Chapter 8 - The Voice of the Tree
"Jurai control, this is Ryo-Ohki."
"Ryo-Ohki, Jurai control. Go ahead."
"Jurai Control, can you please provide a flight path and landing coordinates."
"Ryo-Ohki, stand by."
"This will never work, Ayeka," Ryoko said. "We should have met with a tug in deep space and dropped you guys and Ryu-Oh off. They've still got Ryo-Ohki and me in every database on Jurai."
"Hush, Ryoko," Ayeka said. "Everything will be fine."
"Humph, if you say so," Ryoko said, sitting pensively in Ryo-Ohki's command chair.
"Ryo-Ohki, Jurai Control. Please confirm your destination."
"See, I told you," Ryoko said. "Let's get turned around before they start shooting!"
"Ryoko, please!" Ayeka said. "Jurai Control, this is Ryo-Ohki. We will be landing at the royal palace."
"Ryo-Ohki, your destination is confirmed. You should be receiving flight path and landing information now. Welcome home, Princess."
Even as Jurai Control confirmed their request, a screen opened on Ryo- Ohki's bridge showing their flight path.
"Jurai Control, thank you; it's good to be home. Ryo-Ohki out."
"Jurai Control out."
"Ryo-Ohki," Ayeka said. "Do you have everything you need?" She was answered with a 'miya' and the display shifted as Ryo-Ohki changed course to follow their designated flight path. "See, Ryoko, no problem."
Ryoko snorted. She didn't move from the command chair.
A short time later, they passed into the orbital region of Jurai itself and descended into the atmosphere. In a few minutes, Ryo-Ohki was hovering easily above a grassy landing pad on one side of the palace. Once again, they were deposited in a transport beam and Ryo-Ohki gently set Ryu- Oh's life pod down behind them. Then, with a cry, Ryo-Ohki herself was sitting at their feet.
"Ryo-Ohki," Sasami said. "We're going to meet the king and queens. You should change." Ryo-Ohki miya'd in agreement and, with an audible pop, changed to her child form. "Oh, good job! You know they like you like this."
Leaving their luggage behind, they moved together toward the doors to the palace. Azusa, Funaho and Misaki were in the door, waiting for them.
The group stopped a few paces from the king and queens and everyone bowed formally. "Ayeka, Sasami," Azusa said in a clipped voice. "You look well. Tenchi, thank you for taking care of them."
"You're welcome, sir," Tenchi replied.
"Now..." the king began.
"Oh! Hello everyone!" Misaki said, rushing forward. "We're so happy to have you all here." She snatched Ayeka into a hug, which Ayeka happily returned; then began moving to each of the group in turn. "Oh, Sasami!" she cried, then "Tenchi!"
Azusa cleared his throat.
"Mihoshi!" Misaki continued.
"Dear, do you mind?" Azusa said.
"Washu!" Misaki said.
Azusa sighed, anger clouding his face. Then he heard a small sound. Looking down, he saw Ryo-Ohki standing at his feet, smiling. "Oh," Azusa said. "It's you."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki replied, raising her arms to be picked up. Azusa's eyebrows arched in surprise, he glanced at Funaho and caught a warning look.
"Hello there, little trooper!" Azusa said, smiling. He reached down and picked up Ryo-Ohki, sitting her against his waist. "How are you?"
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said. "Meowr miya."
"That's great," Azusa replied.
"Myor miya miya!" Ryo-Ohki continued.
"You don't say," Azusa said, looking helplessly at Funaho.
"Ryo-Ohki," Funaho said. "Thank you so much for taking care of Ryu-Oh for us. I know he appreciates it, too."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said, smiling.
"And perhaps later, you can sing another song for us, eh?" Azusa said.
"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki shouted, throwing her arms around Azusa's neck and hugging him happily.
"Oh, uh, heh heh," the king said.
"Good practice for you, dear, if you're ever going to be a proper grandfather," Funaho said, smiling.
Misaki had finished greeting the group, including Commander Pakma. "Would you like to see your quarters?" Funaho asked, ushering them into the palace. She led them a short distance to a suite of rooms with a common living room and kitchen between them.
"This should be just like home," Funaho said. "Ayeka and Sasami, I assume you'll want to stay here, rather than in your own rooms?"
"Yes!" Ayeka replied.
"Yes, please!" Sasami said.
"Very well. Why don't you get settled and we'll have dinner in a bit."
"Uh, ma'am?" Pakma said.
"Yes, commander?"
"Ma'am, I actually need to check in with Navy Bureau. I assume they'll have quarters assigned for me then. If you will all excuse me."
"Nonsense, commander, you will stay here. Showing hospitality is the least we can do, considering your service in space and on Letin," Funaho said.
"Ma'am, rescuing Aye- Princess Ayeka was my duty and I would hardly call my work on Letin difficult. I'm not trying to argue, but I don't want to wear out my welcome."
"Commander," Funaho began.
"Ma'am, please," Pakma said.
Azusa, Ryo-Ohki still clutching his neck, cleared his throat. "Young man," he said, "it has been my experience that arguing with either of the queens of Jurai is a waste of time and energy. Navy Bureau has already been contacted and you are on detached duty, assigned to the Royal Bodyguard until further notice."
"And that means you're mine, commander," Misaki said, smiling.
Surprise crossed Pakma's face; he recovered quickly and bowed to Misaki. "Commander Pakma reporting, ma'am. What are your orders?"
"For the time being, I'd like you to accompany and protect Ayeka and Sasami as needed. All right?"
"Aye aye, ma'am," Pakma replied with a smile.
"Now, why doesn't everyone get settled," Funaho said, as their luggage began to arrive, "and we'll come back in a bit for dinner out in the garden."
Dinner was served at a long table in a large sward of grass just outside their rooms. The sward was hedged on three sides and two breaks in the hedge led out into the garden beyond. After dinner, Funaho took them on a walk through the garden, saying, "This was always one of my favorites. I picked the plants myself to remind me of home after I first came to Jurai; they're almost all from Earth..."
Ryoko quietly hung back as everyone followed down the garden path, disappearing behind the hedges. As the staff cleaned up their dinner, she found a bench in a corner of the sward and sat, staring unhappily at her feet.
After a moment, Tenchi emerged from the path. He approached her and put a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Ryoko, what is it? What's wrong?"
Ryoko shook her head, saying nothing.
"Please, Ryoko, let me help."
"You can't help, Tenchi," Ryoko said in a choked voice. "Please, this has nothing to do with you, it's all me. Leave me, go back with the others; I'll be fine."
"Ryoko, you know I can't..." Tenchi began.
