Chapter Six

So this was the planet known as Jurai.

As she stepped off the transport craft, Washu gazed around her with a mixture of interest and apprehension. For one such as herself, she mused, coming to this planet had never been high on her list of things to do. And yet, as she stood there, admiring the carefully constructed natural environment, she felt a strange attraction to this world and it's penchant for trees. It was like stepping into the middle of a fantasy forest, and for a moment she found it difficult to believe that this was a planet at the forefront of scientific research.

"Well, it certainly does have a lot of trees."

Najya's amused tones brought her back to the present and she turned to shoot her companion a rueful smile. Already in the short time they had spent in each other's company, Washu knew she had found a kindred spirit, and that Najya's thoughts were dancing along the same patterns as her own. At her expression, Najya grinned unrepentantly, shrugging her shoulders.

"It does." She reasoned. "Although what else I make of it, I'm really not sure."

"Me either, if you want to know the truth." Washu admitted, gazing back at the wooded horizon thoughtfully. "But to even be here should be considered an honour. I suppose we shouldn't offend them before we get out of the docking bay."

By unspoken mutual consent, they had dropped into the scientific language that the Academy had developed to preserve secrecy and overcome linguistic barriers between people, and their escorting guards shot them confused looks, unable to understand any of their merry conversation.

"Guess you're right." Najya laughed, her merry eyes twinkling. "I wonder where we're supposed to go, and if Niwase-sensei will be waiting for us. I'm looking forward to seeing him again. He's a hopeless correspondant and I swear he's only replied once to letters I've sent his way."

"I didn't realise Professor Niwase left a forwarding address." Washu's eyes became shadowed at this. "But then, I suppose he would want to make sure his protegees were doing all right, in his absence."

Najya eyed her keenly, slipping a friendly arm through her companion's as she did so.

"Your reputation at the Academy is legend already, Washu-sensei." She said lightly. "And I always thought it would be an honour to work with you. I didn't realise that I'd find a friend as well - but I think I have, haven't I?"

"I suppose so." Washu looked confused. "But I don't understand..."

"Well, and if we are friends, you can be honest with me about things you're glossing over at the present time." Najya's eyes danced with amusement as a faint blush rose in Washu's cheeks. "There, I knew it. You and Professor Niwase were in love, weren't you? I always thought he was keen on more than your scientific theory, but I never was able to get him to admit it to me. This must be exciting for you - to have been apart must have been difficult."

"Actually, being apart has been easier to deal with than being together, after the last conversation we had." Washu said frankly, scooping up her case as their military escorts indicated for them to follow. "And I don't really want to talk about it too much, Najya-san. Whatever it was, it's in the past tense, and I'm a scientist, not a mooning schoolgirl. I'm not here to pursue any kind of relationship with Professor Niwase, except a strictly professional one."

"All right." Najya relented, but Washu was still aware of the mischief in her new ally's expression. "Although it's fairly obvious to me you're lying, I'll let it go."

"I'm not lying!" Washu protested sharply, but Najya shrugged.

"You said drop it, so I have." She said carelessly. "Where do you suppose they're taking us? We seem to be heading into the middle of a forest - or is that just my eyes playing tricks on me?"

"Well, as you observed, Jurai sure are mad about their trees." Washu pursed her lips.

"Have you ever been here before?"

"No." Washu shook her head. "Have you?"

"No fear." Najya's expression became rueful. "I'm Arian. They don't tend to like us, on Jurai."

"I don't think they like anyone." Washu said with a grimace. "Except other Juraians, of course. What did Airai do to tick them off? Or was it the other way around?"

"Just a difference in religious opinion, I guess." Najya shrugged her shoulders. "Jurai are all gung-ho about their tree-goddess, and Airai has so many strands of faith they've never known how to deal with them. They think we're all devil-worshippers, so they'd rather not do too much business with us. Just in case we send them cursed merchandise, or something like that."

"I see." Despite herself, Washu laughed. "And are you all devil worshippers on Airai, Najya-san?"

"No, and though I've been told dark cults exist, I've never been fortunate enough to come across any." Najya shook her head. "It's quite dull really, you know. Probably no different from any other planet. Although my grandmother did used to tell a tale about my people being descended from witch folk - noone ever really paid much attention to her. She was a bit batty, by that time, and always called my father after my Grandfather's name."

