Homecomings

By William Benjamin Grilliette material of or relating to Tenchi Muyo! are copyrighted by Pioneer LD and AIC.

All material of or relating to "Will and Nerti Pii" is property of William Benjamin Grilliette.

Perspective 2: Jurai

Act 1

Scene 1

(A wooden door slides open, allowing outside light to enter the room and illuminate the dark chamber. A male silhouette steps before the light and walks into the chamber, his loose clothing flowing with his steps. Once inside, the door seals behind him, shutting off the light from outside as subtle lighting rises to give the youth barely enough light to see. However, this young man seems to see perfectly well in this dim light as he removes his oversized yellow shirt and sets it across a desk.)

(He wears a black, sleeveless bodysuit as well as two red, spherical earrings. His brown hair is cut short behind his head while the strands before his face fall around his ice-blue eyes somewhat wildly. Near his right earring, a portion of the earlobe is bandaged from some injury, possibly a mispunched earring hole or something of the like. He glances around the room cautiously as he steps through it, looking at the bare walls of Juraian wood with a hint of spite.)

(A couple doors are to either side to adjacent rooms, and a pained moan of a woman comes from one of them. The youth stops at her ached vocals, shaking his head before turning back to his destination, a computer terminal installed in a desk on the facing side of the room.)

(He seats himself at the keyboard and allows the screen a moment to come to life with a login dialogue, written in Juraiji. His fingers dance across the keys as his username and password skim by the GUI. The screen removes the dialogue and displays a black screen with white Juraiji in the corner, which translates as "Live Feed, Closed Channel". A familiar male voice rings from the speakers on the system with a calm and paced manner.)

Voice: How's Jurai, Tsugaru? Is it all you expected?

(Tsugaru grins playfully and answers his partner in this conversation.)

Tsugaru: I find it has too much folliage for my tastes, Hotsuma, my friend. Also, the people tend to be rather stuffy and humorless.

(Hotsuma laughs some to himself, a smile evident in his voice.)

Hotsuma: I would have to agree from what I've seen of the planet. How are you and Matori after the final adjustment treatment?

(Tsugaru glances back to where he heard the moans and then back to the screen with some concern in his eyes.)

Tsugaru: I'm fine, but Matori isn't. Her hair became very soft and fluid as expected, but a red Mark of Rage has manifested on her face. Also, her eyes can't focus in normal light. She has to squint to even see. She's also complaining of a lot of abdominal pain.

(Hotsuma's voice reflects some concern but little surprise.)

Hotsuma: The procedure is experimental, and it's good that you came through without any after-effects. The pains should fade, but the mark on her face and her eyes can't be helped.

(Tsugaru nods with distaste evident in his face and voice.)

Tsugaru: I'd rather keep my own skin for this.

Hotsuma: As I'm sure Matori would love to as well. Still, even with her problems, she should have no problem with her mission. I've heard the old man likes exotic women anyway.

(The youth at the terminal scoffs.)

Tsugaru: A damn pervert... At least through him, we will achieve one of our goals.

(The unseen man's voice becomes grave as he continues.)

Hotsuma: However, do not forget your other objective. Get that precognizant fluff of a man into the royal woman's bed quickly or destroy her. Her position and power cannot be overstated.

(The blue eyes narrow as he angles his head to the side in thought with a question for his ally.)

Tsugaru: She is one woman, her spirit broken and shattered. How can she be a threat?

Hotsuma: Easily. She is the part of the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy held close by these people, and her sister was the avatar for the goddess of light. Furthermore, she is also the elder daughter of the last great emperor and has many of his supporters.

(The brown-haired youth closes his eyes and nods.)

Tsugaru: Very well. I'll start the plan in motion as the timetable states.

(His eyes open slowly before he asks his next question.)

Tsugaru: What of Lord Tae and priest Ryobachi? Is everything going well on that front?

(Hotsuma sighs in his reply.)

