, while on her left were the scrambled masses of Marauders. The arch before her was massive, and she was going to need a boost to get up there.

Reality ground to a halt, Amaterasu forcing time to stop. She surveyed the battlefield and came to a decision. With her Celestial Brush, Amaterasu drew a long, curved line across the Marauder's side of the battlefield, all the way around to a spot in front of herself.

That tingly ice cube she ate earlier—Thor mentioned something about 'a thousand years of winter' if she remembered correctly.

What better time to put that to the test than right now, in the middle of battle?

She pushed the magic in her body forward, letting it flow along the ink she traced. The feeling of a blistering cold blizzard whirled around inside her, screaming to be unleashed upon the world.

Amaterasu relaxed her grip on reality and set the Ancient Winters free.

A blinding explosion of sheer cold thrashed its way across the landscape, following the path of her Brush. Magic poured from her body like a torrent of water, causing her to glow a blueish-white as she ran.

Pillars of ice burst into existence, ice shards erupting from the ground and launching out toward the side of the Marauders. Bodies were sent flying, some frozen solid, while others had holes punched into them from the razor-sharp icicles.

They were willing to kill innocents, so she didn't have any qualms about stopping them permanently.

The wall of ice shot upward into the sky and expanded outward, instantly chilling anyone within a short distance of it. Ammy watched the ice follow the path she drew, crouched, and leaped upward.

She careened through the air and over the heads of the Marauders she intended to stop, aiming for the endpoint of her ice attack. Her timing was perfect.

Just as she reached the apex of her jump, the final pillar of that massive ice wall shot upward, straight at Amaterasu. She planted her paws on top of it and jumped off, pushing hard enough to shatter the ice, and continued her path through the air.

Her attack had the effect she wanted. Immediately she could see ships turn and avert their attacks lest they slam into the ice, while others shifted to face her.

Apparently, battlefield-altering strikes drew attention.

Who knew?

Ammy flew true, her aim sending her in a perfect landing upon the slope of the arch. Her claws sank into the surface, carving up the metal and stone. She ran, racing her way up the tall structure, rapidly climbing higher.

Already, Marauder ships started to fire upon her. Bolts of energy whizzed by her and struck the arch but nothing hit her—she was running too fast to be targeted by weapons fire.

One ship careened toward her, predicting her ascent up the arch, its nose pointed at where she would be in seconds.

Ammy jumped and performed a front flip through the air, just barely clearing the ship that intended to skewer her. A quick swipe of her Celestial Brush caused a Power Strike to shear its way through the spacecraft, cutting it in half with a horrendous shriek of metal.

She watched the vehicle explode and slam into the Marauder's side of the battlefield, sending dirt and bodies flying from the dual impacts.

Her paws hit the arch and continued her run.

The slope began to even out, and she picked up speed, racing to her destination. She darted left and right, heavy weapon impacts shaking the structure beneath her. Amaterasu lashed out with swipes of fire, the brilliant torrents lighting up the battlefield. She struck with spears of ice, freezing ships and whole swaths of Marauders.

Finally, she was at the peak. She had drawn a significant amount of attention with her attacks, just as she planned. She needed all eyes on her for this to work.

The Ancient One had told Amaterasu not to draw too much attention to herself—for her safety, and everyone else. That ship had sailed long ago on Earth with all that media attention. This was just a slight step above that.

She couldn't think of a better time than now to go all out.

Atop the arch in the center of the battlefield, Amaterasu looked to the sky, forced the heavens to bend to her will…

And moved the sun.

The sun didn't move so much as the planet itself shifted. It was easy for her. A half circle with her Brush forced the world to lurch on its axis, casting this half of the planet into darkness. Night descended upon the battlefield in seconds, and the haze above rendered it pitch black, light from the moon unable to filter through.

The sounds of war stopped, and the ships racing through the sky came to a halt.

The only visible light came from pockets of fire around the battlefield, the forest blazing in the distance, and Amaterasu herself. Her body radiated a white glow, standing tall upon the arch.

With precision, Amaterasu used her Celestial Brush once again.

Lines of ink drew the fire toward her and extinguished the blazes around the battlefield. Long streams of flame looped upward and snaked around the arch, slithering higher into the sky. The forest fire in the distance flared up, and a river of fire swept through the sky, pulling away from the trees and leaving a smouldering husk behind.

The fire was pulled toward Amaterasu and curled above her, growing tighter and tighter. The flames coiled up above her, forming a quickly growing ball of pure energy and heat. As the river of flame from the forest fed itself into the ball, it only grew brighter and hotter.

The ball flashed, then condensed, growing tighter, brighter. It continued to do so, shrinking, flashing, condensing, growing hotter and brighter with each passing second.

It lit up Amaterasu's form atop the arch, illuminating her against the dark sky.

