Disclaimer: I do not
own the Tenchi cast in any way, shape, or form. I am not that creative. However Blackshire, The Ebon Shard, and
the idea of Tenchi/Ryoko's son is my idea so please ask before using them.
The Story thus far: Ryoko and Tenchi are married, and
led a wonderful life. Of
course it is not a boring life, as nothing with these two ever is. However in the midst of one tragedy, the
have a son, named Yosho who has golden eyes like his mother and appears to be
the spitting image of Tenchi's grandfather in his younger days. However things seem slanted against our
hero's as one day a monster called Leech appears, and kills Tenchi as well as
several others. This is the
story of Yosho's quest to a whole new realm, and his battle with the demon that
caused all his pain. ***
Tenchi Series: The Final Saga?!
Chapter 1
Torment Meets Delight:
It was a quiet night in the small town of Okiyama. The night sky was clear of any clouds so
that the stars shined brightly against the velvet sky. A gentle breeze blew through the trees,
filling the night with a faint whisper.
The creatures of the night played their subtle symphony, as they did
every night for those who cared to listen.
It was truly a perfect night, one that could give anyone a reason to
live. There was a certain magic in
the air, not a malevolent force of destruction, but a soothing radiance that
could destroy any fears or worries.
In a two-story house with a red roof and many widows, five friends sit
around in a dimly lit room relaxing.
The five friends named Tenchi Masaki, Washu, Ryoko, Mihoshi, and Ayeka
Jurai.
Absent from the group was Ayeka's young sister, Sasami, who had gone to
bed over an hour prior to this gathering.
Although Sasami always appeared to have more energy than an entire army,
the pinked eyed princess was still a little girl and needed her rest. The tiny brown and white furred cabbit,
Ryo-Ohki, had followed the tired girl to bed.
Also missing from the assembled friends was Kiyone, first class detective
to the Galaxy Police, and also the unluckiest woman alive. The teal haired detective had left only
moments ago to place Mayuka, the newest and youngest addition to Masaki family,
in her crib.
Ryoko, wearing her usual blue and brown striped dress, traced circles on Tenchi's chest with
her finger tip while whispering provocative suggestions to the brown haired
young man, causing him to quickly become embarrassed. Sitting very properly in her long
pink kimono on the other side of the now red faced farm boy, was Princess Ayeka
Jurai, who eyed Ryoko violently, looking away only for a split second to take
small sips of her hot tea. The
ditzy blonde, Mihoshi, who wore a loose pink shirt, and baggy khaki's, appeared
on the verge of falling asleep, her head shooting up occasionally as she waged a
constant war with her weariness.
The resident genius, Washu, still wearing an outfit that resembled the
old Space Academy uniform, stared outside at the clear starry sky, occasionally
looking over at the two woman, wondering how long it would be before Ayeka and
Ryoko began to do battle.
"It really has been a perfect day, wouldn't you agree Lord Tenchi?" Ayeka
asked hoping to at least interrupt Ryoko's advances with her statement. Why
can't that monster woman ever leave Lord Tenchi alone? Can't she see he has no interest in
someone so wild and... and... kinky, as herself? What Lord Tenchi needs, nay DESERVES, is
someone sweet, polite, and refined-like myself. Ayeka cast another icy stare
at Ryoko, who paid the jealous princess no mind. I should do something, but Ryoko and
I did promise Lord Tenchi that we would not fight while Mayuka is sleeping. So I suppose for now I shall have to be
content to try and draw his attention away from that vile temptress's
suggestions.
Tenchi smiled, leaning back as he placed his arms on the back of the
sofa. "It sure was Ayeka, but then
again, any day I can spend with you girls and my daughter is perfect." The four women awed almost in
unison. The young shrine keeper
smile broadened. A few months
ago, I could never have said something like that without starting a war between
Ayeka and Ryoko. It's great to see
that they can at least both take my compliment without thinking I was talking
only to one of them.
"For once I have to agree with Ayeka," the golden-eyed seductress stated,
a playful smirk on her face. "It
was a perfect day, but you know I think I have a way we could make it a perfect
night. Right Tenchi dear?" Ryoko closed her eyes, laughing
suggestively. The last comment by
the space pirate did not escape the purple-haired princess's ears. This was made evident as she spat her
tea out of her mouth in a powerful spray.
Furious beyond all reason that her archrival would even suggest such a
thing, Ayeka turned, a menacing fire in her eyes. Using every bit of her self-control, the
first princess of Jurai closed her eyes, pooling her inner strength. "Ryoko... Surely you were joking just
now."
"Why would I joke about something that is so true? After all you know it was fate that
brought Tenchi and me together.
Besides, it's only natural for two people so in love to spend the night
in each other's company. Now isn't
it, Tenchi?" The wily space pirate
asked, once again putting the young man on the spot.
Looking over his shoulder nervously, the brown haired youth
decided his best course of action was to change the subject quickly. "You know,
Kiyone has been gone a long time.
Do you think she had any trouble putting Mayuka to bed?" His question seemed to stop the battle
he felt was coming. The young
would be prince of Jurai paused for
a moment, shaken by his own comment.
Rising quickly, which caused Ryoko to plop down onto the couch, he
glanced at the girls, a look of concern on his face. "I think I should go check on her. Just to make sure everything is
fine. Be right back."
"Tenchi sure does worry about Mayuka a lot," Mihoshi noted
with a loud yawn as Tenchi nearly leapt up the stairs. "I mean we've never had any trouble with
her before. Why do you think he
gets so scared about her, Washu?"
