Tsunami's Radiance

by Gaian Knight

The start of the aftermath...

2. A1 - Steps Taken

Tsunami's Radiance

Volume I

Act I - Proceeding Steps

... ... ...

He stood at the break of dawn, in a proper prayer pose, on top of a large stone rock nearby, igneous looking, one of who knows how long, as Aleaic stood in a prayer pose, greeting the said dawn. The warm rays of Sol, gracing past his meager form, feeling the dear warmth, for what it was. Maybe a little too warm, to him, he thinks, as he stands with a simple Shinto style prayer, the sunrise doing its work well, unto him.

Which is all well enough... "Oyah, it's a cold day." ...as the sunrise, then meets a broken gray layer of clouds, his eye only opening after enough of a respectful payer to the new day. All such done for every day, ever since his first Shrine in Nekomi, and that wonderful young lady of long brown hair, told Aleaic that praying to each new dawn, was worth all time well taken. Hard to say no, to 'those' blue eyes, and what do ye know, the lass with the odd facial markings, was endearingly right.

Course in the present, the sting of a cool, too cool, biting wind, nips at his plain cloth. He then shakes at himself, stretching... "Man, need warmth here. Brr!" ...trying to get his circulation going. He then hops down from the rock, gathers his things, and makes sure he left no refuse behind, before starting off, heading southerly again.

"Should be not too long now." ...he quips to himself, openly. A sense of euphoria and direction, making his steps feel more lively. By the time he already crests past the first path rise of the day, rounding into sight of more farmland, rice fields from initial looks, he quips to no one in particular. "Wow, I must have a real spring in my step. Must mean this will be a good day!"

...and then he hears barking in the background. He turns and sees... "Wha the... ACK!"

First adventure of the day: A loose dog, more than on the large side, chasing after him, outta nowhere!

"Whymewhymehwymewhyme!" ...as he runs crazy like, without thinking!

It turns out to be a farmer's dog, a said owner female of semi-age, stops the dog before Aleaic is mistaken for breakfast, instead!

Soon enough... "Sorry, it got too dark, and didn't see any village lights nearby." ...Aleaic makes his excuse, to the farmer, a short , dark, curly haired female in her forties, the dog quelled to obedience. "So you slept near my property?"

"Sorry again. Been on a Shrine journey, and all, ya see?"

"Oh... you must be heading for Okayama, and the Misaki Shrine then." ...the lady quips, Aleaic blinks, still holding at his blond mop, in nervousness. The fem smirks, then hears... "Yeah, that's where my last Shrine is supposed to be. This I begot from Keeper Tetsuma, at Obahi Shrine."

"You'd be wary, heading to that place." ...Aleaic hears from the unknown... "Ex... cuse... wait... apologies, I'm Aleaic Kerenska." ...he bows with quickly. The fem blinks, and then reciprocates simply. "I'm Suka Mitohama. Would you care for some breakfast, young traveler?"

Aleaic blinks. "Um... I don't want to be any more trouble than I am, already." ...which he stops, in seeing the dog, a breed he's unsure of, other than a large common one, (Al's more of a cat person. Long story,) sniffing at his backpack. Al winces, but then realizes, and hears from Suka... "Down Tira girl. Down." ...which Aleaic realizes... "Sorry, she must smell the rations." ...which Al proceeds to find, and pull out a good piece of beef jerky. Tira takes to it easily. Suka just sighs. "And now I have to repay your kindness."

"I thought we'd be even." Aleaic remarks. Suka waggles a finger. "Nope, have to give ya a good meal to make up for your generosity. Besides, it'd give me a chance to tell you about the local area. In return, you can help with stories of your own as well."

Al smirks. "This happens a lot. Very well." ...he states, with another bow, again returned.

This leads to a first part of the day, where Aleaic meets another local family, once again for the first time. Such had been a staple of his, for his entire journey. Despite his wanting drive to reach this Shrine, Aleaic makes good as a proper guest. Suka ('41',) the wife of Tobo ('40',) with a daughter Mitsaka (16,) and baby boy Kenu (6 months,) the last, a wanting of a mother, seeing a daughter grow up too fast. Aleaic helps, even with the changing of a diaper, with 'smelly' learned lessons, of growing up, at an Orphanage. (The elder kids, learned to keep for the younger, as responsibility taught goes. All Ewwness despite.)

A long two year story is told, amongst a good breakfast, Aleaic helping repay back, by helping with some rice field work. His spade multi-tool, getting another good workout, in hand. This before Mitsaka is sent off for mid morning classes, the field work not slacking off today, for Tobo's aging good.

Sports of course, comes up, Soccer (World Futbol,) Al's favorite sport, getting some good yelling about tactics, at one point. Al's 3-5-2 aggressive play talk, is countered by Tobo's preferred 5-3-2 Countering. Some laughter over rice cakes, and mores stories about each of their respective childhoods. Al's is sidestepped, concerning his unknown parents, in favor of Tobo's story about his he met Suka, as a kid. Course Suka hears enough of this, as she comes to collect for lunch, and tell the infamous 'proposal' story, all proper males know and dread, when Tobo was seventeen.

By afternoon winds up, the weather isn't improving, and another round of stiff rains, of an early spring, struggling to pry off winter's claws, making Aleaic less wanting to leave, though he imparts still wanting to do so. A Mitohama local family head (Tobo,) convinces Al to stay for the day, as Mitsaka returns home, and field work is postponed for the afternoon. This becomes in favor of a good afternoon, into evening, full of more stories, Tira raiding Aleaic's meat snacks too much, and eventually sake finding their way around, along with some less than ideal karaoke. (Al sounds like a smashed up tuba.) And at one late point, as evening comes to close in, once more...

... ... ...

-Earlier, that same morning, before day proper-

"I guess add another day, before arrival."

Kiyone and... well... Kiyone, both at the table, the motherly version, sewing at a garment, both just look up, at Sasami's pronouncement. "What does that mean?" ...the GP version, asks. Washu then speaks up... "He's found a new friend, it seems."

Both Kiyone's blink, as Sasami asks over the open kitchen window cub hole. "You're not spying on him too, are you?" ...Ryo-ohki looking down cutely from atop her melon.

Washu just snickers, (with a teardrop,) "Who? Me?"

Sasami just shakes her head, but says little more. ('Both' knew better, at this point.) Kiyone (GP,) then asks, a bit beside herself... "When did you get here?"

Washu just sighs... "I don't need to be told to come to breakfast, every day, now do I?"

Both Kiyone's just smile uneasily, before the sound of cute cooing, grabs everyone's (present,) attention. This Noike announces cutely... "And here's Little Mayuka!" ...and then, cause both its habit now, and Kiyone (GP,) is looking with an eye twitter, Noike then announces, with Mayuka giggle-clapping, also expecting... "And the next winner of Mayuka, is...?"

This causes Washu and Kiyone (mommy type, er... both I guess,) to then slit eyes at each other, and of intense (comical) succession, eye-lightning bolts included (again...)

"ROCK-PAPER-SCISSORS-BLASTER!" ...er... same rules, except 'blaster' Washu came up with, to cheat with, and all since, well...

"Stop using Blaster! It's unscientific!" ...Kiyone (GP,) snaps, at both mommies. Noike just slumps, as Mayuka claps giggling again, as Kiyone (mommy,) just comically seethes at Washu. "Now now, Little Washu. Don't you want to go play Nurse, with my Little Tenchi?"

Washu just eggs back... (...yeah, it all looks stupid. Course Mayuka is cute and all,) "Now now Kiyone. Don't'cha wana go play mommy, with your actual son again?"

"I'm gonna be sick." Kiyone (GP,) belches in bemoaned queasiness. This standoff lasts long enough, for Noike to then feel... "Okay, sheesh already..." ...as Ryoko (yeah, saw that coming?) plucks Mayuka, and gives an easy to garner giddy-giggle, tossing up and down Mayuka, like a ball. All the while two feuding mothers, just evil eye Ryoko...

...whom talks to Mayuka, all baby talk like. "YEees! Those oldy grannies just like looking silly-dilly, for Tenchi's daughter! Oh yes they are! Oh yes they..." ...which nets a SUDDEN STARE DOWN, by said two feuding mothers! "What was that?!" ... "Stop hogging Tenchi points, from our daughter!" Washu and Kiyone (mommy,) in turn cause Ryoko to... "EEK!" ...and fling Mayuka up, Ryoko suddenly being manically chased by two said mothers, all over the freakin room! Kiyone (GP,) just dives 'up', and nabs Mayuka with her body enhanced arms. Mayuka is just giggling like crazy, again, as Kiyone Makibi just quips as she rises. "Well at least someone is happy."

"Oh quiet you!" ...Washu snaps, as she and Kiyone (mommy,) hold Ryoko down, the latter wrestling with Ryoko, with a spoon full of... "HERE! Take your Castor Oil, ya snotty brat!"

"No! Not again! Get that crap away from me!" ...wow is Ryoko struggling!

Noike just looks pip eyed lost, as Sasami comes back in, holding a spatula, the former bemoaning... "It's all only gotten nuttier, this time around." ...as Sasami comes over, and tickles Mayuka, in Kiyone's (GP,) arms. This all before... "Same as ever eh?" ...as eyes see... "Oh Hello Tenchi..." ...ala Sasami. Noike greeting... "Ayeka and Tennyo too. Bout time you three." ...as the lot comes downstairs.

Ayeka just smiles... "Well that protective shield I used, from last night, drained me." ...Tennyo nodding. "And then all that running around."

"But we all managed anyway." Tenchi says, as he walks over, Kiyone (GP,) handing Mayuka to him. "Thanks Kiyone. How's my big little girl today?"

A good gurgle-giggle-blurp, makes the ladies all around, go awe in swoon. Tenchi just teardrops, at the cute, endearing, creepy, er... moment. (Take your pick.) This before a chibi Tokimi phases pops into sight, (chagrin all around,) and remarks. "Another strong day, for an offspring, not of any physical loins, of around here."

"Tokimi." ...chides back, all around, as Ryoko just belches out... "It should be my kid then dammit, if that's the deal!"

Ayeka of course... "Knock it off you fiend! Take your medicine!" ...this Ayeka yells at Kiyone (Castor Oil punisher,) whom just blinks, and as such Ryoko starts struggling again, at hearing... "You say that around my son, and 'not' actually have done it yet?! Really take your medicine, I say!" ...which Ryoko... "StopitstopitstopitYUCKBLECH!"

Tenchi just moans, as Mayuka wiggle happily, in his arms.

Just then, the front door is slid open, to... "Oh, Grandpa! Ms. Airi!" ...Tenchi sees, Yosho (elder,) and Airi both in matching shrine kimonos.

"Ah, Morning Tenchi." Yosho says a bit too cheery, making for raised eyebrows, Tennyo eyeing Airi, as the latter... "And how's our little cutie pie." ...as she zips over and pokes at Mayuka's nose. The kith just burbles a tongue back, making Tenchi smile uneasily, as Airi just blanches... "Did she raspberry me!"

"Now now, Ms. Airi." ... "Yeah, kids and all that." Tennyo adds in defense, with Tenchi. This added by Ryo-ohki (mini-muncher mode,) then leaping on top of Mayuka and meowing a stream of 'defense' of Mayuka, at Airi. Airi just reacts by streaming anime tears... "Okay, that was just too cute." ...the others, save Tenchi and Yosho, doing likewise the same!

Course Ryo-ohki just pays for that, a moment later, as Mayuka's toy again.

"Haha! Serves ya right Ryo-chan, for butting in." Ryoko teases, before a split moment later... "Eh? WAITWAITWAIT Ack!! Ptooey!" ...as Washu just shoves a second 'spoonful', into her daughter's mouth! Kiyone (mommy,) looks on victoriously, as Washu quips. "Where was this stuff, five thousand years ago, for spoiled brats?"

Ryoko spits out, both ways... "Phoo! Where... yuck... were you at... blagh! ... at all?!"

Further of anything at all, is stopped as Sasami calls out. "Who's ready for breakfast!"

...which is interrupted by a warbling, breep sound. Kiyone (GP,) recognizes... "Hey! Mihoshi?!" ...as she stabs a look at her wrist comm-scan-device. This finally of course, brings the last absent member, as... "Kiiyyonnee!" ...as Mihoshi appears, rumble-tumbles DOWN the stairs, half dressed in uniform, and jammies (no joke,) and all the while, Yosho deftly sidesteps the chaos, for Mihoshi to bounce back up, and YELP... "KIYONE!"

Said GP Makibi just blanches... "Yeah yeah..." ...as Airi looks on with an eye twitter. (Not the only one looking with such,) as the 1st Class Detective 'reminds' her (somehow,) equal rank partner... "...just head to your... HEY! NOT THE CUBE!"

...too late, the reminder turned PANIC, as Mihoshi just 'somehow', already has her pink cube, already turned about, Rubik style, and both just promptly vanish out of teleported sight.

...with a quick splash heard, to boot. Airi just drops her head. "Never a dull moment with her."

"Well, you let her in the Academy." Ryoko cracks without thinking, so as such, that Ryoko is suddenly wrestling with FOUR ladies, trying to Castor her to oblivion!

"What'd you say pirate?!" ...as Airi helps spoon SHOVEL the stuff in her pie hole, Washu and Kiyone (laughing mommas,) helping! Sasami just bounces by... "Guess Ryoko won't be hungry..." as... (...ignore the teardrops from the males.)

...

-Inside Yukinojo shuttle cockpit...

...all wet.-

"Whaaaa..." Mihoshi complains, somehow in her uniform, and all soaked. Kiyone just seethe-blanches beside her! "Mihoshi! I have my own ship you know!"

"Sorriee!" ...a partner quips, as Kiyone 'activates' her own uniform appearance, as well as the self drying function, literally sewn-infused within. (Mihoshi doing the old fashioned way, by habit, as...) ...a robotic domed unit, drops down from its overhead slot. ": Mihoshi! Kiyone! :" ...Kiyone hand waving a half salute. "Sorry Yuki, what's up?"

Just then, a second, holographic blue-displayed 'dome' of a robo-unit, appears, off the left of Yukinojo, as a female electro-vocalized Yagami... ": - Apologies! We just got a Signal from Headquarters. - :" ...Mihoshi gasping over... "What's wrong guys?"

Yukinojo... ": Commander Nobeyama can explain. :" ...which both officers see a quick appearance, of their mutual assigned Commander. Kiyone and Mihoshi both stand at salute crisply. "Sir!"

": - Detectives Mihoshi and Kiyone. We received a distress signal from the Kamidake II, on a heading for the Sol System. Their distress signal as detected in the outer reaches of the system, their transmissions jammed. This was about fifteen minutes ago, HQ time! - :"

"No time to waste then!" Mihoshi announces, Kiyone nodding. "We're on it Commander!"

": - Try not to cause too much damage. - :" ...that 'bit' aimed at the obvious, as Kiyone twitters an eye. The signal-pic blacks out, as Kiyone pulls out her own pink control cube, and makes a single turn to 'pop' a fresh uniform onto Mihoshi, then a second turn, to... "Yagami, blast off on auto!" ...teleport Kiyone to her own GP cruiser. Mihoshi just snaps professionally. "Let's go Yukinojo!"

": Right! :"

...

Seconds later, the gang now outside, sees a pair of dark subspace portals open, as first, Yagami emerges it's rather large, dark crimson length, before lifting off gently.

...and then the second, less serene, as Yukinojo shuttle emerges, and then promptly BLASTS off, causing the usual mini-tsunami for the hold to endure! One avoided despite, by a easily put up shield, by Tokimi, this causing the water to torrent around the shield.

And the remaining lot, clap impressed, Mayuka giggling-clapping as so, for Tenchi. "Nice one." ...ala Tenchi.

Washu of course... "You 'did' remember the back end shield, this time, right?" ...this Tokimi BLARES back, at her Sister choshin! "Of course I did! What kind of fool do you take me for!"

Course then, the next SPLASH heard, causes teardrops around, as Washu just quips plainly... "The water cascaded off the shield, up on higher, didn't it."

"THE SHRINE!" Yosho/Airi both YELP! Tokimi just droops her shoulders, as Tenchi just pats at the goddess's chibi-shoulders. "You... we're just trying."

The sudden noise of watery crashes, just makes Ayeka quip. "Another day in paradise."

"Yup..." ...all around. Save.. "Yeah yeah..." ...Tokimi, ala pre-charged dimensional claw-hand.

... ... ...

