Chapter Ten
"Well, I won't pretend this isn't unexpected, Kiyone-chan, although it's a pleasure to see you, as ever."
Mitsuru Kuramitsu sat back in his chair, casting his young companion a curious smile as she self-consciously took a seat of her own, folding her hands in her lap. It was the following day and, after three or four hours flight across the galaxy towards the central hub of Seniwa's technological nucleus, Kiyone and Mihoshi had arrived at the Kuramitsu estate in time to be greeted with lunch and warm salutations from both of the young detective's parents. Now, Mihoshi had been spirited away by her eager mother and Kiyone had at last found time to address her concerns with the former Elite Agent face to face, in his finely appointed study at the back of the impressive Kuramitsu home.
"Mihoshi said you had something you wanted to talk to me about - but she wasn't all that clear on what it was...do you think you can enlighten me?" Mitsuru said now, eying her keenly as he gauged her demeanour. "If I can be of help, you know that I will - but Mihoshi seemed quite confused on the subject."
"That's probably because I am, too." Kiyone sighed. "I'm sorry, Mitsuru-sama. It's not totally fair, bringing this all to you...but I'm a bit muddled myself and I needed the advice of someone I can trust before I do anything stupid that I might live to regret. Or more specifically, not live to regret. If you see what I mean."
"I do." Mitsuru's gaze became serious, and he nodded his head, gesturing to her to close the door. "In which case, this had better be a private conversation, hadn't it?"
"Yes." Kiyone leant across to do as she was bidden. "Thank you - I'm glad you understand."
"Well, considering all the things you've done for Miho-chan, hearing you out is the least I can do, isn't it?" Mitsuru offered her a smile, and Kiyone returned it, feeling faintly comforted by the familiar, almost paternal presence of the retired Elite Agent. In some respects, she reflected, Mihoshi had been extremely lucky in the parents she had been given, for between Mitsuru's gentle, easy-going intelligence and his wife's generosity and kind spirit, she had always had the utmost in understanding and support.
"Even to do things she might not otherwise do." She mused sadly. "Must've been nice...not to have had to fight the tide."
"Kiyone?" Mitsuru eyed her keenly. "What's on your mind? It looks like a lot is - but I can't help you unless you unburden yourself to me."
"Right." Kiyone sighed, nodding. "Well...Mitsuru-sama, you...taught Seiryo Tennan encryption, didn't you?"
"Seiryo?" Mitsuru's eyes widened in surprised. "This has something to do with him?"
"Maybe. No, definitely, but not directly." Kiyone rubbed her temples. "Yeesh, I'm already getting mixed up and I've barely even started. Let me see...how to make it more clear...the trouble is, I'm not even sure myself entirely what I'm trying to do...but..."
She frowned, then nodded her head, as inwardly she made up her mind to tell her companion everything.
"Seiryo and I are friends." She said frankly. "But when we began our acquaintance, it wasn't like that at all. In fact, we really met and got to know one another because he got wound up in something dark and evil, and well, he tried to end my life."
"Seiryo did?" Mitsuru could not look more startled. "Your life?"
"Yes." Kiyone agreed. "It wasn't his fault - he was possessed - but at the time, naturally, I was pretty wound up by it. And I hated him. I really thought he was some kind of monster. When Jurai held a formal hearing over the matter, I testified in it and gave evidence against him about when he attacked me."
"And now...?"
"Now I realise that it wasn't his fault. I mean, I have perspective - in fact, somehow, the fact he went through so much afterwards and so did I - it provided us with common ground." Kiyone ran her fingers through her hair. "He can be arrogant and stubborn and frustrating, but he's not the kind of man who sneaks around plotting murder. I know this now. He's really a direct kind of person if it comes to a confrontation - he'd rather draw his blade and fight."
"Oh yes. That does sound like the Seiryo I taught, indeed." Mitsuru's eyes flickered with faint humour, and Kiyone nodded ruefully.
