AWWA-Yesterday, Today, and Forever(IC-Closed)

[Unicario]

January 22, 1901

"You know, she hasn't aged well-- OW!" Alexander rubbed his rib-cage in annoyance as the young Empress Meiji glared at him from behind her glasses. "Don't be so rude, boy. She's 82, what did you expect her to look like, a spring chicken? You know how the warping elements of age turn your bones brittle, and draw your skin out."

Alexander pushed his glasses up his nose and shrugged, "I'm just kidding; She was the closest thing I had to a sister, really. I have to tease her about something, it's not fun otherwise. How did you even have her, weren't you like, old?"

Meiji grinned with a familiar shit-eating grin, "Fertility is relative, my child."

The two turned their attentions back to the dying Queen of the United Kingdom. Meiji sat down in a chair next to Victoria, and gently ran her hand through her daughter's hair. "Your burdens shall all soon be over." She laughed quietly, and said, "I cannot begin to express to you how proud I am of you. I can only feel remorse that I never got to see your reign in the mortal flesh, but I saw enough of it. You have done the British people a great service, the daughter of two naval empires under the shining sun."

She rose and looked at the map pinned on the wall. "From Vancouver to Burma, the British Empire's zenith stands strong. It shan't last, but it shall be a civilizing influence for an eternity." She traced her finger around the island chain of Japan. "The sun is recurring theme in many things, Alexander."

Alexander nodded, "Empire of the Rising Sun, our homeland... and our brother-land, the land where the Sun Never Sets."
Meiji, "The Sun Gods of the Inca, defended by the aegis of the Eight Corners."
Alexander, "And the Germans, risen from the ruins, so that the sun always shines."

Meiji spoke somberly, before smiling some. "The last of the old guard is dying, Alexander. The Queen is on high."

The two faced Victoria, and smiled. Meiji said, "My child. You should be proud of all you have created."

[Shrillland]

Victoria was able to see again, and she saw the beaming faces of her mother and her nephew. All she could say was, 'Thank you...but I feel I have not done enough because..."

"Because why, Mother?" In another corner was a voiced she was shocked to hear...it was her daughter, the Kaiserin of Germany...herself dying this day, and next to her was someone she had longed to see for far too long...

"Albert!" She ran as fast as she could and embraced her husband, the man for whom her grief had overpowered her. "Vicky! You're dead too?"

"Indeed, just twenty minutes past, Grandmother came and said that we needed to visit you before we moved on. But I'm asking again, why do you feel unfulfilled? Thanks to you, Britain and Japan are like the two halves of the Roman Empire of old, only much stronger and more civilised. You've kept the American Empire together, you expanded civilisation to Africa and India, and the South Seas are covered by ships from Britannia's mighty dominions. Now, her children are coming into their own, Canada and Britain are leading the Western World to a bright future just as Japan is leading the East. So why are you unfulfilled?"

"Because I could've done so much more for this world...but I let my grief overshadow me, I gave up on affairs of state and let Parliament do all the work while I took all the credit, I even distanced myself from my son and heir, preferring his younger brothers just because of his cavalier personal affairs. You were greater than I could ever be, Mother, and Edward will be greater, I'm sure. I apologise for letting you down, Mother...."

But something else Meiji said struck into her mind.

"You said the Empire wouldn't last. Why wouldn't it? It's beloved by all who profit from its virtues, and all do profit, from the jungles of Bengal to the shores of Oregon. Wat could possibly destroy it?"

[Unicario]

"Because I could've done so much more for this world...but I let my grief overshadow me, I gave up on affairs of state and let Parliament do all the work while I took all the credit, I even distanced myself from my son and heir, preferring his younger brothers just because of his cavalier personal affairs. You were greater than I could ever be, Mother, and Edward will be greater, I'm sure. I apologise for letting you down, Mother...."

Meiji smiled sagely, "You did not let me down. The British people are not the Japanese. The establishment of the system of Japan's governance is deep-rooted in generations of veneration of the Imperial Way, and Japan shall be unique in being one of the only transparent authoritarian states to ever exist, that much is certain. I did my best to help bring Japan to where it could sustain itself for generations, and in time, so shall Britain; it will find itself."

She smiled, "And you will be remembered better by Europeans than I will; my legacy extends far and wide, and the veneration of my image and my ideals shall be celebrated by Japan and her sphere of influence, yes; but you shall always be remembered fondly among the Europeans."

But something else Meiji said struck into her mind.

"You said the Empire wouldn't last. Why wouldn't it? It's beloved by all who profit from its virtues, and all do profit, from the jungles of Bengal to the shores of Oregon. Wat could possibly destroy it?"

Meiji gestured at the map once more, "Nationalism and anti-Imperialism, my dear. Britain's Empire is not absolute; there will remain those who seek to exploit, and there will always be some things that will see fit to tear Empires asunder. The legacy of Europe is one covered in the blood of aborigines; it is only through providence that such a fate was spared for Asia. Had my ancestor not emerged to force the unity of the Japanese nation, and had I not piloted a program of strengthening China, it would have been inevitable for the spectre of imperialism to creep into East Asia."

She gestured widely, "Imperialism will die before the end of this new strange century; and it will be a matter of choice to ride out the wave that shall follow upon it."

[Shrillland]

Victoria sighed. "If that is the choice of man, so be it. I, however, have no wish to ride out such a wave myself. I'm just ready to go to whatever may await us all."

"And for that, we will help you out like we always did," said Albert. "It's time."

"But I do have to ask..."

"You can't put it off, dearest. Besides, your father's waiting for you too."

"Let's go, mother. In time, all of us will be together again, and you'll have quite a story to tell them."

So Princess Victoria said, and so the family of Yamato and Hanover departed this world.

The Western Empire now had a new sovereign: King Edward VII

[Unicario]

January 23, 1901

The early morning had brought snow flurries into Tokyo. Empress Elizabeth sat quietly in the Imperial Palace's gardens, bundled up in a coat, silently smoking a cigarette. Her husband was sitting next to her, holding and reading a letter that had just arrived from the British embassy a few blocks over. "and it is with a heavy heart that I must convey that as of yesterday, Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, is no more. God Save the King."

Elizabeth took another long drag from her cigarette and sighed, watched the smoke and steam mix together in the morning air. "And now, Western Rome bears a new Emperor. Compose a quick note and have it sent to the Chancellor's office with haste. January 22 shall now be commemorated as Victoria Day, to celebrate the life of one of Japan's finest daughters. Make sure it is noted that this is an imperial decree, with the utmost urgency."

Her husband scribbled it down and Empress Elizabeth sat back and took another drag. "Thank you, Niko. I'm going to go inside and write a letter to London. Excuse me," She rose and walked back into the palace, and up to her study, the same study which had been home to many monarchs before her. Each monarch designed the room a bit differently, for her father, the wall was decorated in maps and atlases, and the inspirational portraits of Alexander the Great and other monarchs of historical legend. For Elizabeth, she decorated it in fascinating pieces of propaganda, portraits of famous Japanese citizens, as well as family portraits -- her father, her great-aunt, her brothers and sisters, and the many other people that made up her family.

