Chapter 8
"Well, that's a development I didn't expect."
As Tsunami-fune's screen flickered off, Washu was the first to speak, pursing her lips as she absorbed the conversation. "That he'd take Tenchi through Galaxy Police channels is an arrogant abuse of the system, to say the least. I wonder why Tokimi would choose to create all that potential red tape? She must know that serving a warrant on a Prince of Jurai would bring Azusa into the frame."
"Not necessarily." Sasami sighed, leaning back against the trunk of her ship's tree as she did so. "Washu-chan, you have no idea how many tries it took to get Uncle to send Ayeka and I to the Earth. Even Ayeka wasn't sure about coming to begin with. I've known for ages that you were Tokimi's sister and that whatever Tokimi was, she wanted bad things for Tenchi and Tsunami. But convincing grown ups of those things when you're just a kid..."
She shrugged her shoulders.
"It's not easy. I wound up scolded for shouting at Uncle and generally losing my temper. It wasn't till Uncle got Ryoko's message that he even began to consider it - and then it took all my persuading skills. Which meant we were too late, Tokimi has Tenchi, and everything's a mess."
"No, it isn't a mess." Washu shook her head. "You're here on the Earth, and at least Mihoshi's report tells us Tenchi is alive. So Tokimi doesn't want him killed outright. She must want information from him, before she does anything like that. I'm still confused at why she didn't call Tennan directly to her, however. What benefit could Headquarters hold?"
"Tsunami thinks that it's because of you." Sasami said quietly. Washu looked startled.
"Me?"
"Yes." Sasami nodded her head. "Do you think she's right, Washu? I mean, Kiyone was attacked because she was spying for you. Yume was told by this guy Clay that you were dangerous - isn't that right? And Tenchi lives here, on the Earth, where at the moment you also live. If she was to hoist him away into space, you'd immediately get suspicious it was her and go looking for her. But if the Galaxy Police take him, it doesn't look like anything other than some kind of corruption in the force."
"Except we already know Tokimi is involved, thanks to Kiyone and Yume." Washu said grimly. "But you might be right. I suppose that does make sense. Maybe Tokimi sees a fight with Tsunami inevitable. In fact, if she thinks Tenchi is Tsunami, then she probably believes she already has that under lock and key. But I don't know why she'd worry about me. My magic is not Kihaku's magic - not the true power of the planet. She has all of that. All I have is what was passed down through the Hakubi tribe from father to son and mother to daughter. Devil magic, as they call it. And I'm more than a little out of practice in using it."
"Then maybe she's scared of you for another reason." Sasami looked pensive. "Because you grew up together? And maybe you know somethng about her that she doesn't like?"
"I know that once she was a rational, sane being." Washu said bitterly. "I suppose she knows that I can find her more easily than anyone, but even if that were true, she'd still have the edge. I don't know if Kihaku's magic can kill me, Sasami - it's never been put to the test. But she could certainly do me harm, that's for sure. I wouldn't come out best in a battle of spells with her...she is the Priestess, and I'm just a runaway heathen who neglected her duties a very long time ago."
Sasami sighed.
"Well, there must be something." She said softly. "You wanted me to come here, Washu...but it's not me you want. It's Tsunami. Isn't it?"
"I'm afraid so." Washu eyed the young princess keenly. "Sasami-chan, only you know what you can and can't do. I don't know how much magic Tsunami-sama has already given you, or if you have access to any of it at all. But it's in your hands. If you can't do it then you can't - and we'll find some other way."
"You pretty much made it clear that there is no other way." Sasami's voice shook. "I said I'd made a decision and I meant it. Oh, but Washu, I'm s...so s..scared of what I h...have to do!"
Tears sprang into her frightened crimson eyes and she bit her lip, swallowing hard as she fought to contain her emotions. It was to no avail, however, and she buried her head in her hands as the sobs wracked through her.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I just...I don't want to...I'm not ready to be Tsunami yet!"
"Then don't." Sasami felt the gentle touch of her companion's hand on her shoulder. "Call Azaka and Kamidake back in here, and we'll see if we can find something else that might match Tokimi's force."
"No." Sasami raised her gaze to Washu's, determination on her face. "Tenchi has never run away scared and he hasn't let Tsunami down. So I'm not going to let him down, either. He needs me and he needs me to be brave. I don't l...like it, Washu, but I have to do it. I have to become Tsunami...it's the only way we can get Tenchi back and stop Tokimi from hurting anyone else."
Washu eyed her keenly, and for a moment there was silence between them. Then, at length, the scientist nodded.
"Your Uncle should be proud of you." She said softly. "Regardless of what Tsunami thinks about her magic and the succession, you would make a fine Empress, Sasami-sama. Is there anything you need from me...anything I can do to help?"
"Yes." Sasami stood, dashing her tears away. "Yes, Washu-san. I do need Azaka and...and Kamidake. Tsunami knows better than I do what's going to happen, and she wants me to call them back."
"And Ayeka?"
"No, I don't want Ayeka here." Sasami bit her lip. "Not this time. It would be doubly hard...she hates the idea of losing me to the Goddess."
