Chapter Four
"So this is how the other half live."
Mikamo set down his tray of vials, turning to cast his visitor a rueful smile as he almost spilt the delicate green liquid all over the laboratory floor. Kagato raised an eyebrow, shaking his head slowly as he registered the chaos of his friend's work surface. "Mikamo-kun, what kind of operation am I funding here? I thought I was overseeing ground-breaking research into chemical analysis and geological transformation. Instead...I'm walking into a living, breathing pigsty. Or it very soon will be, if many more of those cultures mutate."
"Kagato, you know as well as I do that good science takes time, patience and in my case at least, plenty of clutter." Mikamo spread his hands, slipping his goggles off his head and placing them down on top of a pile of study notes. "You don't usually venture this far into my lair, though. Is this about what we discussed the other evening? Because we don't have to talk about it in the midst of my chaos, if you'd rather not."
"Here seems as private a place as any." Kagato sauntered into the room, pausing to peer at the vial on the counter. "What's in those, by the way? I don't remember sanctioning any project to do with greenish goop. Did you sneak a form in when I wasn't looking, or am I just not checking up on my scientists enough any more?"
There was a playful, teasing note to his tones and Mikamo laughed.
"It's neither one." He assured his friend. "This just took off as a side-project from the other things I've been working on. When I was back home on Seniwa, I took lots of rock samples of various kinds - crystalline and other, to see whether or not it really would be possible to transfer light energy into them. The ones I had the best results with were in fact crystallised rock - but I also discovered this, when I came to split some of the samples for testing."
He gestured at the bubbling green substance.
"Far as I can tell it has hallucinogenic properties, but I haven't done much with it beyond that." He admitted. "I've been too busy finalising my work on the other testing. But with that finished and filed, I thought I'd play around with it and see what I had. All I can tell is that it's fairly strong and - I would think - highly toxic. But intriguing nonetheless. I think it's almost living, in it's structure. Genetically mutating itself within the protection of hard, volcanic shells. Perhaps even samples from the core of Seniwa itself. It wouldn't surprise me. Either way, it's fascinating."
"I'll take your word for it." Kagato looked non-plussed, then shrugged his shoulders. "But speaking of cores of planets, you've brought me very nicely across to what I wanted to discuss with you."
He hesitated, then set a heavy volume down on the unit, gesturing to it as Mikamo looked surprised. "I've been doing some research, Mikamo-kun - just to prove that Princes do more than strut around the palace looking handsome. I've been digging into Jurai's history - you know, some of it makes very interesting reading."
"Interesting reading, huh?" Mikamo flicked open the covers of the book, running his finger down the first page. "This is old stuff indeed, Kagato. I didn't know you were so curious about the past. You strike me more as someone who, well..."
"Lives in the present?" Kagato asked. Mikamo nodded.
"Yes." He agreed. "I don't think I've ever seen you too interested in the palace library. Didn't you call your noble uncle a bookworm? He spends far more time there than you do."
"Yes, but of late I've had a particular focus in mind." Kagato acknowledged. "You're right - usually I wouldn't bother too much with things like this. But in light of the current situation - and with what I told you the other evening - I've been forced to re-assess my priorities. Hence some heavier reading on the subject of Tsunami-kami-sama."
"Tsunami, huh?" Mikamo scooped the book up into his hands. "Well, I'll have to take your word for it. This is written in ancient script - too old for me to decipher. I don't speak the language of Jurai's Old Era - you may need a native to sit and go through this, if you want some kind of answers from it."
"I can read the text, Mikamo. It's not that which bothers me." Kagato shook his head. "No, it's what it tells me that's relevant to you. See."
He leant across, indicating a paragraph. "Here. This is the important thing. Among the legends of Tsunami is a story about a volcanic eruption, here on Jurai. Now, I know how that sounds. Jurai and volcanic don't seem to marry up, do they?"
"Not really." Mikamo admitted. "I wasn't aware that there were any, to be quite honest. Are you sure this story is for real?"
"Yes." Kagato nodded. "I've done the background digging...and found out that some time in the middle of the Old Era, Jurai had several volcanoes all in the locale of the Tenju tree palace. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the hills and valleys around us are dormant, extinct volcanoes, sleeping peacefully beneath all the grass and trees!"