Washu grinned.

"I see. Airai is another planet I've never visited, although your account is making me curious to do so." She said. "I'm not a huge fan of Jurai's all encompassing goddess theory, either - especially not the fact that they use it as an excuse to dominate and invade other worlds. So called heathen worlds - which actually just don't bother to believe in Tsunami-kami-sama."

"The nerve of them." Najya giggled. "I'm guessing you're from one of their colonised planets, then? Am I right?"

"Yes, in a manner of speaking, although there's not much left of it." Washu nodded. "I have no family or home remaining to me now, Najya - and if you don't mind, I don't really want to elaborate too much."

"All right." Najya nodded. "Though there seems to be a lot you don't want to talk about, Washu-sensei. You do know that not talking about something doesn't mean it's not there, right?"

Washu chuckled.

"I think we're going to have a good time, working together." She reflected. "I like people who speak their mind to me. But believe me, my emotions and my memories are better off kept in check. I wouldn't be such a successful scientist if I let myself be drawn back into the past all the time. Suffice it to say there's more tragedy than hope in my history - and it's better off staying under lock and key."

"Understood." Najya's eyes softened. "I'm sorry. I have a habit of babbling and I don't always know when to stop pushing - but if it's that way, of course I understand why you don't want to talk about it."

"Thank you." Washu smiled.

"Niwase-sensei, on the other hand..."

Najya's gaze once more sparkled with mischief, and Washu reddened, shaking her head.

"That's off limits too. I told you already. Past tense." She protested. "We may have been...acquainted, once. But I assure you, that's also been put under lock and key in my memories. I'm here to work and work alone - and I'm sure he wouldn't thank you for raising the subject, either."

"Then why did he ask you to be a part of his research team?" Najya pointed out. "Unless he's desperate to see you again, I can't think of any other reason."

"I really don't know." Washu admitted. "And it makes me a little nervous, not understanding his motives."

"Well, to me they're perfectly clear." Najya's eyes sparkled. "He let you go, he's sorry, and he wants to make it up to you. If your reputation is anything to go by, the best way to your heart is through scientific principle. Right?"

"Probably, but there's no reason for him to do that." Washu shook her head. "It's more complicated than you think, Najya. And we're almost there - wherever 'there' is - so please, let's not talk about Niwase-sensei any longer. People will be curious, and he can understand scientific tongue, even if the Juraian guards can't."

"All right." Najya shrugged her shoulders, and Washu turned her attention to the stone-fronted building they were approaching. What had seemed to be an immense forest of trees had been neatly parted in the middle, surrounding an expansive complex and concealing it largely from the outside view. At the rear, a further path lead off into the woodland once more, and Washu marvelled at the simplicity of the camouflage.

"Can't see the forest for the trees, in fact." She murmured, and Najya laughed.

"Tell me about it." She agreed. "Do you suppose this is where we'll be working, then? Here?"

"I guess so." Washu inclined her head. "Those characters carved above the door say Department of Scientific Research."

"I don't read Juraian characters very well." Najya admitted. "And those aren't characters I'm familiar with. Are they Old Era?"

"Yes." Washu nodded. "From what I've seen in historical Juraian texts, even though they've simplified their written language quite a lot over the centuries, they still like to write headings and titles in this kind of ornate scribble. I think it's a delusion of grandeur - it would look so much plainer, if they just wrote it in normal plain scripting."

"I suppose it would." Najya's eyes danced with amusement. "All right, so I'll take your work for it. I must admit, studying geology doesn't usually drag me into the history of Juraian calligraphy. But I imagine I'll have to learn, so it's a good thing you can read them, in any case."

"Learning languages helps to pass the time." Washu observed absently. "And besides, most languages are founded on the same archaic pattern of phrases, sentences and word organisation. Once you've learnt a few, you can learn any much more easily. It's all just about finding the correct formula and working with it, that's all."

"So you study linguistics, as well?" Najya eyed her thoughtfully. "Is there anything you haven't dabbled in, Washu-sensei?"