Washu nodded her head, crossing the drive room towards the far door which slid open before she reached it, sliding shut behind her and leaving the young princess alone.
"Well, Tsunami. Here I am." she whispered, placing her hands hesitantly on the branches of the tree-console. "I know you're on Jurai, but you're also inside this ship and inside of me, so I know you're there. I need you, and so does Tenchi...so you can't refuse me. Not when it's the only way to resolve all of this and make everything all right."
Glimmers of irridescent light flickered around the edges of the tree-console's branches, and Sasami sighed, leaning up against it as if in search of comfort.
"I'm so afraid." She murmured. "What are you going to do to me?"
"Do you believe I would hurt you, Sasami-chan?" Tokimi's voice echoed inside her head, gentle and reproaching. "I already told you that you're not ready to make this change. I won't force a frightened girl to take on my life and her destiny before she's ready."
"But Tenchi needs me!" Sasami's eyes snapped open and she stared up at the tree in dismay. "You can't say no! Please, Tsunami! We came all this way...surely this is what you wanted me to do?"
There was no answer, and Sasami sighed, shaking her head.
"I don't understand." She said plaintively. "What are you going to do, if you won't let us become one?"
"Lady Sasami?"
At that moment the door of the craft slid open once more to admit the two knights, Washu close behind them. Both men wore identical expressions of concern and comprehension on their faces, and, as one, they bowed before the princess.
"Tsunami has called us, and we're ready to answer her call." Azaka said softly. "Lady Sasami, we are yours to do with as you please."
"To...do with?" Sasami blinked, staring at them. "What do you mean?"
Kamidake smiled.
"A long time ago, Tsunami invested in us certain elements of her magic that allowed us to fight for her cause." He said softly. "Even though we were not of the royal line, we were her Chosen, and so we were blessed just as your family are blessed. We knew that having this power came with responsibility, and that one day she would ask more of us. To give up our life forces, to sleep indefinitely until she walked among men once more. Now that time has come. Tsunami asks for her magic to be returned to her...and Azaka and I are here, ready and waiting to give it up."
"Her...magic?" Sasami's eyes opened wide with surprise.
Azaka and Kamidake exchanged looks, then, as if by unspoken agreement, each moved to either side of the tree-console, placing one hand firmly on the rugged, rough wood of the trunk. The branches glittered briefly and then fell silent, as the ship acknowledged her servants.
Sasami frowned, glancing up at the tree, and then placing her own hands gently against the trunk. At first nothing happened, but then the Princess was aware once more of the Goddess's voice.
"Now you understand." The words were echoey and faint, but clear enough for Sasami to make sense of them. "I have given you my promise, Sasami, that you will become Tsunami only when you are ready. But Tsunami is needed, and I can only act through you. You're too young to act in this alone - your magics are dormant and you haven't been trained in how to use them. So I must take control of your body, and with Azaka and Kamidake's help, awaken those magics and make them whole again."
Sasami bit her lip.
"And afterwards?" She whispered. "Will I still be Sasami, Tsunami-onechan...after it's all over?"
"You will always be Sasami, my sister." The branches glittered and glowed with a strange light which, slowly but surely spread across the whole of the console, engulfing the young girl in it's flare. "This I have always promised you."
Relief mingled with new resolution surged through Sasami's heart, and she thrust her palms more firmly against the trunk of the tree, glancing first at Azaka, then Kamidake, and finally up at the shimmering branches.
"Then make me Tsunami." She said firmly. "And let's stop Tokimi before she hurts Tenchi!"
--------
The room was black.
Cautiously Tenchi opened his eyes, glancing around him for any sign of familiar landmarks, but there were none. Squinting in the dim light, he struggled to work out where exactly he was, but it was a futile exercise and even a search of his memory did not provide him with the answer.
"I was at Galaxy Police Headquarters, and now I'm somewhere else." he muttered, rubbing his wrists together as the metal cuffs chafed against his skin. "And I have absolutely no idea where, so whatever Mihoshi told Washu no longer applies."
"Tenchi?"
As if she had heard her name, Tenchi was aware of the faint, uncertain tones of his friend and he turned his head in the direction of the sound, just about making out her shadow against the far side of the cage both had been secured within.
"I'm here, Mihoshi." He murmured. "Are you all right?"
"I think so." Mihoshi sounded bemused. "Where are we? What happened? Where did Headquarters go?"
"I have no idea, but I don't think it's a good thing." Tenchi bit his lip. "I have a feeling Seiryo Tennan posted us first class to his Lady Tokimi, somehow. I have no clue how, because I don't remember anything at all. Just opening my eyes and being in darkness. That's all."
"Tenchi, what was that thing that happened when Agent Tennan tried to kill me?" Tenchi heard Mihoshi shuffle towards him in the gloom. "Was that your dove wing things?"
"Light Hawk Wings." Tenchi corrected. "Yes, I think so. Or at least...at least, some of it. It wasn't quite like the last time...not as bright."
"How did you do it?"
"I don't know." Tenchi sighed. "I wish I did. It might be able to get us out of here. But that's only the second time I've ever woken them up. And both times...well, the first time was against Kagato, and it was to defend me and Ryoko against his blasts. I didn't do it consciously, it just happened. And this time it was to defend you from Seiryo's attack - and I didn't know it would happen until it did. I don't know how to control it, Mihoshi. It's as much a mystery to me as it is to you."
