The Ascension of an Emperor
By Miko Swordmaiden
Disclaimer: The cast of X/1999 does not belong to me, they belong to the AMAZING women who make up CLAMP. I am merely "borrowing" them as usual.
Author's notice: Hello Readers! I am a big Sorashi fan and I have been thinking about the idea for this story for a LONG time now and was inspired by a BEAUTIFUL image of both Sora and Arashi in traditional japanese attire and both prepared for battle. If you'd like a web address to see the pic just send me a private message and I'd love to give you the site address!
BUT, don't give up on this story just because it's told mostly from Sora and Ara-chan's views, ALL of the main characters of X will make an appearance in this fic and who knows…you might like what you read! Tell me in reviews what you'd like to see!
I thought it would make a GREAT story to have the cast of X in a type of AU setting in Feudal Japan. Now here is a MAJOR disclaimer…I am NOT Japanese so I don't know much about Japanese history but I have done a great deal of research, in the hopes of trying to get this as historically accurate as possible. What I couldn't research… I made up! Thank goodness this is fanFICTION!!! ;)
Summary: The year is 1195 AD…In the wake of a new century, a new Emperor is about to ascend to the throne over all Japan. But will all of Japan be ready to receive him…?
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Mt. Koya Monastery
1195 AD
"Are you sure it's necessary that you go Sensei? The road to Tokyo is long and fraught with many dangers. Perhaps one of the high priests could go in your place? I'm sure the emperor would understand…." The frustrated monk worried as he placed a freshly folded robe inside a small knapsack.
"That is enough my dear friend. I know how long the road to Tokyo is and yes...it is imperative that I go. After all, how often is it that a new emperor ascends to the throne over all Japan?" The stargazer smiled warmly as he placed a small loaf of bread into a second knapsack.
Dropping his head in defeat, the faithful though apprehensive younger monk continued to help prepare provisions for the old man's journey. Seeing his friend's concern, the old man put a comforting hand on his comrade's shoulder.
"I know you fear for my health and safety Hideki-san… but you needn't worry so much. It's not as though I go off to war; I am merely making a brief trip to Tokyo. Besides, I won't be traveling alone."
Hideki couldn't help but scoff. "That's another thing that worries me…." He muttered, but before he could finish his train of thought they both turned their heads at the sound of someone charging up the steps of the monastery that led to the kitchen.
"I'M READY OLD MAN!!! When do we leave!?!" An exuberant young monk crowed excitedly as he burst into the room from the stairwell.
"Sorata-san! Show some respect for your seniors!" Hideki snapped as the old man merely smiled.
Sorata immediately gave a quick bow to both of them and then turned his attention back to the Stargazer.
"So are we going now gramps? Time is wasting and Tokyo waits for no monk!" he laughed while picking up the knapsacks that were now full, easily swinging them over one of his broad shoulders.
"Hai Sorata-san. Give me a moment with Hideki-san and I will meet you at the gates." The old man chided as he watched Sorata grin and bow once more before racing back down the stairs and head for the gate.
"Ah to be young again eh Hideki?" the head of Koya chuckled softly. Hideki gave a small shake of his head as he too watched Sorata race across the courtyard of the sacred monastery. "He is indeed Sensei. Young, brash and naïve… he has little restraint despite his vast amounts of tutelage and training and I worry that he will be more of a hindrance than a help to you."
"Be careful that you don't judge too quickly my son…." The old man's smile gave way to a look of sadness. "Sorata may have much to learn yet but the obstacles I have foreseen that await him on our journey will be great and most grievous indeed. Obstacles that will shape and change him for better or worse, but for now, let him enjoy this moment of peace in his life. Let him be...young, brash and naïve." He smiled warmly again as he heartily slapped Hideki on the back.
Hideki gave a small nod and a half smile as he rubbed the part of his back that'd just been smacked. "I will ponder what you have told me Sensei and I wish you both good luck on your journey."
"I thank you for that Hideki. Might I ask one more favor before I go?"
Hideki nodded curiously.
"As the next senior most priest in our monastery, I would like you to watch over things while Sorata and I are gone. Give this old monk some 'peace of mind' so to speak?"
"I will do my very best Sensei." Hideki bowed deeply before his mentor.
"I know you will perform an admirable job." The old priest grinned as he turned to leave. "Now then…off to Tokyo."
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Elsewhere, near the outskirts of the city of Ise…
Same Time
…He watched in satisfaction as large dark clouds from the south rolled towards their location slowly and ominously.
"A storm is coming my lord." A sultry female voice practically purred as he continued to watch the sky.
"Yes…." He smiled widely, "A storm is coming. A storm that will cleanse Japan and all her inhabitants, bringing them under the reign of a powerful new emperor…" The man smirked as he indulged himself in the thought of his well laid plans.
The woman turned to him fully, pulling her long dark tresses back behind her shoulder. She smiled too as she watched the face of her lord and master sneer at the gathering storm clouds still far in the distance.
"Lord Fuma!" a booming voice rang out from behind them.
Fuma gave a slight tug on the reigns of his dark warhorse and shifted himself around to face the large samurai who had addressed him.
"Your men stand ready and await your orders, my lord." He bowed low in respect.
