Chapter Three

"That was exhausting."

Ayeka, Crown Princess of the Planet Jurai sank down into the vacant throne with a sigh, relief crossing her face as she realised her morning's work was at an end.

"Who would ever have thought it would be so difficult to settle a simple, matter of fact land dispute?"

At her right hand, her husband let out an amused chuckle, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"When you involve the nobility of Jurai, my dear, anything is possible. As you saw this morning." He remarked. "That it didn't denigrate into a sword fight is only thanks to your unique talent for scaring errant, well born men into their rightful places. But you did settle it, and I think, to everyone's satisfaction. You should be pleased. They won't be back to plague you again."

"I know...but it's one of those Imperial duties I hate, Takeru." Ayeka admitted. "Especially when Uncle is away and I have to oversee all these things in his absence. It's such a petty life, somehow...all these people have more land than they know what to do with. It's just a way to perpetuate old rivalries within sight of the Emperor. Or in this case, his representative."

"Yes, well, that's how the noble class works." Takeru admitted. "The Imada family are only exempt from such squabbling now because you and I are married. Father feels that noone can possibly question the status of our family, if I'm the Prince Consort. So he keeps out of it. But the others...well, they still have their standing to spat over. And so it will continue, on into the next generation."

"I suppose so." Ayeka rested her chin in her hands. "How I do dislike that Lord Hirata. He is arrogant, and his son Jun is no better. They are a pair of idiots, who think they know better than anyone how this planet should be run. And as for Lord Takaya - he's out for anything he can scrounge from his neighbours, through fair means or foul. It's quite disheartening, if I'm honest. Jurai is the greatest empire in the known universe. And yet..."

"And yet it's ruling class act like mice fighting over the last piece of cheese." Takeru nodded. "I know. Seems a shame, doesn't it?"

"Yes." Ayeka acknowledged. "But it's over and done with, thank goodness. Believe me, Hirata-dono and Takaya-dono have done themselves no favours with me this morning, even if they think they've both gained something materially. I don't want men like that taking positions of responsibility when I am Queen. The planet might fall apart."

"If you use that as your judgement, you might not have a government when you are Empress, Ayeka-chan." Takeru chuckled. "I didn't think you were such an idealist."

"I'm not." Ayeka spread her hands. "But such greed...it's so rude."

She sighed again.

"Oh well. Uncle will be back tomorrow, and he can take over any further business then." She added. "Thankfully. I can wait for my turn at the crown, Takeru-san. Believe me."

"Lady Ayeka?" A voice from the doorway made both Princess and Consort glance up, Ayeka smiling wearily as she recognised Azaka, one of the Knights of Jurai. She gestured for the older man to join them and he did so, bowing low before the throne.

"Lady Ayeka, Lord Tennan is without." He said softly. "He says he was summoned here...shall I tell him to come through?"

"Seiryo Tennan?" Takeru frowned. "Ayeka? What is that about?"

"Believe me, I don't know." Ayeka looked non-plussed. "The further that odious man is from me, the better. Speaking of rude, Takeru..."

She sighed, shaking her head.

"But no, I would be being rude if I refused him entrance. Especially if he thinks he's here on some purpose." She realised. "All right, Azaka. Tell Lord Tennan to come on in. I will see him."

"Yes, Hime-sama." Azaka bowed his head again, withdrawing from the throne room. Within a few minutes the door swung back again to reveal a tall, well-figured young man of about Takeru's age, dressed impeccably in the attire of a Lord of the Council and with his family's emblem engraved into the buckle of his belt. Thick, curly hair was tamed back from his face in a warrior's queue, and from the sharpness in his teal eyes, it was clear that this was not one of Jurai's more foolish men. In his hand he carried a narrow, black container, and as he reached the steps to the throne he paused, his gaze meeting Takeru's. For the briefest of moments he hesitated, then made his bow.

"Lord Tennan, why are you here?" Ayeka forced civility into her tones, raising her eyebrow as Seiryo raised his malachite eyes to her ruby ones. "I wasn't aware of any summons - did my Lord Uncle ask you to come here, before he left? Or are you on some other business?"

"I have come to see Lord Takeru, Lady Ayeka." Seiryo spoke in quiet, formal tones, though dislike simmered quietly behind his well-mannered reserve. He bowed his head slightly and stiffly in Takeru's direction, then held out the black container. "It is the Unko's monthly docking fee. As ordained by Azusa-sama, I have delivered it to you in person on the date arranged."