"Well, I'm glad you did it anyway." Mihoshi said fervently. "Else I'd have been splatted all over Headquarters by now. Tenchi, what do you think will happen to us now?"
"I guess that depends on what kind of a mood this Tokimi is in." Tenchi hesitated, then, "Mihoshi, I don't think she wants to just talk to us. I think she wants to kill us. Both of us, probably, now you've got yourself involved. I'm sorry that you did...that you got dragged into it."
"But if I hadn't come to help you, then you wouldn't have used your bird wing things and protected me. And if you can do it once, you can do it again. So we'll be okay, right?" Mihoshi asked. "I mean, if they protect people against attacks, then when Tokimi comes..."
"I don't know." Tenchi admitted. "I think Tokimi is stronger than Agent Tennan."
"I don't like him. He hurt Kiyone."
"Yes, he did." Tenchi bit his lip. "And I'm sure he'd have liked to have hurt us, too. I think he's touched, Mihoshi. Not quite sane."
"I think he's bonkers." Mihoshi said bluntly. "Mad and crazy and twisted and a really bad example for other Galaxy Police officers."
Before he could respond, the room was bathed in light, and, as he blinked against the sudden glare, Tenchi realised that they were no longer alone. A woman stood before them, in physical years not much older than Ayeka or Ryoko, watching him with amusement. Long brown hair flowed over her shoulders, restrained beneath a head-dress that spoke of an ancient, tribal culture, and her vibrantly coloured gown was both ornate and completely unfamiliar. At her throat she wore a pendant with an eagle's feather engraved neatly in the centre, and though he did not recognise the icon, Tenchi felt sure that it had some connection to Kihaku. At first glance, she seemed deceptively harmless, but Tenchi knew beyond all doubt that this must be Tokimi, and that she was doing her best to throw him off guard.
"Tenchi Masaki Jurai, we meet at last." She spoke in low, melodious tones as she ran her gaze over him, a strange, ghostly light in the depths of her blue eyes. "It's been a very long time coming, I assure you. I've waited...so long have I waited for this moment. To finally meet the one Tsunami honours above all others."
She raised a hand, flicking her fingers towards her and Tenchi found himself rising up from the ground, drifting towards the bars of the cage, which glimmered and disappeared as Tokimi's magic pulled him through it. He fought and struggled, but her magic had him held fast and it was to no avail. She laughed at his attempts, tut-tutting as she gently set him down on the floor before her.
"What do you have to say for yourself, Prince of Jurai?" She asked softly.
"You're crazy." Tenchi struggled to his feet, glaring at her as he fought to regain some composure. "Dragging me here, bringing Mihoshi into it...and as for your zombie police officer, everyone in the Galaxy will soon know he's a fake!"
"I don't care." Tokimi's eyes glittered. "Seiryo has served his purpose, and he will be rewarded for his loyalty. And the people on your planet will be far too concerned with the death of their Goddess to worry about one Agent looking out for his own interests."
She pursed her lips, her gaze straying to Mihoshi.
"I didn't realise you would bring a friend." She added. "Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu, I believe? I should have forseen that Kiyone Makibi's partner would be involved in some respect...but it matters little now. There's nothing a pathetic Detective can do to hurt me or stop me in my plans. I will deal with you first, my prince and then I will worry about your friend. The time for charades is over, Tsunami-kami-sama. Reveal yourself."
"I'm not Tsunami." Tenchi snapped back. "I told you, you're crazy. And you have the wrong person! I wasn't even born on Jurai - I'm from the Earth!"
"And he doesn't wear a dress!" Mihoshi interjected indignantly. Tokimi stared at the Detective in confusion for a moment, then narrowed her eyes, focusing once more on the captive Prince.
"Seiryo has witnessed the Light Hawk Wings for himself." She hissed. "I know you lie."
"No, I don't lie." Tenchi said desperately. "I'm not Tsunami. I'm really not. Yes, I have some of her magic. I'm descended from Azusa of Jurai and I have the Jurai Power. But I'm not Tsunami. How could I be?"
"In all the years I have waited, not a single Juraian soul has manifested the Light Hawk Wings before you." Tokimi said, her tones dangerously low as a crackles of blueish energy enveloped her form. "Did you ever wonder why it was that I settled on you so decisively? Light Hawk Wings are not part of the Jurai Power. I fought and killed enough Emperors of that heretical rock to know that even the most courageous of them could not raise that magic inside of them. They are attributed only to Tsunami-kami-sama - in her legend, in her images, on paintings and tapestries across Jurai."
She jabbed a finger in his direction, and Tenchi drew breath sharply as a prickle of electricity flickered through his body.
"You are the only one to ever have that power." She added. "Tsunami's power."
"I don't know why I have that power." Tenchi admitted, despair washing over him as he realised that there was no reasoning with this woman. "I truly don't. Why Tsunami chose to give it to me is as much a mystery to me as it is to you - because I can't use it properly and I never know how to get myself out of trouble. But it's not really her magic, Tokimi. I mean, the pictures that Lady Sasami showed me of Tsunami and the Light Hawk Wings showed ten wings. I only have three. How can I possibly be the Goddess, if I can't even do that properly?"
