Chapter Four

"I see."

Washu sat back in her seat, regarding her companion with a thoughtful look as she took a sip of the warm green tea. "So that's it. You do have an ulterior motive for coming to the Earth...I have to admit, I thought that you might."

"I hope you're not angry at me." Sasami said anxiously, setting her own mug down and resting her chin in her hands as she met the scientist's gaze. "Washu, everything on Jurai is fine. I mean, it's stable. But there are so many complications to come in the future, if Shigure can't find his royal magic. And well, in those circumstances..."

"You need Nozomi." Washu sighed. "Yes, that makes sense. But Sasami, Nozomi has absolutely no idea about being a Princess of any planet, let alone Jurai. She knows she's descended from Kings of your world - Ryoko and Tenchi haven't hidden her true heritage from her. But she's never had to deal with it head on. To put it plainly, I don't know that I want my grand-daughter to be manipulated into your world of high society and politics. And Ryoko will be even more set against it, when you talk to her. She's always maintained that Nozomi should grow up as far away from all of that as possible."

"I know." Sasami frowned. "This whole thing bothers me too, in some ways. I know that, in my heart, Nozomi will come to Jurai at some point in her life. You know her better than I do - although I have Tsunami's memories of the other timeline to be going on with. What sort of girl is she, Washu? She seems sweet enough to me, but it's hard to tell on first impressions. Even with the Goddess to help me."

"Well, she's a dreamer." Washu pursed her lips. "Paying attention to her studies has always been something of a bone of contention, to be honest. I've had to really bully her this year to work - and we'll wait to see if she actually absorbed any of it. She has Ryoko's quick temper, and a propensity to blow things up if she's not concentrating on what she's doing. But Ryoko has worked with her on her magic since she was a small girl, so she is improving in that area, at least. In general, Sasami, she's just your average Japanese schoolgirl. She enjoys spending time with her friends, and she's open and friendly. She's never been shy. She may not be the best student, and she has a tendancy to be clumsy or rash from time to time. But I sense you're asking me out of more than familial curiosity. There's another reason for this question, isn't there? You said she'll come to Jurai at some point...what are you trying to prevent?"

"You don't change, do you?" Sasami's eyes glittered with amusement. "You're right. There is something more to all this than just Ayeka moving around political pawns in an attempt to make everything add up. Since Shigure was born, I've been aware of Nozomi's life force. Even though at that point she wasn't born, I knew that she would be and that at some point in the future she would cross Shigure's path. What I don't know is how, or why. The trouble is that, as a potential heiress to Jurai's throne, Nozomi is a figurehead for rebellion, should anything not go according to plan. Shigure has Jurai's power, but he's not managed to wake it and he spends far too much of his time worrying about his outward appearance and standing, rather than looking within himself for his true power. I've tried to explain it to him, but he doesn't understand yet, and I can't force it out of him. But the only thing of which I am certain is that Nozomi and Shigure are somehow connected to one another. And it was decided, on Jurai, that if they are to meet, it would be better that it was done within our control. After all, if they were to become enemies - rivals..."

"Jurai could wind up involved in a bloody civil conflict." Washu looked grave. "I see. So everyone on Jurai considers Nozomi a valid claimant to the throne?"

"She is Uncle's direct descendant." A faint shadow touched Sasami's eyes as she mentioned the dead Emperor. "And many people were fond of Uncle Azusa. Though Ayeka commands a lot of loyalty, it's known that Shigure hasn't managed to raise Jurai's power. There's unrest, and according to Seiryo, people have begun to whisper at court about Nozomi and her claim to the crown after my sister. If that kind of talk is allowed to continue, my nephew's position could become untenable."

"You think Nozomi is a real threat to Shigure's claim, then." Washu pursed her lips. Sasami shrugged.

"Right at the moment, she is Ayeka's only heir." She murmured. "Shigure is debarred the succession unless he finds his magic - or makes a match with someone of the royal line who already has magic running through their veins. That is Jurai's law. Ayeka herself almost fell foul of it, before she woke her own magic trying to defend Tenchi from Kagato. It's one of the reasons that her proposed engagement to Seiryo Tennan broke down, when she was just a girl...they expected her to have woken her magic earlier, and it just didn't come...making the match impossible. After she found her own gifts, the business of her marriage was a lot more simple, and Father could deal with it in a more political light. But Jurai's power must sit on the throne, else the order of the planet will begin to break down. It's one of the few traditions that has been upheld since Tsunami first blessed the royal line with magic."

