Chapter Five
"What is this all about, Azusa-heika?"
As she was marshalled into the Throne Room, Washu stared up at the Emperor, a frown crossing her face as she took in his sombre expression. It had been a long and difficult trip to Jurai, surrounded by people who would not give her any straight answers, and by now she was at the end of her patience, determined to get to the bottom of the whole situation as soon as she could. And yet, a silent fear gnawed away at the back of her mind. Had they discovered that she had the gems? Was that why she had been dragged there so summarily?
"Why have you had me brought back to Jurai? My laboratory isn't within your jurisdiction, you know - I'm sure you've contravened some law or other in sending your men out to grab me like this!"
"My sincerest apologies, Washu-sensei." Azusa bowed his head slightly as if acknowledging the slight. "We had urgent need to speak with you. You need not concern yourself about the legalities. Lord Haru spoke to our friends at the Galaxy Police and they gave us permission to come and collect you, since it was a matter of such urgency. A matter potentially affecting Juraian security, in fact."
"So I gathered." Washu's expression reflected a mixture of disgust and resignment. "Trust the Galaxy Police - if Jurai calls, they're there like a flash."
"Well, we like to keep a healthy working relationship with them." Haru nodded his head, folding his arms across his chest. "Washu-san, let me cut to the chase. Azusa-dono has asked me to carry out this interrogation based on the laws and principles of the Planet of Jurai. We believe that you are witholding important information about Tsunami and about strange events which have been plaguing my youngest daughter, the Princess Sasami. That being the case, we are within our rights to question you, and in some detail."
"I see." Washu sat down on the chaise he indicated, folding her arms across her chest. "And if I have nothing to say about those things, Haru-dono? I believe I gave you all the information I could the last time that we met. I'm afraid there's not much else I can do in the way of helping you."
"Well, so you have told us." Haru inclined his head in agreement. "But unfortunately we're unable to simply take your word for it that that is the case. You must understand, Washu-san, that the safety of this planet is of utmost importance to me. But nothing at all is of more importance to me than the safety and security of either of my little girls."
"Your girls are not so little now, Haru-dono." Washu shot him a piercing look. "Ayeka-denka is married and Sasami-dono is growing into a young lady. You just don't want to admit that, that's all. All children grow and develop in their own way. I have healthy respect for both the Crown Princess and her young sister. But I have never meant either one of them any harm, and that's the truth."
"We shall be the judge of that." Haru said primly. He raised a hand, gesturing to a guard that stood by the door and the man advanced on the group, a strange look in his eye. In a moment, Washu realised the danger that she was in, and she got to her feet, making to leave. The guard was too quick for her, however, and he grabbed her firmly by the wrists, holding her still.
"You are familiar, I know, with the method of interrogation by truth serum." Haru's voice was soft in her ear, and though she struggled, she was unable to free herself from the guard's grip. "We know very little about your biology, Washu-san, so we've taken no chances on this session. This room you find yourself called to is shielded against any magic foreign to Jurai, so you will not be able to use your spells and incantations to escape us. You would do well not to struggle. It will be a much quicker process if you do not."
"There are some questions that should never be asked." Washu struggled harder, and Haru gestured for a second guard to join them. He did so, holding her firmly at the other side as between them the two men pinioned her down on the chaise, leaving her almost unable to move. Haru cast her a thoughtful look. Then he lifted a large syringe off the table by the door, carefully injecting her with the silverish serum. Washu felt the prick, and then the cold, numbing sensation washing through her body. She bit her lip, struggling once more against the guard's grip. No matter what, she told herself feverishly, she must not talk to these men about the things which troubled her the most.
"Washu-san, I am sorry for all of this." Azusa's voice was gentle, and somehow the apologetic tone in it made her all the more angry. "It is unorthodox, I realise, but there are things we must discover."
"I thought you had to have an impartial witness present at any interrogation!" Washu spat out. "I don't see anyone impartial at this one! Let me go, Azusa-heika! You're breaking all of your own laws by holding me here and you know it!"
"The laws of interrogation only apply to an inquisition carried out pending charge." Haru told her serenely. "We are simply interested in gaining information from you. Unfortunately, since you are so adept at concealing the truth, we have had to resort to extreme measures."
"What makes you think your serum will make me talk, anyway?" Washu demanded. "If you don't know anything about my biology, how do you know it will have any effect on me?"