"Being earthbound has made you weak." Tokimi flexed her fingers thoughtfully. "But no matter. Whatever you say, I know you must be the one I seek."
"You're a really nasty lady, you know that?"
Before Tenchi could reply, Mihoshi was on her feet, gripping the bars of the cage as she glared indignantly at Kihaku's Priestess. "And you're not going to win, so there!"
"No?"
Tokimi raised an eyebrow. "Explain to me, Detective...what exactly do you intend to do about it?"
"Not me." Mihoshi's eyes narrowed. "Washu and Ryoko and everyone else on the Earth. They'll come and get you and rescue me and Tenchi and then you'll be sorry that you ever messed with us or got Kiyone hurt!"
"Washu?" Surprise flickered in Tokimi's eyes, and Tenchi groaned inwardly, wishing not for the first time that Mihoshi had learnt the art of discretion.
"Mihoshi, this isn't the time." He said quietly.
"But you know she will, Tenchi." Mihoshi seemed oblivious. "I told her everything about Seiryo Tennan and what he said and she's smart. She'll know how to find us, and when she does..."
"Silence!" Tokimi thundered, and the lights in the room flickered and glowed an eerie blue, cowing even the angry Mihoshi into obedience. "If you continue to prattle on in such a way, Detective Kuramitsu, I will terminate you here and now. Once and for all...do you hear me! It will not be an easy death, if you anger me, so think carefully before you speak to me of things you don't understand!"
Tenchi eyed his foe carefully, taking in the agitation masked deep beneath Tokimi's rage. He pursed his lips, considering.
"What if Washu does come, Tokimi?" He asked softly. "What will you do? Kill her, too? Kill everyone who tries to help me?"
"I said silence!" Tokimi's eyes glittered dangerously and Tenchi realised that the Priestess was only inches from outright madness. He bit his lip, and Tokimi raised her hand, flicking her fingers in the direction of the furthest wall. As Tenchi watched, he saw a screen materialise from nowhere, and, as the picture became less and less grainy, he made out the image of a man.
"Clay!" Tokimi's voice resounded around the room, and the man on the screen visibly started, staring up at her with a mixture of fear and apprehension. Tenchi drew breath sharply. So that was Dr Clay - the man with whom Washu had worked, so many years ago!
"Have you found Zero yet, Dr Clay?" Tokimi demanded.
"No, my Lady. Her signal is shielded from me. I'm having trouble locating her." Clay babbled, beads of sweat collecting on his brow.
"That is not good enough." Tokimi's eyes narrowed to slits. "I expect more from you, Clay - or did you forget that I am not someone you want to make angry?"
"No, my Lady. I'm sorry, my Lady. I'll try harder." Clay's eyes flickered with fear and despite himself, Tenchi almost felt pity for the frightened specimen before them.
"And use some common sense." Tokimi added coldly. "If you can't reach Zero's signal, someone must have interfered with it. And only one person has the technology to do that. You know where she is - do you fear an encounter with your old Academy colleague? Find Zero and terminate her before she can reveal any more of our plan to the heretic Washu. And do it quickly! My patience runs out!"
With that she terminated the communication, abruptly wheeling her attention back on Tenchi. She bore down on him, grabbing him tightly by the shoulders and glaring deep into his eyes.
"You will reveal Tsunami's secrets to me." She said softly. "I am not pleasant when I'm angry."
"Even if I wanted to, I couldn't." Tenchi summoned all his courage, forcing himself not to drop his gaze from her challenge. "Because I don't know any of them. And that's the truth. Kill me if you want to. It won't help you."
"Nor will it help you, Prince of Jurai." Tokimi snapped. "Do not shield her. The blood of Kihaku is on her conscience. I must have my revenge!"
"Kihaku died because you stole Washu's magic and used it to destroy your world!" Tenchi exclaimed, wresting free of her grip and dropping back against the wall of the chamber with a heavy thud. "You were the one who killed Kihaku, not Tsunami and not Washu!"
"Liar!" Fury flickered in Tokimi's gaze at this. "Is that what my heretic sister told you? When was the magic ever hers? She chose another path even before Father died! It was never hers and I would never betray my world in the way she did! Tsunami brought her settlers and they dug out the heart of Kihaku, wounded it and caused it pain. I avenged that pain and you dare to call me responsible for my people's bloodshed? Those of Jurai killed my world! Not me!"
"Then why is it you who wants to kill people, and not Washu or Tsunami?" Tenchi demanded. "Why did you send Seiryo to kill Kiyone, when she's not even Juraian? Why do you want to hurt Mihoshi and I, when I'm just another Prince of that planet and Mihoshi's no more involved than Kiyone? Why did you attack the Earth, who never did anything to you in the whole of their existance? People there are frightened because of you, Tokimi! You are the one causing their pain - not Tsunami and not Washu!"
