Prince Shijo groaned as he saw the procession of Shinto priests entering the throne room. The hall was crowded with bushi and daimyo, all standing at attention and waiting for the new emperor to be enthroned. Shijo craned his neck to either side, hoping for some sight of his family.

"Do you see them?" Shijo whispered.

"No," Ashikaga Raiko whispered back. The young daimyo stood half a head taller than Shijo and searched the numerous faces. "Wait, you saw Kimiko, right?"

"Yes," across the hall, Shijo's eldest sister stood beside her husband. She wore her finest gown and stood perfectly still. As an elegant statue, precisely where she needed to be. But with none of the rest of his brothers and sisters.

The remaining members of his father's guard stepped past the priests and found positions along the hall creating a barrier between everyone and the space where the newest emperor would soon be walking. For thousands of years the priests oversaw the coronation of a new emperor, and as far as Shijo knew this would be the first time the guards entered with them. But then, Shijo could not remember a time when the emperor was assassinated by a foreigner.

As the first group of priests disappeared into the throne room Shijo's eldest brother, the soon to be Emperor Naotaka and his wife Shoshi entered the hall. Naotaka's eyes roamed across the crowd. He gave a small smile to Raiko. Then his eyes met Shijo. He looked to either side looking for his family, and his smile fell before returning his focus to the ceremony. Of course, he expected the rest of the family to watch him enter. They had been there when their father was first enthroned. Well all except little Eijiro.

But where were they now? Getting ready for the celebration? The presenting of the relics would take some time. They had hours to prepare for the Bonzai, they just needed to show up and watch their brother enter a room.

As the procession concluded the imperial guard shut the doors.

"I can't believe them!" Kimiko hissed as she headed toward Shijo and Raiko.

"Well that's my signal to leave," Raiko said. "Good luck."

"It's just the two of us?" Kimiko said, giving Raiko a perfunctory nod as the daimyo bowed and backed away. "Where is everyone?"

"I think they're still preparing."

"Still," her husband, Miyoshi Harunobu, said. "It is not right that they don't show up to this most important of days." Harunobu nodded to himself, and Shijo nodded back. The daimyo had been growing grey when he married his sister. But now his beard had lost all color, and the rest of his hair did not look far behind him.

"I agree, Daimyo Miyoshi," Shijo said. What else could he say? Shijo was certain that the daimyo was a loyal and brave warrior. But he did not seem much of a conversationalist.

"You best make certain they're ready for the reveal and feast," Kimiko said.

"I will."

Kimiko did not offer to help as she glided away, her husband and attendants a step behind her. But that was her way of things, the little empress father had called her. Father. Shijo shook the thoughts of his father lying in a pool of his own blood from his mind. He'd dwelled on the Northerner's butchery for long enough. This was to be a happy day, when his brother becomes emperor of all of Shin Nihon.

Shijo moved as quick as he dared through the numerous halls of the palace. A prince should never seem that they are in a rush. Time moves as the royal family commands it to move.

He first went to Koji's room. The second eldest of his brothers stayed in his own compartment away from everyone else. For good reason. Shijo took a deep breath of the already pungent air and opened Koji's room. The scent of musky scrolls, dried sweat, and forgotten rotten food made his eyes water, but he did not let his expression change. From floor to ceiling Koji kept a sprawling mass of books and papers. So thick that it was difficult to see the carpet. Shijo stepped through the pile of books.

"Koji-sama, are you in here?"

"Yes." He moved out from behind a pile of papers on his desk. Thick of neck and tall. A natural warrior, everyone agreed. If Naotaka had any wit about him, he'd appoint Koji his shogun. If only Koji wasn't Koji.

"It stinks in here," Shijo said.

"I told the servants not to enter. They kept messing with my papers."

Messing with them? You mean cleaning? Shijo wanted to say, but that would do no good. He'd had this argument with his brother before and it went nowhere. "You missed Naotaka's enthronement."

