Two Hundred And Seventy

Two Hundred And Seventy

“So, we all know what we need to do?” I asked, looking at our rather large group, standing in a sheltered spot across from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It was quite the varied one, with a mixture of spiritual beings, kami, shrine personnel, our families and some American mercenaries, but we all had the same goal. Making Conclave a success for both Japan and us. I can’t just be a lackey, a grunt for one of the three factions. No, I need to be an equal partner at least.

“Of course.” Kana’s grandfather Masaji-san was the first to speak. Her could see the change, the confidence, that had come over his daughter, as she finally took the duties of her shrine seriously, and he was delighted and proud of her. “Though our shrine is Susanoo faction... our loyalty is to you, Akio-san. After all, our kami trusts and serves you.” He looked at Shirohebi, who alongside the Jade Beetle was waiting, ready for his debut before the faiths of Japan.

“I’ll be attending the main meeting.” His son, Daichi-san said. “So I’ll raise my voice in support. My daughter will attend one of the many smaller side meetings and look for those who might be amenable to listening to her.”

“Leave it to me. I won’t let you down, Akio.” Kana grinned, before unleashing a glowing orb of light on her palm that flickered and bobbled for a few seconds before fading. “I’ll be the talk of the Conclave. No, we will.”

“That’s not fair, Kana-chan, big bro Akio.” Keomi-chan, who was talking to Marika-san, turned to me, her big, guileless eyes wide. “You forgot to take me! I want to make pretty lights too! And Kana-chan and Marika-chan look so pretty now. Their skin is as soft as silk!” she poked Marika-san in the cheek, who flushed.

“It was not very fun.” Marika-san sighed, remembering. “It was scary and painful at times, but... Chiaki-sama and Chiasa-sama are kind. They helped me...”

“I don’t approve of hurting my precious Marika!” her mother complained. “But even so... I can’t believe it. Gods and spiritual powers. And Marika has them too now. I suppose... I should be grateful.” She said at last, looking at the Palace as groups of shrine maidens, priests and others were going inside, hundreds, thousands gathering for what would likely decide the course of Japan’s religion, and would have a huge impact on its politics.

“I want to be helpful to Chairo-sama. And to everyone.” Marika-san insisted, and everyone smiled, as seeing a young girl trying her best with such an earnest wish was definitely a heart-warming sight.

“I guess we missed out as well, huh Asami-chan?” Mio-san giggled. “You too, Takagi-chan, Kikuchi-chan.” The girls were closer friends now, and even the standoffish Takagi-san and the shy Maiko-san were opening up. “I hope next time, we’ll get our chance! Kana-chan said it hurt like hell, but for perfect skin, I’d sit in a vat of boiling oil!”

“I’ll be there too, along with my kami.” Shuta-san said. “My daughter will do her part, with the other members of Amaterasu.” At his words, Maiko-san paled, but she nodded, resolute, and as Takagi-san grasped her hand reassuringly, I could see the tension lift from her. “I will offer my voice in support at Conclave as well, but first... Saionji-sama is waiting.”

“I don’t know just what we can do.” Uncle Junpei said, and auntie echoed him. “But your parents and I, we’ll do our best.”

“Just being there and showing off what your Chirurgery can do is what you wanted, right Aki?” my mom asked, enjoying the feeling of being in hakama, and preening under the gazes she was getting from passing tourists and other shrine personnel, being a British woman of excellent looks, wearing such an outfit. “I’ll tell all the pretty girls they can be just like us if they ask you nicely, Aki!”

“I think our son has more than enough girls around him already.” My father shook his head, a little exasperated. “But yes, you can count on us, son. At first I thought you were hiding something when you said you were doing work with the shrine at Chairoakitara. And you were. But to think it’d come to this...”

“And we know our role.” Trey said in English, as his sister stifled a yawn. Beside him, Travis and Manx nodded too. “Since we don’t speak Japanese, we are just security. At least your family and the others...” he looked at Grulgor and Hyacinth. “... speak it too. So we’ll just be suitably intimidating.”

“Good. Because we need to be on high alert.” I had of course shared the warning of my Foresight with everyone. Aliyah and my parents hadn’t really believed it, until Shaeula and Kana supported me, talking about the yakuza attack and the betrayal of Shaeula’s maids. Now everyone was tense, but we had made preparations.

“Right. Well, don’t forget, we have other allies. Chiyo-san and her neutral shrines, as well as those others we brought in, and Hikawa-Kawagoe. So mingle with our friends and colleagues, and build our support base. I’ll work on those at the top, but even if they won’t play ball, if we win over enough of the shrine maidens and priests who support them, we can pressure them that way.”

“He’s grown up, hasn’t he?” Uncle said, and my father nodded, approving.

“So, bro. Will we see you in the break after the first session?” my sis asked, and I shook my head.

“Probably not. I dare say I’ll end up having to meet the Diviner, or Takakura-san, or maybe one of the other faction heads. Maybe more than one. If I do get chance, I’ll text you though.”