"Earth shields both of you. Washu and Tsunami." Tokimi growled, blue light shimmering from the tips of her fingers. "Shielding heretics and traitors is a serious enough crime. Kiyone Makibi sought to prevent my actions, and she paid the price for it. I only seek to destroy those who are responsible for Kihaku's pain. That's all. I am their Priestess. I am the only one left to avenge their deaths."
"Washu is their Priestess." Tenchi said softly.
"Washu was never Kihaku's Priestess." Tokimi spat out. "Never. Not even from the moment she was born. Father knew it - how many times did he flog her for her treacherous thoughts? - and I came to see it, after he died. She was always a traitor. Always. She was never true to her blood. I am Kihaku's true Priestess. Not her."
"And if she does come? What then? Will you kill your own sister, to settle this blood debt?" Tenchi challenged. "Kill blood of Kihaku to avenge blood of Kihaku? Seems illogical to me, if you don't mind me saying."
Tokimi fell silent for a moment, glaring at him.
"I'm losing my patience with you and your time-wasting words." She said at length. "Reveal Tsunami's weakness to me. Give up the Goddess and I shall let your friend live."
"I can't do that, I told you." Tenchi sighed, frustration bubbling up inside of him. "I'm not Tsunami and even if I do have the Light Hawk Wings, I don't know how they work or how to control them!"
Tokimi's eyes glittered dangerously, and she shook her head.
"Wrong answer." She said coldly, holding out her hand towards him and a blast of energy hit him straight in the midriff, sending him clattering against the cold steel of the walls once more. Pain and fire rocketed through him and he struggled to regain his footing, all too aware that the cuffs at his wrists restricted his movement.
"Tenchi!" Mihoshi exclaimed. "Tenchi, are you all right?"
"Agent Tennan!" Tokimi drew her hands together, and in the furthest corner of the chamber, Seiryo flickered and blurred into view, gazing at the Priestess in confusion.
"Tokimi?" He asked. "What now? I thought I did what you asked of me...I thought that I'd more than succeeded."
"You have, but I have one more errand for you, my Lord of Jurai." Tokimi's eyes flickered thoughtfully. "One last errand, to ensure your sister's protection and your future as more than just another nobleman of the Holy Council. Will you deny yourself those things?"
"Tell me what to do." For a split-second, Tenchi thought he saw an expression of weary resignation cross the Agent's face. Then it was gone, and Tokimi smiled.
"Go to the Earth." She said softly. "Take a force with you - my magic will provide you with those you need. Take as many Galaxy Police officers as you deem necessary - go with force and do my bidding. Destroy anyone who has loyalty to Lord Tenchi and Lady Tsunami. Kill all. Find Dr Clay and Zero, and destroy them too - they have failed me and I do not tolerate failures. But not Washu. Bring back Washu to me...and bring her back alive."
"No!" Tenchi was alert in an instant, but Tokimi clenched her fists and Tenchi found he could not move.
"Why not kill them all?" Seiryo raised an eyebrow. "What possible use can the scientist Washu have to you, Tokimi?"
"Will you just obey my orders?" Tokimi snapped. "Bring Washu to me. I have business with her. The others - kill them. All of them. Especially..."
She paused, casting Tenchi a malevolent glance.
"Especially the space pirate." She hissed. "The one they call...Ryoko."
---------
For a moment, there was silence across the bridge of the Tsunami-fune after the young Princess made her declaration. Then, as Washu watched, the entirety of the tree-console was engulfed in bright white light, causing her to shield her eyes from the glare. When she looked back, the light was beginning to fade, first releasing Azaka, then Kamidake as they slowly released their contact with her trunk, stumbling away from the ship's control unit as they did so. As the glow continued to disperse, Washu let out a gasp, taking in the spectral form that stood before her. Sasami was nowhere to be seen, and in her place stood the Goddess Tsunami, hair flitting in an imaginary breeze as, second by second her form became more and more substantial.
At length she stepped away from the console herself, no longer a spirit but a solid humanoid form, and as she caught Washu's expression, she smiled.
"You're used to giving the shocks, but not receiving them, Professor Washu." She said softly. "Are you all right?"
"Tsunami-sama." Washu breathed. "But..."
Tsunami nodded her head.
"For now, yes." She agreed. She turned, glancing at her two knights as they gathered their wits and their composure from the intensity of the procedure, dropping to their knees before her in acknowledgement of her status.
"You two have served me well, as I knew you always would." She said gently. "Azaka, Kamidake, rise and stand firm. You are the most loyal of all Jurai's knights and your loyalty to me and to Lady Sasami will be rewarded."
She paused, then held out a hand to the nearest knight - Kamidake - and he took it slowly, raising his gaze to hers as she offered him a playful smile. He returned it hesitantly, and she laughed, letting out a peal of warm, melodious laughter that rang out through the drive room.
"Yes, my Lord Knight." She murmured. "It's been some time, hasn't it, since you would spend so much time at my statues and tapestries, listening above all others for the voice of the Goddess to guide you?"
Much to Washu's confusion, Kamidake seemed discomfitted, dropping his gaze. Tsunami released his hand, looking amused.
"Lord Azaka, your guidance and kindness to Sasami has not gone unnoticed." She said instead. "You both have my deepest gratitude."