"In any case, Seiryo's mother died in the last week or so." She continued slowly. "And Seiryo called me...he needed a friend, I guess that's the best way of putting it. So I went to Jurai - in fact, I'd just come back to Headquarters yesterday. And I found a lot more going on than I'd bargained for."
"On Jurai, this is often the case." Mitsuru said wisely. "Something that's concerning you, is it, Kiyone-chan?"
"Yes." Kiyone agreed. "But it's not just Jurai. It's the Galaxy Police, too. And the planet Earth. None of it makes a lot of sense, but I still believe...well, the people who told me aren't people who would lie about it. So I know it's true. However..."
She groaned.
"I'm getting muddled again." She realised. "But to cut a long story short, someone was arrested on Jurai for leaking secure information to some unknown outside source. The information in question related to the hearing I just mentioned - the one in which I testified against Seiryo. According to my sources on Jurai, two Elite Agents had also been to speak to the Emperor before this person was apprehended - about possible tensions and leaks in information between the Galaxy Police and the planet Earth on the subject of galactic life and in particular, Jurai itself. It sounded serious...as if the people on Earth were being schooled into disputing with Jurai. Almost as if..."
She faltered, biting her lip, and Mitsuru frowned.
"As if they were being used as bait, and Seiryo as the scapegoat?" He asked softly. Kiyone nodded, relief flickering in her blue eyes.
"Yes. That's exactly how it seems." She agreed. "I'm glad you understand - I'm not sure I even do, completely."
"And you want my advice as to what to do about it?"
"Well, I already jumped the gun a little there." Kiyone admitted. "I already said I would help if I could. Besides, it's not fair. After the attack on me, Seiryo quit the Elite completely. He's now based on Jurai, and has nothing to do with the Police at all. And this all happened over a year ago. So why are they so interested in it now? The Commander knows what happened, and the Emperor of Jurai dealt with it personally...it's not like it got ignored."
"Mmm." Mitsuru rubbed his beard, considering for a moment. "That's a loss to the Galaxy Police - or a gain to Jurai, one or the other. Flaws aside, Seiryo may well have been the most natural young agent I ever taught...it's a blow to me to know he was forced into leaving the service in such circumstances."
"He told me he's too proud to ever go back, but now, he can't anyway." Kiyone admitted. "Since his father died, he's been Lord Tennan. And now he and his sister have guardianship of Tokimi, too - she's sweet as anything, but impaired mentally and she adores Seiryo. He couldn't leave Jurai long-term. Besides, he's Princess Sasami's advisor these days. He's tied to his home-world."
"And have you discussed any of this with him?"
"No." Kiyone admitted. "Because he's still grieving, and it's affected him pretty badly. I don't want him to have this to worry about as well as everything else he's already dealing with."
"But you do think he's in danger of something?"
"Maybe." Kiyone looked helpless. "But I sort of made a promise to try and find out. I mean, for Jurai's sake, really. And the planet Earth. I have friends on both, and I don't like the idea that someone might be manipulating either one."
"It would be safer to stay out of it, Kiyone. You're not trained to handle that kind of investigation." Mitsuru looked apprehensive, and Kiyone shrugged.
"Well, I sort of am." She admitted. "Seiryo...has trained me...some. I mean, in Elite procedure."
"He has?" Mitsuru looked floored. Then he smiled.
"I suppose that he knows he's in breach of regulations, doing so, but since he's quit, he probably doesn't care." He mused. "You are too, though - so keep that quiet, all right?"
"I already am." Kiyone assured him.
"Why not take the Elite training yourself, though, if that's how you feel?"
"I...can't." Kiyone hesitated, and comprehension flooded Mitsuru's clever features. He nodded.
"Because of Miho-chan." He murmured. "I see. That's quite a sacrifice you're making for my daughter, Kiyone - are you sure that it's one you can make without any regrets?"