"Although it would explain the planet's vitality in more scientific terms." Mikamo mused. "I know that there's a lot of faith in your world for Tsunami and the idea that she gifted life to this planet by merging with it's core. But if there were volcanoes here, it explains things a lot more clearly in my mind. The ash and debris they would have spewed out would have provided fertile soil for crops - no wonder Jurai has thriven."
"You know, some people would be offended by heretical notions like that." Kagato looked mischievous. "Especially considering my family's royal magic is descended from Tsunami's benevolence."
"You know what I mean. And I can be a heretic." Mikamo shrugged unrepentantly. "I'm not Juraian. I don't have to believe in ancient tribal deities or humans merging with rock formations."
"True enough." Kagato admitted. "Sometimes I'm really not sure I believe in it all, either. But I do believe in Jurai's power, Mikamo - some things are beyond dispute. And I also believe that for Jurai's power to exist, this planet must have strong magical properties. Wouldn't that make sense? Somewhere there must be a fountain of it - some kind of power source which drives the Royal Family to be as powerful as they have been for generations?"
"Yes, I suppose you're right." Mikamo acknowledged. "So where in this book of yours does it explain all of that? How did we get from volcanoes and fertile fields to the secret of all Juraian magic?"
"We didn't, exactly." Kagato paused, then touched a section of the text. "But here, this story mentions a particular eruption unlike any others. It talks about three crystals...spewed up from the centre of the earth in the midst of lava, pumice and ash."
"And you think this is significant?"
"I think it's the answer to my problem." Kagato agreed. "I've traced these gems, Mikamo. They're deep within the palace, in the security of the royal vault, but they've been there for generations and they're locked away in a cabinet so old I doubt even Grandfather knows that they're there. The legend suggests that they're chips of the Heart of Jurai, the core that Tsunami was supposed to have fused herself with. Whether you believe the airy fairy meanderings about a goddess or not, it strikes me that this crystal core is probably important somehow. Well, you're the geologist, and the one with all the expertise in crystals. What do you think? Is it possible that I've hit on something interesting?"
"You have." Mikamo rubbed his chin. "All right, I'll give you that. I'm intrigued. But I don't see what looking at these stones will do for you. I mean, if you are in the precarious position you seem to think you might be in, what are three gems going to do to change all that?"
"The legend says they can only be touched by the Royal Line." Kagato said softly. "I haven't been down there to find them yet - and I haven't tested to see whether this is the case or not. But it strikes me that, if we could find a way to amplify and concentrate Jurai's magic in these crystals, the Jurai Power might not be such a fickle, unreliable genetic marker any more. Obviously, if I'm right about Jurai's core being the source of Juraian magic, they must be capable of holding that kind of power, right? The problems of the succession might be more easily settled...because awakening the potential of any prince or princess could be achieved through them."
"I'm starting to see why you need my help." Mikamo closed the book, setting it back down on the unit as he dropped down into a chair. "But you've got a problem, Kagato. If I can't touch the gems, how can I work on them? And another issue springs to mind. If they're so sacred they're written about in Tsunami legends, aren't your family going to get a bit upset if I start running tests on them?"
"Maybe, if they knew about it." Kagato pursed his lips. "Listen, my friend. I'll be plain with you. If Yosho returns, all will be well. But he might not return and if he does, he's a lovesick, changed fool whose affection for Haruna might yet cost this planet dear. I'll be honest - I'm frightened. Not just for my own future, but my mother's safety and the well being of this world if things don't work out the way they're meant to. Azusa is a strong man and I respect and admire him for that. But his son has weaknesses and I am the only other prince of my generation. I need to be able to master this magic and Mikamo, I need to be able to do it in such a way that noone will ever question my claim. Grandfather hates me so much that he doesn't even look at me, or speak my name when talking of his family. I might have friends and influence around the court, but such things don't matter if the Emperor chooses against you, as well you know. If there's to be a conflict, I want to be ready. And in such an event, I want to have every option available to me. Every option there could possibly be."
Mikamo's expression became grave.