"Oh, it's nothing really," the emerald-eyed genius declared,
wearing a superior smirk. "He's
acting like any good parent would, worrying about his little girl's safety. Just like I worry about my little Ryoko,
who always needs her mommy to watch over her."
If looks could kill, then the one Ryoko shot her reddish pink
haired mother would have wiped out all life on Earth. Scowling at the pint sized genius, Ryoko
sat up into a slouch, hating being talked to like a child by anyone especially
her mother.
The Stairs:
"Oh, I hope everything is okay. Although I don't
know why I've been so worried about Mayuka. The others do a great job watching
over her all day, while I'm at school, working at the shrine, or in the
field. I guess I feel this way
because of guilt. I mean, here I'm
supposed to be her father, and I barely ever see my little girl. I may not be an expert at babies,
but I know no good father would do this to his daughter. I hope she doesn't grow up to hate
me. I don't even take care of her
when she cries at night, since Ryoko or one of the others normally beats me to
her. The young man
sighed heavily, in his heart he knew he loved Mayuka, but he still couldn't help
feeling as if he was always dumping his tiny daughter on others to take care
of. Thank goodness tomorrow is
my last day of school, then summer vacation will begin, and I'll be able to be
here if Mayuka needs me. So that the others can have a break.
As he reached the top of the staircase, he saw why Kiyone had
taken so long to return to the group.
The teal haired first class detective was crouched in the middle of the
hall, her arms wrapped around Sasami, as she tried to calm the crying
child. Ryo-Ohki, meowing sadly at
Sasami's side, pawed the blue haired girl's light pink nightgown
sympathetically. "What's wrong
Sasami?" Tenchi asked his voice
sounding shaken. Sasami was the
nicest, most loving, and sensitive girl he had ever known. Seeing her cry always bothered him
deeply.
Kiyone leaned her head back, looking at Tenchi with her large
green eyes, small strands of her teal hair falling in front of her face. "She had a bad dream. I bumped into her right after I put
Mayuka down for the night." Sasami
swallowed hard, rubbing her eyes with her hands, a very upset look covering her
freckled face.
Tenchi nodded his understanding. Poor Sasami, she's always having
nightmares. I wish there was
something I could do to make them stop.
I worry about her, almost as much as I do Mayuka. I guess it's because she's like the
little sister I never had. I just
don't understand the cause of these bad dreams, it's not like she watches any
horror movies, or reads scary books.
They just come at bizarre times.
Of course it doesn't help that she always thinks they are visions of the
future. I have to keep telling her
that nothing is going to happen to any of us. Tenchi glanced at Kiyone, about to
ask about his daughter, whom he had come to check on.
The unlucky Galaxy Police officer held up a hand to stop his
words, knowing what he was going to ask. "I'll go check on Mayuka. Don't worry, she wasn't awake when I put
her down, but she might have waken up from our conversation. Sasami, honey, why don't you go
downstairs with Tenchi, and get a drink of water, okay? It'll help calm you down, and if you
want, you can stay in Mihoshi and my room tonight." Sasami backed up from Kiyone, sniffing
loudly giving the teal haired woman a nod of agreement.
"That's a great idea, Kiyone," Tenchi proclaimed, trying to
sound as friendly and positive as he could. "Come on Sasami," he said reaching out
one hand to gently take Sasami's hand in his own. The crying princess held his hand
tightly, as if he was her tie to reality.
Slowly the two of them made their way downstairs. Ryo-Ohki hopped behind the two of them,
glad that her best friend was going to be cheered up.
Tenchi quickly glanced over his shoulder at the teal-haired
woman, before he reached the stairs.
I'm glad we have you here, Kiyone. We all depend on that inner strength you
have. I know if we didn't have you
around in times of crisis, which is more often than I care to admit, we'd all be
lost. The young man then turned
his attention back to Sasami, the pain he felt from seeing her so upset still
filling his heart.
As the first prince of Jurai, and the youngest princess, and
the tiny cabbit reached the bottom of the stairs, they noticed that everyone was
now staring in their direction.
Ayeka has spun about in her seat glancing curiously over her shoulder at
them, while Ryoko peered around the corner of the couch. Mihoshi's head shot up signaling that
she was once again awake, as the clueless detective tried to figure out what was
going on as she looked from side to side.
Washu seemed very concerned, and watched the descending trio with her
usual analytical stare taking in every detail.
"Are you alright Sasami?" Ayeka asked as she frantically, yet
properly, placed her glass of tea on the table before rushing over to comfort
her crying sister. Sasami looked
away, feeling slightly embarrassed.
When Sasami did not answer, Ayeka's tone became even more upset, and her
pace across the room changed to a run.
"What is it? What's
wrong? Are you hurt?" The older princess' questions came one
after another, never giving the younger sister a moment to
answer.
Ryoko sighed as she watched the emotional scene unfold. "Hey
Ayeka, why don't you give her a minute to talk." The first princess of Jurai paid her
rival no heed, as she began to stroke her sister's hair
soothingly.
"She's alright Ayeka, It was just a bad dream." Tenchi explained, trying to calm the
frantic Jurain. "Look, why don't
you two go sit on the couch with the others. I'll go get you a glass of water
Sasami." Casually the young man
walked into the kitchen, while the sisters took their place with the
others.
Moments later:
When Tenchi walked back into the living room. He noticed that Kiyone had now rejoined
the group, and was sitting by Mihoshi, across from Sasami, Ryoko, and
Ayeka. The former space pirate was
busy making funny faces at Sasami, causing the blue haired youth to laugh
despite her uneasy feelings.