Hotsuma: Yes and no. Both saw the GHK report on the marriage of the Masakis and Piis. Needless to say, they are livid over the information. Ryobachi has completely lost interest with our proposition to the Council of Deacons.

(Tsugaru grins to himself.)

Tsugaru: Vengeance destroys judgment very efficiently if it is unfulfilled.

Hotsuma: I don't need that explanation. However, while he is unfocused, Tae increased his physical and ethereal training. He will be ready far earlier than we assumed.

Tsugaru: Good. Then, Ryobachi will no longer be needed as his "keeper".

(A pleasured expression is heard in Hotsuma's voice.)

Hotsuma: Most assuredly.

(Tsugaru's lips twist into a smile when Hotsuma speaks again quickly.)

Hotsuma: Keep your reports regular, but shorter next time. The longer you're talking, the more opportunity there is that you will be detected.

Tsugaru: Acknowledged. Talk with you later, old friend.

(The Juraiji in the corner of the screen change to red and translate now as "Disconnected". Tsugaru's fingers perform one more waltz on the keys before more text flows across the screen, reading in English translation as "Event log deleted". The young man presses a toggle switch on the front of the terminal, allowing the energy to drain from the machine.)

(In the darkness, a crimson sphere of energy appears in Tsugaru's hand to light the room in red hues. He raises the ball of power before his face as he gazes into it quietly, contemplatively. His eyes glare with determination with the following words.)

Tsugaru: Unity to Ryua... Death to Jurai...

End Scene 1

Scene 2

(A crowd of people stand watching the skies of Jurai from the landing zone outside the Jurai Palace. A starburst of wooden panels arc toward the white clouds above from the outcropping of the mighty tree of the Palace. A smaller tree stands nearby, rooted to the primary folliage and thereby connected to the surrounding technician's stations for incoming space vehicle traffic. The grandeur of Jurai surrounds the Juraian citizens, many dressed in regal garb as members of the royal family.)

(A generic GP light escort ship floats down from the sky toward the Palace, though the ship has been altered. On its sides, two new engine nacelles are installed on the outer hull of the small vessel. From the hammered out dings and repair work on the nacelles themselves, they were recently repaired from combat. The ship comes to rest on the landing pad before the mass of Juraians, extending skids to gently touch the ground.)

(The hum of the primary engines whines down to little more than background noise when a side hatch opens and reveals the exiting occupants, four Juraian men. The first off is a young man dressed in a green gi-style shirt trimmed with a golden yellow. He also wears a pair of white trousers and a white cape draped around his shoulders. His brown hair falls to either side of his face while a long portion is tied behind his head as a ponytail.)

(Following him, two men are dressed traditionally as samurai, knights of the oriental disciplines. The elder bears a wise, black beard and tail of black hair while carrying a staff Key to the Jurai Power with a blue headpiece. This man's white hakama surround his legs, hiding the finer points of his stance while his gentle blue eyes watch the surroundings with great experience. The younger knight's red hair is also tied behind his head while he carries a staff Key with a red headpiece. His trousers unite with his foot gear with an emphasis on speed in his style, as opposed to his partner's angle towards power. His violet eyes are still youthful with energy and promise, but tempered by experience and training.)

(The last of the group bears grey streaks in his black hair from an eventful life. His hazel eyes are sullen but still have a passion deep within them. He wears a variation of a Western military dress uniform, brown with cotton-like balls on his chest. He is also decorated highly along with the rank of captain on his shoulder. The four men exit the vessel and clear its proximity before it closes its hatch and lifts off the ground, heading for the skies again.)

(After the craft leaves the sight of the people, a young man steps forward from the crowd. His yellow costume distinguishes him as Jurai Royal Family, although the bright colors also set him apart from his peers. However, the white cloak around his shoulders shows his rank in society to be higher than most around him. His hair is also a flaring pink compared to most males, whose hair is usually brown or black. These flowery locks are tied on either side of his face as well as in a ponytail behind his head. He steps forward and extends his hand to the man in white, welcoming him back though the azure eyes hidden behind those pink strands of hair seem misleading.)

