Unselfish Wish

Chapter 16- The Grandfathers

News in the spirit world and divine realm about Tsukiyomi and his desired bride finally reached the ears of both Fuujin and Ryuujin. Neither was entirely pleased, for what their demigod children were unaware of was that by some stroke or fate, Fumiko was not born a demigod, but rather 100% goddess. And a very powerful one at that. They had been hoping to hide her away and marry her to a human so that she would never know. Since her primary form was human, she would simply die and be immediately reincarnated.

Amaterasu would not be happy with them for hiding her all this time. Of course, what neither took into account was that Amaterasu already knew. This was part of the reason that she had not fought Tsukiyomi on his wish. She didn't think it was right for those geezers to treat their granddaughter so rudely, and take away her right to decide her own life for herself. She was planning to send Susano'o to test the girl soon. While she had the four guardians, her own power had not yet awakened. Amaterasu felt that this was something that she would need to understand about herself before her status as a goddess was fully discovered.

It was also true that the revealing ceremony must take place before her 18th birthday or she would be required to live out her current incarnation as a human before becoming immortal. Then, Tsukiyomi would have to woo her all over again, as she would have no memory of her previous life with him.

Fuujin arrived at the Tachibana home first. He had changed to his human (though still red haired) appearance. He imagined Ryuujin would be there soon, since they were equally reclusive. He was just getting ready to enter the gate when he saw Fumiko walking with Kiyoshi. That hair, those eyes, it must be Tsukiyomi. He wanted to rage at him, but decided to wait, as it appeared that the finicky moon god had not decided to reveal himself just yet. Fumiko saw him first, and began to run to him. So cute, his Fumiko.

"Grandfather you're here." She said as she hugged him. "Let me introduce you to my most precious friend, Moriyama Kiyoshi." The two gods eyed each other for a moment before bowing.

"Precious friend, huh? Hmm. We'll see about that." Fumiko laughed.

"Oh grandfather, you're as crusty as ever. Come on, Mom will be thrilled to see you after so long. Kiyoshi, I'll see you tomorrow at school." She linked her arm through Fuujin's and dragged him to the house. He looked over his shoulder at Kiyoshi a few times, which made the moon god laugh after he'd gone inside. Really, that look. He knows I outrank him anyway. What good will it do you if my sister and brother approve? Technically, I didn't even have to ask her parents once Amaterasu said yes. He'd asked because he knew how much her parents meant to her.

The family settled in for a raucous evening with Fuujin, who enjoyed laughter more than anything. His daughter and her family were one of his few joys in life, though he knew it would be somewhat short-lived. After dinner and Fumiko had gone upstairs, he asked to speak with Fumio and Aiko. His face turned very serious, nearly a glower. Did he seriously think he could intimidate us after all this time? Aiko thought, rolling her eyes.

"Are you two aware that Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto is courting your daughter?" This was with all the gravity and moral superiority (which wasn't much) he could muster. They both just stared at him for a moment before they both broke out laughing. Aiko recovered first, seeing that Fujin was not smiling.

"Oh, Papa, please. Of course we know." She said, very relaxed. So this was what the old geezer came for. He's worse than her father with his disapproving protectiveness.

"Then why haven't you put a stop to it!" It was a voice that made most tremble. The walls shook. These two were not intimidated.

"Why should we?" Said Fumio. He had his own reservations, but for entirely different reasons, he was sure. "He is entirely serious about her."

"That's even worse!" He raged. Throwing his hands in the air.

"AS MY BELOVED ALREADY ASKED YOU, FATHER, WHY!!" Fuujin stared at Aiko. Was his daughter scarier than he was? He shuddered, but did not make eye contact. "Father, you're hiding something aren't you?" Her eyes skewered him.

"Me? No, no, of course not... I'm just concerned for my precious grandchild-" He backpedaled his intensity, hoping she'd let up.

"Cut the crap you haven't bothered to see her directly in ten years." Aiko was not happy with whom she viewed as an outsider, even if it was her father. He couldn't be a fair-weather relative and expect to exert any sort of authority, even if he was her elder.

"Well..." He looked away slightly embarrassed. He loved his family but sometimes doing the right thing was a challenge.

"I know, you had a new woman or something. You hate it when they start to age, right? I don't see where you have the right to decide this. Only Fumiko can choose. If that means Tsukiyomi, then we are prepared to accept it."

Fuujin sighed. He really didn't want to be punished for the situation with Fumiko by Amaterasu, but it wasn't as if it were a crime. That woman was just brutal when angry. A bit like Aiko, really. He shivered.

"Fine, I'll leave tonight. But I'll be back again to check on my little goddess."

"Goddess? Papa she's only a demigod." He shifted slightly, not able to hold eye contact. "Papaaaa." Aiko growled. "What are you hiding?"