"Tenchi?"
Tenchi turned at the sound of his name; it was Misaki. "Lady Misaki!"
She walked up and said, "Tenchi, go join the others. I'll sit with Ryoko."
"I... Uh... Are you sure?" Tenchi asked.
"Mmm hmm," Misaki replied, nodding and smiling.
"Well, okay," Tenchi said. "I'll see you in a bit, Ryoko. And if there's anything I can do, just ask. Okay?" Ryoko nodded without looking up. "Okay, bye," Tenchi said quietly, then he turned and disappeared up the path the others had taken.
Misaki settled onto the bench next to Ryoko. For a moment, she said nothing; she gazed at the clouds coloring in the evening light and the birds flitting by overhead. "It's very beautiful here, isn't it?" she said.
Ryoko didn't reply.
Misaki sighed. "What sis didn't mention is that this garden was almost completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt once."
Ryoko sobbed heavily, her hands going to her face.
"Oh, Ryoko!" Misaki said. "Come to Auntie Misaki!" Misaki turned and pulled Ryoko toward her, resting Ryoko's head on her shoulder. Ryoko clutched Misaki, crying heavily. "There, there," Misaki said, patting Ryoko on the back. "It's all right now, sweetheart."
"I did that," Ryoko choked out. "It was all me. All those people..."
"No, no," Misaki said. "That wasn't you. You know it and we all know it. You're a good girl, Ryoko. You don't have to take the blame for what Kagato did."
"I... I'm... I'm afraid that nobody else..." Ryoko couldn't say it.
"You're afraid that nobody else understands?" Misaki finished for her. "You think everyone else on Jurai blames you."
Ryoko looked at Misaki, her eyes red rimmed and her expression miserable; she nodded silently.
"You don't have to worry about that, dear," Misaki said, smiling. "You aren't the 'Space Pirate Ryoko' anymore; you aren't what anyone expects."
"I don't understand," Ryoko said.
"Let me show you this," Misaki said. She led Ryoko inside to a video screen. "Here's the video we have of your attack. Every school child on Jurai has seen this." A moment later, the video screen showed Ryo-Ohki approaching Jurai; maneuvering rapidly, firing and taking fire. Then there was a brief image of Ryoko laughing cruelly, silhouetted against a burning building. The flames highlighting her form; her mane of hair gray and red in the light. Her face was shadowed, her eyes glowed like embers.
Misaki froze that image, then began calling up a new set of images.
"And here is the Ryoko of today, the Ryoko that everyone is seeing, the Ryoko we all know and love." Misaki pushed a last button. "The real Ryoko," she said.
A new series of video clips started; this time showing a different- looking Ryo-Ohki detaching Ryu-Oh and setting the life pod gently down onto the landing pad. Then images of Ryoko splashing at the beach with Sasami and Mihoshi; and clinging to Tenchi's arm, smiling into the camera flashing a 'V' with her hand.
Ryoko looked at Misaki searchingly. "I don't understand," she said.
"Ryoko, you and Ryo-Ohki are so different now that nobody is going to know that it was you."
"Maybe," Ryoko said.
"Definitely," Misaki insisted.
"But I'll still know," Ryoko said quietly.
Misaki sighed. "Yes, dear, that's true. But that's something that your family can help you with, without worrying about all the people of Jurai."
Ryoko looked at Misaki and her expression was a tiny bit hopeful.
"Better?" Misaki asked.
"A little," Ryoko nodded.
"Good," Misaki said, smiling. "Now, let's go find the others, okay?"
Ryoko nodded.
"That's a good girl. Come on!"
The promotion and bonding ceremony itself took place a few days later. A stage was erected outside the Royal Arboretum and chairs set up facing it, seating the officers to be promoted and the guests. On the stage was the First Admiral of Jurai and several high-ranking officers. Names were called off and people went to the stage. When the promotion was completed, the new captain was taken to a transport disk with an officer and a member of the Supreme Council attending. Most of the new captains returned from the transport disk with a disappointed look.
"Commander Latel Pakma," the herald called. Pakma stepped forward and mounted the stairs and halted before the members of the admiralty and bowed low. The admiralty returned his bow.
"Commander Pakma reporting, sir."
The First Admiral cleared his throat. "Commander Pakma, your long service, exceptional ability and conspicuous courage has brought you to the attention of the admiralty board and we have determined you to be prepared for the responsibilities of the rank of captain. Congratulations, Captain Pakma." The First Admiral removed Pakma's commander's insignia and replaced it with captain. He then shook Pakma's hand.
"Thank you, sir," Pakma said.
"Don't thank me, son. This is well deserved and long overdue. Captain Locano was a little too good at hiding you."
The First Admiral stepped back and announced, "Captain Pakma, it is customary that new captains are presented to the Third Generation trees for the chance that they might find a suitable partner. However, you are distantly related to the royal family; this gives you the opportunity to search for a partner among the Second Generation trees."
There was a murmur through those assembled. Only a few people were presented to the Second Generation each year; no one had been accepted by one in many years. Everyone was excited to think that they might be a witness to history and that another Second Generation tree might soon take flight.
"Also, there are normally two witnesses with each candidate. Due to a special request, you won't have two witnesses." The First Admiral smiled and gestured for Pakma to turn. He did and found everyone he had met aboard Ryu-Oh, including Funaho and Misaki, gathered in a group near the door to the Royal Arboretum, smiling at him.
Pakma turned back to the First Admiral. "Yes sir," he said, smiling.
"Carry on, captain," the First Admiral said. Pakma bowed low and walked over to the group.
Everyone greeted him as he approached. He bowed formally to Funaho and Misaki, then said "Hello, everyone," he said. "You really didn't have to do this, you know."
"Just another way of showing our gratitude, captain," Ayeka said.
"I really appreciate it," Pakma said. "So, what do I do now?" he asked.
"As the First Admiral said," Funaho replied. "Since you're related to the royal family you will have a chance to find a suitable partner among the Second Generation. If none of the trees speaks to you, then you will be presented to the Third Generation."
"'Speaks' to me? The trees speak?" Pakma asked.
"Not with a voice you can hear with your ears," Funaho said. "But when it happens, you will know it. So, if you're ready, we'll get started." She gestured and two guards opened the doors to the Arboretum. Funaho walked into the Arboretum next to Pakma and with the others trailing. As they entered, another captain and his two witnesses were leaving. "Good luck, captain," the man said as he passed.
"Thank you," Pakma replied.