"Juraian magic." Washu said ruefully. "And magic in general, to be quite honest. I've skirted around the edges, at times - but I'm a scientist and most of the time I'm not too bothered about how the two things relate. In my view, anything magical can be more reliably reproduced scientifically, so I suppose that is my weak area of research."

"It's nice to know you have some gaps." Najya grinned, revealing a row of perfect white teeth. "It makes me feel less inadequate. You seem to know a whole lot."

"I've had a lot of time to kill." Washu said simply. "And I'm a quick learner. That's all."

"My greetings, ladies."

A fresh voice interrupted their conversation and both women turned to face the speaker, who offered them a smile, bowing his head in acknowledgement of their presence. "You've both made good time, and I'm pleased for it. I appreciate you coming - especially under such cloak and dagger explanations. Professor Niwase has recommended your skills most highly - I'm glad you could find the time to indulge me at such short notice."

Washu eyed the speaker carefully, noting the fine nature of his clothing, and the way that the military patrol had bowed their heads immediately upon seeing him. He was a young man, maybe no older than his late teens or early twenties, but something in his bearing suggested the wisdom and wit of one some years older. As she looked closer, she saw bright, amber eyes that sparkled with life and enthusiasm, and a thick tail of darkish wavy hair - long, in the fashionable Juraian style - was caught up at the back by ornately carved clasps. His belt bore the symbol of Tsunami's blessed tree, and to Washu's eyes, he was the picture of royal respectability. As she looked at him, sizing up their new acquaintance, she felt a strange prickle run down her spine and she pursed her lips, trying to ascertain what exactly it was that she found wrong with the picture before her. In the amber eyes, something glittered beyond friendly interest, and she pondered on it for a moment, trying to piece it together in her mind. She bowed her head towards him, knowing that this must be their project's honoured patron - the Prince of Jurai who had invited them to come at such short notice.

"You must be Prince Kagato." She said softly. The man smiled.

"A perceptive deduction." He agreed. "That's right. And you are...?"

"Professor Washu Hakubi." Washu raised her head. "And this is Dr Najya Akara. The Academy knows better than to refuse the summons of a planet such as Jurai - in truth, your invitation intrigued us."

"Well, you can thank your own connections for your sudden involvement in my projects." Kagato smiled, his gaze flitting from one woman to the other. "Your skills have been highly recommended by a very good friend of mine - you are acquainted, I believe, with Professor Mikamo Niwase?"

"We are, Kagato-dono." Najya agreed, as Washu found herself unable to form a suitable response. "And we're looking forward to working with him again. Is he here? It's been a while since I last saw him, and we've much news to exchange."

Kagato smiled again, amusement flickering in his golden gaze. He nodded.

"Mikamo-kun is inside." He agreed. "But I thought that, as patron of this project, it was my duty to greet you both. You must be tired, and you'll want to rest and change and settle into your quarters here at the Department of Research. The rest of your team will be arriving within the next day or so, and in the meantime I want you to know that every available convenience will be at your disposal whilst you are working here on Jurai."

"That's kind of you. Thank you." Washu found her voice at last, and Kagato nodded.

"If you don't give, you don't receive, and this project is one very dear to my own heart." He said softly. He glanced at the guards. "Will you escort Dr Akara and Professor Hakubi to their quarters, please?"

He turned back to them, a little apologetically.

"I'm afraid space here is at a premium, so you will be asked to share a room. Is that going to be a problem?"

"Not at all." Najya shook her head, and Washu shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm sure we can both handle that." She agreed. Kagato looked relieved, and he smiled, gesturing to the guards.

"Then take them to their temporary abode." He instructed. "And ensure that any needs they have are met."

"Yes, Lord Kagato." The nearest guard agreed, and as one man they saluted him. Then Washu found herself being led around the back of the building, up stone steps towards a second floor gallery. Najya followed close behind and, as the guard at the front of the procession unlocked the door, the two scientists discovered that Kagato's idea of a 'small shared room' was a bright, airy chamber, spreading almost the entire length of Washu's sleeping quarters back at the Academy and fitted with all the possible conveniences a visitor could need. At the furthest corner of the room was a sliding door and more symbols revealed to Washu that this was a private bathroom, set aside specifically for their use. She smiled.

