Kishi: I'm just so bereft of any real creativity that I had to do this.
***
Kaibyaku Muyo!
Chapter 1
***
Another day, another field. As Tenchi Masaki churned the dark earth with his hoe, the monotony of his task struck him with a wave of familiarity. His life could hardly have been called normal in the face of events that led to the arrival of all those women in his life. But waking up every morning with servants to cater to his needs, to look up to the sky and see two moons, to walk into crowded rooms and see the people part brought a strange unreal feeling to his everyday life.
Perhaps that was why, he reflected, he had volunteered so readily for the daunting task of recovering the palace. He'd had enough 'Koutaishi' Tenchi this and 'Koutaishi' Tenchi that. Out here, he was just Tenchi again.
As well, the task of recovering the palace was easier and less complicated than some sort of drawn-out military campaign. At least spreading fertilizer and cultivating dirt was something he was familiar with.
Pausing in his task, he took a moment to lean on the hoe, his eyes looking reflectively over the ruinous capital. Admittedly, it was in better shape than it had been when he had arrived on Jurai. Buildings near the palace, as well as the walls, were almost completely repaired. Fires were no longer burning ceaselessly in the structures of the capitol. Rubble no longer lined the streets. Transports had started flying through the air again, and people were walking around without fear again.
Such change in only three Earth weeks. Tenchi couldn't help but be glad for the summer break.
He was about to turn back to his work when he saw a familiar figure making her way toward him. Her return home hadn't changed her habit of wearing semi-normal kimono; today's was black, with pink around the edges that drew patterns into the darkness. Her hair was once again in the two tails, as was Juraian style to be, and the sun gave an interesting sheen to the violet follicles. The cane she was forced to use to walk around from place to place did not impede her progress.
Still, Tenchi couldn't help but feel concerned. "Are you sure you should be out today?" he called.
"The doctors recommended it, Tenchi-sama," replied Aeka. "Besides, I wanted to see what home looks like now that it doesn't have the Daemonic infesting it."
"Yeah, it's quite a view from here," said Tenchi. He went back to applying his hoe to turning dirt for a short time, as Aeka turned her ruby gaze over the capitol.
"Ano... Tenchi-sama," began Aeka, "there's something I meant to ask you."
"Oh?"
"Yes." She looked down to the ground for a second, then looked back to his eyes and said, "I'd like to invite you to dinner."
"Say what?" spluttered Tenchi.
"Or rather," she said, blushing at the implied meaning, "my father would like to invite you. There appears to be a matter of state that he'd like to discuss with you. Fairly secret, I think; neither mother nor Funaho-obasan are talking. Ah, in any case, he wants to discuss it with you tonight."
"Well," mused Tenchi, "I don't think I'll have anything else going."
Aeka smiled graciously. "Why, thank you, Tenchi-sama. I shall see you tonight then!" With that, she seemed to walk with what seemed to be just the slightest spring to her limping steps.
Tenchi smiled after her for a second, pondering how she'd grown in such a short amount of time. It seemed almost ludicrous to believe it could be, and yet there she was. He was about to go back to hoeing when a voice called out, "Koutaishi!"
Tenchi turned to see one of the palace servants running towards him, dressed in the green-and-white of the palace staff. "Koutaishi," she finally said upon arrival, "Why are you performing your task in such a menial manner?"
"Because this is what I choose?" asked Tenchi, wondering if he'd missed some sort of article of etiquette.
She looked at him for a moment, then snapped her fingers. "Of course! My lord is unaware of the farming machines at our disposal." Her gaze directed Tenchi to look, and he beheld a large floating vehicle, shaped vaguely like a boat pulling behind it a mass quantity of plow-like apparatuses.
"I, uh, I see," stammered Tenchi.
"If my Lord wished to learn the use of such things," said the servant, "we could see you taught their use."
"I appreciate that," said Tenchi, scratching the back of his head self-consciously. "But I think I'll decline." The servant bowed and walked away. After all, he mused to himself, it feels good to hold something other than a sword. Tenchiken bounced against his leg as he turned back to his work.
***
Kyrin had changed. It was debatable as to whether he knew it himself or not, but those who knew him saw that his behavior had altered somehow. Before, he had seemed... well, somehow devoid. He had been, by turns, brooding and blissful, good at seemingly anything, and full of an almost fake modesty. He'd been too perfect to be real.
As Ryoko watched this new Kyrin, dressed in a slightly tanned gi, moving through his bare-hand forms, she knew that his focus only appeared to be wholly on his moves. She knew she had probably been felt out already, which meant either he didn't care or he was showing off for her benefit. There was no telling with him anymore.
The new Kyrin, forged in the absence of Kain, was a man of nigh-unshakeable calm. His religious fervor, while neither dimmed nor cooled, had come under control like wind in a tunnel - a force to be reckoned with, but one that didn't show itself unless there was a cause. He didn't show a whole lot of anything, really. It was always a last second flash of the eyes that gave things away - anger, sadness, joy, happiness, all possessing their own slightly different shine.
She wasn't even a tenth of an inch closer to figuring any of them out, by her reckoning, but since he had attained calm she hadn't been able to figure a whole lot of anything out about him.
But why had he been so different before? Had it been Kain, really? Or had Kyrin just changed for some reason she couldn't fathom? Or was he hiding something?