"What you're asking me to do, in summary, is take these gems and alter them so that you can use them." He said slowly. "That you alone can use them, against your own family? Kagato, what are you planning? Because this sounds like madness to me. What if you're found out? Such experiments could be treason and you don't have the option of withdrawing to your family's planet if things go awry. This could cause all kinds of problems!"
"Yes, you're right. On all counts." Kagato spread his hands. "And it's the reason I brought you in. Mikamo, there's noone else I can trust to keep my secret a secret. You know me. You know I'm not a rash individual, and that I'm not going to barge in and upset the status quo of my family unless I'm given no option. But if Yosho doesn't face his responsibilities, well, they become mine. I must be able to uphold them."
He bit his lip, and Mikamo saw a look of genuine frustration in the man's golden eyes.
"And my magic is not enough without them." He admitted unwillingly. "It's there - I feel it, inside of me. But it doesn't burn as brightly as it could. I need help from somewhere. I'm counting on you to provide it."
Mikamo sighed, rubbing his temples.
"How can I refuse the appeal of a friend?" He asked at length. "But I still think it's risky. And there are problems...the fact I can't read the legends for myself is going to be a stumbling block. For another thing, there has to be a way around this not being able to touch the gems...otherwise I'm stopped before I begin. And Kagato, if we're found out..."
"Let me worry about that." Kagato dismissed this with a careless gesture. "If your work is successful, all you will have done is prove that Jurai's power is not only confined to those lucky enough to wake it in their young years. Any and all members of the royal family could be considered equal in magic, just by mining chips of Jurai's core and schooling them to suit a particular genetic structure. Consider me the prototype. If it goes wrong, it goes wrong in the name of science. You won't be held accountable to anyone for my dabbling, Mikamo...I assume responsibility for the project and for the result. But I'm desperate. And it's the only course of action I can see open to me."
He pulled a face.
"My Grandfather is not the kind of man to give me any other help, after all."
"I suppose that you have a point." Mikamo acknowledged uneasily. "That if this works for you, it could work for princes and princesses in the future. That Jurai's succession would always be secure, because the inheritance of Jurai's power would be guaranteed."
"Now you're seeing the bigger picture." Kagato looked approving. "And you will help me?"
"Yes, I will help you." Mikamo nodded slowly. "But I will need a team. I can't do this on my own."
"I suppose so." Kagato acknowledged. "But considering the political delicacy of the program, they'd have to be kept in the dark about a lot of the work. That you were tuning them for me, for example...that might be misconstrued by someone who didn't know me as well as you do, my friend. Do you think it would be possible, to undertake such a project with a team and not give them the full information about what it is you do?"
"Yes, I've done so before." Mikamo nodded. "It's just as simple to put before them the long term benefits of this kind of work - the future security of Jurai's succession. They don't need to know about the more personal machinations - after all, it could be embarrassing for your family if people suspected Yosho might yet abdicate his responsibilities, and even more so if they knew your Grandfather's mind."
"Yes, definitely." Kagato looked troubled. "I'm glad you realise it. The last thing I want to do is bring shame on the house of Jurai. Confused as it is, this is my family and unlike you, I quite enjoy my position at the top of the social hierarchy."
Mikamo fell silent for a moment, his gaze straying to the book on the desk.
"Do you have other scientists in mind?" He asked. "Someone from Jurai, maybe - so that they can translate your text more clearly?"
"I don't want any Juraian scientist involved in this work." Kagato shook his head emphatically. "Grandfather is very adept with spies and whistle-blowers. I won't have anyone with a vested interest involved in my project. That's another reason for choosing you, my friend. You operate outside Jurai's jurisdiction and influence for the most part. You don't need Grandfather's blessing or support, and I find it more comfortable to speak to you because of it. Sometimes Juraian politics can be stifling."
"Then I'd like to make a suggestion." Mikamo said softly, reaching over to tap the cover of the book. "I know of at least one scientist who is fluent in many languages - including that of Jurai's Old Era. Will you let me have a say in choosing my team, Kagato? And provide support and funding for those I want to bring to Jurai?"
Kagato eyed his companion thoughtfully.