“Okay, that sucks but... whatever. What about afterwards though? No way you’ll miss out on that concert by Red and White. All of us girls are going, right?” At that they all nodded, Takagi-san looking particularly thrilled.

“Sure, your brother will be there to keep an eye on you.” I smiled. “Anyway... so there’s the first session until four pm, then a two hour break, then another session until ten pm. It’s a long day, so everyone, pace yourselves. Haru-san, Eri, Shaeula, you ready?” I turned to Shuta-san. “I suppose we had better meet with Saionji-san, we don’t have a lot of time before the first session begins, and we don’t want to be late...”

********

The inside of the Imperial Palace was luxurious indeed. Signs were up outside saying it was closed to the public this weekend, and now it was filled with thousands of visitors from all the true shrines and temples of Japan. As we admired the architecture and interior décor, a young priest led the seven of us to a small room, where three people were waiting for us.

The first was a middle-aged man sitting behind an antique desk. He radiated an aura of authority, as if he was used to being obeyed, and his black hair was neatly trimmed and styled, framing an austere face with a sharp nose that gave him the look of a hungry raptor. His dark eyes surveyed us as we entered, his interest plain to see. Standing behind him was a somewhat older man, a bit tired-looking, and hunched, with his hair going to grey. Still as our eyes met, I could feel power within him. Within both of them. So, Saionji-san is a Candidate too. And quite a powerful one. A match for Yamato-san at least...

It was the third figure that drew my eye though. She was sitting down, seemingly half asleep, her dark chocolate skin a shade lighter than Trey or Aliyah, but her body-line was tight and clean, with a decent chest, accentuated by the deep red sundress she wore, with white detailing around the bust, wrists and hem. Her long brown hair was covering her face, dangling down, and as I looked at her, one eye flickered open lazily, a brilliant ruby colour, yet her eye held little heat, only a dull exhaustion. She looked past me, to see Shaeula and Haru-san and the Jade Beetle kami, only to jolt upright, nearly falling out of her chair.

“You... you three are all like me!” The woman said, surprised.

I heard Haru-san take a mournful breath, and I couldn’t blame her. After all, she may be an Onryo now, but she’s human at heart still... not some spiritual being.

“Calm yourself, Akai.” The composed man said, who was surely Saionji-san. “If you are going to be annoying, you can go back to sleep until the Conclave.”

“But... that one is strong.” She eyed Shaeula warily. “I smell fire, and light, wind, a powerful water...” she turned to Haru-san then. “Light from her too.” She wrinkled her nose. “That one...” she pointed at the Jade Beetle kami triumphantly. “... is a divinity, though far less potent than I, of course. Stinks of wind.” She thrust out her ample chest proudly. “Flame, light and darkness... ugh, I dislike the dark.” She glanced at Eri, shuddering. “And you...” she turned to me, before her chocolate skin whitened, quite a feat. A sudden look of fear crossed her face. “No, he’s powerful! I don’t... I don’t think I can fight him! Darkness, light, fire, water, air, earth, wood... even hints of space. Ugh... a monster!” She shrank back in her chair, making herself look small, her hair wrapping around her like wings.

“The Night Parade.” Saionji-san shuddered. “They are supposed to roam over the entirety of Japan, yet for the last few months they have stalked Kyoto. Did... did you face them?” he asked, incredulous.

“Just some of their offshoots who picked a fight. They won’t be doing it again.” I said. No way I’m going to fight the whole Parade head-on. Just seeing it was enough to tell me that would be total suicide. “As for dealing with them in the long term... well, let me say I have an idea.”

Behind me Shaeula grinned, though there was some nervousness in it, no doubt as she worried her mother wouldn’t be pleased to see her, wouldn’t accept her, so my hand snaked out and grasped hers. Eri took her other hand.

That gave Saionji-san pause. “I see. That aid... I would have given much for it.”

“Well, it isn’t as though I can’t help you.” I said mildly. “But I don’t work for free.”

“I see. Well...” Saionji-san frowned, finishing his tea, so I did the same, drinking down the remaining liquid in my cup. “... I had feared you were determined to support Susanoo. Or was a puppet of the nobility. I see that isn’t the case... well, that allayed my fears a little.” He looked down, checking the time. “Well, we should be going. Conclave awaits. Akai, I know you aren’t sleeping. Get up.” He chided his spiritual being.

“Sorry, sorry. I don’t like them. They’re strong!” she said, nervous, peering at us through her hair.

“I am quite offended.” Shaeula sighed. “What does my strength have to do with being likable? I am quite-quite the charming female, and Akio is very kind, should you not-not threaten him or his loved ones.”

“One last thing.” Saionji-san said, standing. “I intended to introduce spiritual beings to the faithful at Conclave, but now I know I am not alone in having such a companion. I would ask that you let me raise Akai here first. Surely a small favour like this is nothing?”

“Fine. Although I want time to speak, so make sure you don’t shout me down when it’s my turn, all right?”