The room was enormous, cavernous. It extended as far as the eye could see outward, the ceiling was lost to their sight and the bottom was just as far. They stood on a platform just inside the doors; before them the young trees floated on their platforms. A few steps away was a transport disk.
"When you step onto that disk, captain, you will be transported to the chamber of the Second Generation. If none of them accepts you as a partner, we will go to the Third Generation."
Pakma smiled, a little nervously. "That's it?"
"To start."
Pakma stepped toward the disk, he stopped before it and looked back over his shoulder. "We'll be right behind you," Funaho said. He nodded and stepped forward, there was a gentle tone and he was gone. The others followed in ones and twos.
They emerged at the end of a double row of enormous trees - vastly larger than the trees on the floating platforms. This was the level of the Second Generation.
"So, here we are. Now what?" Pakma asked.
"Do you hear anything, captain?" Funaho asked.
"Hear anything? Like what?" he asked.
"Like your name, carried on the wind," Funaho said, "or gentle music."
Pakma shook his head. "No," he said. "Nothing like that at all."
Funaho sighed. "I'm afraid your partner is not here, captain."
Pakma looked sheepish, saying, "I guess there's not enough royal blood in me."
"Oh, captain!" Ayeka said, stepping forward. "You must not be disappointed! To even have the opportunity to bond with a Second Generation tree is a rare gift. Most candidates do not even get transported here. You will certainly find your partner in the Third Generation."
"I know I should be grateful if any tree will accept me, and I am," Pakma said. "But I can't help being a little disappointed." He smiled at Ayeka and she returned it. "It'll be all right," he said.
"You will know how 'all right' in a few moments, captain," Funaho said. "Shall we go?"
They stepped back on to the transport disk and were sent to the level of the Third Generation. Here, the trees were not so large, although still impressive.
Immediately, Pakma cocked his head and said, "What's that?"
"Do you hear something, captain?" Funaho asked him.
"Yes, it's like music; wind chimes maybe. It's beautiful."
Funaho smiled. "That is your tree, captain. She calls to you. Seek her out. You must present yourself to each tree in turn. When you are in front of the tree that is calling you, you will know it. Then, you will say the sacred words and you and the tree will be bonded: two that are one."
"That's all?"
Funaho smiled, as did Misaki and Ayeka. "Well, there is a little more, but those are the basic steps. The rest is between you and the tree."
Pakma nodded and rubbed his hands together nervously. "Okay, here I go."
He walked down to the first tree in line, squared himself in front of it and bowed saying, "Hello, I'm Latel Pakma."
The tree responded with an audible chime.
"That tree greets you, captain; but it is not your tree," Funaho said.
"Next one!" he said brightly, and he stepped over to the next tree in the row and repeated his greeting. Again, the tree responded only with a tone. This was repeated again and again, Pakma presenting himself and moving along and the group following behind.
Then, Pakma began walking purposefully, his head held at an angle; listening to something only he could hear. He moved down the double row of trees, then stopped, turned and approached one. He stood very close to the tree, looking up at it; admiring the shape of the trunk, the spread of the branches. He smiled happily and bowed to the tree. "Hello, I'm Latel Pakma," he said.
The tree responded with a soft chime. Multicolored pencil-thin beams of light shot down from the undersides of the leaves, bounced from the pool of water at the tree's base and reflected upward until they were lost in the shadowy ceiling far overhead. Pakma stood with his face lifted upward, lit with the energy projected by the tree. "This is wonderful!" he said.
Funaho cleared her throat, "Captain, it is time."
Pakma turned, still smiling and nodded. He knelt before the tree and touched his forehead to the grass, saying, "By the royal seal and my true name, please open the path to our ancestors, the space trees. Heaven to ocean, ocean to earth, earth back to heaven. Show me the path engraved by the light."
The trunk of the tree seemed to split and light spilled forth, capturing Pakma in its brilliance. Without hesitating, he stood up and stepped into the light and was gone.
Pakma felt a brief disorientation and there was a momentary darkness. When his vision cleared he found himself on a small, sunny hill. Grasslands and belts of trees stretched out before him to the horizon. A light breeze played across the tall grass and brought its sweet smell to him. He breathed deeply, filling his lungs, and lifted his face to the warm sunshine.
"Hello," he heard. He turned and realized for the first time that he was not alone on the hilltop. Over his head spread the branches of a tree - his tree, he realized, and behind him stood a woman.
She was beautiful; she was medium height and had a dark complexion; her blonde hair showing a little darker at the roots. She had a breathtaking smile and her eyes were the most vivid green he had ever seen. Her clothes were simple: a short-sleeve shirt and loose pants, and there was a small wooden band around her forehead.
"Hello," Pakma said, taken by surprise. "Uh, where are we? Who are you?"
"'Who' is a good question; but 'what' might be even better, since you haven't told me 'who' yet. What I am is your companion, your tree."
Pakma paused, frowning in thought. "But, behind you is the tree that called me."
"Yes, and we are inside of me."
"I'm not sure I understand, but I'll take your word for it, since none of this really makes any sense. But what did you mean I haven't told you 'who' yet?"
She smiled at him. "I have a name, but it wouldn't make sense to your mind. And, because you and I will soon be bonded, you get to choose my name."
"Wow, that's a big decision to make all of a sudden. I've never really thought about it," Pakma said.
She smiled again. "Yes, you have." She stepped forward and placed her hands on his shoulders, pulling him down toward her. When they were close, she touched her forehead to his and a spark of light joined them. "Think, dream, remember..." she said softly. In that moment, Pakma remembered...
One year, his family went to a small vacation cottage far from their home and near a lake. It was for his mother's health; which had been poor after his sister had been born. There were no other children in the small lakeside community, so Pakma spent a lot of time combing the countryside on his own.
The local people had laughingly warned him about the Lake Sprite: the spirit of a young girl that legend said had drowned hundreds of years ago. She was said to emerge when the moon was full and high to look for other children to take back to the lake and drown so that she'd have someone to play with for all time.
Pakma was old enough not to put much stock in the story, but he often felt like someone was looking over his shoulder when he knew there was nobody there. He'd fight it as long as he could, but the feeling would become overwhelming. He'd spin suddenly, and there'd be nothing; but sometimes he could swear he heard a girl's laughter carried on the wind.
Eventually, his mother was better and it was time to go. The family spent two days packing their things and Pakma found that he was too busy to play. The night before they left, Pakma woke very early in the morning hearing someone calling his name. He went to his open window and looked out, listening closely. The moon was high and he could see well.
"Latel! Latel, come out and play!" he heard. At first, he was confused; it was the voice of a young girl and it was tauntingly familiar.