Of course, like Alexander, one portrait took up the largest portion of the wall; hanging over the classical Western fireplace. Empress Meiji in full battle regalia, wearing a classical samurai outfit, looked at the female Empress with a critical eye. Elizabeth sighed and stretched, and went to compose her letter. The new King of the West was her elder by three years, but even then, they lacked the personal relationship of Meiji and George III, or Alexander and Victoria. They barely knew each other, having grown up in two different courts, worlds apart. She still expressed doubt that he even knew much about his Japanese heritage, not that such things would matter to the King of the United Kingdom, he is a Briton through and through, bla bla bla...

She went to task on her letter.

Official communique from
HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY

---

To: My Cousin, King Edward VII of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

---

Cousin,

The Empire mourns the loss of Victoria. One of the brightest children of both our civilizations has passed on to the great beyond, and with it, the world is but a slightly bit darker now. My deepest sympathies for your mother's passing, and for the burden you must now carry as King of Britons. That being said, I wish to extend to you my deepest sincere wishes for great luck and health in your reign, and in the hopes that you may move forward and ensure that Britain's golden age lasts forever.

I wish to attend your mother's funeral, and your coronation. I have been informed by the Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary that your mother's funeral is to be conducted on the 4th of February, and I shall attend without hesitation. I would feel remiss if I did not attend the funeral of a woman who was very close to my father, and was an idol to me; and I would feel even more remiss if I did not attend the coronation of His Royal Majesty, in both capacity as the Empress of Japan, and as the Duchess of Gloucester, Kent and Strathearn; I feel it only becoming that we celebrate life, and commiserate death together as a family. The Yamato clan since the life of the Empress Meiji, has blossomed in foreign members. From where we were once only confined the mere isles of Japan, now, our blood sits upon the thrones of Emperors and Kings. As a result of your mother's birth and destiny as written by fate, the Yamato name carries proud the world over.

I would like to see our family come together to mourn the death of our dear Victoria, it would be unjust not to give one of history's greatest women the send-off and circumstantial funeral she so proudly deserves, surrounded by all the family she ever had known.

With love,
Your cousin, Elizabeth

Shortly after sending the letter, Empress Elizabeth prepared to depart for Europe. Instead of taking ship as had been previously "standard", she felt daring enough to utilize the Intra-Japanese Railway (which had been constructed to connect Japan and Korea), and then the Japanese-Russian Railway Connector that united Japan's railway with Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway; and then take that through Germany and France, before ferrying across the English Channel to Kent, where from there she would conduct herself to London... and then repeat the process the other way at the end of the journey.

[Shrillland]

To: My dearest cousin, Elizabeth, Empress of Japan,

My dear cousin,

The world mourns as I mourn the passing of my dear mother. The only thing that brings me solace is that she's back with father and can never be parted from him again. As always, I wish you great luck for your reign, for I have a feeling that we may both need it ere all is over...but that could just be my sadness speaking.

At my ancestor, George IV, once said about our family, "If no invitations are given, it's because none are needed." You are always welcome here no matter what the call. My Mother's funeral will be on the 4th, and we hope to have the coronation and the durbar as soon as possible. The durbar will likely not be until 1902 since Lord Curzon would have much to coordinate, but I hope we can meet in Delhi for the occasion.

According to mother's wishes, it will be a military funeral complete with all the ceremony that she desired. She will be buried next to father, and I sincerely hope to see you there when it is done. Our family will be glad to see you again, my dear. I hope we can become closer now that we were in the past. I don't know if I can come to Japan this year, but my son, George, has thought about travelling our two empires with his wife later this year, and I hope I can at least meet them and you when they arrive in Tokyo.

Thank you so much for coming here, I hope to see you soon.

With love,
your dear cousin Edward

[Bojikami]

January 27th, 1901
Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire

In the past months, Eastern Europe had grown tense. Ruthenian propaganda spoke of a Greater Slavic Empire, one that would stretch from Poznan to Vladivostok, from Skopje to the north of Russian Karelia. This caused friction between Oleksandr and the Russian Tsar, whom had both had a hand in various border clashes, assassination attempts, and other plots against one another. The most recent, known to some as the Battle of the Donets River was a military confrontation between a Ruthenian Cossack regiment and a Russian army regiment, the ensuing clash claimed 63 lives.

The Ruthenian press was in outrage. Many leaders, political, religious, and military, all called for war against the Russian Empire and the razing of Moskva. Oleksandr and various Nazi leaders knew though that Ruthenia could not effectively wage war against the Russians and the rest of their allies, even with the support of their allies. Not yet anyways. In an attempted show of goodwill, more so as an act to stall a possible Russian attack, Ruthenia dispatched a diplomat to Saint Petersburg in an attempt to calm the tensions in the east. All was going fine for several weeks, the border clashes had ceased and even the more hawkish members of the Duma had ceased the calls for war on both sides. In light of successes, Ruthenia prepared to call the diplomat, Maksim Chenyk, back to Kyiv. However, during the day of January 25th, Maksim was assassinated by Tatar nationalist Qamar Ali.

The story broke in Kyiv first and across Ruthenia during the following day, and on the 27th the Nazi Party had organised a pogrom against what Tatars, Muslims, and various 'undesirables' remained outside of the ghettoes and encampments: attacking with mottos of: "Justice for Maksim! Death to the barbarians!" On the eve of January 26th, mobs of angry citizens and Nazi agitators attacked and looted businesses, homes and mosques. The people within were attacked and terrorised by the mobs.

On the following day, a new set of laws were passed, slowing the process of the ghetto liquidation and opening new ghettoes for other persecuted ethnic groups. Oleksandr and the Nazi government state that these acts are done in order to protect the minorities from further violence and death. However, the acts also took further steps of dehumanisation, taking away Ruthenian citizenship from the groups and forcing all of them into designated city districts.

[Luziyca]

January 28, 1901
Streets of Haishenwai, China
The future Emperor, Henry II had gone to visit the city of Haishenwai. It seemed pretty modern: despite the Chinese architecture, Henry II knew that Haishenwai would be the object of both Japanese and Russian ambition.

He had gone to speak to the population about the necessity for Chinese migration into Manchuria, calling it "the new West," and concerned that its sparse population may make Manchuria vulnerable to Japanese and Russian ambition. He also pledged to develop Haishenwai so it can become the "Shanghai of the North."

Now that he had finished his speaking, he headed to a pub with his confidante (and future Prime Minister), Choi Buk. Choi Buk was born in Antong on the border with Korea, and just like Henry II, he viewed Japan as a threat. After all, the Crown Prince supported Plan B as was published a while back. After they both ordered drinks at a local bar, they took their seats on the bar stools.

"So," Henry II said, "I am glad we got a few days before we have to head back to Beijing. Quite frankly, China has to expand its influence, and fast. We need to develop a navy, and fast, to counteract the influence of the Japs."

"Damned right, your Highness," Choi Buk said. "I mean, what are the Japs good for anyways? Human leather?"

"Leather... maybe," the Crown Prince remarked. He smiled at the thought of dead Japanese people being made into suits of human leather, and chuckled at the thought. "I mean, they are basically island monkeys. They may have helped us industrialize, but they have definitely outlived their usefulness. I mean, they rebelled against us in the Comoros in the First Great War."