After a quick repair 'reset' job, by Tokimi, not just a mere repair job, (literal subspace-reality reset,) the gang remaining have breakfast, then disperse to their usual tasks. Sasami and Kiyone (mommy,) take to kitchen cleaning, the latter brow beating Ryoko into helping clean the hallways for the new rooms, as Ayeka settles everything, then handles laundry. Mayuka, in between changes, bouts between Kiyone and Washu, and getting quick healthy snacks, just enjoys being all but being glued to Kiyone's back, in a baby backpack carrier.

Tenchi, Tennyo and Noike, tend to the fields, the latter two later on, taking the mini-truck, to town for groceries, and check mail, mainly the type either too large, or stuff not delivered, due to 'pranks' Azaka and Kamidake, liked to play anymore, due to sheer boredom, as gate 'guardians'. (Ayeka's Guardians, don't get much action, anymore.)

Tenchi would then get joined at one point, by Sasami, Ryo-ohki, Washu and Kiyone (silver.) The latter two, mainly a part of their constant baby-feud. Even added by sight, of both 'zipping' acquisition of Mayuka, still in the kith's backpack holder, onto their backs each, every few seconds! No joke. Every few seconds!

Lunch tea is held here, as Ayeka and Ryoko soon join, the latter Tenchi hunting, the former (well, the same,) staving off Ryoko's advances. And then the reverse happening, to the near nuclearification of the countryside, again. Noike showing up, as Tenchi meekly tries to stop the violence (while Mayuka is giggling at, an easy to amuse, shock proof lass, that one is,) before Noike shows up, and hog wrangles the duo. Nice large lunch and tea break, from there, as field work is light afterwards. Tokimi then shows up, quips about machinery would be more efficient than hand farming, which gets a light lecture, before Ryoko calls Tokimi lazy.

Ryoko is a smudge after, Washu chiding Tokimi, (still 'feuding' over Mayuka,) before Ryo-ohki meow-rips into Tokimi, the goddess deliberately snap reformatting into a humanoid kid-cabbit, Ryo doing the same, both meow snapping at each other, before Tenchi makes peacemaker, and offers a carrot to Ryo-chan. Toki-ohki reacts by 'nabbing' her own carrot from the ground, and... gee... both just munch away. Washu said it best there... "Might need a mindwipe, after this one." ...to a 'few'... well, all the others, nodding around.

Yosho and Airi above, meanwhile, after assuring the Shrine is in one piece. (And still a 'Shrine', in the first place.)

"At least Tokimi didn't turn this place into a time portal place again." ...Airi notes, Yosho just nodding simply. "Was all bad enough, with Lady Washu's Time-Space device, we all got grabbed into, that one time."

Airi just shakes her head, as the two look down, from on above, at the top of the shrine steps, of the actual Shrine. "It's always a circus around here, isn't it."

Yosho smirks, before all of a sudden, a second warble breep, sounds from the office nearby, Yosho eying over, before Airi ZIPS over, and anime STOMPS on her 'wrist' device, still on the floor inside, for 'some' reason, before then ZIPPING back, near her husband.

"Oops, self-repair mechanism need more time. Silly thing."

Yosho just eyes Airi, the latter 'amending'... "What? It's finicky."

"Indeed."

Airi just CHANGES the subject, outright with... "BY the way. What's up with the boy that's coming here?"

"Worry not there." ...as a visage of an ethereal Tsunami appears, next to the Shrine fit couple, Airi gasping again, (Yosho better poker faced, but still the 'same',) remarks back... "Don't think I'll be used to that."

"Our young charge?" Yosho asks simply. Tsunami in equal turn. "My Aleaic found the company of a family, to the north of the city, situated here. Mitohama I heard, via his Link echoes proper."

Yosho looks thoughtful, arms crossed, thumbing his chin. "I believe I assisted the birth, of both of their children, in the proper Shinto vein. An interesting coincidence, that turns to be, given circumstances."

"Why so?" Airi asks, Tsui looking sidelong, while still eying the ruckus going on down below, at the fields. Yosho complying. "I informed them to keep an eye out, for this one person, we seem to be destined to meet." ...this Tsui looks over fully. Yosho back in turn, as Airi leans around, the elder of seven hundred years plus... "I had observed of this soul, early in his life. What concerning the circumstances of his being at an Orphanage."

Tsunami looks down, Airi blinking, as the goddess whispers... "Yes." ...reservedly. Yosho nods. "Indeed, after what happened to the village of Hendai. It was never discovered why one child, survived such an unknown calamity."

"That time, is not now." Tsunami remarks suddenly, Yosho sees eyes holding back. Yosho nods, trades a look with a lightly teeth bearing Airi, and continues... "After, I kept track for my own reasons. Even before your intentions, our goddess, my own mind was made up."

Tsunami suspects, looks over and asks... "You sense it too then."

Yosho just says nothing. Airi blinks, then starts... "Wh... what?" ...and after not getting answer, proceeds to shake at Yosho, and then place her husband, into a wicked headlock! Tsunami just float scoots away, from the tarring, one Yosho 'maintains' for the sake of secrecy.

It 'is' a pain, to maintain.

All such interrupted by a SUDDEN outburst of a MEOW sound, cascading all around the Shrine valley! Airi sees and gasps... "Ryo-ohki!" ...as the full brown battleship format, of the same Masu creature of carrots, suddenly rises to blast off into space! Just then... "Father! Mother!" ...Airi and Yosho see Kiyone and Tennyo race up, the latter with a whimpering Mayuka in hands, rather than backpack. The silver haired duo see Tsunami, but the goddess belays any bows with a hand, as Yosho asks... "What is occurring?"

Tennyo... "The guys got a distress signal from Kiyone and Mihoshi! Something bad is happening up there!"

Tsunami looks uncertain, anew of hearing this, before Tokimi phases into view, beside Tsunami's left. (As if the lot weren't tense before.) "Oh, it's all just the precursor, to what is to come." ...the other look in confusion, Tsunami snapping back. "You know whom as well it all is, as well as I. Don't over indulge what there is not so."

"As long as Washu Sister understands what to do." ...Tokimi plainly states.

In reaction, a red, spiky haired goddess upper 'half' appears to the mutual right of the two Choshin, upside down, at an angle, mocking back at Tokimi. "What, don't believe in my Daughter? Tsk, for not coming to see." ...before phasing/vanishing/something.

Tsui and Toki just anime exhale, and then phase out of view, as well.

Yosho just quips. "So strange."

Airi: "Uhuh."

Tennyo: "Yup."

Kiyone: "No kidding."

... ... ...

-That night...-

"Thank you."

Suka and Tobo, look over at their young guest. One barely (seemingly,) any older than their now asleep daughter. A school night for one, is not so for another. Tobo responds, holding his cup of 'tea'. "Why so Aleaic-san?"

The blond headed mop-head, just smirks, then relays over, holding his own half filled cup of sake`. "For allowing me to meet such a wonderful family today."

"And you're welcome for us not calling the cops, at the start." Suka teases back, Al about dropping his cup, but fumbling a manic catch despite. He then nods. "Yeah, though such darkness outside, tells enough." ...as they eye through the open slide door of the simple residence, a decent rain falling outside. Al just cocks his semi drunk eye. "Strange that the weather is so rainy, for this time of year."

"That's an island nation for you." Tobo quips, a bit of silence after, only the sounds of nature, accompanying them. (The weird noise of some strange, far off meowing, now well forgotten, for simple pleasures.)

Tobo then asks, for no real reason other than curiosity. "Off to the city tomorrow then?" ...Aleaic nodding. "Weather or nor. I feel that calling still. Strange be told."

"Same for 'that' place." Suka imparts, the sake` making for her 'prod'. Aleaic just asks over... "You said that earlier today. I never learned of why."

Tobo just smirks, as Suka complains... "Oh, the elder that tends the Shrine, one Yosho Katsuhito I believe, well and all good. Even helped me when I was birthing twice. Used to be a quiet place, but the local kin here say strange things happen there now, if it's all not just all fermented wine, and all talking."

Aleaic has a chiseled look of inquisitiveness, as Tobo just boozes out... "They say the place is haunted, or just some kind of convent or something. Talk of women all over the place there. Strange happenings, spirits even. I've never seen anything, so it all may be just stories."

Suka however pegs in, about bowling her husband over, in leaning at him... "Stories?! I heard some freak tale about a woman that walks through walls! How about that old demon tale! I even heard there's a tree that shoots out rainbows! You telling me it's all just this booze talking?"

Tobo just blinks... smiles... and takes a swig, saying nothing...

Aleaic just scoots away from the short lived hair tearing fracas, before a baby whine stops the tirade, Suka just snapping drunkenly at Tobo... "Now you made me wake the baby!" ...and such she heads to a quick comforting, of a lass. Suka doesn't come back however, the floor mat seeing two more sleeping forms, soon enough. This leaves the two 'elders' alone, Tobo just noting Aleaic is far off in thought. After enough, the thought comes out as... "What if..."

"Hmm?" Toba quips. Al blinks, somewhat hashed, looking up. "Oh, ah... sorry. Mind wandering."

"What upon?" ...Tobo man grunts out. What comes back however, after a strange sigh... "You ever feel you were driven towards something?"

Tobo thinks, then after a sip, and a refill for 'both' cups... "Guess that'd be my love Suka. Why?"

"I dunno." Aleaic starts, and then to a spiel that Tobo would remember for the rest of his days, comes out of... "These dreams. They... I think I keep being driven to something. Some... something wonderful. Some feeling... maybe love... I don't know... maybe something else. All because I keep seeing... I don't... know... a person... something ghostly. Something that has been there, maybe since I was a kid. Even before I was in that Orphanage." ...paused with a cock of self-confused eyes.

Tobo just looks on, as Aleaic, not even realizing, just remarks... "Teal... blue... hair maybe. ...something odd about the eyes... a voice that feels like silk is raining about me... maybe that feeling too. Don't... don't know what it really feels like, but... I swear it's been there, before I met my Nanny. I'd ask my Nanny about this, but... either she doesn't know... or..." ...he stops, his train of thought, lost in strange, jumbled memories he can't find clarity in. He presumes... "Guess I was just a baby, when they..." ...he stops, a parental lineage not prodded out. He even has to choke back tears he nearly exposing. Tobo just takes a sip, says nothing, before Aleaic continues... "I... guess I'll find out, what it all means at this Misaki Shrine. Don't know where I'll go from there. Maybe answers... maybe... just head to other shrines.

Are these stories true, or anything?" ...Aleaic asks over, when his mind, becomes mindful enough to, off its own bidden. Tobo just quips, a slur of sake` laced. "I've heard a lot of tales. Don't have a TV, so I just hear talk more instead. Don't know what else is really out there."

Aleaic nods, and just looks back out, into the rain. This after some indeterminable amount of time, before he hears. "Maybe you'll fit in there."

Al looks over, over his knees, the two males trading a simple nod.

It's all left from there.

Sleep not too long after. (Talk about snoring.)

... ... ...

-An adventure in space. Dear lord in heaven .-

"Pluto?!"

"No need to shout Tenchi." Washu remarks, looking dead at her holo-terminals, as Ryo-ohki flies at speed! Ryoko just remarks, as she stands at the 'control' terminal crystal, for Ryo-ohki. "Whatever is going on out there, it's a racket. I can sense the action, all the way out here."

"I hope they are all alright." Sasami remarks, Ayeka denotes to this. "GP vessels can stand up to battle for days normally, if needed. The question is, who's attacking Kamidake out here."

Tenchi just guesses at... "If it's Seina we're talking about..." ...Washu in addendum... "...then the gang there probably have a pirate fleet on their butts again. Which means Kiyone and Mihoshi..."

Ryoko just blurts in... "We'll find out soon enough. We're almost there!" ...this as the cabbit vessel holo-sensors, show them crossing the Neptune orbit line, in nothing flat. Washu all of a sudden then denotes... "My my! Whoever is out here, are using a pretty powerful signal jammer. Even my stuff is having trouble getting readings."

The others present, look wary, as Tenchi vocalizes... "How can your stuff be jammed?" ...Washu quipping back, her hands flying across her holotop... "Good question. Good thing we have backup." ...this as one member of the family unit, was missing. However Ryoko then notes, as the cabbit crystalline-Masu based vessel approaches the scene. "Looks like we have a real party out here."

Washu then calls out 'generally'... "We might lose signal contact. Watch the Astral line."

"Whoa." Sasami blinks, as they enter an unexpected sight. One where red and blue lasers, lance back and forth, the red ones of far greater quantity, than the blue. Tenchi sees some odd shapes, amidst the Oort Cloud system debris. "Those don't look small."

"I think they see us too already." Washu announces. Ayeka blinking... "Are those...?" ...as sight of three elongated, gray metallic masses, the central one, far bigger than the adjoining two, and disgorging a large number of smaller objects of speed, right at them!

Washu suddenly announces... "We're in the middle of a pirate taskforce!" ...Ryoko snarling back... "Who are they?!"

"Just deal with them. I'll find out!" Washu snaps, Ryoko fanging back at a sudden enemy! "Works for me!" ...as seconds later, the cabbit vessel is suddenly jinking, and trading fire with pirate based starfighters, and even more weirdly, humanoid looking mecha units! Ryo-ohki dishes out as good as it gets, as Ryoko bellows out... "You got this Ryo-ohki! These guys are nothing to ya!"

Sasami is clutching onto Ayeka, as the latter does the same upon Washu's hovering chair! Ayeka just asks, a bit high strung... "Have you located the others?!"

"Yeah, and... wait!" ...Washu blurts, before a holoscreen pops up, before everyone on the cabbit vessel! Tenchi snap recognizes... "Seina Yamada!"

The GP captain just snaps out holo-com wise... ": Tenchi! Get outta here! It's a pirate enclave here! There's something weird about these guys! :" ...before the unseen voice of Kiriko Masaki Yamada shouts out... ": Power wave coming from the enemy carrier! :"

Washu blinks... "Power wave?!" ...just before a strange dark wave, swarms around the cabbit vessel, Ayeka of most note, Sasami and Tenchi, a moment later, all falling to their knees! Ryoko shouts back... "Tenchi!"

"It's some kind of anti-Jurai power wave!" Washu announces, apparently not affected, though Ryoko sure is anyway, with... "BASTARDS! Who the hell are they?!"

Tenchi struggles up, as he sees Ayeka and Sasami, outright knocked unconscious, by... whatever hit them! "Da... amn! Wha... what is...?!"

Washu just announces... "Oh no! I got a lock on the others! And Kamidake, Yagami, and Yukinojo are losing power!"

": Kiriko! Kiriko!GUYS!:" Seina snaps with comm still open, before it is cut off, as a split second holo-window snap open of... ": G... uy... GUY... :" ...Kiyone's transmission stutters, before it snaps back off! Washu snaps in kind... "The jamming field just increased! These guys are something else!"

"So are we! RYO!" Ryoko barks, a sudden HISS-Meow from Ryo-ohki, is then followed by rapid fire, mutli-angle beams attacks, by the cabbit vessel! The swarming pirate fight screen, suddenly scatters, just enough for Washu to snap... "Ryoko! Head for the Carrier! I think I know who they are now, and how to stop them!"

"Got it mom!" Ryoko snaps, trying hard not to look at Tenchi, though Tenchi is faring better than he should be. This as he tries to stumble over to Washu, just as the genius announces... "The others are still alive. Got me how beyond Mihoshi's luck, nevermind Seina's... and... wait... NOT NOW NOIKE!"

": Sue me! :" ...comes over holo-comm, as beyond, the sudden arrival of a Treeship, changes the complexion of the sudden battle, to another octave, once again! This as Kyoko arrives, firing at three specific areas of the jumbled battlefield! Washu sees and grumbles, then barks at Ryoko... "Get us at the central ship, or we will have major problems with that unknown weapon!"

"Always in a hurry mom!" Ryoko barbs back, but knows better! Washu just keeps eye on her keyboard, as scattered sensor echoes, place Ryo-ohki, to the fore of the battle, Kyoko behind, off to port. Scattered around the three shown enemy vessels, Kamidake is shown to the far Nadir-Starboard, while Yagami and Yukinojo, the latter split in two meta hybrid craft, acting as one, that 'group' off to the other side of further starboard, in a Zenith direction, the sheer number of, along with added firepower of, from the pirate task force, keeping the two GP 'groups' from assisting each other! Washu's conjecture to this, is prevented, when Ryo-ohki takes a particularly narly shot to one of its crystal vanes!

Ryoko senses immediately! "Ryo! Washu, we're getting hammered!"

"Trying to... eh? -GASP-" ...Washu starts, then senses behind her, as Ryoko sees three vast 'Wings' suddenly glow ahead of them! Washu sees, as she looks behind her at... "Tenchi." ...as the plain clothed kami, also has his forehead 'sigil' shining fiercely! Tenchi just strains out... "Guys!"

