Disclaimer
Tenchi and all associated characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC. I don't own any rights to them. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
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Warning: This fic is a CONTINUATION of a previous story. In fact, it's a continuation of ALL my previous stories. If you haven't read any of them you are still free to peruse this one of course, but if you don't understand why certain things are happening, or why certain situations arise, then go back and read everything that came before. Yes, this means you too Mccpcorn… I think Hoshino Ruri would know what to say in this situation.
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An Unforgivable Sin
Chapter 1
Ayeka's Plight
*****
The call came over the ship's intercom system and Misaki grimaced as if in pain. "Your Highness, we are approaching colony plant 0-315. Time until orbit, thirty-four Earth minutes," said a husky female voice.
"Thank you, Major," she called, knowing her ship, Karin, would automatically relay her reply back. "I'll be ready." She flicked off her computer terminal and rubbed her tired eyes. She had been poring over Juraian law, looking for something, anything, to help her avoid the duty she now faced. Ayeka, her eldest daughter, must return to Jurai to face the Holy Council and be judged. Testimony from the only surviving witness, Nagi, had clearly proven that Ryoko's death had been accidental; but that death had been a direct result of actions taken by Ayeka and by Nagi's account, Ayeka hadn't been herself at the time.
And so, even though the Council wasn't pressing for a criminal indictment, Ayeka was to be judged on her fitness to head the Masaki family after Azusa and become the next Empress. They couldn't have a woman who lost control in charge, it would cause… problems.
The Second Queen of the most powerful star empire in the galaxy sighed and pushed herself away from the desk. She didn't feel very powerful at the moment, she felt like a lost mother. Her duty… she must focus on that and set her feelings aside. She looked down at the small cabbit sleeping peacefully on the desk next to the terminal; oh to be so oblivious to what was going on. When the recall order was announced, she'd taken it upon herself to go after Ayeka; it was a duty she couldn't pass on to anyone else. Besides, Ayeka would need all the support she could give her, that's why her escort team had been personally handpicked. Half an hour; time to call Washu.
*****
Tenchi peered up the stairs for the fourth time in the last hour. A few more minutes and he'd have to head out to the fields for the morning weeding and planting. This time he managed to catch Sasami coming down the steps from tending to Ayeka.
"Is there any change," Tenchi asked gently.
Sasami shook her head. "No, she still refuses to see anyone but me. She just sits and stares at the wall." Tears formed in the young princess' eyes and she almost dropped the tray she was returning to the kitchen. "Oh Tenchi," she sobbed. "What are we going to do? She blames herself for Ryoko's death and she thinks you do to. She thinks we all blame her. She barely eats, just enough to keep up her strength. She's locked herself away from everyone who loves her."
"Can't you… I mean Tsunami…"
Sasami sniffed and wiped her eyes. "No, she won't even listen to me as Tsunami. All she ever says is 'Thank you, Tsunami' when I take her her meals. I don't think she even realizes that I'm still Sasami too."
"She knows, Sasami. She knows." Tenchi took the serving tray from the other's unsteady grip and putting his arm around Sasami's shoulder, guided her towards the kitchen. "She's just closed out everyone she was close to; everybody who was also close to Ryoko. She'll talk to Tsunami because you, as the goddess, were always just a concept until fairly recently. She doesn't feel that close to Tsunami on a personal level."
"That's pretty good, Tenchi," came a nasally voice from behind them. "Those psychology classes sure came in handy, didn't they?"
Tenchi turned and glared at Washu. "You. You certainly don't seem upset over your daughter's death."
Washu switched to her adult form and glared back. "I am and you know it," she said with just a hint of anger. "It's just that there's nothing I can do about it. Maybe if they'd brought back the body…"
Tenchi shuddered at the thought of seeing Ryoko's corpse, his arm around Sasami tightened. "I'm sorry Washu, it's just…"
"I know," said the scientist in a low voice. "I miss her too."
"We all do, sister," said Tsunami, easing her way out of Tenchi's grip. She looked up as if seeing something through the ceiling. "Washu, Karin is approaching, mother's probably trying to call.
Washu slipped back into her child form before answering. "Yeah, I'm not looking forward to this at all."
Tsunami nodded. "If Mother wants to talk to me, just call, ok?"
"Sure thing kid." Washu slipped back into her lab.
"Sasami…" Tenchi started. The princess put a delicate finger to his lips to stop him.
"Shhh," she said. "We didn't tell you because we didn't want you to worry any more than you are. Ayeka's been recalled to Jurai, to face the Holy Council in a fitness hearing."
