Tsunami's Radiance
Volume I
Act VI- Pillar of a Nexus
... ... ...
-Mikagami-
A most devilish Lady, sat, with a devil of a worry, on her brow. Hardly shown on her practiced facade, but her soul was as uncertain, all despite. Seto looked out from her lush bridge seat of command, looking at a holo-screen of a linked transmission from the Preserve Orbital GP Post. Essentially a small 'can' in space, with barely enough room for the two GP officers stationed there. (Presumably done, since Officers Kenneth Barl, and Rajau Ga Waura were once Senia's dorm mates, as 'eyes' on the Range, as far as Seniwa was concerned. Hardly a true problem there, Seto was more than certain.)
The point of that, a 'recap' of recent events, since Seto was recalled. A rare moment Seto was amicable to the 'chain of throne command', as it all were. 'I usually make myself too busy, for such recalls. Especially with a formal council session. Not that one can blame them.' ...she thought.
Memory plied too well, as she then 'sensed' the part of the party, that was also nearby, in transit, as she as said remembered...
... ...
-Jurai-
A chamber of several living wood art carved bowl shaped tiers, each tier with plush seats, and unbroken tables of curved length, where broken of where steps to the central 'podium' was beheld, of a central chamber table, that the meeting would obligingly be centered of discussion at. Lighting was provided from Tenju itself, the atmosphere from gargantuan circular air vents that shown at the top most tier. A few technological imparts dotted within, a few holo-screens where wanted. The chamber felt strangely solemn here, despite what eyes beheld.
"Well. This is a rare moment." ...her self memory, said out loud. Seto then heard Funaho, next to her say, as the two stood in the bowl shaped chambers of the Linked Council. An akin format of a senate chambers of any equal measure.. "The rarest of times all those of the Link of our Creator, have been summoned of enough dire impart. Things are unsettled."
"I see." Seto quipped, as she eyed most of the five hundred and seven active Linkbearers. Of the few absent, Kiriko was on GP assignment, as Lady Seto knew well. Same for Funaho's mindful impart, since the location of Kamidake was unknown anyway. A curse of operational secrecy.
Beyond her, Ayeka and Sasami, as well as Yosho... of reasons a nearby Emperor kept calm about, of current. Misaki however wasn't, as she literally hopped around, saying hello, shaking hands, and giving uber-hugs, to just about every person of the Link present here. Funaho just giggled at the scene... "Sister literally meant to greet everyone today. Wonder if she knows the meaning of fatigue."
"Or discretion." ...Seto just shook her head plainly at. Funaho just giggled with a teardrop. This before Seto then eyed to her left, at... "And the reason for all of this. I see Lord Shuzan Amaki is antagonistic about something again."
Funaho just sighed. This before three more teleports enter the highly restricted room. No one but Linkbearers could be present here. This as the antagonist of these proceedings, if acted proper of a Jurai Royal, imparted... "Shall we begin, if no others are coming." ...as a thinly veiled 'shot' was leveled towards Emperor Masaki. Seto just eyed level, as Funaho calmly walked over to stand next to her ancient husband, as Misaki was already to the other side of him, of formal right of the Emperor and sisterly Empress. Azusa just imparted back... "Enough are here, if all this be worth the bother of it all, of everyone else's personal time."
"It is." ...the voice of Lady Kasaoka Tatsuki, current head of the same house. Lord Shuzan looking over, didn't seem appreciative of the 'allied' statement. Azusa looked over and nodded to a far more respected House member, than the Amaki version was, as of present. Seto took time to make personal praise of... "It is good to speak the truth of matters, Lady Kasaoka. I take it your time in rebuilding House Tatsuki, is bearing fruit."
"Quite! Thanks for that, loads, lil demon lady." ...Lady Kasa made of a wink, Seto just snickering in kind... "Well, one must rebuild from the damage that the false emperor Kagato did, to the Tatsuki house. It behooves us to strengthen where we can."
