Chapter Three

"I really should have come to Airai sooner."

Washu leant up against the wall of the burial chamber, running her fingers absently along the edge of the black, dusty funeral bier as she did so. "There's so much here to excite the imagination, and so much that just hasn't been understood. This is really where you slept, Najya-chan? When you fled from Kagato's men?"

"I had no choice." Her companion offered her a rueful smile, nodding her head and sending shimmers of magic through her gleaming silver hair as she did so. "I was a little bit out of options. Kagato knew that I knew too much about him, and he was determined to kill me. I didn't know how much he knew about Arian magic, and I didn't stick around to find out whether he knew how to kill a divided spirit. I brought myself home, and entrusted the second half of my soul to Aya and my family. Then I let go of my life force and allowed them to seal the rest of me here - to all appearances dead. When Kagato's men arrived, they saw my body for themselves...I'd died of the injuries inflicted by Kagato's weapon and they believed me no longer a threat. What they didn't know is that I was only dormant. But it took a lot of my strength to do it...and I wasn't sure if I'd ever wake up. Certainly not before my father passed on - saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing, because I knew that whatever else happened, I'd never speak to him again."

"I'm sorry." Washu looked contrite, turning away from the bier as she digested her companion's words. "I'm here looking at all of this as a scientist, but this is real life to you. Family...it must have been difficult."

"Yes." Najya agreed. "But in a sense, I brought it on myself. I took risks, being on Jurai even after I knew Kagato's intentions. So there it is. The tragic history of the Akara."

"It really is fascinating." Washu admitted. "That your people have essentially cheated death for generations by using spells and incantations. I've heard so many rumours about Arians rising from the dead and being difficult to kill...but I never thought I'd see a breathing example for myself."

"We can't rise from the dead." Najya looked amused, shaking her head as she took her friend by the hand, leading her carefully back up the stone stairway towards the surface. "I was never actually dead, Washu. Half of my spirit was sealed with Aya, remember? I was in stasis, if you want to use a scientific term. I didn't age, or breathe, or move, and I have no memories of my time down here - not until I awoke and remembered all that had happened. But I was never fully dead. If I had been, then I would not have woken again. It's not as mysterious as it sounds. Dividing our souls is a big part of Arian defensive magic, after all. It's just a continuation of that principle."

"So, if a man was to be slain, say, in an instant." Washu said thoughtfully, as they stepped out onto Airai's stone lined walkways. "Would that make him fully dead, if his spirit somehow lingered beyond that moment?"

"I would say he was dead, yes." Najya looked surprised. "Why? Are you thinking of Kagato? I've heard the story of Souja's tree...he must have transferred his soul there before his body fully stilled in death. Otherwise he wouldn't have managed to survive at all."

"No, not Kagato specifically." Washu shook her head. "I'm just trying to understand. Some months ago, Ryoko encountered an old pirate acquaintance who seemed able to live on the essence of her memories, even though he was long since dead. I was wondering how that was possible. He was Arian, and I wanted to know if it was a part of your cultural magic. I believe he had some native power, but he wasn't an Akara or a Saotome, as far as I know."

"He was dead, Washu." Najya grinned. "I know you're a scientist, but there are such things as ghosts and spirits too, you know. You don't have to be Arian to have a soul linger after death. The difference is that I am alive now as I was before. Whole and complete in my being and my memories. This man of yours - you said that he lived on Ryoko's memories? That isn't life."

"I suppose not." Washu acknowledged. "I was just curious."

She spread her hands.

"Airai will command your attention, now, but it's a shame you won't get to go back to the Academy and write some papers on Arian magic for ignorants like me." She said flippantly. "I think the whole Universe could use a better understanding of Airai's power."

"I don't think they'd allow me back." Najya looked rueful. "Like you, I concealed my true self from them. I didn't get the capsule treatment, but I'm sure I would have been banished, once they realised who and what I was. No, I'm better off here, like you're happier on your Earth. I must make time to visit you, when everything here is calmer and I can take some time to leave. That's the thing about being a Mage. Your people rely on you far too much."

"But the Saotome are defeated, aren't they?" Washu questioned. "Ramia is your prisoner, and all is well. Right?"

"There are still pockets of resistance." Najya shook her head. "Odd numbers, sure enough, and many have surrendered. But some still seek to act in Ramia's name, even though her magic is annuled. It will take a while to bring everything under control. And then of course, there are the hundreds of thousands of people living in Saotome dominated regions. The damage done to these people and their ability to live independant free lives is great. Many of them have been enslaved for generations, trapped by the Saotome soul magic. Airai has a lot to do before it can hold its head up as a respectable planet of peace, that's for sure."