"Well, we'll soon find out, won't we?" Haru took a seat to one side, fixing her with a level gaze. "Since you're obviously so apprehensive about this discussion, I'm working on the premise that the drug will have some kind of impact on you."
He eyed her keenly for a moment, then,
"It should have had time to take effect." He added. "So we'll begin with a few simple questions about your own purpose here on Jurai, Washu-sensei. Why you became involved with my daughter Ayeka in the first place, and why you seem so keen to take Sasami to Souja's tree, even though you must have known it was off limits to people, with very stringent penalties attached."
Washu eyed him obstinately, clamping her mouth shut as she fought tooth and nail against the drug's effect. She closed her eyes, struggling once more against the grip of the guardsmen, but it was futile. They had her held fast and without her own magic, she was unable to throw a forcefield up around herself to protect her.
"Washu-san! Answer my question!"
"You didn't ask me a question." Washu's eyes snapped open, boring into those of her inquisitor with a mixture of hate and defiance. "So I can't really answer, can I?"
"Damn you, must you be so pedantic?" Haru's eyes narrowed. "Very well. Why did you become involved with Ayeka-denka? Tell me that."
"Which time, Haru-dono? The time I helped to rescue her from Haki or the time I helped to rescue her from Kagato?" There was an edge to Washu's tone, and Haru glared at her.
"I want the truth, Washu-san! What is your connection to Lady Ayeka?"
"We're friends." Washu said simply.
"And the Lady Sasami? Why did you take her to such a dangerous place on Jurai?"
"Ask Lady Sasami." Washu fought again against the drug's suggestions and won, glaring up at him triumphantly. "I've nothing to say on that subject!"
"Haru-chan, this isn't working." Azusa said softly. "Clearly your serum is not taking it's usual effect...perhaps we should look at an alternate means of interrogation."
"The serum will work." Haru shook his head. "If that amount isn't enough to break through her will, then we'll just have to give her a little bit more. That's all."
"More?" Azusa's eyes opened wide. "Haru-chan, is that really necessary?"
"Brother, we need to get to the bottom of all of these things that are happening to Sasami." From where she was held down, Washu saw the glance that went between the two men at this. "Misaki-chan said that Sasami trusted Washu. That she seemed to know more than anyone else about what was going on. And you said it yourself. We both know this woman knows more than she's told us so far. Do you want answers or do you want more questions? This is the whole reason we brought Washu-sensei to Jurai. Do you really wish to stop this, here and now?"
There was a long silence, then Azusa let out a sigh. He shook his head, and Washu's heart skipped a beat inside her chest as she felt the prick of a second syringe, flooding her body and her senses with more of the enticing truth drug. Words spilled through her mind, confusing her and it was all she could do to hold them back. At length she managed to regain a modicum of control, sending Haru the dirtiest look she could muster.
"Do you think this is an honourable way to treat a visitor to Jurai?" She asked quietly. "The behaviour that recommends a Prince of this planet to a stranger?"
"You're no stranger to Jurai, and you're a visitor here at the Emperor's pleasure." Haru said stiffly. "Enough games, Washu-san. We will get to the bottom of this, whether it be in a few minutes or a few hours. The choice is yours, you know - the sooner you tell us what we want to know, the sooner this will all be over."
Washu eyed him mutinously, but did not reply, and Haru settled himself back in his seat.
"Tell me why you took Sasami-dono to Souja's tree."
"Because someone had to." Washu muttered, hate in her expression. "And you weren't exactly listening to her when she tried to ask you for your help! You're blind, the both of you. Stupid and trapped in your own world of Jurai politics and high society. You don't realise what's going on right in front of your nose! Sasami went to Souja because she and I both knew she had to go there. At least I listened to her. It's more than either of you did."
"What exactly is going on, Washu-san?"
"If you're that stupid, you'll need a more patient teacher than me to point it out." Washu snapped, and Haru's eyes became mere slits as he regarded her.
"Are you going to fight us every step of the way?" He asked, his tones dangerously low. "I have a good amount of serum, Washu-san, and I am more than prepared to use it if need be. Think about that before you let your cockiness prevent you from answering. You can fight the drug all you want, but in the end you will tell us what we need to know. Do you really want to make it so difficult for yourself?"