"Is that why you sent my daughter Bruinuae to the Preserve System?" ...Kasa just eyed back, as a more nominal mother should. Misaki decided to insert her view of all this, "I heard it was to keep an eye on... OW!" ...as Seto just made a swat of her bento fan, upside Misaki's back-o-head! It all alleviated the growing tension in the room, as most Linkbearers present, were lower Generation Link types, most had their own lives, were appeasable people to be sure. Save for the Link, and Royal status, acted as any lay royal would act like.
Save one, of imposed certain. "Hence why I called this meeting. We all know what we Felt." ...Lord Shuzan snapped out. Seto eyed back, sternly, as Azusa imparted. "We are all aware." ...Azusa tried to measure out, trying hard to keep a secret of a core secret from being too exposed. Shuzan just leaned forward on the table of carved living wood from Tenju itself, about digging his finger nails into it. "Not enough to share with us all, that we have a right to know."
"That depends on what you know." Seto quipped, seeing just how much, the other Houses knew. She got too much in return, with the long and fire read haired Tatsuki Lady, hence the said Lady's informal nickname of accurate note: 'Firelady.' "That whispers from the Tree attendants and priestesses, rumor a bit too loud, that Tsunami herself has done... odd things, not befitting her station. That 'love' is whispered, where none is ever had been expected to be so noted of."
Seto just kept her sigh, to herself, as Shuzan then adds... "Then what we felt, a new power of the Lighthawk of some kind, that no Link Tree could ever ignore. That they whisper of enemies of some dark power, that imparts their own whispers of some nameless fear. Hence enough worry, to demand answers."
Seto wasn't hiding her disdain of Shuzan's own impart, as her tone measured out. "I would expect, you'd be more concerned of more internal affairs of your House. If we knew more than we do, officially, then we'd have called Council, ourselves here instead."
"Would you, dear Lady." ...Shuzan made a rare challenge of, Seto half seeing the merit in it. The rest, not wanting spread facts, that were still genuinely unknown at present. 'And part of me, does not wish to know. But since...'
"You would make policy then, over the Council." Funaho decided to measure her words out. Seto stabbed a sudden eye over, as Misaki even added... "And you would tell us all, how to do with them."
Shuzan grinded his teeth. Azusa he saw, smirked right back at him, as the ancient Amaki Lord felt the sting of the Empresses again. A place like this, of all places of Royal note, was not one to retort without care, with ear of uncertain allies within, that only needed an 'excuse' to drop favor, on a whim.
But that didn't stop the Amaki Lord, from measuring out... "Every last one of here, that shares a Link with Tsunami, deserves to know what is going on, with aspects that our very existences derive all we take of granted, thereof. To withhold that, which could doom us all, would be a true capital trespass."
Seto just sniffed at that. "And you would be correct. There." ...knowing Shuzan hadn't been in his seat of power, for as long as he had, without some skill at the games of the Royal Court. Seto herself was essentially drowned in such aspects, to be certain.
And then because the rumor was that widespread enough now, to not be ignored, Lady Kasaoka asked aloud... "Who is this 'Aleaic', the Trees speak of?" ...garnering confused eyes, from the upper tiers of the chamber, before Kasa added of eyes at Seto... "And why is my daughter so sent, to keep an eye upon the love of our Tsunami, and this said mortal, she herself has chosen?"
The rouse of voices in the chamber, wasn't meek. A random Masaki member of a lower generation Tree, clarioned out... "Is this true, my Lord?!" ...as several similar voices, declared their disdain, at the sudden revelation! Of such that Shuzan even imparts... "What bile is this!? Some brat of an underdeveloped world!? And aye, we 'know' enough of our own sources as well, my Dear Lady." ...this he imparted right at Lady Seto. Funaho and Misaki looked at Azusa, as the Emperor kept a strangely calm demeanor, in the political storm. Seto saw it, for what it was, as Azusa's usual tact of biting control, was being withheld, as he knew something, of all this himself, and was patiently waiting.
