A Father’s Expectations

(Time: 1683 Yayoi, hatsuka, nichiyōbi (March,20,Sunday) (Shōgo: Noon)

(Location: The city of Amaterasu-ōmikami) (Doragon province)

On the island of Okinawa, in the capital of Japan, sits an elegantly massive Shiro.

Golden red, with jade artistry littering its courtyards and roofs. It reaches higher than the very heavens themselves, stretching thousands of feet in diameter, taking up one tenth of the island's mass.

The Shiro is a masterpiece in and of itself; as if crafted by the Gods; covered in the finest stone and wood from across Japan.

Majestic and breathtaking in every inch of its foundation.

Protected by the large mountains that cover the island and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean from all sides, making its natural defense near impenetrable.

The Shiro stands as the tallest structure in all the land, with supreme authority over all who dwell upon it. Guarded by hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers; each, a true man among men and willing to sacrifice his very life for the prosperity and continuity of the mighty castle.

The Shiro is a symbol of strength and honor for all.

With divine province, it is the sacred Shiro, of the Eternal Emperor.

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Rōtasu wore a gold hair piece; its design was that of a jade dragon with the wings of a ruby Ho-ōh.

She dressed in an elegant Jūnihitoe; it was white as fallen snow with golden lotus inscribed in its fabrics. Made by the finest tailors in Japan, it was the very pinnacle of beauty and etiquette.

But unfortunately, Rōtasu did not feel as comfortable as she was beautiful.

The dress was a formality; for today, she would go to meet her father.

Her father was no ordinary man; he was born of the dragon's blood. Passed down through the emperor's lineage, from the very first Emperor of Japan; said to have held his ground and fought back the thousands of armies of invading Chinese.

For her father was not only the most prominent man in Japan, but the most powerful.

For it was said that in his defense against the Chinese the first Emperor gave his life to drive them back; that his indomitable will lived on through his ancestors. Granting them the sacred power to not only command and govern their nation but defend them from any and all who may challenge their prosperity.

Rōtasu arrived at the large door of her father's chamber; it was massive, spanning tens of meters in width and height; dawning gold and ruby designs of dragons and divine birds.

Opening the door she gulped, taking a step forward.

With every step she took she condoned herself with the utmost perfection. For if she did not present herself with absolute respect and refinement, before this man who solely held the weight of the nation, and its centuries of honor and strife; before the man who held the title of the Gods chosen...

...her head would hit the floor, before the soles of her feet ever did.

The chamber was large and grand; the walls were covered in jade, with sapphire linings; depicting the sacred dance of the Six Gods. The ceiling was held up by large blue pillars that reached to the heavens, covered in red markings of divine beasts. Hanging from the ceiling, staring at her as if judging her very existence lay a ruby encrusted dragon, which held six divine orbs made of the purest opal.

The very room itself held an aura of intimidation and supremacy.

The floor of the room lay flat; but slowly inclined as the room went on. Reaching to a large golden chair at the very top and back of the room; peering down on those beneath it.

The chair held designs of dragons and Ho-ōh's, locked forever in eternal unison.

In the vibrant chair sat an old man; his appearance was that of a seventy-five-year-old. His hair, a blackish gray. He had long thick eyebrows that reached down to his sunken cheeks and a long thin yet broad beard that reached to his slender waist. His hair was vast and silky, touching the back of his hips.

He wore a red sokutai* (Emperor attire)* with jade markings depicting creation. As well as a red kanmuri* (Emperor's hat)* marked with patterns of white sacred beasts. He held in his hand a golden shaku* (a flat ritual baton or scepter)*; a spiral design of ruby and sapphire crept its way up the staff; peaking at the top with a ball of jade.

He held an aura of divine wisdom and absolute authority about him; his word was law and his will, the nation's. This man was God to the people of Japan for he was, "The Eternal Emperor".

She bowed before him, presenting herself with the utmost respect.

"Father, you have requested me?" Asked Rōtasu.

He stroked his beard and stomped his shaku on the ground. "You seem to be unaware of your place Rōtasu; you shall address me as Emperor." He said sternly.

"Yes Emperor, I humbly apologize for my transgression." She replied.

"Now... It has come to my attention that you are close of age to inherit the throne." He said.

She bowed even lower. "Yes Emperor, in a few days I am to be of twenty-five years of age…"

"Yes...It appears so… But there is a matter of importance we must discuss." He said, with a serious yet cold complexion.

"Of what importance...my Emperor?" She asked.

"You may be of age; as well as carry the blood of the dragon... However, I have no plan to fold you into my succession." He said looking down at her.

"W-wha? But why!?" She yelled. "Am I not your daughter? Am I not…!"

He slammed his shaku against the ground; the sound echoed throughout the chamber.

"Silence!" He shouted. "You forget your place! You may be my daughter, but that is exactly why! Your sex betrays you… and for that you are not suited to be Emperor!"

His words cut through Rōtasu like blades, murdering her hope of the future.

"Father, please! I beg you to reconsider!" Tears hit the floor like blood, as she cried.

The emperor stood up from his chair, pointing his finger down at her.

"No! My decision is final!" He barked. "I advise you to hold your tongue, less I cut it off!"

"Yes…" She said, swallowing her pride.

"Now..." He said regaining his composure. "I will assign you to one of my officers in the Roikara*. You are to obey him without question!" (Imperial Guard)*

"Yes, my Emperor…" She bowed.

"Now leave me." He ushered her away.

She bowed once again, turning away, leaving her father.