As we haggled over some details on how we would proceed at Conclave, Maiko-san left to attend one of the smaller meetings. I told her to be careful, and she nodded, a small smile on her face. We reached the grand hall, where Conclave was taking place, and it was already bustling, four blocks of seating arrayed in front of the raised stage that occupied the back of the hall. A throne was the centrepiece, and it was actually occupied by a girl around my age, wearing a rich red, white and gold hakama, her hair pulled into a pair of brown braids, her face looking pale and nervous, her eyes darting about behind her red-framed glasses. Is that Princess Mikasa? I’m meeting a real princess. A real human one, anyway...

“I must take my place. Akai, go with Yasaka-san and don’t fall asleep.” Saionji-san ordered her. “Shuta-san, join the others.” He turned to me then. “And where will you sit? With Susanoo?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I think I’ll sit with Chiyo-san in the neutral seating for now. I can always change places later.” I grinned.

“That is quite a statement. It will annoy Uchida, so I don’t disapprove. I hope when you hear my reasoning, you will see that supporting me and my plans is the only viable path for Japan.”

“Right back at you. My plan shouldn’t totally disappoint you, even if you have to compromise a bit.”

“Well, I shall listen, in deference to you having saved Shuta-san, one of my own, and your honesty during our meeting. Just don’t let fools drag you to their own pace. Susanoo reeks of defeatism, and that old fox Kudou... well, the splinters you’ll get from sitting on the fence will annoy you.”

With that he headed for the front dais. I could see the veiled form of the Diviner next to the Princess, Kudou-san next to her. Yamato-san’s father was on the other side, and Takakura-san was there too. As Saionji-san took his own seat, I went past the Susanoo area, drawing a lot of looks, including a searching one from Hikawa-san, who was in the front row of the chairs. I merely nodded back, winking, and he sighed, getting the message. I’ve talked to each faction, and while before I was begging for this opportunity, now I’m owed it, earned it. Things have changed.

The four of us were attracting a fair number of looks. Shaeula wasn’t in shrine maiden attire, but her kimono, while Haru-san was in a suit. I didn’t look like a priest either. Eri was in hakama, which was a fresh look for her, but even so, we looked out of place. Still, we took seats in the second row of the neutral area, a few people grumbling as they had to move for us, but Chiyo-san, who was sitting directly in front of us, smirked.

“So, sitting with us today, Akio-kun? A good choice. It’s a statement. So, you had a good talk with Gin-kun, the reckless fool, right? That’s everyone then. What did you think?”

“I think you’ll find out when I get to speak.” I said, earning a raised eyebrow. It was then, as the last of the attendees were taking their seats, over two thousand people filling the hall, that the great doors boomed shut, and the last of the moderators, Bankei-san, took his seat on the stage.

Picking up a microphone, Bankei-san spoke. “Testing, testing. Can everyone hear me, especially at the back? It has been a long time since the last Conclave. Many of us were not even alive for that.” There was some laughter at his joke, an amused ripple that went around the hall, but there was uneasiness too.

“I shall introduce those of us who are key to this. Though I expect you all already know us. This humble one is Bankei, and I shall be chairing this Conclave. So while I expect there will be heated debate, accusations and the usual infighting, please do not forget why they called me Bankei the Hammer. I may be old, but I can still smite you young ones if you step out of line.” More laughter, and the mood lightened a little. “Saionji-san, Uchida-san and Kudou-san are well known to you all, keeping everybody in line. They will each have their chance to speak, as will any of you who need to, though we only have two days, so try and stick to the point. I do not wish to have to cast any of you out. Everyone should have their chance to hear and be heard.”

I see. Well, it makes sense having a respected and unaffiliated priest like Bankei-san take the reins.

“The Lady Diviner is watching. Do not disgrace yourselves in front of her. As the voice of the kami, we will of course need her wisdom.” He continued, and she raised a slender hand, though my keen eyes could see it trembling a little. “And as for the representative of the Imperial Family, one of our own, shrine maiden of Amaterasu, of the Grand Shrine at Ise, protecting the country from all spiritual ills, is Princess Mikasa.”

“I am honoured to be here, though I don’t know what wisdom I can impart.” She said, despite her nerves, speaking clearly and with elegant diction. I dare say she’s used to public speaking as a Princess, even if she’s kept out of the public eye most of her life.

“Lastly, representing the nobility of Japan, is the friend of the faiths, Takakura-san.”

“I am pleased to be here in these troubling times. As ever, I shall speak freely and fairly, honest to the needs of the wider Japan. I ask only that you listen with an open mind.”

“So, now this humble one...” he paused, allowing the gravity of the moment to sink in. “... shall open with why we are all gathered here. It is simple. The kami, the Gods... they are returning. The world lost fifteen hundred years ago... the spiritual, both good and bad, the Yokai and other beings... soon the world will have to deal with them once again. To that end... we have to make a choice, as to how we shall respond. A choice that affects not just us, but Japan, no, the very world!”

As Bankei-san spoke, I felt a rising tension within me. Here we go, this is it. I planned to be here months ago, and I’ve laid the groundwork for it. Now all I have to do is convince those here of my plans. And it won’t be easy...