Pink-Hair: Welcome home, Captain Jurai Sagami. I pray your trip was uneventful.

(Sagami glances at the pink man's hair hesitantly before taking his hand firmly enough to cause the fruity man to wince in pain. Sagami nods while the most of the people around grimace or grin at the man's weakness.)

Sagami: Indeed, it was, Surai Seiryo, though it is our escort who should be welcomed home. They fought the war against the dark goddess alongside those of prophecy.

(The brown-haired Juraian releases Seiryo's hand to throb from the grip of the young captain. Seiryo holds his hand as he bows respectfully to the two knights behind Sagami.)

Seiryo: Sir Juraiko Azaka... Sir Juraiko Kamidake...

(The azure knight Azaka bows slightly in acknowledgement, as does the crimson knight Kamidake, though a slight grin is on the young samurai's face. Seiryo's eyes glare slightly at the humor Kamidake expresses before the pink-haired man quickly covers his anger. All rise when the elder captain steps forward and greets Seiryo with a slight bow. Seiryo glances at the man and does not greet him in return, gaining the attention of all present. Kamidake steps forward and kindly questions the fellow royal.)

Kamidake: What of Lord Jurai Tensho, Lady Nagi's father? Of us all, he deserves the most respect as one of Lady Achi's descendents, as well as the father of one of the Six Warriors of her prophecy.

(Tensho rests his hand on Kamidake's shoulder, drawing the young knight's gaze back to his experienced eyes. Nagi's father shakes his head humbly, asking the crimson knight ignore the slight.)

Tensho: Kamidake, it's alright. I don't expect respect because of my daughter's identity, or my own.

(The paternal figure grins and angles his head to the side.)

Tensho: Besides, I've dealt with far worse than a simple slight like this.

(Kamidake glances back toward Seiryo with a few thoughts of his own under his breath, alongside a slight glare in his eyes.)

Kamidake: Neither you nor Nagi deserves this... especially not her...!

(Azaka closes his eyes hearing the words of his compatriot and friend while also understanding Tensho's position. Sagami's hands grip into fists while a tension is heard in his soft question for Seiryo.)

Sagami: I heard that Lady Ayeka arrived a few days ago... Have you seen her...?

(The slightful fool shakes his head.)

Seiryo: I have not, captain.

(Sagami looks toward Seiryo with a blank expression, though his eyes can barely conceal a deep concern in his mind.)

Sagami: Do you know if she is well...?

(Seiryo turns from Sagami and glances back at the young captain with some surprise mixed with his arrogance.)

Seiryo: I do not know whether she is well or not! Why should I concern myself with someone who has denied everything she was taught to believe?

(Sagami's eyes narrow while his gregarious nature fades away, unnoticed by the ranting fruit. However, the others can see an anger growing steadily behind Sagami's protected, royal facade.)

Seiryo: She has forsaken herself for an ill-fated love to a mixed-blood boy like Masaki Tenchi. I have often wondered at her choice of men from her decision to leave Jurai. It was folly, obviously.

(The young captain's hands grip tightly before he steps forward toward the ignorant man before him. Seiryo looks up with some surprise when Sagami stops directly before him, the officer's eyes piercing into the foolish man's. His brow is wrinkled some while his lips bear a slight curl, though Sagami seems to be attempting to hold himself back. An edge is heard on his voice in his reply.)

Sagami: Hold your tongue, coward...! Why do you even speak, you who hide in the emperor's shadow...!

(Seiryo recoils back some from the captain's words as his eyes scan the faces of the other three men behind Sagami. Though Azaka and Tensho show worry at Sagami's outburst, it is easily seen that they and Kamidake share Sagami's sentiment. Many of those behind Seiryo turn away from their rosy royal and head for the palace chambers, repulsed by his words. However, several stay near their leader loyally. Sagami takes a few breaths, his face turning slightly red before he takes a step back. Nervously, his eyes blink as the young man gathers himself. He sighs and walks around Seiryo quickly, heading toward the palace.)