"Good," Koji plucked a scroll out from under the pile on his desk and read over it. "Naotaka will be happy."

"No, Koji. He isn't, you should have been there."

But Koji had already stepped back behind his temple of words. Shijo sighed and followed him. "What are you doing?" He asked, though he did not know why. It was clear enough to see Koji had returned to his desk, scroll in hand muttering to himself.

"Little brother, I am busy," Koji said. "Naotaka is angry, how terrible. Now I have to figure this out."

"No, that is not the end of the conversation. Look at me Koji."

Sighing as though being asked to perform some great burden, Koji met Shijo's eyes. "What?"

"I need to know you will be there for the Bonzai and the feast. You can do whatever it is you're doing until then, but you need to be ready."

"I am ready," Koji said as he turned back to his scroll.

"You smell!" Shijo said. "When was the last time you went to the training yard?"

"This morning."

"And when was the last time you bathed?"

Koji shrugged, "Fine, I'll wash. After I finish this," he said as he turned back to his work. "It doesn't make sense," he whispered, Shijo wasn't certain if that was for his benefit or if Koji was talking to himself again.

Shijo looked over his shoulder. Some account from their diplomat sent to the King of the Danes, it did not seem terribly long. Koji'd be able to finish it with plenty of time left to prepare. "Then I will see you in the courtyard."

Koji did not respond, already engrossed in his work. Always a pleasure, Koji. Shijo left him, that had not been too difficult all things considered. That only left his twin Okyo and the young Eijiro, and Okyo should help him get the little one under control. She always had a knack with him.

As he walked toward the rest of the royal compartments, he heard the squeal of delight and youthful laughter. That could only be Eijiro. At least he was in a good mood, that usually made things easier. When he turned the corner to Eijiro's room he stopped as he saw a huge man lift the prince into the air. Beside the giant of a man, Okyo stifled a giggle.

"Daimyo Hayashi-sama!" Shijo said.

The big man turned his mirthful grin spread nearly as wide as his pudgy cheeks. "Shijo-sama! Look how distinguished you are!"

"Shijo," Eijiro laughed as the huge man tossed him into the air and caught him "he came!"

Okyo moved around the big man as gracefully as she could, considering he nearly filled the hallway. "We sent someone to fetch you, but it looks like he missed you."

"I was with Koji."

"Ugh," Eijiro said. "Why?"

"Now don't be like that my prince," Hayashi Toshimo said. "Prince Koji deserves to be respected, as a great warrior and your brother."

"He's no fun at all," Eijiro pouted.

"Well, we can't all be as fun as you, my prince."

Eijiro beamed at the complement before demanding to be put down. "Toshimo, you want to come play with me? We can run to the tree!"

Toshimo squatted down beside the prince and smiled. "I would love to, my prince. But I have been travelling a long time to get here and am just a little tired. But I promise you, we will play later."

"Here Eijiro," Okyo took his hand. "We will play for a little while, but then we must get ready for Naotaka's reveal." She walked him away, but not before turning and mouthing 'You're welcome," to the daimyo.

The huge man watched the pair until they rounded a corner, Eijiro's high-pitched chatter echoing through the halls. "How I missed you all," Toshimo said before turning to Shijo. "Here, let me look at you. You've gotten bigger! Strong of arm, fierce of visage! You've been practicing the martial arts I see. I can tell!"

Shijo smiled. "You honor me, Daimyo Hayashi-sama"

"Bah, I've had enough of this 'Daimyo Hayashi,' call me Toshimo as you always have."

Shijo couldn't help but smile. It had been years since he'd seen him, but the man's good nature was as infectious as ever. "I'm sorry, Toshimo-sama, it's been so long. And I do from time to time, but I'm no Koji."

"Nor should you be! Koji is Koji. You are Shijo and the empire is the greater for both of you."

"I missed you, how long has it been?"