Then he knew it was the Lake Sprite - the spirit of the young girl. And he realized that the laughter he had been hearing on the wind was hers. He was badly frightened, almost petrified. He hesitated for a moment, then said the first thing that came into his head. "I can't!" he replied as loudly as he dared. "It's dark and my parents will be mad!"
He heard a laugh - that laugh - and at the edge of the trees surrounding the house someone stepped into the clearing. It was a girl. She was his height and dressed as anyone his age might be dressed, in shorts and a light shirt. Her bronze skin and blonde hair spoke of many hours in the sun. She smiled and waved and said, "Just for a little while. We won't go far, I promise."
"No!" he replied, gripping the window ledge tightly.
She smiled and said, "Are you afraid?"
Pakma paused; admitting fear was a big thing for anyone his age. Then, he decided to be honest. "Yes!" he hissed.
She laughed again. "Don't be silly. I'm not the Lake Sprite. There is no such thing. And if I was her, I would have lured you away and drowned you weeks ago. I've been with you the whole time you were here!"
So, it had been her! His suspicions confirmed, Pakma's fear was replaced by curiosity. "If you're not the Lake Sprite, then who are you?" he asked.
She laughed again; Pakma liked her laugh. "If you come out and talk to me, you can find out." Pakma stood still, looking at her. "I promise we won't go anywhere near the lake," she said. "Come on!"
Pakma found himself climbing out of his window still in his pajamas. He walked toward her through the cool, damp grass but, when he got close she smiled and said, "Race you!" and turned and ran up the path into the forest.
It only took a second for Pakma to begin chasing after. They ran up the path through the woods, their laughter quickly swallowed in the trees close by on either side. In a few moments, they emerged on a clearing with a large rock at the center. They pounded across the clearing nearly step for step and touched the side of the rock together.
"Tie!" Pakma shouted, panting. He looked at her as she stood close by him, one hand on the rock and panting as hard as he, smiling. He was startled by the green of her eyes.
"Let's go up!" she said and they scrambled to the flat top. They stood for a moment, looking at the night valley with the dark stretch of lake in the center. Then they sat next to each other and Pakma could feel the warmth of her where their knees touched.
"So, who are you? Why have you been following me all this time? Do you live around here?
"No," she said, "I live far away. I followed you because I like you and I wanted to meet you."
"Then you shouldn't have hid. I had to play by myself all this time. And, now that I know you I'm leaving tomorrow morning," he said.
"I know," she said. "I'm sorry."
They were quiet for a while, listening to the night.
"We were here because my mom was sick, but she's better," he said after a while. "I don't think we're coming back."
"No, you're not," she said.
"So, I won't ever see you again?"
"No, you will. But it won't be for a long time."
Pakma thought about that for a moment and said, "I'll wait."
"Me too," she said.
"I think I'd better get going now," Pakma said to her. They climbed down off the rock and walked back through the forest to the cottage. Now that he wasn't running, Pakma decided the forest was frightening in the dark and he was glad she was there with him.
They got to the edge of the clearing and she stopped, "I can't go any farther. I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay," Pakma said. "Hey! What's your name, anyway?"
She laughed, "Guess!" She stepped close to him and Pakma thought hard. He looked at her, intending to tell her that he didn't know. But when he did, he saw the way the moonlight shone in her blonde hair and how brightly it lit the night.
"Is it Kinpa? Moonlight?"
She laughed again. "Yes, good guess! I'm Kinpa."
"Well, um, I had fun, I'm sorry I have to go," Pakma said. "Goodbye, I guess."
"Goodbye," she replied. And she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "For now..."
Pakma opened his eyes to find that she was still pressing her forehead against his; a second later, her eyes opened and he was again startled by their depth and their color. "Hello again," Pakma said.
She smiled, but didn't move. "Who am I," she asked softly.
"You are Kinpa," he whispered.
"Kinpa," she said, as if trying it on.
"And I've been waiting to meet you again for a long time."
"As I have been waiting for you," she replied. "You've made me very happy, Latel. We're going to have a great bonding and partnership."
"I feel the same way," Pakma replied.
"Are you ready?" Kinpa asked.
"Yes," Pakma said. "Yes, I am."
Kinpa took Pakma's head in her hands and pressed her lips to his in the gentlest of kisses. "Make love to me, my Latel," she said a moment later.
"Of course, my Kinpa," Pakma said with a smile.
And then there was no talking between them and the only sounds were the breeze in the branches over their heads and their cries of pleasure and sighs of passion as they bonded and became one on the soft, green grass.
When they were done, they lay next to each other; he on his back and her head on his chest, tracing lazy designs with her finger.
"Are we bonded, then?" Pakma asked.
"Yes, Latel. Can't you feel me inside you? I know I can feel you in me."
Pakma thought for a moment, his eyes becoming distant. "Yes, yes I can." He looked down at her. "It's nice," he said.
"Yes, it is," she said contentedly.
"Is bonding always like this?" he asked.
"Every bonding is unique and special," she said. "It depends on the person and the tree. Some are like ours, as lovers; others are more like having a close brother or sister; and some are even like a parent and child."
"I guess I'll be going back at some point. I'm not even sure how long I've been here; it seems like many hours."
Kinpa smiled. "No, it's only been a couple minutes. Time is different here."
"How often will we be together like this?"
"Not often, but often enough to keep our bond strong."
"Perhaps not as often as we'd like?" Pakma said, smiling.
She returned his smile, but her expression turned serious. "Please remember, Latel, that I am Kinpa, your tree. Our bond is emotional, mental, and physical; but at the same time it's not. What we have will never be like a human relationship."
"You mean a wife," he said.
"Yes," she affirmed, smiling. "I will never get between you and any woman you love; and I wouldn't want to. I am your bonded partner: I want your happiness in every way. You can't be here with me all the time and I wouldn't want you to."
Pakma considered this for a moment. "You're right," he said. "I can tell this isn't everything I want in my life. Although now that I have you, I can't imagine ever being without you again."
"Me neither," she agreed. "But we're almost out of time for now."
"Yes, I can feel it," he said.
They stood and he held her in his arms. She reached up and ran her hand through is hair. "Soon, my partner, we will sail the stars together. But now you have to go back. We will be together again soon."
"I know," Pakma said. "Goodbye, I guess."
"Goodbye," she replied. And she again pressed her lips to his, gently and sweetly. "For now..."
Pakma opened his eyes and found that he was standing in front of his tree, facing the group. They were looking at him expectantly.
"Everyone," he said. "This is my partner, Kinpa."
There was a shout of happiness from them and they stepped forward as one to congratulate him.