Choi Buk sighed, and stated, "I agree. The Japs need to realize that China will inevitably rise. The only reason why they are so important and dominant is because the Qing closed itself until your grandpa took power."

"I know," the Crown Prince stated. "But now, we need to show the island monkeys that China is the true master of the Orient. Even if it means the Japs have to follow every command that Beijing issues."

"They need to rub the lotion on their skin or else they will get the hose again," Choi declared.

That was when the bartender said to the Crown Prince, and Choi Buk, "Your Royal Highness, and you fella, I'm gonna have to cut ya' off. You drank too much booze."

At least there was no way anybody will notice the discussion... right?

[Unicario]

January 29, 1901
Moscow

"Your Imperial Majesty, news from our special agents in Haishenwai. This telegram came for you." A man in a dark suit stated, bowing deeply to the seated Empress, who looked at the letter in his hand. Taking it from him, she began to read aloud.

To Her Imperial Majesty.

I must report with some celerity that the situation in Haishenwai is peaceful. The Manchurians seem to live beneath the sword of the Han yoke, and yearn for the freedom of self-determination. While the Muscovite may have ambitions on this land, and certainly, we will provide for them their desires in due time should our alliance between the Romanov and Yamato dynasty flourish for century more.

But I must say, that during my cover as a bartender, I had the miraculous fortunes to serve drinks to His Majesty, the Crown Prince of Chuugoku, and a close confidant of him. While I could have delivered a fatal dose of poison to them, I chose not to. In my process, I heard a most disturbing rumor; Prince Henry openly stated his affirmation to the idea of the wiping out of the Japanese race in Asia, to be used as leather belts for Chinese civilians. He intends to use our people as... some form of clothing item. I can affirm to you now, madame, that China will not be a future ally or close trading partner under the reign of his Highness, the future Henry II.

I can then only recommend to you madam, that we institute Operational Plans to prepare for a potential conflict with the Chinese, and take every possible step to ensure that China cannot and will not undertake offensive capacity against Japan. Even if it means making the Chinese nation pay with buckets of blood. The Asian fraternity is threatened by the forces of inbred reaction.

The Empress quietly pondered the letter, and slipped it into her pocket. She quietly sighed, "And here I thought I could build a continent of peace. Please send telegram to Tokyo and tell them that upon my return, we will hold a council on how to deal with this matter. For the moment, I trust the judgement of my husband in stately affairs."

She then rose. "I am off to meet with the Tsar of all Russias, and then I am on to Kiev, Berlin, Paris, and then to London, for my aunt's funeral. Thank you."

---

January 29, 1901

The doors to the room opened, and a caller announced. "Presenting, Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth Yamato, Empress of Japan and East Asia, Rightful Queen of Hawai'i Which Remains Under The Tyrannical Occupation of the American Yoke, Empress of Ethiopia and Somalia, Duchess of Gloucester, Kent and Strathearn."

Empress Elizabeth, in imperial regalia, entered the throne room of the Tsar of Russia, and smiled broadly at the Tsar and his court. "I apologize that we could not meet in the beautiful capital of St. Petersburg, but I do not have much time to traverse that far out of my way. My aunt's funeral is in less than a week and I still must cross Europe, and meet with the Kaiser of the Germans, and Emperor of the French."

[Bojikami]

January 29, 1901
Moscow

"Your Imperial Majesty, news from our special agents in Haishenwai. This telegram came for you." A man in a dark suit stated, bowing deeply to the seated Empress, who looked at the letter in his hand. Taking it from him, she began to read aloud.

To Her Imperial Majesty.

I must report with some celerity that the situation in Haishenwai is peaceful. The Manchurians seem to live beneath the sword of the Han yoke, and yearn for the freedom of self-determination. While the Muscovite may have ambitions on this land, and certainly, we will provide for them their desires in due time should our alliance between the Romanov and Yamato dynasty flourish for century more.

But I must say, that during my cover as a bartender, I had the miraculous fortunes to serve drinks to His Majesty, the Crown Prince of Chuugoku, and a close confidant of him. While I could have delivered a fatal dose of poison to them, I chose not to. In my process, I heard a most disturbing rumor; Prince Henry openly stated his affirmation to the idea of the wiping out of the Japanese race in Asia, to be used as leather belts for Chinese civilians. He intends to use our people as... some form of clothing item. I can affirm to you now, madame, that China will not be a future ally or close trading partner under the reign of his Highness, the future Henry II.

I can then only recommend to you madam, that we institute Operational Plans to prepare for a potential conflict with the Chinese, and take every possible step to ensure that China cannot and will not undertake offensive capacity against Japan. Even if it means making the Chinese nation pay with buckets of blood. The Asian fraternity is threatened by the forces of inbred reaction.

The Empress quietly pondered the letter, and slipped it into her pocket. She quietly sighed, "And here I thought I could build a continent of peace. Please send telegram to Tokyo and tell them that upon my return, we will hold a council on how to deal with this matter. For the moment, I trust the judgement of my husband in stately affairs."

She then rose. "I am off to meet with the Tsar of all Russias, and then I am on to Kiev, Berlin, Paris, and then to London, for my aunt's funeral. Thank you."

---

January 29, 1901

The doors to the room opened, and a caller announced. "Presenting, Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth Yamato, Empress of Japan and East Asia, Rightful Queen of Hawai'i Which Remains Under The Tyrannical Occupation of the American Yoke, Empress of Ethiopia and Somalia, Duchess of Gloucester, Kent and Strathearn."

Empress Elizabeth, in imperial regalia, entered the throne room of the Tsar of Russia, and smiled broadly at the Tsar and his court. "I apologize that we could not meet in the beautiful capital of St. Petersburg, but I do not have much time to traverse that far out of my way. My aunt's funeral is in less than a week and I still must cross Europe, and meet with the Kaiser of the Germans, and Emperor of the French."

"This is fine, you majesty." Nicholas began. "The situation in Saint Petersburg is rather... strained. A diplomat from Ruthenia was shot there not to long ago by some scoundrel from Tatary. We apprehended him and turned him over to Ruthenian authorities, but we fear there may be more of his ilk hiding in the city. There is no need to worry here, however. The guards in Moscow are on highest alert." He turned and looked over at a map of the world, eyeing China specifically. "I presume saying hello is not your only purpose for this visit. You too, are concerned about the Chinese and the possibility of a war in Asia."

[Shrillland]

Buckingham Palace
London
January 29, 1901

As his mother lay in repose at Windsor, King Edward now had his first audience with the Prime Minister as sovereign. The situation did not give him the chance for rest, indeed, the Ruthenian troubles were the cause of much concern.

"The news from the continent is repellent to say the least," Salisbury said, gasping for breath between sentences. He would be 71 the day after the funeral, and he was far from well in recent months; his great bulk did not help matters. "The Ruthenians are passing severe laws against the 'undesirables', and they're forcing them into ghettos left and right." I had hoped to inform you a few days ago, but the death of Her Majesty and Her Highness in Germany complicated matters."

"You don't have to remind me, Robert." Edward said. Losing both his mother and his sister on the same day had devastated him, and he was not given the slightest respite thanks to the trouble. "Nonetheless, this is a serious problem, and it's one that we cannot ignore. What do you suggest?"

