Ayeka wandered around the palace, it was in the wee quiet moments just at the sighing of dawn that she felt a momentary freedom. Before the courtiers and the servants awoke. Before the staff and the chancellors began their day. Before the rush and pomp of royalty overtook her and froze her. It was at this glorious time of fleeting freedom that she tried to recall the girl she use to be.
Lifting graceful fingers to her heart, Ayeka could still feel the laughter of eleven years ago, flutter like a netted butterfly. The wonderful emotions of youth and the happiness of that carefree time fortified her strength for the day to come. Those years were now a part of her childhood, looked on with the reverence and haziness that came with fondness of adulthood.
She loved those days; those glorious days had been fun. They had been magical. She no longer remembered the pain of the harsh words, the bitter spiteful anger. All that remained in her memory of those days were the joys and the camaraderie of family. The girl of those days still filled her heart with the joy of the simple happiness of fond memories.
Looking out over her private balcony Ayeka's eyes watched the sun's rays filter its gentle warmth across the luscious forests. She heard the quiet footfall of her betrothed. She loved him, he knew that, but the ghost of Tenchi hung between them. She had been honest and forthright with Kamui, she loved Tenchi when she had first agreed to the betrothal, and she still did. But over the eleven years, it had become increasingly difficult to remember Tenchi's face with the clarity.
For some reason, Tenchi's features grew blurry, fuzzier in her memories as time grew. Instead there seemed to be an odd merger between Kamui's features and Tenchi's. But still Ayeka knew she loved only Tenchi. She had pledged all those years ago to remain faithful. Even if he found someone else and moved on with his life, her heart would remain true.
Ayeka turned to greet Kamui and like always since the day they had first bumped into each other; she trying to escape pushy courtiers, he trying to ditch his appointment with the high council, she felt her heart take a temporary tumble. Figuring it was more to do with the morning than with his presence Ayeka shook off the whisper of a shiver that ghosted down her spine.
Reaching a hand to him Ayeka silently invited Kamui to enjoy the peace and beauty of the waking world around them. Sunrise was always her favorite time of day. It reminded her of Tenchi. There was so much promise for more and yet still the demands of duty lay at the foundation of the day. But in this magical half-dreaming, half- waking world she could feel young again, if only for the breath of time it took for the sun to crest the hill side and breach the darkness of dawn with the tendrils of morning.
Gently accepting her hand Kamui stood beside her. He had always known he was second in her heart. But he was to marry her. He was her betrothed as she was to him. Every morning since their friendship had first sprung, he came to her and they watched the sunrise. Every morning he watched the girl emerge from behind the mask of an Empress. And every morning he longed to be the man that she loved.
It seemed like a span of eternity stretched between himself and her heart. He knew she cared for him. Maybe in her own unique way even loved him. But Tenchi would forever remain between them. Like an invisible yet impenetrable wall, Ayeka shielded her true self and her heart of hearts behind the ghost of Tenchi. But if only for a fraction of a moment every morning, Kamui was gifted with the most wondrous sight in all the universe.
Ayeka, free of the constraints of her importance, free from the demands of the crown, free from everything that ties her down in her daily life. And he basked in the radiance of her. Reveled in the pure beauty that emanated from her in vibrant waves. When the sun's first gentle beams dappled the gray sky brilliant with color and hues, the woman he had fallen in love with became a dazzling beacon of wonderment.
Kamui shook his head; he wasn't a poet, had never claimed to be and actually never wanted to be. But there was simply something about her that drew flowery words of triviality to his lips and promises of undying love from his heart. If she would have him, he would make her the center of his universe (not that she wasn't already mind you). And if she would have him, he would gladly lay down his life for her slightest whim (again, not that he wouldn't already).
But she would rather have Tenchi by her side. And Kamui could not fault her for it. With Tenchi she had evolved past her crown. With Tenchi she had the chance to be nothing more than a girl in love with a boy. And with Tenchi she had been a part of a family. On Jurai her freedoms were restrained, her manners conformed, and her soul bound by duty and expectations. But with Tenchi she had been free to be the person she truly was.
Kamui was grateful to his rival, for if not for Tenchi, then the woman before him would have never found a moment for expression. Kamui turned away from the horizon and watched Ayeka's face. She was beautiful to him. Beyond the light of illumination of Tsunami, Ayeka's soul blazed with a brilliance that struck him silly with each encounter. She was meant for more than the crown. She deserved the happiness that a simple life offered. She deserved all that and more.
Smiling gently at Ayeka, Kamui lifted her hand to his lips, just as he had every morning for the last 10 years. Kissing the back of her hand while his thumb stroked softly across the pulse at her wrist, he prepared to leave her. And like always she let him leave. Never asking him to stay. Never hesitating, never holding on for a second too long, never did she ever, not once in the ten years that this morning ritual began, did she ever give him hope for more.
Still his heart remained ever hopeful and ever true. Delicately returning her hand to her side Kamui bid her a good morning and slowly slipped away from her side. And as he left he made his prayers to Tsunami. It was selfish and it was pointless, but still the little imp of hope refused to die, with each day it grew and shrunk with every smile and frown.
Maybe today was the day? From the other side of the door Kamui shook his head. Ayeka was not easily won over and her love was not something that was given lightly. Maybe I should simply be happy with having my own place within her heart? I hold a place that he never will. Maybe I should just be happy with that? Kamui thought as he strode down the hall, unaware of the people that he passed.
"Nah." Kamui smiled to himself. Why settle for less than he wanted? Tenchi was a man, nothing more, nothing less. And it was the man that Kamui could compete with, the ghost of his memory impossible to battle. But the man, that was a challenge he was sure he could meet.
Ayeka felt anxious somehow. Kamui's kiss to her hand had left her oddly unsettled. Almost as if he had been promising her something with today's kiss. Something that had never been present in the ritual of the mornings for the past ten years. Ayeka gasped it seemed remarkable to her that she had accepted the throne over five years ago. Five years, seven months, 2 days and… Ayeka turned to look for a clock. After looking at the clock for countless seconds she gave up on doing the calculations for hours and seconds.
Turning her attention back the horizon, Ayeka watched as the last traces of gray were vanquished from the heavens by the sun's jubilant luminosity. Somehow this day was going to be different and that unsettled her. Turning from the sun and leaving the balcony Ayeka wondered faintly if she would ever see her family from eleven years ago again.
Sasami felt her eyes glaze over. It was one thing to be the first princess of Jurai and Chief Council to the throne, but to also be Tsunami, patron goddess of Jurai. It all got overwhelming sometimes. Now in the two short years since her merging with Tsunami, it seemed that her life was not her own. Sasami wished for the earlier days, before she merged, before she had taken her place beside her sister, before she and Ayeka had left earth.
She missed cooking dearly. Had longed to do so for such a long time. She missed tasting her own cooking. The feeling of satisfaction when she tasted how delicious everything was. She missed the feeling of pride from the accolades she received from her family. But most of all she missed not having to choke down the tripe that was served up from the royal kitchen every night. Did the cook have no sense of taste?
Sighing Sasami began her morning duties. First, PR damage control. Looking at the mountainous stack of new media sitting before her, Sasami flopped her face into her hands. "Why me?" Sasami waited for the whisper of Tsunami's answer and then gave a slight mournful chuckle. She's not there anymore; remember? You are her. Two years and I still keep expecting her to answer me.
Some days were better than others and Sasami felt as if she was more than simply 'little princess Sasami'. But usually she felt vastly overwhelmed by the expectations and demands of not just her position in court, but the religious and otherworldly expectations and demands made of Tsunami. There was no longer a separation of the two. Now that they were one, Sasami was Tsunami. And there was not going back.