"Jurai control, this is Ryo-Ohki."
"Ryo-Ohki, Jurai control. Go ahead."
"Jurai Control, can you please provide a flight path and landing coordinates."
"Ryo-Ohki, stand by."
"This will never work, Ayeka," Ryoko said. "We should have met with a tug in deep space and dropped you guys and Ryu-Oh off. They've still got Ryo-Ohki and me in every database on Jurai."
"Hush, Ryoko," Ayeka said. "Everything will be fine."
"Humph, if you say so," Ryoko said, sitting pensively in Ryo-Ohki's command chair.
"Ryo-Ohki, Jurai Control. Please confirm your destination."
"See, I told you," Ryoko said. "Let's get turned around before they start shooting!"
"Ryoko, please!" Ayeka said. "Jurai Control, this is Ryo-Ohki. We will be landing at the royal palace."
"Ryo-Ohki, your destination is confirmed. You should be receiving flight path and landing information now. Welcome home, Princess."
Even as Jurai Control confirmed their request, a screen opened on Ryo- Ohki's bridge showing their flight path.
"Jurai Control, thank you; it's good to be home. Ryo-Ohki out."
"Jurai Control out."
"Ryo-Ohki," Ayeka said. "Do you have everything you need?" She was answered with a 'miya' and the display shifted as Ryo-Ohki changed course to follow their designated flight path. "See, Ryoko, no problem."
Ryoko snorted. She didn't move from the command chair.
A short time later, they passed into the orbital region of Jurai itself and descended into the atmosphere. In a few minutes, Ryo-Ohki was hovering easily above a grassy landing pad on one side of the palace. Once again, they were deposited in a transport beam and Ryo-Ohki gently set Ryu- Oh's life pod down behind them. Then, with a cry, Ryo-Ohki herself was sitting at their feet.
"Ryo-Ohki," Sasami said. "We're going to meet the king and queens. You should change." Ryo-Ohki miya'd in agreement and, with an audible pop, changed to her child form. "Oh, good job! You know they like you like this."
Leaving their luggage behind, they moved together toward the doors to the palace. Azusa, Funaho and Misaki were in the door, waiting for them.
The group stopped a few paces from the king and queens and everyone bowed formally. "Ayeka, Sasami," Azusa said in a clipped voice. "You look well. Tenchi, thank you for taking care of them."
"You're welcome, sir," Tenchi replied.
"Now..." the king began.
"Oh! Hello everyone!" Misaki said, rushing forward. "We're so happy to have you all here." She snatched Ayeka into a hug, which Ayeka happily returned; then began moving to each of the group in turn. "Oh, Sasami!" she cried, then "Tenchi!"
Azusa cleared his throat.
"Mihoshi!" Misaki continued.
"Dear, do you mind?" Azusa said.
"Washu!" Misaki said.
Azusa sighed, anger clouding his face. Then he heard a small sound. Looking down, he saw Ryo-Ohki standing at his feet, smiling. "Oh," Azusa said. "It's you."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki replied, raising her arms to be picked up. Azusa's eyebrows arched in surprise, he glanced at Funaho and caught a warning look.
"Hello there, little trooper!" Azusa said, smiling. He reached down and picked up Ryo-Ohki, sitting her against his waist. "How are you?"
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said. "Meowr miya."
"That's great," Azusa replied.
"Myor miya miya!" Ryo-Ohki continued.
"You don't say," Azusa said, looking helplessly at Funaho.
"Ryo-Ohki," Funaho said. "Thank you so much for taking care of Ryu-Oh for us. I know he appreciates it, too."
"Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said, smiling.
"And perhaps later, you can sing another song for us, eh?" Azusa said.
"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki shouted, throwing her arms around Azusa's neck and hugging him happily.
"Oh, uh, heh heh," the king said.
"Good practice for you, dear, if you're ever going to be a proper grandfather," Funaho said, smiling.
Misaki had finished greeting the group, including Commander Pakma. "Would you like to see your quarters?" Funaho asked, ushering them into the palace. She led them a short distance to a suite of rooms with a common living room and kitchen between them.
"This should be just like home," Funaho said. "Ayeka and Sasami, I assume you'll want to stay here, rather than in your own rooms?"
"Yes!" Ayeka replied.
"Yes, please!" Sasami said.
"Very well. Why don't you get settled and we'll have dinner in a bit."
"Uh, ma'am?" Pakma said.
"Yes, commander?"
"Ma'am, I actually need to check in with Navy Bureau. I assume they'll have quarters assigned for me then. If you will all excuse me."
"Nonsense, commander, you will stay here. Showing hospitality is the least we can do, considering your service in space and on Letin," Funaho said.
"Ma'am, rescuing Aye- Princess Ayeka was my duty and I would hardly call my work on Letin difficult. I'm not trying to argue, but I don't want to wear out my welcome."
"Commander," Funaho began.
"Ma'am, please," Pakma said.
Azusa, Ryo-Ohki still clutching his neck, cleared his throat. "Young man," he said, "it has been my experience that arguing with either of the queens of Jurai is a waste of time and energy. Navy Bureau has already been contacted and you are on detached duty, assigned to the Royal Bodyguard until further notice."
"And that means you're mine, commander," Misaki said, smiling.
Surprise crossed Pakma's face; he recovered quickly and bowed to Misaki. "Commander Pakma reporting, ma'am. What are your orders?"
"For the time being, I'd like you to accompany and protect Ayeka and Sasami as needed. All right?"
"Aye aye, ma'am," Pakma replied with a smile.
"Now, why doesn't everyone get settled," Funaho said, as their luggage began to arrive, "and we'll come back in a bit for dinner out in the garden."
Dinner was served at a long table in a large sward of grass just outside their rooms. The sward was hedged on three sides and two breaks in the hedge led out into the garden beyond. After dinner, Funaho took them on a walk through the garden, saying, "This was always one of my favorites. I picked the plants myself to remind me of home after I first came to Jurai; they're almost all from Earth..."
Ryoko quietly hung back as everyone followed down the garden path, disappearing behind the hedges. As the staff cleaned up their dinner, she found a bench in a corner of the sward and sat, staring unhappily at her feet.
After a moment, Tenchi emerged from the path. He approached her and put a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Ryoko, what is it? What's wrong?"
Ryoko shook her head, saying nothing.
"Please, Ryoko, let me help."
"You can't help, Tenchi," Ryoko said in a choked voice. "Please, this has nothing to do with you, it's all me. Leave me, go back with the others; I'll be fine."
"Ryoko, you know I can't..." Tenchi began.
