Chapter 141: 'Departures'

The next hour or so was blessedly uneventful, for the most part.

Beginning with the Grand marshal being sent on his merriest of ways, 'sarcasm intended', with a surprising minimum of fuss.

Azusa's bemusement at having so efficiently defused the situation however suddenly melted upon his return to the vicinity of the front yard.

The very moment his dark brooding eyes had set upon where Ayeka stood.

Something poignant seemed to have passed briefly between father and daughter.

Enough that somewhere, amid Mihoshi's assurances that despite appearances, her grandfather was not 'such an evil man'. The emperor decided the time was appropriate and had finally taken Ayeka aside. Disappearing with the crown princess inside of the house.

An announcement from a reemerging Washu just then had followed.

Though visibly still shaken by recent personal revelations herself, the good professor managed some welcome news.

Assuring everyone that Hero, now transfered to one of her labs was responding well to treatment. Going further to inform that his injuries while serious where far from life threatening.

Thanks to in no small way to his 'unique' physiology, she was quick to emphasize, and of course her amazing skill. The later of which Washu was as rapid to point out.

She was therefore confident Hero would certainly make a full recovery.

Tenchi was also equally sure that her personal discovery of Hero's Wolven nature almost guaranteed the prospects for the young diplomat's private life where bleak indeed.

At least Hero would have Ryo-oki by his side to help him through the coming and no doubt embarrassing ordeals. Both she and Mayuka were with him right now.

"It's been an amazing journey hasn't it young man?" Misaki asked Tenchi sometime later.

Though only some minutes had past in truth, it seemed to him they'd been standing awkwardly about for a much longer span.

"Having so much change in only the span of a few days?" Misaki continued cautiously.

Probably just trying to bridge the silence, which seemed to have settled.

"I'm still trying to get my mind around most of it." He admitted still understandably uncomfortable with any of the royal family. Though more concerned about Ayeka's reactions to the news of Azusa's condition than anything else at the moment.

It struck him as odd to note privately right then, that this was the first time Ayeka's and Sasami's biological mother had ever addressed him directly.

"I recall being somewhat stunned in the aftermath of my own wedding." Funaho added tactfully.

"It's only natural."

"I'm not sure I'll ever be able to forgive any of you." Tenchi told them both suddenly, eyeing the queen and Ayeka's mother sternly.

Watching with a small measure of grim satisfaction as the two of them visibly retreated.

"We have a difficult journey ahead." Funaho replied somberly. Allowing her gaze to slip downwards from his.

"There is much for you still to learn and understand Tenchi, before you are at last ready to ascend the throne!"

"We would hope you would avail yourself of the knowledge our experiences have given!" Misaki added carefully buoyant.

"Do not let the harsh necessity of our actions incense you from exploiting our wisdom!" Funaho continued evenly.

"None of what we've done here was out of malice." Ena concluded.

"I know!" He snapped quietly. "I just think another way could have been found."

Saying that the situation felt 'awkward' would have been an understatement. Tenchi was still uncertain exactly what lay ahead. But then, did anyone?

"Time was not gracious." Misaki shrugged sadly.

A smile lifted her countenance somewhat as Ryoko chose that moment to move to Tenchi's side. Regarding them curiously.

"But certainly the outcome must please you to some degree?" Misaki asked.

"Yeah." He muttered gazing deep into Ryoko's eyes momentarily. Thrilling to the smile he got in return.

"You hold our children's hearts and the future of our empire!" Misaki continued, just as the door to the house again opened.

Preceding the reappearance of Ayeka entwined with her father as they made their way towards the assembled group.

Tenchi studied the princess carefully, it was clear she'd had another emotional outburst from the way Ayeka's eyes were shining. Yet now her expression towards Azusa was one of proud sadness and undeniable love.

"I fear our moment for a timely departure has long since past." The emperor spoke solemnly as he neared.

"Just like that?" Tenchi mused, mildly surprised.

"Seems your visits are always so short."

Secretly he was astonished at the genuine if small regret he felt at the announcement. In spite of the mild sarcasm he'd been unable to refrain from interjecting. But then things were different now weren't they?