Mihoshi giggled at Ryoko's faces as well, while Ayeka sat beside Sasami,
one arm around her little sister's shoulders. Tenchi laughed at the sight, I guess
in the end we're all one big family.
I never really thought about it before, but it makes sense I
suppose. Every one of us
contributes something to our life here.
Washu, the mom of the group; Kiyone, the strong willed; Mihoshi, the
playful; Sasami, the sympathetic; Ayeka, the dutiful; and Ryoko, the... Tenchi paused for a moment. I'm not really sure what Ryoko brings
to the group. Debt mostly, he
told himself in a dismal joking manner.
I suppose I'll figure that out later, for now I need to focus on
Sasami.
"So, Sasami," Tenchi began as he sat down. Clearing his throat, he handed her the
glass of water. "What was your
dream about?"
The blue haired girl took a deep drink of the cool water
Tenchi handed her. "Well, it was
weird. I saw this house, but
everything was different. It looked
like Tenchi and Ryoko were married.
Grandpa, I mean Yosho, was there, but he looked different. He was young and had gold eyes, like
Ryoko. They all looked happy at
first, but then this horrible creature came and killed Tenchi. Then it took over his body, and the rest of us showed
up." Sasami stopped, sniffing
loudly before continuing. "But,
Tenchi, I mean it killed Ayeka, Mihoshi, and Kiyone. Then Ryoko went into a rage and killed
him, and Yosho used the Tenchi-ken to run Ryoko through, stealing her gems just
like in the ancient legend."
"That is terrifying, Sasami," Kiyone proclaimed, it had been
hard to follow what the little girl said, since most of her stories pace had
been so frantic. "No wonder you
were crying."
"Indeed that was scary, but you needn't worry, dear
sister." Ayeka declared proudly a
smirk on her royal face, "Ryoko will never be married to Lord Tenchi, she's much
too... never mind." The first
princess' words stopped, as she decided she did not want to start a fight with
Ryoko right now. "What I mean to
say is, that no monster is going to come and kill any of us. Especially Lord Tenchi."
Sasami gulped down some more water, looking at her feet as
she kicked them subconsciously.
"But that wasn't the really scary part. Just before I woke up, I saw all of us
again standing around, playing with Mayuka then HE came."
"Who's HE?"
Mihoshi asked looking terrified as she pulled a throw blanket up to cover
all but the top of her face.
"I don't know his name, but he was evil, at least I think it
was a he... There was something familiar about him. He had these scary glowing eyes, and he
wore all black. I think it was
armor, like those guys in those storybooks about Ancient Earth that you showed
me, Tenchi. He also had these long
black horns, and he took Mayuka away.
A shadow came over all of us, and then I saw all of us dead. That Yosho, with the gold eyes, was
there. He looked so sad. There was this evil laugh, and I saw the
eyes of that monster, just before I woke up."
Everyone was silent, taking in Sasami's morbid tale. "Well it looks like you saw the fabled
Universe of Torment." Washu declared shaking her head to agree with
herself.
"What's the Universe of Torment, Washu?" Sasami asked,
looking with her large pink eyes at the woman who knew practically
everything.
"You see Sasami," Washu said leaning forward to begin her
epic tale. "It is believed that
there exist two different dimensions, which run parallel to each. One is called the Universe of Torment,
the other the Universe of Delight.
In the Universe of Delight, where we live, good always triumphs in the
end. Things may not be perfect all
the time, but they always turn out for good in the end. If you don't believe me, look at all the
adventures we've had, and we haven't lost anyone yet. We've fought Kagato, that idiot Dr Clay,
and even Yuzuha, and none of us have been killed. So you see, Sasami, there's no need for
worries, nothing is going to take us from each other. "
Sasami gazed at Washu, her young eyes full of joy from
hearing this wonderful news. The
green eyed genius' stories always filled her with awe, and the young Jurain took
comfort in knowing she lived in a world where evil could never win. "But what about the other world, the
place of Torment?" The tiny girl
cringed, afraid to hear the answer to her question. "What happens there?"
The pink haired genius smiled happily at the young princess,
"The Universe of Torment? Nothing
is really known about it. It's said
it's just the opposite of our world.
Where good can happen, but in the end evil always wins. But don't you worry, the only way that
universe can affect us is by trying to scare you through your nightmares. You'll be perfectly safe as long as you
remember that your dreams happen in your mind, and you alone are in charge
there."
"Thanks, Washu," Sasami said yawning while she stood up. "I feel lots better now. I'm going to go back to bed now. Come on Ryo-Ohki." The golden-eyed cabbit, hopped up
Sasami's body quickly, taking its perch on her head, causing Sasami to
giggle.
Tenchi also rose to his feet stretching sleepily, "That
sounds like a good idea Sasami. I
think I'll go to bed too. You can
sleep with me if you want. If you
think it will help keep the nightmare's away."
"Thanks, Tenchi," Sasami said nodding. "I'd like that."
"Well, then, let's gets to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow for my
finals." The three friends walked
toward the stairs, ready for a good night's rest.
After the three
had gone:
"Mrs. Washu," Ayeka began, looking at the genius with a
knowing gaze. "There's more to that
tale than you told Sasami. Isn't
there?"
Washu smiled, leaning back in her seat. "I can't fool you Ayeka. There IS more to the story, I just
didn't think Sasami needed to hear it."
"What is the rest of the story, Washu?" Kiyone asked, her natural curiosity
getting the better of her.