Washu clamped her mouth shut once more, putting every single part of her strength into fighting the urge to speak. Haru sighed, shaking his head slowly. He got to his feet, retrieving a third syringe from the table, and then returning to his post, eying her carefully.
"I did warn you." He said softly. "I must commend you on your strength of will, Washu-san. Few are able to fight against one dose. I have never known anyone to fight so valiantly against two doses. But a third dose will break down your reserves. Of that I assure you."
Washu flinched as the needle penetrated her body once more, a cold, hard sensation washing over her as it did so. For an instant she felt like she was drowning, and she closed her eyes, struggling valiently once more against her captors to no avail.
"Stop this!" She exclaimed. "There are questions that shouldn't be answered, Haru-dono - and it's not the action of a Prince to force truth out of a lady!"
"I haven't yet determined exactly what you are, Washu-san." Haru set down the syringe. "But maybe now we can talk properly. Tell us what you know about Tsunami...about the tree of life."
"Tsunami?" Washu's eyes opened wide with surprise. "She's Jurai's goddess - the tribal princess who is the foundation of all life on this planet."
"And what has she to do with my daughter, Sasami?"
"You must be stupid indeed if you don't know that." Washu snapped. "Sasami is Tsunami's chosen one. They are connected, and Sasami receives thoughts and feelings from Tsunami, dreams that prophesy the future or show pictures that are real. She came to me because noone else would listen to her."
"So you believe that Tsunami and Sasami are indeed connected?" Azusa asked softly. Washu nodded impatiently.
"Of course they are. Any fool can see that." She said flatly. "But I can't tell you how they became linked, Azusa-heika. The magic of this world defies scientific explanation and I am not of your planet. I only know that the legend is coming true - that Tsunami-sama is rising again in one of her family's descendants and that descendant is Sasami-denka. Even as a scientist, I know that to be the truth. You would do well to listen to all she says, before it's the worse for your world."
"I see." Azusa hesitated, then, "And you believe that Jurai is in peril?"
"Well, it stands to reason." Washu agreed. "Considering that Tsunami wouldn't be awoken for anything less important."
"And the danger relates to Souja's tree?" Haru demanded. Washu nodded her head slightly, closing her eyes for a moment as the room swam before them, then focusing once more on the Prince at her side.
"Kagato's spirit sleeps within Souja." She said quietly. "I've done readings, compared data and there is no doubt. Your Prince of Darkness is still with us, and growing stronger every day he's alive. Tenchi-dono slew the man but not the whole being. He's inside Souja, tormenting the poor tree with his dark spirit and preparing himself for his revenge on Jurai. That I am absolutely sure of. All of my scientific research points to such a thing."
"What is your connection to Kagato, Washu-san?" Haru asked slowly. "You seem inordinately interested in his affairs, considering you once worked together on Jurai...and considering his household paid a large amount of money towards your research."
"I have no connection to Kagato." Washu snapped. "I just saw him for what he was. You saw him as Yosho's reflection - a young knight who was brave and strong. I saw him as evil personified, hiding beneath a cloak of smiles. My people are known for such insight. You probably don't know that, but it's true all the same. It's hard to conceal true character from us, Haru-dono."
Her lips twisted into a derisive smile.
"I'm sure you'd like to hear my impressions of your true nature."
"This is not the time." Azusa said softly. "Washu-san, we need to know what exactly you were working on under Kagato's patronage, all those years ago on Jurai. It seems to me that a lot of things happened then. I have read Haru's reports and it seems that a summer or two after you were here, you were summarily evicted from the Science Academy and thrown into exile on the Planet Earth. Prince Kagato's influence was behind this - isn't that the case?"
"Yes, I believe so." Washu agreed. "Though I never had proof. It was the Lady Aiko's household that objected. Lady Aiko and her son never did appear at my tribunal, however."
"The Lady Aiko died a mere handful of years following." Azusa added. "Her death remains a mystery even now. Do you believe there to be a connection?"
"You mean, did Kagato-dono kill his mother?" Washu shrugged. "How would I know? I was sealed in a cave at the back of beyond. Ask me another."
She closed her eyes again, struggling to maintain her concentration.
"Washu-san, your work." Haru said frankly. "What did you work on, with Lord Kagato, that might have driven him to want you exiled? Every other soul who worked on the project is dead, we know that. And you were imprisoned, possibly on his orders. What was so top secret that he had to silence you all?"