Well, there was only one way to find out.
Ryoko flew at him from her spot behind him. At the last second, though, Kyrin turned, knelt as she began to pass over him, and slammed his wrist into her stomach. She flipped off the impact and landed behind him.
He turned and his eyes glimmered. "Ryoko?" he asked, before dodging a punch to the right. He ducked a slash of her left hand and stepped in, slamming a fist into her stomach again, this time with two fingers held forward resembling a scorpion's sting. She stepped back while he stood up again.
"So," he said, his voice infuriatingly nonchalant, "trying to have a little fun today, are we?"
"It got boring around here, and Tenchi wouldn't like it if I went around blowing stuff up around here again," she replied. She grinned and flew forward again. Kyrin sidestepped, hooking her throat in his left hand. As her momentum shifted, he swept her foot and shoved her head down to the floor. She hit making a loud thump, and teleported just as Kyrin's fist crashed down where her ribcage was. The blow splintered the floorboards, and he unintentionally got his fist caught in the floor.
He looked around as he struggled to remove his hand. Suddenly, a foot stomped on his head, slamming his head to the floor. He wrenched his hand free of the floor and rolled, finally coming up a few feet left of where he'd come from. Only she'd disappeared again.
Kyrin reached out with his senses, trying to find Ryoko, and felt her to the left. He turned, only she wasn't there, she was to the right, only she wasn't, she was to the left, no she wasn't-
The fact was, she was both. Ryoko appeared at both sides, one of her bearing fists on fire, the other having sprung a sword. Kyrin rolled forward and away, as the Ryoko on the right chopped, taking off the left's hand. As she flew forward, she chopped again. Kyrin made a circular step, circumventing the blade and jabbed his elbow into the square of her chest.
The other copy appeared and launched a series of punches at him. He blocked and deflected half of the strikes, with a few finding good marks every now and again. He responded by kicking in such a way that it was more of a stomp, sending her flying back. The two copies looked at each other and nodded, then reformed into one being again.
"Well, you're still a good fighter, no doubts," said Ryoko.
"You had doubts?" he asked, just a hint of amusement underneath the calm.
"I just wanted to make sure you weren't slacking off. Just because Kain's gone is no reason to lose track of your training."
"Yes, mother."
She turned around to leave, calling back as she walked out, "Don't forget to clean your room sometime today!"
"Yes mother," he called back.
As she walked down the hallway, Ryoko reflected on the fight. His reflexes are still up, she thought, and his skills themselves haven't gone down at all. But his moves... something didn't feel right about them. She snapped her fingers in comprehension. He never attacked me!
So, she summed up, pure defense, lack of any real strength... what does it mean? She thought it through. Maybe some sort of concern? But why should he worry about hurting me? That table's supposed to be turned. Lack of enthusiasm? No, can't be, I'm his crush for chrissakes! What then?
She sighed. She'd tried to read a person the best way she knew how, and come away just as blank as before. She swore.
***
The humming power of machinery that had outlasted millennia was a sound that was often comforting to Washyuu. That was why she chose this lab, as opposed to utilizing the power afforded to her as a megami. After having herself nearly wiped from existence, and then having her view of the universe tipped upside down, gripped by the feet and shaken, comfort was really nice.
An alert in the upper-right portion of her hollow screen announced the presence of one who requested access to the lab. Washyuu silently lamented over the distance of the Jurai Door as she hopped down from her cushion and made quick strides, through the nursery and through sections of the lab with machines that towered higher than un-enhanced eyes could see. She finally arrived at a polished wooden door with detailed woodwork decorating the frame. She pressed a pad next to the door and it opened, revealing an awkwardly tall youth who appeared to be in his late teens. His skin appeared to have had minimal contact with solar radiation, and the hair on his head could have been mistaken for some form of straw piling. Seeing as she was standing to the side, he shambled in, looking about dazedly.
"So, this is her place," he said, bemusedly. "Hm, fascinating... how'd she keep it so stable?" He lapsed into muttering, his dark brown eyes looking and looking, and he unconsciously taking a thinker's pose.
"Hello up there!"
The youth looked down at her, blinking. "Oh, I'm sorry. I, ah, I was looking for Washyuu-sensei?" His eyes narrowed for a second, and then he nodded. "Yes, I was."
"Found her, kiddo," she replied. "What can I do for ya?"
He looked at her, just mildly skeptical, then said, "My name is Makari Senbo. The Academy sent me as part of the internship program."
"Ah, yeah, I remember." She'd been inclined towards the idea on a whim, deciding that it'd be good for once in a while, for the sheer sake of companionship.
"Ano," he said, looking around, "where is she?"
How interesting. An academician with no grip on the obvious. She grinned as she replied, "I'm she, Senbo. It's good to meet you. There're a few rules you need to know before working with me, though."
He smiled as he shook her hand. "No problem. It is an honor working with you, Washyuu-sen-" he was cut off by the sound of a high-charge particle emitter powering up. He looked up to see the barrel suddenly pressed to his forehead.
"First rule," said Washyuu as she grinned. "Thou shalt address me as Washyuu-chan."
He stared at the barrel for a moment, blinking rapidly, then finished, "-chan."
"Good." They walked back along the corridor, Washyuu's usual robes making hardly any noise as her hair almost swept along the floor. Senbo simply strolled along, his eyes focusing on some far away point, while his tunic and pants struggled to stay atop his thin frame.