"I think we'll be more than comfortable here." She said, her eyes twinkling at the guard. "Thank you. Tell your master that he's very kind, to provide all of this for us. We'll be sure not to let down his faith in us."

"Yes, Professor." The guard seemed pleased. "An escort will come for you, when it is time for dinner. Tonight, you and Dr Akara have been invited to dine at the Lady Aiko's table, with Lord Kagato and his honoured mother."

He bowed his head abruptly, then, beckoning his surrounding men to follow, he left the two women to their own devices. As Najya closed the door, she let out a sigh of contentment.

"They do say that Juraian hospitality is like nothing else, if you can get them to bother to extend it." She remarked. "What do you think, Washu-sensei? Are we going to survive all this comfort?"

"At this rate, we might not want to go back." Washu laughed. Najya chuckled.

"Yes, I know what you mean. No wonder Professor Niwase wanted to take up residence here." Her eyes twinkled as she absorbed Washu's reaction. "Bu-ut we said we weren't going to talk about him, so I shan't any more. Instead I'm going to take a bath, if you don't mind. I'm thick with dust from our trip and I do hate space travel. It's always so grimy."

"Be my guest. I'm just going to unpack some bits and pieces, and I'm in no hurry." Washu flicked a careless hand in the direction of the bathroom. "It doesn't look like we'll be called upon to do any work today."

"For my part, I'm glad." Najya admitted. "I never think well after a long trip. And I have to find something to wear for dinner, too. It's a good thing I packed a few things other than lab clothing - I didn't think we'd be eating with royalty, but I couldn't leave them behind."

"I didn't really think about it." Washu admitted. "I guess I'll have to make do."

"Nonsense." Najya dimpled. "You're about my size, and I doubt we'll get many invites to the Lady's table. You can borrow something of mine, Washu-sensei. After all, you want to make a good impression on our patron and his family, don't you? They seem to have gone to a lot of trouble to have us here."

"Najya, I..."

"It's all right. I insist." Najya cut across her. "Now don't fuss. You'll look fine, and I'll help you with your hair too, if you like. It's such a gorgeous colour - I wish I had hair like yours. Mine just makes me look like an old hag."

Washu stared at her companion for a moment, then she burst out laughing.

"What?" Najya looked puzzled. "Did I say something funny?"

"No, not really." Washu shook her head. "Only I'm glad that the Academy sent you along as well. You're a revelation, Najya-san."

"Well, I do try." Najya flashed her a winning smile, then disappeared into the bathroom, sliding the door shut behind her. Left alone, Washu turned her attention to her case, unfastening it as she removed the few outfits she possessed, carefully sliding them into the spacious cabinets that stood beside one of the beds. There was still plenty of room when she was done, and she eyed the result ruefully.

"Maybe Najya was right, I should be thinking about making an impression. But I really only came here with science in mind, not socialising with the royal family who, at the end of the day, destroyed my planet." She murmured. "Prince Kagato...now he's a strange one if ever I saw one. An enigma. I can't quite work him out. He seems so warm and genuine, but...well, he believes in this project and this science place of his. I know from what was said on the journey that this is his baby - his pet interest that's been indulged by his mother's estate for a while now. He looks a lot younger than I imagined - I thought he'd be at least Mikamo's age but he must be at least five or six years younger. I wonder what his interest is in all these things. Is it just a fascination with the scientific? There was something in his eyes..."

She frowned, shaking her head.

"Stop it, Washu." She scolded herself. "This man is paying your stipend for the time you spend here and its a good amount, too. Enough to cover any bribes that might be needed to get Manami her placement on Jurai. Furthermore, if I can make good connections here, I might be able to get through the red tape and money might not have to speak for her, after all. I did give her my word I'd try and help - she was so jealous when I told her where I was going, so I have to at least try. Whatever Clay says, it's people like Manami and Kichi who are the future of galactic science. This isn't the time to start psychoanalysing your new employer."

She closed her case, pressing a button on the handle as it compacted itself down into a small box and this she tossed in among her other belongings, pushing the wooden drawer shut. She got to her feet, loosing the tie from her hair as she let her thick red waves cascade across her shoulders. Glancing in the glittering mirror pool, she eyed her reflection critically.