"The Unko..." Takeru looked startled, then he returned the stiff bow, taking the container and glancing at it, flipping it open. He glanced at the contents, and nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I had quite forgotten that this was due today."

"I do not forget my obligations quite so easily, Lord Takeru." Seiryo said quietly. "Now I have done my duty, I will leave you both to yourselves."

"Wait a moment, Lord Tennan." Ayeka held up her hand, and Seiryo paused, eying his Crown Princess quizzically.

"Yes, Ayeka-sama?" He asked. "What is it?"

"Do you and your lady sister still take care of the Lady Tokimi?"

"Yes." Surprise glittered in Seiryo's eyes.

"How fares she?"

"There's nothing I can tell you, Hime-sama." Seiryo's expression became grave. "There has been no change in her condition since she was first brought to Jurai. No change at all."

"I see." Ayeka narrowed her eyes, eying him thoughtfully. "And you continue to support her, regardless?"

"As I said, my Princess...I do not forget my obligations quite so easily." Seiryo said quietly. "Suki and I undertook Tokimi's care. So we shall keep doing so, for as long as need be."

He bowed again.

"If that is all, Hime-sama..."

"Yes. Yes, you may go." Ayeka nodded. "Thank you for your prompt payment, Seiryo-dono. I will see you tomorrow, at Council session."

"Yes, my Lady." Seiryo acknowledged her words with a droll smile. Then he bowed once more, withdrawing from the chamber. As the door shut behind him, Takeru glanced down at the black box in his hand.

"Well." He said thoughtfully. "He still hates doing that as much as he did the first time."

"I know." Ayeka sighed. "Takeru, what do you make of Lord Tennan these days?"

"Honestly?" Takeru looked surprised. Ayeka nodded.

"I know you had a fierce rivalry as boys." She agreed. "But he seems harder to make out now than he ever was before. What do you think? Are the court rumours true? Did he kill his father, or was it really the work of Tokimi and her agents? I wish I knew if we harboured a traitor in our midst."

"Lord Azusa has let the matter drop. It's hardly my place to question his judgement." Takeru sighed, sliding the container into the folds of his cloak. "And I have never liked Seiryo much, I won't lie about that."

"But...?"

"His attentiveness to Lady Tokimi is strange, considering the compromising position she put him in." Takeru shrugged. "Don't you think?"

"Yes." Ayeka admitted. "But that's just it. Sasami-chan has been to see Tokimi a few times with Lady Suki, and from all I've gleaned, she thinks that the Tennans are taking care of Tokimi almost to redress a balance. I don't quite know...that's why I asked you. I want to believe Uncle's faith in Seiryo's rehabilitation is well-founded. But I have never been quite sure how to read the Tennan family. And him most of all. While Lady Suki does seem to be a sweet young girl...Seiryo is..."

"An unknown quantity." Takeru sighed. "But he has paid the Unko's fine promptly and without demur every month so far. I admit, with the engrossing debate of Hirata-dono and Takaya-dono, it clean slipped my mind. But not his. Much as he hates showing me any deference, he comes and does his duty in person...and he does it without fail. I suppose for that I should respect him. He could easily send his sister in his stead."

"True." Ayeka agreed. "Do you think Uncle was overly optimistic to convey on him the role of Treasurer, after Lord Seiji died? Considering everything...considering that Seiryo may have been the one who ended Seiji's life...do you think he was right to act so? Or wrong?"

"I think Lord Azusa knows what he is doing." Takeru pursed his lips. "And I'm in danger of letting my personal feelings for Tennan-dono get in the way of objective judgement. If Lady Sasami has good things to say about the Tennans, I think maybe we should listen to her before we form any long term judgements about either of them. She has Tsunami's perception, after all. If anyone understands the people around her, it's Lady Sasami."

"Yes, perhaps you're right." Ayeka rubbed her temples. "There are so many things involved in being Crown Princess, Takeru. Sometimes I wish I could jump aboard my ship and flee into the stars."

"Would you take me with you, if you did?" Takeru asked softly, and Ayeka glanced up at him, seeing a playful twinkle in his eyes. She smiled, nodding her head.

"These days, I think I would." She agreed. "I'd miss you if you weren't here with me, Takeru-dono. That's the truth. I would."