"So, what's your specialty?"
"... Sorry, what?"
"I asked, what's your specialty?"
"I'm currently majoring in Inter-dimensional physics."
"Are you now? In that case, you'll be able to help me with my latest dilemma." They finally returned to the nursery, and Washyuu sat down on the floating cushion.
"My current pet project," she said, "is the investigation of the mass deployment of sub-space portals and how it may be applied."
He stared at her. "You're not attempting some sort of hostile takeover, are you?"
"Oh please, no," she replied. "I'm taking this up since I'm curious how the enemy in the last 'war' managed to get so many troops all over the place."
"Did they come from subspace itself?"
"They don't appear to have. There aren't enough distortions in the sub-space space-time continuums to account for their appearance in this Plane."
"Are you telling me that they came from someplace else?"
"Like I said, I'm only calling it as it appears."
Senbo's eyes lit up. "Another dimension... that would be the discovery of a lifetime."
"That's kinda what I'm shooting for," said Washyuu. "Now, I have some data recorded of the battle, including the sub-space portals. If you don't mind, I want you to go to work using the data to trace their exact origin point. Perhaps that way, we can find the exact dimension they came from." She pulled up a holographic computer interface and set Senbo to his task.
While the sound of typing filled the room, Washyuu logged her computer on to some of the news networks. Prevalent these days had been news of the re-armament campaign initiated by Azusa. It was mostly speculation, however, what with the figures being kept secret.
Maybe it's for the best that the press has no idea how far this thing's going, she thought to herself. The truth of the matter was that Azusa was building massive fleets of ships, as well as pushing his researchers to develop new weapons and energy management methods for Wings. He had also stepped up recruiting for the armed forces just a bit. The Jurai Imperial Guard hadn't taken as many losses as the fleet, but with so many new ships, military reserves were going to dry up awfully quick.
Washyuu watched a recorded interview as a representative of the Emperor attempted to defend their actions. "The fact is that in the last war, we learned a very important lesson," he said. "Our enemy taught us that we simply were not strong enough. We have to be ready to defend our territory and our people from our enemies at any time."
"What enemies?" asked the interviewer. "All the other nations have done so far is offer the Jurai Empire financial aid and support."
"This enemy wasn't a nation, though," replied the rep. "It was a malicious force that sought our complete annihilation. We never saw it coming. We may not be able to see it coming the next time either, if there is one, but we must be ready."
"Oh, the cost of vigilance," she sighed to herself. If only Azusa had seen that his campaign had started an arms race all over the galaxy. The Galaxy Police, in particular, seemed to be bristling in light of the revelation, but so far there was peace.
Speaking of peace, Washyuu absently noted that Dareial, Kyrin's home planet, was finally in a semblance of peace after years of disputes following the end of the Clan Wars. A planet of warriors at peace, she mused. I wonder what they'll do, with no war? Become mercenaries? Loan their soldiers? A force such as theirs would definitely be able to turn tides in nearly any situation.
And wouldn't it just be perfect, she mused, if her son showed up in the ranks? After all, Shino, after the war, had taken some of the key officers of the Jenshin, as well as their crews and ships, and disappeared. She could have found him inside a minute, however Genjo had told her that he didn't want to be found.
"It's not like you did something to drive him off," he had told her. "Unfortunately, father has a guilty conscience over his actions prior to 'seeing the light.' He's going to go clean up the Jenshin and then... well, he didn't tell me what he planned after." Which was all right with her. She knew she could find him again. It brought comfort.
Genjo, meanwhile, had signed up with Lady Funaho's spy network. He was currently gone on some sort of scouting mission. Which, again, was all right with her. After all, just because he reported to Funaho didn't mean he didn't report to herself as well.
"It's perfectly reasonable," she said to herself. "It's just the life of a genius."
"Sorry, did you say something, Washyuu-sen-"
"Now Senbo," she said sweetly, pulling a bazooka out of sub-space, "what did I tell you to call me?"
***
Dinner. A time of peace and relaxation, when one can go to one's family and relax, enjoying the company of family and friends.
From the moment Tenchi entered the room, he was as nervous as a high-strung cat. As he strode forward to the table, he couldn't help but wonder if he, in his black robes and the orange sash, was properly dressed. After all, this place was almost as formal in some ways as Japan was, and this was one of those ways.
As he walked up to the table, Aeka looked up at him and gave him a reassuring smile. As he knelt next to her, she said, "I don't believe he's going to test you again, if that is what you're worried about."
"Good. That would be just what I need." Still, it was some form of relief. Then he noticed the food. "This smells about as good as Sasami-chan's cooking," he said.
"It should," replied Aeka. "It is." At his incredulous look, she shrugged. "She insisted."
The aforementioned cook scurried in, carrying a dish loaded with what appeared to be some sort of Juraian noodle dish. "Oh, Tenchi!" she said, smiling as she placed the dish.
"Hello again," he said, grinning back. "Sorry I haven't been around too much. How've you been?"
"Fine! I do miss Earth, but it's great to be home!" She buzzed back into the kitchen, apparently to turn off ovens and other cooking things. However, as she walked out, they walked in.