"But you have a potential ally in Jurai now, I think." Washu squeezed her hand tightly, and Najya nodded, a smile touching her lips.

"Lady Sasami is a truly amazing child, and thanks to Misao and her connections to that world, I think we do." She agreed softly. "Misao wants to understand her Arian heritage as much as her Shizukasari heritage, now. I think she's learnt that she can be the kind of leader she chooses to be, as she grows. I never thought I'd say this about a Saotome descendant, but I think she will be a great Lady, with time and experience. She's been protected for too long, but at last she's learning the lessons she needs to learn. And with any luck, that's our foot in the door of Juraian diplomacy. I don't seek an Empire for Airai, not like Ramia did. But just to have my planet safe and able to trade without restrictions...that would suit me. Much of Airai is still very poor, you know...people still starve to death unnoticed in some of the remote mountain villages. If Jurai lift their sanctions against Arian trade, things are bound to improve."

"You are almost like Airai's Empress now, aren't you?" Washu eyed her friend in surprise, and Najya frowned.

"I don't know about that." She hedged. "I don't think all of the peoples of Airai would like me to call myself that. But the Akara are the dominant force on Airai now, and I hope that will continue."

"Seeing you in this environment almost makes me a little guilty." Washu admitted, as they wandered back towards the central Akara estate. As they did so, a small child ran across their path, chasing after a ball, and as she did so, she cast Najya a wide smile, murmuring a greeting and bowing low before her. Najya's featured broke into a playful smile, and she returned the greeting with one of her own, speaking in the strange, gutteral language that over the past few days Washu had become accustomed to hearing all over the planet. Najya's gesture was rewarded with another beaming smile, then the child darted off after her prize once more, carefree and happy in the bright Arian sunshine. Washu glanced up at the sun, pursing her lips.

"Is the sun still the demon that gave the Saotome their eye colour?" She asked thoughtfully. "Or has it been rehabilitated, along with your people's reputation?"

"It's an old tale, born of times of famine and drought." Najya replied with a smile. "In the light of today, it doesn't seem quite so true. I suppose it's easy to blame elements for the sins of people, isn't it? I'm coming to believe that it's all down to the individual to decide who they are and what they do."

She cast her friend a sidelong glance.

"Why do you feel guilty?" She asked. "I don't understand."

"It makes me think of Kihaku and the Priest's Crown I left behind." Washu owned. "Whether or not, if I'd chosen to stick by my family like you have, I'd have been able to create peace between Jurai and my own people. It's a moot point now, of course. But I do wonder."

"Washu, you can't change that past, even if you want to." Najya said firmly. "And you should consider this, instead. You helped to bring down Kagato. The Prince who would have destroyed thousands or millions of lives if he'd been allowed to continue in his plans. I failed to do that. We all have our contributions to make, after all."

"Ryoko and Tenchi defeated Kagato. Not me."

"But Ryoko was your creation, and Tenchi is the man who loves her." Najya said sensibly. "Without your interference, neither one would have been there to fight against Kagato's dark magic. Would they? You're too hard on yourself."

Mischief danced in her ruby eyes.

"Noone is perfect, not even the genius scientist Washu Hakubi."

"I've missed you." Washu smiled sheepishly. "When you say things like that, I realise how much I have. Noone else remembers Mikamo, or anything that happened on Jurai. It's like another lifetime ago, but he shouldn't be forgotten. And I don't want him to be remembered because he died at Kagato's hand. You remember who he was, and that means a lot to know. That I'm not the only one who thinks of him as a living person."

"Mikamo Niwase was a great friend and colleague." Najya's pretty eyes became grave, and she nodded her head. "And my grief at his passing still remains, Washu. Remember, for me, it wasn't so very long ago. I've slept for so many years that some of those thoughts and emotions are still fresh."

"I suppose that they would be." Washu nodded pensively. "Although I'm not sure if mine are any different."

"But you do have family, Washu. That's something to be thankful for, at the very least."

"Yes." A faint smile touched Washu's lips. "I do have that. And a place to call home, even though my planet is reduced to componant atoms. I shouldn't complain."

"When are you leaving, Washu-chan?"