"My own government is torn on the issue. After resigning from the Foreign office myself, Lord Landsdowne has been more adamant against the...less democratic nations on the continent. He suggests an Empire-wide policy of sanctions, and is insisting on communicating with the other dominions to implement it. My colleague, Mr. Balfour...and if you ask me, Your Majesty, I'm thinking of making Arthur my successor...he wants to refer the issue to New York for a Security Council resolution condemning Ruthenian actions. He thinks that sanctions would be far better if the whole world were to enforce them, with military force if necessary."

"And your suggestion?"

"I'm inclined to agree with Balfour on this issue, truthfully. We're going to need to full force of the World behind us if we're going to take such a bold step against Ruthenia. Our allies in Russia face a great peril if they are allowed to fulfill their mad fantasies, as do the Ottomans, Japan, and even China, whom we are striving to make an amicable state in Asia." No news concerning the Crown Prince's drunken declaration had yet reached London; as a secret matter, none was expected.

Edward sighed. "Very well, I have to agree with you and Mr. Balfour...not that I have any say in the matter, of course," he said with a wink, which brought a small smile to Salisbury's face. "But you do have the right ideas. We should send Mr. Balfour to New York to open the matter before the United Nations...after the funeral of course."

"Of course, Your Majesty." And with that, their conversation turned to their respective mourning, Edward for his family, Salisbury for his wife, whom he stilled grieved for after two years.

[Luziyca]

January 30, 1901
Beijing, Celestial Empire

That remark spread rather quickly to the far reaches of the Chinese Empire, spawning a debate. While many people agreed that what Choi Buk and the Crown Prince said was wrong, it was clear that the intent of the message, that China should be the dominant power of Asia was accepted. But many felt that there should be increased co-operation with Tokyo, including Empress Catherine.

When Empress Catherine heard of the remark by her son of wanting to turn Japanese people into "human leather," she was furious. She immediately summoned her son back from Haishenwai to Beijing to scold him for these incendiary remarks.

"YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE FAMILY!" she shouted at him. "You have suggested that we start a new Great War, and for what? To commit suicide as a dominant power in Asia? You do realize that the ONLY WAY TO KEEP OUR STATUS AS DOMINANT POWER WITHIN ASIA IS TO co-operate with TOKYO!?"

The Crown Prince was stunned by those remarks that his mother was saying.

"IF YOU TAKE THE THRONE AND YOU IMPLEMENT YOUR PLANS," the Empress warned, "JAPAN WILL NOT BE SO MERCIFUL TOWARDS YOUR NATION. ALL YOU WOULD BRING UPON CHINA IS CENTURIES OF IRRELEVANCE AND DESPAIR! SO YOU MUST MODERATE YOUR WAYS NOW. IS THAT CLEAR?"

He nodded.

"Good," she said. "Now if you excuse me, I have to meet with Niohuru Jiao." She dismissed her son, and then shouted towards Jiao, "Come in."

Niohuru Jiao entered the room for an audience with the Empress. "Your Majesty, I feel that what your son is doing will bring harm to the Celestial Empire of China. After all, you see, he is clearly a madman."

She nodded, and remarked, "Yes. My son seems a bit mad. I think that the best thing to do with him is that when I die, that his daughter become regent, so to minimize the damage that will be caused to the Celestial Empire internationally. If he does take power, he will bring nothing but the collapse of the Empire, and for what? Just to make a point to the Japs? The Japs have been merciful towards us, so I have a feeling that they won't be so nice the next time around."

"I agree, your Majesty," Jiao replied. "I should also remove Choi Buk from the position of Minister of Defense, because he seems like a rabid nationalist, just like your son."

The Empress nodded. "You have my blessing," she finally stated. "Anything to contain the fascist nationalists."

"Very well, ma'am," Jiao responded.

"You may now leave," the Empress said.

With these words, Niohuru Jiao left the room. She was left alone in the throne room, and sighed.

Catherine worried for the future of China: she was working really hard to rebuild China and to improve relations with Japan, but her son wants to destroy all the effort that she has put in to it, just so to start a new war that will lead to the downfall of China. She may not have been fond of Japan, but China did gain more by peace.

Additionally, she worried a bit of the Mandate of Heaven: if her son did execute those plans, Heaven may be so outraged with him that it would refuse to permit anyone else to be Emperor, but instead to just have something else spring up in its place. Something that may harm the Chinese people in the long run.

She stood up and headed towards her study, walking slowly. Once she got there, she took her seat, and looked at the map of China. From Huangjiashan and Lengshui in the west to Shanghai, Beijing, and Haishenwai in the east, she marvelled at the vast expanse of the Chinese Empire. Metropolitan China reached as far west as the Caspian Sea, and it did span two hemispheres. If her son were in charge... that area will change for the worse.

[Unicario]

( I just realized our planes are about the level of Interwar. Duh.)

January 29, 1901
Moscow

"Your Imperial Majesty, news from our special agents in Haishenwai. This telegram came for you." A man in a dark suit stated, bowing deeply to the seated Empress, who looked at the letter in his hand. Taking it from him, she began to read aloud.

To Her Imperial Majesty.

I must report with some celerity that the situation in Haishenwai is peaceful. The Manchurians seem to live beneath the sword of the Han yoke, and yearn for the freedom of self-determination. While the Muscovite may have ambitions on this land, and certainly, we will provide for them their desires in due time should our alliance between the Romanov and Yamato dynasty flourish for century more.

But I must say, that during my cover as a bartender, I had the miraculous fortunes to serve drinks to His Majesty, the Crown Prince of Chuugoku, and a close confidant of him. While I could have delivered a fatal dose of poison to them, I chose not to. In my process, I heard a most disturbing rumor; Prince Henry openly stated his affirmation to the idea of the wiping out of the Japanese race in Asia, to be used as leather belts for Chinese civilians. He intends to use our people as... some form of clothing item. I can affirm to you now, madame, that China will not be a future ally or close trading partner under the reign of his Highness, the future Henry II.

I can then only recommend to you madam, that we institute Operational Plans to prepare for a potential conflict with the Chinese, and take every possible step to ensure that China cannot and will not undertake offensive capacity against Japan. Even if it means making the Chinese nation pay with buckets of blood. The Asian fraternity is threatened by the forces of inbred reaction.

The Empress quietly pondered the letter, and slipped it into her pocket. She quietly sighed, "And here I thought I could build a continent of peace. Please send telegram to Tokyo and tell them that upon my return, we will hold a council on how to deal with this matter. For the moment, I trust the judgement of my husband in stately affairs."

She then rose. "I am off to meet with the Tsar of all Russias, and then I am on to Kiev, Berlin, Paris, and then to London, for my aunt's funeral. Thank you."

---

January 29, 1901

The doors to the room opened, and a caller announced. "Presenting, Her Imperial Majesty, Elizabeth Yamato, Empress of Japan and East Asia, Rightful Queen of Hawai'i Which Remains Under The Tyrannical Occupation of the American Yoke, Empress of Ethiopia and Somalia, Duchess of Gloucester, Kent and Strathearn."