"The story of the two Universes' is actually an ancient
legend," the pink haired genius explained.
"When I told Sasami that the only way for the Universe of Torment to
affect us was through our dreams, I was lying slightly. You see the old legend states that one
day a being of purest evil will come to our world from the Universe of Torment,
and wage a horrible war. He will be
born from love, yet be the bane of all that have love inside themselves. His hate and fury will lay waste entire
worlds, and that all of time will quake at his passing. However if the demon is defeated, then
the Universe of Torment will be free of its curse. The curse that evil shall always
prevail."
"Wha- What happens if the demon isn't defeated?" Mihoshi
asked peering our from under blanket like a frightened child in a
thunderstorm. "What will happen
then?"
It was Ayeka who spoke up before the super genius. "If that happens, Mihoshi, then the
Universe of Delight will fall under the curse of The Universe of Torment, and
every living person in both universe shall know unending pain and suffering for
all time."
"But shouldn't the outcome already be a sure thing, since the
demon is coming here to do battle?" Kiyone stopped Ayeka to ask. "I mean if it comes here, where good
always wins, why would anyone worry about it?"
"That I don't know, Kiyone," Washu sadly replied. "But if there wasn't some reason to be
concerned about it, then there would be no reason for an ancient legend."
Mihoshi let out a shriek of terror, throwing her arms around Kiyone's waist,
nearly snapping her partner in two.
Washu laughed at the scene, "Don't worry Mihoshi, it's just a
legend. I doubt there is such a
place as the Universe of Torment, at least I've never seen any substantial
evidence to support it. That story
is just an old legend." Washu
paused a moment, clearing her throat realizing there was one person who hadn't
said anything during the whole time.
"What do you think, Ryoko?
Do you believe in the Universe of Torment?" When no answer came, the short scientist
glanced at Ryoko's seat, noticing that she was gone. "Now where did she go off
to?"
"I can only imagine...,"Ayeka said, her voice laced with ice
as she pictured her archrival once again trying to seduce Tenchi. Resting her head back, Washu let her
mind drift, as she scanned for her daughter. A few seconds later, a smile came over
her face.
So that's where you are Little Ryoko... the pink
haired genius noted mentally.
MAYUKA'S ROOM
A tiny crib sat in the middle of a small room, a single
window letting moonlight in. The
only other furnishings were an old padded rocking chair, a dresser, and an end
table. Inside the crib rested a
very special blue haired little girl, named Mayuka, who slept happily in the
safety of the Masaki house.
Standing over the tiny crib was a tall woman, with silver hair, and
golden eyes. She watched the
sleeping child like a hawk. Her
golden eyes taking in every breath and twitch the little girl made. What are you doing here Ryoko? You're a space pirate, not a nanny. You should be out there soaring freely
through space, conquering and looting.
The youthful-appearing space pirate asked
herself.
Instead I'm watching over a young man's daughter. A man
who never returns my affections no matter what I do. Mayuka coughed and kicked
frantically, knocking her covers off in her fit. Seeing the spirit child's fit caused the
golden-eyed woman to smile. You
know, kid, you remind me of myself, so full of energy and spirit. I guess that's why I like you so much,
seeing you always makes my own life seem so much better. But I don't think I'm a good influence
for you. I mean, what do I know
about being a mother? I just try to
do what I think is the right thing, gently the silver haired woman picked up
the cover and placed it back on Mayuka, but in the end, any of the others
could do the same as me. I'm not
doing anything special. Maybe it's
time I went back into space, back to my life of being a loner again. No one here really needs me anyway.
"What do you think, Mayuka? Should Auntie Ryoko go back where she
came from?" After waiting a few
moments for an answer that would never come, Ryoko sighed loudly. Her sigh was just loud enough to awaken
the sleeping Mayuka, her orange eyes met Ryoko's. For a couple seconds Mayuka simply
stared into the cyan haired woman's face looking confused. However once the tiny infant's brain
processed everything, the shock of seeing someone standing over her set in,
frightening the small child, and she began to wail loudly. Shaking her head in defeat, the former
space pirate picked up the screeching infant, holding her close, so Mayuka's
head rested on her chest. "All
right, all right Mayuka. You don't
need to worry. You're safe, and I
promise I'm not going anywhere.
Your Auntie Ryoko is right here."
In the excitement of calming the blue haired infant, Ryoko did not hear
the door behind her open.
As Mayuka calmed down, she began to giggle, reaching up to
grab a strand of Ryoko's silver hair.
Tugging with all her might, the happy infant caused Ryoko to wince in
pain. Using one hand to gently remove the small girl's hand, "Yes, I know you're
happy to see me, just like I'm always happy to see you, but now is not the time
to play, dear. It's time to
sleep. But I promise tomorrow we'll
have a lot of fun." Setting the
giggling youth back in her crib, Ryoko leaned on the edge, watching the happy
youth squirm in her bed. On
instinct, the seductive woman began humming a lullaby, yet she had no clue where
she had heard it before, all she knew was that it sounded right at the time.
I may not have the answers to my
questions, Mayuka, but I think I know someone who does...
Tenchi stood at the door, having watched the whole scene
between Mayuka and Ryoko. When he
had heard Mayuka screaming, he had rushed full speed to see what was wrong. He was very pleased to see that Ryoko
had calmed the screaming youth.
Well, Ryoko, I may not know exactly what it is that you bring to the
group. I mean, you are the wildest,
loudest, and most violent of all of us, but there is one thing I can say about
you, you certainly have a way with Mayuka.