"More than two years, a bleak two years without looking after my favorite family I will not get back."

"Why have you been so distant? If it is not too much to ask."

"Ahh nothing, nothing," Toshimo said as his smile drooped ever so slightly. He had always been such a terrible liar.

"Was it father?"

"My fault as much as his. We had an argument, things were said I wish I could take back. I'm certain he would wish the same were he- were it not-oh," the big man stopped, gulping down his tears. Wiping the few that escaped with his sleeve. "Look at me, blubbering like a child. I came down here to comfort you in your moment of loss."

Shijo draped his arm around Toshimo, or at least as far as his arm could stretch. "It is fine, we know how close you were. You were as brothers."

"And what happened to him!" Toshimo said. "A northman! Is it not my family that guards the northern rivers? I let one of those animals slip past me. And look!"

"You can't know that, you are not the only estate in the north. He could have gotten past any of them, no one blames you."

"That is kind, my prince. But I blame myself. I think I will for as long as I live." Toshimo took a moment to steady himself before his smile returned. "Enough of my regrets, tell me what I missed in these long years. Tell me about our new emperor, I meant to be here in time for his enthronement, but alas, the gods were not with me."

Shijo and Toshimo talked and he seemed as he had always been. Quick with a compliment and a laugh. They spent over an hour discussing how much Eijiro had grown. The great argument between Koji and Naotaka the last year, and why they each avoided speaking with each other. How lively and willful Okyo had become and more.

And with each Toshimo would ask for further details and revel in each little success or curse any small tragedy. They walked as they spoke heading toward the rooms provided for the Hayashi Clan. The one his family used to spend every winter when even the Northmen wouldn't dare start a war.

"I have missed so much. And to think Naotaka, the boy I helped train. Now I have to call him Heika! I hope I don't make a mistake. Careful with that!" Toshimo said as one of the servants dropped one of his bags. Several items poured from it, some scrolls, a calligraphy kit, a little brown box that opened to reveal even more parchments within. Toshimo swooped down and gathered all the items.

"Here let me help you," Shijo reached for various brushes that fell from the kit.

"It is nothing my prince. I have it," Toshimo put it all back in the bag, refastened it and ordered the servants to put it in his rooms. "Now my prince, you have told me of Koji and Naotaka, Kimiko and Okyo, and of course little Eijiro. But what of Shijo? What have you been doing with yourself?"

"Oh," Shijo stopped. What had he been doing these last two years? "I've kept to my studies. Father tasked me with overseeing the construction of a fort last year. It is going along well. But mostly I've just been keeping this family together as best I can."

"Have you?" Toshimo gave him a look. "Perhaps the Emperor was correct after all."

"Correct about what?"

"Oh," Toshimo's cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "That is not something we should speak."

"Did it have something to do with your argument?"

"Shijo, my prince, please. Let my slip of the tongue lay, for now. This is not something we should be discussing on your brother's enthronement."

It had something to do with the enthronement? Did father not want Naotaka to sit the Chrysanthemum Throne? It made sense, Naotaka had always been temperamental and argumentative with their father. But would father truly wish to pass him over? "But-"

"Please my prince, I need to prepare for the annunciation. We will speak later."

"Of course, if I don't see you at the Bonzai then you must meet me during the feast."

"It would be my pleasure, my prince." The daimyo bowed low before entering his rooms.

"Where's Koji?" Kimiko tapped her foot, hidden but still discernable beneath her dress.

"I don't know," Shijo said as he took a spot beside her. "I sent a servant to fetch him." The family stood in the courtyard before the palace. Behind them the rest of the palace servants and guests took positions. Through the windows Shijo saw the movement of the palace guards and priests, making the final preparations.

"It's almost time," Kimiko hissed.

"That's ok," Eijiro whispered. "We can do this without him."

"Shush now," Okyo said. "We need to get ready. You see him-" Okyo pointed to the head priest standing beside a large gong. "It's almost time, you know what to say when he hits it?"