Both Aeka and Tenchi stood and bowed as Azusa and his wives walked in. They bowed back, and then all knelt at the table. As soon as Sasami came in and knelt, the rallying cry of "Itadakimasu!" was raised and the battle to rid the world of Sasami's dishes was joined.
"Ah," sighed Misaki contentedly. "It's been far too long since we had some of your cooking, Sasami-chan."
"Indeed. Our cooks could stand to learn a thing or two from you," said Azusa, his deep voice adding more gravity to the statement than was necessary.
"Honestly," Sasami said shyly. "I'm not that good."
"No," said Tenchi, "you're better."
There was an almost uncomfortable silence before Azusa broke it by grinning and saying, "Well said, my boy."
Tenchi smiled in a relieved fashion and they all continued eating until the food was gone. When Sasami stood to take the dishes, Azusa made a sitting motion. "Please stay," he said. "At this rate, you're going to outshine the servants and then where'll we be? Besides, what I have to say involves you as well."
As she knelt back down, he looked at Tenchi straight in the eye, and asked, "What do you think of Jurai?"
Taken aback, Tenchi thought quickly. "It's a very nice place that doesn't seem too different from Earth."
"Oh please," said Azusa. "Doesn't it feel strange to be constantly addressed as Koutaishi?"
"Yes, Sire, it does."
"Most discomfiting, isn't it?"
"Yes, Sire, it is."
"Don't constantly agree with me. Is it or not?"
"Yeah, it bothers me a lot," said Tenchi. "Everyone acts like I'm some sort of god or something. It's annoying."
"Good. Then you wouldn't mind going back to Earth?"
"Well, no... but aren't my efforts needed here?"
"Tenchi, you and your efforts don't add up to enough to justify your continued work. I am hereby ordering you off of that job and to another." As Tenchi stared, his jaw growing heavier, Azusa said, "As of midnight, tonight, you are sworn to the defense of Aeka and Sasami Jurai. Your orders are to return with them to Earth and stay until such time as I feel need to call you back."
"Ano... Sire," said Tenchi, "I don't mind being a guard, but why Earth? Shouldn't we be sent to a fortress or something?"
"It would be too conspicuous," said Funaho, "to send them to such a place. There'd be too much press coverage. Earth, however, is so unimportant, so out of the way, that it's the perfect place to send you all."
"You hear that, Aeka?" asked Sasami. "We get to go back to Earth again!"
"Father," said Aeka, "I don't object to being sent back. But why are you sending us?"
"As it stands now," said Azusa, "we're very vulnerable. We don't have any apparent enemies, but that leaves plenty of room for some under-handed dealings."
"Have you no faith in the arts we've learned?"
"That's not the issue," he replied. "I want to see you both safe. Tenchi and Yosho are both the people to do it."
"What about the others?" asked Sasami.
"Well, if you want them along, sweetie, they can come," said Misaki.
"So, what say you, Tenchi?" asked Azusa.
He was silent for just a moment, but it was but a moment. "I'll do it."
Azusa smiled beneficently. "Good man, Tenchi. Good man."
"We're going to have to let Mihoshi and Kiyone know, then."
"Already done," said Funaho. "The GP pledged their support for escort service. Their finest, or so they say."
***
"So tell me sir," said the aide as the Chief looked out into the stars. "We promised our finest, so why are we sending those two?"
"The princesses will have an easier time befriending them than if we had sent strangers," replied the Chief. "And friends confide secrets more easily."
"Are you trying to get some sort of espionage data from them or something?"
"No," said the Chief, "but this re-armament campaign set up by the Emperor of Jurai is most disconcerting. It appears to be fueled by some sort of paranoia that may be a mask for ambition of his own." He sighed.
"Do you think a war is going to try and start again?"
"I certainly hope not. But maybe this way, by having constant tabs on him, we can figure out what he's doing before he does."
"I see." They both stared at the retreating engines of the Yagami.
***
Achika stiffened.
"What's the matter?" asked Nobuyuki, coming up behind her. They were standing out on a balcony of the Palace. The sun had just gone down, and the orange skies were rapidly fading into darkness. Stars were popping into existence, with the moons shining in parody of the sun.
"Remember, back when I was sick and sensitive, how I could feel it when the weather changed?"
"Yup," he said, playing with a strand of her hair.
"I just got that feeling again. You know, when the skies are supposed to start darkening?"
"That's weird," he said. "There aren't any storms scheduled for today."
"I know. That's the weird part," she said, sighing as she leaned into him. She stared up at the moons as she whispered, "But that doesn't change the truth. A storm is coming."
***
::the author is sitting in one of the higher branches of the Palace, reading The Prince::
Kishi: Well, it's me again. Hello!
::no answer, except for the opening symphony of crickets::
Kishi: Huh. Well, see, you'd be seeing something new and different from me, except that, well, my muse told me to do this. It told this to me in a very indirect way, really. All it did was cut off my inspiration for anything else. Really. Maybe you'll see something new from me, and maybe you won't. I honestly don't know.
::stands up::
Kishi: In any case, please enjoy this attempt to write a sequel!
::bows, miscalculates his balance, and falls::
Tenchi Muyo and all related paraphernalia are copyrighted to Masaki Kojishima, and distributed by AIC and Pioneer.
The only things that are mine are those things that I perceive as original, and thusly are mine. If you recognize an idea that you came up with first, all credit goes to you.