"And in your opinion, Nozomi is the answer to this problem?" Washu asked softly. "She has magic, sure enough. But there's nothing to say she's any better off than your nephew, in the long run. I mean, why would a teenage girl need Jurai's power on a planet such as this?"

"I know when you're lying to me, Washu. You know as well as I do that Nozomi has held sword Tenchi and brought a blade from it." Sasami scolded.

Washu looked rueful.

"Perhaps I am." She acknowledged. "And perhaps I do. But in truth, Sasami, I'm very fond of my grand-daughter. And I don't want her to lose her freedom or her choices because Jurai can't sort out it's own problems. I know what you're saying - and I understand how important this is to you and your world. But in the final analysis, Nozomi doesn't belong to your world. She's just a girl - she's only sixteen years old and she has a lot of things to experience. Do you really want to force her into a marriage with a complete stranger, just to settle the balance of your planet's political demands?"

"When you put it that way, I feel guilty." Sasami glanced at her hands. "As someone who has resisted political marriage since I was a small girl, I understand your concerns. And for me it's worse, because I know Shigure as well as Nozomi, now. I don't want to control either one of them, but in the end, it won't matter. We can try and keep them apart, but their life forces are intertwined. As friends or as enemies, Shigure and Nozomi will cross paths. And I'd rather they do it on good terms than on bad. It's not just Jurai that could be involved. There are the colonies, too - and not only that, there could well be the Earth. You know that there have been peaceful relations between my planet and this for a long time now. If Jurai was to break up into factions, there's no telling whether the Earth might be dragged into battle, too."

"You're certain about this, aren't you?" Washu said sombrely. Sasami nodded her head.

"It might be that Shigure will raise his magic." She said softly. "But I have a strong feeling that he won't - at least, not on his own. Washu, I want to take Nozomi to Jurai, and at least introduce the two of them to one another. I'm hesitant as you are to force them into a matrimony that they might not want or seek, but in the end, I am Jurai's guardian and I must speak for my world before my own feelings or opinions. That's my position, and I can't escape it. Jurai needs Nozomi, so I have come to fetch her."

"And if Ryoko refuses to let her go?" Washu asked. "She might, you know, and I'd be inclined to support her if she did."

"You really are fond of this girl, aren't you?" Sasami asked softly. Washu nodded.

"Ever since she was a baby." She agreed. "I've seen every moment of her life so far, Sasami, and been involved in it to degrees that I was never able to be involved in Ryoko's. Yes, I'm extremely fond of her. And I won't see her hurt or manipulated. Regardless of the impact - she means too much to all of us to allow her to become just another faceless Juraian pawn. You can tell Ayeka that, too. It's just not fair."

Sasami was silent for a moment, then she sighed.

"It might be that Nozomi's very presence on Jurai will be enough to raise Shigure's magic." She said quietly. "I told you that my prophesy is indistinct, and could take any one of many paths. It might be that they need only meet to resolve the problem once and for all. But Washu, I need your support in this. I know that Ryoko will oppose it, and if she gets wind of why I want to take the girl to Jurai she'll probably refuse. People's lives might depend on this decision, you know. Juraian people. Earth people. Remember for a moment who truly gave Nozomi her name...and why. She was Jurai's hope then, and I pray she will be again. She's important...and so I can't give up so easily as you'd like me to. Even if it puts us at odds, Washu...I have no choice."

Washu glanced at her hands.

"I won't have my granddaughter forced into anything against her will." She said softly. "But if you can promise me that there will be no marriage or talk of permanent residency on Jurai if it's against her wishes, then I will help you convince Ryoko to allow her to visit Jurai. I can't pretend I'm happy about it, but I don't like the idea of being responsible for the deaths of other people too...if I refuse your plea. Sasami, I never met the Nozomi on the other timeline, but I know that it's partly thanks to her that we can even have this conversation now. That being the case, I'm prepared to believe that you're right this time, too - that she can make a difference in this timeline as well as in that one. As a scientist, I can see your logic. As a grandmother, I don't want her hurt."

"Nobody wants her hurt, Washu-sama." Sasami said gently. "And I agree to your terms. I have no wish to force Nozomi to marry Shigure, although I very much hope that they will hit it off and form a connection of their own. I know that they have a bond already, because I've seen it for so many years. But as you say - I won't force her into anything. And I will make sure Ayeka understands that, too - that this is the only way we will get Nozomi to Jurai, and hope to stave off the threat of schism in the naming of her true heir."