"Tomorrow, I think." Washu considered. "I promised Ryoko I wouldn't have her ship away for so very long, and it was one of the terms of her letting me use Ryo Ohki. I think in light of recent events, she realises that I can be trusted to fly the thing safely - and Ryo Ohki doesn't mind. I think she remembered that you saved her against Ramia in space, so she's disposed to be fond of you."

"I like Ryo Ohki, too." Najya's face broke into an amused smile. "She's just the kind of spacecraft I can imagine you creating, Washu."

She hesitated, then,

"But you will come to Airai again? I mean, now you know there's someone here for you to visit?"

"You can count on that." Washu assured her. "I've still got so many things to find out, in truth. Yurikage-sama's sword went back to Jurai and his family, just as you said it should. I believe that Sasami dedicated a shrine to him, and the sword has been hung there, in memory of the sacrifice he made for his Princess. But I still have a lot of questions about it that remain unanswered. I know that the weapon was a threat to you and might have been to Ryoko, too, if we hadn't been careful. But even so, the scientist in me wants to know more."

"Of course it does." Najya eyed her friend affectionately, pushing open the door of the Estate and leading the way into a spacious front solar, where a small, furry cabbit was snoozing in the rays of midday sun that danced in through the expansive glass windows. "And I realise that's as much why you came here as to see me. I'm sorry you've not had much chance to go exploring the region for yourself - but it's really not safe to go wandering there until we know that the Saotome insurrections are over. They might not pose us a big threat, but they can attack and kill travellers, and even with your magic, I wouldn't want to put you at risk. Some of them do have kill or be killed attitudes, after all."

"It's probably better I don't take any of the ore back with me, anyway." Washu reflected. "If you really think it could be dangerous to Ryoko's health."

"Difficult to say for sure." Najya sank down into an empty seat, and Washu settled herself on the chaise beside the sleeping Ryo Ohki, reaching across absently to ruffle fingers through her hair. "I mean, she's an unusual girl, your daughter. I didn't sense anything Saotome about her, but she has the eyes of that clan, and the magic must live within her. It might have no effect on her whatsoever...but it's probably safer that you don't find out."

"Could it kill one of you, Najya?"

"I suppose it could, if wielded by someone as strong as your Prince Tenchi." Najya nodded. "Fortunately there are few warriors of his calibre on Jurai, or anywhere else in the universe. But yes, we're certainly not blade-proof. And since many of us rely on our magic for our protection, it's a much easier way to kill a mage. That's why it pushed Ramia out of Sasami's body in the first place. Yurikage-sama's weapon is a truly strong piece of equipment...and it is better off far from Airai."

"But if Jurai and Airai were to remain enemies?"

"Well, I know." Najya admitted. "Then it would be in enemy hands. But still, if it's being used as part of the Lord's memorial, it probably won't be desecrated."

"Tenchi was sure the man's spirit lingered with it, but I wasn't sure how that could be." Washu rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "A lot of questions, like I said."

"And few answers, sadly." Najya owned. "Even as a scientist, I don't pretend to understand everything."

"You still consider yourself that, then?"

"Of course." Najya nodded. "That was the Najya I wanted to be - and the one Father let me be. It was an agreement between us. I could choose my path, so long as I never forgot my overriding loyalty to the Akara or where that path would one day lead me. I promised him that when my people needed me, I'd come back and do as he would have wanted. And so I have. But I'm still Dr Najya Akara, just as you remain Professor Washu Hakubi."

"Roomates as we were, so many years ago." Washu murmured. "But so much has passed since then. At least, for me."

"Yes." Najya agreed. "Some good, some bad. But I'm happy to be reunited with you, Washu. And so long as you still have questions about Airai and Arian magic, I can feel confident you'll make the trip again."

"I'd come either way." Washu said firmly. "I don't have many old friends - most of the people I once knew are no longer alive. Now I know you are, I refuse to lose contact with you again. Even if it's some time before I visit next - I won't forget. And I'll expect you to keep in contact with me, regardless."

"On that you have my word." Najya's red eyes sparkled. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

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

It was another beautiful summer's day.

The young girl stretched out on her back, gazing pensively up at the skies over her head. Around her, birds wheeled and cried, and here, sheltered by the web of dense forest, she knew that very little would molest her. After all, she mused absently, she had grown up in these parts, and noone knew the woodlands as well as she did. Every nook, every cranny, every hidden escape route, all were fresh in her memory and if danger should approach, she would be quick to disappear into the scrub and vegetation as if she had never been there.

She sighed, biting her lip.