"Whatever you will, my Lady." Azaka bowed his head once more.
Washu gathered herself, approaching her companion slowly. Although she was no longer translucent to the naked eye, there were glimmers and flickers of something beyond in her very aura, and Washu was left in no doubt about the meaning. Tsunami had finally returned - and excitement flashed through her as she considered all she had seen.
"So, Lady Tsunami, what happens now?" She asked softly.
Tsunami eyed her keenly for a moment, then smiled.
"We must go after Lord Tenchi, of course." She said simply. "No harm must come to him...he is another of my Chosen, and I never forsake those I've invested with my trust."
"Then we should probably not waste any time." Washu pursed her lips. She paused, then, "You do understand that I want to come with you, don't you? I mean..."
"Yes." Tsunami nodded. "I understand a great deal, Washu - I know Tokimi is your sister and that you feel you have reparations to make."
"More true than you can imagine." Washu muttered. "All right. So we're going to go face her and settle this once and for all."
"But first we must convey Mihoshi-san's message to the others." Tsunami said thoughtfully. "And besides, I need your help more than just in terms of support. Washu-san, you are a very gifted woman...both magically and scientifically. Tokimi fears that element of your nature. In terms of magic, she understands you and how you operate. But the science is a foreign language to her. She enlists the help of people like Clay to try and cover that weakness - but Clay is not the scientist you are. That became clear enough when you explained to Sasami and the rest what had already been established. That being so..."
"My science is the reason Tokimi doesn't want to involve me in things?" Washu looked startled. "But Tokimi has never put any faith in science. Even when we were children, she thought my obsessions were bizarre. She tolerated them with amusement, but she couldn't understand how pursuing those things could be important. The last time we spoke, she actually called me a heretic...there were harsh words exchanged, and I never saw her again after that. Father's death upset her, and she considered me betraying him by refusing to leave my work. The rift was already too wide."
She eyed her companion keenly.
"How do you know so much about Tokimi?"
"Through the Emperors of Jurai that she slew in Kihaku's name." Tsunami replied. "They, like Azusa-heika and his family, carried my magic before them and I was able to learn things through their prayers, their thoughts and their memories. Many of them went there with the intention of finding Tokimi's weakness, and defeating her through the Jurai Power. But as you probably realise, they didn't stand a chance."
"Did you know, then, that Tokimi would be the thing to bring Tsunami back to Jurai?" Washu asked. Tsunami shook her head.
"Sasami's birth was decided long before this began." She said with a shrug.
"And now you need my help? I still don't see why."
"Tokimi is very powerful." Tsunami sighed. "As am I. But Tsunami's magic is not intended to be aggressive. It's a defensive force. I protect Jurai. That's what I do. What I've invested in my heirs can be and has been used to win battles...but my own magic is designed only to defend my world from attack. Not to initiate an attack of my own. Jurai is, when all's said and done, a peaceful planet. I've worked hard for many milennia to ensure that is the case."
"So you're saying that, if you had Tokimi in front of you, you couldn't do anything to stop her?" Washu's brows knitted together. "You could deflect her magic, but not retaliate in kind?"
"On the contrary, I am able to attack at will. It's just not something I am willing to do." Tsunami shook her head. "My magic is powerful, Washu. More powerful than any being - living or dead - that has ever graced the universe. A clash of my power against Tokimi's might render Tokimi inactive, but it would also have other repercussions. Potentially a whole galaxy or even beyond might pay the price for our squabbling - and there are many planets in Kihaku's vicinity which still support vibrant, healthy societies. So many deaths on my conscience to stop one woman...it's not within me to do it. Tsunami is the Tree of Life. She heals. She doesn't kill."
Washu looked thoughtful.
"I hadn't thought of it from that angle, but I can see your point." She said with a sigh, sinking down onto one of the ship's control units as she considered. "You do know, then, that there's probably only one way to stop Tokimi?"
She bit her lip.
"One I had hoped to avoid, coward that I am." She added sadly.
Tsunami approached her companion, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder, and Washu was aware of the glow of energy emanating from within. She raised her gaze to the Goddess, seeing understanding in the crimson eyes, and despite herself, she managed a smile.
"I suppose this is a debt I owe Kihaku, anyway." She murmured. "What do you suggest, Tsunami-sama?"
"That we work together to resolve this problem." Tsunami said softly. "With magic and science. My concern is for Tenchi-sama, and to neutralise Tokimi's effect on the Universe. This I can do, but to engage her in battle is not a risk I want to take. And I can hold her, but eventually she would draw on enough of Kihaku's strength to break through and force a fight. So..."
"So Kihaku must be destroyed." Washu said heavily. "It's the only option left. Noone lives there, not now."
"Do you have the technology to do that, Washu-san?" Tsunami asked gently. Washu nodded.
"Yes. Oh yes. I was kicked out of the Academy the first time for developing weapons of that nature." She said ironically. "I can't pretend that destroying the world that gave me life makes me happy...but I do see what you're saying, and I understand it. If it's the only way forward, then it's what we must do. And so we must go back to the others, tell them what we know and make sure I have everything I need."