A single source of light above the darkness, shining over the battlefield.

Amaterasu took a deep breath, looked skyward, and belted out a long, haunting howl. The sound carried across the battlefield and echoed off the trees, rebounding. A chorus of howls rolled over the silent warzone as a result.

The miniature sun lurched, and shot upward, accelerating rapidly. The world grew dark as the large ball of fire shot through the smoke and into the sky, vanishing past the haze.

With the hole punched through the smoke, a beam of moonlight fell upon Amaterasu, reflecting off her fur and causing her to shine brighter, glimmering in the darkness.

Finally, Amaterasu had to do one more thing. It was as natural as breathing to her.

She drew a circle in the sky with her Brush, directly above her.

The world lurched once more.

Sunlight lit up the sky, the smoke above sending the battlefield into a deep shade of red. The only unfiltered light fell upon Amaterasu.

She stood tall on the arch, the sole pure light above the chaos.

Finally, she ended her howl, and let out a breath, the air wavering in front of her from the heat rolling off her body.

The battlefield was silent.

Spacecraft hovered in place, unmoving, facing her.

The Marauders looked up to her, jaws slack.

The Asgardians looked up at her, stunned.

Thor's booming laugh rolled across the battlefield, and he let out a cheer, raising Mjolnir to the sky. A single bolt of lightning streaked from above, striking his hammer, causing a powerful explosion of sound to follow Amaterasu's howl.

The ships above the battlefield immediately whirled around and shot off into the sky, leaving the ground troops behind. The Asgardians began cheering, letting out a roar of noise that washed over their opponents like a tidal wave.

Amaterasu stood above it all and glared down at the invaders, a low growl rolling from her jaws. Despite being high above them, she had no doubt the enemy heard it. If nothing else, they understood the intent and the glare levelled at them.

Some turned and ran. Many more dropped their weapons and gave up on the spot. A not-insignificant portion of them dropped to their knees and bowed toward Amaterasu, mumbling prayers or outright crying.

This wasn't something they could contend with. There was no chance. What army, what force, could fight something that could move the stars?

The battle was over.

Amaterasu glanced to the side when she felt the arch shake beneath her paws. Thor had landed beside her. The God of Thunder stepped toward her, set down his hammer, and dropped to a knee, bowing to Amaterasu.

Ammy did the same, extending one leg forward and dipping her head in a bow to Thor—respect for one another as warriors.

That display of formality lasted less than three seconds.

Amaterasu jumped at Thor with a happy bark; he caught her easily. Thor lifted her above his head, and held Amaterasu high, laughing alongside the happy wagging of the Goddess of the Sun.

"Lady Amaterasu, the halls of Valhalla shall sing of your victories! Your actions this day shall not be forgotten," Thor laughed. "There shall be a grand feast in your honour and the honour of all that fought in this battle."

His laughing turned into awkward spluttering as Amaterasu bathed his face with her tongue, sharing her excitement.

They'd done well today.

Amaterasu briefly glanced at the raven flying overhead, gave a happy bark, and poked her tongue out at it. It hadn't stopped its watch even when time had frozen. She knew she'd more than proven her intentions today.

Wait, Thor said something about a feast!?

This day just got better and better.

~{O}~{O}~{O}~

Odin sat upon his throne, stunned. He blinked several times and focused through the ravens he sent to follow the creature- the Goddess.

It was real. He would have the astronomers double-check the gravitational anomalies of the battle, but he already knew.

"Frigga, my love," Odin said calmly.

"Yes, my King?" Frigga asked.

"You were mauling the Goddess of the Sun," Odin said.

"I was petting her, yes," she replied. Her smile was far too knowing.

"You rubbed her belly like a common wolf."

"She seemed to enjoy it."

Odin took a breath and leaned forward. He planted his elbows on his knees, clasped his hands, and rested his head upon them.

He'd given his eye for all the wisdom in the universe.

Yet he was more than certain his wife was the wiser one.

"We'll need to empty the cellars. They'll be celebrating for a week," Odin sighed.

"I take it they won?" Frigga asked. She planted her hands on her hips and raised a brow.

"She moved the sun, my dear." Odin looked his wife in the eye. "There are not many who can move the heavens, and she made it look effortless."

"Well, she is the Goddess of the Sun." A bubble of laughter slipped from the Queen.

"That she is," Odin admitted.

That was not the Amaterasu whom Odin knew. The one he remembered did not harness that level of power, nor that variety of skills.

That was not their Amaterasu.

But she was indisputably the Goddess of the Sun.

Odin got to his feet and offered his hand to the Queen. His wife grabbed his hand and stood, following Odin as he started his way down the stairs.

"Where are we going, beloved?" Frigga asked.

"I feel I will need to partake in the festivities early," Odin sighed. "After everything that has transpired… I need a drink."