"Duties of the empire beckon." The emperor shrugged sadly, still taking the moment to fondly stroke his daughter's hair.

"One day," He promised, nodding darkly. "You too will know such joy."

"Well..." Tenchi shrugged after a moment. "At least things can get back to something approaching..."

He paused, looking about suddenly with some mild disdain.

"Jezz..." He then muttered, shaking his head. "I almost said 'normal' for a while."

Azusa favored him with a smile, halting briefly to bend and brush his lips across his daughter's forehead.

"Ayeka." He whispered gently while she favored her father a final embrace before taking only a single reluctant step backwards to Tenchi's side.

"Father, surely something can be done?" The princess implored, before glancing towards a certain resident mad scientist. "Perhaps, lady Washu... ?"

"Some of the finest minds in the empire have labored over these matters." Azusa told her firm yet gentle. Even as Tenchi caught the faint but unmistakable sound of a snort. He didn't even bother looking.

He was just happy to 'see' Washu recovering some of her equilibrium at least.

"I assure, you hope is not lost." The emperor added, having ether not heard or more likely having chosen to simply ignore.

"And at any rate. I do not regret my choices on behalf of the world and the people that I serve."

It was at that moment that he straitened. Bringing himself to his full regal hight as though the emperor of Jurai was bracing himself. Perhaps considering the one 'regret' which he might have had.

"Sasami?" Azusa then queried. Glancing at last to where she had been standing, oddly apart from everyone.

Tenchi had noticed her 'drifting back' more than likely in Washu's wake from the professors lab where she had gone with Ryo-chan and Mayuka. He had Just kept himself from dwelling on it, from thinking how she had returned ... alone.

Lately She had been noticeable in isolating herself, it was the thought of that which bothered Tenchi the most. He loved her as well. He loved all of them with all of his heart.

He and Sasami were going to have to have a very long talk.

Tenchi wanted to wait however for a better time. Preferably when the two of them were alone.

"Yes..." Sasami responded lightly after contemplating Azusa for a moment.

"I will speak with you now." She added decisively.

Moving then to stand several feet from the assembled royals and their surrounding Tanzuru.

"I'm mad as hell at all of you!" She whispered fiercely, making certain that she let her gaze move from Azusa to the rest where they stood regarding her resolute. The sum of them clearly dreading what it was she might say.

"As only expected." Azusa began gently. Seeming delighted and more than surprised that she was speaking with him.

"Be silent father." Sasami told him directly with a succinct nod of her head.

Favoring the emperor with the faintest ghost of a smile as she then looked again to each of them with careful deliverance.

Azusa looked stricken, his mouth hanging mildly open, as never the less he complied.

"I wish it known ... that I do understand what it is that you have done." She continued emphatically.

"And that I accept both your motivations and your reasons."

She then locked eyes directly with those of Funaho and Misaki, alternating between the two of them.

"I however, do not forgive!"

Tenchi drew a breath, swallowed. Not liking the sound of this in the slightest!

The statement while delivered by Sasami in modest tones, carried the force of a pistol shot. Not a single soul gathered there deemed it permissible to blink in the scant seconds which followed.

Yet cast in the moment, even as he was alarmingly aware of the reactions both subtle and gross occurring around him. Tenchi sensed no malice in her.

"It was for the good of the empire and its people!" Funaho suddenly blurted. The queen taking on the first semblance of actual panic Tenchi believed he had ever seen. The cool calculating mask ubiquitous in all things The lady Funaho presented to the world shattering in an instant.

"Sasami please!"

"The empire?" Sasami interrupted with a laugh as the Lady Funaho visibly started.

Standing in her place beside the queen, Misaki didn't speak looking however as though she might be considering a good faint.

"The empire as you know it 'died' the moment you and yours dare presume to lay hands upon me and mine!" Sasami continued icily, her voice betraying no hint of compromise.

"Rejoice however." She added mildly after another stunned pause. When it became clear that no one wisely wanted to add their opinion.

