Unselfish Wish

Chapter 38- The First Step into a New Life

December twenty-sixth arrived. They had collectively decided there was no need to delay leaving for Takamagahara. As far as the people they were leaving behind knew, they were off to study abroad, and would carry the illusion into their adult lives. Fumiko had packed her things to be teleported to the palace, along with everyone else. They were all meeting at her house, where Tsukiyomi was able to use the mini shrine as a direct link to his court. Fumio's mother had decided to live in their home with Aiko's mother. Neither had been able to move on from their godly lovers, so who better to live with than someone who had been through it?

Fumiko was the last to leave, after giving her grandmothers one last kiss. Tsukiyomi looked at her with love shining from his silver eyes. Thankfully, the last few months for them had been silly typical couple bliss. They went all the places humans liked to go for dates, cuddled, kissed, and held hands. Hinata was often seen rolling her eyes at their fluffy and innocent love life. She knew, though, that privately, they both struggled to control their growing passion.

He sent her bags first, then grasped her hand. "Are you ready, my love?" He asked. She nodded, and suddenly found herself inside a beautiful and open receiving room in shades of purple, silver and black, with black laquered wood. It was elaborate and beautiful, much like some of the lovely Shinto shrines she'd seen on school trips. There were gauzy lavender drapes floating on the the breeze, where the room was open to the inner courtyard. Snow was on the ground outside, but room was a copmfortable temperature.

"Your Highnesses, my lords and ladies, I have servants here to get you settled." A man announced. "I am Katsumi, His Highness Tsukiyomi's head servant." He bowed. A group of traditionally and crisply dressed servants came forward, wordlessly guiding each person away, leaving Tsukiyomi with Fumiko and Katsumi. "If you'll follow me." He intoned and walked off. Tsukiyomi just smiled and gestured for Fumiko to go first.

Katsumi stopped at a pair of black-lacquered double doors, before bowing and leaving them alone.

"Welcome to our chambers, my bride-to-be." Tsukiyomi said as he opened the doors.

"Our chambers?" She gasped, a frisson of excitement running through her. He'd been so careful with her, it was beginning to make her feel more than a little frustrated.

"Of course, my beloved. We practically sleep together every night already. We just have not... consummated things yet. It will be the same here. I've been celibate for over two thousand years. Don't worry that I will ravish you unexpectedly or anything like that." He said, blushing.

"Oh. I see." She tried to hide her disappointment, but he caught it with a gleam in his silver eyes. Don't worry my beautiful bride, as much as I desire you, it will be worth waiting for, he thought. It had taken a gargantuan amount of self control for him to hold off since their engagement, especially since Fumiko seemed to need constant physical reassurance. She drifted forward, looking around the beautiful room. It also had an open wall that faced the courtyard, though they were on the second floor. It had a wide balcony, and again had gauzy drapes that floated on the breeze, this time in a pale turquoise. It was done in shades of turquoise with deep plum and silver accents. Silver was again prevalent, along with black laquered furniture. Everything was made of luxurious silks and satins, with some velvet thrown in here and there. "You did this, for me?" She knew the blue was added for her. He nodded and grasped her hands.

"I know my wing of the palace is a little bleak. The only place you'll find silver instead of gold, probably. But I wanted at least this room to reflect the both of us." He said softly, stroking her fiery hair.

"It's beautiful." She whispered, leaning in to him. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, delving tongues and harsh breaths. It was with great reluctance that Tsukiyomi pulled away, closing his eyes. "What is it?" She asked, concerned.

"I have taken a vow to remain chaste until you are eighteen." He hoarsely rasped out. "But it gets more and more difficult to keep that vow" He whispered before diving in for another kiss. She is mine dammit, he thought, why can't I just...ugh. He pulled away again, this time walking to the balcony to put some space between them. Fumiko's shoulders sagged. Her birthday was a little over five months away. She wasn't sure she could stand to wait that long, herself. She smiled mischievously. Waiting until their wedding was just fine, as far as she was concerned. Then, Tsukiyomi better watch out, because she was seducing him.