"I suppose I'll probably see Mikamo tonight, as well." She mused with a sigh. "Perhaps borrowing from Najya is a bad idea, if it gives him the wrong impression. But then, I don't want him to think I've gone to pieces. I'm stronger than that and he'll just have to damn well realise that he's only one man. A man who broke my heart, maybe, but a man all the same and no man can get in the way of my desire to prove my theories. Maybe if I let Najya help me dress up, he'll think I don't care. And that would suit me fine - if he sees me poised and distant and really not bothered about him at all."

"Washu-san?"

A hesitant voice from the doorway made her start, and she wheeled around, confusion becoming anger and dismay as she registered the speaker.

"Your door was ajar." The man said hesitantly. "I...I thought I'd just come and..."

"Peep?" Washu found her voice, glaring at him coldly. "The door was not open! I saw Najya close it when the soldiers left. And it's poor manners for a Lord of Seniwa to barge into a woman's room without even so much as knocking, Niwase-sensei."

The man froze, staring at her as if stung, and Washu pursed her lips, marching across towards the door as she met his stricken blue eyes with icy green ones.

"I know you asked for Najya and I to come, and here we are." She said in low tones. "But I know my place and you should know yours. I'm here as a scientist, that's all. Nothing else, Niwase-sensei. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't think you had such free access to my chambers as you might have done at the Academy. After all, I'm just a Kii and way beneath your notice."

"Washu-san..."

"Go away, Mikamo." Washu said flatly. "I didn't come to Jurai to see you, and if you think I did, you're deluding yourself. You already made it very clear what you - and your family - think of Kii women...and I have more self respect than you seem to think."

Mikamo did not answer for a moment, then he bit his lip, and the emotion in his eyes almost broke through Washu's cold veneer. Then he nodded slowly.

"I know." He murmured. "I...I realise you probably hate me and that you'll never want to speak to me again. But I...I just wanted to say...I was sorry. That's all. I left the Academy without...I wasn't able to. But I needed to and...and so I'm sorry, Washu-sama. You deserved to be treated with more respect."

He bowed his head again, stepping back from the door.

"And I'm sorry for barging in on you, although the door had come loose at the catch." He added. "I didn't mean to offend you further. Goodbye, Professor Hakubi. I'll not disturb you again - give my regards to Najya-san for me."

He took another step away, turning and then glancing back at her.

"Just so you know," He said softly, "I never lied to you about loving you. Whatever you think - it wasn't me who cast you out. It was my family. And I regret that. But I always loved you. And I still do. Probably I always will - even if you hate me till the day we both die. I wanted you to know that. I'm not as fickle as you think I am."

With that he was gone, and for a moment Washu just stared after his retreating figure, tears sparking in her green eyes as he disappeared around a corner. She retreated into the room, pushing the door shut with a vicious click and then leaning up against it, closing her eyes as the tears began to spill down her cheeks.

"Mikamo." She whispered. "You...how dare you do that to me? So composed, so settled...and you spring yourself on me and expect...what did you expect? That I'd just throw myself on you and it would be like it was before? Dammit, Mikamo! Why can't you just leave me alone! I don't want to stay in love with a man I can't have, but it's damn difficult when you say things like that! What in hell possessed you to come up here, anyhow? What is wrong with you? Your family made it very clear what they thought of me, and your dalliance with me. I don't understand men...and to apologise like that? Why apologise? Why not just have done things properly, and spoken to me when you left the Academy? Why do men always do things the difficult way!"

"Why are you remonstrating with yourself?"

Najya poked her head around the door of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body. "And why are you crying? Washu-sensei, please tell me you're not the type of person who gets emotional about unpacking suitcases properly."

"Suitcases...?" Washu stared blankly at her companion for a moment, then she shook her head, dashing her tears away.

"No, I'm fine. Really. Just tired. That's all."

"Tired...?" Najya frowned. "And having a long, angry conversation with yourself in some weird language I don't understand? You know, I almost thought I heard the door -that's why I came to see what was up. What's going on, Washu-sensei? Did someone knock on the door while I was in the bath?"

"No...noone knocked on the door." Washu said wearily. "It was just me, Najya. Talking to myself."