"One thousand years!" Eijiro shouted.

"Not yet child," Koji said as he pushed his way through the crowd stepping between Shijo and Kimiko. "We must wait for the arrogant cow to come out first."

"You made it," Shijo whispered to him.

"And you don't smell like pigs," Kimiko added.

Koji gave Kimiko a withering look.

"Not now," Shijo said. "Please. Not in front of everyone."

Koji's jaw clenched and he glanced back to their older sister. "For you, Shijo."

"Thank you."

The doors to the palace opened. A mass of guards stepped out and spread throughout the steps leading to the courtyard and the road toward the city. The priests followed them, praising Amaterasu the Sun Goddess as they stepped. Then they all stood silent. Shijo watched the palace doors, his heart beating fast.

It was done then. His brother had gone through all the rites and rituals. He had become the herald of the Sun Goddess and emperor of Nihon and her people. Naotaka stepped out over the crowd, his eyes searching over all his subjects. He wore the same brown gown that their father wore upon his ascension, so long ago Shijo barely remembered it. He had been younger than Eijiro was now.

The priest struck the gong.

"One thousand years." Shijo said, his voice lost among the crowd. All of them saying the same words in unison. At the front of the crowd, the force of their lungs and their faith washed over him. Naotaka stepped down the stairs.

The gong struck again.

"One thousand years!" Shijo shouted all the louder as the crowd of every man and woman in the palace and most of those in the nearby city rang out in praise of their new emperor. Naotaka stepped upon the carriage, one of the priests helped his wife up behind him. The driver cried, as his pride for being selected for this sacred duty overwhelmed him.

For the final time the priest hit the gong.

"ONE THOUSAND YEARS!" The force of the yells brushed over Shijo's neck and sent shivers down his spine. The power of the shout only matched by the holler of celebration that followed. His brother, the new emperor rode past. His expression stone-faced. His wife waved toward the family, but Naotaka whispered something to her and she stopped.

They rode down the road, passing by the throngs of people screaming and cheering for them and headed toward the city. Around them, samurai in their finest armor rode horses, bows upon their backs and swords at their sides, ready to die for their new emperor.

"Well," Koji pressed at his ear. "That was certainly loud. Send someone for me when the feast begins."

Shijo looked over the feast hall nodding to himself. It had all come together. Not a speck of dust on any surface, Shijo had even made certain the ceilings had been cleaned. Each daimyo that came for the enthronement had been accounted for and arranged by their rank and prestige. Tablecloths emblazoned with golden phoenixes and the burning Sun emblems of Amatarasu placed upon the table for the emperor. Shijo made one final sweep to make certain that everything was in place before he took the stairs to the kitchens below. Bowls stacked upon trays piled high ready to be brought to the guests. The servants nodded to him with respect as he passed.

Finally satisfied, Shijo smiled to them and went over the last orders for the night. "And when it's all done," he finished. "Take whatever food you can to your families. You all deserve it." The servants gave a brief cheer as Shijo headed back to the hall. He took a breath and wiped the sweat from his brow.

He found his own seat and rested. He knew he needed to leave; it wouldn't do for someone else to sit before the emperor. But he could take a moment's rest. It felt the first time he had a moment to himself since that morning. Perhaps he should have asked for help from someone? But who could it have been? Koji? Shijo had to stifle a laughter at the thought of Koji trying to inspect cleanliness. Kimiko would certainly have tried, but she had her own family to deal with.

Toshimo would have helped, if he asked. But no. The jolly old daimyo certainly had his way of motivating the servants with sweet words and praise, but it would not do to have one of the guests aid in the preparation. Still, it would have given them more opportunity to talk. About his argument with father. About who should truly be sitting the throne.

He needed to forget this. His brother was emperor, and he'd be a regal emperor. Shijo stood up, he had no more time for these fancies and delusions. He left the hall, shutting the doors behind him. Nodding his respect to the palace guard that stood at the door as he passed.