"Then I suppose I have to help you deceive my daughter." Washu sighed heavily. "She won't be pleased, when she finds out. But I think it would be unwise to mention any of this destiny stuff, or the idea of marriage until we get to Jurai itself. That way, it will be harder to turn back. And Nozomi has always been curious to see that side of her heritage. She'll like to visit, at the very least. I'll tackle it from that perspective and hope for the best."

"Thank you, Washu." Sasami's face broke into a relieved smile. "I have a lot of faith in your skills of persuasion, and I appreciate your help. You have my word that hurting Nozomi is not my intention. I love that girl almost as much as you do, I think - remember, Tsunami and I raised her, in the other timeline. When I met her today, I saw the young girl I remembered from then, and felt the same vibrant energy within her. She is important...she always has been. She is Jurai's hope. And we may well need her to make sacrifices again for our world."

"None so serious as the last time, I trust." Washu said acidly. "Because if there is any suggestion of Nozomi's life being at risk..."

"No, there is no danger of that." Sasami shook her head. "I didn't mean that kind of sacrifice."

"Well, it will rest in the girl's own hands, but don't be surprised or disappointed if it doesn't work out the way you hope it to." Washu said at length. "I will help you, Sasami, but only so far as getting my grandchild to Jurai. Beyond that, well, it's up to you. I promised her, when she was a baby, that she would live the life she chose to live, and not one governed by other people's expectations. I won't break that promise - not even for you."

"That's all right." Sasami assured her. "It's enough if we can even get that far. I appreciate it, Washu. Tsunami thanks you yet again."

"I'm sure." Washu pulled a face. "All right. Then I suppose we should begin working out how to broach this subject with Ryoko and Tenchi...hadn't we?"

-------------------

It was starting to get dark.

Shigure gazed up towards the starry sky, a frown touching his face as he plotted an imaginary line between the gleaming white specks. In his hand, he clutched the hilt of his sword, but although he had told his mother that he had come to the training ground to practice, in truth nothing was further from his thoughts.

“Physical activity is fine. I have down every move a Knight or Prince of Jurai should ever need to know and I know them backwards.” He said aloud, lifting the carved wooden hilt and examining it absently. Across the side were carved the six ornate characters of Jurai’s Old Era that he knew signified his own identity, and then, beyond that, the tree of Jurai, the emblem of the Royal Family and the symbol of the Lady Tsunami. From the central trunk, sweeping lines spread out in imitation of a ring of light, and as he ran his fingers absently over the engraving, he imagined what it must be like to fully wield the magic given by the Goddess.

“But I can’t do it, and I can’t see how to do it.” He muttered. “This sword answers my commands because it’s tuned to me and my impulses and actions. But it isn’t magic. It’s just another worthless piece of Juraian technology and it doesn’t mark out the true nature of my status as Crown Prince. Even Lord Tennan has a sword not unlike mine, and it’s well known that his family have no magic to speak of at all. If he can wield such a blade, then it can’t be Jurai’s power that drives mine. And yet I’ve seen so many pictures and heard so many stories about the Warrior Prince Yosho and his grandson Prince Tenchi, drawing power from within themselves to manifest a divine blade. What is the difference, then, between their swords and mine? And why does it matter so much, this Power of Jurai, that they will not crown a King or Queen until they see it for themselves?”

He slid the hilt back into his scabbard, settling himself on the grass as he ran his mind over his mother’s coronation. It had been a long and arduous ceremony, through which more than one noble infant had nodded off to sleep, and at times Shigure had been tempted to follow suit. But as the ritual had reached its peak, he had seen for the first time the magic that his composed, cautious mother really held within her slight form. It had both awed and amazed him to see it. It had seemed so effortless to her, he mused bitterly, as she had brought her hands together and sent dazzling light glittering all around the high-ceilinged chamber. If it was so strong within her, why did he have so many problems finding it in himself?

He glanced at his hands, then, very slowly, he pressed his fingers together, closing his eyes in the way he had seen his mother do. Drawing on as much of his strength as he could muster, he did his best to forge the energy through his hands, but it was to no avail and at length he opened his eyes, letting out his breath in a sigh of frustration.

“It’s no good.” He said hopelessly. “I can’t do it.”

“Lord Shigure?”

The voice of the Knight startled him and he scrambled to his feet, embarrassed to have been caught off guard so easily.

“I’m sorry, my Prince. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Azaka bowed his head apologetically, though a faint flicker of amusement sparkled in the depths of his eyes. “Your Lady mother has asked me to find you – I think she wishes to speak to you, on a matter of some urgency.”