Sagami: I will take my leave...

(The pink-haired man watches him leave when he blankly questions Azaka.)

Seiryo: What is wrong with him?

(Azaka replies coldly.)

Azaka: The same could be said of you when you speak so poorly of the Princess Ayeka.

(The buffoon raises an eyebrow with more confusion.)

Seiryo: "Princess"? She set aside her rights as princess when she abandoned her birthright to return to her supposed love on Earth. Those who befriend the Ryoan race will suffer from their own misfortunate choice. Masaki Tenchi will see that in his wife soon enough.

(Kamidake shifts his staff slightly with a glare in his eyes and begins to take a step forward when Tensho raises an arm before him. The crimson knight's hard gaze turns from Seiryo to the captain and listens as he speaks to the pink royal.)

Tensho: Then, tell me. Why was one of the Six Warriors who defeated the dark goddess on Earth a Ryoan? Why was another, my daughter, the child of Ryua and Jurai?

(Seiryo turns his gaze to Tensho who stands firm and immovable under the weaker man's stare.)

Tensho: Don't preach about what you don't understand, boy. You have only known one face of the people from Ryua. If they can produce people like Masaki Ryoko and her dear mother Ryoshu... then we should realize that they are more than the bloodthirsty thieves they are portrayed as.

(Azaka's wise voice draws the audience to himself as he adds to Tensho's words.)

Azaka: There have also been Juraians who have done far worse than any Ryoan pirate could ever dream, Lord Surai. I recommend you study the history of the Jurai Empire, particularly the rules of Empress Hinase and the dark emperor, whose name I will not even speak.

(The greying captain steps forward next to Seiryo and does not even turn his gaze as he speaks gravely to the youthful bigot.)

Tensho: You even degrade the name of Masaki Tenchi, a young man to whom we all owe our lives, let alone the planet upon which we stand.

(He pauses and turns his eyes only to glare directly into Seiryo's, causing the man in yellow to recoil some.)

Tensho: Had you said anything directly against my daughter... you would not longer be breathing so easily... Lord Surai...

(The military man continues forward while the two knights with him follow, Kamidake dropping a slight glare of distaste for the pink-haired fruit. As the three of them enter the palace, Seiryo's faces their direction with a hardness in his eyes and a slight curl to his lip. Beneath his voice, a few of his supporters can hear his words.)

Seiryo: Say that when I assume my place, Jurai Tensho... Say it when I send you and your daughter into exile again...

(Seiryo starts for the doorway into the palace with his followers close behind while Sagami walks with purpose through the corridors of the great seat of leadership. All around him, the waters which feed the great arboretum follow through veins carved into the floor. High above, the leaves rustle with a gentle breeze, each covered in a light dew from the comfortable temperature around. He passes a variety of other Juraians milling in the passageways: other royals, scientists, soldiers, officers, administrators, and adjudicators among others. He pays no attention to them as he passes swiftly by the many doors and corridors. Soon, after riding elevators of organic origin and scaling a couple flights of stairs, the young captain reaches the personal chambers of the branch family Jurai, of which he is a distant relation. In these silent halls, Sagami questions himself and his motives.)

Sagami: Why did I explode like that...? I have never done that... Never before had someone enraged me so much... Actually, I have never been cross... even with insubordinate soldiers...

(He walks through the quiet halls ignoring the wall reliefs of the bonding between the trees and Juraian race by the goddess of light, Tsunami. Stories told in illustration tell of the ancient war between Jurai and Ryua, the world of crystals, ruled by a council of faction leaders. These people bonded to darkness warred millennia ago with the people of light. In defeat, they became subject to Jurai, but the relief continues with a prophecy. The goddess of darkness will fight for her people against Six Warriors, half of them Jurai and half of them from other worlds including Ryua. This will harbinger the coming of a new holy goddess of shadow, an Angel of Fire, who will defeat the dark goddess and usher in a new era of peace between light and shadow.)