"Mihoshi's my friend, and I've made my decision regarding that." Kiyone shrugged. "It's just how it is - I'm fond of her and I won't abandon her. But Seiryo thought I should be more prepared - in case someone else had designs on my life, because I'm quite good at my job."
"Mm." Mitsuru pursed his lips. "Well...I'm sure he didn't mean you should recklessly jump into something on his behalf."
"Maybe not, but I can't not do anything, can I?" Kiyone pointed out. "I have a feeling it's a big deal, Mitsuru-sama. I really do. And that if it's something that's happening at Headquarters...if I stand back and ignore it, I'll be partly to blame if something does."
"Then how can I help you?" Mitsuru asked her gently. "Because obviously that's why you're really here."
"Yes." Kiyone agreed. "I suppose so. Mitsuru-sama, when I got back to my office, I had a message from an Elite agent called Nakabito. He wanted to meet with me - well, he's going to meet with me - to discuss something relating a case he's working on. It seems too sudden to be a coincidence."
"Junichi Nakabito?" Mitsuru's expression underwent a transformation. "Hrm. I see."
"You see?" Kiyone frowned. "What is it...something I should know about him?"
"Well, he's a first class agent." Mitsuru smiled. "Hot-tempered, as I remember, and very self-righteous on occasion. Principled, too. Hard working, most of the time."
"You taught him too?"
"Yes, I did." Mitsuru inclined his head. "Although he didn't have Seiryo's aptitude for encryption, and chose other disciplines to focus on. His bent was towards undercover work, I believe - particularly surveillance espionage and matters of that nature."
"Espionage?" Kiyone's brows knitted together. "And he wants to see me...? He can't know already that I'm spying for Jurai - I haven't done anything yet!"
"No...I imagine that's not it." Mitsuru shook his head. "He's probably covering bases - finding out what he can relating to everything you've already told me. And gauging which side you're on...based on what evidence he has as well as speaking to you face to face."
"The question is, can I trust him?" Kiyone asked hesitantly. "Or...not?"
"Well." Mitsuru sighed. "As I said, he's a first class agent. Far as I know, he's got a fairly exemplary record. Probably not as glittering as your friend Seiryo's, but then he's a quite different kind of man."
"That's not exactly a yes or a no, Mitsuru-sama."
"No, I know." Mitsuru frowned. "Truth is...I've no real reason to think that there's anything untoward about Nakabito contacting you, or that he's doing anything other than his job. It's just..."
He spread his hands.
"When they were classmates, he and Seiryo were about as far from being friends as possible." He admitted. "Nakabito is from Kanemitsu, a planet with grievances against Jurai at the best of times. And Seiryo was the archetypal young Juraian noble, with every faith that his world was the only one worth respecting. There were...arguments. And eventually, a physical fight which ended with Seiryo's blade pointed at Nakabito's throat."
"A fight?" Kiyone's eyes widened. "Over what?"
"Women, I think." A wry expression touched Mitsuru's features, and he nodded. "Almost certainly women. It often was, in those days. Seiryo...well, I don't want to colour your impression of him - like as not he's a different man now. It's been eleven years or more since he was under my tutelage. But I think there were a couple of incidents involving women and Seiryo's habit of treating them rather like...temporary possessions."
"He did what?" Consternation flooded through Kiyone, followed by something else that she could not quite define. "Are you saying that Seiryo was some kind of womanising juvenile delinquent when he was at the Academy?"
"A young man let off the lead for the first time. That's all." Mitsuru eyed her in interest. "You look stunned - I guess things have changed. But then, he was eighteen then, you know."
He nodded.
"There were a few women, and the girls were always somewhat attracted to his aloofness...I don't know why it is, but girls always seem to like the ones they can't get." He reflected. "After the fight with Nakabito, I did have a long talk with him. And I think he took what I said on board. But I'm pretty sure that that incident in particular involved a young Seniwan woman to whom Nakabito was quite close. Maybe even a fiancee...something like that, I think."