Tenchi's face darkened. "That's absurd," he almost shouted. "In her current state there's no way she could defend herself. I won't allow it!"
Sasami sadly shook her head. "You have no choice. If she doesn't go willingly, she'll go in custody." She looked up at the ceiling again. "It's time, let's go greet the Queen."
*****
Tenchi, Sasami, Washu and Katsuhito stood quietly in the hilltop shrine's courtyard, near the point where Misaki and her guards would materialize. Inside, Tenchi was still fuming over the fact that they had come to take Ayeka away and that she might lose her status in the Juraian government. Didn't they understand that it had been an accident? Even he, Ryoko's husband, had understood and didn't blame Ayeka. He knew that the princess' feelings for the pirate had grown until they were almost as great as his own. A beam of light shot down from above and within it, the Second Queen of Jurai stood. She was alone. The light faded away and Mis-ohki jumped down from the Queen's shoulder, scampering off in search of the other cabbits and maybe a treat.
Misaki watched her companion hop away and held up a hand to forestall any comments. "Before any of you say anything, I want you to know that this was not mine or my husband's idea. But Juraian law is very clear on the subject of regicide and insanity, even if Ryoko was only a Princess by marriage.
"My guards, who will be joining us shortly, are here only because I ordered them to be here, please don't harass them or interfere with their duties, they're only doing their jobs.
"Now I know," she looked at Tenchi. "That there's a lot of resentment over the need for this, but believe me, I, my sister-wife and our husband are doing everything in our power to help Ayeka. And she has a lot of friends in the nobility. Everything will work out." She smiled and held out her arms. "Now, where's my little Sasami?"
The young princess stepped forward. "Here, Mother. I've, um, gone through some, um, changes since you last saw me. I'm sure Washu's informed you."
Misaki frowned and stared at her daughter. Sasami stopped in mid-stride.
"Um…" her voice changed pitch slightly. "Mommy! I missed you so much!" Sasami threw herself into her mother's arms.
Misaki hugged her daughter tightly. "My little girl. My how you've grown. You look like…like…"
"Tsunami?" Washu inserted.
"Yes, Tsunam… What did you say?"
Sasami twisted around and looked at the little scientist. "You didn't tell her, did you?"
"There's a lot I haven't told her about you, but if you want…"
Sasami shook her head vehemently. "No, no, that's all right. I'm sure the details of some of it would be boooring."
Misaki wore a confused look. "Tell me what?"
"I…" Sasami began.
"Later, Sasami," Tenchi broke in, unable to contain himself anymore. He tried to gently push Sasami aside, an impossible task, and confront the Queen. "I want to know what gives you the right to come into my home and take my wife away. Don't give me any crap about Juraian law, we're not on Jurai."
"Tenchi, calm down," Katsuhito said. "She's here to help Ayeka, not hurt her."
"Wait, wait," Misaki said, rapidly looking back and forth between Washu and Sasami. "Tell me what?" she repeated.
Another beam of light appeared and five figures dressed in uniforms of Royal Guardians materialized. Tenchi stepped back, pulled the Tenchi-ken from his tunic and ignited it. "You will not enter my home he said between clenched teeth." He assumed a guard stance.
Misaki released Sasami who began gasping for breath. "You will put that away young Prince," the Queen ordered. "And allow my people to do their duty."
The sword stayed active. "Their duty?" Tenchi almost shouted. "My duty is to protect my family and if that means giving my life for them, then that's how it'll be." "Now," he said in a lower tone. "Who's first?" One of the guards stepped around the Queen and stood between her and Tenchi. It was the Major in charge of the detail.
"Would you really use that on me?" the Major asked. "Tenchi…"
Tenchi's resolution wavered. "K… Ka'dithy, is that you?"
The petite t'Dnal grinned. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Tenchi glared at Misaki. "How dare you…"
"Enough!" barked Ka'dithy in a tone of command. It seemed odd coming from her small form. "We're all volunteers. We all have a stake in helping Ayeka. I'm doing it for you and Ryoko; these others, well, they knew the Princess back on Jurai and want to see her on the throne after her father." She stood defiantly, hands on slender hips, and the look in her eye dared him to challenge her even though she knew he could wipe the place with her.
Tenchi's sword arm drooped and the Tenchi-ken fizzled out. All his anger drained away and suddenly he felt very weary. "Do what you will," he told them. "But promise me she won't be harmed; I've already lost one woman I loved."
Ka'dithy stepped forward and placed a hand on each of his shoulders. "You have my word," she told him.