"If you really know a scientist who reads Old Era Juraian, but is not of Jurai heritage, I'd be interested to make their acquaintance." He said acidly. "It's a dead tongue that we're forced to learn as children to keep the memory of our great historical exploits alive and well. I didn't think it was inflicted on the poor children of other planets, also. I'd like to make apology to them in person, if I'm wrong."
Mikamo chuckled at his friend's dry humour, shaking his head.
"The Professor I'm thinking of has rather a knack for picking up information - languages, scientific principles...you name it." He said with a shrug. "And she speaks the Old Era language because her family's origins are Kii - I know that after Kihaku was settled, Juraian became the native tongue of many Kii families that settled into Juraian estates."
"A Kii?" Kagato stared. "And she can spell science, can she? As well as study it?"
"Kagato." Mikamo eyed his friend reprovingly. "Not all Kii descendants are stupid or backward, just as not all Juraians are gifted with grace and humour. You know that every person is an individual. But if you don't believe me, apply to the Academy and ask for her papers and her qualification history. Professor Hakubi is one of the most talented scientists currently on roll there - I've been fortunate to study with her on a couple of occasions, and she's always managed to find a conclusion that leaves those around her gasping."
"A Kii." Kagato repeated, and Mikamo laughed.
"Can't there be one diamond in the rough, even in the eyes of Juraian conquerors?" He asked playfully. "You know that some of your own noble families have Kii ancestry, going far enough back."
"Yes, but they've mixed enough with Jurai blood to be tolerable, my friend." Kagato's eyes twinkled with mischief. "All right. If you say this woman is more than just another tribal savage, I will have to trust your judgement."
"Good." Mikamo fought to keep the triumph and relief out of his voice, nodding his head thoughtfully. "The last project I submitted before I left the Academy was on matter transfer in organic substances and she was one of my harshest critics - but also one of my most helpful colleagues, when it came to proving my hypothesis. It's thanks to her input that I'm as far along with my work as I am, and of course, that your project can even get off the ground."
"And others? You said a team - surely one Kii miracle isn't going to be enough for you to work on this quickly and quietly behind the scenes?" Kagato asked. Mikamo shook his head.
"No. I'll need others." He agreed. "There was a student in my division - she just got her doctorate in the last semestre, and I know she's gone on to focus more closely on the volcanic rock formations of various planets. Najya Akara, that's her name. She's from Airai - very bright, very dedicated. Very discreet in her work. I'd like her too, if the Academy will spare her. Otherwise...you're at liberty to add whoever you will to my division. Just make sure they know the difference between a rock and a lump of cheese, and we'll be off to a good start."
"I see you have faith in my choice, as ever." Kagato looked amused. He bowed his head mock-seriously towards his friend. "Very well, Professor. I will contact the Academy forthwith and push all of my royal influence into bringing Dr Akara and Professor...what did you call her?"
"Hakubi. Washu Hakubi."
"Professor Hakubi to Jurai for a top secret, highly important royal comission." Kagato grinned. "They'll be generously paid for their trouble, which I find often helps with scientists, given how little the Academy tends to pay them. They can't all be sons of Princes or Daimyo, after all - although I'm more than willing to pay you too, for your involvement in my work."
"I don't need to be bought, and nor does my loyalty." Mikamo shook his head. "I've already declared in your favour, Kagato. Let's leave it as that - an agreement between friends. Besides, if things do come to trouble, I'd rather see you installed as King of Jurai than someone with a lesser claim and no understanding of how courts work. Seniwa haven't always had a close political friendship with Jurai, but for the past few generations they've been united in peace. I'd rather that didn't change and I know Father would say the same."
"Maybe you are your father's son, after all." Kagato teased. Mikamo shook his head.
"No...but I prefer peaceful relations to conflict any day." He said simply. "Hopefully what we do won't ever need to be used, Kagato. But at least if it does, I'll know I'm helping a true blooded Prince of Jurai to claim what should be his by rights, anyway."
"Indeed." Kagato inclined his head slightly. "Then, that being settled, I'll leave you to peer at your hallucinogenic goop."