But could she really say it was all that bad? Sasami smiled. Her teens had been fun with the gradual merging of Tsunami's knowledge and powers. Although in hindsight if she had to do it over again, she would have never chosen her teens as the time for the merging. She had already thought she knew it all. To have the knowledge of a goddess only compounded the situation. Then just when she was getting to be too much to handle, she had slowly started gaining her powers. The powers of a goddess with the lack of restrain of a teen, was not the best of circumstances.
Sasami's quiet chuckling became a full out laugh as memories of those years flooded her. The temper tantrums she had thrown back then had been remarkable. Staggering even by royal brat standards. Her parents had tried to control her and rein her in. All for her own good, but with the arrogance of youth on her side and the power of a fledgling goddess, Sasami was anything but tamed. She had single handedly been responsible for the reconstruction, still in progress, of the south wing of the palace. There were whole planets within the empire where she probably would never be able to show her face. But in all honesty it had been fun.
Especially the look on her father's face, boy had he been mad! And now here she sat, a mature young adult, behind a stack of boring media spin. Lifting her eyes to the ceiling, Sasami silently cursed the person that invented cameras and printing. Evil bastard troll. Sasami giggled, even after all this time, Ryoko's influence was still strong.
Sighing greatly Sasami turned her attention back to the stack of papers before her. Better get this done now. Grabbing the first paper from the stack Sasami began reading the headlines. After reading her third paper and having made notations on corrections and courses of action, Sasami rose from her desk. She definitely needed a cup of coffee; tea wasn't going to cover the headache she was starting to get from having to read such boring nonsense.
Idly grabbing the next paper in the stack and stuffing her favorite pen into the bun she had pulled her hair back into, Sasami absent mindedly wandered the corridors from her office to the kitchen. In the kitchen the staff had her cup of hot java ready and waiting. Just the way she liked it, with just enough cream to take the sting off the caffeine and just enough sugar to bolster her energy, with a hint of cinnamon and chocolate to placate the child in her.
Sasami mumbled a quiet thanks to the staff and continued back to her office. Placing her mug down on a side table while she opened the paper and folded it back for the next page, Sasami rolled a sip around in her mouth. There was something desperately decadent about truly sumptuous coffee. Smiling smugly at herself Sasami transferred the paper back to one hand and lifted her mug to her lips. Slowly taking another sip, Sasami shivered with delighted joy. Coffee+ cinnamon+ chocolate+ cream = one happy pretty Sammy. Sasami shook her head, the name she had gained in the news from her teenage exploits still haunted her. Even in her own mind.
Shrugging off the nickname Sasami returned to her reading. Meandering down the halls back towards her office she took another sip of her coffee. Lifting her head momentarily to nod at a passing courtier Sasami's eye momentarily caught a glimpse of what had appeared to be Yosho's name. Her eyes immediately snapped back to the paper, any attempt to acknowledge the courtier abandoned. Taking a nervous sip of her coffee, Sasami's eyes desperately raced across the page, frantically searching for the article.
…It was reported that Prince Yosho of the First house of Jurai was seen yesterday in the presence of both Professors Hakubi of the Space Science Academy. Apparently the Prince was seen looking very disheveled and out of breath along side his equally unpresentable companion Professor Ryoko Hakubi. After having raced across campus from a rather romantic tête-à-tête lunch. Apparently the pair was locked hand in hand when they burst into Professor Washu Hakubi's class. Which reliable sources reveal was in actuality Professor Ryoko Hakubi's class. Was Mommy Dearest covering her daughter's tracks? One eyewitness explains what she saw.
"It was romantic you know? Like in all those movies you see the guy and girl come together and then confront her parents. They looked like they had been having a good time before; her hair was a mess and his looked sorta messed up too. They were both breathing really hard and she kept telling her mother how she had to go back with him. I dunno, I think it's really sweet."
The Academy has categorically denied any such allegations and has refused to speak to us when our journalists have attempted to contact them. The Professors Hakubi are currently away on a mysteriously sudden sabbatical. Are there royal wedding bells in the future for prince Yosho? Has Professor Ryoko Hakubi finally flipped for a royal hunk? Who knows, but one thing is for certain, this journalist will get all the gory, goopy, scoop on the possible pending pre-nups.
Sasami spit her coffee out in order to scream. "DAMN IT!" Now how, in the darkest pits of hell, was she going to explain this one to Ayeka without her sister completely blowing her stack? Sasami raced back to her office. First, damage control, then she would tell Ayeka. Hopefully Ayeka hadn't already read the article herself. And also hopefully some slack-jawed, big mouthed, ambitious courtier didn't spill the damn beans.
Ayeka began her day. Dressed and ready for her duties Ayeka squared her shoulders lifted her head and entered the throne room. First, deal with the populace. After which was the meeting with the cabinet, which always took forever, was it a law that all old career politicians must drone? Next were seemingly endless hours of paperwork. And yet after that was still yet more droning politicians, god some days she wished she could abolish the high council.
Walking regally to her throne Ayeka turned then gracefully sunk into the throne. Lifting her voice Ayeka issued the command for the populace requests to commence. Three hours later Ayeka felt her brain pounding from the endless requests and pleas. It seemed there was a never-ending stream of unfortunates that never seemed content with the support she gave them. Ayeka shrugged, she supposed that was the way it would always be. But still it did get annoying sometimes.
Lifting her head and focusing her attention back down to the person before her, Ayeka smiled as the child of no more than the tender age of 7 bowed unsteadily before her. Lifting innocent eyes of rich gold to the Empress's face the child unwittingly broke courtly decorum. The tiny child trembled and stammered her request, while Ayeka stared at her in awe. This darling child was asking for nothing more than enough money to buy her ill father a new pair of shoes.
Tears sprung momentarily unchecked to her eyes. This sweet, caramel skinned, cherub faced child with hair the color of the pitchest black, and eyes that seemed richer than the warmest honey, stared at her with an earnesty that only came from the innocence of youth. Rising from her throne Ayeka ignored formality, ignored custom, ignored duty and lifted the child into her arms.
Whispering tender words of soothing comfort into the child's ear, Ayeka gently stroked the downy soft hair. Chubby arms wrapped around her neck as fat hot tears crested the child's cheeks. And before the whole assembled court, Ayeka held this one lone child in her arms. For the moment Ayeka took on and carried all the burdens that the tiny angel was laden down with, upon her own shoulders.
And the child cried. Words of regret and pain slurred with tears into wretched sobs. Had this poor child known a moment's happiness? Ayeka's heart wrenched. How could she let her people down so much that this one child had to suffer so much pain. Ayeka continued to hold the girl, trying to soothe away the pain with hushed words of tenderness and support. Kissing the soft head tucked beneath her chin, Ayeka gently began to rock her back and forth.
Lifting her eyes Ayeka regarded the court around her. A few of the women were tearing, while the men seemed to be swallowing the urge. This single child had done something that no monarch had ever done. She had single-handedly united the court for one purpose. Everyone wanted to see this poor child smile. And it would be with the full power of the crown that this child would find it. Let the class structure be damned. There was something about this child that made her heart yearn to protect.
When at last the girl's tears subsided into tired hiccupping sobs, Ayeka held the child away from her slightly. "Are you feeling better?" The child simply nodded.
Do you want anything to drink?" The child shook her head no.
"Do you have a name?" The child nodded again.
"What is it my dear?" Ayeka's voice was soft and coaxing.
"Estephania Alejandrina…" The child whispered gently.
"My but that is an unusual name for Jurai. Are both your parents of Jurai?" Ayeka heard the quiet grumble of the court. So what if they had a problem with off-worlders. This child was proof that Jurai could only benefit from such combinations.
The girl nodded her head yes, "Yes my parents are, but my grandmamma on my mom's side wasn't. She always wanted a little girl named Alejandrina, but my granddad named my mom in honor of his sister. And my mom always dreamed of naming her daughter Estephania, so mom named me. At least that's what my daddy tells me. He says my named means 'garlanded one' or 'she who is to be crowned' and 'defender of man'. But I don't wanna wear a crown, I just want my daddy to be better and my mommy back." The tears came again.