Such provided by a shortsighted Tatsuki member, of the upper tiers. "We must demand Tsunami end her transgressions upon..."
"Silence!" ...Lady Kasaoka snarled out, about blanching the offending House member, of his very Link. Kasaoka just looked over at Seto, as the chamber went dead silent. "I imagine her ladyship of our source for being here, has her reasons."
"And we have ours." Seto starts, Azusa looking over at the 'old hag', amicably. A prior discussion of... quite literally, amazing recollections and enlightenment, was at cusp of hand to be levied of. But of course first, as Seto took her turn of things... "Tell me fellow Linkbearers. Do we forget the purpose of what Tsunami has done? We forget a Champion of her make, being the reason of one, we have Trees at all? That the actions of Lord Tenchi and his loved kin, mean nothing of what we are still here to discuss upon?
And of most detail of note, we think ourselves greater than our Creator, to tell her what to suddenly, then do with whatever she desires? I would imagine, if Tsunami was so inclined, our Links would be shorn at a drop of compassion lack thereof. Perhaps we remind ourselves, of our place first, before we deride her own choices."
"I care not for the meaning of it." ...Shuzan stood frazzled at, arms folded at. Seto just shrugged. "Nor I. Reality however is a creature, far too often, out of control. We play what we do, to keep said power, we lord over the rest of the cosmos with. I make no bones hidden of skeletons, there all of. The same so many of our enemies make their jealousy and actions, to take away from us, what we hold now.
All given of a Link of Trust, Tsunami gives us respect for, as she conducts her designs, all the formal while."
"I was understood, I thought, her designs had ended with Lord Tenchi." Kasaoka imparted. Seto just snickered in turn... "She has another. It all has been quite cute to witness. Her actions make many feel young, in the mere watching."
Shuzan just huffed at that. Hardly unexpected of one that wanted of power, and little else. Misaki however asked over next, of pure curiosity, incumbent to her own Station. "Is this Aleaic-kun, as I heard you call him Mother, indeed taking instruction well, from Sister's own son?"
"At a frightening pace." Seto spoke of truth back, to anew murmurs upon the gathering. And then Seto decided to add... "I hear he has entered upon training, in the Chizima Style, given the use of a double bladed weapon, is rare enough. Near unique for a Key, of certain."
"Double?" Lady Kasaoka was actually stunned in hearing. Seto nodded. "A most difficult style, to be sure. Rare enough that one chooses to uses a double bladed weapon, anywhere in the civilized universe, as we know it, moreso one that has already demonstrated power of Jurai, to use such a weapon with. And... oh... the looks on your faces, of you all, you should see of yourselves."
"Double blades are not seen, in our realm, for a reason. This if the ancient tales are suddenly true." ...Funaho decided to also add, all on her own. This she eyed Azusa, as Misaki had to steady herself on the table before her. "I still can't believe it. And the old stories. Aren't... aren't they just stories?"
"No." ...Azusa had his trigger. This as a mutual, hollow feeling existed in a chamber, didn't hinge itself upon fairy tales. This then as Azusa then held up a most odd object, in his right hand. A polyhedral object of multifaceted shape, this as if two hexagonal diamonds were merged into each other, shaped of an hourglass of sorts. Kasaoka saw and gasped... "A Sentai Holo-archive!" ...as another galaxy would also call a 'Holocron', the device held already was glowing of gold and white, strobing lightly and softly. Azusa imparted, to readily hearing ears... "I remember the stories of my youth, of, if... if the tales are to be believed, of another world... a first Jurai, before our own... a precursor age that time and history forgot, save for scattered fairy tales of a world even more advanced than our own. One with a separate Tenju. Another experiment perhaps by our Creator. And there, one added person, that time lost of history.
Except then reports from the old hag here imparts, a former enemy of this same world, that destroyed it, also killed this one soul, that may be the reason Tsunami acts as she does now. One said of said reports, was called of certain things by this... Darkness... the names of 'Whelp of Sentai', Nemesis', and from Tsunami's own told words of restricted measure, another name."