Tsunami was silent for a moment, then she met Washu's gaze once more and the scientist was startled by the strange look in the woman's eyes. For a moment she thought she saw Sasami in her expression, and then the moment was gone, leaving her wondering if it had been imagined.
"I know what sacrifice Kihaku's destruction would be for you, daughter of the Hakubi tribe." Tsunami spoke slowly. "Your life is tied up with its life, am I correct?"
"Yes." Washu admitted unwillingly. "I don't know what would happen to me, if...but it's a moot point." She shrugged, getting to her feet. "It's the only course open to us. Sasami has been brave enough for everyone already today. It's time I took my part, too. After all, a lot of this is my own fault. It's about time I was held account for my actions all those years ago. If this is the way I make amends, so be it."
She rallied herself, offering a slight smile as she did so.
"Ayeka will get quite a shock when she sees you this way." She observed, as they made their way towards the doorway, Tsunami indicating for Azaka and Kamidake to prepare the ship for flight. "Are you sure she's ready for it?"
"My sister is one of the strongest women I know." Tsunami looked pensive. "But I am worried about her reaction, I have to admit. One day this will be the reality, and she needs to get used to it. But she loves Sasami so much - I suppose I don't want her to reject Tsunami as a stranger and an interloper. I need her to understand that we are the same person. This seems as good a way to break the ice as any."
"Poor Ayeka." Washu mused. "First Tenchi, now Sasami."
Tsunami paused, eying Washu sharply.
"Tenchi?"
"You can't pretend you don't know how Ayeka feels about Tenchi, even now." Washu scolded, stepping carefully down onto the soft earth and waiting for her companion to join her. "Seeing him with Ryoko can't be easy, even though she has Takeru to take the edge off it."
"Well, as I said, she's a strong woman." Tsunami looked rueful. "I never imagined she'd fall in love with him, to be honest. She had so many hopes for him to be King of Jurai, and I had to make sure that was a position he never took. So it was blighted from the beginning."
"Did you make Tenchi fall in love with Ryoko?" Washu demanded. "Because my daughter's emotional state is unstable enough without you playing games with it, Tsunami!"
Tsunami stared, and then she laughed.
"You really do love that girl, don't you?" She observed gently. "No, Washu-chan. I can't make someone fall in or out of love. That's not my role or my business. Tenchi found Ryoko all on his own. She was never part of the picture either, until you brought her to life and linked her to my gems. That she should be Tenchi's paramour was never in my mind until Kagato's insurrection. Tenchi did that all on his own - as Princes of Jurai tend to do when faced with a pretty, vivacious woman. Just like his grandfather, Tenchi followed his heart. That's all."
Washu pinkened, glancing at her hands.
"Well, don't tell her I said it." She admitted. "But I wouldn't see her hurt if I could prevent it. And she might be bad science in so many respects, but she at least has happiness with Tenchi. I want to preserve that. After all, true love comes around in life only once. Isn't that what they say?"
"You sound like you speak with experience." Tsunami observed. Washu smiled wryly.
"I have lived a long life." She said softly, as memories washed briefly over her senses. "There are many things I've done and seen, but none of them are the business of Jurai's noble Goddess."
Tsunami bowed her head, as if acknowledging that she had gone too far, and then changed the subject, glancing around her at the darkening landscape.
"We should leave before the moon is too high in the sky. Tsunami-fune is swift and silent and noone will notice her leave." She said instead. "Azaka and Kamidake will have her ready to go - through their bond with me, they are able to communicate with the ship's console, even if they no longer have the magic to pilot her without my guidance. We shouldn't waste time."
"I agree." Washu nodded. "I'll go to my lab and assemble the things that we need. You explain to Ayeka and the rest exactly what we're going to do."
"Very well." Tsunami smiled, and Washu saw Sasami's mischief in her eyes once more. Then the Goddess faded and vanished, and Washu sighed, taking a deep breath into her lungs.
Slowly she slipped into the house, hearing the exclamations of the others as they greeted Tsunami. Taking advantage of their distraction, she crept into the hallway, entering her lab and shutting the door carefully behind her. Then she turned, staring around at the array of equipment that flashed and whirred at intervals with a sudden sense of regret.
"This has been my world for so many centuries." She murmured. "Will I come back to this life? Or will Kihaku speak for me the way my father always told the story? I wish I knew how much was fact and how much myth. I've lived this long - far longer than any of the Kii people who married into Juraian families and left for new worlds. I've outlived everyone else I ever knew, except Tokimi, and I'd thought that she lay dormant when the last of Kihaku's people died. I've not aged - I'm as Ryoko says, still a young woman. Still the age I was when Father died...stopped in time, just as he was when Grandfather passed on his crown. But I never gave my soul to Kihaku the way Father did. Does that mean I'm not connected to it? Or am I still bound to die when Kihaku does, just because I was born a Hakubi?"
She bit her lip, padding slowly across the laboratory and flipping a switch, watching as a section of wall slid back to reveal a small hiding place. Inside was a tiny carved box and she pulled it out, holding it for a moment as she eyed the ornately carved eagle feather that adorned the lid. The symbol of her family, she knew...a symbol that her father had worn proudly on his cape, and which she had all but forsaken in her curiosity to learn about Jurai.