"Yes." Mikamo cast a glance at the vial on the unit, then, "And if you're successful in bringing people here to work on this project, I'll clear work space so that it's not such a mountain of chaos in here. After all, it sounds like this is going to be a pretty heavy duty project. And if I'm going to lead it, I don't want people to think I'm losing my edge!"
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Well, so he was back on Jurai.
Prince Yosho stepped resolutely through the arched doorway of the palace conclave, holding his head up high as he made his way towards the council chamber. On either side, he was flanked by two of his Grandfather's knights. Tessei and Tetta, but he cast neither one a glance, ignoring the smirk that lingered in Tessei's sinister eyes or the look of derision that touched Tetta's lips. As they reached the door, both knights bowed to him, then hurried to push back the oaken divides, and light flared out into the passageway, almost blinding him with it's brightness.
He tossed his head, setting his jaw as he made his way into the chamber. Whatever he did, he told himself, he would not back down. He had made his choice, and that was that.
"Yosho-chan."
His father's voice startled him out of his self-righteous pep-talk and he faltered, staring up at the man who stood alone in the middle of the high-ceilinged chamber. He frowned, noting the tired look in his father's eyes, and despite himself, he felt a small pang of guilt. Then, as he remembered the manner in which he had been forcibly escorted back to his homeworld, the regret faded and he faced the Crown Prince stonily, his lips set in a thin, defiant line.
For a moment there was silence, then Azusa raised his hand, gesturing to the two lingering knights.
"Thank you, Tessei. Thank you, Tetta. You are dismissed."
The knights acknowledged him with a bow, then withdrew from the room, pulling the large heavy doors shut behind them. They closed with a foreboding click and Yosho knew that a quick getaway was no longer an option. At least, not this time.
"Well, my son." Azusa had drawn closer now, standing mere feet away and the two regarded one another as if awkward, brief acquaintances. Then Azusa let out a heavy sigh.
"Why?" He asked softly. "Will you tell me that, Yosho? Why?"
Yosho gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain silent and resolute at the disappointment and anguish in his father's expression. He gripped his hands together tightly behind his back as he fought to retain his composure. He would not let them make him feel ashamed, just because for once in his life he had chosen to make his own decision instead of waiting to be told what to do!
Azusa eyed him keenly, seeming to realise what was going through his companion's thoughts. He paused, then rested a hand on Yosho's shoulder, and surprised, the prince did not resist as his father led him across the hall to a vacant row of seats, indicating for him to sit down.
"She is a very fine lady, the Lady Haruna." Azusa observed quietly, and Yosho raised startled eyes to the Crown Prince's dark red ones. "I am not blind...I know you are young and she is pretty. But when we have invested so much trust in you - when all Jurai will rely on you - how can you betray our faith so wildly and take such a crazy decision?"
Yosho pursed his lips, eying his companion gravely.
"I have the right to choose some things in my life, you know." He said softly. "I don't belong to you, or Grandfather, or Mother. I'm capable of independant thought, I'm not just your puppet. This is my life, Father. My life. Not yours to govern and manipulate as you see fit. Don't you understand that? I want to be happy. I don't just want to follow blindly where I'm led. That's not what living is about."
"You don't belong to me, or to the Emperor." Azusa said carefully. "But you do belong to Jurai. There is nothing I or anyone can do to change that, Yosho-chan. When my father dies, I will become Emperor. And you, as my only son, will become Crown Prince in my stead. It is your destiny and has been since the moment you were born...even before. We only seek to guide you towards that destiny."
"And if I'm in love with her?" Yosho met his father's gaze challengingly. "If I refuse to consider any of the senseless, stupid women you keep trying to foist on me as potential consorts, what then?"
" Princes of Jurai don't have the luxury of falling in love, my son." Azusa looked pained. "Not at our own free will, anyway. I'm sorry that it's a burden to you - I really am, more than I can say. But you have to understand..."
"No, Father, you have to understand." Yosho held up his hands. "I have never, ever been allowed to do anything for myself. Not one thing! All my friends have been the right sort of people, cultured and bred and carefully selected as suitable companions for a Prince of Jurai. My tutors have all been suitable sorts, with correct political opinions and the very best of qualifications. I have been trained as a soldier, a negotiator and everything else under the sun, because they are things you want me to know, not things I choose to know. I've endured marriage meeting after marriage meeting in the name of this planet, each one more mind-numbing than the rest. And now, when I finally meet a woman who I could bear to spend my life with, you stand in my way. And why? Because she is unpleasant? No. Because she isn't high-born enough for you to accept her into your family. Even though her family tree is a broken branch from our own, you still won't entertain even the barest idea of her as my consort."