"In what language?" Najya looked bemused. "I've heard a lot of tongues at the Academy, but never anything like that before."

"Just an old language that most people have forgotten." Washu said sadly. "Does it matter? I didn't realise you were listening."

"What matters more is that you're upset." Najya's tone softened. "What's up? You can tell me, you know. I'm a good listener - when I finally stop babbling. It's worth the wait."

Despite herself, Washu smiled at her friend's light-hearted banter.

"Thank you." She said softly. "But no...I'm all right. Really. I think the journey just got to me, that's all. Sometimes long travel takes it's toll, as you said - I probably need to wash and go to bed."

"But dinner!" Najya stared at her in horror. "You can't refuse the Princess Aiko's table, Washu! Think of the reputation you'll be giving the Academy if you do!"

"I..."

"No arguments." Najya shook her head determinedly. "You'll feel better for it, I promise. Go take a bath and wash your hair, and I'll go through my gowns, see what will suit your eyes best. Dressing up always helps a girl feel better about herself, you know, Washu-sensei - and you look a touch drowned right now. Okay?"

Washu eyed her companion for a moment, then she nodded her head.

"All right." She agreed softly. "I'll do as you say. But really, I'm not going to be sparkling company this evening. You'll have to hold the babble for me, Najya-san."

"I'm more than capable of that." Najya assured her ruefully.

"And Najya?"

"Yes."

"Just call me Washu. Please. I like it better."

"All right." Najya dimpled, her ruby eyes lighting up with warmth at this. "I wanted to, but I wasn't sure - you professor types can be funny about status sometimes, and all that."

"Really, Washu is fine." Washu assured her. "And thank you. I don't know how, but somehow you make me feel better."

"I have that effect on people." Najya giggled. "I don't know why - but if you don't want to kill me by the time we leave Jurai, we'll be friends for life."

Washu shook her head in amusement.

"Now that's a challenge." She admitted. "All right, Najya. Pick me out something nice, huh? And we'll make the best possible impression we can on this stuck up Jurai royal family that the universe is always talking about!"

------

She hated him.

Mikamo stared up at the tall, forbidding walls of the ancient Tsunami shrine, a mixture of anger and bitter hurt running through him as he gazed up at the carved image of the goddess. Somehow even the peaceful smile of Jurai's spirit did nothing to calm his black mood, and he kicked out at the stone in a moment of frustration, sinking down against the hard rock as he remembered the look in her green eyes.

He had always loved her eyes, he mused sadly. Full of life and spirit and personality. But today they had been empty - the door had been shut and he had been left well and truly out in the cold.

And yet, beneath that flat, disinterested veneer, he had sensed something else as well. He knew his Washu, and he knew she had been hurt, too. Somehow that made it worse, and he clenched his fists, pounding uselessly at the soil beneath him as he struggled to get to grips with his emotions.

"She hates me."

Finally he voiced the words out loud. "And it's all my fault. Mine and my stupid family. But what did I think I was doing, bringing her to Jurai? How could I have imagined that she'd want to forgive me? I wouldn't forgive me, acting the way I did. Weak and cowardly - I couldn't even stand up for the one thing I believed in. Washu made me happy, dammit, and when have my family ever managed to do that?"

"Sounds like someone has a lot to unburden to the goddess this afternoon, my friend."

A soft voice startled him and he gazed up, meeting the gentle gaze of Prince Yosho. A rueful smile touched his lips, and he nodded his head.

"You heard me, huh?" He asked. "I didn't realise there was anyone else here."

"You're not the only one who seeks spiritual help in resolving his matter of the heart." Yosho frowned, pursing his lips. "Although I didn't think Seniwans believed in the power of Tsunami."

"I don't. I just wanted somewhere peaceful, and something good and hard to kick without being called on my manners and behaviour." Mikamo admitted. Yosho laughed ruefully.

"I know the feeling." He acknowledged. "She does make a good listener, though...and she doesn't often tell secrets."

He sighed, shrugging his shoulders.

"Kagato told me that you'd been sent here by your family, rather than by your own choice." he added. "Families seem to think they have a divine right to the hearts of their sons, don't they?"