"Tenchi?"
Tenchi turned at the sound of his name; it was Misaki. "Lady Misaki!"
She walked up and said, "Tenchi, go join the others. I'll sit with Ryoko."
"I... Uh... Are you sure?" Tenchi asked.
"Mmm hmm," Misaki replied, nodding and smiling.
"Well, okay," Tenchi said. "I'll see you in a bit, Ryoko. And if there's anything I can do, just ask. Okay?" Ryoko nodded without looking up. "Okay, bye," Tenchi said quietly, then he turned and disappeared up the path the others had taken.
Misaki settled onto the bench next to Ryoko. For a moment, she said nothing; she gazed at the clouds coloring in the evening light and the birds flitting by overhead. "It's very beautiful here, isn't it?" she said.
Ryoko didn't reply.
Misaki sighed. "What sis didn't mention is that this garden was almost completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt once."
Ryoko sobbed heavily, her hands going to her face.
"Oh, Ryoko!" Misaki said. "Come to Auntie Misaki!" Misaki turned and pulled Ryoko toward her, resting Ryoko's head on her shoulder. Ryoko clutched Misaki, crying heavily. "There, there," Misaki said, patting Ryoko on the back. "It's all right now, sweetheart."
"I did that," Ryoko choked out. "It was all me. All those people..."
"No, no," Misaki said. "That wasn't you. You know it and we all know it. You're a good girl, Ryoko. You don't have to take the blame for what Kagato did."
"I... I'm... I'm afraid that nobody else..." Ryoko couldn't say it.
"You're afraid that nobody else understands?" Misaki finished for her. "You think everyone else on Jurai blames you."
Ryoko looked at Misaki, her eyes red rimmed and her expression miserable; she nodded silently.
"You don't have to worry about that, dear," Misaki said, smiling. "You aren't the 'Space Pirate Ryoko' anymore; you aren't what anyone expects."
"I don't understand," Ryoko said.
"Let me show you this," Misaki said. She led Ryoko inside to a video screen. "Here's the video we have of your attack. Every school child on Jurai has seen this." A moment later, the video screen showed Ryo-Ohki approaching Jurai; maneuvering rapidly, firing and taking fire. Then there was a brief image of Ryoko laughing cruelly, silhouetted against a burning building. The flames highlighting her form; her mane of hair gray and red in the light. Her face was shadowed, her eyes glowed like embers.
Misaki froze that image, then began calling up a new set of images.
"And here is the Ryoko of today, the Ryoko that everyone is seeing, the Ryoko we all know and love." Misaki pushed a last button. "The real Ryoko," she said.
A new series of video clips started; this time showing a different- looking Ryo-Ohki detaching Ryu-Oh and setting the life pod gently down onto the landing pad. Then images of Ryoko splashing at the beach with Sasami and Mihoshi; and clinging to Tenchi's arm, smiling into the camera flashing a 'V' with her hand.
Ryoko looked at Misaki searchingly. "I don't understand," she said.
"Ryoko, you and Ryo-Ohki are so different now that nobody is going to know that it was you."
"Maybe," Ryoko said.
"Definitely," Misaki insisted.
"But I'll still know," Ryoko said quietly.
Misaki sighed. "Yes, dear, that's true. But that's something that your family can help you with, without worrying about all the people of Jurai."
Ryoko looked at Misaki and her expression was a tiny bit hopeful.
"Better?" Misaki asked.
"A little," Ryoko nodded.
"Good," Misaki said, smiling. "Now, let's go find the others, okay?"
Ryoko nodded.
"That's a good girl. Come on!"
The promotion and bonding ceremony itself took place a few days later. A stage was erected outside the Royal Arboretum and chairs set up facing it, seating the officers to be promoted and the guests. On the stage was the First Admiral of Jurai and several high-ranking officers. Names were called off and people went to the stage. When the promotion was completed, the new captain was taken to a transport disk with an officer and a member of the Supreme Council attending. Most of the new captains returned from the transport disk with a disappointed look.
"Commander Latel Pakma," the herald called. Pakma stepped forward and mounted the stairs and halted before the members of the admiralty and bowed low. The admiralty returned his bow.
"Commander Pakma reporting, sir."
The First Admiral cleared his throat. "Commander Pakma, your long service, exceptional ability and conspicuous courage has brought you to the attention of the admiralty board and we have determined you to be prepared for the responsibilities of the rank of captain. Congratulations, Captain Pakma." The First Admiral removed Pakma's commander's insignia and replaced it with captain. He then shook Pakma's hand.
"Thank you, sir," Pakma said.
"Don't thank me, son. This is well deserved and long overdue. Captain Locano was a little too good at hiding you."
The First Admiral stepped back and announced, "Captain Pakma, it is customary that new captains are presented to the Third Generation trees for the chance that they might find a suitable partner. However, you are distantly related to the royal family; this gives you the opportunity to search for a partner among the Second Generation trees."
There was a murmur through those assembled. Only a few people were presented to the Second Generation each year; no one had been accepted by one in many years. Everyone was excited to think that they might be a witness to history and that another Second Generation tree might soon take flight.
"Also, there are normally two witnesses with each candidate. Due to a special request, you won't have two witnesses." The First Admiral smiled and gestured for Pakma to turn. He did and found everyone he had met aboard Ryu-Oh, including Funaho and Misaki, gathered in a group near the door to the Royal Arboretum, smiling at him.
Pakma turned back to the First Admiral. "Yes sir," he said, smiling.
"Carry on, captain," the First Admiral said. Pakma bowed low and walked over to the group.
Everyone greeted him as he approached. He bowed formally to Funaho and Misaki, then said "Hello, everyone," he said. "You really didn't have to do this, you know."
"Just another way of showing our gratitude, captain," Ayeka said.
"I really appreciate it," Pakma said. "So, what do I do now?" he asked.
"As the First Admiral said," Funaho replied. "Since you're related to the royal family you will have a chance to find a suitable partner among the Second Generation. If none of the trees speaks to you, then you will be presented to the Third Generation."
"'Speaks' to me? The trees speak?" Pakma asked.
"Not with a voice you can hear with your ears," Funaho said. "But when it happens, you will know it. So, if you're ready, we'll get started." She gestured and two guards opened the doors to the Arboretum. Funaho walked into the Arboretum next to Pakma and with the others trailing. As they entered, another captain and his two witnesses were leaving. "Good luck, captain," the man said as he passed.
"Thank you," Pakma replied.
The room was enormous, cavernous. It extended as far as the eye could see outward, the ceiling was lost to their sight and the bottom was just as far. They stood on a platform just inside the doors; before them the young trees floated on their platforms. A few steps away was a transport disk.