"Well, to me she's more that's all. I'm not hiding anything. I'll say my goodbyes." He was gone as if his ass was on fire.

Fumiko had come down to say goodnight, and was a little sad that Fuujin was leaving so quickly, but knew he meant it if he said he'd be back soon.

The next day there were a lot more Yokai than usual, some pretty powerful ones too. Fumiko and Kiyoshi were able to manage on their own, but it meant that her grandfather's powerful presence had left its mark.

School went by normally, though the two had yet to notice that the entire school was trying to throw them together. They were much like a pair of idols that the fans want to be a couple no matter what. They even got locked in the equipment closet, but Hinata saw it happen and got them out after about 5 minutes. She knew that Tsukiyomi could probably handle it on his own, but that he was reluctant to show himself just yet.

They walked home together as was their pattern, as group, splitting off (nearly) into pairs- Atsushi with Sayuri and Kaori, and Yutaka with Hinata. Yutaka had finally managed to start dating Hinata, but Atsushi was content to wait on all that for now. Lastly, Fumiko and Kiyoshi went their own way.

Fumiko suddenly stopped and Kiyoshi, who had been walking behind her around the corner walked into her.

"What is it?" He said. She simply pointed. He looked and couldn't believe it. Ryuujin had appeared at her house, much the same as Fuujin had the day before.

"Kiyoshi, I think it's best that you go home for now. Fuujin is grumpy but kind. Ryuujin is a little harder to handle." She started to push him towards the gate nervously.

"No. I'll meet him." He stubbornly held his position. He’d let her push him away once, it was not happening again. He had nothing to hide from the two gods that were technically younger than him. He'd been completely honorable in his intentions and actions so far.

"But-" She could not seem to take her eyes off of her glowering grandfather.

"Do I embarrass you?" He asked. She shook her head. "Then let's go together shall we?" He walked forward, determined to stand his ground. He knew he was stronger anyways, but then Ryuujin was an odd fellow. He looked at them with piercing blue eyes, frowning.

"Granddaughter, come here." He beckoned to Fumiko. She ran over and he hugged her. "You've become quite beautiful, haven't you."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

"Who is this... young man... with you?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly wanting to call Tsukiyomi out.

"Ah, this is my dearest and oldest friend, Kiyoshi."

"Oh, Kiyoshi is it? You seem familiar, boy." He's enjoying this, Tsukiyomi thought. He knows that I dare not act against Fumiko's precious family, even going so far as to call him boy! "Perhaps we've met somewhere?" He leaned forward at Kiyoshi.

"Er, no sir, I don't believe we have. I should get going for the evening. See you tomorrow, Fumiko." He decided to let the old man have his way for now. She waved happily.

"Fumiko, how do you feel about that young man?" She blushed. "I see, so you love him then? No matter what or who he may be?" He questioned carefully.

"Grandfather, I'm not sure what you mean, but I will tell you something I have not told anyone. I love him and I love Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto. If I had the right to choose, I'd do anything for Tsukiyomi. Even before Kiyoshi he was helping me. Since I was six years old. But it's true that I love them both."

"I see. So Tsukiyomi has been watching over you all this time?" He asked her kindly. She nodded. "Well, I suppose I can act like a modern grandfather and tell you to do what you please, but you'd do that either way, now wouldn't you?"

"You really won't try to make me change my mind?" He shook his head. "Thank you grandfather, thank you." She kissed his cheek, and the coldest heart of the gods warmed. If you harm my granddaughhter I swear no matter who you are I'll torture you for a hundred years. No, make that a thousand.

They went inside and the same as with Fuujin, had dinner before Ryuujin announced he'd be leaving, Fumiko said goodnight and goodbye, forcing him to promise to visit again soon. As he was leaving, he begged a word with her parents.

"Though Fuujin was here, it looks like he still didn't tell you everything." He looked at Aiko, who shook her head. "So irresponsible. Always leaving things to others. Oh well. It's simple, your daughter is not a demigod. She is a full-blooded goddess in her own right." They just looked at him, then both nodded. She had way more power than either of them. They would never have been able to get the four guardian gods to obey them as she had. "The problem is that we should have reported this to Amaterasu, and we don’t yet know what her powers will be. Now, it's not a big crime but she can really hold a grudge, especially if something is unfair. Just be careful. I think that Tsukiyomi is serious or he would have run when Fumi-chan suggested it, but even against his own sister things may be difficult."

"Oh, Amaterasu has already given her blessing. I'm surprised you hadn't heard that along with the other gossip." Ryuujin's eyes went wide at this new information.

"Oh my. Well, she must know then, for she'd never consent without seeing her, and to a true god that power can't be hidden. I'm surprised that Tsukiyomi hasn't noticed it yet himself. Well, I'd best be off then. Let me know if you need my help, though again, I'm no match for the ruler of the gods."