His tone was bitter, and Azusa sighed, rubbing his temples.
"I understand more than you think." He began, but Yosho shook his head.
"No, Father, you really don't." He said regretfully. "You and Mother fell in love when you met, you've told me that a thousand times. You've never had to break away from Grandfather's opinions because you and he have always agreed on all the things that matter. It's just me who doesn't fit the mould. I'm tired of being everyone else's Prince Yosho. For once I wanted to be my own man...to do something for myself and make my own decision. Haruna is special - she doesn't care that I have a title or money or any of those things. She just loves me for who I am, that's all. And that's what I want! I don't want ambitious noblewomen or foreign princesses fighting over my hand in marriage. I want someone I can respect and love as much as you love Mother - don't you realise that?"
"I have no objection to the Lady Haruna's character." Azusa said heavily. "And I have no control over the traditions of our people. Your Grandfather is Emperor and he has very particular views. Even if I wanted to overturn his decision in this matter, I could not. He doesn't change his mind easily, and he will not entertain even the vaguest thought of an illegitimate lady of court as the future Empress of Jurai. Haruna has pretty manners, nice ways and is a credit to her family. I don't disagree that she is one of the most genuine, sweet and gentle women at court. But you and she can never be married, Yosho-chan. Jurai leaves no room for ambiguity on that subject. Haruna is bastard-born, and therefore you and she can never be joined."
"I don't care what Jurai thinks." Yosho clenched his fists against the frustration that bubbled up inside of him. "I don't care what Grandpa says, either! It's not his life he's trying to control, it's mine! If he were dead, I wouldn't have to pander to his silly, archaic whims anyway! If he weren't Emperor any more, noone would care what he thought, so why does it matter so much that he decides for a future he probably won't even live to see?"
"Yosho! That is enough!" Anger flared in Azusa's eyes at this. "You will not speak of your Emperor that way, even if you don't agree with his decisions! You question the foundations of Juraian stability and security. It isn't just Father who has reservations about your choice. There would be uproar at court - the council would revolt and even schism if they thought there was any chance of you selecting an unsuitable consort!"
"You're not going to listen to me, are you?" Yosho retorted. "No matter what I say, you're not on my side and you're not going to be pulled off your high horse. I thought you at least might listen to me, Father. You always told me that you would - if ever I needed your counsel, you'd be there to hear my problems. Well, now you are and I'm finding you lacking! Just like everyone else, if it doesn't fit their ideal, it can't possibly happen. I'm fed up with it! I can't live in this glass box any longer!"
"You listen to me, my son." Azusa got to his feet, gazing down on his son with angry eyes, and the prince was aware of a tremble in his father's voice as that man struggled to control his temper. "You run off across the universe with barely a word to anyone, and you send your poor mother into spasms of grief and panic - she didn't know if you would come back, or whether she'd see you again. She was frightened and so was I. You have no idea what lies out there, beyond Jurai's space. You and Haruna are both little more than children - adults in age but not in sense. Neither one of you are ready to make the long term decisions you seem so determined on making, in spite of the wishes and feelings of your family."
"Father, I..."
"No, Yosho, you will hear me." Azusa shook his head. "I am disappointed in you for your foolishness, and sorry for you that you must live your life under so many pressures. They are pressures I thought you were mature enough to handle...although I am beginning to think I was mistaken. But I am also angry. I'm angry at you for making me worry, for making your Grandfather worry - and most of all, for making your mother worry so much that she spent a full day and a night confined to her bed with dizziness and panic. You are well aware that she adores you, and won't hear a word against you. But strong as her will is and her love is, her body doesn't match up and you have made her ill, Yosho. You and noone else. That is something I find hard to forgive - especially in light of your current attitude."
Yosho stared at him, stricken.