"A fiancee?" Despite herself, Kiyone could not prevent her voice from rising. "Seiryo stole someone's fiancee...then ditched her like she was nothing at all? And I'm here because I want to defend him...? I'm starting to feel bad for Nakabito and the woman right now, not for Seiryo!"
"Oh, don't look so serious." Mitsuru looked amused. "Don't tell me you never did anything stupid when you were at the Academy? The truth is, after that, Seiryo's behaviour did tone down. I don't believe he was truly meaning to be malicious, either. He just...well, he had that arrogance of nobility that allowed him to forget that other people had feelings and needs as well as himself. That's all."
He shrugged.
"Nakabito took it all pretty badly, though, if memory serves." He reflected. "Losing first his woman, and then his pride to Seiryo's superior fighting technique...I don't think he really recovered from it. Pride is often the downfall of hot-tempered young men, that's the truth of it - I've seen it time and time again. They never did really settle down as classmates afterwards. The girl quit the Academy, in the end - I don't know the circumstances, or if it even had anything to do with Seiryo or Junichi - but it did nothing to help create peace."
"So basically, Nakabito has good reason to not be on Seiryo's side in this."
"I imagine that if he was given a choice between shooting himself and becoming Seiryo's ally, he'd take the gun." Mitsuru admitted, and Kiyone's eyes widened.
"That bad?"
"He was a good young agent." Mitsuru nodded. "But he had one serious flaw. He had a habit of holding onto grudges. If I'm remembering rightly, his background was a matter of some awkwardness, and Seiryo was the kind of young aristocrat who was prone to being scathing about such things, back then. I don't recall the details, but I think Nakabito's father and mother were never married - that his father was a wastrel from some remote planet somewhere who absconded when he was very small - and his tutelage at the Galaxy Police Elite was funded almost entirely by his hard work in earning scholarships and making ends meet."
"Not unlike me, then, I suppose." Kiyone looked thoughtful. "He wanted it, so he worked for it, and he got it in the end."
"Yes." Mitsuru agreed. "And because Seiryo hated him, he didn't mind reminding him of that fact."
"It doesn't make Seiryo sound much of a human being, when you talk about him like that." Kiyone looked doubtful. "Were you really fond of him, even despite all of this? He sounds like the ultimate pain - the class bully, and a really heartless jerk, to be honest."
"Yes..." Mitsuru rubbed his chin pensively. "However, we are all the products of our past. I never met Seiji Tennan, and I never had a coherent conversation with Seiryo about him. The absence of such a conversation told me far more than it would have if Seiryo had confided in me, Kiyone. I suppose I made allowances for Seiryo's temperament because, aside from his obvious talent, his own background was less than sympathetic. I hoped that, if I continued to work with him and fashioned him into a good agent, he might one day realise the things that Seiji-sama never taught him. That the longer he was away from Jurai, the greater his chance of breaking the Tennan family mould."
He smiled ruefully.
"The Tennans are a legend on Jurai, and even here on Seniwa the name is known." He added. "For their influence as well as their arrogance and their ambition. I suppose I wanted to tame the beast - to try and channel Seiryo's Tennan blood into something that would be ultimately beneficial to the Galaxy Police and to the universe as a whole."
Kiyone was silent for a moment, considering.
"I...I suppose you did." She admitted. "He isn't...like that now. At least, I don't think he is. Even if he is arrogant sometimes...he's not...cold inside. Kaede-sama's death has proven that as much as anything."
"But to Nakabito, he's probably still the enemy he remembers from his Academy days...and its a grudge that has had some time to fester." Mitsuru said softly.
"I see." Kiyone frowned. "So...if this Nakabito really does want to talk to me about Seiryo, chances are it's not to help him out."
"Chances are." Mitsuru agreed. "Although I hesitate to taint the reputation of a good agent with my speculation."
"It's that kind of thing I need." Kiyone shook her head. "Really. I appreciate it."
"Even if it means blotting Seiryo's name with tales of his adolescent misdemeanours?"