Empress Elizabeth, in imperial regalia, entered the throne room of the Tsar of Russia, and smiled broadly at the Tsar and his court. "I apologize that we could not meet in the beautiful capital of St. Petersburg, but I do not have much time to traverse that far out of my way. My aunt's funeral is in less than a week and I still must cross Europe, and meet with the Kaiser of the Germans, and Emperor of the French."

"This is fine, you majesty." Nicholas began. "The situation in Saint Petersburg is rather... strained. A diplomat from Ruthenia was shot there not to long ago by some scoundrel from Tatary. We apprehended him and turned him over to Ruthenian authorities, but we fear there may be more of his ilk hiding in the city. There is no need to worry here, however. The guards in Moscow are on highest alert." He turned and looked over at a map of the world, eyeing China specifically. "I presume saying hello is not your only purpose for this visit. You too, are concerned about the Chinese and the possibility of a war in Asia."

January 29

Elizabeth gave a nod. "I have received a matter of disturbing information from a number of our spies that are dotted across China. The Crown Prince is a madman, intent on using Japanese people for leather belts! While I have no qualms with the current Empress, I cannot have anything but sheer fear for what shall follow when her son takes the throne. The Russian Empire and Japan have strong familiar bonds, for one of your cousins is Prince Consort, and the father to my children."

She looked pensively at Nicholas II, "I wish to see to it that the Chinese are kept at bay; I cannot help but fear a potential war in Asia once more. I have confidence in Japan's abilities to fight, but I'd rather not see the Chinese beaten too badly. They are useful associates in the general affairs of world order. Russia's own interests in Asia are not going un-noticed by the Empire, and we have a sneaking suspicion that perhaps we may find an agreement that we can all be interested in. I believe there are some lands that His Majesty is interested in..."

She shrugged, "As it stands, either way, I have ordered the Imperial Army to begin exercises, and to be on the ready. Constant vigilance is key. If we cannot ascertain to victory over a potential revanchist Chinese regime, intent on righting the humiliation we exacted upon them in 1891, we shall find no such mercy that we extended upon them. Our armies were poised on Nanking, and we let the Chinese walk away with minimal territorial revisions; if only to avoid outraging the powers of Europe and sending them into a tail-spin to contain us."

She then smirked, "Not that they could do such a thing."

---

January 30

After her meeting with the Russian Tsar, she had taken her plane; one of the finest examples of Japanese engineering in response to the emergence of the Confederate aeroplane, developed after the Treaty of Pearl Harbor, and a certain revolution in the way the world worked. Now, the Japanese Empress could traverse long distances, shortening the gap between Asia and Europe. While she didn't depart from Japan directly, she had taken a train to a Russian air-strip in Irkutsk, and then taken a plane from there (she didn't trust the Chinese not to fire on her plane).

While in Moscow, she had undertaken a productive conversation with the Russian leadership, and now she was in Ruthenia -- one of Japan's more interesting trading partners. The Empress' plane had been the focus of extreme interest by the Ruthenian government and people. The Empress paused to consider -- Wasn't she the first foreign head of state to visit this place? Strange.

Disembarking from her single-person plane, the Japanese Empress greeted the people at the air-strip, and lit up a cigarette, waiting for whatever Party flunky would take her to where she would meet with the Ruthenian Tsar. The situation was surely interesting, this fascist state. The Empress was no fan of this particular strain of fascism -- the French and their Syndicalism was one thing; the Ruthenians and their overt references to some of the more unspeakable ethnic texts released by groups in the region were more concerning.

[Bojikami]

January 30th, 1901

A lone all-black car met the Empress at the airstrip, and out of the car emerged a familiar face, Stephan Bandera, whom in years previous visited Japan and was awarded the Fifth-class Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government. "It is good to see you again, Empress." Stephan remarked as he gestured for her to enter the vehicle. The whole event was heavily anticipated by both government organisers and the people, as this would be the first time a foreign head of state visited the country since the Great War. As of yet, not even Benito Mussolini or Francisco Franco had visited the country.

Once on the streets of Kyiv, one could see Ruthenian flags hanging from street-light posts and propaganda adorning the walls of buildings, along with citizens cheering and waving Ruthenian and Japanese flags and children dressed in Impeial Guard uniforms saluting at the car. Before the people stood actual Imperial Guardsmen, dressed in all-black with their Natsi armbands and machine guns in hand. Kyiv was placed under martial law following the attack in Moskva, for fear of the Tsars life. When the car had finally arrived, they were greeted by the imposing State Duma building, which since the rise of the Natsis had largely served as a party headquarters. Oleksandr himself stood in waiting for the Empress, he himself was dressed in a Ruthenian Army uniform with various medals awarded to him for his service in the Great War. Stephan stopped the car infront of the building, and opened the door for the Japanese Empress. "We have arrived, milady."

[Unicario]

The Japanese Empress drew her ruby lips up in a quaint smile, and stepped out of the vehicle into the Kiev winter. She was wearing a winter uniform for the Imperial Japanese Air Force, the newest branch of the armed forces, of which she had taken an immense interest in. The uniform was dark blue, and was a jacket and trousers. Decorating her jacket were a number of things -- the first were patches, showing the Imperial Japanese Air Force insignia:

Her jacket had a particular collar on it -- it was the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum; an honor she had been granted privately by her father in 1895, before his death. She had few metals, as she had never seen combat. However, her appearance gave off the air of an imperial monarch, and one worthy of respect and deference. Her hair was pulled into a bun, with her auburn hair perfectly in place; this was different than her appearance in Moscow, as in Moscow, she had been in full-fledged Imperial Regalia, certainly a necessity for a state like Russia -- this state, this... Natsi state, was far less overt in it's imperial pomp, and more just a straight-forward military despotate.

The Empress held her smile, and turned to Bandera. "Thank you for your assistance, Stephan." She stepped out of the car, and walked up the steps, and stood before Oleksandr. An aide coughed. "Presenting, Her Imperial Majesty! Empress Elizabeth of the Empire of Japan and the Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. Empress of Korea, Vietnam and Ethiopia, Sovereign Queen of Lan Xang and Khmer, Rightful Sovereign Monarch of the Hawa'iian Islands Occupied Beneath the Yoke of the Confederate States, Sultana of Ajuuraan and the Outer Somalia, Queen of the Mutapa Kingdom, Defender of the Imperial Faith, The Islamic Faith in the East, and the Christian Faith in the East; Duchess of Gloucester, Kent and Streathearn, Right Honorable Lady of the House of Lords, Great-Granddaughter of the Divine Goddess of the Sun, Empress Meiji and His Royal Majesty, King George III of the United Kingdom."

[Bojikami]

Oleksandr smiled at her greeting as the people outside in the crowd cheered. "Well you certainly know how to make an entrance." He laughed and gestured towards the front doors. "Come now, you must be cold our here. The winter has been especially brutal this year."

Once within the warmth of the Duma building, Bandera closed the door behind them and followed the two monarchs as they conversed. "So, Elizabeth," Oleksandr began "I do understand you mean to visit many of the mighty nations of the world, and certainly this proud nation is no less mighty, but I ask, why Kyiv? It came as quite the surprise to both me and the members of the Duma as to why the Japanese Empress, ally to nations who likely wish to see my people driven apart and in servitude, would want to visit us? I apologise for if I seem suspicious, but we are not exactly a place which receives many visitors."