"Mother?" He murmured. "But...she's all right, isn't she? She isn't...she's recovered?"
"She's better, now she knows you're home and likely to be so for some time to come." Azusa said grimly. "But I won't let you see her in this frame of mind. It wouldn't be good for either of you and I'm not going to have her worried again. She's soft enough to give you whatever you want, just to keep you near her, but I'm not so flexible and I won't have it."
"You can't keep me from her!"
"I can and I will." Azusa said frankly. "At least until you can show yourself even a little bit penitent for causing her - and us - so much worry."
He hesitated, and the anger faded from his eyes.
"You are the only son I have, Yosho." He said softly. "And I feared for your safety as much as I did your honour."
Yosho stared at him for a moment, then he frowned. Getting to his feet, he pushed past his father, heading down the steps and out towards the side-door that led to the Gallery. As he did so, he heard his father call his name, but he ignored it, pushing open the door and making his way angrily through the halls of pictures and paintings that marked Jurai's honoured ancestors. Resisting the urge to violate the honour of the place by pulling his Grandfather's portrait down from off the wall, he stormed straight through, letting himself out the back entrance and stalking crossly across the grass as he turned over his father's words.
"He said he'd listen but he doesn't understand." He muttered, clenching his fists. "And he thinks to punish me by keeping me from Mother. I'm sorry if I worried her but I'm not sorry for following my heart. And Father knows she would support me, which is why he's not letting me see her. He's afraid she might help me, somehow, and he doesn't want his precious succession damaged by someone making their own choices for a change!"
"Well, my noble cousin, this is a surprise."
The voice startled him and he glanced up, seeing Kagato heading towards him. At the expression on his face, Kagato smiled, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
"I come in peace, Prince Yosho." He said amiably. "I'm not armed and I'm certainly not dangerous - do I have to surrender myself to you before we can have a civil conversation?"
"Kagato-kun." Yosho sighed, shaking his head as his friend joined him. "No. I'm sorry. I don't mean to..."
He faltered, grimacing.
"It's Father I'm angry at. But then I don't suppose I have to fill you in. No doubt everyone on Jurai is well aware of the situation, such as it is."
"In bits and pieces." Kagato said cautiously. "Though I'm not sure that the Emperor would like it if all his courtiers were gossiping about his favourite grandson."
Yosho eyed his companion keenly.
"Oh to be in your shoes." He said heavily. "Kagato, if you wanted to marry a woman - even if she was a serving girl or, heaven forbid, a harlot, he wouldn't bat an eyelid. He might not even notice. But all the pressure is on me and I hate it. I hate having to be who they want me to be. I don't even know who I am any more...or if I even exist."
"What charming taste in women you seem to think I have." Kagato looked amused, and despite himself, Yosho laughed.
"You do make me feel better." He admitted. "I've missed that, if nothing else. It's good to see you, Kagato-kun. And know that there's someone on Jurai who doesn't hate me, even if the Emperor does."
"Oh, it isn't so bad as that. You're still his golden one." Kagato said carelessly. "Besides, why should I mind if you find a pretty wench and want to take her off on some illicit trip across space? I almost wish I'd had the foresight to do so myself - except, of course, that I'd lose half the fun in it because as you say, noone would really care if I did."
"Really, you have no idea how lucky you are." Yosho dropped down onto the grass, and after a moment of hesitation, Kagato followed suit.
"It wasn't a pretty interview, then, with the Crown Prince?"
"That would be putting it gently." Yosho ran his fingers through his thick dark hair. "He doesn't understand that, just for once, I'd like to make a decision. This is my whole life he's mapping out. I don't want to end up trapped in a loveless marriage...a marriage of state. Father never had that problem. He and Mother hit it off. But I love Haruna, Kagato. And I can't make them understand that."
"Enough to risk everything to be with her?" Kagato eyed him in surprise. Yosho shrugged.
"I don't know, not right now." He said heavily. "When we were escorted back here, there were guards waiting and Haruna was taken somewhere else. I think...I think to one of the colonies. But I don't know. I just know she's...well, exiled from court."
"They arrested her?" Kagato's eyes almost dropped out of his head, and Yosho frowned.