You can contact me at: kirisutono_kishi@robofan.com.
***
Kaibyaku Muyo!
Chapter 1
***
Another day, another field. As Tenchi Masaki churned the dark earth with his hoe, the monotony of his task struck him with a wave of familiarity. His life could hardly have been called normal in the face of events that led to the arrival of all those women in his life. But waking up every morning with servants to cater to his needs, to look up to the sky and see two moons, to walk into crowded rooms and see the people part brought a strange unreal feeling to his everyday life.
Perhaps that was why, he reflected, he had volunteered so readily for the daunting task of recovering the palace. He'd had enough 'Koutaishi' Tenchi this and 'Koutaishi' Tenchi that. Out here, he was just Tenchi again.
As well, the task of recovering the palace was easier and less complicated than some sort of drawn-out military campaign. At least spreading fertilizer and cultivating dirt was something he was familiar with.
Pausing in his task, he took a moment to lean on the hoe, his eyes looking reflectively over the ruinous capital. Admittedly, it was in better shape than it had been when he had arrived on Jurai. Buildings near the palace, as well as the walls, were almost completely repaired. Fires were no longer burning ceaselessly in the structures of the capitol. Rubble no longer lined the streets. Transports had started flying through the air again, and people were walking around without fear again.
Such change in only three Earth weeks. Tenchi couldn't help but be glad for the summer break.
He was about to turn back to his work when he saw a familiar figure making her way toward him. Her return home hadn't changed her habit of wearing semi-normal kimono; today's was black, with pink around the edges that drew patterns into the darkness. Her hair was once again in the two tails, as was Juraian style to be, and the sun gave an interesting sheen to the violet follicles. The cane she was forced to use to walk around from place to place did not impede her progress.
Still, Tenchi couldn't help but feel concerned. "Are you sure you should be out today?" he called.
"The doctors recommended it, Tenchi-sama," replied Aeka. "Besides, I wanted to see what home looks like now that it doesn't have the Daemonic infesting it."
"Yeah, it's quite a view from here," said Tenchi. He went back to applying his hoe to turning dirt for a short time, as Aeka turned her ruby gaze over the capitol.
"Ano... Tenchi-sama," began Aeka, "there's something I meant to ask you."
"Oh?"
"Yes." She looked down to the ground for a second, then looked back to his eyes and said, "I'd like to invite you to dinner."
"Say what?" spluttered Tenchi.
"Or rather," she said, blushing at the implied meaning, "my father would like to invite you. There appears to be a matter of state that he'd like to discuss with you. Fairly secret, I think; neither mother nor Funaho-obasan are talking. Ah, in any case, he wants to discuss it with you tonight."
"Well," mused Tenchi, "I don't think I'll have anything else going."
Aeka smiled graciously. "Why, thank you, Tenchi-sama. I shall see you tonight then!" With that, she seemed to walk with what seemed to be just the slightest spring to her limping steps.
Tenchi smiled after her for a second, pondering how she'd grown in such a short amount of time. It seemed almost ludicrous to believe it could be, and yet there she was. He was about to go back to hoeing when a voice called out, "Koutaishi!"
Tenchi turned to see one of the palace servants running towards him, dressed in the green-and-white of the palace staff. "Koutaishi," she finally said upon arrival, "Why are you performing your task in such a menial manner?"
"Because this is what I choose?" asked Tenchi, wondering if he'd missed some sort of article of etiquette.
She looked at him for a moment, then snapped her fingers. "Of course! My lord is unaware of the farming machines at our disposal." Her gaze directed Tenchi to look, and he beheld a large floating vehicle, shaped vaguely like a boat pulling behind it a mass quantity of plow-like apparatuses.
"I, uh, I see," stammered Tenchi.
"If my Lord wished to learn the use of such things," said the servant, "we could see you taught their use."
"I appreciate that," said Tenchi, scratching the back of his head self-consciously. "But I think I'll decline." The servant bowed and walked away. After all, he mused to himself, it feels good to hold something other than a sword. Tenchiken bounced against his leg as he turned back to his work.
***
Kyrin had changed. It was debatable as to whether he knew it himself or not, but those who knew him saw that his behavior had altered somehow. Before, he had seemed... well, somehow devoid. He had been, by turns, brooding and blissful, good at seemingly anything, and full of an almost fake modesty. He'd been too perfect to be real.
As Ryoko watched this new Kyrin, dressed in a slightly tanned gi, moving through his bare-hand forms, she knew that his focus only appeared to be wholly on his moves. She knew she had probably been felt out already, which meant either he didn't care or he was showing off for her benefit. There was no telling with him anymore.
The new Kyrin, forged in the absence of Kain, was a man of nigh-unshakeable calm. His religious fervor, while neither dimmed nor cooled, had come under control like wind in a tunnel - a force to be reckoned with, but one that didn't show itself unless there was a cause. He didn't show a whole lot of anything, really. It was always a last second flash of the eyes that gave things away - anger, sadness, joy, happiness, all possessing their own slightly different shine.
She wasn't even a tenth of an inch closer to figuring any of them out, by her reckoning, but since he had attained calm she hadn't been able to figure a whole lot of anything out about him.
But why had he been so different before? Had it been Kain, really? Or had Kyrin just changed for some reason she couldn't fathom? Or was he hiding something?
Well, there was only one way to find out.