"Ryoko!"

"Got it!" ...a daughter outright 'agrees' with a mother, as the act being displayed, also starts Ayeka and Sasami, stirring again! Afar, Washu then exclaims... "Kyoko and Mizuki are activating Lighthawk Wings now too!" ...this Washu again looks back, at a hard concentrating Tenchi. Washu just looks at double take, as her readings quickly show the pirates both firing double time, but also the pirate fighter screens, hightailing it!

Both 'capable' vessels, display two, and three Wings respectively, Mizuki getting it's additional Wing, from the 'second' seed, bonded within the Kamidake hull! Hence the 'name' it took, for the billion year old Seed, and hence, two thirds of the battlefield, are of a sudden pincer, as the Pirate forces scramble back to their home vessels! Washu just announces... "Keep it up Tenchi."

"Washu! Kiyone and Mihoshi!" ...the Lighthawk bearer snaps, more than realizing, as Washu also notes... "Yeah, they'll head for that direction, in any case!"

"Like hell they will! FIRE Ryo-ohki!" Ryoko snaps, as the pirate capital ship fire, is absorbed by the Wings, Ryoko taking advantage by blasting away at the port escorting Pirate destroyer, before switching fire, to the main capital ship! The off key looking hybrid Battleship-fighter carrier, that just flares of empowered blasts, taking worse in turn, before the first destroyer is aflame, and the central capital isn't far behind! Washu notes and quickly denotes... "I think we took it out of them! I... aw crap!"

"What?!" Ryoko snaps, as two Juraian princesses look up in time, Washu announcing... "We got their attention alright! They're overcharging their energy core!"

"What about that weapon?!" Ryoko snaps, Washu in turn... "I can't tell, the energy surge is starting to... crap! Get us outta here FAST!"

"What?! Already?! Why?!" Ryoko snaps confused, before Washu just stabs at a comm 'button' on her Holo-top. "GUYS! If you hear this, random jump away from here now!"

"Too late!" Ryoko sees, as a strange dark 'flash' suddenly overtakes the central ship, the second unknown pirate destroyer of slender, pointed format, apparently Jumps away, just before the central larger block shaped carrier vessel, cascades a DETONATION without further warning! This despite its own allies still spread about, all in a sacrificial-scorched earth measure! Washu gasps, shocked at the audacity in that split second, before a sudden... "TENCHI!" ...from Sasami and Ayeka, sees the others onboard look back suddenly! Washu jerks a second look at... "Jeeze Tenchi!"

Outside, of a moment as sudden, chaotic, and confused, as it all is, the last act of all of this battle mysterious, one lone figure, at the command of six Lighthawk Wings, just uses them to encircle around the fast imploding detonation, a dichotomy that just turns to a massive explosion, one that runs SMACK right into the encircling Wings, and such Tenchi uses them to absorb the explosion!

"Common!" ...Tenchi just strains, keeping everyone he knows, from being vaporized by an enemy, he for one, doesn't know zilch about! The act lasts only a few moments, before Tenchi manages to prevent catastrophe, as the Wings do their job magnificently.

And in moments, the battle ends, with a hero just slumping in exhaustion, in mid-space. "Dang it, what a day this turned out to be."

In sudden reaction, Ryoko and Ayeka phases up behind him, the latter now in battle armor, her mini-guardian shield, surrounding all three. "Lord Tenchi! / Tenchi!"

"I'm fine. No time travel for me today." Tenchi just quips, warbily. Ryoko just shakes her head. "Stop hogging all the good scenes."

"A fine thank you there Ryoko." Ayeka just barbs back, Ryoko acting all fangy in kind! "And who was knocked out useless there!"

"Jeeze guys!" Tenchi balks, as their minds are filled of a Washu-detached 'voice'. ": Okay guys! Let's meet back up, and find out what happened here. :"

": Quick guys! Those weren't the only three! :" Seina's voice 'calls' out, as well, and in turn, three of the strongest forces in the universe, phase back to Ryo-ohki, and soon meet up with three other allied vessels.

... ...

"That was too close." ...one Choshin, worriedly remarked to her teal tressed sister. Tsunami nods. "It seems the experiment then, is of far more merit, than we intended." ...this Tsunami, along with her sister Tokimi, both 'float' off near Luna, as they watched the short lived fracas, resolve itself in dramatic manner. Tokimi just looks over, more worried of... "What of you Sister. Did that effect, harm you any?"

Tsunami holds at her head, weary looking. "I am... fine. The effect that strange enemy used. Few others I have ever known, have affected me so. I fear for further, from here, as a result. But..." ...she then looks up, at her gazing Sister, with a confident smile in return. "...all will be well. Study of this phenomenon, will come, I am certain."

"Perhaps your 'focus', is what needs to be certain." ...as Tokimi looks over back, at an Earth, that has it's demarcation of the terminator, approaching past the island of Guam, along said dawn time wise. Tsunami just responds... "This situation, should resolve itself, prior to his arrival. The climate patterns of the region, are of a delay, to assure this."

Tokimi just rolls her purple laden eyes. She then inputs... "I wonder, if I will need to..."

Tsunami eyes over, Tokimi sees, before they then 'look' back afar, as a meeting takes place, within the celestial litter of the ancient long past formation, of the Sol System Oort Cloud. Tsunami just wonders, thinking more like her current 'host' does. "I wonder if the display, will be noticed by the mortals down below."

"They need to grow up. Such chaff they are, of current." ...Tokimi just remarks to disdain, for the current slate, of the human race. Tsunami just shakes her head, in cute anime annoyance, this before focus turns back unto...

... ...

"You mean they retreated already?!" ...a young Galaxy Police captain balks, as his 'crew' surrounds him, in equal amazement, as Washu announces, for a 'complete' gathered, "That's right 'Captain' Yamada. Guess Tenchi's display, drove them off." ...aboard Kamidake II bridge. Ryo-ohki and Fuku just mew at each other, over ever readily available carrots. Sasami just giggles at the sight, all the while Tenchi just looks meekly passive, as amazed eyes, look over at him. This before 1st Class Detective Kiyone imparts... "Well that's good news. We're lucky to get out of that one alive."

"I wonder what the Traquis Collective, was doing out here." Mihoshi remarks, the others a big fat... "Huh?!" ...right at her, Ryoko quipping, more than knowing. "What were 'they' doing out here?" Kiyone blinking at her self-presumed, ditzy partner. "How did you know that?"

"Didn't you remember the class on pirate class ship types, from the Academy?" ...which puts the rest of the GP present personnel, a bit weirded out. Kiyone blinking in kind... "But that was twelve years ago." ...Mihoshi just smiling. "So it was. I still remember you being assigned to latrine detail with me once, back then." ...which makes Kiyone remember, and ABOUT go BALISTIC in response! "Don't remind me of that day!" ...which causes the rest to smile meekly.

A blue haired, former lady-in-waiting for Lady Seto, one: Hakuren, then taps at a displayed 'wrist' holotop screen, as she informs. "They reside outside the Galaxy Federation, their forces never having threatened the Renzan Alliance..." ...this all but 'stomped' over, as Ryoko Balouta injects with... "...since the Da Ruma got absorbed into Balta, and we took out the pirates in Renzan, they must be up next on the list."

The Juraian princesses at least, get a good giggle, as Kiriko then imparts, looking at her own holotop wrist-screen unit... "The last known report the GP ever had with them was..." ...which is hijacked by the Renzan green haired Suiren. (Dirty look, directed appropriately.) "...forty-eight years ago, galactic standard calendar. A standard supply vessel raid, in their supposed home galaxy. Nothing else since then."

Seina puts his own two cents in... "So we're dealing with another pirate group?" ...and looks over at Kiyone and Mihoshi. "We should inform headquarters."

1stCD Kiyone nods. "A good idea sir. The Yagami is compiling all the data we acquired, in the battle."

"Yukinojo is doing the same." ...this Mihoshi adds, before Washu inputs. "Let's put the kibosh on the stuff about the unknown weapon. Wouldn't want enemies knowing about a Jurai weakness." ...this Ayeka nods, adding. "Any idea what the weapon was? I've never heard of such weaponry, that can affect us, in such a way."

Washu just looks thoughtful, hand to chin and all, the same Seina adopted prior. "No idea. But this is disturbing. Reminded me of what Kagato did once to Tsunami even, whatever it exactly was. Pirates usually don't have access to such a weapon. Like Jurai would let anyone have such either." ...this Noike remarks over... "Hence why I jumped in to help." ...which Washu counters stiffly... "And why I warned you. You could have got your ship, and you, killed. We're lucky it didn't get to fire twice."

Seina then pops out... "Speaking of all which, Lady Seto informed us divert to this System. She should be warned as well."

"Already ahead of ya captain." Washu informs. Tenchi then asks... "You were coming here to Earth?"

Neiju then takes up, the lime green haired former high priestess of Melmas remarking out... "We were heading to a neutral area of space to meet up..." ...which is 'shanghaied' by the red haired (and fiery,) Karen... "...with Seto, after our victory in helping stabilize Renzan space." ...and then traded eye-lightning bolts, unto certain.

"Sounds like you did good work." Kiyone judges, Seina just blushing out, "I had a great crew. Plus the Renzan and GP capture detachments we all setup, did great as well. It's been busy though." ...this netting him a gaggle of 'awws' from his married detachment, all of his own. (No kidding. You think Tenchi has problems? Try all of that, if he gets married someday. Even if it's all primarily political, and... er... back to topic...) Seina just flusters off... "Anyway... we had just got into range of this System, when all of a sudden we ran right into a pirate fleet!" ...which the Tenchi crew present, all blink at, Seina just lightly admonishing himself... "I guess it was my bait luck again."

An unexpected voice then comes to the 'rescue', as Ryoko (the iconic one, the other Ryoko present, was named after,) comments... "Hey. Maybe you stopped them from their operation, before it really got going. Kinda strange for pirates to want to bother with 'this' star system."

The silver haired Renzan 'wife' of Seina, Gyokuren, then asks... "Could it have been a mining operation?" ...this Amane counters that. "A long way from home, for something as trivial as that." ...Gyokuren then spouting back... "Something you both have in common?" ...which Amane barbs back, to teardrops around... "Thieves will be thieves, you should know."

Washu just stops it all cold, with a logic gravy train. "Could be as simple as that, but given their own hunting territory is in Andromeda Galaxy, or M31, using the Earth classification terminology, they are rather far from home, for a mere mining operation."

Ryoko Balouta (dark haired version,) asks aloud... "What's to stop them? They looked rather organized, more military like, than guild like." ...Washu informing out. "Remember the ability to travel between galaxies, is still in the nascent stage, for most space faring groups. Empires like Jurai, and individual groups like the Science Academy, have ships that can do it, special drives and shielding to compensate for the relativity factor, for such distances. Saving a lot of scientific jargon here, it's expensive, and usually only the most powerful groups, or individuals, like Yume, can do it. But doing so, for members of the Galactic Federation, of the sixteen closest Local galactic territories that the Jurai and GP are a part of, still takes time, planning, and a reason, to justify the expenditure of energies, that trans-galactic travel would incur."

Ayeka nods, and adds in... "For our part, it's mainly commerce, and military, that take advantage. Smaller state System-nations, like Naja Akara's own pseudo-state, are limited to private vessels, having no other need for trans-galactic travel. Their Trade is handled locally." ...this mentioning another personage, that was quite alive, in the present timeline.

"As far as we know." Washu takes the mantle again. "I guess if you want something bad enough, you'd take the time needed, for even lesser scale vessels, to make the journey. Course most of 'those' type vessels, use the Trans-Galactic Hyper-gate network. But Pirates wouldn't be keen on being scanned by controlling authorities. So, groups like Traquis take the sneaky route."

Officer Kiyone then pegs in. "But it still doesn't explain why they'd show up here. And we don't know what their intent is. Their own area of space, is rather sparse on information, as far as we've been able to discern. No real clues to go on."

Ayeka just sighs. "Yeah... well, not all empires are friendly to Jurai, over there. Fungesian Empire is not amicable, as last I remember with my Father." ...Sasami adding in, surprising the lot, somewhat. "Don't forget the, Seniwa Republic, Kartasian, Hylian, and Alcorian Empires, among others, nevermind all those minor states, like Akara, Renzan, and Airai out there. Most of the G-Fed doesn't deal with them much."

Ryoko just teases in at Ayeka... "Wow, your daddy musta pissed off a lot of other reagents out there." ...whom which makes like a rabid animal, in spatting back...! "And I'm sure we can find another empire, where they have a warrant for your arrest pirate! In fact...!" ...Ayeka then points at Senia, making the lad blinks... "...why aren't you doing your job, and arresting her!"

"Ahh... statute of limitations?" ...Seina warbles out, the 'lesser' Ryoko (unless you ask GP cadets and personnel, all male, or... mostly...) balks back... "But she's a hero to the GP these days, as much as I!"

Ayeka... "No excuses!" ...manic. Ryoko just waggles her tongue back at her rival. Tenchi just bemoaning, scritching his cheek-left... "Guys? The topic."

Washu just shrugs. "Well, these Traquis fellas must be well setup, to make it this far out. Other than that, all we can do is keep an eye out. I'm not keen on a road trip to another galaxy, right now."

Kiriko adds for her part. "We have to wait out for Seto to arrive, maybe get a moment to relax." ...which Seina tries hard to stifle a moan. Tenchi then offers... "You could all come for dinner back home." ...which Sasami adds... "Hey! Yeah! The more the merrier!"

"Sounds good." Seina adds, before Washu adds in. "And I got to get back to my special project." ...which makes Sasami giggle inordinately. A few murmured sounds of confusion from Seina's 'crew', before Kiyone finishes... "We'll need to finish data compiling, before we can come back too." ...which Mihoshi whines. "Aww, but I'm getting hungry!"

"Work first Mihoshi!" Kiyone 'and' Noike snap, Amane adding. "As long as we get to party tonight." ...which Karen then slyly 'slides' in... "If not more." ...next to Seina. This of course starts the usual eight way battle that Seina 'retreats' from, as Fuku soon appears in his hands again. "Uhboy."

Washu just smirks. "Must be hard, being a babe magnet. Like a certain someone else here." ...this Tenchi blinks... "Um... not really, you know." ...which gets more amicable shakes of female heads, ones Tenchi is attune unto. Ryo-ohki is back in Sasami's hands, as Ryoko (sake hound) cheers out wild! "Alright! Back home to party!"

"This won't be a quiet trip."

"Only if you don't find the airlock, Ayeka!"

Nope, not a quiet trip back.

... ... ...

The crew of the Mikagami 'saw' it all, as Seto slits her eyes, looking at the 'bond' between the various Jurai Trees, in the System. Even still a day out, and many Light-years away from Earth, such was the unrealized (besides Washu,) informational trove, that existed now, in one undeveloped star system.

"It's like having holo-cameras all around them. So coy." ...Seto quips, saying nothing else. Neither did her aides. They were still stunned by events. The coming reports would do better than snooping anyway.

"Better clear the calendar." Minaho realized. Kanemitsu. "Mihoshi?"

Minaho slumps. "Mihoshi."

And such they continued on. On more than one front.

... ... ...

"What do we do now captain?"

The Traquis Wau lieutenant then watches in turn, as the humanoid enough captain walks from a grayed out interior of a military type bridge, back towards his captain's room. (All self respecting starships, had one.) The mundane captain, commanding thirty various pirate vessels, from the Collective, were in retreat, from firepower unlike which they had ever seen before.

Such that the captain feels 'eyes' already upon him. His response... "Head us back to Toahl Nebula. You are in command now."

The suddenly promoted 'captain', then sees his counterpart, then enter through the standard hatch.

And then... 'nothing'. Screams weren't needed, where 'that' door went. One that was 'one' interceding 'another'. Acidic of note, at that.

The new 'captain', just turned, and headed forward, wondering (very quietly.) "When do I die, due to that... thing?"

At least 'he' got to their destination. So did all the 'other' new captains. All thirty vessels, had such 'promotions', before they even left MWG-Orion Arm, heading for their pirate base.

If only the reach of such 'death', was the merciful part.

... ... ...

-Um... Earth...-

You don't want to know the party that occurred, after everyone got back to Tenchi's place. (Actually, it 'is' Tenchi's place now. There are insurance papers and everything. Got anyone who would want to insure this place. A.k.a, said party...)

Ryoko... "So we're a fun bunch." ...said while guzzling a casket of Sake`.