[Unicario]

The Japanese Empress shrugged in a casual manner once they were inside. She spoke, "Well, in case you didn't realize, my neighbors and closest trading partners are a snake in the grass, their fangs angled into the Empire's throat -- which is why we have defanged that beast once, and we shall inevitably do it again. Ruthenia's gripes towards those ethnic groups it perceives beneath them is not Japan's concern. We try our best to make a balancing act of our problems, and we figure that Ruthenia shall either prosper or wither, as do all things under fate."

"Japan and Ruthenia have a trading agreement, and we have cordial, if not somewhat friendly relations. Do I care what the nations of Europe think about me being here today? No, not really. I think maybe my dearest cousins in Rum may have an issue, but even then, I don't care. I am the Empress of Japan, one of the most powerful nations on this planet. Nobody scares me." She gave a satisified smirk, and shrugged. "I wanted to do a diplomatic tour of Europe before my great-aunt's in a few days. Tomorrow, I leave for Berlin, then Paris, then London. And on my way back, I shall visit all the nations of Europe to spread good-tidings and Japanese diplomacy, just as my father did before me. But instead of taking years off like he did, mine will only be a few weeks." She grinned, "The glories of flight!"

[Bojikami]

Oleksandr nodded. "Well, it is good to hear this for a change. I am sad to say, that in regards to the long lists of condemnations and threats of war this nation had recieved, your rational, level-headed leadership is something of a rarity throughout the kings and lords of Europe, and in the world. Though, it is my hope too, that Ruthenia is able to tear the circling vultures who surround us from the skies." He paused, and Stephan spoke "Ah, yes. I did see that Japanese aeroplane pull into the airstrip. It is quite a pity, such a magnificent device which could string together a separated and divided world will also probably be used to bring death from the skies with the efficiency of the machine gun, or likely even more if one could load large explosives onto it."

[Shrillland]

January 30, 1901

As the Empire prepared for the biggest funeral in its history, Michael Nagano had released his latest book in other parts of the Empire(his British publisher suspended its release until mid-February). This book, The Fighting Fathers of Fremantle, was different from his previous work in that it was meant for families as a whole, particularly those that lost a relative in the Great War. It told the story of three boys who lived in Fremantle, Western Australia, whose fathers all died in the Great War. All three boys were only infants when their fathers went to fight, so they didn't get to know them. They meet at primary school and become fast friends, and all of them, known simply as George, Clyde, and Sam, decide to form a club to learn the truth about what their fathers did in the war.

George learns that his father died at the siege of Kimberley and received a posthumous V.C. after running into the Boer lines to save civilians. Clyde's father was a Zeppelin pilot who went to Canada and led bombing raids on the Americans, only to be shot down over Chesapeake, Virginia. As Sam looks for the truth on his father, Clyde ends up being torn on his dad's legacy, having heard so much about how the nighttime raids on Hampton Roads had killed many civilians.He doesn't want to think of his father as a cold-blooded murderer, and his mother explains that soldiers in war sometimes have to do things that lead to innocent people dying, but that no soldier would ever deliberately kill someone who didn't pose a threat.

As the book nears its end, Sam learns that his father was in the Royal Navy, and that he did so much for them that a new frigate was being named in his honour, the HMAS Charles Uxbridge. The book ends with all three boys and their families on board the ship at its formal dedication, and the last line is directed to children throughout the Empire: "Always be proud of your fathers that died, but always hope that you will not be one of them."

Sales were somewhat modest compared to The Broken Image, but no dominions banned it, and Nagano assured readers that he had another book coming later in the year.

[Ruridova]

January 10, 1901

Beaumont, Texas, Confederacy

"You sure there's oil here?" the worker asked.

"Positive," responded Anthony Lucas. "There's nobody out there who knows more about drilling in salt dome formations." Lucas's accent was palpable; he'd been born Antun Lucic in Split before moving to Canada in 1879, and then to the Confederacy in 1887. He had baffled geologists and experts by proving a possible relationship between salt deposits, sulfur, and crude oil- and he was indeed considered an expert on drilling for petroleum in salt formations. "What about all those dry holes we drilled earlier? There wasn't no oil in them," the worker responded. "Listen, there isn't a better team in the country when it comes to finding where to be drilling," a third voice cut in. "Lucas and I are both positive there's oil here. They've known about the sulfur springs in this region for years, that matches exactly what we saw in Louisiana in Jeff Davis Parish." The voice was that of W. Scott Heywood, a native of Canada who spent a significant amount of time working on oil drilling in the CSA on the Gulf Coast. "There was oil in Jeff Davis Parish, there should be oil here."

But the oil hadn't come yet. They'd run out of funding on at least one occasion. Investors balked after the project continued to fail to return. Even John Rockefeller, with his massive fortunes, had passed on the opportunity. They only remained afloat today because of the help of some associates of the Mellon family- and even then, that deal had been a raw one for Lucas, Heywood, and Confederate businessman and geologist Pattillo Higgins. Nevertheless, all the telltale signs of oil that Lucas and his associates had seen elsewhere in the Confederacy- the gas seepages, the sulfur, the salt dome- were present here in Beaumont, and they were determined to find the pool of oil that lay beneath.

"We've passed 1,200 feet, sir," one of the workers called to Lucas. "Good!" Lucas responded. "We should find the oil soon."

The drilling had begun the previous year, but had been marred repeatedly, Lucas reflected. They had drilled to nearly 600 feet on one occasion and hit numerous dry holes. A layer of sand had slowed down drilling and ruined several drills; one drill had collapsed 900 feet below the surface-

Lucas was jolted from his thoughts by a tremendous rumbling. He laughed. They had done it. They had hit oil. He checked his watch; it was approaching 10:30 AM. He knew this was a historic moment for the Confederate States, and for him. He was about to prove the doubters wrong, once and for all.

Confirming Lucas's hopes and predictions, a stream of thick, black crude petroleum burst out of the ground and sprayed upwards through the structures of the oil rig, hundreds of feet into the air. The workers shouted with joy, some of them pulling off their hats or grabbing buckets to try and collect the oil as it fell back to earth. Laughing, Lucas called to one of the workers. "You there, can you tell me the name of this location, this hill?" The worker responded, "Spindletop, sir!" "Send word to our backers in Philadelphia immediately," Lucas responded. "Tell them we've got one of the biggest gushers ever seen. We've hit oil at Spindletop!"

[Shrillland]

February 2, 1901
Great West Aerodrome(Future Heathrow)
London

The Royal Family was dressed in black as they awaited the arrival of Empress Elizabeth. The airfield had only been completed the previous autumn, and airplanes were still somewhat uncommon in Britain to all but the wealthy and the nobility. Historians would say that this would change with the Empress's landing in Britain for the funeral of her dear great-aunt.

[Unicario]

February 2, 1901

Empress Elizabeth's aeroplane, bearing the insignia of the Imperial Japanese Air Force, came to a shuddering halt on the small run-way, and the propeller slowly came to a halt. The Empress emerged from the aeroplane wearing a black kimono; the same one she had worn to her father's funeral in the years prior. Disembarking from the plane, she was immediately met by her regents in the House of Lords, as well as the Japanese ambassador and deputy ambassador. The regents were either distant relatives of hers, or British representatives that her father had appointed based on merit and skill to act in his stead.