Ryoko flew at him from her spot behind him. At the last second, though, Kyrin turned, knelt as she began to pass over him, and slammed his wrist into her stomach. She flipped off the impact and landed behind him.
He turned and his eyes glimmered. "Ryoko?" he asked, before dodging a punch to the right. He ducked a slash of her left hand and stepped in, slamming a fist into her stomach again, this time with two fingers held forward resembling a scorpion's sting. She stepped back while he stood up again.
"So," he said, his voice infuriatingly nonchalant, "trying to have a little fun today, are we?"
"It got boring around here, and Tenchi wouldn't like it if I went around blowing stuff up around here again," she replied. She grinned and flew forward again. Kyrin sidestepped, hooking her throat in his left hand. As her momentum shifted, he swept her foot and shoved her head down to the floor. She hit making a loud thump, and teleported just as Kyrin's fist crashed down where her ribcage was. The blow splintered the floorboards, and he unintentionally got his fist caught in the floor.
He looked around as he struggled to remove his hand. Suddenly, a foot stomped on his head, slamming his head to the floor. He wrenched his hand free of the floor and rolled, finally coming up a few feet left of where he'd come from. Only she'd disappeared again.
Kyrin reached out with his senses, trying to find Ryoko, and felt her to the left. He turned, only she wasn't there, she was to the right, only she wasn't, she was to the left, no she wasn't-
The fact was, she was both. Ryoko appeared at both sides, one of her bearing fists on fire, the other having sprung a sword. Kyrin rolled forward and away, as the Ryoko on the right chopped, taking off the left's hand. As she flew forward, she chopped again. Kyrin made a circular step, circumventing the blade and jabbed his elbow into the square of her chest.
The other copy appeared and launched a series of punches at him. He blocked and deflected half of the strikes, with a few finding good marks every now and again. He responded by kicking in such a way that it was more of a stomp, sending her flying back. The two copies looked at each other and nodded, then reformed into one being again.
"Well, you're still a good fighter, no doubts," said Ryoko.
"You had doubts?" he asked, just a hint of amusement underneath the calm.
"I just wanted to make sure you weren't slacking off. Just because Kain's gone is no reason to lose track of your training."
"Yes, mother."
She turned around to leave, calling back as she walked out, "Don't forget to clean your room sometime today!"
"Yes mother," he called back.
As she walked down the hallway, Ryoko reflected on the fight. His reflexes are still up, she thought, and his skills themselves haven't gone down at all. But his moves... something didn't feel right about them. She snapped her fingers in comprehension. He never attacked me!
So, she summed up, pure defense, lack of any real strength... what does it mean? She thought it through. Maybe some sort of concern? But why should he worry about hurting me? That table's supposed to be turned. Lack of enthusiasm? No, can't be, I'm his crush for chrissakes! What then?
She sighed. She'd tried to read a person the best way she knew how, and come away just as blank as before. She swore.
***
The humming power of machinery that had outlasted millennia was a sound that was often comforting to Washyuu. That was why she chose this lab, as opposed to utilizing the power afforded to her as a megami. After having herself nearly wiped from existence, and then having her view of the universe tipped upside down, gripped by the feet and shaken, comfort was really nice.
An alert in the upper-right portion of her hollow screen announced the presence of one who requested access to the lab. Washyuu silently lamented over the distance of the Jurai Door as she hopped down from her cushion and made quick strides, through the nursery and through sections of the lab with machines that towered higher than un-enhanced eyes could see. She finally arrived at a polished wooden door with detailed woodwork decorating the frame. She pressed a pad next to the door and it opened, revealing an awkwardly tall youth who appeared to be in his late teens. His skin appeared to have had minimal contact with solar radiation, and the hair on his head could have been mistaken for some form of straw piling. Seeing as she was standing to the side, he shambled in, looking about dazedly.
"So, this is her place," he said, bemusedly. "Hm, fascinating... how'd she keep it so stable?" He lapsed into muttering, his dark brown eyes looking and looking, and he unconsciously taking a thinker's pose.
"Hello up there!"
The youth looked down at her, blinking. "Oh, I'm sorry. I, ah, I was looking for Washyuu-sensei?" His eyes narrowed for a second, and then he nodded. "Yes, I was."
"Found her, kiddo," she replied. "What can I do for ya?"
He looked at her, just mildly skeptical, then said, "My name is Makari Senbo. The Academy sent me as part of the internship program."
"Ah, yeah, I remember." She'd been inclined towards the idea on a whim, deciding that it'd be good for once in a while, for the sheer sake of companionship.
"Ano," he said, looking around, "where is she?"
How interesting. An academician with no grip on the obvious. She grinned as she replied, "I'm she, Senbo. It's good to meet you. There're a few rules you need to know before working with me, though."
He smiled as he shook her hand. "No problem. It is an honor working with you, Washyuu-sen-" he was cut off by the sound of a high-charge particle emitter powering up. He looked up to see the barrel suddenly pressed to his forehead.
"First rule," said Washyuu as she grinned. "Thou shalt address me as Washyuu-chan."
He stared at the barrel for a moment, blinking rapidly, then finished, "-chan."
"Good." They walked back along the corridor, Washyuu's usual robes making hardly any noise as her hair almost swept along the floor. Senbo simply strolled along, his eyes focusing on some far away point, while his tunic and pants struggled to stay atop his thin frame.