Ayeka just rolls her eyes. "I'm surprised this country's liquor stores, aren't all gone, by this point."

"Aww shuddap and drink!" Ryoko just 'replies', along with a bottle of Sake`, down Ayeka's throat! (Good thing no one will drink and fly here tonight.)

The ladies are communally 'settled' in the living room, so the guys retreated to the other side of the house, looking out from the porch there, a light rain, playing down from the dark heavens. They just sit there, trying hard to ignore the ruckus inside. Tenchi finds it easier, when Seina comments... "Been awhile, since I've seen simple rain."

"That so?" Tenchi looks over, Senia, now of 'proper age', to drink, just takes it easy with a simple cup of Sake`, the same for Tenchi. Seina just shrugs, not even bothering with a sip, more interested in conversing. "About all of the planets I've been too, are all climate controlled. Kinda strange to be back on a planet, where everything is natural."

"If you say so. You're more the space traveler, than I am." ...a statement that shocks Seina. "But I thought you had been in space, a long time before I ever was."

Tenchi takes a pull of his drink, then imparts. "Been to a few. Mostly Jurai planets, or ships where I've fought on. Mostly though, I just stick to home. I've had enough adventures, to know what Grandpa meant, about space and all."

Seina looks down, and smirks. "I guess after that whole overthrow of Jurai stuff, I wouldn't blame you."

Tenchi nods, Seina finally taking his own sips. The topic of the 'second Kagato', a thing in of itself was completely illogical of all thought, was about as so, as was the overthrow of Azusa, and the Tenchi gang, being labeled as traitors. Of course 'overthrow', was a pretext unto some unknown second power coming, this 'greater Darkness', that Kagato spieled about to Yosho, on that hidden Jurai palace half-planet, at the time. Washu herself had theories, but since 'neither' Kagato existed anymore, proof of what was talked of, never could be determined.

Tenchi remembered Washu's words well, back then 'after' the gang returned to Earth. (One way, or another.)

'Whoever was really behind this, might have been behind the 'first' Kagato. However I'm actually stumped as to why, hence we might want to keep this to ourselves. This, and hope a third 'Kagato', doesn't show up somewhere. I just hope this isn't because of my Sister.'

Tenchi didn't realize his brows were furled, well and good. Nor the third jostle of... "Tenchi?" ...before he looks up, and says simply. "Sorry, you made me think up some old memories."

"Sorry." Seina just remarks. Tenchi just shrugs. "Don't worry about it. I think it all just makes me realize why I like being here on this planet."

Seina nods, but says nothing. It's interceded by Tenchi 'guessing'. "And why you still like being out in space."

"I... just like being able to help. I really do." Seina just remarks, not realizing his cup is empty, nor caring at this point.

Tenchi just makes a good stiff pat, of Seina's arm. Both not realizing muffled sounds are a bit too near.

Around the slide door corner, Washu, Sasami and Neiju listen on, while near them, the rest of the girls, are all bound up, up past their faces! Even both Kiyone's, both Ryoko's, and a Royal sister. Neiju just looks back at the piled up, writhing mass of ladyhood... "Sorry, we wanted them to have bonding time."

"Yeah, Tenchi needs this for once." Washu imparts, Sasami worriedly whispering... "Were not all becoming a problem for Tenchi, are we?" ...this Washu smirks, looking at the cabbit head 'ornaments', that seem to always find the teal tressed lass's head. Washu just 'whispers' over, over a 'psy' channel, that Neiju is privy. "(Tenchi is a swell guy and all. But I get the feeling he's not letting on lately, that not having his father around anymore, is getting to him.)"

"(Wonder if Seina is becoming the same.)" ...Neiju 'comments'. Sasami just sighs, but her 'other' side, lets her own words, 'speak' for her. "(No, I think Seina doesn't worry, because of his job. Plus, he doesn't actually have to worry about being a part of the Royal Family. He has an outlet, not like Tenchi, who only has a routine, along with the rest of us.)"

Washu blinks at this, all the while the male bonding time, keeps on unbidden. "(So insightful Sister. I wonder if you anticipated this.)"

Neiju 'gasps', almost vocally, as Sasami nods once, the three 'knowing' that a fourth 'twin of Sasami' was of the conversation. "(There are many avenues that Tenchi is being subjected to now. His status as Secret to Jurai, and beyond, is becoming hard to maintain. To speak not too much upon it all, my own 'intentions', may allow Tenchi the 'outlet' he needs as well. Many fronts, can be conducted via this, when all goes well. And... ill.)"

Washu just 'asks' Tsunami, through Sasami... "(You know who's behind all of this. Both Kagatos... Kain... maybe more.)"

"(Speculation. There is no present credible proof. However the timing may be too prophetic. But I believe we have ample time. Plus, the manifestations are already starting, if not realized. Again, a myriad reason, for my love to come 'here'.)" ...the teal voice responds.

"Guess we better begin then." Washu just says out loud, which causes Tenchi and Seina... "That was Washu." ...both rising to check, which by the time they reach, the back hallway that leads to the kitchen, is bare! Both Japanese males of status, just scritch at their heads. Seina just quips... "Must be the drinks. Plus I'm tired."

"I hear that." Tenchi says, both heading in.

It all turns out to be quiet, given Washu suddenly has 'so many' guinea pigs, to play with, for a bit. (Well, maybe not 'quiet'. Pig farms on slaughter day, are quieter.)

This leaves only the males, as it turns out, after Sasami and Neiju mysteriously disappear as well, after drinks are proliferated again, Yosho joining, but Airi 'also' absent. Tenchi makes light of this... "Where'd everyone go?" ...Yosho just sipping his own Sake`... "Uncertain." ...though Tenchi suspected better. Seina just looks bewildered. "It's too quiet. Not even my bedroom on the Kamidake is this quiet." ...which gets 'looks' from the two Masaki males. "Oh?"

Seina just spit takes his drank Sake`, and throws out his hands! "It's not what you think!"

Tenchi just starts drinking... "Must be a hard life in space." ...which Seina just counters back... "Then you must be just as 'busy'!" ...which makes Tenchi spit-take, in kind! Yosho just quips... "Such a hard life, being chained down."

"Who asked you!" ...Tenchi and Seina just bark back, Yosho smirking, before all of a sudden, a good rumble noise, overtakes their mutual senses, before the 'closet' door, all but SMASHES open, making the three look in bolting measure, as Washu shoots by with Mayuka! "Excuse me! You can handle them!" ...before Washu disappears, just as a split second later, a GAGGLE of familiar space babes, all burst out from the same door, the entire lot snapping at the males... "Where were you three?!"

Even Yosho knows to beat a HASTY retreat. Imagination warranted, with the chaos of chase, that occurred for the rest of the night, thereof.

... ... ...

The next morn... "Thank you for everything."

"That must be your mantra." ...Suka just teases, Aleaic just smirking, stating anyway. "Only for those that give me more memories to enjoy."

"And pictures to go with."Mitsaka beams out, quite positively, as the early breakfast, (complete with a hangover,) saw Aleaic's other minor interest, come into the open, as well. This as a charcoal drawing of a landscape, overlooking the Sea of Japan, now found a new admirer. Al just smirks further. "Same for the food." ...a good pat of his tummy, before he looks up, at the still gray skies, only a minor misting of drops, coming down this morning. Aleaic then makes a final bow, and adjusts the dark poncho hood, one over his clothing, the backpack over the poncho, before he finally heads off for his 'quest' once more.

It's not until Aleaic is nigh well out of sight, that Tobo whispers over... "He might make an interesting addition up there."

Suka nods, Kenu just gurgling in her arms, Mitsaka noting. "What was that 'light' he had, when he was praying at sunrise?" ...this Tobo remarks. "Exactly what we think it probably is. We need to inform Jurai intelligence."

"I think they probably already know." Suka notes, as three 'far' older than looking security guards, one of the 'hidden' units, that all but surrounded, if not flooded, the immediate prefecture, and the country at large, look at the receding form of their guest. Tobo just remarks. "You want to tell Lord Yosho, or I?"

Mitsaka just teardrops, as Suka just holds Kenu in her left arm, and a surprise sight (unseen) of a wrist holotop unit, tapped at, with her right hand. She does this while denoting. "I have to do everything around here."

Tobo just slumps, while Mitsaka pats his melon.

... ...

- March 17, 20XX (Pen # 27, still going...)

Sorry it's been so long, since I wrote in my journal. The past couple of days alone, getting to Okayama, was an adventure, all its own. Definitely a worthwhile one, with a good single stay in (NON)-love hotel, with a bathhouse nearby. And... why did I write that? I dunno...

Maybe it's that weird feeling of being watched again . Maybe something Lady Suka said, a couple days ago, got to me, about the place I'm heading for.

Might be also to do with the fact, I'm writing this in an actual restaurant, for the first time in about three weeks! I'm starving for something greasy and artery clogging! Kinda hard to say anything bad about home cooking, or impossible, but there's this wanton... er... want, for the bad stuff, that probably came from too many rations, and a good few home meals, spread in between. I need to remind myself of the 'morale booster', I have ordered here. Kinda hard to write on a rude stomach. Anyway...

After that stop over with the Mitohama clan, I managed to avoid another sleep over in a tree, with a cheap (really,) overnight 'hotel' place. Ya know, the type with those tubes that make you feel like you're in a condiment bottle. At least the (somehow) functioning TV in it, had a local soccer match on. Didn't find a proper bath house for cleaning, till late this evening though, after finally making it to town. Boy, I think I might have made the bathhouse keeper mad, with the crust I washed off. Having clean clothes on me, is a TREAT, as well. One thing for these Shrines I'm after, you appreciate civilized comforts, for what they are. It'll probably be awhile, till I get this chance again. Course, all depending on the Masaki Shrine place, I'm heading for.

Kinda strange though, it's like the place is all a lot farther, than I anticipated. Might have to go with that 'watched' feeling, and ala that hunger pang I got going right now, I tell ya!

Mmm... smells good. (Yes I wrote that, I'll laugh reading this later.)

I found another place to crash, after dinner here, and then I guess tomorrow, I start heading for the Shrine at last. Another bit of weirdness, every person I've talked to, about this place, makes what Suka said, more 'innocent'. Reminds me of stories about the one in Nekomi, that started all this. Course with the dreams I keep having anymore, it's no wonder. Speaking of something... er... such. I... swear I wanted to keep going, even when the sun was going down. I think my stomach 'saved' me, from a really long night. Did I mention I'm SICK of rations right now? Boy that food is... -illegible smudge-

...sorry, drool and all...

Well, getting too hungry to... -

... ...

...Al stops writing suddenly, as he looks over with a start, as he swears (cleanly,) that he sees a face in the window. One he 'almost' thinks, is ghostly... "Eh?" ...with an image that either is his belly, complaining too much to him... or...

...the most beautiful image, he'd ever seen.

"I... I..." ...Al stammers, before... "Sir?" ...as a mind muddled mortal jerks his head over, and sees... "OH! Ah... sorry..." ...as the waitress, one in a cute pink waitress getup (maybe too cute to him,) with a crown of manicured looking, long black hair, and deep, engaging eyes that go with a kind smile, this as the waitress hands over... "Some juice, while you are waiting."

Al blinks, looking at the simple grape juice... "Ah... did I order...?"

"Compliments." ...the really cute lass, winks back at him. Al just smiles back, as the waitress leaves simply. Al then takes a good drink, and soon finds... "Wow... refreshing..." ...more than he realizes. Such he unrealizingly dwells upon, prior to a separate waitress, a typical Japanese lass of common mode, then comes up with his meal.

Burger and fries. What else needs be said. "Yum! Looks great and bad for me! My thanks to you both!" ..Al remarks anyway.

The 'second' waitress blinks, about to place the ketchup down... "Both?"

Al blinks, and looks around... "Weren't there two of..." ...this the waitress just blinks again, then sees the drink. "...I... can still get you your drink, if you still want it."

Al just shook his head, and would have pegged further, but boy he was hungry. Such made him amicable to anything, and thought turned instead to his meal.

Meanwhile, as Al gladly makes a P.I.G. of himself, a silent figure of a lass, 'exits' from the scene, to return whence she came. This as she smiles to 'herself'... "It's been some time, since I used this disguise. Ryoko's sake race, that I Cursed her upon, I remember last." ...as a 'giggling' format of a soul (life force,) ends somewhere up 'above' the restaurant scene, a type that Goku would be proud of in partaking. (I.e. Al ATE like the dickens!)

This all, as one Choshin, then hears... "Are you certain, this formula for energizement supplements Washu devised here, wouldn't be wise as well?" ...this as a second, still relatively 'new' to the scene Choshin, displays a strange glowing 'tube' of some injectable substance. Tsui sees this and shakes her head at... "No need to push the matter there."

"But." Toki just blurts, before Tsui 'ports' them both, back to whence they came.

"I still disapprove." ... "And 'that' is why for the 'help' suddenly?"

Nothing is said back.

... ...

- March 17, 20XX (...same pen, part deuce.)

I'll pay for that later... but who... cares?

-six minutes later-

...okay, paid for with interest. Anywho... what was that, with that one waitress. Dunno, but... wow, too bad I'll never see her again. Um... that wasn't very spiritual, was it. I probably need a cleansing, when I get to this Shrine. At least that drink is making me feel better. Er.. still...

Kinda... well... -

... ...

Aleaic stops writing, laying in a simple (standard, this time) hotel room, on a simple bed, the coin TV not used, even if wanted, as his thoughts seem to 'drift', first of that strange image, and then that waitress. Hardly the type for any 'unclean' thoughts, he however never forgot he 'was' male, and sometimes...

"Really pretty." ...this he dwells again for awhile, nothing, not even noise of any other kind, to prevent such a course of the mind. He then thinks of his dreams, and 'sorta' connects illogical dots. After enough, he reaches over from atop his bed, to the backpack flung onto the floor beside, when he first entered. He then wrangles within, to pluck out a simple area map, one that had the Okayama area upon it, purchased about a year ago, when he passed by Tsuyama, further north, back when he was heading north for Shrines in Hokkaido. A bit tattered now, along with most of the rest of the maps, including one for Paris he still had, from his trip as a child, way back. The one looked at however, he lays back, the map 'above' him, as he held it, then later splayed out on the bed.

He taps in a more 'westerly' area, past Okayama, past Soja, up to the mountains. "Guess up there. Probably another day, before I even get close." ...this he shakes his head, and then looks up...

...and blinks... "Eh?" ...thinking he sees a strange shadow, but more blinking finds nothing for him to see. And then a look at the meager window, of the room he's in. And... "EH?" ...stumbles out of bed, thinking he 'sees' something, within it. A good hard look... "Wh... wha the...?" ...then looking around, feeling uneasy.

"That... feeling again."

He's frozen like that, for... he doesn't keep track... a good bit, before he relaxes, and realizes... "Maybe it's the fries." ...and just gives it in, to fatigue. A barely settled mess on the floor, before he flops onto the bed, to a resounding (noisy) sleep, is his choice of combat, to all this.

...this unto dreams, still teal and dreamy. All never knowing.

... ...

"I thought you were done."

A phasic Tsui, hidden on the 'other side' of the window, (not just outside either,) just giggles, as she looks back at Toki. "Sister, my dear. Why I have only just begun." ...as Tsunami phases 'astrally' into the meager room, Tokimi following, noting two details on her own 'entrance' unseen. "Mortals have such pathetic living accommodations. And your mortal target, is snoring again."

Tsui just giggles, her hand upon Al's sleeping forehead again. This time however... "His hair is just as coarse as ever, just like before."

If Aleaic had only known, when a second Astral hand, also feels, out of pure confusion. "You're right. Tenchi's hair is not much different."

Tsui replies back to Toki, almost like she was a goddess 'Mitoto', such is her giggle. "It's the exposure to the elements. I feel his joy of such, upon his very cells."

"I sense something else." ...Tokimi blurts, Tsunami reacting to that, with a pinky finger, upon Tokimi's lips. "That we cannot prevent, nor can we directly partake yet. However it would seem, the process proceeding. Even if only slightly. By our standards of time, it'll be a blink of an eye, when Manifestation occurs."

"Then we are..." ... "...hardly too late, as it's always been more than that." Tsunami steps her words, directing Tokimi's own, as fear is 'not' upon Tsunami's mind. This as her hand upon a mortal's head, then glows of a light blue. Tokimi just sighs. "No course will dissuade you from this, Sister." ...as a Choshin of teal azure, just smiles. "That's why it'll all be so much fun."