"Well," stated the Queen. She turned he attention back to Sasami and Washu. "Now that that's all settled, what were you going to tell me?"
*****
Misaki, Sasami, Washu and Katsuhito sat in the dining room sipping tea. Tenchi had gone with Ka'dithy and the guard to help pack the things Ayeka would need. They would gather her up later when it was time to leave. One look at her daughter had convinced Misaki that Tenchi was probably correct, Ayeka should be left alone; that given time she would snap out of her shell and return to normal, but her duty to Jurai overrode any motherly concerns. The Council had ordered it.
Misaki shook her head. "So, it's finally happened. Tsunami and my youngest daughter have become one."
"You knew?" Sasami asked, slightly startled. "Why didn't you say something before? I worried for years about losing myself."
Misaki grinned crookedly. "Oh yes, I knew; or suspected anyway. As did Funaho." The Queen chuckled. "But can you imagine how your father would have reacted? No, we felt it best to keep our suspicions to ourselves. We didn't even tell your sister." She turned her attention to Washu, sitting and sipping her tea calmly. "I guess this makes you part of the family now too, doesn't it Lady Washu?"
Washu gently set her cup down. "I became part of the family when Tenchi and Ayeka married Ryoko," she reminded Misaki.
Misaki nodded. "Yes, of course you did. But now even more so."
Tenchi came stumbling down the stairs lugging a huge suitcase. "A little help here," he groaned. Two of the Guardians followed him, each with a suitcase of their own. One of them tripped on the last step and fell into Tenchi's back. The suitcase he was carrying went flying and upon hitting the wooden floor, popped open, scattering clothing everywhere. The guard and Tenchi landed in a jumble at the bottom.
Ka'dithy carefully made her way down the stairs, stepping around the Tenchi-guardian heap at the bottom. The case she was carrying was almost as big as the one Tenchi had had and bore the crest of the Royal Family. She set the bag down and frowned at her underling slowly extricating himself from the tangle of limbs.
"Really now," she said. "He's a Prince you know. You should be more careful."
"Yes Ma'am," the poor man said, glancing at Tenchi to see if he was angry. It was never a good idea to make a member of the Royals mad at you; in the old days, one did not usually survive the experience.
Ka'dithy read the expression on her underling's face and knew what was passing through his mind. She laughed. "I was joking. Here, Lord Tenchi, let me help you up." She held out a hand, which Tenchi gratefully took. "See, no harm done. Now, let's get these bags loaded." She effortlessly hefted Ayeka's bag. "C'mon, we've got a lot to do before we leave tomorrow and I'm looking forward to a good soak in that wonderful onsen before bed tonight." She winked at Tenchi, eliciting a chuckle from the Queen and a smile from Sasami. Tenchi and the others watched as she herded her people, laden down with baggage, outside to await transport.
"Um, Tenchi," Sasami said mildly. "These don't look like Ayeka's unmentionables." She held up a pair of boxer shorts that had landed in her lap. Tenchi hurriedly snatched them back and began repacking the case he'd been carting.
"That's because they're mine," he said gruffly. "If Ayeka's going to Jurai, so am I."
"Tenchi, Tenchi, Tenchi," admonished the Queen. "You didn't really think we were going to leave you behind now, did you? You're her husband for Tsunami's sake." She looked over at her daughter. "Oops, sorry."
"S'alright," said Tsunami, taking another drink of tea.
"What about the children?" asked Washu.
Misaki's face lit up. "Oh, yes. Where are the little darlings by the way? I was wondering why they weren't here to Great Grandma Misaki."
"They've been staying in town occasionally with Tenchi's father and Mai while Ayeka's been 'indisposed'," Tenchi's grandfather explained. "In fact, Mai'd just left with them when you called and told us you were almost here. We've phoned Noboyuki and told him you're here; they're bringing them back a bit later, after dinner."
"And they're coming with us too of course. Having the children around will be excellent therapy for Ayeka. Or so I'm told anyway."
Sasami spoke up. "I'm going too."
Misaki sipped her tea as she watched Tenchi sit on the suitcase to close it. "Washu says you're enrolled in a local school. I wouldn't want you to miss class."
"Yes, but it's not like I'm actually learning anything. I am Tsunami, after all."
"That's a poor attitude to have, and that's not really why you're going to school, is it?" Washu interjected. "You're going so you can learn how to interact with others of your age."
"Yes," Misaki agreed. "Interaction is important." Tenchi finished latching the case and hefting it, stumbled out the door.
"Note that we both said interaction, not interc…" Washu saw the look on Sasami's face. "Never mind. Anyway, I think we have the school covered." She pulled a sheaf of papers from seemingly nowhere and handed them to Misaki.