(These motifs, as well as others, are detailed upon the walls when Sagami finally stops before a specific door, decorated beautifully with inlays of water and light imagery. In that design, twin waterfalls fall graciously down a majestic mountainside, the sun rising behind it on one side. On the other side, the moon sets quietly with the stars surrounding it and the soil, allowing no true shadow to exist. Atop the mountain, a great Juraian tree stands in full folliage and bloom with the great symbol of Jurai's family engraved in its trunk, the triple-kite logo that adorns Tenchi's forehead in his transformed state.)

(Sagami blinks nervously as his concerned gaze falls upon the door to the one he seeks, Lady Ayeka. He lifts his hand to press an illuminated key next to her door to chime within her room, but he hesitates and grips his hand into a fist while scowling at himself. The young Juraian turns to the side and questions himself.)

Sagami: What am I doing...? She is the daughter of the Great Jurai Azusa I, the last great emperor... She is one of the Six Warriors... the Light Woman of Shadow in Lady Achi's prophecy... Who am I to speak to her...? Why am I even here...? There are others who...

(His eyes close before they reopen with the worry increased. His fingers extend and press the pad, causing a harmonic tone to resound within Ayeka's quarters. For several moments, only the soft babble of the waterways fills Sagami's ears. His resolve begins to crumble away as he faces away from the door, his face filled with regret. However, a gentle voice startles him, the regal words of Ayeka.)

Ayeka: Yes... who is it...?

(Sagami spins around with his eyes open wide. Yet, he is confused by the melancholy in her speech, reforging his worried resolve as he replies to her.)

Sagami: It's Sagami, Ayeka... I'd heard you returned to Jurai before the rest of us... I thought I should check to see how you were...

(He hears silence for a few moments before her troubled voice speaks to him.)

Ayeka: That was kind of you... I... I need some time alone, Sagami... I am very sorry...

(The captain nods with a gentle smile on his face and heard on his voice.)

Sagami: I understand... If you need someone to talk to...

(She interrupts him softly, but absolutely.)

Ayeka: I thank you... but... I just need to be alone... Please...

(The smile fades from his face, leaving only the concern he bore to this place. He bows respectfully and apologizes.)

Sagami: I'm sorry, Ayeka... I shouldn't have assumed such... I'll leave...

(The youth rises and turns to walk away, stopping for a moment to look back to the solid door between him and Ayeka. The helpless expression on his face mixed with self-resentment explains his thoughts as he then turns back toward the corridor.)

(While he departs, Ayeka's soft sobs are heard only in her chambers. Draped in darkness, the muffled cries are partially absorbed by the wooden walls while the woman of violet tresses rests herself against the same door Sagami stood behind. She wears a quiet purple kimono with soft pink trim, yet it is disheveled. The blue ribbon and garter around her waist is untied and haphazardly draped across her abdomen. Her hair falls free around her face, the tiara Key removed from her forehead and her hair unbound from its twin ponytails of Jurai heritage. Her crimson eyes are bloodshot and dry while her face is wet from her sobs. A torn expression crosses her face, sorrow mixed with untold other emotions deep within her.)

(She holds her arms closely when the emotions well again, unable to contain the waves of emotions. Her head leans back against the door as she gazes at the ceiling blankly, lost in her torn soul. The words of her voice waiver as she speaks to herself.)

Ayeka: No... I'm sorry, Sagami... sorry I couldn't stay with Sasami... sorry I couldn't be at Ryoko's side... sorry I couldn't be with...!

(Her eyes close tightly as she raises her knees to her chest and buries her face in her arms. Unheard by those outside, the broken princess cries alone, isolated from her people, her family, and her friends.)