Two Choshin soon depart again. And then one Choshin again... er... three more times... as dreams, swirled in 'stormy' seas of teal blue, the kind that were hardly fearful to dream, prior of former days, ones had already seen the next step to arrival, proceed.

... ... ...

-A morning after an action packed day.-

"Wow. Cool ship." Ryoko (usual one) admits, Ryo-ohki atop Sasami's melon... "Meow!" ...as the gang stands outside the front 'dock', as upon lakeside... and... lake, the Kamidake II rests, as its own crew, surrounds their captain. (A bit too close, besides Fuku, for Senia's own comfort.) The Tenchi crew, stands surrounding their own 'captain', so to speak, with an obvious departure grouping, at hand. Fuku just meows back, in kind.

Seina just warbles out, replete in his captain's GP uniform. "Won't this attract attention from nearby, town and all that?" ...this Washu just gives a thumbs up in kind. "Don't worry, Lensing shields and mind probes, tend to keep the curious away. Even spy satellites!"

Tenchi and Senia, look a lot alike, when anxious. Amane just then cockily, as usual, mentions... "Not like we need more spy problems, right 'girls'?" ...this Kiriko, Ryoko (black hair,) and Neiju, just nod. Four Renzan 'representatives', just... gee, Renzan must think Amane is 'number one'. Seina just sighs, as Ayeka giggles. "The travails of diplomacy."

"Right, like you're an expert at that Ayeka." Ryoko (canon) barbs in, Ayeka about frying Ryoko (hated-canon) on the spot! Tenchi once more... "Now now girls..." ...as Mayuka, in Washu's arms, (this time,) just gurgle-raspberries at the ever feuding super-powered-women-somethings. Seina just adds... "Gee, she must not like the fighting."

Washu just finds herself cut off, as Kiyone (silver hair,) just nabs Mayuka from the genius. "Indeed, exposing 'my' daughter to violence. Really girls." ...which nets two Hakubi and one Masaki-Jurai stare back at, in kind! Kiyone (green hair,) then calls out... "It was great to see you guys again!" ...Mihoshi adding... "Yeah! It was fun having you all!"

"Indeed." ...a semi-forgotten voice, then reasserts, as all eyes look over at... "Grandpa, and Miss Airi?" ...ala Tenchi, the duo saying as if one voice. Seina then blurts out suddenly at... "OH! Miss Airi! Mikami asked for you." ...which causes Airi to almost flip-out! Yosho eyes over, as Kiriko then adds... "Yes, she's been looking for you, for days."

"Communicator still 'broken'?" Yosho prods level, (which for him, is a hefty tease.) Airi just slumps, and bemoans... "I... I guess I have to get back to work. (I hate work.)"

Yosho 'then' adds, (for his own reasons, plus off keen senses...) "I am sure however, when Lady Seto arrives, you can..." ...this he then suddenly notes (real suddenly,) that Airi is beside Senia's crew, right to his left even! "Yup. Work must continue! Shall we be off then ladies?" ...to a Senia crew sponsored teardrop mutual.

"And so quickly from earth clothing, back into GP uniform." Neiju just added blink-quips, Airi just flustering the ancient priestess, 'calmly'. Tenchi then asks over... "What's this about Lady Seto, Grandpa? Is it about..." ...which Yosho makes a light cough at, Tenchi getting the 'hint' readily. Seina and his crew, eye between the two Masaki males, before Ryoko Balta then imparts over to the crew... "We should get going."

"Right." ...seven other married... (eight, if you count Fuku... political marriages...) fems, which Seina just sighs, then Seina makes a standard, snap salute. Kiyone (GP,) and Mihoshi, both reciprocate, Noike as well, out of more respect, as much as habit. Senia... "Thank so much everyone. Take care."

Soon enough, the Tenchi gang just watch the Kamidake II launch off, Ryo-ohki meowing her goodbyes, ones enhanced with... "Good luck Fuku." ...from Washu. Ryoko then blurts aloud... "Well, time for the good stuff." ...and just grabs Tenchi's... well, everything chest high, arms and all... "Common, let's go play today!" ...Tenchi... "R... Ryoko!" ...Ayeka... "Get your grubby hands off of my Tenchi!" ...which is the usual excuse for the others to retreat from. All except... "MOM! Will you stop that!" ...Tenchi yelps, as Kiyone (mommy,) has herself, and Mayuka, with bento fans, with the Japanese red sun flag symbol upon it! "Let's see who's worth my son's attention today!" ...with a Mayuka burple to accent!

Tennyo just sighs. "Mom..." ...which to, Kiyone (silver hair,) just eggs back... "And where's your boyfriend then 'daughter'?" ...which nets back from Tennyo... "HEY! Don't you start that again!" ...all the while, ala Ryoko... "I'm winning the prize today Ayeka!" ...as she suddenly grabs (grafts) her hands around Tenchi more, to then... "ACK! Ryoko! Don't drag me again!" ...as Ayeka sees her 'real estate' being dragged off! "Not today uncouth hound!" ...as she snap-changes into her combat gear, and just flat out chases Ryoko-Tenchi, all heck and gone! Mayuka gets a ring side seat, as the 'quite' equally adept daughter of Yosho, simply uses a burst of Jurai Power, to easily keep up! Yosho just shakes his head, as three dust contrails, just zip all along the Shrine hillsides, for a good bit.

Washu just announces, for the remainder of the uneasy bunch. "Guess that'll keep them busy for awhile."

"Are you alright Sasami?" ...Yosho's next query, making the remaining folks look at the culinary lass. Sasami blinks, responding back to her quite elder brother. "I'm fine." ...before Washu then displays a red colored scan-orb, before Sasami's blinking face. Ryo-ohki, mews in uneasiness, of her still miniature fuzzy form. Washu then sighs, and chides... "I see Sister has been too keen, in the dark of night."

Sasami just sighs in kind. "Yeah, I guess she's becoming too excited. I feel okay however." ...this before Washu counters... "You might want a quick check over, before you head off for school today. The energy levels between you two, are a bit off, for your normal Astral pattern."

"Is Sasami going to be alright?" Kiyone (GP green haired looker,) asks, leaning over. Noike does the same as Washu informs everyone. "More than. However I sense I had better begin the next round of tests, as well as proceed with the operation."

"Operation?" Noike bares out through her teeth, Washu laughing back. "Yup! Why else did I bound and gag you all like I did, last night? Besides allowing the whole male bonding thing, and all."

"Did you have to test 'everything' upon us like that?" Mihoshi actually complains, Yosho noting the other females, are... um... rubbing a bit low. Washu just informs... "I needed complete, cross referenced bioformats. Don't think it'll do for Tsunami to be lacking in 'any' areas."

"How noble." Kiyone (GP,) about snarls back. Washu then notes the concerned look, hidden under Yosho's face, hence she actually grabs a hold around Sasami's neck. "Common! A quick check-up we go!"

Ryo-ohki just meows up a storm, as Sasami just wordlessly is led for her actual own good. (Quite efficiently at that.)

Noike then remarks out, with a smile. "Guess I'll handle lunch today." ...this Kiyone (GP level headed,) nods back. "I suppose bubble brain here can help ya there." ...Mihoshi reacting... "Aww! I'm good in the kitchen guys!" ...such Tennyo smiles over. "Just don't drop things this time. I'll help in the fields, once..." ...this eyes... er... eye, (as dared,) the sight of explosions, billowing around the landscape again. "...Tenchi gets free."

"I'll leave you all to it then. Daughter." Yosho only replies, a nod to Tennyo, and such the ladies see the Shrine elder, walk off again, towards the stairs to heaven. (or Shrine, if preferred.) Tennyo then cocks her eye. "Father is uneasy."

"Okay." Is all the other females can reply with.

... ...

"Lady Seto is where?" Senia asks, Airi looking over as much as the rest, as Neiju imparts... "Over near where the battle was yesterday." ...such Hakuren adds... "'Yesterday' is the right word. She's sounding serious."

Seina looks over at Airi... "Could it be, because of yesterday's action?" ...such Airi just thumbs her chin. "Perhaps. But she's also demanding, in the first place."

"We shouldn't leave her waiting then." Kiriko remarks. The bridge area aboard the Kamidake, feeling a 'bit' tense now. Seina just remarks. "I just hope, things stay quiet. In fact..."

Suiren works her holo-console quickly... "Activating spatial camouflage." Ryoko in compliment. "Suppressing all electronic emissions."

"Right." Seina confirms, Airi blinking, but keeping comments to herself for once. "(They sound rather professional. I guess the Renzan operation, went better than I hoped.)"

"You mind piloting straight, Karen." ...Amane cracks, Karen just flaming back. "As long as you know which way is forward!"

That just starts the usual (to Seina) spree of flames, between the 'competitors for Senia'. (To think if Olympic style medals, were part of the program.) Airi just twitters an eye at Senia, the latter warbling out... "I guess it all just keeps them in spirit."

"Uhuh." Airi just smirks at the earthling, Senia just gulping out... "How long till we get there again?"

Eight voices, trying to say... "Soon!" ...the 'same' thing at once, made for anew catcalls, all around! Yeep!

Oh, and if ye were wondering, why ye would and all... ": What do you 'mean' you cheated on me! :"

One AI unit, just looks kookily aghast at his... er... female (somehow,) AI unit counterpart. N.B. and NaBiko, respectively. The latter... um... leggy unit, just cracks back. ": Oh now you want some action! After all these years waiting. What am I supposed to do, while I'm waiting for your cravings NB! :" ...to whit, the other unit hop bounds on it's... er... his... mechano-feet! ": But with the food dispenser?! How... and 'why', is that even possible?! :"

NaBiko... er... ": Because at least 'he' can dish it out! :" ...oh gimme a... NB... sheesh... ": You mean that thing is a 'guy'?! :"

": More of a man, than you have been programmed to be, as of late! :"

": Oh really! I'll show you NaBiko! :" ...this NB literally ZINGS off out of sight with! ": I'll show you! :"

NaBiko then just... uh... 'turns' her face, into a more cute, smiley, er... creepy type. This added... ": Lover boy will be back. :"

"That was creepy alright." Amane quips, the rest nodding, and teardropping. Senia scritching his chin, as Karen 'adds'... "Your programming techniques, need improving then Amane."

Good thing Kiriko kept Amane from killing Karen, since they 'were' passing by the Sol-Asteroid Belt, just then.

... ...

Yosho was sweeping this time, now and after the chaos settled down, with Noike diving out daily chores once more, Kiyone (mommy,) off to the other end of the Shrine courtyard, also sweeping, this off to Yosho's left peripheral. His mind however, was using the sweeping, to keep calm by. A focus to prevent what he never considered doing.

"I sense your anger upon my actions." ...which actually makes the elder (by disguise,) jerk a surprised look over. Kiyone, with Mayuka upon her back, in a baby carrier, looks up at the startled sound Yosho also betrays, as the keeper just sighs. "My apologies."

"...are mine to give."

Yosho looks over at the shimmering visage, of the progenitor of the reason Yosho still existed, after all these centuries. (The 'other' reason, was finishing up 'recharging' Sasami. A good, proper kind. No ill intent there.) The elder then remarks. "It would not be wise for me to..."

"Speak." Tsunami prods anyway. Yosho does so. "I worry your acts will befall too much harm, to my Sister. Only now, do I have reason to question, your course of action."

Tsunami nods, simply floating there. "I admit, my actions are driven by wanton desire. In my defense however, Washu is as much to blame, hence her own actions in assisting Sasami."

Yosho eyes up at that, a 'good' grip, upon his well aged broom. "Explain... please."

"I required 'core' samples, to progress towards the next step of the coming procedure. The last such required, I am insisting of."

"You take Sasami's consent, a bit too far." ...Yosho makes no attempt to hide his consternation. Tsunami just nods. "Hence my apology. The same I give through you, to the others. Such is required, to proceed with the stabilization of the DNA, that will be used in the Masu. The entirety of the rest, will be my own journey. I am certain, the... fine tuning, as Washu-Sister puts it, will be quite laborious. Possibly painful at times."

Yosho just nods, 'noting', (without looking,) Kiyone has grown nearer. Such he imparts to ages of garnered wisdom. "Love has always been a pain, all its own. While I am still uncertain, with the course of events unfolding, I 'am' certain, that you may be missing one aspect, of your goal."

"The pain of history, already is a part of my own." Tsunami comments, more than 'noting' Yosho's mind. The same 'he' more than was aware, by design. Yosho then adds... "Add experience, to that iota." ...which told 'a lot' of things. But also, it told of the broom, Tsunami is suddenly holding. Such the goddess of Jurai, blinks at.

"You may make amends, by sweeping for me. I must prepare for my session with Tenchi today." ...hence Yosho just plain heads to his office, Tsunami looking at the 'device' she was given. "Sweeping? Okay I..." ...this the goddess, turned humble in an instant, tries to mimic what she'd 'experienced' via Sasami, for years. However it quickly becomes clear, her 'sweeping', isn't the 'same', as she'd experienced. "...how... strange."

It's Kiyone (mommy with burply baby,) to the rescue, as she comes over, with her own broom. "No no. Like this." ...this the daughter of Yosho, demonstrates sweeping for the goddess. Tsunami gets the hang of it, soon enough. Kiyone then even adds... "Whenever you feel the need to mull your mind over something, there's always a leaf that needs sweeping around here, while you are doing it."

"I see." Tsunami understands readily enough.

"Are you serious?" ...comes a second Choshin vocal. Tsui and Kiyone look up, at a beside herself Tokimi. Tsunami just smiles. "Hello Sister!"

"Hello nothing! Do you realize, what you are doing?" ...which to, Tsunami responds back... "Apologizing for my actions, last night."

"How can this be a... eh? HUH?!" ...this Tokimi blinks, as all of a sudden, somehow, Kiyone has a third broom, handed right to the amber Choshin! Tokimi is purple WIDE eyed, as Tsunami giggles in hearing... "If you have time to gripe, you have time to sweep, all the better. Now, chop chop!"

Tokimi just blanches back! "Of all the nerve! Asking a creator of the universe to..."

The sound of Mayuka, making a tart raspberry sound, causes Tsui to laugh, as Kiyone accents behind her... "You said it kiddo. Too haughty." ...which causes Tokimi, to consider turning Kiyone, into a short lived sun. Course Tenchi would disapprove, and nevermind Tsunami chiding cutely at... "Come now Sister. This is also a part of the experiences, that we share with Tenchi and the others. Come."

In short, if weird looking order, Kiyone has two Choshin... sweeping. Kiyone keeps them in line, more Toki than Tsui, but the job gets done. (Sorta.)

And then Washu appears at one point, with a camera, without the others realizing. A cute portrait for later.

Until Kiyone makes Washu 'also' sweep, the stairs mainly, for the right to take her turn with Mayuka. Hence, Kiyone has three Choshin of known Creation... sweeping. And hence Kiyone sees Yosho looking, at one point, with a thumbs up given. Yosho just cries a river of joyful tears, down his face. Creepy and cute there.

Tokimi just reacts, by teleporting Yosho to the usual 'sword practice' grounds, both against his will, and the hard way, to his face unto ground! Ouch.

Yosho just 'patooeys' out some dirt, and quips. "Goddesses are sensitive." ...and just recovers simply, prior to his session with Tenchi.

... ... ...

He swore he had dreams of...

She found joy in filtering dreams, from the already told source...

... ... ...

-Sol-Pluto Planetoid Belt Line-

"Reporting as ordered Ma'am." Seina saluted, Seto nodding back over the enlarged holo-display screen. ": Glad to hear it. I will be transporting over shortly. :"

That's all the crew gets, before Seto's Holo-feed is snap-to-black. Kiriko blinks. "Here?" ...Amane having her usual detective look. "Wonder what the hubbub is about."

And a snap-to-on holo back of... ": That's for me to decide. :" ...Seto's image remarks back, before another snap-to-black. Amane just looks jittered and frazzled. Airi just remarks warily. "Crafty as ever. Guess we'll see in a bit why."

"Another fine job by Amane at that."

"Oh shut it Suiren!"

Seina just looks back over, fully expecting by experience by now, where Seto will appear, right on gleaming teleport que, at that. Airi as well. Creepy, the latter silently notes, before what comes...

... ...

"That's it?"

Washu nods, looking at the 'first stage', of the operation to come. "That's right Tsunami. Your new body. If primitive in current format."

Tsunami and Tokimi look, as the genius Sister (course all three are geniuses such, if one wants to think about it,) as Washu looks as well, at the enlarged, and quadruple-reinforced glasssteel holding container, that a humanoid looking, brown mass of Masu floats, suspended within an internal beam array of blue forcefields. Tokimi just questions. "Sustainability and stabilization confirmed?" ...this Washu looks back, at the nominal sized choshin, if on the NBA scale of tall size, of note. "What, you can't sense that, as much as I?" ...this Tokimi just shrugs. "I was attempting to defer to your expertise here. I can confirm, if you wish."