"Sai'hon." ...Kasaoka gulped out. A name that on any other world, would have little meaning. Here, it floored the room, like it had no right to, but yet did. Shuzan was rather passive in all regards, as about the rest of the chamber wasn't as so. (A few even fainted, being attended to, by those nearest by.)
The Lady of Tatsuki then managed to utter out... "I... I know we hold no things, such as silly prophecies to heart... but... but does this mean, more is to come to pass, upon us?"
"Kagato, may indeed, have been the beginning. Both of him. Possibly more... if not all, we have faced over time." ...Seto commented ala nodded back. Good thing the seat nearby Kasaoka was cushy, given how hard she plopped into it. Shuzan looked... distant, as Azusa then imparts, looking at his raised 'holocron', in hand. "I only confirm this, on basis of utter confidentiality, of all such not leave this chamber. This essentially because the Secret Archives are involved."
"They're OPEN?!" ...a random Amaki soul rang out. Funaho nods, hoping her own words don't cause future grief. "The Seal of Tenju fell silent upon those ancient doors, about the same time that this Aleaic-kun soul, manifested. There's a connection, this I lay..."
"We should bring this 'Aleaic' here, if that be so." Lord Shuzan struck a chord of. Seto just put an end to that outright. "He does not know of us. And to imprison him, would have to go through Tsunami anyway. We should learn and prepare. Not be hidden of fear that will come for us now. I stake my life on that."
"Still." ...Kasaoka leveled, and taken up by Azusa... "I intend to investigate all such, in person." ...he declared to the chamber. Funaho nodded. "We intend to find the truth of the matter, and inform the same, on our return."
"And I too shall join." ...Lady Seto flicked her fan open with. Misaki just looked overly. "You too, Mother?"
"A problem daughter dear?" ...Seto...er... the way Misaki reacted to that... "Nope! None at all!"
"A terrible burden, you hold Sister." Funaho (teased?) Misaki with, hence the comical glare Funaho got back from her! Yeep!
And from that...
... ...
-Somewhere in Hylian space, Hylian Galaxy-
"Are you okay Kiriko?"
"I said I'm fine Senia, you can stop asking that at every graveyard we go to!"
"Said like an ill bitty there, Tree girl."
"Shut it Gyokuren!" ...Amane quipped. Senia just gulped at the snarly look, the two ladies gave each other. Senia however looked over from his captain's seat, eying Kiriko anyway. 'The way she reacted, at that first graveyard area, though that was two sites ago.' ...he changes tact, as he looks up at the primary holo-display of his cabbit powered ship. This as he asks... "Are we in the right area?"
Suiren calls out, from looking over her displays... "Looks like it. Debris mass is increasing in count." ...with Neiju adding... "I'm picking up strange trans-electronic waves. Just like at the other sites. Still can't make heads or tails of it."
"Just like before then." ...Senia commands, as Hakuren activates the Spatial Camouflage. This as the Kamidake II begins to fly through another series of long dead ship remains. Senia soon is at the edge of being unnerved again, the crew alike... "Are... they all going to be like this?" Karen commented to no answer in return. This as visual sight of all sorts of long dead craft, from fighters and bombers, and through the usual warship classification line, all the way up to a trio of broken battleship hulls, floating in close proximity to each other. Several Cruiser and Battlecruiser types, around it, all equally broken from severe trauma, as if it had happened recently. A curse of the lack of erosion of any real kind, in the dead of space. Cosmic radiation was the only real problem here, not that the dead, some of which could be still seen by sight and shudder, had any worry of such here.
The crew were stuck speechless again, before Senia... "They must... -gulp- ...all be like this."
That jostled the crew, as Ryoko imparts... "It's pretty bad here too. Counting... about... I guess about... two thousand and fourteen wrecks. Not counting fighters or other starcraft. Many of the wrecks are partially vaporized, from apparent scans." ...with her own toned unease.