A pained look flitted across Washu's face, and beads of perspiration formed on her brow as she fought against the influence of the serum. It was to no avail, however, and with a sigh, her body went slack against the chaise as the fight seeped out of her.
"The gems." She whispered. "The Dark Heart...the gems."
Haru reacted with shock at this, turning to exchange looks with his brother, whose expression was equally stunned.
"The Dark Heart?" He demanded. "What on earth can you have had to do with those gems? Noone who isn't of Jurai blood can even lay fingers to them. Even some who are have not managed it. What do you mean, Washu-san? What kind of project involves sacred gemstones such as those?"
"Kagato's scientists had...discovered a way of transferring...energy to...crystal." Washu spoke weakly now, the impact of the drug overwhelming her senses completely. "He wanted to try and use the same technique on...on the gemstones from the volcano. So he set up his project and I was...was part of it. He claimed he was doing it for the Emperor's benefit, but...but I discovered he was tuning them to his own line. I think he meant to use them then, in rebellion against the throne. He wanted to use them to...to amplify his own power."
Silence greeted her statement, then Azusa let out a sigh.
"And you were involved in this?"
"Until I discovered his true purpose, yes." Washu inclined her head slightly. "The project interested me. Few scientists get the chance of working with such powerful magics, and with the patronage of a Prince such as Kagato-dono. It would have been foolish for me to have turned it down."
"And after you found out what he was really doing?" Haru demanded. "What then?"
Washu met his gaze with a sad one of her own.
"I stole the gems and left Jurai." She said flatly. "I'd built a unit for them to be stored in, while we were running our tests. I stole them from his chamber one morning while he slept. And I left."
"I see." Azusa pursed his lips. "Why did you take them with you, Washu-san? Why not come to the Imperial Throne and explain what you had discovered?"
"Would you have believed me?" Washu was bitter. "A primitive, demon creature from a planet long dead, speaking against the beloved son of Jurai? No, I don't think so. I would have been treated like a criminal - like you're treating me now! So I made the decision to return to the Academy. It was the only place I knew to go."
"And what did you do with the gems then?" Haru demanded. "Did you try and harness their energy for your own ends?"
"In a manner of speaking, I suppose I did." Washu's voice became distant, a pensive expression crossing her face. "I gave them to Kichi. For Ryoko."
A look of distress entered her green eyes at this admission, and she bit her lip, shaking her head as if to clear it.
"Ryoko." Haru's lip curled in disgust. "Again we come back to that pirate woman. Why is it we can never be free of her, Azusa? Confound her arrogance...what possible connection could she have to all of this?"
"It seems that Ryoko is more intertwined with the Royal House of Jurai than any of us first imagined." Azusa admitted. He turned his gaze on the stricken scientist.
"So you took the gems, knowing that Ryoko was Kagato's daughter and as such, she would one day be able to use them? Is that it?"
"Yes." Washu nodded slightly. "He had altered them to recognise his genetic structure. Well, as his daughter, Ryoko was the best hope any of us had of manipulating that power. She would have been so strong, too, if not for Kichi's death."
She sighed.
"I hoped one day she'd have been a match for him." She admitted faintly. "But I failed to take so much into account."
"Who is this Kichi that you keep mentioning?" Haru demanded.
"Kichi was Ryoko's mother." Azusa said softly. "Isn't that right, Washu-san?"
Dismay flickered across Washu's expression and she struggled valiently against the truth drug one last time, but it was to no avail. She let out another sigh.
"No." She admitted reluctantly. "No, Azusa-heika. That was a lie. A ruse. Nothing more."
Azusa's brows drew together in confusion.
"But Ryoko believes it." He said at length. "Washu-san, I don't understand. If this woman we found murdered on Yubisu was not Ryoko's mother, then who was? Who spawned the child that you hoped to make into a weapon against Kagato?"
Tears glittered in Washu's eyes.
"Me." She whispered. "Ryoko is my daughter, Azusa-heika."
"I knew it!" Haru let out an exclamation, pointing his finger at the hapless scientist. "She is in league with Kagato! They were working together in ways I can't bear to imagine, slurring the house of Jurai and bringing a noble Prince down to his disgrace! See, from her own lips, Azusa! She admits to it!"