"What is the next step?" Tsunami prods forth, rather than let Tokimi 'actually' conduct such a confirmation process. The problem with that, was the base nature of the Masu. 'That' was why the blue forcefields were present. They weren't just holding the Masu format in place. Such proceeds with Washu imparting... "Next, a simple process, and then a lot of complex ones thereafter." ...this before Washu really stares hard at Tsunami. "So, this is your last chance to back out. It's not like even I know, what will occur, if we proceed. I've prepared as best I can, but... again..."

Tsunami looks level, her nominal facade of tinged neutral melancholy, full of literally, millions of thoughts, upon this dwelt course, in a span of a few microseconds. Such comes out as, from the teal choshin. "I was made aware of the family's concerns, of this matter. Tonight will begin the transference ceremony, where Sasami will no longer need to directly rely on my existence to survive. Nor will my actions, harm her anymore. After this, I will proceed, without fail."

Washu just sighs a good bit... "You know, I'm surprised you didn't just go with being a part of Sasami's love for Tenchi, like I and Tokimi."

"Pardon." ...Tokimi interrupts, Washu blinking over as much as Tsui, as Toki states... "While Tenchi is an impressive specimen, a possibility that we three have been searching for, my own preferences are not as of current, of the same regard, as yourself, Ayeka and Ryoko, along with namely others." ...this she eyes her purplish eyes over at Tsunami, making the pink eyed kami-lass, blink a good bit. "I am, as is kept being termed of my auspice, still learning. If anything, I would be more akin to find Z instead, given my own prior aspirations."

Washu just teardrops. "As long as you don't steal a multi-dimensional subspace-empire planet, and start a ruckus, like what caused Z to appear, and all that." ...this Tokimi just squints her eyes. "I make no promises there."

"I still intend my own instead." Tsunami imparts, swaying side to side serenely, as she espouses with hands clasped to her glorious regalia chest plate. "Sasami is of her own accepted mind, of her feelings to come of blossom. My own still predates even her own, as far as my stated intentions go." ...this Tsunami makes it clarion. "Let us proceed. I have a returning love, to torture, by my caress."

That made Toki and Washu lean back, teardropping, chuckling warily. Tokimi... "Uhh..." ...Washu... "Well, won't doubt you there then gal."

Tsunami then blinks, suddenly standing erect, and just as suddenly announcing. "Please excuse me. A special meeting is taking place." ...which causes Tsunami to suddenly flare out of sight. The act however, 'also' is 'reverberated' to the Masu, which Washu suddenly notes her holoscreens... "Okay... Sister has the ball rolling already. Guess we get going here too." ...as Tokimi 'looks' at three places at once. A meeting, a tank of active Masu, and lastly, Washu brining up a separate storage data pattern buffer tank, the last part Washu quips... "Now to start carefully infusing DNA from everyone else, applied to Sasami's base type, all upon the Masu. Easy."

"Oh sure it is." Tokimi just snips back, Washu raspberrying in cute anime fashion, at a goddess that is 'peeking in', on the prior said meeting. This because...

... ... ...

What were these strange dreams, he was having?

And how quickly her envelop, was caressing, grasping, grafting at, his heart.

... ... ...

Seto just smirked, as a very uneasy Seina, escorted her to a special zone of the Kamidake II. "What's wrong my boy?

Senia just warbled over, through his usual smile. "Just worried about the girls." ...as he keeps hearing rather terse shouting, along with assorted bodily slams, or something, in the background. Seto just smirks over 'level'... "Are you saying, I should have participated in that contest first, before you could escort me anyway?"

Seina about freaks out, which Seto giggles at, as the GP captain just defends... "No! Of course not! But.." Seina asks more amicably. "...did you have to have Minaho, make them do that contest?"

"Why not." Seto keeps her smirk. "The reward for scrubbing your back, is worth any tournament, apparently."

"It is just laser tag, right? Or the same as the GP training version?"

The hallway far behind the two, suddenly EXPLODES, with a large pall of smoke, along with! Along with... "Amane! Watch where're you're aiming that!"

"Hope Kiriko and the others are okay." Seina looks back, worried if he'd keep his ship, at this rate.

"More than enough, long enough, for what I need."

Senia looks back in confusion. "But... you really need to talk to Idol? Why?"

Seto looks somewhat level, a neutral look Seina is certain, he'd never seen before. Seto just remarks... "Such I can only ask, to a Seed of the Precursor age." ...Seina blinking, as they walk. "And you need me?" ...this Seto blinks over in kind, having to even catch her step. "It is your Seed. It would be unconscionable of me to ask of anything, from one you are bonded with."

Seina, in hearing this, turns mindful. "Huh... guess 'that' is what Kiriko feels, when I see her with Mizuki. I never actually considered it much."

Seto continues her surprise, as the two walk down the transparent bronze and amber hallway, towards a glowing section. "Then you don't consider your status within the Royal Family." ...this Senia just blinks back, and measures his words, not trying to offend Seto. "I just believe I'm still a GP officer first. I just want to help others in the galaxy. Sorry, if I don't consider Jurai all that much."

Seto just nods, as the Masu formatted hallway, glows more into a amber-bronze glow of light. "There are many in the Four families, that could use a dose of your humility. Your outlook in the future, may change however, as your years, turn into centuries."

Senia just really freaks now... "But I don't even have a driver's license on Earth!" ...with usual head yanking, included! Seto just smiles, though for once, her normal behavior, is muted in favor of some seriously suppressed awe. For more than one reason, that she needed to consult the only Seed, as old as the 0th Generation. Seina senses this, not realizing 'how', though 'why' comes from the Link with the very being, now being approached.

They both pass through a fluid portal, Senia's presence actually 'required' in fact, to even enter this one place. This Seto looks in awe, as Seina calls out to... "Sorry buddy. We need your help." ...as before them, in a chamber of the ship that was far larger than the Kamidake was supposedly capable of, (gotta love subspace formatting,) in a chambered pall of light, was the kneeling effidice of another time and place. This as Idol, kept it's silent vigil, kneeled like a gargantuan knight of a patient, waiting mode. Idol responds, with its mechanical humanoid-head format, glowing a single crimson eye, from an apparent sensor palate situated. Seto however, 'knew' the eye was more than electronic, as Senia then hears... "The artifact of a forgotten civilization. If I may Linkbearer?"

Senia jerks his head over at a waiting Seto. However he keeps details of what he was just called, abstained in favor of... "Of... of course Lady Seto."

Seto bows to him, Senia reciprocates in jerky, but highly respectful a manner in turn. Seto then turns to Idol, and asks out. "I require the assistance of the only known source of knowledge, concerning the origins of Jurai." ...this Senia blinks over, as Idol turns its head, to Seto. This is when things turn on the mystical dime. This as Seto then closes her eyes, and concentrates. Seina then feels weird, as he then feels, the Seed of Idol, make a link with the Link of Mikagami. It's a sensation Senia... "What... what's happening?!" ...never expects to feel, for the first time. Senia hadn't relied on Idol for much of the Renzan operation. The only time, was to help aid Kiriko and Mizuki, when Lighthawk wings were most needed. To Senia, admittedly, using them was a requirement of need. He didn't understand that, until he felt Tenchi use his Wings, upon that prior battle yesterday. Beforehand, only one particularly deadly trap, was the Wings enhanced as so. It was also 'that' battle, that broke the back of the pirates, and led to the after clean up operations, that ended the Renzan campaign.

But further consideration of this, is stopped cold, as what is felt next, not even the likes of Lady Seto Kamiki Jurai, was prepared. Not when...

...

-Images... hazed through time itself. Akin of TV-like static, showing secrets of Creation, within. Of this version...

Held of hands of glowing softness, then such a 'tear' is felt, of both kinds, sadness, and joy, as an eye looks back at the Choshin that had given them, to 'them'.

The Seed felt it's sister, gently prodded of its secrets, before being used unto something... incredible...

Of itself, the Seed, she felt, as he was then studied, reverently it remembers, and then...

A tool of preparation? 'What' technology is 'this?! In... fact... what universe... or even... of another...

Must tell it all, they told me to tell when the time was right. Truly want to, as I feel the one returning to prominence.

Want to experience, all of that absolute glory. But... that one soul... the one of the Pillar...

Too much to show... too much of the 'other' Jurai kinship, the other civilization before... before she... no, I cannot tell 'that' one truth. It's too monolithic.

They were together... were separated... I was one of his tools, as she was his to seed all dreams from. But the Nightmares, too many, they came and annihilated so much. I felt them severed at one... point... and then I was cast to prepare as the tool.

Remembrance of use in separate timelines... many realities... many all at once... I feel my artifact twin, in the timestream, an act most unintended. So many worlds. So much life. More stories. I must tell...

...I must tell...

...I MUST TELL! WARN! I FEEL...!-

...

Tokimi alone felt her mind shot out from the 'meeting'. However it wasn't shown openly, by the dimensional goddess. Washu, too concentrated on the task before her, seemed to not respond. Tokimi kept it to herself, for now.

But not that 'Tokimi' wasn't interested.

But Washu wasn't ignorant either now.

...

"SETO! SENIA!" ...various voices...

They never realized, that they had collapsed to the floor of the chamber. Around them both, a familiar sight, full of faces of a 'clan', that prior had been fighting too and nail, in all comedy measure, that was until... "K... Kiriko?" ...ala Senia. Seto is being helped by her four, former attendants. "Lady Seto?!" ...Airi cries out, also near, before Seto holds up a hand. "I'm... fine..."

"What a headache." Senia adds, feeling his head throb. This before he hears... "Mizuki felt what happened." Kiriko softly says, his GP usual foursome, hovering over him in dire worry. Senia just responds... "One heck of a picture show."

"Senia." ...Seto then says, still sitting down, the said GP captain looking, Seto leveling it out. "You felt what I did. 'Saw' as well. I have to order now, that you not reveal what you just saw, even to your crew."

"What?" Amane led, cascaded by the others, Kiriko adding... "Saw what, Lady Seto?" ...this Airi looking between a Devil Princess, and a GP Captain of a Devil's own Luck. Seto only responds... "Something too core a secret, and something a friend told me, to be warned of. To say more, I will not."

Senia just gulps, the others trading bewildered looks, as Seto then thumbs her chin. "(This cannot be coincidence. Tsunami hasn't told me everything. This isn't about just a mere romance. I can feel it.)"

She made her own decision, for final certain.

... ... ...

Something in that Pitch, of the utter, opened an eye. Something too alien to be logical. Too dark to be alive.

This as he sensed... "{{ - The next necessary step, has been taken. - }}"

It was not alone. "(( - I sense it too. An object of the Warped Twin, has been accessed. When? - ))"

The Monolith, in the Dark, 'looks' across a saccloth 'landscape', only 'he' could see. Light itself from an actual formal star, did not exist here. All as if 'everything' here, all detail, existed within an actual Singularity. That kind of elemental effect, was by design. More than even the Dimension that 'produced' him, was now.

He just 'flowed' through the dark, his 'companion', doing likewise, of which 'she' held a suffused light to cast. Only this because of the ever remaining 'tinge', of what once was, enforced it so. Even after a hundred thousand years, another fifty after even this, before the 'odor' of life, finally expunged. This as 'one' set of eerily familiar eyes, eyes the object of 'affection', as he portends. "{{ - Other acts much proceed, before my presence upon that Dimension, can be anchored properly. This of the myriad of tools, of 'my' design, do I keep sending to fail, and all, to leave the stench of Death, for me to Scry sight and skill with. As well all must, the acts of the Enemy, and the Whore, for what they are, before my presence Ends them all. - }}"

Nothing else was said. The haze of dead saccloth of ghostly light, then leaves the Monolith of malice, to fume over what 'is' to come.

Only an oily seethe, whispers out, over the sounds of... nothing.

Even despite an army being formatted, all around him, over an entire... world? ...plane? ...more?. Not even sound was verily present.

If only it had been heard, for what was to come...

... ... ...

He wanted to glom onto that dream, and never let go. He didn't understand why, as he slept.

She wanted to give such. It was aching to her, as she filtered the murky dreams of silver and teal, of which palled...

... ... ...

-The day of Okayama arrival.-

"Thanks for helping Noike and Tennyo."

"We should thank you Sasami. What for tonight and all." ...as Noike responds back, to a cheery eyed lass, after a day at school, that now had one heck of a night ahead. Tennyo then remarks. "Good thing it's a weekend, hate for you to do this, on a school night."

The three were carrying groceries to the truck, on this rather uncertain weather day. All three were clothed for cooler weather, as on and off showers, kept fighting the growing effects of spring entrenched. Winter usually isn't a giving type, demonstrated currently, as Sasami carries a bag of fresh veggies, some of which were not grown at the Shrine fields. Noike and Tennyo carried meatier veins, in their bags, as they head for the powder blue, farm truck. They are putting groceries in the back, as Tennyo remarks... "I hope Tenchi is feeling okay." ...this Sasami asks... "Why? What happened to him?"

Noike replies back, rather warily... "I... think... I guess, that Yosho upped his training of Tenchi, in Juraian swordplay. Looked serious, all of a sudden today. Especially a few of the welts on Tenchi's forehead."

"Why did brother Yosho, do that to Tenchi?" Sasami asks, Tennyo remarking... "I wasn't told why, when I asked Yosho myself. Yosho felt... distant to me, today."

Sasami wondered, after settling the groceries, where hence, Noike placed them all, within a securing net, in the back of the truck. Sasami then remarks... "I hope it's not because of Tsunami."

All Tennyo and Noike do, is trade a look, words failing from there. From there, the three pile into the truck, and simply start on their way back home. Discussion for the most part, was of light fare: Sasami's school studies and tales, the similar, on the home front, with Ryoko all too often mentioned, as fighting against said stability, as far as upkeep goes. Talk then goes to dinner fare. All seems normal.

Until the truck passes through a part of the roadway, that overlooks much of Okayama, up to the rising mountains, of the volcanic island chain. All that gray roadway, dotted, multicolored patchworks of houses and structures, and green carpets of nature, nevermind the ever fluid motion, of the souls of this still developing world.

And one other of the latter note, that Sasami suddenly sees! "H... HEY!" ...which makes Noike, usually a reliable driver, suddenly SCREECH the truck, to a loud, rubber compound smoky halt! "What?!" Noike and Tennyo snap out, as Sasami points out, out of her open truck window, towards... "I see him!" ...amended quickly with... "Who?" ...ala two other Juraians. Sasami, pointing out across... er... towards the valley, at... uh... "I see Aleaic from here!" ...which the other two, blink twice.

Tennyo is peering, before she too does, what Noike is also quickly doing, as a 'small' use of Juraian Power, allows the three ladies to... "So that is what he really looks like." Noike says, Tennyo blinking a strange blush.

Of course it not need be said... or... well, ya know... that three ladies are looking across the entire valley at once, like they were eagles or something. But of course he 'is' there, all across that valley way. (See the red, really out of place arrow, pointing him out, from around thirty kilometers away?)

Nevermind it's raining in that direction, as well. Sasami just giggles, as Tennyo notes. "He must be waterlogged by now." ...which Noike just shrugs. "Too bad there's no weather control, on this planet." ...before all of a sudden, the apparent rain in the utter far distance, suddenly... um... parts, from way overhead, all without warning! With sunlight parting through, a rainbow to boot, along with! The three ladies just blink, as their watched 'quarry', looks all about, wide-eyed wildly!

Sasami... "Tsunami." ...as her two companions blink. Tennyo... "Wh... where was that, when I was still going to school, back in the day." ...this Noike just shrugs. "At least he's entertained." ...this before the ladies hear a good car horn beep, from behind them! "Sorry!" Noike yelps back, and starts driving off.

Sasami, for her part, kept eye in the general area, for a good minute, until they passed into the hillside area, where the residences near the Shrine, all were. She also feeling 'not' quite as stretched now, given she felt her 'goddess' portion, having a harder, and harder time, keeping near Sasami. A strange form of 'exercise', as far as life forces/soul bits go.

Sasami was as uncertain of 'why' all this was occurring, for one simple soul, one approaching that first night, in that dinky tube-motel Al ends up, all for one soul that no apparent connection to the Masaki clan. But Sasami was sure about one thing, Tsunami was serious. Sasami worried that Tsunami would actually act rash, and just take the target mortal, to... um... stuff she wasn't old enough yet for. (Nine years, was still nine years, even if seven hundred of it, was spent in hibernation.)