"So, what's your specialty?"
"... Sorry, what?"
"I asked, what's your specialty?"
"I'm currently majoring in Inter-dimensional physics."
"Are you now? In that case, you'll be able to help me with my latest dilemma." They finally returned to the nursery, and Washyuu sat down on the floating cushion.
"My current pet project," she said, "is the investigation of the mass deployment of sub-space portals and how it may be applied."
He stared at her. "You're not attempting some sort of hostile takeover, are you?"
"Oh please, no," she replied. "I'm taking this up since I'm curious how the enemy in the last 'war' managed to get so many troops all over the place."
"Did they come from subspace itself?"
"They don't appear to have. There aren't enough distortions in the sub-space space-time continuums to account for their appearance in this Plane."
"Are you telling me that they came from someplace else?"
"Like I said, I'm only calling it as it appears."
Senbo's eyes lit up. "Another dimension... that would be the discovery of a lifetime."
"That's kinda what I'm shooting for," said Washyuu. "Now, I have some data recorded of the battle, including the sub-space portals. If you don't mind, I want you to go to work using the data to trace their exact origin point. Perhaps that way, we can find the exact dimension they came from." She pulled up a holographic computer interface and set Senbo to his task.
While the sound of typing filled the room, Washyuu logged her computer on to some of the news networks. Prevalent these days had been news of the re-armament campaign initiated by Azusa. It was mostly speculation, however, what with the figures being kept secret.
Maybe it's for the best that the press has no idea how far this thing's going, she thought to herself. The truth of the matter was that Azusa was building massive fleets of ships, as well as pushing his researchers to develop new weapons and energy management methods for Wings. He had also stepped up recruiting for the armed forces just a bit. The Jurai Imperial Guard hadn't taken as many losses as the fleet, but with so many new ships, military reserves were going to dry up awfully quick.
Washyuu watched a recorded interview as a representative of the Emperor attempted to defend their actions. "The fact is that in the last war, we learned a very important lesson," he said. "Our enemy taught us that we simply were not strong enough. We have to be ready to defend our territory and our people from our enemies at any time."
"What enemies?" asked the interviewer. "All the other nations have done so far is offer the Jurai Empire financial aid and support."
"This enemy wasn't a nation, though," replied the rep. "It was a malicious force that sought our complete annihilation. We never saw it coming. We may not be able to see it coming the next time either, if there is one, but we must be ready."
"Oh, the cost of vigilance," she sighed to herself. If only Azusa had seen that his campaign had started an arms race all over the galaxy. The Galaxy Police, in particular, seemed to be bristling in light of the revelation, but so far there was peace.
Speaking of peace, Washyuu absently noted that Dareial, Kyrin's home planet, was finally in a semblance of peace after years of disputes following the end of the Clan Wars. A planet of warriors at peace, she mused. I wonder what they'll do, with no war? Become mercenaries? Loan their soldiers? A force such as theirs would definitely be able to turn tides in nearly any situation.
And wouldn't it just be perfect, she mused, if her son showed up in the ranks? After all, Shino, after the war, had taken some of the key officers of the Jenshin, as well as their crews and ships, and disappeared. She could have found him inside a minute, however Genjo had told her that he didn't want to be found.
"It's not like you did something to drive him off," he had told her. "Unfortunately, father has a guilty conscience over his actions prior to 'seeing the light.' He's going to go clean up the Jenshin and then... well, he didn't tell me what he planned after." Which was all right with her. She knew she could find him again. It brought comfort.
Genjo, meanwhile, had signed up with Lady Funaho's spy network. He was currently gone on some sort of scouting mission. Which, again, was all right with her. After all, just because he reported to Funaho didn't mean he didn't report to herself as well.
"It's perfectly reasonable," she said to herself. "It's just the life of a genius."
"Sorry, did you say something, Washyuu-sen-"
"Now Senbo," she said sweetly, pulling a bazooka out of sub-space, "what did I tell you to call me?"
***
Dinner. A time of peace and relaxation, when one can go to one's family and relax, enjoying the company of family and friends.
From the moment Tenchi entered the room, he was as nervous as a high-strung cat. As he strode forward to the table, he couldn't help but wonder if he, in his black robes and the orange sash, was properly dressed. After all, this place was almost as formal in some ways as Japan was, and this was one of those ways.
As he walked up to the table, Aeka looked up at him and gave him a reassuring smile. As he knelt next to her, she said, "I don't believe he's going to test you again, if that is what you're worried about."
"Good. That would be just what I need." Still, it was some form of relief. Then he noticed the food. "This smells about as good as Sasami-chan's cooking," he said.
"It should," replied Aeka. "It is." At his incredulous look, she shrugged. "She insisted."
The aforementioned cook scurried in, carrying a dish loaded with what appeared to be some sort of Juraian noodle dish. "Oh, Tenchi!" she said, smiling as she placed the dish.
"Hello again," he said, grinning back. "Sorry I haven't been around too much. How've you been?"
"Fine! I do miss Earth, but it's great to be home!" She buzzed back into the kitchen, apparently to turn off ovens and other cooking things. However, as she walked out, they walked in.
Both Aeka and Tenchi stood and bowed as Azusa and his wives walked in. They bowed back, and then all knelt at the table. As soon as Sasami came in and knelt, the rallying cry of "Itadakimasu!" was raised and the battle to rid the world of Sasami's dishes was joined.