"Well, it's not like it matters to me how many women he did or didn't sleep with when he was at the Academy, does it?" Kiyone shrugged her shoulders, though inwardly she wished she felt as nonchalant as her words seemed. "It's pretty pathetic, but it's nothing to do with me."
She sighed.
"On the same lines, then, is there anyone among the current agents who I might be able to trust?" She asked. "Sasami - I mean, Princess Sasami - gave me the names of the agents who came to Jurai to see the Emperor. Ryousuke Takamura and Hideki Imaguchi. Do you know either one?"
"Takamura...Imaguchi..." Mitsuru's eyes narrowed, and he grinned. "Well, well. This really is turning into a matter of old rivals, isn't it?"
"Mitsuru-sama?" Kiyone stared, and the former Elite held up his hands.
"Seiryo didn't really go in for friends, at the Academy." He said evenly. "But if he had anyone you could call that, I would have said that it would've been Takamura and Imaguchi. He spent more time with them than he did any of the other students. Both come from high-born families - Imaguchi is Seniwan, Daimyo born like myself, and Takamura is the second son of the current Lord of Yubisu, one of Azusa-sama's vassals. Both are also very intelligent, sensible, and honourable men, and Takamura was educated on Seniwa as a boy - the two of them were close friends even before they'd arrived at the Academy to train."
He smiled ruefully.
"I encouraged Seiryo's connection to them because of how steady both were, though I don't suppose he really opened himself up to anyone whilst he was there." He admitted.
"Truly, he was a lone wolf in many ways, but anything but a pitiful one. He didn't lack for attention or admirers - his solitary attitude was by choice, not because he felt marginalised. But he did socialise with those two - and yes, I'd say they were friends as much as Seiryo allowed anyone to be his friend. Imaguchi certainly had a way of keeping him in line, so it seemed at times...but in truth, they both respected what he could do as a fighter and as an agent in other regards. I would have thought that if they went to Jurai, they're probably already looking into this from his point of view - to help, rather than to hurt him. And that they're likely keeping an eye to Nakabito too, because there was no love lost there, either. Nakabito did not let his grudge against Seiryo go, even to the point he would try to spur the boy's temper and bring him into trouble...there were some harsh words spoken between him and Imaguchi on the subject a few times...though to his credit, Seiryo never did react in the same impulsive way again."
"So Seiryo's old friends are joining forces against Seiryo's old enemy, huh?" Kiyone grimaced. "It's worse than a school reunion, so far."
"Well, my advice is that you should stop pursuing this, and leave it to the experts." Mitsuru said frankly. "But if you must - and I suspect you will - ignore my counsel, then you should probably speak to either Imaguchi or Takamura. But as I said, I'm not casting judgement against Nakabito. I just feel...with his and Seiryo's past...it's the one thing that counts against him."
"I'll bear that in mind. All of it." Kiyone nodded her head. "And I'll make sure I speak to those agents, too. I...I understand what you're saying, about my safety. But a promise is a promise, and even if Seiryo did some stupid, male things when he was a teenager - he's really upset at the moment. Karma may have kicked him a little too hard in the teeth...even knowing this stuff, I still want to help him. Call me a sucker if you like - but I sort of feel I have to. Besides, I gave Princess Sasami my word I'd help, so I can't go back on it now."
"Then it might be better if my daughter were not around to impede your progress, mightn't it?" Mitsuru frowned. "If I were to keep Mihoshi here for a week or two, I don't suppose the Commander would object. I still hold some sway in Police circles, and she doesn't take leave here very often, really. Would that be a good idea, do you think? I doubt that Mihoshi would ask too many questions, if it was me asking her to stay – and to be honest, I'd like the excuse to spend some time with my eldest, too."
"I think it would be better, yes." Relief flooded Kiyone's expression. "I wasn't sure what to do about that. I mean, I like Mihoshi and I don't want to ditch her…but this is…well, it could be dangerous for her and she can be indiscreet. It'd be a load off my mind to know she wasn't involved."