Ayeka hitched the child higher into her arms and held her tight. Such a strange name for one born into such poverty, Ayeka idly wondered to herself. "Esstefaneeah Arehandreenah?" The Empress's tongue tripped over the structure and pronunciation of the name the cadence of it unnatural to her. At the sound of her name, the child lifted molten bullion eyes. "Is there something else I can call you by? A name your parents use that is shorter?"
The child nodded.
Ayeka sighed, "Can you tell me what it is?"
"Nani…"
"What?"
"Nani."
"Huh?"
"Nani." The child's sad frown turned into an adorable grimace.
"Nani?" Ayeka questioned.
The child nodded.
Ayeka shrugged, Nani it was then. Although she could just see the headaches this was going to cause. "Okay then Nani lets first get you fed, since I haven't had my breakfast you and I are going to eat. Is that alright with you?" The child's head bobbed rapidly as she blinked the remaining tears from her eyes.
Ayeka left through the doors of the throne room, but not before turning and issuing the command for the session to end. As she turned towards the kitchen and the throne room doors closed behind her, Ayeka could make out the sounds of the bustling and gossiping going on. Sasami was going to kill her for all the spin control that was going to be necessary after today.
Sasami was ready to kill Yosho for all the spin control necessary for yesterday. It was now 9:38 in the morning and she still hadn't managed to stifle all the media sensationalism over his sudden appearance and the Professors Hakubis' disappearances. But with one last phone call she would be able to finally get some breakfast. Her stomach growled in agreement. Bad press mornings were so bad for her hips.
Sasami finished her last remaining call to suppress the story, at least until the crown had time to address the issue. Now how to explain the situation to Ayeka? Sasami mulled over strategies while walking to the conservatory. She encountered Kamui along the way, and the pair conversed easily as they made their way to breakfast. Kamui had been informed about the Academy appearance and was also running damage control.
Thank heavens for Kamui. Now if Ayeka would only get with the program I could be a happy auntie. Sasami smirked. The thought of bouncing Ayeka's children on her knee somehow seemed right. Brushing aside her thoughts Sasami returned her attention to Kamui who was busy discussing the latest issue for damage control…Ayeka's sudden gross disregard for decorum.
Sasami wanted to be upset at her sister, but as the entered the conservatory through the side entrance, she saw Ayeka tickling the angelic child sitting in her lap, there was just no way of holding onto the emotion. The peals of bright, bell-like child laughter rang clearly through the room. Lifting the normally dower surroundings with its happiness and joy. Ayeka noticed Sasami and Kamui enter the room and smiled at them without desisting from tickling the young girl.
Sasami smiled. The girl's laughter brought a bubble of life to the room. The sunshine seemed brighter, the room felt warmer and cozier. For the first time in eleven years the palace felt like a home. But the laughter soon ended when the formal doors to the conservatory groaned on their hinges and creaked to a dramatic opening. The Emperor and his wives entered regally. And as the trio made their way to the table, it seemed to Sasami like the sunlight that filled the room dimmed ever so slightly.
The trio sat and once again formality was restored. But the child had other ideas. She lifted her lips to Ayeka's ears and pointed to the room's occupants one by one. Then squirmed free of Ayeka's hold. Racing around the room weaving dangerously close to servants burdened by bountiful platters of food, the girl came to an abrupt halt next to Sasami.
Sasami turned and looked at the girl and gave a startled gasp as she came face to face with the eyes of Ryoko. Sasami's eyes searched the girl, her hair was raven's wing black, and her face held the round chubbiness of childhood, but something about her screamed Ryoko. Something beyond the shocking color of her eyes. But there was nothing else to give rise to the conclusion. The shape of the child's face and ears, were too normal. Maybe it was the bold way the child refused to obey decorum, but something about this little girl made Sasami think of Ryoko.
Sasami turned to face the child, looking her straight in the eyes with the same candor she had looked at Ryoko. "And your name is?"
"Nani."
"What?"
"Nani."
"Huh?"
"Nani."
Sasami shook her head. Someone would name their child Nani? That seemed rather cruel and yet strangely funny. Returning to look at the child, Sasami realized the girl was waiting for confirmation that Sasami had understood her. "Yes Nani, what can I do for you?"
The girl nodded then bowed deeply. "I was wondering… what's it like to know everything?"
Sasami blustered for a moment. Then looked to Ayeka. Her sister was trying desperately to stifle her laughter behind her napkin. Glaring at her sister, Sasami turned back the child. The earnest candor in the child's eyes quickly convinced her that the child had not meant to be disrespectful. "I don't know."
"But aren't you Tsunami?" The child's voice softened with reverence when she said the name.
"Yes I am, but I am still also Sasami." Sasami felt uncomfortable with the child's blind adoration. She Sasami had done nothing to merit this poor child's devotion, and as Tsunami she felt like she had let the child down. But still, if this tiny girl saw it in her heart to have faith, then who was she to deny it?
"Oh…" Nani's eyes misted over as she momentarily lost faith. But then just as suddenly as it had been lost it was restored. "But when you are Tsunami you know everything right?"
Sasami smiled tenderly at the child. Nodding if only to grant this one little girl the miracle of faith, Sasami accepted the mantle of responsibility.
Nani smiled. "I knew it. I knew it! Since you know everything, can you tell me where my mommy went?"
Sasami's smile instantly faded to a frown, she looked up at Ayeka whom's face turned ashen. If what she gathered from Ayeka's reaction was true then there was little hope to give to this poor child. "I can tell you that your mommy loves you, and that she wants you to be happy for the rest of your life."
Nani frowned, "No, I don't want to hear that. I know that already. I want to know where my mommy is."
From the other side of the table the Emperor watched as one child held up his breakfast. One remarkable child with golden eyes and a smile that rivaled the sun, but he was still going without his breakfast. And if Sasami didn't hurry soon, he was going to get very grumbly about it. A gentle hand brushed his as Misaki smiled gentle at him. He smiled lovingly in return. Was it so much to wait for this child to understand her place in the world?
With his other hand he clasped Funaho's, he knew she would be having a difficult time of this. Watching Sasami struggle to explain death to this child was not easy, at least not in the face of the young girl's shining hopes. Funaho's hand clenched around his in a firm grasp. Azusa lifted his voice. "Your mother's spirit has joined the waters of life that bless the sacred roots of the holy tree of Tsunami." Best to be honest than to delay the pain with a lie.
The child turned her cherubim face to him. Azusa was transfixed. How could one of so few years know such depths of sorrow? The child nodded to him. She already knew about death. Azusa idly wondered how she would have learned of such a basic fact of life so early when all within the Juraian empire enjoyed the bounty of Tsunami's blessing.
Funaho's gentle whisper, "Her grandmother" explained it all. This poor child had been left to understand death from a previous loss. Azusa felt a sudden knot form at the back of his throat. Pity for the child momentarily overwhelmed him as the child began to wail her sorrow. Racing back to Ayeka the child threw herself back into the Empress's waiting arms.
It was then that Ayeka knew her life had just changed. This child was hers. Something more than just the typical concern of an adult for a child was clenching at her heart with every tear the little girl shed. And as she looked up at her family, Ayeka saw the acceptance of her decision in their eyes. It seemed everyone was ready for a new child in the family. One with golden eyes, a willful mind, the face of an angel and laughter filled with sunshine. The only thing left to do was to invite her father to live with them in the palace.
Ayeka gentle rocked the child back and forth, whispering quiet words of comfort. When at last the tears subsided Ayeka lifted the child's face to look at her. "Nani, I want you and your father to come live with us in the palace. Would you like that?"
The child's eyes widened impossibly. She looked around her at everyone in the room, from servants to family everyone seemed to be in agreement. She so desperately wanted to live there with them, in a new beautiful house, but she couldn't. She simply couldn't live with them until her father had his new shoes. Just one last gift for him, before she said goodbye.