"Please!" Indignation flooded through Washu at this suggestion and she gathered herself, shooting the Prince a dark look. "I'm a scientist, I'm not a harlot. I wouldn't let that man anywhere near me if he should have been so inclined - but we worked, that summer. We didn't play. No, Haru-dono. You are mistaken. Ryoko is Kagato's daughter, and mine also. But there was nothing between the Prince and I. Not ever. Nothing except the deepest loathing on my part, I assure you."
"How can you say that, when you claim motherhood of that awful girl!"
"I told you. I'm a scientist." Washu said coldly. "I took samples of Kagato's genetic material back to the Academy with me. I took supplies and set up a laboratory in a remote region of sub-space, planning and studying the best way to get the results I wanted. Ryoko was a lab experiment. A biological project for which I used my own DNA as a base. My people's genetic material is coded to be recessive and so there was no trouble combining it with the blood of Jurai. I developed her to term and then I gave her to Kichi to raise. I returned to the Academy and I remained there until my exile. I never returned to Yubisu or spoke to Kichi again."
Regret tinged her expression.
"So you see, I probably put her in Kagato's line of fire." She admitted. "But she knew the risks when she agreed to become a part of my project. And as I told you, the experiment failed. Ryoko is no match for Kagato, and the gems fell into the wrong hands for a long time."
Azusa shook his head slowly.
"That poor little girl." He said softly. "Is that all she is to you, Washu-san? A lab experiment gone wrong?"
Washu closed her eyes, a tear trickling down her cheek at the reproach in his words.
"What mother could think so of her child?" She murmured. "No, Azusa-heika. I was determined not to bond with her, but it's impossible when you see them grow and develop before you, changing every day into a real miracle. I withdrew from her life in the hope that I'd protect them both from Kagato, should he realise what became of the gems and come looking for me. But I also did it so I wouldn't bond with a child whose purpose in life would be to kill or be killed."
She swallowed hard.
"Please." She whispered. "No more questions. I've had enough...I can't..."
She faltered, and Azusa frowned.
"I have but one more thing to ask of you, Washu-san." He said gravely. "One more question, that is all."
Washu's eyes fluttered open, gazing at him dully.
"Do you know the whereabouts of the Dark Heart and it's sisters now?"
Washu bit her lip. Then she nodded. With some difficulty, she manoeuvred her hand against the guard's grip on her shoulders, sliding her hand into the folds of her outfit and withdrawing it slowly, the silver capsule clutched between her fingers. Haru let out a cry of disbelief.
"The Dark Heart! Azusa, how is this possible!"
"Sasami-denka gave them to me." Washu said wearily. "Because she felt I was the only one who knew what they were meant for. And she's right, Haru-dono. She's known much of this that you've dragged from me for a while now. She knows why Ryoko came to be, and what her purpose was. She's seen my girl fight with these gems and knows her spirit as well as I do. She believes, as I do, that Ryoko must take them again if we're to have any chance of beating Kagato - however slight that chance may be. But Ryoko won't take them, and so far I haven't been able to persuade her."
"All right." Azusa sighed heavily. "Haru, enough. Take Professor Hakubi back to her chamber and let her rest and recover from this afternoon's ordeal. We have much to think on as it is."
"And the Dark Heart, Azusa?" Haru looked questioning, his hands hovering to take the capsule from Washu's grip. Azusa shrugged.
"As the Lady Sasami wills it." He said quietly. "They shall stay with Washu-san for the time being."
"But...!" Haru began to protest, but Azusa held up his hand.
"No, Haru." He said mildly. "Washu-san has told us much truth, I believe what she says is correct. We must indeed believe in your youngest daughter's convictions. If she thinks Washu should have the gems, then for the time being, that's how it will be."
Haru looked rebellious, but he made no demure. Instead he withdrew his hand, gesturing to the guards who held Washu firm.
"Release her." He said quietly. "This interrogation is concluded."
At once the guardsmen loosened their grasp on the scientist and she struggled to sit up, putting her hands to her head as the world twisted and swam before her.
"You're a heathen, you know that?" She snapped, rubbing her temples. "One dose of that stuff is bad enough, but three!"
"You had your chance to do it the easy way." Haru said unrepentantly. "You brought it upon yourself."
He gestured to the guards again.
"Take her to her chamber." He ordered. "And see that she doesn't leave Jurai without our say so. I suspect that we will have further need of her in the days to come."