End Scene 2

Scene 3

(Surrounded by devastation in Manhattan's starry night, Ayeka's voice is heard maniacally laughing above the fires and terrified screams. A sadistic pleasure exists within the laugh, echoed by a male voice joined with hers. However, a seemingly second Ayeka speaks externally from the carnage of her other persona.)

Ayeka: I can see it still... the pain... the sufferring...!

(Before a solid concrete building, a lone female figure shoots through the air from the smoke-filled city. She slows as her feet lightly touch the ground in a mild walk before coming to a stop, standing toward the building.)

(This singular woman is Ayeka, but she is no longer the crown princess of Jurai's Royal Family. Her skin-tight combat uniform is a pitch black, torn and shredded from previous combat with open wounds bleeding across her soft skin. That blood has caked in various places on her body, further darkening her appearance. A ring that encircled her left arm has been torn into two ribbons that flow on the winds. A four-bladed Mark of Rage is etched in black across both sides of her face, interrupted only by five bloodless cuts in her right cheek. Her skin has paled to an almost ghostly white while her once powerful crimson eyes have faded to a slate grey. Her regal hair is disheveled and matted from blood and sweat and moves little with the breezes. Beneath that hair, a tiara Key of thorns adorns her brow, the many small blades threatening to puncture her forehead. A violet, bladed crest burns a deep obsidian edged by ruby as she raises her palm to face the building before her.)

(A twisted grin emerges upon this Dark Ayeka's lips when bloody energy gathers at her hand. Ayeka's true voice sobs helplessly as the scene continues.)

Ayeka: Why...! Why can't I stop myself...! I wanted to save them... not kill them...!

(The power at Dark Ayeka's hand explodes forward and envelops the building, ravaging it to its very foundation. In the wake of the destruction, pebbles and a gaping hole into the earth remain. Her eyes sight an elevator shaft leading deep below the ground, pleasing her greatly. Ayeka now pleads with this dark version of herself.)

Ayeka: Stop! Please, for God's sake, stop!

(Dark Ayeka closes her eyes and nods when her mixed voice speaks in reply.)

Dark Ayeka: Why should I stop...?

(The black princess spins around and opens her eyes to see the true princess Ayeka standing in her night gown in the cold autumn night. The orange gown edged with a dull red is tied at Ayeka's neck with a blue bow held by a golden brouch. The princess's hair falls around her face and long behind her freely, not contained by her tiara or the hairties for her ponytails. Tears fill her crimson eyes while she tries to reason with the evil reflection before her.)

Ayeka: None of these people deserve to die! Why mercilessly kill them! There's no reason for it!

(Dark Ayeka slowly approaches her counterpart with the grin on her face widening.)

Dark Ayeka: Oh, there is, Princess Jurai Ayeka, daughter of Emperor Jurai Azusa I...

(The true princess's breath becomes trapped in her throat listening to the woman before her explaining. Sweat beads on Ayeka's brow as her teeth clinch nervously.)

Dark Ayeka: Just as much reason for me to kill as it was for you to do so years ago...

(The princess takes a step back uneasily when Dark Ayeka stops, entertained by the reaction of the elder priness. The free violet locks sweep side to side as Ayeka shakes her head, denying the evil vision's words.)

Ayeka: No...! That wasn't me...! It wasn't my fault...! I didn't cause that tragedy...!

(The dark warrior begins to nod her head when she walks forward to stand directly before the princess, centimeters from her face. The demon's eyes narrow.)

Dark Ayeka: It was you, "Ayeka with the dark past"... They angered you to the point that you first manifested your Jurai Power...

(The woman in black bares her teeth in a pleased expression.)

Dark Ayeka: You took their lives! In your first true act as a Juraian royal, you killed three people in anger!

(Ayeka's eyes close tightly in emotional pain listening to this vile creature before her. She raises her hands toward her face, burying her visage in her palms.)

Dark Ayeka: In that, you swore to never use the Jurai Power again, an oath you broke to save Masaki Tenchi from Jurai Kagato!