I don't know anyone but you who could calm her down that quickly. Quietly Tenchi shut the door,
heading back to his room, his head swimming from all the things he was thinking
about. Not even giving the fact
that he left the most wanted space pirate in the universe alone with his
daughter, since he knew he could trust her to watch over his little girl.
Tenchi's Room:
"Is Mayuka alright now, Tenchi?" Sasami asked from her spot
in Tenchi's bed. "She sounded
really scared."
"She's fine, Sasami," he stated in his most composed
tone. "When I got there, Ryoko had
already shown up and calmed her down."
The small girl smiled happily at Tenchi. "That's great. You know, Ryoko seems to be really good
at handling Mayuka, don't you think.
It's like there's some kind of bond between the two of
them."
"Yeah I guess you're right, Sasami." Tenchi replied, climbing
into his bed. As he continued
speaking, a mighty yawn escaped his mouth, "Well, I'll see you in the
morning..."
The Next Morning just after breakfast: (about 7:45
am)
"Good bye, everyone!
I'm off to school!" a brown-eyed young man yelled as he walked slowly
away from the two-story house. "See
you tonight."
"Good bye Tenchi!
Have a nice day at school," Sasami chimed waving to Tenchi as she ran to
the porch, still wearing her apron
with a large picture of a carrot on it.
"We'll miss you!" The tiny
princess of Planet Jurai appeared to be about to cry, her large pink eyes
swelling with tears, as he long blue bands of hair blew slightly in the gentle
breeze.
As he strolled away, Tenchi could only shake his head as he
watched the path leading to the stairs in front of him. I'm only going to school for a couple
hours, why does Sasami always get so emotional? Oh well. I guess that's just how she is. I hope
she still isn't worried about that nightmare of her's. At least today is my last day of
finals, so I can spend more time at home. As he walked Tenchi's focus rested on
the ground right in front of him instead of the road ahead, and he ran straight
into something, or rather someone.
Raising his head, Tenchi saw a silver haired woman, wearing the same blue
and brown striped dress she had worn the night before, looking at him curiously
with a wild look in her golden eyes.
"Hey, watch it Tenchi," the seductive space pirate scolded
him. "Mayuka and I didn't come out
here to see you off to school so you could knock us down the stairs!" Tenchi smiled nervously looking
extremely embarrassed. "I can't
believe you were going to run off to school without seeing your daughter, and
without giving me a goodbye kiss!"
"Ryoko..."Tenchi began, then decided to hold his tongue, now
was not the time to get into an argument with her, not when it would make him
late for school. Leaning toward the
bundle in her arms, he moved back the robin egg blue cloth to reveal a little
sleeping baby, his daughter, Mayuka.
The tiny tot slept oblivious to the world around her, strands of her dark
blue hair poking out of the warm blanket cocoon. For what felt like forever Tenchi stared
at his daughter, lost in her innocent beauty.
Ryoko yawned, when she spoke it was clear she had been up for
a long time. "Could you hurry up
and say good bye already, Tenchi?!
I need to get Mayuka back inside before she catches a cold. It's still pretty chilly out here y'
know." Tenchi nodded slightly,
realizing Ryoko was right. Gently
he kissed his sleeping daughter on the forehead.
"Now you be a good girl, okay, Mayuka," he quietly asked the
slumbering child. "Daddy has to go
to school now, but I'll see you when I get home. I promise."
"Of course, she'll be a good girl, " Ryoko replied. "Mayuka is always an angel." The space
pirate almost sounded offended by the thought that Tenchi would ever believe his
daughter was anything short of perfect.
Leaning forward, Ryoko pursed her lips, waiting for her requested
kiss.
"Well, see you later Ryoko," Tenchi said walking away, "and
remember to be careful with Mayuka."
The brown haired young man waved over his shoulder as he walked
away.
Ryoko continued to watch Tenchi make his way down the long
staircase until he was nearly out of sight. With a heavy sigh she turned, deciding
to walk back to the house, instead of merely teleporting. As she did, she looked at the happily
sleeping child in her arms. Why does Tenchi only warn me to be careful with
Mayuka? I've never heard him say
that to anyone else. Doesn't he
know by now that I would never do anything to hurt her? Maybe he still doesn't trust a space
pirate, who once tried to kill him, to take care of his child. It's either that or he thinks I have no
talents what so ever as a mother. I
guess I can't blame him. I just
wish there was some way I could prove to everyone, and myself, that I can be a
good mother, but I might as well face it that will never happen. Yawning loudly, Ryoko continued to
trod up the path, she had been up all night watching over Mayuka, why she would
do such a thing she could not say.
Yet for some reason watching the little girl sleep made her feel at
peace, a feeling that Ryoko didn't get very often.
A Short time later:
Ryoko sat on a tree branch overlooking the lake beside the
Masaki house. In her arms was
Mayuka, wrapped tightly in a robin egg blue blanket. It was another beautiful morning. The sun was shining brightly now
dispelling the morning chill, the birds were singing cheerfully, and Mayuka was
giggling happily in the space pirate's arms, having just woke up a few minutes
ago. Ryoko leaned toward the tiny
baby, drawing circles on Mayuka's chest with one finger. "You are such a cute little girl, aren't
you?" The blue haired baby gurgled
ecstatically, throwing her arms back and forth to express her joy. "Yes you are," Ryoko gasped, continuing
to repeat the phrase over and over drawing more laughter from Mayuka. "One day, you'll grow up and be the most
beautiful little girl in the world, next to your Auntie Ryoko, that is."