"In a real sense, you and my mother have accomplished your goal.

From this day forward the old ways are dead to me! And I morn their passing.

I will now serve only the new order! And all that statement entails!"

She then turned slightly. Just enough to look full upon where Tenchi stood.

"What ever he tells me." She added quietly gazing deep in to his eyes.

"I am his to command."

"Mother-puss-bucket..." Kiyone muttered under her breath. The full import of what Sasami was saying falling full upon her.

"Tsunami..." Ayeka breathed astonished as she too considered.

"Yes dear sister." Sasami replied lightly, looking directly at Ayeka.

"And Sasami..." She added, the tiny smile she wore then widening to brilliant proportions.

"Its still me you know?"

She continued to regard Ayeka, smile never faltering. Until the emotions of the moment finally overwhelmed and the crown Princess found herself mirroring that smile and the love she felt radiating from the young woman before her.

"As to the rest." Sasami continued, finally turning her attention full again upon the members of the old guard.

"Be comforted in the knowledge there will be no reprisals. For the sake of the new order."

She then raised a finger her demeanor turning deadly serious.

"Be warned however." Sasami cautioned.

"Take this to the ear of any who would set themselves against those whom I love!

Your agenda's, past, present or unfulfilled are of no consequence to me. And any who dare place themselves against us will come to know the true meaning of wrath."

Ryoko was silent, key thunderstruck. For Tenchi and more to the matter Ayeka, there was a mixture of concerns.

Yes, they and indeed all of their extended family could agree that 'the royals' as it was convenient to think of the Jurian nobles assembled, were deservingly reaping the whirlwind.

But at the same time it was difficult to equate the words and the manner of the young woman before them as the 'Sasami' they knew.

The pattern of her speaking, the regal air of address. This person was a stranger!

And yet there was that connection that Tenchi could somehow sense. An inner peaceful flow like the whisper of cool water on a sweltering summer day.

Calling out to him from the scant distance she stood apart. Calming his fears.

The smile and the single glance Sasami had given had been more than enough for Ayeka. The overwhelming outpouring of love she had sensed.

Besides, the princes reasoned smugly, her 'mothers' had certainly pressed this issue and were getting some proper comeuppance.

"Be careful what you wish for Mommy." Ayeka couldn't help but consider privately.

"You just might find yourself getting it!"

"One final thing." Sasami suddenly added. Guaranteeing that all attention again were riveted upon her.

Her gaze in turn now centered upon Azusa.

"Something for you alone." She continued sternly.

"Yes?" The emperor asked, looking upon Sasami uncertainly. Imagine his surprise when his youngest daughter suddenly raced forwards and threw her arms about him!

"I do love you poppa!" Sasami Sighed as she embraced him.

Azusa simply stood almost frozen in shock for several long moments. Until, his arms slowly rose as he wrapped them about her in return.

"And I you ... Little sprig." Azusa whispered, holding her tightly. Remembering a small face that had stared up at him so long ago. Wishing that he could have been wiser ... somehow.

"The weight you took upon yourself..." Sasami told him as she straitened.

"And the sacrifices you've made. So ... I guess I understand ... A little."

With a final squeeze she then turned on heel and walked away.

Kiyone watched along with the rest as Sasami continued away with out a backwards glance. Wondering as the second princess headed slowly towards the general direction of the hill away from the house, just what kind of reaction Azusa had expected?

Key believed she understood to a small degree at least. She herself couldn't even bear to look at Funaho and company at the moment. It was unlikely any of them would ever understand the motivations of the young woman who even now continued past where the rest of them were standing about.

"The Goddess has spoken eh?" Ryoko muttered wryly as Sasami move past.

"Shut up." Sasami hissed quietly, without so much as a glance Ryoko's direction as she continued on.

"It 'is' the nature of the goddess to forgive!" Sasami suddenly called to them, turning back to face all assembled. The light robe she wore fluttering in the breeze seeming somehow more than appropriate.

"But I am not at all what I once was! Nor am I who I intended to be!" She then paused. Her eyes finding Tenchi and a smile.