Ayeka watched intently as surprise gave was to sadness again. Quickly she lifted her eyes to Sasami. Sasami understood the question. It only took her a moment to narrow the vastness of Tsunami's knowledge down to pinpoint the child's bloodline. In the span of a heartbeat Tsunami branched her knowledge down every deviation of lineage that the child had stemmed from.
She was the last. Her father having died only moments after sending the child off with a letter requesting the crown take her as its ward. Sasami answered Ayeka's silent question with a bittersweet smile. There would be no relative to stand in the way of the adoption.
Ayeka understood Sasami's smile. It was too bittersweet to NOT comprehend. The child's father must have sent her in his place for his moment before the throne. And from the tears that Sasami was crying, the man must have died shortly after sending his daughter off. Such sacrifice.
Ayeka sniffled, then turned to Nani. "What would you say if I told you that you could live here everyday for the rest of your life?"
Nani shook her head. She didn't believe it, she couldn't believe it.
Ayeka nodded.
Nani shook her head.
Ayeka nodded.
Nani grimaced then shook her head again.
Ayeka continued to nod.
Nani frowned, looked around the table then shook her head.
Ayeka sighed. "Why not?"
Nani looked down, how could she possibly explain her reasons? "I have to give my daddy his shoes first," was her slow quiet reply. Maybe that was all they needed.
Ayeka looked momentarily confused. Her father's shoes? Looking down at the child Ayeka tired to find the answer in the child's adorable tear streaked face. There were no answers to be found. Her father's shoe? Looking up to Sasami, Ayeka wondered idly if the child knew her father had died.
Tsunami rose from her seat and crossed the room. Kneeling by Ayeka's side she lightly kissed the child's forehead, twin chevrons of gold blazed momentarily on the child's skin. Then as Tsunami stepped away from the little girl, Nani looked up at Ayeka and hugged the woman fiercely.
Ayeka gasped for breath beneath the startling crush of the child's tight embrace. Then looked up at Tsunami questioningly. "You are her mother now, we are her family, she understands that now." Was all the answer Ayeka needed.
From beneath her chin, Nani's voice rose quietly, "Mommy? Can I eat? I'm sorta hungry."
Ayeka's eyes sparkled. Mommy, I'm a Mommy. Looking down into Nani's questioning eyes, Ayeka felt every fiber in her body drive to protect this child. It was sudden and it was shocking but for some reason she simply felt drawn to this child. Kissing the child's forehead where Tsunami's blessed mark remained Ayeka nodded and positioned the girl so they could both begin eating.
Kamui watched the entire process in shock. The child could easily pass as his betrothed's and his offspring. The dark hair a genetic trait handed down from Azusa. The golden eyes a trait from his father's side. The shape of the child's sweet face an exact replica of his at that age. And the smile a dazzling cross between Ayeka's and his own. So much of this child resembled his family that it almost frightened him. Could he possibly be related to this child? And if so, why had Tsunami given her blessing for the child's adoption?
Maybe he was her closest blood relative? No, that wasn't possible since he had scores and scores of siblings and cousins. But the resemblances were too striking to be denied. The child was precocious, willful and curious, exactly as he had been at that age. But where had she come from?
Kamui openly gazed at the child, curious as to her origins. Ayeka doted on her and laughed freely as the child mimicked Sasami's distaste for the food served. Misaki was barely able to contain her enthusiasm, finally a child in the palace. Not just any child but a royal child. There were so many things to do, so many things to buy, and so many plans to make.
Azusa smiled fondly at the child; she seemed so much like Ayeka had been at that age, so curious and yet trying so desperately to act like the adults around her. Azusa's smile slowly turned to a frown, this time around he would play the role of grandfather, and this time he would get it right. Looking from the child to Ayeka, Azusa's smile returned. His daughter was going to make an excellent mother.
Funaho smiled it would be nice to hear a royal child's laughter. She had known of the child's existence for quite some time. The last card Tsunami would play before the merger with Sasami was complete. Odd that Tsunami/Sasami did not remember the child. But then, maybe that was for the best? Eventually all would be revealed the child resembled too many people of royal blood to simply be a commoner. This child caused too great a reaction with those of the royal family.
Even Azusa had felt the child's draw, and while her eyes were a shocking color, they were not a color unheard of within the royal family. Rare, but still a plausible genetic trait, drawing from her knowledge of royal houses' genetics, Funaho's eyes landed on Kamui. His family was one of only two houses that such bullion colored eyes were a common enough trait.
Funaho knew that the child was of royal descent; it had always been a part of the plan. Which would explain Tsunami's ready acceptance as well as the chevrons on the child's forehead. Only those of royalty bore the true mark of Tsunami. Funaho frowned momentarily at the implications of that statement for herself. But quickly cast aside her doubts as the child's laughter quickly changed the mood within the room to one of celebration.
Tsunami smiled, it was no longer a matter of simply being herself, she was Sasami, but the greater extent of her powers and knowledge were suppressed so Sasami could concentrate on her courtly duties. She felt no a difference between being Sasami or being Tsunami, the merger was complete and now they were one, it was more a matter of those around her. There were times when it was definitely appropriate to be Sasami and others when it was better to be more. Looking at the girl gleefully laughing wrapped in her sister's arms, Tsunami smiled. It had been this child's fate to be Ayeka's first born, but Ayeka had forestalled her engagement for 10 years. And the destiny of the child precluded Ayeka's whims.
The path of the child's fate was as undeterminable as Tenchi's and rested solely in her own hands. This child was going to be another rebel. Sasami smiled, there had to be one every generation or so. Nani would turn the empire on its ear, and Sasami was going to love watching it happen, and maybe if she was lucky enough she'd be able to get in on some of the action.
The servants watched, as their Empress became the doting mother they all expected her to be. Affectionate and loving but with the tamed restrain that spoke of years of watching Funaho's example, Ayeka was quickly settling into motherhood. There would be gossip all over the kitchen soon; maybe if the servers were talented enough with their words, they could get the cook fired. The man couldn't cook well enough by half in their opinions and what was worse he was a tyrant.
With breakfast over, Ayeka set Nani down in order for the child to walk along side her. The first matter to deal with was the issue of the child's adoption. After that the child's personal effects would have to be taken care of. But for right now, Ayeka figured the child needed to rest, as was evident from the constant yawning and eye rubbing. Bidding her family good morning Ayeka lifted the slow plodding child into her arms and carried the girl. Guards swept massive wooden doors open and Ayeka entered her room.
Once at the bed Ayeka gently laid Nani down. The girl was already fast asleep her jet-black hair fanning out across the pillow below her head. Ayeka smiled then bent down to kiss the darling girl's head. "Sleep little one, there is much excitement that awaits you upon awakening, but until then sleep." Gently caressing the downy cheek, Ayeka again smiled. Something about this child pulled at her heart. Kissing her once more, Ayeka rose quietly from the bed and silently left the room.
Sasami watched her sister leave the room. Smiling gently as Ayeka hitched the child higher into her arms. Nani was going to be a much-needed focus for her sister for the days to come. A gentle frown marred Sasami's beauty; there was still the matter of Tenchi. Tsunami had known that matters would be resolved eventually, and Sasami had always known that the family could never truly stay apart. But the new goddess questioned the timing of everything. Ayeka's heart was such a fragile jewel; Sasami doubted it could withstand having to destroy Ryoko's hopes again. Looking down at her hands, the hopes of a sister merged with the fears of a goddess as Sasami whispered one last sentence before rising from the table. "Please Tenchi, please chose with your heart this time."
