Unselfish Wish

Chapter 40- Unleashing Uzu, Challenge Issued

Sarutahiko watched his wife do her usual thing with amusement. There were many that didn't take her very seriously, but Uzu was always sharp and always knew what was really going on. Their Tengus helped, of course, but that was just information. What she did with that information was where her cleverness shone. She swayed joyfully, skipping a bit as she approached the throne. Fumiko's eyes were huge as she observed Uzu's progress. I wish I had that kind of boldness, she thought. Be unapologetically myself, no holds barred.

Uzu narrowed her eyes on the gossiping kami with disdain, placed her hands on her hips, and sighed audibly.

"Wow, I'd hate to be so bored and lazy that the only thing I could do was waste my time flapping my gums about other people. Amaterasu, my gracious queen, can't we find something better for this useless swine to do?" She quipped, shocked gasps coming from the group. Amaterasu grinned of course, knowing this was just how Uzu operated.

"Well, I was looking for some additional guards for the gates in Yomotsu-kuni." She said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "And you know, we should really start sending women on these types of missions too." The women in the room cowered, other than Fumi. After all, she'd been there and helped some of the residents. It hadn't been that bad.

"Agreed, their brains have become soft as pudding and about as helpful." Uzu exclaimed. "I know, we can add a rotation for kami that don't have official duties to fill in for the servants so they can go on vacations!" She clapped her hands, grinning. This generated a round of groans that was entirely too comical.

Fumiko was not entirely sure why this goddess had taken up her cause, though she did recognize Sarutahiko. She must be the wife he mentioned, the other "god-parent." Her outfit was so daring, Fumi could hardly look at her, but she also liked it. She could never wear such a thing in public, herself, but the freedom with which she did things was quite intriguing. Amaterasu didn't seem phased, so Fumi figured this must be her usual way of doing things.

Uzu bounced up the steps to the throne and hugged Fumi where she sat, patting her cheek.

"So good to see my darling god-daughter again! The last time I saw you I think you were issuing punishments to bad foxes in Yomotsu-kuni, weren't you?" She said loudly, winking at Fumi. "Pretty sure that's where you picked up your familiars, eh?" She clapped as if remembering something suddenly. "That's right, you castrated that guy and sent him to Izanami's court." The gasps and murmuring got louder after this series of information bombs, and Fumiko grinned. "Such a clever punishment from my brilliant girl." Fumi caught Amaterasu's subtle nod.

"Indeed you are correct, god-mother. And I also agree that more from the royal court should visit there and help out." Fumiko said in a loud but smooth voice. Sarutahiko decided to add his voice to the fray of grumbling kami.

"Yes, my god-daughter, I support the idea as well. Volunteering to spend time with the less fortunate would certainly break up the monotony of court life." He stroked his chin, his eyes twinkling merrily. Finally, Kaya-hime stepped forward.

"Your majesties, my lord and lady, such important things should not be discussed by or decided by anyone that is not a member of the court. Especially one who is barely divine." She sniffed haughtily.

"I suggest, Lady Kaya-hime, that you keep such opinions to yourself. Sister or not, you have no such authority to comment." Amaterasu said coolly, a warning just under the surface. Kaya, though, was not listening.

"I see no reason why such a lovely lady should not be given consideration. After all, our esteemed brother has chosen her. I think we should be allowed to meet her before he solidifies his claim." Said Kuraokami. He had watched the fiery beauty enter with great interest. She did indeed possess a sensual body, but it was the innocence about her that was even more intriguing. Clearly no vixen, but he was certain she could be... trained... to become one. Kaya had nearly forgotten the plan and opened her mouth to rage further, when Iwasuhime elbowed her and glared, nodding her head in Kuraokami's direction. "In fact, I pose that all gods be permitted to present an offer of courtship, and issue a challenge to Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto if they desire her as their bride."

Tsukiyomi growled his dissent, but Fumiko placed a hand on his arm. Amaterasu sighed. Unfortunately, this was something that must be permitted.

"Further, I propose that challenges for the Kitsune be permitted. It's not appropriate for a demigod to have familiars to begin with. Clearly her fiancee has overindulged her, gifting her such a thing." Kuraokami, along with the other kami, still had no inkling exactly what they were asking. "I demand that all challenges be issued directly to this demigod, herself." He had already decided it was the way to win. Amaterasu slid a look at Fumi, who just nodded. Tsukiyomi gripped her hand tighter. Fumi was glad that she had hidden her aura on her mother's advice. Before Amaterasu could announce her response, Uzu jumped into action.

"Did you not hear me when I said she obtained her familiars herself, Kuraokami?" Uzu snapped.

"My apologies for not believing that, Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto. I'm sure they were gifts from Tsukiyomi." He said dismissing Uzu's claims.

"Gifts or not, how dare any of you try to claim them!" She exclaimed.

"They clearly have strong divinity and are blessed familiars. Few of us have such valuable beings in our service. It's our right." Kuraokami insisted. Uzu crossed her arms over her chest, narrowing her eyes. As Tera caught her eye and shook her head subtly, Uzu remained quiet. She knew Fumi could handle any challenge, it just upset her to see everyone being so difficult. In the midst of the upheaval, the Seven Gods of Fortune had entered, watching with amusement. They rarely interfered with disputes among the old kami, with the exception of Ebisu, being a sibling of the Three Precious Children. Even then, he was more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy.

"If Fumiko-hime herself accepts such challenges, I shall permit it. Lady Tachibana, do you agree to accept such challenges and courting?" Amaterasu looked to Fumi, raising her brows. She already knew exactly what her dear Imouto would decide. Tsukiyomi was grinding his teeth, wanting to disallow it, but knowing it was part of their laws. It was just that nobody had bothered for centuries.

"I shall agree, Oneesan." Fumiko said boldly, making Amaterasu grin. She clapped once.

"My dear Imouto has spoken." The kami were in an uproar. Amaterasu snapped her fan shut, silencing all. "You have until tomorrow at midnight to submit your challenges and requests to court Fumiko-hime. After that you will have one day for challenging first, and two days for courting after. The maximum allowed will be five of each, based on rank and order of receipt. Should Lady Tachibana win all challenges she will retain her familiars, and should she deny all suitors, she will marry Tsukiyomi as planned on the New Year, with no further complaint or challenge from any of you. Court is dismissed!"

With that, the other kami left as the Seven Lucky Gods walked over next to Ame-no-Uzume and Sarutahiko, who stood near Amaterasu's throne. Their eyes flickered briefly over Fumiko, but they had no desire to interfere with Tsukiyomi's affairs. They were quite busy managing wishes and the like. Lesser kami, to their minds, had far too much time on their hands, though they all felt that Kuraokami was more than a little bit out of line. Ebisu grinned as he stepped forward after they all bowed briefly.

"Dear sister, brothers, and future sister-in-law. That was sure interesting. Need our help or you've got this under control?" He asked. Amaterasu sighed. Ebisu and the others, despite all the grumpiness of the old kami, were really very kind. It was why they were all lucky, after all.

"My dear new Imouto has everything well under control, for all that Tsukiyomi is barely holding onto his temper." She laughed. Tsukiyomi let out an angry breath.

"I can't fathom how these idiots think they have any right to either tell me what to do or take my chosen bride. It's absolutely disgraceful." He raged. Uzu patted his arm.

"I think so too, god-son-in-law." She cooed. He raised a brow but said nothing.

"Tell you what. We won't interfere, but we'll make sure nobody cheats, hmm?" Ebisu offered.

"Thank you, Oniisan." Amaterasu breathed in relief.