"No, they just took her with them somewhere." He replied. "I don't know where, and I expect I'm going to have a lot of trouble finding out."
Kagato sighed.
"Why do I get the feeling that that won't stop you from trying?" He asked astutely. Yosho grinned at his friend sheepishly.
"You know me far too well, cousin." He acknowledged. "Yes. I am going to try. Just as soon as the dust has settled a little, and my mother is recovered. I understand she was worried - and that I do regret, if nothing else."
"Lady Funaho is often unwell." Kagato reflected. "I wouldn't have thought your little adventure would have made much difference either way."
"You think Father was just guilting me?"
"I don't know." Kagato shrugged. "Tsunami forbid me from questioning the integrity of my Crown Prince."
"Kagato, when you want to be, you can be the most tactful and diplomatic soul I know." Yosho said slowly. "But you can also be the most astute and to the point. This time, I'd like the benefit of your frankness, if you don't mind."
"Be my guest." Kagato spread his hands. "What bothers you, cousin?"
"Do you think that it would be foolish, to pursue Haruna's whereabouts in spite of my Father's wishes?"
"That very sentence is foolish talk in itself." Kagato said wryly. "I don't know why you need me to confirm it."
"Then you think I should let it go?"
"Can you?"
"I don't know." Yosho admitted. "I really do love her, Kagato. Being parted from her...I don't know if I can handle it, to be honest."
"Have you...been with her?" Kagato asked. Yosho stared.
"What kind of question is that?"
"An honest one." Kagato smiled. "You wanted my frankness, so answer me. Have you?"
"No. Not yet." Yosho shook his head. "I have some honour, Kagato!"
"Yes, and so does your father." Kagato said absently. "I mean, he'd find it hard to prevent a marriage between you if he thought that you had already...shall we say...interfered with her? Perhaps even that Lady Haruna might be...already pregnant?"
"Kagato!" Yosho stared, scandalised, and Kagato chuckled at his expression.
"You wanted my advice. I'm only giving you ideas." He said unrepentantly. "Listen, Yosho. My philosophy is this. You live your life and you take what you can from it. Don't wait for it to give things to you. If you do, you might as well be one of those statues that stand outside the old palace, because that's about as much living you will have done by the time they box you up and send you to the royal crypt. I don't have an opinion either way on the politics of the match. But I do know that, if you're that serious about the wench you'd run away with her and damn the consequences, you'd be a fool to let her go so easily. Don't you think so?"
"And Father?"
"Well." Kagato shrugged. "If my suggestion is too much for your honour to contemplate, there are probably other ways to find her and spirit her back to Jurai."
"Such as?"
Kagato smiled.
"Tessei and Tetta pander to Grandpa, but their loyalty is easily bought." he said idly. "How do you think I keep in touch with things at court? I pay them to inform me of Grandfather's decisions, and they're very fond of money. He won't tell me himself, after all, and I like to know he isn't plotting my murder. Which, you know, could very well happen if you disgrace yourself too much. So I put myself at personal risk by advising you this way - I'm really too good a friend for my own health."
Yosho laughed.
"I would appreciate any help you can give me." He said sincerely. "Thank you, Kagato-kun. It's nice to know I've one friend on Jurai, at least."
"Actually, my prince, you have two." Kagato got to his feet, hauling his companion up with him. "Mikamo Niwase is here...and I suspect he'd understand your plight much better than I do."
"Mikamo?" Yosho looked surprised. "But he was always more your friend than mine. Why would that be the case?"
"Ah." Kagato's eyes danced. "Mikamo's family arranged for him to come here, ostensibly for his scientific research. But it turns out he'd formed an acquaintance with an unsuitable young lady, also. Seems Uncle Azusa and Lord Daichi have something in common, doesn't it?"
"I see." Yosho rolled his eyes. "Poor Mikamo."
"Well, if nothing else, it teaches me that I'm better off focusing on my scientific dabbling and court intrigue to pass my time. I'll leave the female factor out of the equation until I'm far too old and senile to care whose company I'm in." Kagato reflected. "But for the time being, my cousin, come with me and cool down - have a drink and relax. After all, I'm glad to see you back on Jurai. Even if others may not be so warm in their reception!"