"When you step onto that disk, captain, you will be transported to the chamber of the Second Generation. If none of them accepts you as a partner, we will go to the Third Generation."
Pakma smiled, a little nervously. "That's it?"
"To start."
Pakma stepped toward the disk, he stopped before it and looked back over his shoulder. "We'll be right behind you," Funaho said. He nodded and stepped forward, there was a gentle tone and he was gone. The others followed in ones and twos.
They emerged at the end of a double row of enormous trees - vastly larger than the trees on the floating platforms. This was the level of the Second Generation.
"So, here we are. Now what?" Pakma asked.
"Do you hear anything, captain?" Funaho asked.
"Hear anything? Like what?" he asked.
"Like your name, carried on the wind," Funaho said, "or gentle music."
Pakma shook his head. "No," he said. "Nothing like that at all."
Funaho sighed. "I'm afraid your partner is not here, captain."
Pakma looked sheepish, saying, "I guess there's not enough royal blood in me."
"Oh, captain!" Ayeka said, stepping forward. "You must not be disappointed! To even have the opportunity to bond with a Second Generation tree is a rare gift. Most candidates do not even get transported here. You will certainly find your partner in the Third Generation."
"I know I should be grateful if any tree will accept me, and I am," Pakma said. "But I can't help being a little disappointed." He smiled at Ayeka and she returned it. "It'll be all right," he said.
"You will know how 'all right' in a few moments, captain," Funaho said. "Shall we go?"
They stepped back on to the transport disk and were sent to the level of the Third Generation. Here, the trees were not so large, although still impressive.
Immediately, Pakma cocked his head and said, "What's that?"
"Do you hear something, captain?" Funaho asked him.
"Yes, it's like music; wind chimes maybe. It's beautiful."
Funaho smiled. "That is your tree, captain. She calls to you. Seek her out. You must present yourself to each tree in turn. When you are in front of the tree that is calling you, you will know it. Then, you will say the sacred words and you and the tree will be bonded: two that are one."
"That's all?"
Funaho smiled, as did Misaki and Ayeka. "Well, there is a little more, but those are the basic steps. The rest is between you and the tree."
Pakma nodded and rubbed his hands together nervously. "Okay, here I go."
He walked down to the first tree in line, squared himself in front of it and bowed saying, "Hello, I'm Latel Pakma."
The tree responded with an audible chime.
"That tree greets you, captain; but it is not your tree," Funaho said.
"Next one!" he said brightly, and he stepped over to the next tree in the row and repeated his greeting. Again, the tree responded only with a tone. This was repeated again and again, Pakma presenting himself and moving along and the group following behind.
Then, Pakma began walking purposefully, his head held at an angle; listening to something only he could hear. He moved down the double row of trees, then stopped, turned and approached one. He stood very close to the tree, looking up at it; admiring the shape of the trunk, the spread of the branches. He smiled happily and bowed to the tree. "Hello, I'm Latel Pakma," he said.
The tree responded with a soft chime. Multicolored pencil-thin beams of light shot down from the undersides of the leaves, bounced from the pool of water at the tree's base and reflected upward until they were lost in the shadowy ceiling far overhead. Pakma stood with his face lifted upward, lit with the energy projected by the tree. "This is wonderful!" he said.
Funaho cleared her throat, "Captain, it is time."
Pakma turned, still smiling and nodded. He knelt before the tree and touched his forehead to the grass, saying, "By the royal seal and my true name, please open the path to our ancestors, the space trees. Heaven to ocean, ocean to earth, earth back to heaven. Show me the path engraved by the light."
The trunk of the tree seemed to split and light spilled forth, capturing Pakma in its brilliance. Without hesitating, he stood up and stepped into the light and was gone.
Pakma felt a brief disorientation and there was a momentary darkness. When his vision cleared he found himself on a small, sunny hill. Grasslands and belts of trees stretched out before him to the horizon. A light breeze played across the tall grass and brought its sweet smell to him. He breathed deeply, filling his lungs, and lifted his face to the warm sunshine.
"Hello," he heard. He turned and realized for the first time that he was not alone on the hilltop. Over his head spread the branches of a tree - his tree, he realized, and behind him stood a woman.
She was beautiful; she was medium height and had a dark complexion; her blonde hair showing a little darker at the roots. She had a breathtaking smile and her eyes were the most vivid green he had ever seen. Her clothes were simple: a short-sleeve shirt and loose pants, and there was a small wooden band around her forehead.
"Hello," Pakma said, taken by surprise. "Uh, where are we? Who are you?"
"'Who' is a good question; but 'what' might be even better, since you haven't told me 'who' yet. What I am is your companion, your tree."
Pakma paused, frowning in thought. "But, behind you is the tree that called me."
"Yes, and we are inside of me."
"I'm not sure I understand, but I'll take your word for it, since none of this really makes any sense. But what did you mean I haven't told you 'who' yet?"
She smiled at him. "I have a name, but it wouldn't make sense to your mind. And, because you and I will soon be bonded, you get to choose my name."
"Wow, that's a big decision to make all of a sudden. I've never really thought about it," Pakma said.
She smiled again. "Yes, you have." She stepped forward and placed her hands on his shoulders, pulling him down toward her. When they were close, she touched her forehead to his and a spark of light joined them. "Think, dream, remember..." she said softly. In that moment, Pakma remembered...
One year, his family went to a small vacation cottage far from their home and near a lake. It was for his mother's health; which had been poor after his sister had been born. There were no other children in the small lakeside community, so Pakma spent a lot of time combing the countryside on his own.
The local people had laughingly warned him about the Lake Sprite: the spirit of a young girl that legend said had drowned hundreds of years ago. She was said to emerge when the moon was full and high to look for other children to take back to the lake and drown so that she'd have someone to play with for all time.
Pakma was old enough not to put much stock in the story, but he often felt like someone was looking over his shoulder when he knew there was nobody there. He'd fight it as long as he could, but the feeling would become overwhelming. He'd spin suddenly, and there'd be nothing; but sometimes he could swear he heard a girl's laughter carried on the wind.
Eventually, his mother was better and it was time to go. The family spent two days packing their things and Pakma found that he was too busy to play. The night before they left, Pakma woke very early in the morning hearing someone calling his name. He went to his open window and looked out, listening closely. The moon was high and he could see well.
"Latel! Latel, come out and play!" he heard. At first, he was confused; it was the voice of a young girl and it was tauntingly familiar.