"What are these?" the Queen asked, shuffling through them. "What's an 'exchange student'?"
Washu explained with Sasami looking on, nodding her head occasionally. Katsuhito sipped his tea in silence.
"That's all well and good, Washu," Misaki said when the scientist eventually wound down. "But I don't think that Jurai has an exchange program with any Japanese schools."
"You didn't read it all," Washu stated. "According to the papers, she's not going to Jurai, she's going to a place called Chicago."
"Which is?"
"A city in another country. On this planet. All perfectly legal and acceptable."
Misaki squinted at the papers. "Well, that explains the strange names of her sponsors. Who exactly are 'Elaine Vincent' and 'May Hopkins'?"
Sasami covered her mouth and giggled. Washu cracked a wide grin.
"They're not real people," the red head explained. "They're characters from one of the comics Sasami reads. It was her idea."
"And I suppose you're coming along too?" the Queen asked.
"Of course! I'm Ayeka's Primary Care Physician, you can't treat her without my approval, and don't try to tell me you haven't thought about having her evaluated and treated."
Misaki smiled and picked up her tea.
*****
Yukinojo landed the shuttle gently on the surface of the lake. It was always so much easier when Mihoshi was asleep. The AI looked down at the blonde GP snoozing in the command chair. Should he wake her and tell her they were home? No. Let her sleep. It had been a long patrol, several weeks in deep space chasing down suspected smugglers. And with little to show for their efforts, all of the ships they had inspected had proved to be legit. Yukinojo let out an electronic sigh. At least Mihoshi could spend the next few days with her boyfriend before they had to head out again. All he had were some new sims he'd downloaded from the main GP computer.
Mihoshi had been asleep before they'd entered the solar system so she didn't know about the cloaked tree-ship he'd detected in orbit. It had identified itself as Karin, Queen Misaki's partner tree and thus was exempt from inspection. After exchanging electronic greetings with the other ship, Yukinojo had decided to let Mihoshi be surprised when she ran into Misaki on the planet. Although he didn't have definite proof, the AI suspected what brought the Queen way out here to the 'armpit of the galaxy' as the other GP officers called it. Poor Ayeka. Mihoshi would be upset. Poor Tenchi.
*****
Mihoshi yawned and stretched, looking back over her shoulder as the shuttle faded into its subspace hanger. She wished Yukinojo had woken her for the landing; she loved to do those sorts of things herself. Oh well, there was always next time. She stepped into the house, removed her shoes and started up stairs to change. Glancing over, she saw Misaki and Tenchi seated at the table eating breakfast.
"Oh. Good morning, Tenchi, your Highness," she said.
Misaki looked up from the daily paper she was perusing. She so enjoyed what these provincials considered hot news. Little did they know… "Good morning Officer Kuramitsu," the Queen responded with a polite nod before returning to her reading. Tenchi just grumbled and continued eating.
Mihoshi took a step up the stairs and stopped. Wait. Something about this scene just wasn't right. Tenchi eating breakfast, check. Sasami noises coming from the kitchen, check. Queen Misaki reading the daily paper, check. Eh, Queen Misaki reading the daily paper? Something flashed by her legs at high speed while something else hissed into existence next to the Queen.
"Grandma, grandma," both entities began chanting. "When are we leaving?" one of them, a little boy, asked. "I want to see Grandpa."
"I want to see Mommy!" chimed in the little girl who was floating several inches above the floor.
"Both Mommies," agreed the boy. The girl nodded.
Tenchi suddenly excused himself and left the room.
Mihoshi stepped back down and walked over to the table. "Uh, excuse me your Highness," she said. "Why are you here? Is it someone's birthday? Tenchi's was three months ago, before Ryoko… ah, well, Sasami maybe? Or Ayeka? Mine isn't for a couple of months yet so that can't be it…"
"Mihoshi," said Katsuhito gently.
Mihoshi didn't stop. "Maybe Washu. Does Washu actually have a birthday? I mean she's a goddess and all… Oh, I know! One of the kids. Wait, no."
"Mihoshi," said Katsuhito a bit louder.
"Ok, if it's not a birthday, perhaps an anniversary?"
"MIHOSHI! STOP!"
"No?" asked the GP. "Then why are you here Lady Misaki?"
Misaki smiled at the blonde's bewilderment. "Can't I just drop by to see my grandchildren?" she asked, patting Ayeka's son on the head.
"Well, sure. But…"
Misaki sighed. "I'm here to take Ayeka back to Jurai for treatment."