"At least you had the courage to take your chance and try and make a life with Lady Haruna." Mikamo said bitterly. "I was a coward and just buckled. And now she hates me - which she has every right to do. Yosho-dono, I've acted like a boy and I'm mad at myself. But I don't know if there's any going back. I seem to have walked too far along this path already."

"Haruna has been sent to one of the colonies. It could be any one of twenty or thirty planets, and Funaho-fune has been put under interdict." Yosho said quietly. "They've removed part of her control panel, and rooted her indefinitely in the royal forest, so that I can't try again. I haven't been able to track down Haruna or her ship, Camilia. But that doesn't mean I've given up on finding her. They might think they can choose my future for me, Mikamo, but I'm not willing to surrender that easily. I can't - I love her too much. It just means a challenge, that's all."

"Really?" Mikamo looked surprised. "You're going to continue to disobey Prince Azusa and the Emperor, and try and find Haruna anyway?"

"Find her, and if I can, leave with her." Yosho pursed his lips. "I've made up my mind, even if it means abandoning Jurai forever. My Grandfather is angry with me as it is, and I don't know if he'll tolerate me disobeying him again. But if I can find Haruna and Camilia, I won't care. I want her and that life more than I want to be here, in my gilded cage. I never knew what it was to be free until I met her - and I'm not going to give up till I have that freedom again."

He paused, then,

"What about you? Have you already given up yours, Mikamo-dono?"

"I don't know." Mikamo admitted. "It's complicated."

He sighed, looking sad.

"You and Kagato are both six years younger than me, and yet you both speak with so much more sense than I seem to." He admitted. "It shames me, sometimes. Even if you're planning to disobey your father, I still admire you for your conviction. I guess I see what it means to be a Prince of Jurai, when I speak to either of you. And it has nothing to do with title or status."

He glanced up at Tsunami's carving.

"Maybe it is Tsunami's spirit, within you." he reflected. "That allows you to be so true to yourselves. I wish I had that spirit, Yosho. But I'm afraid I might already have gone too far, in this case. I know I love her, but...I think it's too late to expect her to forgive me. I haven't treated her very well, considering."

"So you've given up?" Yosho asked. Mikamo frowned.

"Are you saying I shouldn't?"

"Not my place to say either way." Yosho shrugged his shoulders. "I guess it really depends on how much you love this woman. And how much you love your family."

"Meaning you don't love yours?"

"Oh...I do." Yosho looked sad. "Very much, if you want the truth. But they frustrate me, also. With the exception of Kagato, it's hard to speak to any of them. They all react so seriously about little things."

"Whereas Kagato makes light of serious ones, doesn't he." Mikamo looked amused. "But if you do leave, Yosho, who will you leave the throne to? Are you going to force the crown onto Kagato's head?"

"Mikamo, Kagato would be a far better King than I ever would. He knows how to pander to people when he needs to, but he knows how not to care about Grandfather's guilt trips or Father's pressure." Yosho sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm a puppet prince, and Haruna is the one thing I have that's truly mine. Kagato is all himself - who do you think would make a better King of Jurai? If I could trade places with him, I'd do it in a heartbeat...I'd much rather he was King of Jurai than me. And if I go, well, and that means he becomes in line to inherit, so be it. I don't care. I won't be here to mind."

"You really feel that way, huh?" Mikamo looked startled. Yosho nodded.

"Then why are you still here?"

"Because I don't know where Haruna is." Yosho said frankly. "And until I find her - or where she's being held - I won't be going anywhere."

"I see." Mikamo sighed. "That conviction again. You shame me, Prince Yosho. Even talking how you are, you make me feel weak."

Yosho grinned, and for a moment Mikamo was reminded of his companion's youth.

"Well, we all have to live our own lives, not the lives we're told to live." He said frankly. "Your father can't live through you, and nor can your mother. They can't control your mind or your heart unless you let them, Mikamo-dono. Think about that, before you give up on your woman. It sounds to me like you're pretty set on her."

"I suppose I am." Mikamo admitted. "And maybe you're right. I...I'll think on what you said. And I won't give up...not even if she throws hydrochloric acid in my face or tries to blow me up with one of her experiments."

He clenched his fists again, but this time it was determination that flared in his blue eyes.

"Thank you, Yosho-sama. Now I think I know how I must act."