Kamui watched as Sasami rose from the table, he had to talk to her about the child. Rising as well, Kamui bowed to the Emperor and his wives, then turned to follow Sasami out the door. Azusa released a great sigh; well at least now breakfast will be peaceful. Beginning his meal Azusa smiled gently, he could feel the excited energy rolling from Misaki in nervous waves. Even Funaho seemed to emanate an air of anticipation. Maybe the palace has needed the joy of a royal child? Lifting his eyes Azusa looked first from one wife to the next. Might as well give up on breakfast, Misaki won't last much longer. Placing his utensils down, Azusa gave an over-dramatized sigh then lifted his elbows for both women to grasp.
Beaming smiles replaced anxiously hiding grins, both Funaho and Misaki grabbed the offered arm. Then as one the trio rose from their seats. Nodding to the servants on their way out, Azusa laughed as Misaki finally exploded and began ranting and raving to Funaho about all the tasks needed to be completed for the child. Funaho, swept up in Misaki's infectious enthusiasm, readily agreed and offered suggestions that Misaki hadn't already made. And as one the trio happily made their way down the corridor, there was a royal shopping excursion to plan and so many things to do.
And for once, Azusa didn't care. He had his family, his wives, his children, and now a grandchild. Life was suddenly infinitely more radiant. There's something about the promise in a child's face that brings out the boundless hopes for a better future and a second chance to correct the mistakes of the past. Azusa knew that if not by his own children, then at least by this one child, he would finally be the father-figure he had always longed to be, rather than the stern disciplinarian required by duty and responsibility.
Funaho continued to chatter with Misaki but felt the shift in Azusa's energy. Her heart began to race, looking up at Azusa with her love in her eyes Funaho saw the man that had stolen her heart all those years ago. The tender man beneath the rigidity of royal pomp, the loving father beneath the years of imperial indifference.
Funaho stopped walking, bringing the trio to a halt. Misaki immediately silenced. Looking first to Funaho, Misaki recognized the softened gaze and winsome smile. Then she turned attention to her darling husband… and gasped. Misaki turned back to Funaho and the pair smiled at each other, then lifted to the tips of their toes and lovingly kissed Azusa's cheeks.
Azusa quirked an inquisitive eyebrow at his wives, to which they simply giggled, then with a breath Misaki and Funaho returned to their motherly chatting. The trio continued down the corridor, the ghosts of parental ills and hurts left behind as they began a new life as grandparents. Laughter followed them as they stepped out into the glorious daylight to begin their sojourn into the wonderful, pastel world of grandparenthood.
Kamui quickly caught up with Sasami. "Princess what are we to do about the child?" His question was direct and succinct.
Sasami drew herself to her full height; if he had a problem with Nani then her conviction as Tsunami about the man had been seriously mistaken. Sasami gathered herself and slowly turned to address him, her senses fully alert and prepared for questioning an angry scowl hovering at the edge of her mouth.
Kamui's steps faltered he had not expected for Tsunami to respond to his question. It was unsettling for the Prince of the Second House of Jurai, how swiftly Sasami shifted to the full grace of Tsunami and back again. There was something definitely unfair about beginning a conversation with another person and ending it with a celestial being.
"What would you have us do about the child Lord Kamui?" Tsunami's voice seemed to resonate beyond the walls of the suddenly stifling passageway.
Kamui gulped, never a good idea to piss off a goddess. Smooth move swifty. Kamui took a moment to gather his thoughts, how to word his concerns for the child without sounding like an arrogant, elitist prig? Especially with a goddess related to the adopted mother of said child? Heh, some days I'd give my right arm for an all knowing, all seeing divine being that didn't have a corporeal form or a vested interest in the concerns of her creations. Shrugging his shoulders Kamui accepted that this was his lot in life. "I would have the Empress adopt her just as planned. What I was referring to was the matter of the child's lineage. That will be the first concern of the high council upon receiving the news, which I have no doubt the servants and courtiers have already informed them of."
Tsunami's glared at the thought of having to address the high council, an unsavory task with the most mundane of topics; this issue was bound to complicate matters greatly. Realizing that her faith in Kamui had been well placed, Tsunami relented her presence and allowed the faint aura of power to ebb away as Sasami calming voice spoke without a hint of the otherworldliness of moments previous. "Yes, I realized that. And I will address the concerns of the High Council personally." Sasami turned to leave. "The blessing I bestowed upon the child was more than simply the acceptance of a goddess, you do realize that Kamui?" Her voice momentarily shifting back to seemingly encompass the whole of infinity.
Kamui could only nod to the retreating goddess's back, knowing full well even though she could not see it she still saw his actions.
"That child is yours. Yours and Ayeka's, at least genetically. It is more than just my will at work here, so you had better start thinking of her as your child, she has a destiny that is still unwritten. It will be her parents' influence that will decide the first course of her future. You should have felt her calling to you. Something within you telling you she was more than simply a random child. Guard her, for she is your first and she is the future of the empire. She bears my blessing and my gift. Protect her for the wings of the light hawk are a great responsibly." Tsunami had long since disappeared from sight when she had turned into the corridor leading to the Scared Hall of Trees, but her voice remained with him.
Kamui shook. The child was his? HE was her father? Thoughts like circling demons rose in a calamitous riot around him.
I'm her father? How is that possible?
So now I'm questioning the words of a goddess?
Even I'm not stupid enough to question Tsunami…
Or am I?
Kamui shook his head, I'm not even that stupid.
Okay then, if I'm not going to question her, then what?
Well I guess that means that I'm the girl's genetic father.
Meaning what exactly?
Meaning exactly what it means.
What am I gonna do about Ayeka?
Nothing. What can I do?
We now have a family.
No, we now share a child. That doesn't make us a family.
I can still hope can't I?
No, dreams and hopes are worthless, without the temperance of truth.
Jeez, killjoy. No wonder I don't get invited to many parties.
Look standing here slack-jawed and drooling while I talk to myself isn't getting anything done.
Agreed, lets get going.
Where?
Ayeka's stupid.
Yeah, okay.
Okay.
Kamui snapped to attention. He had to get to Ayeka.
Sasami chuckled from her hiding place behind the doors leading to the Sacred Hall of Trees. Kamui was sweet. He would make a good father, now if Ayeka would just come around to him then matters would tie up nicely. But this was not a romance novel, and Ayeka's heart was still lost to Tenchi. Sasami sighed. It seemed so pointless that again everything would hinge on his decision, but once again it did. Sasami blew out a frustrated breath, why couldn't they get over him. She had. Tenchi wasn't a god. He wasn't the only nice man in the entire universe and he wasn't the alpha and the omega of manhood. He was simply Tenchi.
And that's what makes him so special. He is Tenchi. The same Tenchi that you yourself wanted, both as Sasami and as Tsunami. There was simply no getting around the fact that in the end, it was always Tenchi. Sasami shook her head. Talk about a 'D'oh!' moment! The universe returned to his decision like a skipping record. Cosmically this seemed pointless and redundant. But here she was, watching the fates align themselves again to offer him a second opportunity to choose.
Brushing a stray hair back from her face Sasami slipped out from behind the massive door. Looking first one direction then the next, Sasami allowed herself a momentarily lapse in decorum. After all, Ayeka was about to perpetrate a great big whammy, what was a little skipping in the halls in the face of such indiscretion? Giggling lightly Sasami skipped merrily to the Sacred Hall of Trees, there was much to prepare for and yet it was hard to contain her excitement. Soon she'd be back on earth, back to her old home, back with her family. Soon the Carnival would begin again, but this time, maybe just maybe it wouldn't end.
Ayeka slipped out of the bedroom, and whisperingly commanded the guards flanking the doors to send for her if the child awoke. After they nodded obediently, she left. There was much to do and not much time to do it in. Striding confidently towards the imperial office, Ayeka was surprised to find Kamui leaving. He turned to her after hearing her call out to him. Ayeka shook her head as she approached him; such breaches of decorum were going to stir the gossip mill into a frenzy. First the child, now with Kamui? What more could she possibly do today?