Kimiko already waited in her place of the procession. The first to show from the family by the look of it. Though some dignitaries and advisors flocked around her, chattering about her elegance and beauty. Kimiko looked as graceful as a swan and basked in their adoration. Her husband did not seem as interested in their conversations. He had fallen back into his mind as he had more and more each time Shijo had seen him.

Eijiro and Okyo came a few minutes later. Eijiro talking without taking a breath of the glory he would win, bragging about his sword skills on the training ground. Okyo let him speak only interrupting to give mock praise that flew right over the eight-year old's head.

Koji came last. "What did you do?" Kimiko screeched when she saw him, finally turning away from her admirers.

He wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve leaving a wet trail.

"I needed to think," he shrugged. "I think better when I hit things."

"During the enthronement!"

"Kimiko, calm down," Shijo rushed to his sisters side. "I'll take care of this, I promise. Come on." Shijo took his older brother's hand and dragged him away from the procession. "Hurry."

Koji did not protest for once. "Is this as fast as you hurry?" He stepped by his side a light jog.

"Decorum!"

"You worry about the inconsequential," Koji slowed to keep a more dignified speed.

"Not today, Koji. What is the matter with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know how important this day is. We need to show the world that the imperial family is united in this and in all things. We need to show that we are strong. And you're off fighting and stinking." Shijo reached the cleaning rooms and the servants within. "What can you do with him?" He asked one frail looking old man Shijo had seen working the baths before.

"I can clean myself," Koji said as the servants dragged him off. Shijo sat by a wall as they fussed over him.

"You had to know how this would anger everyone," Shijo said. "You're not this foolish."

"I'm no one's fool," Koji muttered from the other room. "As I said, I needed to think. And our brother's celebration seemed unworthy a distraction."

"What could possibly be more important!"

"Our father's murder," Koji returned in fresh clothes the scent of perfume wafting around him. "I told you, it does not make sense."

"The barbarians tried to strike at us, what could make more sense?"

"Did you not read our diplomat's report? He said he sent a barbarian prince as a gift and a means to forge an alliance, and just days later a barbarian came to kill the emperor."

"What does that mean?"

"No barbarian has ever reached this deep into our lands, even their diplomats -if we can call them that- are not allowed in the palaces. Someone must have let the barbarian in."

"Who?"

"I don't know. Likely a daimyo at the northern border: Imagawa Sen, Hayashi Toshimo, or Ashikaga Raiko."

"You expect Toshimo?" Shijo almost laughed.

"As much as any other."

"He was father's friend."

"He was three years ago. I do not know his mind these days, it is no secret he and father argued the last time they spoke. And I have never trusted the Ashikaga. Back before the Drowning of Nihon, their family had made themselves eternal shogun. It took centuries for the imperial family to wrest control from them. Perhaps Raiko wishes to see his family returned to prominence."

"Then what of Imagawa?"

"It could be her as easy as any other."

"The barbarian could have come from anywhere. Perhaps hired by one of the daimyo to the West."

"I doubt it, the barbarians are wild an uncivilized. If a western daimyo wished to have a foreigner assassinate the emperor, would they not use a Frank? Much more manageable. But please, brother, stay away from Hayashi. At least until I put more of this together."

"Koji he is our guest, and he is one of our oldest friends. I can't stay away from him. And Raiko is Naotaka's most trusted companion since childhood. We can speak of this later. We need to return."

"Just be careful," Koji said, "And I'll try to warn Naotaka."

They managed to reach the start of the procession a moment before the doors to the hall were opened. Thankfully, before Kimiko had time to make some snide comment to Koji. Guards led the guests to their places, with the imperial family at the front.

Shijo stood behind his seat at the table and waited as the guards brought every single guest in.

"Can I sit down?" Eijiro asked.