The five people soon stepped aside and allowed the Japanese Empress to approach her British family. She stood quietly, reserved. "It's a pleasure to meet you all once more, even if it must be in these poor circumstances. Her passing is something that no child, man or woman shall ever forget; and I must say with great heart that I shall miss her deeply." She sighed, and shook her head. "But at least she's now with the rest of her family."

---

While Elizabeth was attending the funeral ceremony in London, the city of Tokyo was undergoing a similar state of affairs, however, they were doing it in the traditional Japanese manner of a wake and funeral. By merit of the historical agreement between Britain and Japan made on the wedding day of Empress Akiko and Prince Edward of Kent and Strathearn, Victoria had been raised in a fully Anglican manner, and had never been fully educated on the matters of Shintoism and Buddhism, other than passing glances or a general "this is some stuff you should know, I guess" methods of undertaking.

However, the many people of Tokyo insisted on it anyway. To commemorate, in a manner similar to Emperor Alexander's burial and Empress Meiji's burial, a coffin was placed into a large drawing cart, and had the flags of Japan and Great Britain draped over it. While the casket was empty, they still were carrying the spirit of Victoria with them. The procession, which would start at sunrise, and end at sunset that same day, would be them following the modern traditions of state funerals.

At the conclusion of the procession, the large public population gathered together in Imperial Park for a Shinto ceremony. A priest conducted a sutra, and it was pronounced that effective immediately and for all coming time, that Her Majesty would be given a posthumous name, similar to those granted to Meiji, Junkyou, and Nikkou. A Imperial Family representative, attending in the Empress' stead considering the Empress was at the funeral in London, formally pronounced the new name, signed and dated by Empress Elizabeth.

By proclamation of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Elizabeth

I hereby degree that Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, borne upon the Earth as Alexandrina Sakura Yamato, shall be formally and henceforth referred to by her posthumous name. This posthumous name shall be 月光皇后 (Gekkō Kōgō, moonlight empress), to reflect the strong personal relationship and the time she shared on this Earth with His Majesty, Nikkō Tennō. Where as he was the guardian of the Rising Sun, she was the steward of the moon, and the ocean tides that guided two Empires.

May she forever sleep in peace, and may Edward's reign be long and prosperous as well.
Tennōheika Banzai!

They also announced the establishment of a Shinto shrine at a quiet village in Western Japan where Empress Meiji and her children would often visit during Victoria's youth. The Gekkō Shrine would be completed by 1903.

[Shrillland]

"Indeed she is," Edward said to his cousin, "It is good to see you again after so long, Elizabeth. We all miss my dear mother as well," And indeed, each of the royal family members appeared to have a weight upon their hearts even as there were a few smiles in greeting their increasingly distant relatives from Japan. As they all approached the cars that were to carry them to Windsor for the funeral, Edward and Queen Alexandra sat close by...looking for anything to keep the weight from overwhelming them. So Edward looked to Elizabeth and said, "So, I've heard about your travels across the continent, even to Ruthenia. Young George has been thinking of an Empire-wide tour later this year on the Ophir, and he and Mary might be stopping by in Tokyo for a visit."

[Unicario]

"Indeed she is," Edward said to his cousin, "It is good to see you again after so long, Elizabeth. We all miss my dear mother as well," And indeed, each of the royal family members appeared to have a weight upon their hearts even as there were a few smiles in greeting their increasingly distant relatives from Japan. As they all approached the cars that were to carry them to Windsor for the funeral, Edward and Queen Alexandra sat close by...looking for anything to keep the weight from overwhelming them. So Edward looked to Elizabeth and said, "So, I've heard about your travels across the continent, even to Ruthenia. Young George has been thinking of an Empire-wide tour later this year on the Ophir, and he and Mary might be stopping by in Tokyo for a visit."

Elizabeth gave a quaint smile, "Yes, I find it invigorating to see what Europe has to offer. I can see why my father and great-grandmother were so entranced by this continent. The peoples I have met have been nothing if not hospitable. I had to skip my trip over Germany and France during my procession to London, but on my return to Japan, I will visit these states. As for my visit to Kiev," She gestured, "They were diplomatic as could be. I am of course unsettled by some of the more disturbing rumors emerging from the inner mechanisms of the Ruthenian state, but there is not much I can do about anything -- Japan's power is not unlimited, even with our allies helping us."

She smiled some, "George should do that, with certainty. The British Empire is so large, and the aeroplane's innovations shall only draw her together. Maybe the dream of Imperial Federation can be achieved with the rapid advance of technology we are witnessing, as Great-Grandmother predicted upon her eyes witnessing the stories of von Licht. Imagine a world like that. The world, bonded together in peace, steadied with the mechanisms of technology and innovation -- aeroplanes soaring with great speed from Tokyo to London in a matter of hours; information and knowledge spreading world-wide, enlightening even the darkest corners... oh, what a world it will be. What a world it could be if our two empires were one" She laughed briefly and said, looking out of the window. "The world will be so different by the next generation, and the world will be fantastic..." She seemed comforted by the idea. "And as for his visit to Tokyo, we shall welcome him fondly. You are all members of the Imperial Family, after all. Even if you are nearly 10,000 kilometers away, and of a different religion; the blood of Amaterasu still flows within you."

She grinned widely, "To many, it was unthinkable once to imagine that the Imperial Family would be so large and diverse. My father used to tell me of what things were like in the years before Victoria became the Queen. The Yamato family was small and close; all that remained of the Imperial Family after a bout of disease in the 1700s left only her father, and his children alive -- her, and her brothers and sisters. But oh, how the years have been kind to our family; and yet, I regret that we can no longer be as tight-knit as we once were. Meiji took great pride in her children's futures -- her son, the Emperor-to-be, and her daughter, the Queen-to-be. If she had been alive to see Victoria's reign, she would have been so proud of her."

"Both her and my father loved her very much. Great-grandmother and Father both were two of the only people who could have comprehended the great heart-break she felt after your father's death in 1861. My father spent most of his life being morose from the loss he felt for both Grandfather, Great-grandmother, and his wife. Despite his infidelities, which shall soon be public knowledge once we publish his memoirs--" she stopped and added in, "--which, by the way, we have delayed publication of until after the mourning period for Victoria, and your coronation, as so not to detract from these auspicious events--", she continued, "He did love Augusta, very much. The passions he shared with the world were his way of coping with loss -- after Mother's death... he changed a bit. He became more stoic, harder, and some of his spirit died out. I think that's why he did what he did... let himself..." She fell quiet for a brief moment, "I think Victoria was the only thing keeping him from killing himself after Mother died. In 1870, he told me about everything -- he kept cyanide in his bed-side drawer for years... it wasn't until December 8th, 1891 that he threw it out. The Great War reinvigorated his spirits, and made him realize once again what he was fighting for. He was an Emperor forced into power before his time, and he had to learn to govern on his own, without the help of anyone..."