"Ah," sighed Misaki contentedly. "It's been far too long since we had some of your cooking, Sasami-chan."
"Indeed. Our cooks could stand to learn a thing or two from you," said Azusa, his deep voice adding more gravity to the statement than was necessary.
"Honestly," Sasami said shyly. "I'm not that good."
"No," said Tenchi, "you're better."
There was an almost uncomfortable silence before Azusa broke it by grinning and saying, "Well said, my boy."
Tenchi smiled in a relieved fashion and they all continued eating until the food was gone. When Sasami stood to take the dishes, Azusa made a sitting motion. "Please stay," he said. "At this rate, you're going to outshine the servants and then where'll we be? Besides, what I have to say involves you as well."
As she knelt back down, he looked at Tenchi straight in the eye, and asked, "What do you think of Jurai?"
Taken aback, Tenchi thought quickly. "It's a very nice place that doesn't seem too different from Earth."
"Oh please," said Azusa. "Doesn't it feel strange to be constantly addressed as Koutaishi?"
"Yes, Sire, it does."
"Most discomfiting, isn't it?"
"Yes, Sire, it is."
"Don't constantly agree with me. Is it or not?"
"Yeah, it bothers me a lot," said Tenchi. "Everyone acts like I'm some sort of god or something. It's annoying."
"Good. Then you wouldn't mind going back to Earth?"
"Well, no... but aren't my efforts needed here?"
"Tenchi, you and your efforts don't add up to enough to justify your continued work. I am hereby ordering you off of that job and to another." As Tenchi stared, his jaw growing heavier, Azusa said, "As of midnight, tonight, you are sworn to the defense of Aeka and Sasami Jurai. Your orders are to return with them to Earth and stay until such time as I feel need to call you back."
"Ano... Sire," said Tenchi, "I don't mind being a guard, but why Earth? Shouldn't we be sent to a fortress or something?"
"It would be too conspicuous," said Funaho, "to send them to such a place. There'd be too much press coverage. Earth, however, is so unimportant, so out of the way, that it's the perfect place to send you all."
"You hear that, Aeka?" asked Sasami. "We get to go back to Earth again!"
"Father," said Aeka, "I don't object to being sent back. But why are you sending us?"
"As it stands now," said Azusa, "we're very vulnerable. We don't have any apparent enemies, but that leaves plenty of room for some under-handed dealings."
"Have you no faith in the arts we've learned?"
"That's not the issue," he replied. "I want to see you both safe. Tenchi and Yosho are both the people to do it."
"What about the others?" asked Sasami.
"Well, if you want them along, sweetie, they can come," said Misaki.
"So, what say you, Tenchi?" asked Azusa.
He was silent for just a moment, but it was but a moment. "I'll do it."
Azusa smiled beneficently. "Good man, Tenchi. Good man."
"We're going to have to let Mihoshi and Kiyone know, then."
"Already done," said Funaho. "The GP pledged their support for escort service. Their finest, or so they say."
***
"So tell me sir," said the aide as the Chief looked out into the stars. "We promised our finest, so why are we sending those two?"
"The princesses will have an easier time befriending them than if we had sent strangers," replied the Chief. "And friends confide secrets more easily."
"Are you trying to get some sort of espionage data from them or something?"
"No," said the Chief, "but this re-armament campaign set up by the Emperor of Jurai is most disconcerting. It appears to be fueled by some sort of paranoia that may be a mask for ambition of his own." He sighed.
"Do you think a war is going to try and start again?"
"I certainly hope not. But maybe this way, by having constant tabs on him, we can figure out what he's doing before he does."
"I see." They both stared at the retreating engines of the Yagami.
***
Achika stiffened.
"What's the matter?" asked Nobuyuki, coming up behind her. They were standing out on a balcony of the Palace. The sun had just gone down, and the orange skies were rapidly fading into darkness. Stars were popping into existence, with the moons shining in parody of the sun.
"Remember, back when I was sick and sensitive, how I could feel it when the weather changed?"
"Yup," he said, playing with a strand of her hair.
"I just got that feeling again. You know, when the skies are supposed to start darkening?"
"That's weird," he said. "There aren't any storms scheduled for today."
"I know. That's the weird part," she said, sighing as she leaned into him. She stared up at the moons as she whispered, "But that doesn't change the truth. A storm is coming."
***
::the author is sitting in one of the higher branches of the Palace, reading The Prince::
Kishi: Well, it's me again. Hello!
::no answer, except for the opening symphony of crickets::
Kishi: Huh. Well, see, you'd be seeing something new and different from me, except that, well, my muse told me to do this. It told this to me in a very indirect way, really. All it did was cut off my inspiration for anything else. Really. Maybe you'll see something new from me, and maybe you won't. I honestly don't know.
::stands up::
Kishi: In any case, please enjoy this attempt to write a sequel!
::bows, miscalculates his balance, and falls::
Tenchi Muyo and all related paraphernalia are copyrighted to Masaki Kojishima, and distributed by AIC and Pioneer.
The only things that are mine are those things that I perceive as original, and thusly are mine. If you recognize an idea that you came up with first, all credit goes to you.
You can contact me at: kirisutono_kishi@robofan.com.