6/11/2000
My reasoning behind writing and posting this is as follows: I, along with
The Dragonbard and a bloke named Tulio Arends ended up exchanging massive
amounts of e-mail on what Jurai actually does to it's inhabitants. The
first section of this is specific to my story, latter parts are more
general.
I: On Jurai, The Force, And Trees
(From the Book of Trees, written approximately at the beginning of
Asuza's Reign.)
The origin of the abilities of the Royalty of Jurai has been shrouded in
mystery. Some have said that they are descended from the gods themselves,
but a passing god named Cue denied this. However, he was gracious enough to
stop for a short while and speak of what he knew of the founding of Jurai
and it's royalty.
At what he called the beginning of the Galactic Empire, a period of
darkness in the Galaxy, the Goddess Tsunami, aided by a goddess known only
as Scarlet, began the creation and population of the Planet Jurai. These
two goddesses brought a group of warrior-sages known as Jedi, who, before
the period of darkness, had been the lawkeepers and protectors of the
galaxy. Along with this small group of Jedi, who numbered no more than 10
members, came many normal humans. Upon reaching Jurai, the entire group
swore allegiance to Tsunami.
Cue glossed over much history after that, until he reached a point about
3000 years after that original group. Jurai was known to the galaxy, but,
strangely, all who bore the planet and it's inhabitants ill will vanished
mysteriously. During those 3000 years, the planet of Jurai had prospered,
becoming a very powerful trading planet. Also at that time, the
then-capitol of the known galaxy, a planet known as Coruscant, was destroyed
in what Cue called the War of the Three Goddesses, but refused to reveal the
names of those three.
Shortly thereafter, the First Tree of Jurai was created, and given the
name Tsunami, for an apparition of the Goddess Tsunami was often seen near
the tree. Cue stated here that there was an important distinction between a
power known as the Force, that the Jedi used, and the abilities of the
Juraian Royals, who receive their power from Tsunami. The Force was a link
that linked everything in the universe, both good and evil. If one of these
Jedi were to embrace evil, their power could be used to further evil. This
idea disgusted Tsunami, and she decided that after the destruction of
Coruscant, the ability to touch this Force would be removed from the next
generation, and replaced with a greater power, given of Tsunami herself.
When I asked Cue of this, and why the Force was not removed immediately
after the destruction of this planet, he only remarked that to do so would
have greatly scarred the Jedi, as the ability to touch the Force was much
like an arm or a leg to them.
Tsunami chose the ruling family of Jurai at the time of the destruction
of Coruscant as the Ruling Family of Jurai of Tsunami. It has been said,
and has been recorded that the first emperor was a man among men, a kind man
with a gentle heart, but with a will of steel who hated injustice.
II: On The Present and The Powers
It has been seen that Tsunami grants power on a case-by-case basis, and
that the Royal family does not simply have access to the powers, as has been
proven whenever a member of the Royal family has been unaware of his or her
mental state and has attempted to use the powers for evil and not good. It
is assumed that there is a Way of Tsunami, a Tsunami-do, the way which
Tsunami wishes the Royal Family and all Juraians to act in accordance with.
However, it has also been seen that a Juraian can use their powers without
continuous review by Tsunami, but Tsunami can veto the use of the power,
although she only does this in certain cases.
It has been noted that the nobility have markings upon their foreheads,
where the average Juraian does not. This, we can only presume, is not an
inherited trait, as non-Juraians, such as Empress Funaho, have gained them
upon joining the Royal Family. Nor are these markings a tattoo upon their
foreheads. It is currently presumed that the bonding the Royal Family goes
through with their TreeShips creates the forehead power markings, perhaps as
a link to each tree, and from there to Tsunami herself.
However, this does not explain the case of Achika, the mother of Tenchi
Masaki. She was never linked to a Tree, but Achika is able to use her
abilities to defeat Kain. However, she was in close proximity to
Sasami/Tsunami (assimilated) for some time. Her presence, and the presence
of the Tenchiken, which she can use, as a member of the Ruling Family, allow
her to access Tsunami and use her powers. This begs the question of why she
passes away some time afterwards. Normally, a noble is bonded to his or her
tree before they can access Tsunami, and the bonding preserves their life.
However, in Achika's case, she was never bonded, and her lifespan was
considerably shorter than most. Her markings are not seen except in battle,
much like those of Tenchi, who can also access powers without a tree. (See
below)
Also, we must take into account Sasami here too. Whereas most Juraian
nobility are not bonded to their Trees until the age of 16, she is bonded
much younger, and this accounts for the presence of a marking on her
forehead.
III: On The Lifespan of Juraians
Another question asked of the Juraians is of their long lifespan. For
the Nobility, this is easily explained, as they are bonded with the trees of
Jurai. The average on-planet Juraian has a lifespan of approximately the
same length, spanning several thousand years. (For example, Yosho is over
700, but his non-hidden aspect seems about thirty earth years.) However,
most Juraians who leave the planet, and are not of the nobility live, at
most, 230 years.
This, therefore, means that as long as a Juraian stays near a tree
(whether it be a bonded Royal TreeShip or a fleet Treeship, or Planetside)
their lifespan is greatly enhanced, a blessing we can only assume comes from
Tsunami. However, it is wise to remember that the aging process does not
slow until the age of 16, when most Nobles are bonded and most on-planet
Juraians slow aging.
For further reference, look at the cases of Princess Ayeka, Princess
Sasami, and Prince Yosho. Ayeka acts very much like a stuck up 16 year old
girl. Sasami, due to her bonding making her both 10 and several billion
years old, behaves like an extremely wise and intelligent 10 year old.
Yosho acts like a man who has seen 700 years of life.
IV: On The Case Of Heaven and Earth
This, then, leads to Tenchi, a most spectacular being, and one
considered to be a creation of Tsunami herself, as a weapon and a mate.
(hint). Because of this, Tenchi is not a mere Juraian, nor a mere human.
He is a transcendental being. As shown in Episode Six of the OVA, he does
not need access to Tsunami to use his powers. He can create the Light Hawk
Wings from within himself. It is presumed that his own power level is less
than Tsunami's but greater than any other tree or Juraian noble.
Also, the first time Tenchi dies, before his battle with Kagato, Tsunami
somehow bonds with him, and it can be assumed that he is bonded to the First
Tree, Tsunami.
The Master Key, the Tenchiken, is a control for any tree (except
Tsunami, who is her own master), just like each ship has it's own Key.
---------------------------------------------------------
Any questions? Comments? Quotations?
Jerry / Patch Monkey
Lord of Darkness, Brenin of Light
Reverend of the ULC
maddhatter@earthling.net jlevine@wam.umd.edu
http://maddhatter.cjb.net
"You can find true love in the Konan Empire,
but no fast food." - Miaka's Lesson
Hi. Pleased to meet you. I'm a man of wealth and
taste. I've been around for many years, and I've
stolen many a man's soul and faith. Hope you can
guess my name.