“Urgency?” His initial annoyance at Azaka’s interruption forgotten, Shigure sent the man a confused look. “What kind of matter, Azaka? Something has happened…gone wrong?”

“No, I don’t believe so.” Azaka shook his head. “It’s simply that this evening she has to put her seal to the latest diplomatic trade negotiations begun with the planet Airai and she wishes you to attend – she thinks that you might learn something from the experience, and I think she has need of a secondary witness from the Royal House. Relations with Airai have improved over the last fifteen or more years, but it still doesn't hurt to conduct everything with the utmost caution.”

“A secondary witness?” Shigure frowned. “What about Aunt Sasami? She usually counter-signs any documentation, since Great Uncle Azusa became unwell. Why can’t she do it?”

“Lady Sasami has left the Planet Jurai bent on an errand for the Crown.” Azaka said simply. “Will you come with me, my Prince? I believe that time is of the essence.”

“What kind of an errand?” As the Prince fell into step with his companion, Shigure sent the man a curious glance. “Oba-sama doesn’t usually leave Jurai without good reason – she usually sends Seiryo-dono in her place. What’s so important that she’s gone in person?”

“I should probably let your lady Mother explain that. It’s not my place to intervene.” Azaka said thoughtfully. “But I believe it has something to do with pressure from the Council, and some sort of firm decision based on suggestions made there. Lord Tennan has accompanied her, so I think it’s a matter of some significance. I’m not clear on all of the details myself, Prince Shigure. Ayeka-heika is the one to ask.”

“Then I will ask her.” Shigure frowned, as they reached the Imperial study. The guard on duty saluted Azaka, bowing to the Prince and then opening the door to allow them inside. Shigure stepped over the threshold as the door was closed behind him, casting his mother a quizzical smile as he approached her desk. Ayeka offered him a warm one in return, gesturing for him to join her.

“You came quickly. I’m glad.” She said softly. “The Arian delegates want to leave tonight, and as you’re here, we should be able to begin as soon as they arrive. I hope you don’t mind my calling on you, my son – I know that you had planned to use this time for your training. But if you are going to inherit my throne one day, I suppose you need to see this kind of business as it unfolds. After all, there are no stop-gaps now between you and I. I am Empress, and you are my heir.”

“Not unless I manage to find this stupid magic.” Shigure murmured, unclasping his cloak from around his shoulders and taking the proffered seat beside his mother. “I really don’t know how I’m going to do that. I mean I’ve tried…and I watched you so carefully, at the coronation ceremony. It was beautiful and dazzling but I don’t know how you did it. At this rate I’m never going to prove myself worthy of being Jurai’s Crown Prince.”

“In my eyes you are already more than worthy.” Ayeka said softly, and Shigure was comforted by the maternal affection in his companion’s eyes. “And I have faith in you that your magic will be awoken, Shigure. So does your Aunt, and you know how far her opinion carries. It may take time, so have patience. I believe in you, so you must believe in yourself.”

“Speaking of Aunt Sasami – Azaka said she’s left Jurai on some errand for you.” Shigure frowned. “Where has she gone, Okaa-sama? It’s unusual for her to make a trip away from Jurai in person.”

“I know, but this was one voyage she was determined to make herself.” Ayeka said pensively. “As we have some time, Shigure-chan, I’ll try to explain as briefly as I can. You realise, clearly, how important Jurai’s Power is to crowning a monarch or even a Crown Prince of Jurai?”

“I’m coming to realise it, yes.”

“Well, in the absence of your magic, the Council have become…shall we say…unsettled.” Ayeka frowned. “It’s not that they are disloyal towards you – or that they don’t want you to succeed me. But they know – as I do, and as you now do – what the ritual of becoming King will entail. You have to display Jurai’s power before the noble body of Jurai will accept you. It’s been a part of Juraian tradition for generations – only those blessed by Tsunami are able to rule.”

“Yes, I know this…but I don’t understand what that has to do with Lady Sasami.” Shigure fidgeted slightly in his chair. “Or why she’d hare off so soon after Great Uncle’s passing…surely there are still rituals and vigils to be held?”

“There are, but this is more pressing, as it happens.” Ayeka hesitated, eying him keenly, then, “Have you ever heard the name Nozomi, my son?”

“Nozomi?” Shigure looked blank, then, “No. Should I have?”