Kamui stood still as she approached, it never failed. Since the first moment he had seen her she drew him to her. His heart yearning for what his head knew would never be his to claim. When she was before him she took his hand. Again his heart clenched. How could she not realize what her touch, her mere presence meant to him? Mentally shaking himself, Kamui focused his attentions back to Ayeka's words.
"We must adopt little Nani soon. The paperwork and legalities must be settled before the High Council can deter the process. As you are my betrothed you must adopt her as well, since you will become her future father by marriage. IF this is not a course of action you wish to take then you are free to leave the palace, I will not blame you if you should choose to. A child is a great responsibility especially with so much time lost from her earliest years." Ayeka's eyes softened with regret. Somehow her heart tightened at the thought of having missed the first years of Nani's life. How quickly this child has worked her way into my heart. No faster than Tenchi I suppose. Tenchi? What will he think of me having a child? A child by another man?
Ayeka ignored the doubts and concerns over Tenchi. Now was not the time to deal with her worries about Tenchi. There were far more important matters at hand. Namely, Kamui's decision. Anxious eyes looked up at Kamui waiting with honest hope shining brilliantly.
Kamui smiled at her. His hand lifted on instinct to caress her satin smooth skin. How could he deny his heart her only request of him? A request that would forever bind his life to hers within the heart and mind of a darling child. How could he say no? Not trusting his voice Kamui nodded his consent.
Ayeka released the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. His support and friendship meant so very much to her. With Kamui at her side somehow her concerns and worries now seemed conquerable. Closing her eyes on a sigh Ayeka leaned her cheek into his caress, how easy it would be to allow him to take on her burdens. Would it really so bad to fall in love again? But what of Tenchi? The thought of Tenchi shook her from her idle thoughts and Ayeka stepped away from Kamui. "Thank you, I will attend to the matter at once and send for you when the legalities require your presence."
Kamui allowed his hand to linger in the position it had adopted to mold itself to the contours of her face. If only for a fraction of a moment, he had touched her heart. Hope rose like a phoenix on burning wings of unrequited love. Just a friend. Secretly in love, and deeply devoted, but as always nothing more than a friend. Kamui accepted his role again easily, repetition numbing the burning cut of the icy blade of rejection to a dull throb. Nodding gently to her Kamui stepped back and turned to leave.
Ayeka stood uncertainly behind him as she watched his retreating back. She knew she had hurt him. Her inability to love him was like a constant knife in her heart. It hurt to see the longing in his eyes. So many times she saw him, and the love was so hard to look at. What a desperate situation for him… Ayeka felt the smothering mantle of guilt crush her hopes. Could she do this to him? Marry him when she didn't love him? Royalty married everyday for duty without love. But still, Kamui was unique; a noble man with the purest of hearts and kindest of souls. Was her love for Tenchi truly worth such pain?
Ayeka squared her shoulders. She had pledged her love, and she would remain true. But there were matters of greater concern than Tenchi. And at the moment the more time she spent standing around worrying about trivial matters the High Council could be trying to outmaneuver her. Determination straightened her spine and confidence bolstered her flagging ego. Nani was going to become a part of her family, even if she had to re-align the heavens themselves to do it!
Entering her office Ayeka felt momentarily overwhelmed, it still seemed staggering that the same room that for years had been her father's office, was now hers. Casting aside her doubts Ayeka set about her tasks. First was the matter of the adoption, then immediate needs of the child i.e. clothing and what not. Second, the child's education and introduction into royalty, Nani would have to be crowned and the ceremony would have to be performed with much haste. There would be no time for grand regality, if the High Council's machinations were to be circumvented.
Once Ayeka was seated her Chamberlain lifted a letter to her attention. The barely legible scrawling script seemed familiar. Opening the letter, Ayeka's heart began to race. Somehow this letter was important. Taking in a great breath Ayeka began to read.
Your Royal Highness,
If you are reading this letter then you have accepted my daughter in my stead at court. For that tender kindness I thank you. I must first say, that no matter the circumstance that I find myself your reign had little to do with my poverty and I bear you no ill will for the disparity of quality between us. Your kindness has elevated the simple pleasures that my family and I have enjoyed. Again I can only thank you for your charity.
My daughter is my most precious treasure. Her mother died shortly after her 6th birthday and her grandmother only a few months later. I am all she has left and she will be losing me soon. Her 7th birthday is exactly 8 days from the day of her appearance at court, since I am unsure when you receive this letter. She was born at 7:45 in the evening.
I have nothing to leave to her besides my wishes for her future and my love, which are eternal. I have entailed the details of our family tree as a priestess told my wife that you would need them. I have also included my daughter's genetic ID bracelet; again the priestess said you would need it. Please care for my darling Alejandrina, she is more innocent then she seems.
I know I have no right to request this of you, but please do not send her to an orphanage. The isolation would destroy her. Please, love her for me. Love her as you would love your own. That is the only request I have of you. I have also included a letter relinquishing my parental rights. I surrender them to your best judgment. Again, thank you for all you have done for our family.
May Tsunami guide you always,
Fuma Tetsukawa
Tears flowed hotly down Ayeka's face. The tear-stained letter was written with the boundless love of a father for his child, the last selfless act of a diminishing parent. Sniffling Ayeka turned her attention to the other letters. The family tree instantly caught her attention. From what Ayeka had gathered from the child, Nani's grandmother had been from another planet. It had been a jarring shock to see the woman had in fact been from earth. And ever-greater shock to see that the child's grandmother's ancestry stemmed from a fruitful affair with Yosho. This child was Yosho's great, great, great, great granddaughter? Ayeka gaped at the paper before her.
Even more remarkably was the child's ancestry from her father's side. Ayeka stifled a giggle. Kamui's father was going to have some serious explaining to do. It was widely known the man had serious fidelity issues, but this was going to really blow his wives away. Especially since neither woman had bore him a daughter. And the man had knowing allowed his only daughter to enter Jurai's guardianship system. That had been three generations in the girl's family. Kamui was Nani's great uncle?
Ayeka nearly laughed. Legally with the papers Nani's father had provided the only necessity was to make a simple proclamation. Parental rights were surrendered to her by Nani's father's consent. Ayeka prayed to Tsunami that Nani's parents found the happiness together in the afterlife that they had not been graced with in this one.
Gentle hands lifted a picture and a tiny wooden bracelet. Ayeka frowned. Only royalty was issued a genetic ID bracelet made of sacred wood. And while yes, Nani was technically royalty; her heritage wouldn't have been of common knowledge to the hospital staff. Ayeka's interest was piqued. What could have possibly possessed the hospital staff to issue Nani such a bracelet? Rising gracefully with a scowl of concentration marring her forehead, Ayeka left her office for the Sacred Hall of Trees.
Within her haven and her home, Tsunami's voice rose in beautiful song as she sung in an ancient tongue about the future awaiting her children. The child had been born, now was a time for rejoicing, for soon her mate would be born as well. Tsunami gracefully weaved within the arching branches of her children's arms. Loving hands caressed the Sacred Trees as the godly voice rose in joy for the coming future. All of Jurai would receive the bounty of the promise to come. Tsunami felt the tears slowly fall, the joy and fears finding expression through her song. So much could go wrong, so much could change the happiness that was hovering within the empire's grasp.
But still she sang, and as the words changed from and ancient cadence to a more modern rhythm Sasami emerged from the divinity of Tsunami, and the princess lifted her own voice in a wordless expression of hope. Loving hands caressed rough bark as the princess sat herself amongst the powerful roots of the elder tree Kamui. Soon this tree and its namesake would visit earth. Sasami shuddered with a twinge of fear for the future.
Ayeka followed the heavenly voice. Who was singing in the Sacred Hall? Ayeka entered the room to find Tsunami. Ayeka smiled, even as an adult Sasami used song as a manner of emotional expression. Fond memories of little Sasami dancing about the kitchen, singing to the latest tune playing on the radio brought a warmth to Ayeka's heart. When the words lapsed into humming Ayeka closed the distance between Sasami and herself.