Then he knew it was the Lake Sprite - the spirit of the young girl. And he realized that the laughter he had been hearing on the wind was hers. He was badly frightened, almost petrified. He hesitated for a moment, then said the first thing that came into his head. "I can't!" he replied as loudly as he dared. "It's dark and my parents will be mad!"
He heard a laugh - that laugh - and at the edge of the trees surrounding the house someone stepped into the clearing. It was a girl. She was his height and dressed as anyone his age might be dressed, in shorts and a light shirt. Her bronze skin and blonde hair spoke of many hours in the sun. She smiled and waved and said, "Just for a little while. We won't go far, I promise."
"No!" he replied, gripping the window ledge tightly.
She smiled and said, "Are you afraid?"
Pakma paused; admitting fear was a big thing for anyone his age. Then, he decided to be honest. "Yes!" he hissed.
She laughed again. "Don't be silly. I'm not the Lake Sprite. There is no such thing. And if I was her, I would have lured you away and drowned you weeks ago. I've been with you the whole time you were here!"
So, it had been her! His suspicions confirmed, Pakma's fear was replaced by curiosity. "If you're not the Lake Sprite, then who are you?" he asked.
She laughed again; Pakma liked her laugh. "If you come out and talk to me, you can find out." Pakma stood still, looking at her. "I promise we won't go anywhere near the lake," she said. "Come on!"
Pakma found himself climbing out of his window still in his pajamas. He walked toward her through the cool, damp grass but, when he got close she smiled and said, "Race you!" and turned and ran up the path into the forest.
It only took a second for Pakma to begin chasing after. They ran up the path through the woods, their laughter quickly swallowed in the trees close by on either side. In a few moments, they emerged on a clearing with a large rock at the center. They pounded across the clearing nearly step for step and touched the side of the rock together.
"Tie!" Pakma shouted, panting. He looked at her as she stood close by him, one hand on the rock and panting as hard as he, smiling. He was startled by the green of her eyes.
"Let's go up!" she said and they scrambled to the flat top. They stood for a moment, looking at the night valley with the dark stretch of lake in the center. Then they sat next to each other and Pakma could feel the warmth of her where their knees touched.
"So, who are you? Why have you been following me all this time? Do you live around here?
"No," she said, "I live far away. I followed you because I like you and I wanted to meet you."
"Then you shouldn't have hid. I had to play by myself all this time. And, now that I know you I'm leaving tomorrow morning," he said.
"I know," she said. "I'm sorry."
They were quiet for a while, listening to the night.
"We were here because my mom was sick, but she's better," he said after a while. "I don't think we're coming back."
"No, you're not," she said.
"So, I won't ever see you again?"
"No, you will. But it won't be for a long time."
Pakma thought about that for a moment and said, "I'll wait."
"Me too," she said.
"I think I'd better get going now," Pakma said to her. They climbed down off the rock and walked back through the forest to the cottage. Now that he wasn't running, Pakma decided the forest was frightening in the dark and he was glad she was there with him.
They got to the edge of the clearing and she stopped, "I can't go any farther. I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay," Pakma said. "Hey! What's your name, anyway?"
She laughed, "Guess!" She stepped close to him and Pakma thought hard. He looked at her, intending to tell her that he didn't know. But when he did, he saw the way the moonlight shone in her blonde hair and how brightly it lit the night.
"Is it Kinpa? Moonlight?"
She laughed again. "Yes, good guess! I'm Kinpa."
"Well, um, I had fun, I'm sorry I have to go," Pakma said. "Goodbye, I guess."
"Goodbye," she replied. And she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "For now..."
Pakma opened his eyes to find that she was still pressing her forehead against his; a second later, her eyes opened and he was again startled by their depth and their color. "Hello again," Pakma said.
She smiled, but didn't move. "Who am I," she asked softly.
"You are Kinpa," he whispered.
"Kinpa," she said, as if trying it on.
"And I've been waiting to meet you again for a long time."
"As I have been waiting for you," she replied. "You've made me very happy, Latel. We're going to have a great bonding and partnership."
"I feel the same way," Pakma replied.
"Are you ready?" Kinpa asked.
"Yes," Pakma said. "Yes, I am."
Kinpa took Pakma's head in her hands and pressed her lips to his in the gentlest of kisses. "Make love to me, my Latel," she said a moment later.
"Of course, my Kinpa," Pakma said with a smile.
And then there was no talking between them and the only sounds were the breeze in the branches over their heads and their cries of pleasure and sighs of passion as they bonded and became one on the soft, green grass.
When they were done, they lay next to each other; he on his back and her head on his chest, tracing lazy designs with her finger.
"Are we bonded, then?" Pakma asked.
"Yes, Latel. Can't you feel me inside you? I know I can feel you in me."
Pakma thought for a moment, his eyes becoming distant. "Yes, yes I can." He looked down at her. "It's nice," he said.
"Yes, it is," she said contentedly.
"Is bonding always like this?" he asked.
"Every bonding is unique and special," she said. "It depends on the person and the tree. Some are like ours, as lovers; others are more like having a close brother or sister; and some are even like a parent and child."
"I guess I'll be going back at some point. I'm not even sure how long I've been here; it seems like many hours."
Kinpa smiled. "No, it's only been a couple minutes. Time is different here."
"How often will we be together like this?"
"Not often, but often enough to keep our bond strong."
"Perhaps not as often as we'd like?" Pakma said, smiling.
She returned his smile, but her expression turned serious. "Please remember, Latel, that I am Kinpa, your tree. Our bond is emotional, mental, and physical; but at the same time it's not. What we have will never be like a human relationship."
"You mean a wife," he said.
"Yes," she affirmed, smiling. "I will never get between you and any woman you love; and I wouldn't want to. I am your bonded partner: I want your happiness in every way. You can't be here with me all the time and I wouldn't want you to."
Pakma considered this for a moment. "You're right," he said. "I can tell this isn't everything I want in my life. Although now that I have you, I can't imagine ever being without you again."
"Me neither," she agreed. "But we're almost out of time for now."
"Yes, I can feel it," he said.
They stood and he held her in his arms. She reached up and ran her hand through is hair. "Soon, my partner, we will sail the stars together. But now you have to go back. We will be together again soon."
"I know," Pakma said. "Goodbye, I guess."
"Goodbye," she replied. And she again pressed her lips to his, gently and sweetly. "For now..."
Pakma opened his eyes and found that he was standing in front of his tree, facing the group. They were looking at him expectantly.
"Everyone," he said. "This is my partner, Kinpa."
There was a shout of happiness from them and they stepped forward as one to congratulate him.