"Well done Aikome-san. Tell your men to begin their march…we are going to pay a visit to the fair city of Ise."
The large warrior returned his master's wicked grin with one of his own and nodded before turning to leave.
"And Aikome!" Fuma called quickly as he watched the large man turn back to him. "…Tell the men that we won't be needing any prisoners."
The Samurai nodded once again and left to inform their troops, laughing heartily as he did so.
Fuma turned back once more to the sky to the south. He could feel the eyes of his female companion studying him casually.
"What are you thinking of Kanoe-san?" he asked without bothering to look at her.
"The storm." She said smiling as she continued to eye the man before her. He was the very picture of power and control. Everything she had ever wanted for herself was sitting right before her eyes. If she played her hand right, she would help him ascend to the throne as the true emperor of Japan…with her by his side.
"What about the storm?" he asked, though his tone rang with the sound of one who was more amused than curious.
"I think it's going to hit Ise before they know it's even coming." She laughed coldly.
Fuma couldn't help but shake his head and laugh pitilessly as well. Very soon now. He thought to himself indulgently. Soon,* I* will be Emperor of Japan… And with that thought in mind, he and Kanoe turned their horses in the direction of Ise…..
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Imperial Palace of Japan, at Kokyo in Tokyo
Same Time
The sound of absolute silence filled the halls of the Imperial palace as the slender form of a young man wandered slowly through the drafty building. So many things to think about…so many things to do. Too much for a boy his age to handle on his own it seemed.
Young Kamui Shiro shook his head as felt his fears beginning to overwhelm him. He had been preparing for this his whole life, and yet, in the eleventh hour before his destiny would befall him he found himself starting to have doubts.
After all, Seiichiro-sama had served very well as the emperor of Japan for several years now in his father's stead until he, Kamui, came of age to take his rightful place as the true emperor.
At this moment Kamui found himself bitterly wishing that his late father hadn't gone to fight in the wars far to the west, despite the fact that it had to be done. The wars had taken his father from him when he was very young and since his mother had died the day he was born, the death of his father had left him all alone in the world.
Thankfully, the wisest of his father's royal advisors, Aoki-san, had been given the task of managing the empire as a temporary stand in until Kamui reached his fifteenth birthday. For this, Kamui was truly grateful. Seiichiro had been one of his father's closest friends and when word reached the palace that his father had been killed, Seiichiro immediately made it his business to care for Kamui as though he were his own son.
Kamui smiled softly as he thought of the man he respected and loved most in all the world. He had been so young when his real father had died that he could barely remember him. So truthfully, Seiichiro was more of a father to him than his true one had ever been. Kamui had never known someone kinder than Seiichiro Aoki or more generous. Under his care, the Empire had survived when chaos would have most surely destroyed it.
"What are you doing Kamui-kun?" a kind, soft voice whispered sweetly into his ear. Jerking around in surprise, Kamui found himself face to face with Aoki-sama's wife Karen. Kamui let out a huge sigh of relief as he placed a hand over his heart as if to calm it.
"Karen-san!" Kamui panted as he looked up at the flawlessly gorgeous woman before him. "You nearly scared the life out of me!"
Karen couldn't help but giggle softly, a sound that reminded him of tiny bells gently ringing. "I'm sorry Kamui-tan. I saw you so lost in deep thought that I couldn't resist. Besides, you were looking somewhat troubled…is everything alright?"
Kamui couldn't help the look of helplessness that passed over his features as he was once again reminded of his impending responsibilities. The weight of his duty was enough to make him sick to his stomach. What if I can't do it??? He worried.
"You don't have to explain Kamui, I understand that you must feel a bit overwhelmed by what will soon take place, but you needn't worry so much. You will be a great emperor, perhaps the greatest that Japan will ever know." She smiled warmly as she placed a delicate hand on his shoulder. "I know it."
"How do you know Karen?" Kamui queried desperately to the woman he had come to accept as the mother he had never known.
Karen just smiled as she placed a hand on his pale cheek and leaned in a bit closer to emphasize her point. "I know you will be great because I know YOU Kamui. I have faith in you, and so do MANY others. Many you don't even know. They all believe in you, and I know you won't let them down… because that's just how you are."
Kamui gave her the ghost of a smile as he covered her hand with his own. "Thank you Karen-san, for everything." He whispered hoarsely as he felt a lump form in his throat. Karen bowed to him deeply before straightening and looking around quickly, her red curls delicately bouncing as she started to walk away. "If you find Seiichiro before I do, please tell him I'm looking for him will you Kamui?" she called happily over her shoulder.
Kamui nodded as he watched the lovely woman disappear down the hallway from which she had come. Once more left to his own thoughts, Kamui turned and headed for the nearest window, looking out on the great city of Tokyo. "I have faith in you, and so do MANY others…." He heard her voice repeat in his head. Many others…Kamui scanned the horizon as though it held answers to questions he hadn't quite figured out how to ask. Many others…. Don't worry, Kamui silently vowed, whoever you are…I WONT let you down…..
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I know its a bit short, but this is almost a sneak preview or a prelude to the larger story...Tell me what you think! What would you like to see happen? All you gotta do is write a review! -Miko