She sighed and rubbed her eyes, "He and Victoria were more siblings than they were aunt and nephew... not only did they share a reign, they shared a name, Alexander and Alexandrina. They shared a birthday -- May 24, 1819. My great-uncle, Hirohito, once told me that on that morning, everything seemed to stop -- the birth of two children within the same day had filled the Imperial Palace with... an auspicious feeling. I, of course, was not alive, but he seemed deeply touched by what that event meant to him, and to the world. I think that if Victoria had not been the heir to the British throne, and had spent her entire life in Japan, she would have spent a lifetime as his closest confidant and adviser. I cannot fault the Shinto faithful for thinking they are spiritual balances. Their birth, their name, their reign... all keeping balance. Many now say that with them gone, the world shall soon descend into chaos and warfare, as there is no more sage balance to keep madness away."

Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. She looked at Edward and stated, "I do not know if you have decided yet or not, but I wish to join my various cousins as a pallbearer for her casket."

---

February 1901

Out of respect for the deceased Queen, many other foreign emissaries had come to Britain to pay their final respects. Those who attended included Empress Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. The young 21 year old Empress had been deeply saddened by the death of her idol -- She had held Victoria in high regard as an example of what a female monarch should be -- and that was certain as she grew up learning how to be a proper future-monarch. Victoria, the Japanese Meiji, and other female monarchs of the last century had made Wilhelmina commit herself to the Netherlands true and heart-in-hand. She had attended with her husband, Prince-Imperial Napoléon Frédéric, the future Emperor of France upon his father's demise. Two years her elder, the Prince-Imperial was patient in his waiting to have a child with her -- the two would, it was just a matter of waiting.

Her arrival in London was a moment of swimming memories for her -- the attempt by her mother to end her life, the emissary from the Netherlands who proclaimed her an Empress, and the short few years she had been serving as Queen or Empress.

Besides Wilhelmina, others attended as well. Sapa Inca Maritza of Tawantinsuyu was also in attendance. The 28 year old monarch of Tawantinsuyu was celebrating the 4th year of her young daughter, Maritza Victoria Alexandrina. Named for the great British monarch who had given her hospitality on the day of her daughter's birth -- and for the monarch who shared the birthday with her daughter. She came alone as the representative of the Tawantinsuyu peoples, and intended to attend and pay the same final respects.

Caliph Aysun, the Kayser-i-Rum, also attended the funeral of her great-aunt. She had been deeply saddened by the death of Victoria, and had called for prayers across the Empire upon hearing of the circumstances. She had attended the funeral as well, looking not only to give her respects, but to meet her cousin, the new King, and to see her half-sister again, the Empress. She felt that Victoria's death would bring together all those in a moment of reconciliation, and that made her quite happy -- the world deserved peace, for once. She knew that her father's memoirs were soon to be published; his descriptions of a child he sired with a Turkish woman had been put into Aboard the Circumstance, but no overt reference to her or her mother were included -- the world had remained blissfully ignorant of the truth. von Licht had come close in his stories about the scandal, but the world had turned their blind-eye away.

She was five years the elder of the reigning Japanese Empress, and she mused quietly on how strong and powerful a Japanese-Rumite Empire would have been if she had been legitimized upon birth. But she knew in her old age that such a thing would have caused a war so much worse than the Great War. The world would have torn itself asunder to prevent Japan from becoming that truly powerful... and she accepted that. She just wanted the world to know this annoyance, so that she could drop the pretenses -- her children deserved to know the truth, the world deserved it, and Alexander's soul deserved it as well.

As well, other foreign monarchs attended -- Emperor Napoleon III, just past the first year mark of his reign, attended the funeral as well, with Ferdinand Foch and Solange Glaisyer attending as well -- they were respectful as ever to the deceased monarch, and had taken off their overtly political markings, and were wearing simple French military dress uniforms -- befitting Foch's position as Field Marshal, and Glaisyer's position as a high-ranking officer. The two, despite their cynicism of religion, were still pious about death -- and had come to London to wish Victoria well in the afterlife, and to wish Edward VII well in his new reign.

As well, President Francisco Zacarías de Cusco attended for Centroamerica as well, committing to visiting their ally, Great Britain -- the Progressive dictator of Centroamerica was a deeply religious man, even if he was slowly beginning to see the shift of power from Catholicism to Shintoism in his homeland, and in Catholic states across the Pacific. He wanted also wanted to wish Victoria well, and to wish Edward well in his reign as well.

[Shrillland]

February 2, 1901
St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

Apart from the great host of foreign dignitaries, there were many Imperial dignitaries in attendance to mourn the Queen's death and celebrate the new King. The Prime Ministers from all the dominions had arrived, Salisbury for the home islands, Roosevelt for Canada, Earl Cadogan(Lord-Lieutenant) and George Wyndham(Chief Secretary) for Ireland, Barton for Australia, Seddon for New Zealand, and Rhodes for South Africa. Sir Charles Anthony King-Harman, Governor of British West Africa, was there, as was West Guyane's new Governor chosen after the Communists were put down, Sir James Alexander Swettenham, Lord Curzon for India, and many others from the smaller lands such of Rhodesia, Newfoundland, Jamaica, and beyond.

In front of them all were the royal family, King Edward wearing his formal military uniform along with the other soldiers, for his mother had asked for a military funeral. After the Archbishop had given his prayers, he allowed the family to come and speak in remembrance. King Edward's speech was the most memorable of that day:

"My friends, my family, my loyal subjects of Britain and her Empire. Today, we have come from all corners of the world to remember the woman who many of you called 'Your Majesty', or 'Empress of the Raj', or 'Queen of Canada or Australia' or so on. Myself? I always called her Mother. For all of my life, she was the wise, generous, and sometimes stern matriarch, especially when I failed....three geography test in a row, but then you know all about that." He looked sideways to his family, British and Japanese alike. "She also thought I was too cavalier in my youth, but again...she was still my mother, and the love we had for each other was unparalleled by any save my siblings, and it was nothing compared to the love she had for my father, who she'll finally get to see again.

My mother did know best though. If it wasn't for her and Father, I would have never met my dear wife. Yet, she never did truly forgive me my indiscretions. Indeed, she always blamed me for Father's death, and she truly did shudder for many years when she looked at me. Perhaps it was wisdom in her old age or remembrance of our dear Grandmother that finally let her bury the past, just over a year ago she said to me 'I can't drag my grudges with me forever, my son. I don't want to go to the hereafter knowing that I wronged you many times, and I want you to know that I love you as a mother should love all her children.' I want you to know, Mother, that I love you as a child should love his mother, and now that you and Father and Alfie and Vicky are together again, I want you to know that you need not wait for me, I have a lot to do, but you knew that I could do it. Just as you knew that I could indeed enter college, and as I knew that you would indeed find a way out of the darkness of black grief to inspire us all.

Just look at us, Mother. Look at us from Heaven, and see how many lives you have touched around the world. You and Grandmother, and our cousin George, and my...well, to call her my second cousin once removed would detract from her, so my cousin Elizabeth....you have done what no one man has done since Constantine the Great, you have created what, in many respects, is one single Empire with two Monarchs that spans this globe of ours, and Empire where, truly, the sun can never set. What can one say to a woman who has done so much? Honestly...all I can say is thank you, I love you, and may the sun never set on you."