"That makes me happy to hear." Takeru said with a smile. "And for now, our work is done here. We should take advantage of the lull and escape before anyone else finds a grievance to air. Will you walk with me in the night air, Ayeka-sama? A peaceful stroll around the royal trees would be relaxing."

"Yes, it would." Ayeka inclined her head slightly. "All right. It would be good to get away from the palace for a while, anyway. So much work when Uncle is away - I swear, if it's going to be like this for me one day, I don't know how I'll cope with it."

"You will, because you must. And because you're stronger than anyone I know." Takeru told her gently. He held out his hand, and she took it carefully, getting to her feet and smoothing down her skirts.

"That's why I like you. You have faith in me." She observed absently. "All right, Takeru. I'm coming. Let's escape this place, before we get inundated with more noble whiners begging for more land and property!"

------------------

Finally, the house was quiet.

Washu glanced at her reflection in the mirror, idly fingering the damp locks of red hair that were scattered across her shoulders with a wistful smile.

"Well, Washu-chan, you're not getting any younger, now that's for sure." She mused. "Old enough to have a daughter getting married - that's a scary thought in itself. Still, I suppose it happens to the best of us. When you shut yourself away, it's easy to forget time is passing around you. But when you've other people growing and changing...well, I suppose it's harder to ignore."

She reached for her thick violet hair-tie, pulling it carefully into her mane of hair as she brushed stray strands out of her face, squinting more closely at her appearance, then smiling.

"I might be old enough to have a grown up daughter, but I don't see any wrinkles just yet." She decided, touching her cheek and then smiling ruefully. "I still look young and pretty, and that's a good thing. Ryoko would never let me hear the end of it if I let myself go. And now, back to work. Everyone else is busy, so I should have plenty of time to work on things without too many interruptions. It's better Ryoko and Tenchi aren't involved in this, anyway. Ryoko would only laugh if she saw me, and Tenchi wouldn't really understand why I'm doing this. So, better off to do it when I'm alone. What they don't know won't hurt them, after all."

She glanced at her hands thoughtfully, then smiled, closing her eyes as she focused on shifting her molecules. As she opened her eyes, she found herself in the hallway outside her laboratory and she pursed her lips, eying the doorway with a rueful grimace.

"Well, I was close." She told herself, pushing open the door and stepping inside. "Boy does it take it out of you, though. This is no good! The one time I care about doing something with my magic and it's beyond pathetic. But if I'm going to work out how to properly use this Kii power in order to help my sister...well...I have to figure it out sooner or later. And sooner would be better, all things considered."

"Washu-san, why are you talking to yourself?"

Yume emerged from the shadows at the back of the lab, making the scientist jump and she put a hand to her chest, turning to face her companion.

"Yume! I completely forgot you'd still be here." She said, embarrassed. "I'm sorry - I guess I thought everyone else was out."

"I just finished cleaning up in the kitchen." Yume shook her head, a slight look of hurt entering her eyes. "I'm sorry - did you not want me here?"

"Oh...I'm sorry." Washu sighed. "It's not that - you just startled me, that's all. But I suppose it doesn't matter if you're around - actually, you might be able to help me, in the long run."

"I might?" The hurt expression faded from Yume's gaze at this and she offered her companion a smile. "You're not beginning another new project already, Washu-san?"

"Sort of." Washu glanced at her hands. "Remember what we talked about, yesterday? When everything was all right again, and you found me in the living room, thinking?"

"Yes." Understanding crossed Yume's face. "You're going to experiment with your Kii magic, aren't you?"

"I am." Washu agreed. "Because the more I think about it, the more I'm sure Tokimi's recovery will depend on it somehow. I was thinking it over all last night when I was working on Ken Ohki's shields, and I remember clearly that there were times Father drew on the planet's spirit to help heal someone who was sick or badly wounded. I never discovered how he did it. In fact, we argued about it a few times."

She looked shamed.

"Once he tried to teach me." She admitted. "He wanted to show me how to channel the gifts Kihaku had...well, he said, 'blessed' me with. But I told him it was useless magic, and that there was nothing it could do that the Juraians hadn't already put into practice. He was livid with me - I spoke in innocence at the time, but I really didn't realise what the point was."

"You and your father really weren't close, were you?" Yume reflected. Washu shook her head.