Sasami lifted her eyes to Ayeka's face, noticing the tiny bracelet in her sister's hand along the way. Sasami lifted her hand silently requesting her sister's help. Ayeka easily clasped Sasami's hand and pulled her sister upright. Sasami thanked Ayeka then, brushed herself off. Then looked down to the bracelet, which Ayeka held up questioningly.
"What is it you would like to know Sister?" Tsunami questioned.
"Would it be alright if I talked to you as Sasami, rather than as my goddess?" Ayeka had immediately recognized the commanding tone of Tsunami, and while Sasami and Tsunami were one and the same. It was one matter to speak your concerns to your sister, and entire different matter to address them to the foundation of your religion.
Sasami nodded. There was no fooling Ayeka. Reining her powers in until she no longer vibrated with the soul of the Trees, Sasami looked to her sister. "Better?" The question was honest.
"Much. I am sorry but it can be occasionally overwhelming to speak with you as Tsunami. I know you are still Sasami, but it is still difficult to overcome my mental need to separate the two. I hope you can understand?" Ayeka voice held a depth of sincerity, sometimes it was difficult to rectify the gulf of ideology that spanned between Sasami her little sister, and Tsunami her empire's patron goddess.
"Easily Ayeka. Sometimes it's hard for me as well. I feel no difference between Tsunami and Sasami, and yet. There is an obvious difference. A difference in how people treat me, in how I'm expected to act. A difference in what I am to do. But beneath it all I have always simply been Sasami. But now we have more important fish to fry than my identity issues. So please continue with your question."
Ayeka looked down at the bracelet that she held out before her. How to say it? Sucking in a deep breath Ayeka forced the words from her throat. "What does this bracelet mean?"
Sasami smiled at her sister. Grabbing the wrist of the hand that held the bracelet, Sasami brought Ayeka's hand towards The Sacred Tree Kamui. Ayeka's forehead furrowed. Sasami turned her sister's hand up, placing the bracelet in the center of the palm, then grabbed Ayeka's other hand and placed it on the trunk. Ayeka looked questioningly at Sasami. Sasami lifted her index finger to her lips 'shushing' Ayeka.
Then a gentle beam of glorious light came from the tree and touched down on her palm within the circle of the bracelet. Then another, and then another, from all angles beams floated down to illuminate the palm of her hand, but never escaping the circle of the bracelet. Once a solid column of light arced from Ayeka's palm to the soaring dome above them, the bracelet lifted softly from her palm.
Ayeka's eyes widened as the column of light splashed against the ceiling and rained down from every direction, bathing the already brilliant room with a dazzling array of dancing light. Ayeka watched in amazement as the bracelet spun around the column gaining speed with each revolution and each word that Sasami spoke.
Please Open the Path, to our ancestors, The Space Trees
Heaven to Ocean, Ocean to Jurai, Jurai back to Heaven
Show me the Path, Engraved by the Light....
Sasami watched the bracelet spin. This was cooler than she thought it would be. Ayeka must be impressed.
Ayeka was impressed. What could she say? Before her eyes the bracelet spun so fast that is was now simply a brown band holding back the column of brilliance. Ayeka quietly gasped as her opposite hand slipped past the rough bark of the wood and into the sheltered heart of the tree. The circle was complete now and the knowledge of the trees surrounded Ayeka.
Sasami watched with concern as the Scared Tree Kamui, explained to Ayeka all she needed to know about Nani's genetics. It only took seconds for the information to be relayed and processed. But it still felt like a millennia had past since Ayeka had asked her question.
Ayeka reluctantly released her connection to the Scared Tree, slowly pulling her arm free from its trunk. Something about this tree soothed her worries. Answers to so many questions had been given to her. Answers that she hadn't known she needed, hadn't known she'd wanted. It had been staggering at first, being completely inundated by the vastness of the information. But The Sacred Tree Kamui had held onto her and guided her through to the answers. Some that were revealed to her immediately and some that she knew lingered like a hazy dream at the edges of her consciousness, to come to her in their own time. But now she had the answers she needed.
And with her questions answered there was little time to linger; she had to go to earth. Tenchi was to make his choice finally, and she needed to be there; another token gift of knowledge from the tree's vast wisdom. Whether she was the one to receive the gift of his heart or not, she had to be there. The family needed to heal. Slowly Ayeka removed her hand from the tree, as tears fell. All along… she was mine all along…
Slowly the bracelet leisurely returned to hover as the column died one magical beam of light at a time. Then as the last beam faded Ayeka clasped her hand around the bracelet trying to hold onto it and the last beam just a little longer. Opening eyes she hadn't realized she had closed Ayeka looked to her sister and smiled gently then turned to the Sacred Tree Kamui and kissed its trunk. Then with her free hand grabbed Sasami's hand and raced from the Sacred Hall of Tree. There was much to be done before they left for earth.
Kamui quickly walked down the hall. He had been summoned by Ayeka, which could only mean that he was needed for the finalization of the adoption. During his daily duties he had turned down a hall and seen Ayeka entering the Sacred Hall and had stopped the guard on his way to speak to her. Now he was carrying a girl that was gladly chattering about an endless array of topics. And he loved it. Nani's tiny bell-like voice brought smiles to everyone he passed. Her constant curiosity was a little daunting but he couldn't fault her. She had received her first bath within the palace. And he had been delighted to be the one to give it to her.
They had splashed and laughed. The servants had unwillingly joined the fray when Nani splashed the dry towels. Soon it was an all out war and Kamui could not remember a time that he had laughed as much. Since there were few children's clothes within the palace Nani was still wrapped in the giant, fuzzy palace bath robe. She looked tiny but adorable, the sleeves were rolled up past the elbow of the robe and still it hung to her fingertips. The hem had been cut to better suit her stature, as well as the belt. But still the child swam in the robe, leaving Kamui no choice but to carry her in order to arrive at Ayeka's office within the next 30 minutes.
Deciding it was easier to open the doors with her over his shoulder, Kamui flung a delighted Nani up onto his shoulder. The child giggled loudly and kicked her tiny feet in time to her laughter. Kamui pushed the door open and entered the room with Nani's bubbly laughter heralding his entrance.
Ayeka looked up from her desk. Nani's flailing feet poked out from a sea of white terrycloth. The frown of concentration on her face was easily washed away by the child's sparkling laughter. Kamui easily crossed the distance between the door and desk. Standing next to Ayeka Kamui gently removed Nani from his shoulder and placed on the floor. Pulling the hood of the robe over the child's head once he placed her on the ground. Ayeka had to laugh, the child looked simply adorable.
Nani immediately recognized Ayeka's voice and wrenched the hood from her head. Swinging around wildly at first the child turned completely around twice before realizing to look up. Once she looked up she saw Ayeka smiling down at her. In the three steps worth of space that separated the girl from Ayeka, Nani seemed to glow. With a great leap that seemed a little beyond the average vertical span of a child her size, Nani bounced into Ayeka's arms. Securely wrapping her chubby arms around Ayeka's throat.
Ayeka's eyes widened with surprise from the boisterous zeal of the display, but could not restrain herself from returning an equal amount of affection to the loving child. The pair simply held each other and laughed, the bond of mother and child giving its own source of joy and merriment. Ayeka felt her heart tighten again. Nani already meant so much to her.
Nani had understood everything that Tsunami had said to her. Had known how to use mind speak most of her short life. Tsunami had explained everything. Kamui was her father. Not a new one like her friend Momiji had, but her real father, and Ayeka was her mother. She knew it wouldn't make sense if she tried to explain it, but her heart told her that Tsunami was telling her the truth. And now, she was going to go see the rest of her family. Aunts and uncles, family she had never had before, a whole giant family to share everything with. Nani understood. Soon she would meet people that could help her control the heat she sometimes felt grow in her heart whenever she got mad.