Tsukiyomi was unaware that his bride planned to take things into her own hands.Had he known, he would probably have asked Amaterasu to send him off on some long mission right after the wedding, just to resist the temptation.

"We must present ourselves officially to Amaterasu and the court tomorrow." He announced.

"Already?" Fumiko asked. "Should I not learn a few protocols and such first? I don't want to offend anyone." Her brow furrowed.

"You won't need to say or do much, just stay by my side for now." He said, which honestly didn't sit well with Fumiko. "Everyone is being provided court attire, and the introduction is all that's needed."

"My grandfathers taught me what they could, but I'm worried I will not give someone proper respect and embarrass you." She said, looking at him with concern as he moved back across the room to her, his urges mostly controlled.

"My darling, you could do nothing that I would not back you on. The only ones that outrank you are Amaterasu, Susano'o, and perhaps father, though he is pretty much a hermit these days." He soothed, holding her close. "And that's not based on your engagement to me, it's based on you yourself. So no, there is nobody to worry about."

"You said your father? Izanagi?" She bit her lip.

"Yeah, he's a crusty old goat, but rarely comes to court. Besides, even he does attend, he will like you, trust me." He said, gently rubbing her arms.

"Is there anyone I should be wary of?" She queried. There was a rush of wind as a crow appeared on the rail of their balcony. Moments later, a large, brutish looking warrior in half armor appeared on the balcony, a grin lighting his rugged features. He had long dark brown hair that was braided for fighting, and sharp yet warm brown eyes. Tsukiyomi crossed his arms, waiting. "Who is it?" She whispered.

"Sarutahiko, welcome." He said, smiling. One of his few allies, he supposed. Sarutahiko stepped forward then paused.

"Tsukiyomi, welcome back. Mind if I step in for a few minutes? I would not disturb you here if it was not urgent." Kiyo nodded.

"Besides, I wanted to greet my god-daughter. Hello, Fumiko-hime. So nice to finally meet you in person." He said, eyes twinkling. Fumiko was reminded of her grandfathers. None of them looked their ages, of course.

"God-daughter?" She asked.

"Yes, my wife and I decided to adopt you as our god-daughter long ago. It just means no matter what happens or who breaks your heart, you've got us on your side." He winked, then shot a glare at Tsukiyomi. "I've got my eye on you."

"Is that what you came here for?" Tsukiyomi huffed, deciding to let the glare slide. He probably deserved it, if Sarutahiko knew everything.

"No, no. Actually, you know how Fumiko asked you who to watch out for?" Tsukiyomi and Fumiko nodded. "Well, your sisters Kaya-no-hime and Iwasuhime are plotting with Kukurihime and Toyoume to marry you to Kaya's daughter Ohoto. Ohoto herself seems like she doesn't have an opinion, but they decided to throw a god at Fumiko to push you two apart, and it looks like Kuraokami has taken the bait. Why, I could not tell you, but watch out for them."

"How did you learn all of this?" Tsukiyomi was fuming. Why could they not just butt out. Seriously. Ohoto, no offense to the girl- she seem,d nice enough, was as bland as plain rice. She did nothing her mother didn't tell her to. And Kuraokami? Really?

"My tengus are the best at their jobs, but I had the misfortune to simply witness Kuraokami declare his intent to steal your bride at Otoko no Tengoku, of all places. Ruined my sake." Sarutahiko sniffed.

"Any details besides the who?" Tsukiyomi asked.

"Not yet. Best to play by ear, for now. If I hear anything, I will let you know. But be ready tomorrow at their presentation to the court, I doubt that Kaya will be able to stop herself." Sarutahiko warned before hugging Fumiko gently and disappearing.

"Well," She said. "That was a lot to take in. I think I need a nap!"