Mihoshi considered this for a moment then her face lit up in understanding. "So you want her well enough to defend herself when she goes before the Jurai Holy Council. Yes, that makes sense."
Misaki grinned. Mihoshi wasn't as dense as some of her superiors believed. She'd managed to dredge up an obscure and little used piece of Juraian law, combine it with her presence here, the comment she'd made and come to the correct conclusion. "That's right," the Queen told the blonde with a nod. "And although you don't fall under my jurisdiction, I'd appreciate your keeping an eye on things around here while we're all on Jurai. I'm sure Tenchi and Ayeka would like a planet to come home to."
Mihoshi snapped to attention and saluted. "You can count on me, your Highness. Officer… er Lieutenant Kuramitsu is on the job." She suddenly gave a tremendous yawn. "But first, I think I need a soak in the onsen. Then a little nap. Or maybe a nap while soaking in the onsen."
"I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine my dear," Misaki said, hiding a laugh behind her hand. "Now off with you." She dismissed Mihoshi with a casual wave. The GP saluted again, did a perfect about-face and marched off to her room.
"She's really very good," said Katsuhito.
"I know," said Misaki, watching the blonde disappear up the stairs. "Very good indeed."
"At one time I considered matching her with Tenchi too," Katsuhito said, watching for Misaki's reaction.
The Queen raised an eyebrow. "Do tell… Three of them?"
"I concluded rather quickly that neither Ayeka nor Ryoko would allow it."
Out in the kitchen the back door slammed shut. Tenchi had overheard the conversation and had gone off to work off some emotions in the fields before they all left. There was sudden quiet, then the group in the dining area heard Sasami yell something and three cabbits tumbled into the room from the kitchen area, each sporting a carrot. Mis-ohki jumped up on her partner's lap, safe at last from the raving goddess with the evil spatula. Ryo-ohki and Ay-ohki skidded to a stop and were gathered up by the children.
"What's wrong with Daddy?" Juro asked, stroking Ay-ohki's head.
"He misses Mommy Ryoko too," the Queen told the children in a mild voice. "And he wants to see Mommy Ayeka get better, just like you. He worries about her so let's not keep reminding him that she's ill, ok?"
"Your father will be fine once matters on Jurai are taken care of," Katsuhito said.
"Are you coming too, Grandpa Yosho?" Ryoko's daughter, Keiko, asked, floating over to sit in his lap. Ryo-ohki was perched on the little girl's head, much as she usually was with Sasami. The brown cabbit had a smug, satisfied look on her face as the last of her purloined carrot disappeared into her mouth.
The old priest shook his head. "No, I cannot leave the shrine unattended for as long as this might take. If I go, your father must stay and it's better that he go."
"A pity," said the Queen. "It's been too long since you last visited us and I know your mother would enjoy seeing you again."
"Yes," said Katsuhito. "I regret it as well. But she knows where I am if she wants to visit."
"Yosho!" scolded Misaki. "That's no way to treat your mother."
The old priest looked suitably chastised. "Yes, Ma'am," he responded, looking down at the floor in mock contrition.
*****
Ayeka stared out into nowhere as Sasami led her through the house and outside to the transport area. The vacant look on her beautiful face, made only more so by the now permanent, but still almost invisible, markings etched into her cheeks and forehead, caused Misaki to look away, tears filling her eyes.
"Where are we going, Tsunami?" Ayeka asked her sister in a dull monotone.
"Hush. We're going on a little trip with Mother," Sasami answered quietly.
"That's nice," Ayeka said. "Will Ryoko and the others be there when we arrive?"
Sasami looked plaintively at Tenchi, who held a child in each arm. He sniffed back a sob and nodded. "Yes, sister," Sasami said. "Everyone will be there. We'll be traveling on Karin, and when we get to Jurai everything will be all right."
Ayeka managed a small smile, but continued to stare off into the middle distance, not noticing anything around her. "Oh good. I miss Ryoko, I wonder why she hasn't come to see me recently." She glanced over at Sasami for the first time. "Can you take me to my cabin please, Tsunami? I'm suddenly very tired."
Ayeka and Sasami disappeared in a beam of transport light leaving the rest of the family, including Misaki, standing; each caught up in their own emotions.
*****
To be continued.
*****
Author's Notes
This story is the continuation of "Royal Quest". Ministry Agent (damn you, MA) convinced me after much arguing to stop that story where it stood, because to add what I wanted would ruin the mood. As usual, he was absolutely correct. This forced a rethink what came next and thus this new story.
*****
BobR
8/30/2003