The sky had an eerie, glassy hue about it today, she realised, and as she contemplated what it meant, she brought her hands up before her in a gesture of protection. The dense glow that surrounded their world was growing thicker and more stifling, but on a day like this, it was easy to forget the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

"Mayuka!"

A voice startled her and she turned, scrambling to her feet as she scanned her surroundings for a sign of the speaker. For a moment, tension rippled through her, as she prepared to flee into the branches of the trees, but then she spied the intruder, and she relaxed, a smile spreading across her lips.

"Tadashi!"

"Shh." The young man shook his head, raising his finger to his lips as he cast a cautious glance around him. "Not so loudly."

"Sorry." Mayuka looked contrite, coming slowly across the grass to join him as she cast him a pensive, appraising look. He was dressed, as he often was, in the rich-dyed fabrics of military uniform, a sharp sword hanging at his belt, and to all intents and purposes he looked like any other Guardsman. And yet, the affectionate sparkle in his green eyes told a different story. With a grin, Mayuka flung her arms around the newcomer, and he hugged her tightly.

"I'm glad you're safe." He whispered. "This morning, patrols were sent out this way, in search of interlopers. I know how you like to come here - I wanted to give you warning."

"And I appreciate it, although I'm loath to go back below ground." Mayuka bit her lip. "It's such a nice day, Tadashi. It seems a shame to have to hide."

"Mayuka, if anyone was to catch you, and discover who you were..." Tadashi left his sentence hanging, and Mayuka sighed, resting her head against his chest. At length she nodded.

"I know." She acknowledged. "I'm the last of my tribe, and the demon Yuzuha has done her best to eradicate each and every one of us since she took control of this planet fifteen years ago. If she knew that I survived the raid on my family's home and was taken in by rebels, she'd stop at nothing to track me down."

"Which is why you need to be more careful." Tadashi sighed, gently brushing a wisp of hair out of her face. "For both our sakes, Mayuka. You must. My family have done everything to raise and protect you over the past fifteen years, but now there is only me to do that. If we were to be found out now..."

"Are you in trouble?" Mayuka looked alarmed. Tadashi shook his head.

"No, not as yet." He said cautiously. "Although if she discovers how often I slip off by myself, I might be. It's all right, Mayuka. I don't mind. Just don't put yourself in more danger than you can help, all right? You're eighteen summers, and as time passes, more and more people flock to the rebel cause. But it's too soon yet and Yuzuha is powerful. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"For the sake of this planet, Tadashi-kun, or for my benefit?" Mayuka asked softly. Tadashi offered her a crooked smile, but Mayuka was aware of the clouded hesitation in his green eyes.

"Both." He said honestly. "But I would hate to lose you, Mayuka-chan."

He hesitated, then gently, he kissed her. "So do as I say and stay safe, all right? I have to go, before I'm missed...do as I suggest and take cover beneath the earth. In this bright daylight, Yuzuha won't set forth herself on a rebel hunt, but she has countless men to do it for her."

"I understand. I'll do as you advise." Mayuka agreed reluctantly. "But only because it's you asking. I don't want you in trouble on my account, Tadashi, so go back to the demon and play nicely in her presence. You needn't worry about me. I'll be gone before you know it."

With that she squeezed his hand, offering him a shy, affectionate smile before darting off into the undergrowth, slipping between the trunks of old trees as she counted her pathway back to the pile of chipped stones that marked the entrance to the place she had long since called home. As she reached her destination, she cast a glance around her to make sure she was not being observed, then she shifted back the top stone, watching impatiently as the greyish slab slid back with a heavy rumble to reveal a passageway. Stepping inside, she pressed her palms against the underside of the stone, until it returned to its original state, concealing the pathway completely from view. Then she hurried downwards, almost tripping over her own feet as she hastened towards the central core of her world. As she travelled, she passed openings which lead off to a network of other trails and at the foot of the winding stairway she paused, hesitating for a moment beneath one of the archways.

"I hate living in secret, but what else can I do?" She murmured, stepping into the conical chamber and running her fingers absently against the dusty rock that lined the walls. The blue flame of the wooden torches spluttered and glowed in their sconces, creating a dim, ethereal glow, and as Mayuka moved closer, she dropped to her knees before the carved image that stood on the pedestal, wings outstretched in a gesture of both friendship and domination. Closing her eyes, she pressed her hands together, muttering a soft, fervent prayer for Tadashi's continued safety, and then she raised her gaze to the magnificent bird, taking in the carefully carved outline of the creature as she did so. It was an old statue, she knew that. It had been crafted by some of her world's first settlers, and over the ages each generation had added to it, until it had been the centre-piece of one of the most magnificent temples on her planet. And yet, fifteen years ago, it had been exiled to its current beneath-ground home, as the people of the Eagle cowered under the threat of the demon.