She just returns thoughts, back for an early dinner, before the ceremony could commence.

... ...

And afar, a mortal Aleaic sneezed so hard, it startled three passersby, scattered birds from a nearby tree, and screeched a cat, before it bolted like bat outta heck!

He just wipes at his wet nose, "Weird weather."

And two watching goddesses, just have a laughing fit, unseen in the Astral.

... ... ...

A dusk evening, after a wonderful meal. "Hope it's not the last."

"Do you really mind, Ryoko?" Ayeka quips, as the gang, filters from the residence, towards a familiar tree. The cool evening air, losing all other light, was not of mind to the bunch, as they approached one particular 'light' already glowing a soft blue-white, as they approached. Ryoko looks over, bored looking, arms behind her head, as Ayeka chides further. "Sasami is 'not' about to die on us!"

"Okay. Okay. Just worried We all are."

Ayeka didn't argue that one, as Tenchi remarks on the approach of... "Boy, Funaho is giving off a show already tonight."

"I just wonder, if it is only 'here', that is like this." Noike wonders, Washu behind, with Tama trailing her, comments. "Probably every Juraian worth a Tree's attention, is going to feel this one. Even the Seeds too."

Ryoko suddenly stops, about making Tennyo and both Kiyone's, about bump into her. "Wait. Does that mean Misaki is gonna bum rush right out to this planet, before all this is done?"

That made them all stop. Only Mihoshi could say, at that moment. "At least she'd get to meet three daughters then."

"How nice." Ayeka warbles out. Tenchi just remarking. "I'm sure Tsunami knows what she is doing. Sasami will be fine."

"I hope you're right son." Kiyone (silver hair,) replies back. Mayuka in her arms just wheezes a mini-chuckle, which eases the mood around. Kiyone (GP,) adds to that, looking at the mini-lass. "See, even Mayuka agrees with her father."

Tenchi just blushes, all those lady infused giggles. And then Ayeka tries to ease into his comfort space, and Ryoko about blows Ayeka off the planet. It's all stopped, as they enter sight of the end point, the replete light, too much to ignore now. They all crest the path, into sight of Funaho-ki, with Sasami, Tsunami, and Yosho, already present. Yosho stands in between the two teal-azure hairs, as they stand in front of the pond that Funaho rests in.

"Grandpa! Sasami! Tsunami!" ...Tenchi calls out, Yosho nodding over, the soon to be twins... "Hello Tenchi! Everyone!" ...Sasami greets, Tsunami smiling just as sweetly. Ayeka, amongst the Juraian fems present, is speechless at the sight.

"Thank you all for coming." Tsunami remarks, but amends. "You all didn't have to come however."

"Call us nosy." Ryoko just levels back lightly, Noike just egging in kind. "Ryoko is just as concerned as we are, about you two." ...which Ryoko can't hide her worried blush at.

"So this is it, huh." Kiyone (silver hair,) remarks at the complete sight. Tsunami nods, though Sasami remarks worried of... "You sure you guys wana stay? It'll get cold tonight." ...this Tenchi asserts softly. "We'll be alright. So in as long as you are going to be."

"Indeed." Yosho pegs in, Tsunami just sighing comically. "As I've told you. It is my own self, that is of more risk here. My own transference of balancing energies of Jurai, along with astral and other aspects, will allow Sasami to exist as a separate being, from myself, finally."

"What about Tsunami-fune, your ship?" ...Yosho asks, of 'both' owners of said vessel, and said Tree. Tsunami remarks back. "She will retain all ownership, as before. We both can use it, of separate measure, for whatever requirements. The same of my core Tree."

Sasami looks back at Tsunami, still worried of one aspect. "What about you? Will you become weak, by doing this?" ...such Tsunami returns back with a glowing smile. (Really.) "I will be fine. The only true consequences of doing this, will be our separation, and your ability to one day be nigh as empowered, as myself."

That was when eyes blinked, with an absent Tokimi, suddenly phase appearing right beside Yosho! "Are you serious? Sister! This will..." ...Tsunami injecting to counter... "...be no different, than Sasami's coming of age, and becoming of all one with myself, in all aspects. There will be in essence of this act, twin sisters, of our own mode."

That was when Washu just hops over, and leans unto Sasami. "You mean to say..." ...before Sasami is subjected, to a sudden Washu-glom! Everyone else looks on, with uneasy smiles, as Washu calls out... "Sissy-poo!" ...and Sasami just chuckles back nervously. Ayeka of note, realizes... "Oh no." ...as much Ryoko then, at Ayeka... "Great. Another bad relation." ...ignore the eye-bolts, and all...

Tsunami then asserts to Yosho. "This will be an all day affair, through this every eve and morning, past to the following eve. After, all will be well. This I promise, without fail."

"It all better be." ...eyes look again, at a neutral Ryoko. This the former space pirate (or... current, not really sure...) then remarks. "If anything 'does' happen to Sasami, your boy will be the one to pay." ...with a good crackle of red gem energy, in her right hand, to assert this. It wasn't comical, at all. Tenchi quite readily balks... "Now hold on there Ryoko..." ...with Tsunami interjecting that with... "I would appreciate it, if you didn't have him killed, like Aleaic was, the last time."

"What?!" ...comes from most the rest, Yosho blinking... "Why? For certain." ...Tsunami responding... "When Z attacked. My love was further north, at the time. Near a place called Takayama." ...which brings out the chills, far more than from the cool evening air. Washu and Tokimi look over at Tsunami, the latter... "There was a breach in the chain of causality." ...Washu equally realizing... "There's an accelerant effect, that was caused from it, isn't there."

Tsunami holds her glowing hands up defensively. "That would be only of theory, at this time. However..." ...which the others got suddenly, as Tenchi remembers... "That vision you showed back, when time was being rewritten."

Tsunami just sighs at that. "As was said at the time, 'others' are also in play." ...which Tsunami then strangely takes, to remember events from that far back, to the point the others blink weirdly, at the sight of a goddess, that is blushing, holding at her cheeks. Washu and Tokimi just blandly remarks... "Like really?" ... "No kidding."

"Now I know, this will go right." ...which Ayeka reacts to... "Sasami?" ...whit in blue haired, cute turn... "What girl wouldn't do anything, for the guy that they love?"

Tenchi wanted to hide, for some reason then, as Yosho smirks at all the blushing fems. Yosho even eggs out... "Does this include daughters too?" ...which Mayuka burples, whit Tenchi and Tennyo just blanch... "Grandpa!"

The next sight, all experience, is Washu first remarks over at... "You got all the readouts ready, Tama?" ...which the cute 'clone', of Washu, responds back cheery, with a wink... "All sensors ready Master!" ...before Washu nods, and then flares herself, from mortal mode, to goddess mode. A good few awes come back facially, as Tsunami blinks in reaction. "What are you doing Sister?"

"Making sure it 'is' all done right. I 'do' have as much experience with bioforms, as you have Sister."

Sasami, looking up, and back now behind her, where Washu settles, just sees the red headed choshin, smile to her. Sasami nods. "Okay."

"And I as well." ...Tokimi then asserts, Tsunami warbling back... "That is not necessary Sister." ...Tokimi cross examining back with a puckish face... "Oh? And I suppose you've done this countless times, with experience then. Enough to not require watching over?" ...making Tsui chuckle back, like Sasami did earlier. Tsunami however counters that with... "But I was going to have you watch over Aleaic, to ensure his safety, during this process."

"Why?" Tenchi asks. Tsunami swallowing a gulp back with... "Call it a habit of worry, that is all."

"We can do that." Kiyone, (GP 1CD) responds, the others looking, as Mihoshi blinks back... "We can?" ...this Noike nods as well. "Sure, now that we know where he is essentially."

"And you will have help." Yosho adds in, Kiyone (silver hair,) asking back... "Who would that be Father?"

Yosho just looks up, and remarks, trying to control his words... "Some... devilish help, to be certain."

They all got that, what it meant. Tenchi just warbles through his teeth. "Oh... okay..." ...Ayeka and Ryoko actually hugging fearfully at each other, all of a sudden. Tokimi just smirks, and then pops out a small, chibi 'sensor' version, of herself, out next to her. "All this, and I cannot multitask as a goddess? You forget me too much, Sister."

"Thank you." ...is what is returned from Tsunami, they all felt that one. Endearingly.

"Shall we begin." Yosho then asks, seeing no other course from here. Sasami nods. "Yes." Tsunami nodding back at her 'twin'.

And after some minor planning, the group see Sasami and Tsunami then head to Funaho-ki, Sasami skipping over the rocks, Tsui gently floating, with her... their... Sisters in tow. Yosho was there, as his Linked Tree, would serve as a form of a conduit, for the process to come. After Sasami reached the other side of the pond, to the Tree, she took a kneeling seat, to the left of everyone's vision. Tsunami the right. Washu was behind Sasami, Tokimi behind Tsunami. Yosho took a kneeling seat, on the rock before the 'island' that the tree grew from. The resting spot, where his ship, originally crashed, seven hundred plus years earlier. In his hands, he held Tenchiken, begotten earlier with Tenchi's permission. Already it, and the two remaining gems set within the pommel, were now of Washu, after her morphing into her goddess side.

At about 6:32 PM, local Okayama time, they began the process. All the others could do at that point, was watch as a steady teal-blue, with a green tinge, Jurai Power link, progressed. Washu held soft, glowing red hands around Sasami, as an amber version, kept around Tsunami. The process, as far as Yosho could notice, was an effect of a sideways hourglass, a calm, steady, serene procession of transference, or essence. Power along with, to be certain. All not unlike grains of sand. It 'was' slow, and would take all until the following evening. A long time to be on one's knees, but Yosho had such experiences, over the ages. His job was to ensure Funaho-ki was helping keep the 'funnel' between the two 'twins', stable.

That was all about there was to it. Not counting biological and trans-dimensional specifics, ones not alluded to here. As far as Tenchi was concerned, for one, as long as Sasami was alright. Ayeka and Ryoko, sitting next to him each, were just as of that same mindset. The same for the rest of the watching. Eventually, Kiyone (mother,) takes Mayuka back to the residence. The others, stick it out, somehow the lot not having issues with hypothermia, or any other weather concerns. Course with these superpowered beings, cold isn't an issue. For the ones that remain anyway.

Course Kiyone (mommy,) brought out blankets, at one point.

The action it turned out, that night...

... ...

"I just don't understand it."

Lady Seto, back in her preferred place, aboard Mikagami, this as she raised her eye brow, to Minaho's assertion.

The Kamidake and its crew, off to GP headquarters for resupply and refitting, after a good year plus away, was done for its part, for now, concerning this strange situation. Such that Seto kept mindful of plans to come, as she eyed a couple of holo-status screens kept eye on events below. This now included the unique ceremony, now taking place below. Her demeanor was still iron and silk, but her emotions well underneath, was as scared for Sasami, as of those on below.

It was thankful, therefore, that Seto found her Intelligence Officer, made an all too open opinion, of the other primary iota, that the status screens, were keeping an eye on. This as Kanemitsu, also watched, as Minaho remarks. "There's nothing truly special about him. All earth records, just list him as an orphan."

"Only for information, prior to his infancy." ...Seto remarks, more than aware as well. Kanemitsu just reiterates. "Then, by all that is decent, why is this person, the eye of our lord and creator?"

"Tsunami is of her own mind." Seto replies back, leaning on her wide seat, rubbing at the wood edgings, as an 'accent' to her mullings. Her aides look back, as Seto remarks. "You 'do' remember that event, that brought us back to this point."

"Sounds too convenient there." ...Minaho remarks, Seto also unsettled when Kanemitsu adds... "As much as we all are..."

"...experiments?" ...Seto levels back as an interrupt. Hirata says zilch, a straight line demotion to who knows what, if he did. Seto just extrapolates... "We are, who we are. If we were only lab rats, we'd not be an empire. There's more to that, and I know Tsunami respects our people, and ways, for what we are. That's why we shall respect hers."

"And him?" Minaho questions openly. Seto just keeps her eyes level and practices. "We keep an eye on."

A separate status screen then activates, Seto seeing... "Ah. Yagami and Kyoko, are helping."

Minaho looks back. "From what?" ...Kanemitsu judges... "Probably..." ...the last word, as if on strange cue of a tragedy forming...

... ...

...on the flick of an oily eye, that knew everything, all too well. Shadows and history, were the tools.

As was the two dark bolts, that suddenly shot out, from the spot, where the two pirate warships died, the day prior. And the aim was excellent, and lethal, of intent...

... ...

Seto feels it. It was 'too' stark to ignore! "No!"

"I feel it too!" Minaho and Kanemitsu snap!

": Lady Seto! :" ...a holo-image of Noike suddenly pops up! Seto just jerks her head to the right, and yells... "We have no time!"

It all went that fast! Before they could blink further, two barely seen dark bolts suddenly screamed toward Earth! Before they 'did' make impact, all of a sudden, an amber colored shield, projected from ten amber-purple lined/glowing Lighthawk Wings, that takes both impacts, rather HARD! A strange format of black lightning, crackles from the impact points, for a good brutal few seconds, before it fades off of failure. Seto gasps out... "But... but how?!" ...at the sight of the ten Wings 'not' of Tsunami's make, positioned like they were clawing a hand, at an unseen enemy. And in fact...

"Well..." ...Seto leaps up, as a chibi Tokimi phases pops out, beside her! "...my Sister was correct to worry."

"I felt energy, akin to Lighthawk Wings, and then... was that...?" Seto finds herself fumbling words for once, as Minaho, Kanemitsu, and some quick on arrival guards, all then hear, as much as Seto does... "I beg your pardon. It is not just my Sister, who you owe your powers from, who can command such. The same is apparent, of an enemy that is being bold. A family almost lost kin near, and far, from all minds of this dimension."

Seto wasn't sure of the latter impart. But she knew better than to question one, far more powerful, than herself. "Thank you."

Tokimi blinked her chibi eyes, then smiled. (She was learning.) Seto then starts to ask... "Who is..." ...before all of a sudden, of all things, a chibi D3 suddenly pops into existence, next to chibi Toki! Yeah, that made the others blink, as Kiyone's (GP,) image, pops up on a separate holoscreen! ": What just happened Lady Seto?! :"

"Apologies Lady Tokimi." ...an elder strong voice sounds out, from such a tiny body. An equally tiny choshin nods, which D3 asserts. "I have data, concerning the attack that just occurred upon Dimension Three."

"Very well." ...Tokimi replies, than makes a kooky looking chibi bow, to Lady Seto. "Please excuse me. I must attend to this." ...and both chibi uber beings, just pop out of sight! (With sounds to boot.)

This leaves a bewildered Seto, to reply back to a set of blinking, fem filled holoscreens. "It would seem, the story is starting to get good."

"Uhboy." Minaho warbles, a hand to her raven colored, tressed melon. "I don't want to turn this page then."

Seto just returns, to her smirking nature. "I want to. Someone out there, wants to destroy someone. From an entire area of space away, maybe more. Coincidence and more. More and more interesting."

"We're gonna be here awhile." Kanemitsu remarks.

Seto just flicks her fan open, to hide a smile. Everyone else 'seeing', just nods.

... ...

The vile form just snarls at the imposition, of what resulted!

"{{ - More than one now, of the Whore, IS THERE?! - }}"

...a howl that almost forgot of itself, and nearly shattered a Realm in the Dark!

... ...

That event, one mortal never would know of. (Thank. Goddess.) Not as he slept in that cramped motel tube. All the better. The same of two teal tressed souls, still under the process. Their existence, assured unseen. The same for a blue in blue planet. (Maybe the universe to unto Phase Transition. Whee...)

That was all there was, for the day until nightfall, that once the process was done with, Sasami would rest for a good two days, before feeling better, more than at any other point in her life. And a goddess, well... she tried out her new 'format', that very night, of the second such that Aleaic found himself needing a burger pick-me-up.

And from there, it all really would now start from there.

... ... ...

Something in his dream, made him shudder...

...one added as her own, ends up causing him...

... ... ...

"AHH! I GOT TO..." ...Al blurts out, about bolting out of bed so hard, he... actually... "...wait... is that the... too far... YIPE!" ...smacks to the floor. "Owwie."

Aleaic quickly scrambles back up, and rubs at his face. "Wow. Some..." ...and then feels that urge, one such start burning in his gut again. Maybe further... "...dream."