Well Ryoko, it seems you and Mayuka are having a nice
chat, a voice said inside Ryoko's mind. Casting a glance to one side, Ryoko saw
her mother standing beside the base of the tree.
Hello Washu, Ryoko mentally replied trying to sound
tough since Washu had caught her being so playful with Mayuka, and what is it
you want this early in the morning?
Oh nothing really, Washu continued. You're not still mad about me calling
you my Little Ryoko, are you? If
you are then I'm sorry. I didn't
think that comment would make you this upset. The reason I came out here was just to
check and see how the two of you are doing. Don't you think it's a little chilly for
Mayuka to be out here?
Don't worry about it. I could care less what other's think of
me, but if you must know, we were just one our way to the Onsen to take a
bath. Ryoko informed Washu, wondering why her mother had suddenly taken such
an intense interest in what she was doing
with Mayuka. Why is
something wrong, Washu?
Oh no, nothing at all. Washu stated looking out at the
beautiful calm lake, the morning sun reflecting off it brilliantly. Do you mind if I join
you?
Sure, if you want.
Mayuka and I are going there now, Ryoko declared seconds before she
disappeared.
"Hmm," Washu wondered as she looked at the tree branch where
her daughter had been moments ago.
Something is bothering you, my little Ryoko. I don't need to read your mind to know
that. So why won't you let me help
you? After all, that's what a
mother's for. Washu shook her
head, trying to figure out her daughter's motives for acting so strange as she
slowly made her way to the onsen.
The Onsen:
Ryoko nestled into the hot water of the bath slowly. Not for her own comfort, since such
things like extreme temperatures didn't bother her, but rather for the tiny
child in her arms sake. Holding
Mayuka close to her body, Ryoko slid into the steaming water. Mayuka gasped as
the hot liquid came in contact with her skin, about ready to cry. However,
Ryoko's loving voice hushed the little girl's shock. "There, there Mayuka. There's no need to worry, Mommy Ryoko is
right here. Everything will be
alright."
Mommy Ryoko? Washu thought more than a little confused
as she stood around the corner out of her daughter's line of site while
listening to Ryoko's conversation with Mayuka. "Hello Little Ryoko," Washu said
finally coming out into the open.
Ryoko continued to smile at Mayuka, yet she looked over with her golden
eyes to acknowledge the pink haired genius who joined her in the bath. Unlike Ryoko, Washu was modest enough to
wear towel wrapped tightly round herself.
"Do you have something you want to say, Washu?" Ryoko asked shaking Mayuka
playfully. "You've been acting kind
of strange, even for you, when you talk to me lately."
Washu was momentarily shocked, she was sure she hadn't been
acting any differently. Then
again if anyone knew the genius and how she acted, it would be her
daughter. "Well, there is one thing
I've been meaning to ask you," Washu paused as a door shut behind her, and
Mihoshi walked in, humming absent-mindedly to herself. Both mother and daughter watched as the
bubbly tanned space detective settled into the warm water between them. Washu cast Ryoko a glance, and Ryoko
nodded her understanding. As I was about to say, Washu continued mentally
speaking to her daughter, you've been acting real down lately, and I was
wondering what's up?
Oh... Ryoko whispered mentally to her mother, I
see. Well I'll tell you, but only
if you promise to not tell anyone.
Okay?
Of course, if it means that much to you. I promise no one but me will ever hear
about this. Now what is it?
Washu asked starting to get slightly agitated, after all she was here to help
Ryoko, and the silver haired woman was acting unnaturally cautious.
Ryoko took a deep breath, looking at her tiny pink haired
mother. Do you think I could
ever be a good mother? I mean do
you think I am capable of loving someone enough to give them a good childhood,
or would I only cause them pain and suffering? I think Tenchi hates the idea of me
taking care of Mayuka.
Once again Ryoko startled Washu. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts,
Washu did her best to reply.
Ryoko, dear, of course I think you would be a good mother, a perfect
mother. You may be a little wild,
and a tad reckless, but I know you would never do anything to harm someone you
care about like. Tenchi is just
worried about Mayuka because he's her father. I'm sure whatever he said to you was
merely a reflection of that worry...
"Ryoko!" Mihoshi
screamed into the space pirate's ear.
Ryoko looked daggers at the dark skinned blonde.
"What do you want!" Ryoko snapped, her agitation at having
her conversation interrupted evident.
"I said, 'Can I hold Mayuka?'" Mihoshi whined, begging with
her large blue eyes. Ryoko slowly
and cautiously handed the blue haired child to Mihoshi.
"All right, Mihoshi, but be careful with her," Ryoko
reluctantly said as she watched Mihoshi speak baby talk to Mayuka, getting a
cheerful giggle of approval from the tiny baby. Almost sounds like her regular tone,
doesn't it? Ryoko
mentally chuckled to her mother, never taking her eyes off Mihoshi and the tiny
child she held.
That it does little Ryoko, but then again I've always
thought of Mihoshi as child like.
This merely proves my theory. The diminutive scientist smiled happily
at her, but you know there is some thing else I wanted to ask you, the
other day I was running a scan of the area, and detected a slight flickering of
the time and space continuum. I was
wondering if... Washu paused, staring at Ryoko.
"No, Mihoshi!" the silver haired woman snapped at the blonde
detective. "Like this!" Taking the
blue haired child from Mihoshi, the seductive space pirate demonstrated the
proper way to hold the tiny child.
"You have to hold her in your arms like this, or else she won't get
enough back support. Got it?" The
blue-eyed woman nodded her understanding, and once again a reluctant Ryoko gave
the child to Mihoshi.