"Then that's what we'll do." Mitsuru nodded. "No problem. Just promise me to be careful, Kiyone. And if you do speak to those Agents, listen carefully to the advice they give you, too. They're trained and they're good men…your safety might rely on their experience."
"I will." Kiyone nodded, getting to her feet. "I promise, I'll do just that. But I do want to get to the bottom of this. If it is as big as it sounded, when Sasami and Kamidake spoke to me, I can't sit back and ignore it. Still, I'm not going to get myself killed over it – I'll be careful. I promise."
----------
"Then it is official."
Ayeka pulled her wrap more tightly around her shoulders, her eyes glimmering with excitement and anticipation as she leant up against the comforting bark of Tsunami's holy tree. She nodded her head, casting her young companion a smile. It was early the next morning and, a million miles away from the intrigue unfolding on planet Earth, the Crown Princess of planet Jurai had summoned her young sibling out to the Royal Forest, eagerness in her rich red gaze as she contemplated sharing her news.
"But you already knew that, didn't you, little sister?" She asked softly. "I know - it's in your eyes. Tsunami's concern for me...you've been suspecting me for a while. I wanted to tell you, but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know."
"Yes and no." Sasami admitted, dimpling as she slipped her hand into her sister's, squeezing it tightly. "But I wasn't kidding, Ayeka, when I said Tsunami wanted you to take care. It's not just...well...you know how it is. You need...to conserve your strength. And not worry us all by collapsing in the Council Chamber."
"Meaning what, exactly?" Ayeka turned her gaze on the younger girl, who shrugged.
"You've been with Uncle when he's been discussing things with Galaxy Police Elite, haven't you?" She asked softly, and Ayeka looked startled.
"Yes...what of it?"
"I don't think you should be worrying about any of that nasty spy stuff." Sasami said frankly. "You should let me handle it. I'm going to be fourteen soon enough, and I'm Tsunami's representative, so I'm not a baby. And if you think Uncle or Father is going to let you fly to the Earth if you've worn yourself out..."
She faltered, and Ayeka laughed, touching her companion playfully on the cheek.
"You have no confidence in my strength, do you?" She teased lightly. "I'm going to be just fine, you know. I promise. I'm tougher than you think I am. And besides, you really don't want to be involved in all of this, little sister...it's messy enough without dragging you into it, especially since, at present, Lord Tennan is not available for comment."
"Yes." Sasami frowned, biting her lip as she led them down to the edge of the little stream that ran through the palace grounds, sinking onto the grass and pulling her older companion down beside her. "But Ayeka, we both know that this has a lot to do with Seiryo, don't we? And with me. Seriously, I want to be involved. Father said that it would be up to me, when I wanted to do things like that. And this time I really do. I want to protect you, and I want to help Seiryo, as well."
"I'm sure you do." Ayeka settled herself more comfortably at the water's edge. "But the truth is, there isn't much you can do about it. None of us can."
She frowned.
"You know that the spy we had in custody managed to kill himself yesterday morning." She added. "Before Father could put him to the truth serum. It was a poison stitched into the folds of his clothing - as if he'd come prepared. We don't even know his true name - just the name he gave to gain admission into Jurai. Where he was from is a mystery. Father's ordered an autopsy, to determine at the very least his genetic origin...but without his testimony, we have no way of knowing what has been leaked or who is behind it. There's really nothing to protect me from, imouto-chan. We've hit a dead end."
"Maybe." Sasami sighed, then, "Oneechan, did you know that Kiyone was on Jurai a few days ago?"
"Kiyone?" Ayeka's expression became one of shock, and she shook her head, hurt flickering in her ruby eyes. "No. Why didn't she come say hello? I would have thought..."
"She came to see Seiryo, Ayeka."
"To see...Seiryo?" Shock flooded Ayeka's pretty features, and Sasami nodded.
"Yes." She agreed. "He asked her to come, and so she did."