Kamui stood to the side watching his family. Shaking his head, Kamui tried to shake off the thought but as he turned his concentration back to Ayeka and Nani, he could not eliminate the image. Before him stood the single woman that meant more to him than his own life, and the child that was swiftly becoming his most precious treasure. They were his family and even if Ayeka never loved him as he wished her to, he would protected them both with his very life.
The tender moment of family was broken by the bustle of Ayeka's mother's voice. Through the doors of her office came her mother, her father and mother Funaho as well as a legion of servants laden down by scores of packages. Ayeka looked up in question at her parents. What did they do? Buy out an entire planet?
Misaki smiled tenderly at mother and child, tears of pride and regret instantly springing to the corners of her eyes. Ayeka was no longer her darling little girl. She was now the Empress and a mother in her own right. Where had the time gone? Nostalgia clouded Misaki's eyes with precious memories of Ayeka's childhood.
Funaho and Azusa clasped Misaki's hands. It was hard for them as well. To watch their babies grow it seemed only a fraction of time had passed. Not the scores of centuries of reality. Clearing his throat, Azusa brought an end to the fond remembering. One by one, Misaki and Funaho explained the contents of each package that the servants carried. To the shocked and tearful delight of a very grateful Ayeka, who placed Nani on the ground and walked over to inspect the gifts. If this was any indication, Ayeka was going to have to watch her parents carefully otherwise Nani was going to be the most spoiled royal brat ever spawned.
Misaki knelt down and held out her arms, "Come to Mamma Misaki sweetie." It took only a few seconds for Nani to sail across the space between herself and her grandmother. Misaki swept the adorable child into her embrace and rose easily to stand next to her husband and sister-wife. As Funaho and Misaki cooed and cajoled the child, Azusa handled the task of explanations for Ayeka.
Nani was in heaven, two grandmothers! Two wonderful women that were happy to make her laugh and tickle her. And if she were guessing correctly, the lighter haired one that held her would give out all sorts of sweets! Nani continued to enjoy the adoration of the two dowager queens. Her mind easily accepting them as her grandmothers, after all, the dark-haired one looked just like the woman from her dreams, the one that use to sing lullabies to her when she would cry at night.
"Will you perform the declaration ceremony tonight or will you hold off until we have begun our journey to visit Yosho's grandson?" Azusa winced internally at his bluntness, but after years of such manners he was both incapable and unwilling to change.
Ayeka winced herself. Did everyone guess her next step was to see Tenchi? Ayeka nodded. "I will perform the declaration ceremony here on Jurai, tonight. But the coronation will occur along the way."
Azusa nodded, "I agree, that is the wisest course of action. With the declaration made the council can not deny her right to the throne. And if the coronation is performed during the journey they cannot interfere." Had Ayeka simply chosen to ignore his statement of joining her on her trip?
Ayeka was nervous, it was strange that her father was supporting her in her decision to go to earth again. Especially to see Tenchi. "Thank you, I was unsure if my decision was the best considering the circumstances."
Azusa again nodded. Sighing he swallowed his pride, "I have every confidence that you will be an excellent mother. And no matter what man is at your side you will always be an incomparable Empress. I am proud of you." Azusa hugged Ayeka fiercely.
Ayeka momentarily floundered. Confused by her father's words. He had never told her how proud of her he was. Swallowing her own pride, Ayeka returned the embrace. If she could be a mother for Nani, then she could be a daughter for her father. The pair remained in the hug for a few long quiet seconds. Then a gentle tugging at Ayeka's skirts pulled her attention away from her father. Swiftly wiping away tears, Ayeka looked down at Nani's beaming face. The ruddiness of the child's cheeks made Ayeka's eyes narrow as she examined the girl closer.
Ayeka sighed heavily, bent down to pick up the child then glared fiercely at her mothers. They had given her candy!?! All those years they wouldn't allow me a single solitary bar of chocolate and now my daughter is giving me sticky kisses and reeks of artificial berries and what not? Shaking her head at the look of contrite pride on both women's faces, Ayeka's ire changed to laughter.
Shifting Nani to her other hip, Ayeka kissed the sugary toddler. Then deciding it was time that her father met his granddaughter, Ayeka handed Nani over to Azusa. The child delighted in the thought, easily relinquishing her hold on Ayeka for the confused grasp of Azusa. Planting sticky chocolate kisses on his cheek Nani giggled uncontrollably as she ate her first bar of milk chocolate.
Ayeka crossed the room to the two conspiring queens as they quickly hid their hands behind their backs. Ayeka gave the pair a sickly sweet smile then just a step before them, turned away from them to walk towards Kamui. Tossing idly over her shoulder, "You get to babysit until it wears off."
Kamui couldn't help but laugh at the stricken look of horror on the queens' faces. Ayeka approached him. Looking down into her eyes, he had to smile. Ayeka was positively beaming. "Are you going to tell them that they're gonna have to give her another bath? Or would you rather leave that honor for me?"
Ayeka chuckled lightly. "The honors are all yours, my good lord. I have a trip to plan and two ceremonies to arrange." With that, she returned to her desk and her plans. Somehow the commotion of the family within the room making the work pass easier and the solutions come all the faster. Ayeka lifted her head to regard her family. Sasami just entered the room and Nani was squirming in Azusa's arms for Sasami to notice her. Sasami instantly veered for the child and was gifted with a squishy, chocolaty, sugary, sticky hug and kiss.
Ayeka smiled as Nani giggled louder at the look of mock disgust on Sasami's face. Loving eyes watched as both queens began plying the child with more candy in return for words of devotion, while Kamui and Azusa discussed the female compulsion to shop and Sasami oowwed and ahhhed over the darling little toys and clothes. While it wasn't the madness of eleven years ago, this new family was shaping up to be just as happy. Yes, maybe, just maybe… she had found a family of her own.
Shaking her head, Ayeka returned to her plans. Occasionally stopping to idly wonder about Tenchi and what her life was going to be like once her new family merged with her old one. Yes, it was going to be fun. A sense of excited urgency over took her, as the desire to reunite with her family grew stronger. The happiest memories she had from that time were the moments spent as a family. And even if she did not get her heart's desire, she had her family. And in the end what greater gift could she ask for?
Post-chapter rant: WHEW! That was quite a chapter. I hope you liked it. And I hope not too many of you hate me. I realized I introduced another Tenchi male, but at least Ayeka's not in love with him. And yes I know I introduced another random Tenchi girl, but good news is she doesn't fall head over heels in love with Tenchi. And I know her name isn't Japanese, but I always thought that Alejandra was a beautiful name. And I know its hideous self-promotion but I gave her my name as well. Estephania is an awkward name for anyone. Just my luck eh? And just to rest your minds' at ease it's not a self-insertion. I was entirely too weird a child for this anime universe. But to be honest, I needed an unusual sounding name that would be completely foreign to Ayeka. And I figured those two names would just about cover different in a Japanese speaking culture. That and I really liked the portent the meanings of the names imply.
Anyways, I hope you Ayeka fans actually liked my treatment of her. I've since come over to the dark side and now really like her, and I wanted to be fair to her. I want her, of the two girls (Ryoko & Ayeka), to have completely moved on with her life and evolved past her time at Tenchi's.
Not to say that Ryoko hasn't, but unlike Ryoko, Ayeka has relinquished the pain and anger attached to that time, and instead remembers only the good times. Choosing to keep her memories of everyone alive, rather than allowing the pain to hold a part of her back. I've tried to show that Ayeka has moved past the reserved person she was while with Tenchi. I honestly believe as she evolves she would push out of the shell that she hid behind, at least in her private life.
There was a lot of story necessary to push through in this chapter and I'm sorry if at times it seemed to drone. But that's what happens when you have essentially 3 full characters to flesh out. Hopefully the Tsunami/Sasami issue is sort of clearer. She is what people need to her to be, and what she needs to be at any given moment, and yet she is still nothing more than Sasami. If that makes any sense.