The youthful genius watched the entire scene unfold with a
victorious smile. You see
Ryoko. You do have the skills to be
a good mother.
What?
That!? Ryoko replied
making a head motion toward the happily giggling blonde, and Mayuka, who reached
one small arm for Ryoko. However
due to their conversation, neither Washu nor Ryoko saw the gesture. That was
nothing. I was just showing Mihoshi
how to hold her properly. It was
nothing really. Anyone could have
done it.
So what would have to happen before you believed that you
have what it takes? The
green-eyed genius inquired, her mental voice starting to sound agitated at her
daughter's stubbornness.
I don't know yet, but I do know it would be something big,
something important. The silver haired woman gazed upward at the clear blue
sky above, letting her mind drift as she fantasized about being a mother. It would be something that only
I could do, and it would be a colossal event.
Ryoko. Look
over there. Washu firmly
requested, pointing at Mihoshi and Mayuka.
Look at how happy it makes Mayuka just to be HELD. To her, that is the most important thing
in the world, having someone there for her. It may not seem like such a big deal to
you or I, but to a baby, that's a colossal event. I've been alive for over 20,000 years,
and there is no one I know better than you my dear. So when I say that I think you would be
a good mother, I can say that with the utmost confidence.
Maybe, the normally energetic and lively woman
admitted in defeat. I don't
know. Standing up the naked
space pirate arched her aching back. Listen, Washu, I was up all night,
watching Mayuka sleep, so I never got to get any rest myself. Could you do me a favor and watch her
for a little while. I should only
need to get about a few hours rest, but if you could get her in her clothes, and
watch her for a while I would appreciate it, and I'd owe you one.
Sure, Ryoko, you go ahead and lay down. I'll watch her for you, and don't worry
about owing me. That isn't why I want to help you. It should be fun spending time with
Tenchi's little girl, since I haven't been able to do that much these last few
days, what with you and Tenchi watching over her like hawks. The pink haired genius explained.
Ryoko nodded her appreciation, and began trudging out of the relaxing waters,
her eyebrows showed that she was still deep in thought. One more thing, Ryoko, Washu
interjected, as the silver haired woman took her first step out of the
water. When you wake up, I have
something else I want to talk to you about. But, as I said, it can wait. Go ahead and get some rest, we can talk
more later.
The passionate golden-eyed woman nodded once again, and
finished exiting the warm waters, casting a long glance at the tanned detective
and the white skinned infant. With
a sigh of finality, Tenchi's first houseguest walked over to where her dress had
been left.
Although Washu was not normally one to pry into her
daughter's thoughts, her natural scientific curiosity and motherly concern got
the best of her. Gently she allowed
her mind to drift into Ryoko's, hoping to hear her daughter's thoughts becoming
brighter. Instead she found more
depressed ideas. Washu may be
right, maybe I am doing a good job taking care of Mayuka . I don't know, but I do know this, no
good mother would leave a child in a bath so she could go off and sleep. As much as I loathe admitting it, Ayeka
may have been right. I have no real
talents that would help anyone, I'm mostly just in the way... It was then
that the concerned pink haired woman broke the link with her daughter's
thoughts. Washu now wore a look of
displeasure as she continued to dwell on her only daughter's
pain.
Ryoko... the super genius moaned mentally. What is it going to take to make you
see that this worrying is pointless.
You take better care of Mayuka than all the rest of us combined, and
you're just too dense, and focused on your own problems, to notice how crazy the
kid is about you. I wish I could
let you look at things the way Mayuka sees them. Then you might just understand how...
Washu's face suddenly lit up like a tree at Christmas as an idea dawned on
her. The tiny genius stood quickly
in the hot bath, sending wave of water all over the place. "OF COURSE! THAT'S IT!" She roared triumphantly. Mihoshi merely looked on in shock, a
large sweat drop appearing on her head as she watched the bizarre scene. The infant in her arms tried desperately
to clap her underdeveloped arms at the fantastic show the pink-haired woman had
provided.
"Mihoshi, I need to run to my lab, can you watch Mayuka while
I'm away?" There was a certain intensity to the super genius's words that even
the slow-witted detective was able to catch. Washu's emerald eyes seemed to glow like
a super nova. Nodding slowly, since
she was still unsure what the impish scientist was up to, Mihoshi agreed to
continue watching over the excited youth.
"Great! Thanks, Mihoshi!"
I can't believe I forgot about that invention. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since
I haven't used it in over 5000 years.
Oh, I can't wait to see the
look on my little Ryoko's face when I give it to her.
A Few Hours Later (roughly noon), hidden behind Earth's
Moon:
A large ship, closely resembling Kiyone's space vessel the
Yagami, rested behind Earth's moon.
The only noticeable difference between the two ships was the
exterior. This ship's hull was jet
black, casting a perfect reflection of the endless space around it. On board, in the control room, a
dark figure clad in form fitting
armor resembling the knights of ancient Earth, watched the happy scenes play out
at the Masaki house with intense interest. The horns on his helmet making him
appear like a demon straight from Hell.
"I wonder," a large figure encased in black armor asked
himself aloud. Beneath the ebon
mask, twin eyes glowed with a golden light. "Who is this child? I have absolutely no data on her at all,
and yet... Yet I feel as if she is
important somehow. This place and
time is most definitely a strange one."
"The child's identity is not your concern Blackshire." A
voice echoed in the large control room.
"You leave her out of your twisted schemes." Into the control room
entered a young man with long black hair, white robes, which looked torn and
weathered as if he had been through unspeakable torments. Despite his beaten appearance, the young
man's golden eyes shined with a determined passion.