"But..." Ayeka faltered. "I don't understand. Because of Lady Tennan's passing? Or...are they such close friends as that?"
"I guess they are." Sasami toyed absently with a blade of grass. "The thing is, Kamidake and I sort of told Kiyone something about what had been happening on Jurai, because we were worried that her name might get pulled into things. And she offered to find out information, if she could. I don't know...if it's dangerous. But she said she wanted to help. She...she thinks that there's a danger that someone's using the Earth as some kind of scapegoat in a plan to attack Jurai. And that Seiryo and I are going to be pulled into it, too. Especially him - because of what happened when he was possessed by Tokimi. And I know that, if that carries on, we won't be allowed to go to Earth. If things get worse, we might never be able to go there again. It might...it might even get destroyed. And because of that, I want...to help. Because in a way, it's up to me to help, isn't it?"
Ayeka's expression became serious, and slowly she shook her head.
"Uncle would never sanction you getting involved in anything dangerous if he could prevent it." She said evenly, and Sasami's eyes narrowed.
"I'm Tsunami." She said frankly, and Ayeka's eyes widened at the resolution in her companion's tones. "I'm not so easy to kill - we've proven that time and time again. Tsunami protects me...and I'm not as weak as most teenagers, Oneechan. But as it stands, right now, you're more important than I am. To Jurai...you know that this is the only chance you have...and if you mess it up..."
"What do you mean, the only chance I have?" Ayeka stared at her, and Sasami bit her lip, taking her companion's hands in hers as she met her sister's gaze with a solemn one of her own.
"Princesses of Jurai don't usually have more than one child, you know. Not without hurting themselves. Not if the child is going to be born with Jurai's power." She said softly. "And yours is, Oneesama. He will be...he will be a Prince with Jurai's magic running through him. But he will be the only child you'll ever bear. And because of that...for Jurai's sake...you have to be safe. So please, let me be involved. I don't want anything to happen to you. Not now...not now you're expecting Jurai's heir."
Ayeka was floored for a moment, then she rested a hand on her sister's shoulder.
"You are so much an adult sometimes, it scares me." She admitted with a sigh. "Knowing these things that noone should know."
"Perhaps." Sasami admitted. "But listen, Oneechan. I don't know why that spy was here, or whether the Galaxy Police can solve things. But I do know that if I don't know the things I need to know, I can't tell them to Kiyone. And she can't tell me anything in return. And if Earth is in danger, it might be Tenchi and Ryoko and everyone there. And even if it isn't, something bad is happening around Seiryo and even though he might not be a friend of yours, he is a friend of mine and I'm worried...he's going through enough as it is, and I want to help him. And on top of all of that, Oneesama, if we go to the Earth and anything happens to you - I can't let that happen. I can't let anything hurt my sister or my nephew. Jurai needs you both...after all."
"You're so confusing." Ayeka reflected. "But I think I understand your line of thought. And I...I'll talk to Uncle, if it's what you want. About you being included. In Seiryo's absence, he might not approve...but you are right. Father did say that it was up to you. And when you talk like this, little sister, it's easy to see why."
She bit her lip, then,
"You think this is going to be hard for me, don't you?" She murmured softly, and Sasami hesitated for a moment. Then she nodded.
"I know it will be." She admitted gravely. "Like it was for Lady Achika when Tenchi was born, or Funaho-sama when Uncle was born. Mother only escaped because of Tsunami's power - don't you realise that? Because Tsunami needed her to be strong enough to bring me into the world and raise me to understand all the things I do. It's dangerous...and I don't want you to take it lightly. Because the boy will be born with Jurai's power. He will be an Emperor, one day in the distant future. But only if you respect the strain on your body and allow other people to take the reins for a bit. I mean it, Oneesama. I'm not a little girl any more, and I want to do my bit. After all, one day, I'll be there for you like Father is for Uncle."
She chewed on her lip, then,
"I could help raise him, if the need arose." She murmured. "But neither Tsunami or I want that. It's not meant to be that way. So you must listen to me, Ayeka. And do as I say."