"No. Not at all." She agreed pensively. "I would venture up to the settlers' compounds a lot, and see what I could discover. Once or twice I even wound up playing with a couple of the children that were staying there. Their parents were not happy, when they found out their darlings were spending their free time with a Kii, so it didn't last very long. But I was quick to pick up their language and they gave me one or two books, while I was with them. I read those things over and over till I knew what they said by heart, and it made me want to know so much more, Yume-chan."

She bit her lip, looking sheepish.

"When I was fourteen, I used my Kii magic and broke into one of their library compounds." She added. "I didn't steal anything - that wasn't why I went. I just wanted to read. Every day after that for a whole month I would go there in the morning, choose a few books and seclude myself somewhere they couldn't see me. Usually somewhere up high, where noone would think to look. I learnt so much from those things - but then Father found out and he put a stop to it. I got another beating for it...I suppose he really taught me to hate him. He never properly explained why I shouldn't be interested in the Juraian books or knowledge. He just forbade it, and got angrier the more I disobeyed his commands. We were at loggerheads for a very long time, really. And by that point I was so fed up I refused point blank even to consider learning about my heritage. Now I regret that - but things can't be taken back. So if I can't do it the easy way, I guess the only route left open to me is the hard one."

She shrugged, offering a nonchalant smile.

"Well, I always liked a challenge." She added. Yume smiled.

"I don't know much about magic, except that the magic Tokimi used could hurt me and alter my settings wildly." She said. "Even though it touched me directly, I can't analyse the data from that day, or even explain what it was she did to me. I don't know what use I'll be to you, Washu-san - but I'd like to help, if I can."

"I'm not sure if you can either, but we'll see." Washu eyed her finger-tips thoughtfully. "In truth, the one I might be able to learn something from is Ryoko, since she has such a good grasp of her magic. But I'm afraid that's a step-down I'm not willing to make. I've nagged her enough about her lack of discipline. I'd never hear the end of it."

"Ryoko's magic is not like Tokimi's. I can counter the power she uses with my forcefields, if need be." Yume said thoughtfully. "I don't think it's the same thing at all, Washu-san. Not if Tokimi's power was Kii."

"Tokimi had the planet's spirit, so her magic was exponentially stronger. Even with Tsunami's gemstones incorporated into her body, Ryoko wouldn't have been a match." Washu shook her head. "And nor would I, either. Besides, Ryoko's magic is a meshing of Jurai's power and my own Kii magic - plus whatever other attributes Kagato managed to harness in his lifetime. I don't think we're talking about divine power or anything like that. Just the native Hakubi magic. The things I should have learnt when I had the chance, but didn't. I've been stupid, but there had to be a reason why the Hakubi tribe were Kihaku's chosen - why they alone could govern the spirit of that world, and no other. It's because of this magic, that's why. The Hakubi had a gift that other Kii didn't have. Why or where it came from, I don't know...really, right now, it's not important and I'm sure the evidence is probably lost in time and space. Even blown to pieces with Kihaku itself. But that's the reason the Hakubi were the Priests and Priestesses. Kihaku didn't give them their magic. They used their magic to harness Kihaku's spirit and control it. Those are quite different things, when you come to think about it."

"You seem to have theorised a lot since last night, Washu-san."

"Too much, in truth." Washu frowned. "It's easier to base my research on scientific principles and on logic than on anything else. A bad habit, I think...I have a feeling Kii magic can't be governed by those principles."

"Probably not." Yume agreed. "But at least it's a start, isn't it?"

"It is." Washu spread her hands, glancing at her finger-tips as light glittered faintly from the ends. "I just have so many questions. How strong is this magic of mine? Is it too long dormant, or can I raise it inside of me to the pitch my father once wielded his? How much of it relies on Kihaku's spirit to do important things, like healing the souls of others? Can I even do that without being trained by a true Priest of my world? So many questions. No answers. Just an empty lab and a frustrated Kii scientist grasping at straws."

"Did the Kii leave written records?" Yume got to her feet, moving across to the big mainframe computer by the far wall and running her hand thoughtfully over the sensor. "Because that might be a good place to start."

"Not computerised ones, no." Washu shook her head. "Although other people may have digitised them in the time since the planet was colonised. I'm not sure. There were many languages on Kihaku, but the only one to be written down was the holy language of the Priest's tribe - so noone can probably read those files anyway. They may just not have bothered, since it's not an easy language to read even if you can speak it fluently."