"Yuzuha's hold on my world grows all the time, and yet I don't know how to stop her, Holy Eagle." She murmured. "All the blood of my tribe is invested in me, but I am weak and I lack experience or knowledge in how I should act. Please, give me some guidance. I need to know if there is a way to save my people from Yuzuha's demon grasp."

The chamber remained silent, and Mayuka sighed, shuffling closer to the statue and resting her hands contemplatively on its crystal-coated base. The minerals glowed beneath her fingers, and a faint smile touched her lips. It had been little more than a year since the meteor had crashed into the centre of their world, and many of her people had taken it as a sign - an omen against the oppressive rule of the demon Yuzuha. Fragments of the meteor had been spirited away beneath the earth as offerings to the Eagle, and a skilled craftsman had worked night and day to adorn the eyes and the base of the great statue with shards of the rock, believing that it could only help strengthen the bird's already divine power. Many of the people now wore jewellery crafted from the strange irridescent ore, and Mayuka's gaze rested briefly on the bluestone bracelets that encircled each of her wrists - presents from Tadashi six months earlier to mark her eighteenth year and, they both hoped, their future together.

She glanced back at the Eagle, absorbing its austere expression.

"You do hear me, I know you do." She murmured, brushing her hand over the stones once more. "You, the God brought to this world by our ancestors in the time before written record. You who have survived for so many generations - you must hear me. We have always served you well, Eagle-sama. You must know how badly we need your help."

Almost as if in response to her comment, Mayuka saw the glow of the shards intensify, and as she rested her hands on them once more, she was sure she could feel a faint, pulsing vibration shudder through them. Her eyes opened wide, and she gazed up at the eagle statue in surprised disbelief. Had she imagined it, or had the bird's eyes glowed blue for the briefest of instants? She frowned, her eyes narrowing, but try as she might, she could not see anything other than carved stone as the bird arced over her, wings spread in the gesture of protection that her ancestors had so favoured.

She sighed, closing her eyes as she focused her thoughts on another prayer.

"Holy Eagle, if you do hear me, please tell me how to act." She pleaded. "For Tadashi, for myself, for the people of this world. We need you, more now than we ever have before. Every day, more of us are killed or enslaved by the Demon's will. Please, Great Eagle, give us direction on what we should do!"

A flare of light blazed up around her at this juncture, as the glitter of the stones became an intense, dancing flame and Mayuka fell back with a gasp of surprise and fear as the strange flickers spread all around her, surrounding her body in their glow. She drew back, as if to avoid their touch, but the flames only grew brighter, darting and leaping as they created a wall between her and the Eagle. Half-wondering if this was one of Yuzuha's bewitchments, Mayuka swallowed hard, fighting against the urge to panic and give herself away. Then, just as she was sure that she would be devoured by the tongues of flame, the fire seemed to calm and fade, revealing instead the faint outlines of an image. Fear forgotten, Mayuka inched forwards, transfixed as the picture in the fire became more and more vivid. Little by little she could make out trees and valleys, the bright landscape of a planet not unlike her own, and as she stared deeper into the strange projection, she found she could make out the form of an individual, brought to life before her by the dance of the flames. The image of a young woman stood before her, thick waves of red hair blowing in the wind as she gazed out across the landscape. Atop her head was the coronet of the Eagle, and she was robed from head to foot in flowing fabrics, remeniscent of some of the ancient carvings and ink-sketches Mayuka had seen as she had grown up beneath the planet's surface. A strange glow emanated from the woman's body, and Mayuka let out a gasp, reaching out a hand to touch the picture as it flickered and faded into nothing before her eyes.

"No! No, don't stop! Don't go!" She whispered. "Show me again, Great Eagle! Show me again the one who wears your crown!"

The last of the fire flickered and died, leaving the chamber strangely dark and cold, and Mayuka sighed, sinking back against the wall. She closed her eyes, drawing the image of the woman back to the forefront of her mind as she considered her appearance once again. As she did so, a flicker of excitement stirred in her young heart.

"The Priestess lives." She whispered. "That's what you're telling me, Eagle-sama. Find the Priestess and our world will be freed!"