Not that it stops him from a soon quick Shinto morning prayer for good fortune, a quick shower, tidying and gathering up of belongings, before heading out for paying the hotel bill, and some breakfast. After, Al heads out into a beautiful day. "Wow! Finally burnt some Yen, and a great day to boot! What else can a guy ask for!" ...this he pats his full tummy, and then thinks of that dinner waitress... "Hmm... maybe a girlfriend, and a starship to explore the universe!" ...he quips, then shrugs. "But that'd not be kosher of me. Anywho..." ...then looks around... "Now to..." ...and finagles with his map, and a compass, to gather his bearings.

"Hmm... something... tells me... to go... that way." ...and reorients himself, due south-west-ish. Course about ten steps into his anewed journey, he realizes. "Hmm... I must need a new map, this is getting hard to read." ...as a part of the map 'area' he looks at, has had water damage upon the paper. Which he thinks is strange.

"Wonder when that happened." ...and just shrugs it off, stowing away held such, and heading off to... destiny? New adventures? Around the next corner? Probably just the latter.

...if not for his ever present 'followers'.

Aleaic just decides in the end, to head in the said direction, his wanton want, driving his legs, a bit springy for his usual fare. The problem that it's all driven by 'another' feeling, once accented upon, as Okayama becomes a bit of a tourist bit, for the young mortal. Half of the day... and the next two as it turns out, are of seeing sights. Not that Okayama was Tokyo, but places like Kibitsu Jinja Shrine, Konan Airport, train yards, malls, and more, amongst other sites, captivates Aleaic's attention. But more than, it is just for that two day period, where walking about the landscape, is the norm. And 'all' of it driven, of a will of an unseen 'arm', that got herself caught up, in 'seeing' what Aleaic saw. It all turns out to be first experience, of a goddess that was seeing the world, that Aleaic saw. Life in all its replete forms, and civilization that went about its own business, no less despite their primitive natures, compared to the advanced versions, above the earthly heads, unto the stars.

Tokimi trails all of this, with an eye to learn more, and all that Tsunami wanted to do, despite not 'really' being beside her already admitted love. For her part, she didn't say much more, about an apparent unknown enemy, as even D3 was uncertain what was occurring. The attacker's tracks, were 'that' well covered. As such, all still investigated at the present time. (Combing 'through' time itself, even.) And all as such such, Tokimi just let her Sister enjoy herself. And for Tokimi's further part, it was experience seeing mortals in action, that a high Choshin was allowing herself to be more exposed to. It gave some needed peace and quiet for a Misaki Family, that was rather beat, after waiting out the process to finish. It 'was' a quiet couple of days for 'them', as well, as it turns out.

And Aleaic, for his part, swears for that two day period, he felt more 'spider webbing', or such odds feelings, all about his body, than he ever had before felt. Al chalks it up to more showers, which he does on both evenings, never realizing he's being 'peeped' on. And Aleaic swears he saw the 'same' waitress, two more times, and a catcalling whistle one other time, during this two day jaunt.

It turns out this all has a twofold effect, as far as a 'waiting' family, was concerned. Tsunami used the time, for her new 'astral' format wavelength, to adjust to her 'split' format. Akin to some celestial version of deep sea pressure adjustment, or such approximation. The same for Sasami, that was dealing with a good 'cold', that was essentially a form of exhaustion, that needed sleep to simply combat. Again, Sasami would feel 'awesome', come the third day.

By the eve of the second day, another hotel found, and another meal, this time healthier fare, a change was starting to assert notice. Aleaic sat in another diner, a rather small, shanty one, more wooden than anything else. It was a place, that was one 'step' better, than a roadside cart eatery. A small meal, very few other customers, as Aleaic was simply left alone, after ordering his meal of rice, local seafood, and drink.

And of course, twin, astral accompaniment. Ones that 'somehow', as Aleaic drew his drinks to a light, alcoholic variety, 'swore' he noticed. (And kept shaking at himself.)

Across, an astral teal tressed goddess, just sat there, her astral melon, leaned onto her supported hands, just gazing away at the mortal. It's all that Tsui does, as Al silently waits for his meal. Toki, next to Tsui, just keeps noting her eyesight, between the two. Enough at one point, that Toki remarks, unheard... "Sister, you are a pith, as coined of word."

Tsui just giggles, more than taking the joke, that Tokimi herself, wasn't sounding of what it was. This causes Al, for some reason, to chuckle in 'kind', without realizing it. Toki notes this... "Careful."

"Not for much longer." ...Tsunami more than replies, staring away. It causes Al, as he sits waiting quite patiently, to nod, just then. Tsui notes this, and blinks this time. Tokimi wonders out loud, to herself. "I wonder if we are 'affecting' his mental state, by our continued exposure."

"That'd be weird." ...Al reflexively says, then stops, and looks up, blinking only at a wooden divider 'wall', where the seats are 'vacant'. Unseen is Tsui, now holding her glowing hand, over Toki's glowing mouth! After a moment, Al just shrugs, and decides to reach for his backpack. "I must be hungry." ...causing both choshin, to sigh in relief, just then.

Weird no?

And then, as the smell of food draws stronger in scent, Aleaic then decides to just act on random thought, and pulls out his well worn art pad. The landscape charcoal drawings within, Aleaic decides to inspect, laying them out on the table. He then pulls out a half used charcoal stick, while the unseen 'accompaniment' look over the drawings.

"Wow." Tsunami readily admits, as the landscapes... "...they so detailed." ...Toki adds, before catching herself, for being engrossed in artifacts of mundane mode. Aleaic then proceeds to find a drawing, of an area, north of Izumi, and starts to make 'adjustments to it, a few added details, softly smudged into, with various fingers of his right hand.

"That can't be sanitary." Tokimi judges again, Tsui just flicking her Sister's ear, which 'might' have annihilated Okayama, if Tokimi hadn't controlled herself to hand slapping comically, with Tsui.

"That looks fine." ...this causing Aleaic to look up, as the elder male Japanese proprietor, one with a foodservice cap, over his black hair. Al just smirks an embarrassed blush, as his 'astral watchers', now look and listen. The proprietor holds his arms, laden with food, at the hands and elbow joints. Al sees this and franticly shoves his artwork, into a messy pile, off the side. "Ah, yup! Stuff over the years that I've done! Sorry! Sorry!" ...which just makes for chuckles, seen and unseen. After the food is laden at the table, Al makes a simple prayer... "For the Light that hath grown this sustenance more partaken, Thank you Kami, for this meal." ...and about starts to eat, when... "Pardon..." ...the proprietor remarks, Al looking up to hear... "...if I may." ...the elder gesturing at the artwork. Al readily allows, handing the jumbled art pad over, before proceeding to eat. The elder, with an unseen Toki, then looks at the pictures, as Aleaic makes like a literal sounding buzz saw, as he ravages at the food. Tsui just giggles, as Toki notes this, the former commenting... "Sasami's meals, won't find a dissenter, with this one."

Toki just rolls her lavender eyes, before the proprietor then remarks, of a separate picture... "Ah, I grew up here." ...this Aleaic blinking up, fumbling some rice, from his lips, into his gullet. Aleaic then leans over, and remarks... "Oh, Sekikawa. Yup, got stuck near there, one winter, for a few days. Did that..." ...Aleaic points out, still chewing a bit out of habit, as he explains with rice chewed, then swallowed... "...one morning, when I saw it, as I was heading over to the west."

The image, some snow covered hills, a bridge, and everything with a pall mist, from the river below it. The proprietor just sighs. "I remember that bridge. I'd take it every day, on a bus to school." ...this Al hears, included with... "And with my sweetheart. Kami bless her soul."

Aleaic freezes, as does two invisible types, as Al utters out... "Uh... sorry... my condolences..."

...before the proprietor adds... "Don't be! She's over there!" ...as he bobs his head behind him, at a stout, older lady, who waves to Aleaic cutely. (And alot.) Al just about spits his rice out... "Aw common sir!" ...which makes the elder laugh hard, joined all around the establishment (got busy lookin' suddenly,) as the proprietor drags over a stool, and has his wife join in, with a lot of Sake`, all of a sudden!

And hence, Aleaic meets Kouhei and Haruko Marubeni. In 'payment' of said offered picture, Aleaic gifted at one random point, the story of how a boy was hounded into marriage, by the girl next to him. Not exactly a common story, truth be told, but a happy life gotten from it all, nonetheless. Aleaic's own journey, is told in abridged format, as well as the supposed final destination, and Sake` flows like leaves in water, all and in between.

It's during this, that (somehow,) the seat with an 'absent' Tsui in it, both isn't taken, but more endearingly, she leans to watch how Aleaic acts, with the people around him. The way he tells stories, laughs, even cringes, where appropriate. Even added, some burps and facial flush of sake` kicking in.

She enjoys it all.

"I... don't..." ...this Tsunami eyes over, from her leaned forward position, her head in her hands, such a goddess was enjoying what she saw. Such alluded to seeing the look of confusion, on an Astral Tokimi, who... "...understand." ...she admits. Tsunami translates, as even some back half singing, springs up from the now small party.

"You don't understand how they relate to each other?"

Tokimi eyes her lavender corneas over, as Tsunami reflects, her 'experiences' through Sasami, and more of her hidden own, allows the teal goddess to offer to help her Sister understand. This all the while Aleaic alludes into a story about his sword play training, while at the orphanage, Tsunami imparts... "They just do. It's something we lacked in the beginning, with our experiments, and the search. For this too, has to do with the journey being more important, than the solution. Just like Sister Washu said."

Tokimi eyes back over, as Aleaic and Haruko then play 'boken' with a couple of chopstick halves, and then Al 'loses' to 'give up' more artwork. Tokimi hears more... "When I was assimilated to Sasami, I learned to be a part of the life, that I helped create, and nurture. It wasn't until the Trees begot partners, that I felt this first hints of being a part of life itself. And then, Sasami lived as she did. All the joys, heartbreaks, strains, and experiences. So much that I didn't learn, until I experienced through her. And not until before..." ...Tsunami about alludes into that secret past, before she stops, Tokimi looking over from the party, to a... "Sister?"

An Eon of a Lifetime passed within Tsunami's ethereal mind, all of it, in just two mere seconds. Such she was 'caught up' in it, that she hears Tokimi's voice, as if her memories had kept her mind busy, for days. "Oh? Ah... sorry Sister. Just... thinking..."

"I'd prefer to ask, rather than delve." Tokimi says, Tsunami responding back somberly... "I'd prefer not to answer, for now." ...and looks up, as Aleaic looks rather tipsy now, wobbly, the sight making Tsui quickly giggle serenely. And then... shed a tear.

"I want him back again." ...Tsunami almost cries out, somehow keeping her voice in check. Her emotions weren't as Aleaic unrealizingly blushes, and gets teased by the proprietor... "Oh?! So you do have a girlfriend!"

Tsui gulps, as Toki blinks twice, Aleaic just about shears his dirty blond mop, in a chunk. Kouhei and Haruko just lean in, as Al stutters out... "...well... well not really... that... that is I..."

Haruko just smirks, hefting a cup to be drunk, adding... "Is that so?" ...with a sip.

Aleaic just sighs, looks at the empty seat across from him, thinking he can 'see' a lady within it, but such he presumes of imagination... (or...)

He just offers... "Maybe... -sigh- ...I dunno. Maybe all of this is like some goddess is leading me on." ...put with a shrug. Aleaic almost 'imagines' seeing that 'lady', looking back with a bare tooth of mouth look. But presumed of the Sake` again. Aleaic then finishes... "I... may not really have one. But... I wouldn't mind... if it happened."

How Tsunami didn't just pop into sight before him, there and then... well... maybe it was the 'sight' of an Astral Tokimi, actually wrestling with Tsui, to PREVENT just that! (Nice headlock move, Toki!)

"Whoa Sister! Wait a cosmic second!"

Tsui... wow, would have done it, there and then, if not for Kouhei remarking. "You know the old saying. The same a friend of mine told me." ...this Aleaic eyes over, somehow, without being knocked out dead drunk, with an eyed haze, as Kouhei finishes. "Love will find you, when you least expect it."

Al nods, thinks he sees that 'filled' seat again, and takes a good sip.

Tokimi (astral,) meanwhile, is feeling her cheeks warm, for reasons she's not experienced with, (enough of anyway,) as Tsui (astral,) looks with those kind, of glossy eyes. Aleaic just then exhales. "Man." ...before Haruko then yells out... "Let's sing my Kou-kun's favorite love song!"

Yup, they all in the pub-bar-diner-something, all sing badly.

Tokimi just teardrops. "What is it with these lifeforms?" ...before she sighs a good smile, getting a sense now, of what Tsunami said.

And Tsunami, for her part... "It'll be as wonderful, as all of the last time was. Now I know it will be."

And because of a hidden-cloaked camera orb, also present, the same badly sung song, finds its way to a Lab, and then soon after because of a prodding Mihoshi, ends up being sung, through a residence, by some ladies, on the late of eve.

Oh and Mihoshi get's kicked out by Washu, just to be sure.

... ... ...

...he just plopped onto the hotel bed.

"Drunk... -snore- ... -a lot-..."

And he dreamt. The hangover wouldn't come, the following morning. It all didn't last past the first hour, the alcohol. He'd never learn why.

And not via twin sources, that had left a mortal, to a sleeping fate. This to check up on Washu's progress, all the while a mortal sleeps. Tsunami is pleased to learn formal assimilation procedures, would begin, soon after Aleaic arrives. Only delayed to 'make' sure of arrival, as far as Tsunami 'told'.

That left this last night.

...

- ...those wonderful dreams. It all felt like another world to him. Places numerous, never seen before, all in a haze of teal... and... white?

He felt proud in them. He swore he had skills that made him some kind of protector. Something in the swim of the mind, it was like in between green, lush leaves, waters of epic blue, and another 'ocean', that felt like flying through gems and diamonds.

So much pride, and... something... missing? No... found? There was no...

...wait, feels like... something dark... fighting against it. Something powerful... epic... impossible...

Who's winning? ...no... who's in danger? It... he... defeating... defeated...? Something wrong... it's... future it... from... past? ...losing certainty... is everything... wrong...? ...no... is it right? ...can't tell anything...

...except... if he wins... destiny... dies...? No... not right... not RIGHT! Stop! Stop it now! I'll MAKE it stop! That's it... enough!

ENOUGH! -

... ...

Washu BLINKS her eyes, as much as an unexpected YELL in the residence... no... several, SNAP awake, the entire hold at once!

And it's readily felt... "SISTER!" ...as Washu notes Tsunami snap-WRECKS out of a scanning tube, rather than phase out from it, such was the stark act of what was felt! And 'not' just on Earth alone! Tokimi's voice that snapped before, causes Tsui to strike her own tone over... "It's beloved!" ...and both phase off, just as starkly! Washu gulps, as she looks at the mangled remains of... "Well, guess that data went to lavatory." ...as energon (and who knows what else,) sparks everywhere. She just got ready for the inevitable bum rush of related parties, through her doorway. She even quipped plainly. "Bet that woke Mayuka up." ...as she swore she felt, before hearing, crying from the still phase-closed hatch, behind her.

...

...and seconds later... "Beloved! ...eh?!" ...as Tsunami and Tokimi 'arrive', and then see, a mortal boy, sitting up, with eyes so wide, they should have popped out of his skull! And along with this... "Eh?! YOU!" ...as Tsui blares a glower, at the same interloping white in white goddess, of several days prior! One that was 'putting away' a glowing orb of light, when Tsui and Toki 'barged' in, causing (after being seen,) the goddess to FLARE out of sight!

Tsui grinds... "Gaea." ...before Toki snaps her purple clawed hands over Tsui's mouth! Tsunami sees, as they both realize for a moment, 'they' are seen, as Aleaic... wobbles...

...for a... still... calm... kooky moment, Al 'sees' in a delirium, before the two choshin, quietly 'phase' back out of sight. Which after a good moment of this, Aleaic mumbles... "...strange... dream..." ...and promptly plops back down onto the bed, and asleep.

And if two goddesses could have coronaries, they about did at that moment, before both sigh in relief. This of course, before Tsui then 'eeps' a eye bink, and zips over to... "What did she..." ...hold her own glowing white orb, over a snoring mortal's head. Toki 'sees', as much as Tsui does, when the latter just finishes, drops the light-orb, and announces... "Things just got more complicated."

"Does that mean..." ...Tokimi asks, hoping to be wrong for an eternal once. But as Tsunami nods, Tokimi just anime exhales.

And from both... "It's exacerbating now. Uhboy." ...with strange droops in celestial body posture, for them both.

And the carnival just got a new ride folks.

Just don't let Washu inspect it. (Washu: "HEY!")

(End Act I)