"No," Kimiko did not look to their youngest brother.

"But I'm tired!"

"We can't sit until the emperor gets here," Shijo said.

"Hmmph," Eijiro looked at his feet. He stayed silent for only a moment, before he waved his arms to the side. Smacking them against the table.

"Enough!" Kimiko said.

"Hey," Okyo knelt beside Eijiro. "Let's play a game. Do you remember all the daimyo?"

"Yes."

"Ok, who's that one?" She pointed to the crowd.

"That's Toshimo!"

"Right! And that one?"

"That's Takeda Hasiburo. He's scary."

"Do you have to say that so loud?"

"Kimiko," Koji finally spoke up. "Let the boy have his fun. He's not hurting anything."

Kimiko's eyes widened. "But he might! What if he insults-"

"That's enough," Shijo said. "Look friendly for the crowds. Alright? Okyo" Shijo leaned over to his twin sister and whispered "Can you only point out those that Eijiro likes, so he won't accidently be rude?"

She nodded. "And who's that?"

"That's not a daimyo," Eijrio laughed. "That's our maid!"

As the last of the guests found their positions a gong rang through the hall. And the crowd turned to the doors. The Emperor and Empress stood hand in hand. They looked confident, poised. Not as if they had spent most of the day in a carriage greeting everyone in the city. If the empress Shoshi was in any way tired she did not show it. And Naotaka looked every bit as regal as his position demanded.

The gathering bowed, and Shijo bowed with them. The Emperor and Empress took their positions at the front of the assembly. The gong struck again. The couple sat. A final gong signaled that the rest of could sit as well.

Servants rushed out bringing food and drink. Just as Shijo had prepared. They brought the food first to the emperor and the imperial family, before distributing everything to the appropriate tables. Toshimo ate as much as three men, so Shijo had made certain that an extra servant went to his table. While Lady Satake favored sweets so more of the desserts were brought to hers.

And Shijo watched over all of it, and for the first time in days let out a sigh of contentment. It had been more difficult than dealing with oni, but he had done it. A perfect meal to celebrate a new emperor. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat the delicious food.

"Are you insane?" Naotaka hissed. Shijo looked to the front of the table. Naotaka glared at Koji who stood over his shoulder. How did he get up without Shoji noticing? He had been too focused on the servants. "He's my dearest friend, one of the most noble families in the empire."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Koji asked. "It isn't unprecedented in our own history when-"

"Spare me this drivel!" Naotaka stood up. Shijo glanced back toward the hall, near everyone watched the display. "Histories and messages! You have stuck your head so far down your books you no longer understand the hearts of men! You can't even spare the time to celebrate my success!"

"What does that have to do with this?"

"I know what this is about," Naotaka continued. "You are trying to drive me away from my decisions, to make me see you as my only option."

"Brother-"

"Heika!"

"My Heika," Koji said the words slowly, as though the being forced to utter a curse. "I am trying to-"

"You will never be my shogun!"

Shijo got to his feet, he knew well enough where these arguments would lead. It would do no one any good to show this before their guests.

"I'm not trying to become your shogun. Wait. You're going to make Raiko your shogun? That's foolish, even for you."

"What did you say?" Naotaka screamed, all dignity he displayed lost.

"My brothers!" Shijo stepped between them, keeping a firm grip on Naotaka's robe lest he rip free and start pommeling Koji. Or at least, trying to.

"You will call me Heika!"

"I'm sorry, my Heika. We are both sorry. Aren't we?" Shijo hissed to Koji.

"Most sorry," he said without a hint of truth behind his words.

"Take him away from here," Naotaka said. "I don't wish to see him any further. Not tonight." Naotaka paused for a moment as he looked over Koji. "No that is not enough. I do not wish to see him again, not ever, I have put up with his oddities for long enough. Get him out of my palace."

Shijo's eyes widened, "You can't-" Naotaka's glare stopped him, "I'll see to his dismissal."

