Sitting on the throne, there is a moment of sheer silence. Nothing seems to happen nor change. Ameiko’s look of concern can be seen clearly across the throne room. Fearing that maybe she was not worthy after all, Ameiko goes to stand.

“Sit child” the voice echoes with divine power, both commanding and kind.

Wreathed in golden fire, a statuesque woman steps out from behind the throne. Dressed in imperial royal clothes and carrying a katana in one hand and a chrysanthemum in the other, the woman walks around to stand before the bewildered empress.

“Divine decree has been restored, you are a true heir of Minkai, a descendent of the original five families I bestowed the right of rule upon” Turning to face you all she bows low. “I am Shizuru, the Goddess of rulership, sun and honour and your actions as mortals have gained the attention of all those who sit in the celestial heavens. We are honoured by your strength and conviction and have restored our faith in the mortal realm again”.

Turning her attention back to Ameiko, Shizuru places the chrysanthemum in Ameiko’s hands. “You hold the Divine Empire of Minkai in your hands. How you rule is up to you but remember, like this flower, an iron grip will crush it but if you do not hold it, it will fall”

“It is time to address your nation, to ease their suffering and restore the might of the Jade Throne.”

Reaching down, Shizuro places her finger on the flower in Ameiko’s hands. A ripple flows over your friend as the blood and armour is replaced by thick silken robes and imperial jewellery. Beckoning her to stand, she escorts Ameiko over to the window.

“Speak to your people, they will hear what you say”

Ameiko looks back at you all. At a loss of words for once, she looks to you for approval.

Slowly, she turns back to stare out across the city of Kasai, bathed in the morning light. A glittering treasure in the crown of Minkai.

“People of Minkai, hear my words. I, Ameiko Amatatsu, last of the Imperial Families have claimed the Jade Throne from the imposter that was the Jade Regent, traitor and assassin of Emperor Shigure.” With each word, Ameiko’s voice grows stronger and more confident and as you watch, she appears in the sky above the lands, her voice carried to all that dwell within the empire.

“The armies of north currently fight for your freedom, to drive the oni and dis-honourable from our lands. Support them, they are your saviours and guardians. To those who are currently fighting, victory is ours due to your heroic efforts, Minkai will honour the fallen and celebrate their victory.

To the enemies of Minkai, the oni, the dis-honourable and those who revel in the darkness of war………RUN!! Your leaders lay defeated, your depredations lay revealed. Minkai will not tolerate your presence, this is the land of the people and you will be destroyed!! Run and never allow the light of Minkai to fall upon you again.

There is much to do, rebuild lives, families, homes and farms. Minkai is the Empire of Dawn and Shizuru’s blessing is firmly upon us again.”

With her final words, a golden dragon image appears above Ameiko, the avatar of Shizuru. Within the city you can already hear the cheers and shouts of support. People throng to the streets and in the bright morning sun, hundreds of thousands of people stand staring up the Royal Palace and begin to pray.

Turning to you all, Ameiko gives you a grin and takes in your torn and bloodied clothes. “Time for a change of clothes my friends, the public await their national heroes”.