She sighed, shrugging her shoulders.

"I suppose any records they did have are either at the Science Academy, or on Jurai, somewhere in their Palace library. I might get access to the latter, but after how rude I was to Azusa during Seiryo Tennan's hearing, he might not want me anywhere near his records. And there are people at the Science Academy who'd really like to kill me, so that's not an option either."

"It could be." Yume turned back to face her, her features glittering and shifting into those of another, and Washu gasped, her eyes widening with surprise and dismay.

"Manami!" She murmured. "But how do you...how do you know that form? I don't understand."

Yume's eyes became sad.

"When I was Zero, I impersonated her one one occasion. I withdrew files of hers from the Academy, on Clay's orders. He sought the secrets of Jurai's magic, although I don't know whether he found them." She said softly. "She was a friend of yours once, Washu-san, wasn't she?"

"Yes...a long time ago." Washu nodded. "I severed my connection with her after my involvement with Kagato, because I knew she wanted to pursue studies on Jurai and any link with me would have been dangerous. I was exiled not long afterwards, and I never really followed it up. I suppose she must have got her secondment to Jurai after all. Well well. Good for Manami."

"Yes, she did." Yume's features shimmered and blurred back into her more familiar human form and she sighed, sinking down onto a stool. "I did not realise you were close...that makes it hard. But I have her genetic information stored and I can duplicate it at will. If necessary, I can become Manami Kurashida, and access files from the Science Academy. That is, if it would be of use to you for me to do so."

"It might." Washu admitted. "Although it might also be difficult to explain, if you were caught. I don't want you to get into trouble on my account, Yume, and even though I know your genetic duplications are pretty good, someone might realise you're not the real Manami."

"Doubtful." Yume looked unhappy. "Washu, Clay eradicated Manami Kurashida when she refused to comply with his requests for information. There was much she knew that she didn't tell us, and it made Tokimi angry. So..."

Washu's expression grew sad.

"So he killed her." She murmured. "And you were a part of it, weren't you?"

"Zero was." Yume acknowledged slowly. "I...I'm sorry, Washu-san. I...I...I..."

"You did as you were programmed to do." Washu sighed heavily. "It's not you I blame...it's all right. Whatever you did then, it wasn't your fault. You were only Zero then. Things have changed."

She sighed.

"But if Manami is dead, surely the Academy know about it?"

"No." Yume shook her head, guilt still in her lilac eyes. "She was in the habit of taking long sojourns into deep space - doing research or some such thing. When Clay and I...when we took her aboard Clay's ship, she was in the middle of one such trip. She...well, nobody ever knew anything happened to her. Except for Clay, Tokimi and I."

Washu looked grave.

"It seems almost wrong, to sneak into the Academy on the basis of stealing information...under the identity of a dead friend and former colleague." She said slowly. Yume dropped her gaze, nodding.

"I know." She whispered. "I am sorry, Washu-san. I didn't realise."

"No, I know." Washu held out her hand to the droid and hesitantly Yume took it, surprise crossing her features as she did so.

"Washu-san?"

"I want you to go there, and create as little fuss as possible." Washu spoke quietly. "Can you get there without space transport, or do you need to commandeer Ryo Ohki? She's still a little bruised from her encounter with Shank, and it would be hard to conceal it from Ryoko, but..."

"I do not need space transport." Yume shook her head. "If I travel in the form of Zero, I am immune to the elements of space...such as cold. And I know where I am going and what I am to do. I can cross large areas through teleportation, and I know the coordinates of the Science Academy from my previous visit. It wouldn't be a problem. I could be back within a day...if you truly want me to go."

"Yes, Yume. I truly do." Washu squeezed her companion's hand. "And thank you."

"You really don't hate me, for being involved in Manami-san's death?" Yume looked anxious. Washu hesitated, then she shook her head.

"Clay was her real killer. Not you." She said tiredly. "And honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. Bad things do happen to the people I get close to, you know. It's just the way things are...I suppose it's my fault too, in light of that. I'm a dangerous person to befriend, when all is said and done."

"That's silly." Yume frowned. "I already told you that curses are not logical."