Koji glared at Naotaka, but did not speak. Shijo draped his arm around his brother's shoulders and led him from the hall. Nearly forcing him to bow as they left the imperial presence. The eyes of every important man in the empire upon them. Behind them Naotaka spoke.

"While I have all your attention, I had wished to deliver this news at the end of our festival, but now is as good a time as any. We are all still morning the death of my father."

Shijo led Koji out the hall, before Koji slipped from his grasp and stepped behind the door.

"What are you-?"

"Hush," Koji said as he listened to their brother continue his speech.

"In retribution for the barbarians trespass on our lands, my armies will invade theirs. Our shattered honor will be restored and vengeance shall be given. Come Spring we shall move through their lands, killing all who would defy us. I shall personally lead our armies, with my dear friend Ashikaga Raiko as my shogun. They will learn what befalls those that dare defy the Shin Nihon Empire!"

Koji closed his eyes and sighed as the hall erupted in cheers. "He was a fool yesterday, why would I think a throne would make him wise?"

"Koji," Shijo said.

"It's fine, we can go now."

Calm down, Shijo told himself. It's Koji's way, and I won't make a scene. They walked in silence toward Koji's rooms. Passing servants and cooks, some looked to Koji with barely restrained sorrow others simply smiling. Two of Toshimo's samurai retinue bowed as they passed.

They reached Koji's rooms. Shijo took a breath before trapping himself inside with the stench. "No!" Shijo said once he closed the door. "It's not fine! What were you thinking? If there is some problem with Naotaka's plan you could have influenced him by his side. You could have told him what errors you see. But no, as soon as you think something you have to speak it, even when it makes no sense to anyone but yourself! Did you honestly believe Naotaka's oldest friend would betray him? You think Toshimo would betray us? How can someone so smart be so stupid?"

For a moment Koji looked into Shijo's eyes without speaking. Studying him like Shijo was another scroll. Shijo glared back at his older brother until Koji's shoulder's slumped and he walked past Shijo to open the door behind him. "No need to stay," he said. "I can find servants to gather my things without you. You can enjoy the rest of the feast."

That was it? Shijo still had more to yell at him. But Koji turned to his books and separated them into piles. Is that what Koji wanted? It was so hard to tell with him. He could be telling Shijo to leave because he in truth wanted to test Shijo's love. Or perhaps he pushed him away because he thought Shijo would prefer being at the feast. Or he could simply not care either way, just being Koji's strange self.

"Listen," Shijo said once he entered the hall, safe in fresh air. "Once Naotaka calms down, I'll speak to him. Find somewhere to rest for a few months, and I'm certain I can get you back in his graces."

Koji looked up from his growing pile and walked to Shijo. "Do not trouble yourself," he said as he shut the door.

"Arrogant- I'm trying to- fine!" Shijo shouted at the door. "Enjoy your exile then!" He left his brother and returned to the hall of men cheering for war.

Author's Note

Well, as long as I'm stuck inside I might as well keep this going.

This started a joke that I took far too seriously. Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the campaign of For Honor. Some interesting ideas, but Apollyon seemed a bit too simplistic a villain to really get me invested. She just wanted to create war because of a very odd ideology. And all the protagonists were mostly just blank slates that didn't even have names. I also didn't think the game did a particularly good job portraying the three cultures beyond broad strokes. This is an attempt to change that with a story featuring hopefully interesting and complex characters and motivations that gives a bit of a fuller grasp on the various cultures.

I should note, this is the second story I've ever tried to write. And since I started this segment by throwing shade at professional writers, I'm fully prepared to be completely embarrassed by my own attempts. But I found I truly enjoyed the writing. So, please criticize to your hearts content, I'd like to improve.

This is a direct sequel to For Oaths and Blood: A Viking Campaign and will feature several characters and events that appear in that story. I think you can pick this up without reading Oath and Blood, but you may be missing some context.