"Yosho Masaki, the son of Tenchi and Ryoko," the black
armored figure hissed in a voice that was causal, yet bitter cold. The ebon
knight smiled under his helmet, never removing his eyes from the blue haired
child on the monitor who played happily with the first princess of planet Jurai,
and the universe's most wanted space pirate. "Don't be shy lad, use the mental
link I worked so hard to create between us. It's for the best, I mean what if
someone is eavesdropping?" The
armored man's voice trailed off, and soon it whispered like a sadistic serpent
inside Yosho's brain. Remember
everything that I do here, anyone I hurt, is all because of you. You were the one who brought me to this
wretched dimension, in hopes of defeating me in combat. You must admit, it wasn't
your smartest move, now was it?
Yosho snarled, he always hated having the vile monster in his
mind. You would do well to
remember this, Blackshire... We are in the Universe of Delight, and you can
never win here. However if by some
miracle you do succeed in killing anyone, I swear the torment you will know at
my hands shall have no equal.
Yosho mentally threatened, I may be your prisoner, but I will not
let you taint this universe as you have done to mine.
I don't like your tone, Yosho. Do me a favor and feel pain. The golden-eyed son of Ryoko and Tenchi screamed so loud it seemed his
lungs would explode, as pain coursed through his entire body. Now that's better. You know, I'm glad I inserted that
control device in you. It keeps you
from getting mouthy. I think your
generation is just too impolite.
But you know, I certainly can understand why you hate me so. The overwhelming pain you must have
felt, watching your father, Tenchi Masaki, get mowed down by your mother. The woman he loved more than any thing
else, shooting him dead when she learned that a monster had taken control of her
husband's body. To make matters
even worse, your father had just finished killing all your 'aunts,' except for
Sasami, and then you were forced to...
I was forced to repeat history, and use the Tenchi-ken to
stop her, as my predecessor did so long ago. Yes I know what happened Blackshire, and
I know that it you, who sent Leech into the past to kill them, and for that I
will have revenge. Yosho hissed
as he glared at the armored being sitting in the control seat. The evil
mastermind continued to stare at his consoles, never moving an inch to
acknowledge Yosho, or his threats.
Just as the pain subsided in Yosho's body, sound began to generate from
one of Blackshire's consoles, and the noises on Planet Earth filled the
room.
:::: "That's a
good girl," Ryoko said as she wiped Mayuka's mouth, setting down an empty bottle
of formula. The silver-haired woman
had only been up a short time, however her nap had seemed to revive her nearly
completely. The tiny orange eyed
child in her arms burped, then smiled, looking happily at the golden eyed woman
before her. Giggling merrily,
Mayuka flapped her arms wanting to play some more. "Ok Mayuka, you need to calm down. I
know you want to play, but you've been playing all morning with your Aunt
Mihoshi, and the others. Now it's
time for a nap, and you know your daddy wouldn't be happy with us if we didn't
make sure you got it." ::::
:::: "Yes, I
must agree with Ryoko on that Mayuka," Ayeka told the little girl, as she leaned
into the blue haired infants view.
"Lord Tenchi would definitely be upset if you didn't get your nap, and
were cranky the rest of the day.
Especially since he is getting out of school early today." Slowly looking away from Mayuka, Ayeka
locked eyes with her golden eyed companion." I know how much you like taking
care of Mayuka, Ryoko, but if you don't mind, I'd like to lay her down for her
nap. I hardly get to see her
anymore. It seems like if she isn't
with you, then she is either asleep, or..." ::::
"Tenchi has a daughter!" Blackshire shouted aloud excitedly.
"Now isn't that interesting."
Responding to his mental commands, the monitor shut off, since the ebon
clad monster had learned what he wanted to. Quickly rising to his armored feet,
Blackshire made his way to the doorway leading into the hall. "You know I think it's time I paid a
visit to this Universe's Earth," he said his maniacal voice laced with
anticipation. "This may prove to be
an interesting dimension after all.
It has SUCH potential, not to mention with a whole new universe to play
with, I'll never get bored, and it's all thanks to you Yosho."
Yosho, who left the small room shortly after the ebon titan,
said nothing, his shock making him speechless. "Tenchi's daughter...! How different from my own universe IS
this one? Who could her mother
possibly be? I wonder, does this
mean my father is already married, and if so it must not be the same woman as my
mom. If it was, shouldn't I be the
one that Ryoko and Lady Ayeka are
playing with?" In the pit of
his stomach, Yosho had a terrible feeling, something was very wrong. "What have I done...? What have I unleashed? I only hope that this universe's Tenchi,
as well as the others, can do what we could not, and kill that wretched
monster. This whole thing is my
fault! If only I hadn't let my
stubbornness get in the way. I must
find a way to stop him, but how??"
The ebon titan laughed to himself as he and Yosho walked down
the hallway, it is time! Let the
games begin." In the cold
hallways of the black star ship, The Ebon Shard, Blackshire's vile laugh echoed
endlessly.
Next Time: Blackshire Strikes! Why does Blackshire's ship look so much
like the Yagami? Can the devise
Washu is making help Ryoko through her depression? Plus Yosho's tale is revealed. The mystery deepens, and things go from
bad to worse next time. CHAPTER 2:
Meetings
*** The stories I refer to are Ryoko's Birthday parts 1-4, No
Need For Proof, Ryoko's Wedding, Vegeta Muyo 2, and The Blackshire
Interval.