"Nor is magic, but it exists." Washu smiled faintly. "Besides, I'm not a superstitious person. My observations are based on fact, not fiction. Many people I was once close to have suffered bad things since they knew me. Kichi Itokawa and Manami Kurashida were both murdered because of their connection to me. Tokimi lies in a coma, poisoned by her planet because she was my sister. They're not the only ones. I still take some blame for the death of Kihaku's people. I still ran away when they needed me, and that can't be changed, no matter what I do."

She sighed, a tragic look touching her green eyes.

"And the man I loved lost his life because he was foolish enough to fall for a Kii woman." She added softly. "If he had never met me, he would still be alive...because he would never have gone to Jurai, and he would never have been wound up in dark things beyond his control. No, Yume-chan. Manami's death wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself for things you had no control over."

"You should take your own advice." Yume said acidly. "If everyone you cared about wound up dead, Washu-chan, how is it you're living here on the Earth in a happy family environment? How was it your science that rescued Ryoko from Sargasso, and why is it your daughter is strong and healthy if all the people you love die? You care about Ryoko a whole lot, I know you do. And yes, she's mad and she gets into silly situations. But when she does they're her own fault, they're not yours. And you're generally there to help pull her out again. I wouldn't call that cursed, would you? Tenchi, Noboyuki-san, Katsuhito-dono, Ryo-Ohki - they're all ones you care about. And me - even if I am just a droid, you helped me and gave me the chance at a proper life. On Jurai, there's the Lady Ayeka and the Lady Sasami, who are both very fond of you. And Kiyone-san and Mihoshi-san from the Galaxy Police - you saved Kiyone-san's life, you know. She wouldn't be here still, if not for you."

"I put her in danger in the first place."

"This isn't like you." Yume frowned. "Why are you being so negative?"

"I don't know." Washu looked surprised. "I suppose I am being negative, aren't I? I think I'm just frustrated, to be honest. Frustrated and a little down about things right now. I always thought I understood the universe but more and more I see I don't have a clue. I have magic that might help my sister recover, but I don't know how to use it."

She sighed.

"And I suppose, when you find out that your only daughter is engaged to be married, it makes you stop and think about your own choices and losses. I guess that's on my mind too, stupid as it may seem."

"Ryoko and Tenchi?" Shock flitted across Yume's face. "Is that official, or just you pondering?"

"No...it's for real. Tenchi told me this morning." Washu looked rueful. "He gave her his mother's ring to seal the bond, and I guess I'm not totally surprised, given all they've been through of late. But you know, it took me back a few years, that's for sure. To a time when a handsome young man wanted me to be his wife, too - I really hope I'm not going to be the jinx on Ryoko's happiness the way I was on my own."

"I didn't know Tenchi-kun was going to..." Yume faltered for a minute, then got to grips with herself. "Well, either way, I'm sure they'll be fine, Washu-san. And you must be, too. You're not the type of person who dwells on the past. So don't, all right? I'll go to the Academy - I'll go just as soon as I've done preparing lunch, in fact - and I'll retrieve the data you want me to find. And then you can begin work properly on helping Tokimi to recover her senses."

"Yes, I suppose you're right." Washu tilted her head, eying Yume keenly. "I should have broken that to you more gently, shouldn't I? I'm sorry. It's easy to lose track of who is and who isn't in love with Tenchi sometimes."

Yume flushed red, dropping her gaze.

"I love him, but I don't think it's the same." She said haltingly. "And he treats me like a sister and a friend, which is all I want, really. I don't mind if he marries Ryoko, Washu-san. It's all right."

"Mmm." Washu smiled. "Like me, you're on the fringe of their world, looking in."

"The difference is I'm happy being there." Yume responded with a shrug. "I'm a part of Tenchi's world and I have a place to belong. That's all I want to be happy, Washu-san. But I'm not human...not really. I have feelings, but my needs aren't always the same. You, on the other hand...you're no different from Ryoko, really. It must be hard to see her so happy, if you lost the one that made you that way."

"Not hard...not for a mother who loves her child." Washu said wryly. "No. I want her to be happy, and I'm glad of this development. It just made me remember. But you're right and I'm going to stop wallowing right now. Tokimi is more important and so is getting to the bottom of this. So yes, Yume-chan, thank you. If you don't mind infiltrating the Academy, that would be a big help. And then I suppose it will be a case of going to Jurai...to see if anything can be done to patch up my sister's damaged senses!"