“Well, maybe not.” Ayeka acknowledged. “Since the last time she was on Jurai was when she was a tiny baby, and you were little more than one yourself. But Nozomi is a cousin of yours – the child of Prince Tenchi and his wife. Her true name is Nozomi Masaki Jurai, although doubtless she’s never used that name in its full and imperial glory. Nonetheless, the council have ordained that she should be brought to Jurai – or at the very least, that she should be tested for Jurai’s Power.”

“I see.” Shigure digested this, then, “Prince Tenchi lives on the Earth, doesn’t he? With Prince Yosho?”

“Yes.” Ayeka inclined her head.

“And Sasami-sama has gone because she above all others can recognise Jurai’s true power from other base magics?”

“I suppose there is an element of that, although I think Sasami was just keen to see how Nozomi had grown.” Ayeka mused.

“But I thought that Lord Tenchi married a Space Pirate. Why are the Council so interested in his daughter?”

“That Space Pirate is also descended from the royal line, you know. She and Lord Tenchi are fourth cousins, albeit a couple of times removed.” Ayeka pointed out. Shigure frowned.

“Yes, but it still makes no sense. She’s a descendant of Kagato and everyone knows that Kagato was an illegitimate despot. Why would anyone be even remotely curious about her? She’s just another broken branch of a big family tree, isn’t she?”

“It depends from what angle you look at it.” Ayeka said thoughtfully. “Prince Kagato’s lineage has never been publically proven before the Council as being illegitimate, in any case...I'm surprised to hear such things from you. I don't remember ever discussing the matter with you either way.”

“Grandfather told me he was the son of an Arian diplomat.” Shigure said frankly. “And he should know, if anyone does. He was Lady Aiko’s twin brother and you told me yourself that they were very close.”

“Father told you that?” Ayeka looked startled. Shigure nodded his head.

“Yes.” He agreed. “And it seems to me that Lord Tenchi chose to abdicate his right to rule Jurai so he could marry this Pirate woman and not have to face the censure of Jurai’s court and council. It seems odd to me that they’d care about his line now, considering how much bad blood there must be on that side of the equation.”

“Shigure, not everything is written in bloodlines.”

“Jurai’s royal lineage is.” Shigure said frankly. “Why do they want to bring her to Jurai anyway, Mother? What purpose would it serve, to have a pirate’s daughter running riot around the palace? It would be better, surely, for Aunt Sasami to negate her magic on her own heathen planet and be done with it. Or won’t the Council be silenced that easily? Do they want to see this specimen for themselves?”

“That’s something that we’d better discuss in the company of your father and your aunt, I think.” Ayeka said quietly. “For the time being, our guests will be here soon…I hear footsteps along the hall outside. Make me proud this evening, Shigure, as my son and heir. You may not be officially Jurai’s Crown Prince yet, but you are still my heir and one day you will be crowned under that title. Begin now as you mean to go on. Jurai needs to see how seriously you take your royal responsibilities.”

“You needn’t worry, Mother. I won’t let you down.” Shigure assured her, rising to his feet as the door opened and Azaka ushered in the Arian delegates. He offered them a bow, and they returned it, Shigure aware of his mother’s approval as he greeted them warmly and properly, welcoming them to Jurai and indicating for them to be seated.

“You are the Crown Prince Shigure?” One of them asked, and Shigure inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement of the title.

“My son is young, but eager to learn the ways of our planet and how it is governed. I hope you won’t object to his presence here tonight – he will act as Jurai’s second witness in all that we discuss.” Ayeka said quietly. “After myself and my lady sister Sasami, Shigure-sama holds the most political authority of any noble on Jurai – and I hope you know how seriously we take these negotiations. Since my sister is unable to attend, my son has graciously agreed to step into her shoes.”

“From all I’ve heard about the Prince, madam, I believe we will be in fair and capable hands with you both tonight.” The second of the Arian delegates said warmly, offering Shigure a smile. “For one so young, he has good manners and a fine way about him. You have much to be proud of, and you honour us with the attention you give our treaty.”

“We are grateful for your time also.” Ayeka admitted, as Shigure glowed under the praise bestowed upon him. “Too often our people have mistrusted one another, and trading negotiations have always been difficult, even considering all the efforts made between my sister and your Lady Mage since the fall of the Saotome witch Ramia and her evil clan. I hope this will continue to prove prosperous for both Jurai and Airai…that we can always speak of one another as friends, not wary foes.”

“On that I think we can all agree.” The first delegate said frankly. “And we bring the support and good wishes of the Honoured Lady Najya in all we do tonight - in continuing the peaceful relationships between our two planets into the next generation. All right, Ayeka-sama. Where shall we begin?”