(The princess sobs, denying the words spoken by her doppleganger.)

Ayeka: No! It's a lie! Stop it! It's not true!

(The female voice of Dark Ayeka vanishes as the male voice continues when two stone-like hands grab Ayeka's wrists.)

Male: I know it was, and you cannot deny anything to me.

(Her hands are pulled away from her face to reveal the being standing before her. Where Dark Ayeka stood, a young man composed of black fire stands staring back at her with glassy eyes of the darkest pitch. His face is a porcelain mask, partially hidden behind flaming locks of black hair. His hands and feet are of the same white china as the facemask. The clawed fingers hold Ayeka's arms tightly when she attempts to pull away from him. The princess's eyes open fearfully wide when she takes a gasp. Quickly, she begins to struggle, but the black creature holds her fast. His mask grins.)

Male: Surprised... my dear mother?

(Ayeka stops resisting but holds herself as far away from him as possible as her head shakes, denying his existance.)

Ayeka: Kain II... you can't be alive...! Tsunami...!

(Kain II nods.)

Kain II: Yes, the goddess of light did exile me from your body before my true birth... but I am far from dead...

(He leans forward while Ayeka pushes him away with all her strength when he speaks to her softly with a seductive tone to his voice.)

Kain II: Come, Mother... Everyone knows that you wanted to leave behind your responsibilities as crown princess...

(The black young man blinks and narrows his gaze while the princess closes her eyes tightly and turns her face away from him.)

Kain II: But, only I know that a deep... dark... black side of your soul wanted to unleash the godlike power of Jurai you possess... You repressed it because of what you did as a child... but after those years, it wanted free...

(His cold lips of stone near her ear and whisper softly to her as she begins to cringe and shake. Chills run throughout her body from his words, the icy grip on her wrists, and the cold wisps of his breath)

Kain II: That is my gift to you... I released your true self, Mother... That day in Manhattan... when "Dark Ayeka" rampaged through the city... that was who you really are...

(Ayeka screams out as she shakes her head violently, denouncing Kain II's evidence with all her passion.)

Ayeka: No!

(An emerald aura ignites around Ayeka when her hair starts to curl back and shift color to a bright blue, similar to her younger sister Sasami's. An emerald symbol flashes into existance on her forehead, a double chevron directed downward.)

(Her eyes open to gaze at the ceiling high above in her personal chambers. Her accelerated breath continues while her heart beats nearly hard enough to break her ribs. Soaked in sweat, her violet hair cradles her head and body as her breathing and heartrate gradually slow. She places a hand over her chest when she sits up in her bed and takes an agitated glance around the room. Her chests of drawers, closets, and doors are closed and locked tightly while a nearby clock displays emerald numbers, "0506". Ayeka closes her eyes and takes a few deep breaths to finally calm herself. She touches her hand to her forehead, searching for the symbol that appeared in her dream. She feels no unusual heat as she lowers her head with a sigh.)

Ayeka: It wasn't real... He wasn't real...

(The princess allows herself to fall backward into her pillow and bedding with another calming breath. She blinks her bloodshot eyes and lays her forearm across her forehead.)

Ayeka: Even separated from him... he still haunts me...

(Her eyes close.)

Ayeka: The creature meant to destroy me from within my own heart... given to me by Nerti Ro's creation Illirg... Kain II, the dark goddess Tokimi's second created son...

(The princess's gaze returns with a troubled expression.)

Ayeka: He knows my soul... my secrets... my hidden thoughts... Could he know something I don't... or have forgotten...?

(A fear enters into her face as she raises her other hand to her chest and clenches her hands together. Ayeka looks down at her hands in grave thought.)

Ayeka: It's a lie... isn't it...? I'm not a murderess...

(Turning her gaze back to the ceiling, uneasiness does not leave the princess, and sleep does not return to her that night.)

End Scene 3

End Act 1