Fumbling with the lock, she opened it, reaching slender fingers inside and pulling out the box's only artefact - a slim golden chain adorned with a heavy pendant. The clasp was broken, and elements of the gold link had become tarnished, but time had not destroyed it, and she allowed herself a sad smile as she ran her fingers over the surface.
"My death doesn't matter as much as Tenchi's might." She mused, clutching the necklace tightly in her hands. "We've been parted a long time, but I've not forgotten and maybe, if there is a life beyond death, this way we'll see one another again. Ryoko will have Tenchi, and she's never needed a mother, anyway. Ryo Ohki has Ryoko and Jurai will be safe. Yume...Yume will learn to adapt to her new form and build a future for herself. And I can't keep running away from the world I destroyed, all those centuries ago."
"Are you talking to yourself?"
A voice from the doorway startled her and she swung around, the chain clattering to the floor as she registered the fact she had company. Ryoko stood in the doorway, and the scientist scowled, putting her hands on her hips.
"Ryoko-chan, it's rude to enter without knocking." She said reproachfully. "Did noone ever teach you that?"
"Strangely, noone ever raised me, so no." Ryoko said unrepentantly, reaching down to scoop up the chain and glancing it over. "What are you doing? And what's this? I've never seen you fuss with jewellery before. What's going on, Washu? I know Sasami...Tsunami...whoever says you're leaving soon...but she said you wanted to speak to me before you went. Is something wrong? Have you heard more from Mihoshi about Tenchi?"
"Probably no more than Tsunami has already told you." Washu shrugged, holding out her hand for the chain. "Please, Ryoko. That's mine."
"Why did you want to see me?" Ryoko made no move to return the object, instead turning it over in her hand.
"I don't remember telling Tsunami that I did." Washu replied. "I'm not sure that there's anything you can do right at the moment, anyway. I have things to prepare and I haven't much time to do it in. So if you don't mind..."
She faltered, and Ryoko frowned, setting the chain down on a nearby unit as she registered the expression on her mother's face.
"You're not coming back, are you?" She murmured. Washu stared at her daughter in consternation, and Ryoko's eyes clouded over.
"And you weren't going to tell me." She added accusingly. "Were you?"
Washu bit her lip, shrugging her shoulders.
"I don't know what's going to happen." She admitted. "What Tsunami and I have to do will need both of us. And yes, it's possible that I might not survive it all, Ryoko. But I'm surprised that it bothers you. You always tell me you don't need a mother - and I admit you've never really had one. That being so, why do you care? Tenchi will be safe, and I promise that both Tsunami and I will make sure of that fact."
A mixture of emotions crossed Ryoko's face at this, and for a moment she didn't speak.
Then, at length, she sighed.
"You've always done this." She murmured, a slightly wistful note in her voice as she leant up against the computer unit. "Run off and left me to manage on my own."
"I don't exactly have a choice. I never have had. I never tried to play Mom with you - I created you for a purpose and you fulfilled that purpose." Washu said flatly. "Now I have to face up to the things I didn't do years ago. That's all. I would have thought you of all people would understand that."
"I do." Ryoko nodded her head. "And I'm not going to try and stop you."
She sighed again, and an uncharacteristically pensive expression flickered in the depths of her golden eyes.
"Just sometimes Tenchi talks about his mother, and how he remembers her, and how close they were." She added. "But I've never had that, and I never will have it, either. We fight like crazy, you and me. You drive me insane most of the time and I know I do the same for you. But then again, having you here...I suppose I didn't realise you'd be off again. And that it might be the only time I'd have to speak to you. That's all. I still feel like you're a stranger - and I'm frustrated with people keeping secrets from me. You especially. And now I guess I'll never know who I really am."
Washu looked stricken, shaking her head.
"Ryoko." She murmured. "Listen to me. You know who you are, and you've never needed me to define that for you. You've succeeded in every way that I've failed. You've fulfilled your destiny against Kagato, whilst I ran from mine on Kihaku. And you will have your future with Tenchi...whereas all I've ever learnt is how to be alone. You don't need me. Don't let Tenchi's remeniscences make you think otherwise. You've never needed a mother."
She scooped up the chain, glancing at it and then slipping it into her pocket.
"And now I have to go." She added. "We've a long journey ahead of us."
"Will you at least tell me what that chain is for?" Ryoko asked. "I mean, if you're not coming back, I won't get another chance..."
Washu smiled sadly.
"Someone gave it to me, a long time ago." She said softly. "Someone I was very close to...many years into the past. That's all."
She turned, moving across the lab towards the big computer system in the corner. "And now I have to make sure everything I need is ready to board Tsunami-fune. Goodbye, Ryoko. Tenchi will be returned to you safely, I promise...that's all you have to know."
For a moment there was silence, then the scientist heard her daughter sigh. In a moment she knew she was alone, and when she turned, she saw the pirate had indeed withdrawn from her laboratory. She closed her eyes against the tears that longed to fall, fighting back her emotions as she focused her mind on what she had to do.
"Time to face my ghosts." She muttered, pressing buttons and selecting componants as she did so. "And stop Tokimi once and for all."