Ayeka sighed heavily, running her fingers through her thick hair as she digested her companion's words.
"You mean back out of government completely until its all over?" She asked softly. "And let you take my place, even though Takeru is there to act in my stead, and you are just a child?"
"Yes." Sasami said evenly. "I'm decided. Since Kiyone came, since I learnt about this plot, since I knew you were going to have a son. I've thought about it and I'm decided."
"And Tenchi's wedding? When I gave him my word?"
"Tenchi won't have a wedding, unless we sort out whatever's happening between Earth and Jurai." Sasami said with a troubled frown. "I hope Kiyone knows what she's doing...I don't want her hurt, and I'm really worried about all of this. About how she's putting herself at risk again, like she did...when Seiryo hurt her."
"Surely Lord Tennan isn't..."
"No..this time she's doing it for his sake." Sasami frowned. "Among other things. That worries me too, to be honest. I'm worrying about too much, I know - it sucks. But I do."
"Do you suspect...partiality on Kiyone's part?" Ayeka asked, and Sasami started, staring at her.
"Partiality?"
"Bizarre as it seems to me, is it possible that she's begun to think of Seiryo the way you think of Kamidake?" Ayeka asked softly, and Sasami reddened at the reference to her crush, shrugging her shoulders.
"She said they were just friends." She responded. "I don't know. Do you think so?"
"I can't imagine anyone falling in love with a man like Seiryo Tennan, even despite what he's done as your advisor." Ayeka said frankly. "But to put her life in danger for him...seems somewhat extreme for someone as sensible as Kiyone. If you really do think she's putting her life in danger."
"Maybe." Sasami contemplated this for a moment, surprise in her crimson eyes. "I hadn't thought about it like that."
She sighed.
"But Seiryo isn't as bad a person as you think. On the contrary...right now he's hurt a lot." She added. "Just like you or I'd feel if Mother or Father died. It's not fair that all this leak stuff is happening right now, no matter what. Perhaps she just feels sorry for him, because of that."
She tilted her head, eying her companion with a slight smile.
"Does Takeru know yet, that he's to be a father?" She asked. "Or am I the first to know?"
"You're the first, but I will tell him tonight." Ayeka responded with a faint smile. "When I have a moment to get him alone. And then, tomorrow, both our parents and Uncle must be informed. But for now, sister, it's just between you and I."
She frowned.
"Takeru's concerned about Seiryo too, to be honest." She acknowledged. "It's surprised me, but apparently my husband shared some closeness to Seiryo's mother, once upon a time. I know he wants to attend her memorial - though whether it will come off or not, I don't know. Seiryo still seems to bear him quite a lot of malice for events past."
"They clash." Sasami admitted. "But I think it would be good to call a truce. Lady Kaede was a kind woman - I think it would be sad, if Takeru couldn't attend her memorial. Do you want me to talk to Seiryo about it?"
"I think Takeru wants to do so himself." Ayeka sighed heavily. "I'm not sure its wise to seek out a grieving rival at the moment, but if that's how he feels..."
"Men are strange like that." Sasami reflected. "But maybe if you tell him about the Prince, he'll change his mind and be distracted."
"You're really so sure that it's a son, Sasami-chan?"
"Yes." Sasami raised solemn eyes to her sister's. "I could tell you his name, too, but I guess you want some surprises to look forward to, huh?"
"If you don't mind." Despite herself, Ayeka looked rueful. "I'd like to think I named my child, especially if he is the only one I will ever bear. Not Tsunami's will."
"So I won't tell you." Sasami dimpled. "And then you will be able to."
She flexed her hands, glancing at them.
"I'm happy for you, Oneesama." She murmured. "And for Jurai. I just hope that Kiyone can find something out - or do something - to prevent relations between Earth and Jurai going bad. After all, if they did, and something were to happen...we might never be able to see Tenchi and Ryoko ever again."