EMPEROR by GreatMarta

Charter 1 – The prince is born

Akihiko took a deep breath. The air at night was so fresh. It caressed his face almost as gently as his wife. He thought, that through the gentle wind, his mother and father are talking to him. Are watching upon him, his sons, his people. He believed in that. And knew, that his family needed such a protection, especially in such a special moment like this one.

Masahiro, Akihiko's son, was walking in circles through the terrace he and his father were admiring the stars from. Well, trying to admire the stars. Akihiko believed the stars are actually deceased emperors, his ancestors. So, he prayed to them for wisdom and strength he needed to rule and for good fortune for his soon to be born grandchild.

,,Calm down, Masahiro" the emperor turned to his firstborn ,,When it's done, they will tell us" this fact however didn't seem to mean much to Masahiro.

,,It's taking so long" he almost cried ,,Father, I can't stand it! My wife is practically standing on the edge, putting her life in danger for the child we conceived together, and what do I do? I'm standing here and doing nothing! It's just so… It's not right" the 22 year old prince lowered his head. He was the future emperor. An example for everybody to follow. But now? It felt, as if his brain was melting. So many questions. So many doubts. Why is it taking so long? How is his wife doing? Will she be alright? Will the baby be alright? A boy or a girl? And will he be a good father for his new child? He looked at his father, as if in search for answers. 45 year old Akihiko was steady. He had a full control over his emotions. A calm, fearless ruler, a statue of peace. He was a shining example for his son.

,,How can you be so calm? Were you this calm when I was born?" Masahiro asked his father. Akihiko reached for a glass, that was standing on a table near him. He drunk a bit of wine and replied ,,What is to happen, will happen. You don't need to worry, my son" he placed the glass back on the table and came in front of the prince ,,The great emperors from the past won't let your wife die. They will grant you a son, that would one day rule our empire. A wonderful son. I'm sure. You just need to have faith in them" he placed his hand on Masahiro's shoulder ,,Never loose faith in our ancestors, my son. They live in me. They live in you. And they will live in your child. Pray, Masahiro. That's the best you can do, and it really means much"

Akihiko's words seemed to cheer Masahiro up a little. He rose his head to the starry skies, thinking about everything he wanted to ask them for. Most of all, the health for his wife and child. His son. Or daughter. Better son. Only boys can become emperors. Which doesn't mean he wouldn't love a daughter.

Masahiro prayed. He followed his father's example and cleaned his mind. He spoke to the ancestors. To the grandfather, who died in an attempt. To all who lived before. For good fortune. For Sayako's life. For their child. He prayed. He focused entirely on that one duty. And his heart no longer pondered like crazy. He clamed down. And believed, that everything is going to be okay.

,,Your Imperial Majesty! Your Imperial Highness!" somebody cried. Father and son turned to the aid, who cannoned from the palace, into the terrace ,,It's a boy!" the man informed them, with just as much joy, as the child was his.

,,I have a son" Masahiro whispered. A boy. He was a father of a boy. It was so… wonderful. Indescribable feeling.

,,Fireworks!" Akihiko ordered ,,Let our people know, the prince is born!"

,,Yes Your Imperial Majesty!" the aid stood up from the floor and ran to pass the orders. The emperor smiled softly. His first grandson. Hopefully, not a last one.

,,Congratulations" he said to his son, who was still in shock.

,,Father" tears appeared in the corner of his eye ,,I'm so happy" the prince hugged his father tightly. The emperor embraced him back. It seemed like yesterday he held a newborn Masahiro in his arms. It seemed like hours ago he lectured him about imperial duties. He taught him to ride the horse, to fight with katana and throw a spear, to use arrows. And now? His adorable baby had a baby on his own. Sighs… That's the circle of life.

,,Go" Akihiko laughed ,,Go meet your son" he didn't have to repeat. Masahiro ran to see his wife and newborn son. His son. He really had a son. He was a father. He was the happiest man in the world.

According to the tradition, when a prince was born, blue fireworks were to be fired from the palace. If the imperial child was a female, the fireworks would be red. A minute later, skies turned blue. Everybody knew: the prince was born.

However, there was somebody, who wasn't happy to hear the news. A young man looked through the window in his room. He saw blue fireworks. And he hit the wall in anger. He lost. Forever.

NOTES:

Yet another story I will never finish. Heck, writing is fun. Anyway, this is supposed to be a humanized TLK with Japanese background and a twist of plot (it's much more interesting when the story doesn't follow the original movie plot, isn't it?).

About names: Just to add the spirit.

Akihiko is Ahadi

Masahiro is Mufasa

Sayako is Sarabi

The others will be revealed later on . If I don't loose inspiration, which is far too often in my case.