"This makes no sense. It's been the same, at the three other graveyards we've been too." ...Amane quips. Hakuren nods in concert. "Indeed. Plus this... wait... this makes really no sense."
"What?" Senia asks, as they hear Fuku 'sniff' around, from her 'Station', as she kept scanning around her ship format, Hakuren then reported off... "Cross-referencing the data... confirmed. But..." ...she looks back over at Amane, whom confirms. "They're all Hylian in make. All of them."
"Huh?" Senia just cocked his eyes. And then Kiriko imparts out... "Suiren, double check my data." ...as she feeds archive data over to Suiren, whom nods. "Confirmed... oh dear. The other graveyard sites. They all were of Hylian wrecks!"
Senia got curious from all that. "What's the time reference on the age of the wrecks."
That got some added holo-typing going, before Ryoko gulps out... "They're all within the same timeframe, of age of decay."
"Wait... was it a civil war here, they had, some... one thousand year ago, about?" ...Karen found herself asking aloud.
"Show the data overlay for Hylian space, where all the sites are supposed to be?" Senia asked next. Neiju and Gyokuren began to show the relative data, as Kiriko asked... "You think they all may be related Senia?"
"Ma... ybe..." Senia noted, as the local galactic overlay, showed... "That many?"
"There's over a hundred sites." Amane made of rapid eye count. Neiju just blinked... "And what do they have to do, with Traquis?" ...this Amane could only guess at. That was when the ladies of the crew, then saw something odd, from... "Senia?" ...Kiriko looked, as Karen blinks... "He's been doing that a lot, as of late." ...as Senia looked rather deep in thought.
He then looks up at the holoscreen, and then imparts... "Let's check the Alcorian sites."
"Uhh..." ...Amane acted rather ... "...that's another three weeks to that area of space."
"I think I know why." ...Kiriko accented. And hence Suiren tapped away at... "Setting course. We better keep clear of Hylian patrols, that last one wasn't as nice as I thought they were."
"Yeah." Senia teardropped. The one attempted contact, was rancid at best. Electronic emissions were set low, ever since then. Hence also why they were cloaked, as the second graveyard site had a Hylian shadow destroyer, patrolling nearby it. A happenstance of a sudden nearby pirate incursion without warning, showed why for the secrecy, as another shown Catalyst sentience act was witnessed, as the fabled Shadowfang Wings were seen, as the destroyer showed no mercy to the pirate ship unit. None. Not even a cursory transmission to warn with even.
That was why Kiriko reported... "We'll need about another three days to get around the Hylian Fortress Picket Stations, since they may be looking for us." ... "Roger." Suiren nodded.
Senia just slumped in his seat and bemoaned... "I'm starting to not like, where this all may be going."
"We have the data on the Fold Drive, setup for emergency use, now." ...Karen imparted. Senia smiled over... "Nice work!" ...to a loving blush in return. That of course for the usual frivolity going, as Ryoko just quipped. "And on day four, we settle the list girls."
"I said fourth in line Ryoko!" ...Gyokuren spat. Amane just RILED back... "We tied that last game of Uno! Bed rights aren't set till the tie breaker match!"
"I'm still keeping first in line, thank you!" ...Kiriko snapped rather off kilter for her! Karen just rolled her eyes. "How come you, still, were the only one to win an Uno game, cleanly?" ...this Hakuren tune deadpanned mocked back, her arm leaned on her seat arm rest, upon her chin... "'I swear I didn't cheat! It must be fate.' What a crock..." ...getting a glare back at her from 'someone'.
That just set off another yelling fest, name calling, the usual nine yards, that they all try to strangle each other with.
Neiju just yelled out.. (almost snarled it out...) "Oh yeah white head mop?! I bet Senia doesn't mind who sleeps with him first again! He... eh? Where did he...?" ...as the fem crew blink and realize Senia is missing again! Fuku just mews in equal confusion, before Amane and Karen just flame out! "Escape from us, while on duty, will he?!" ...before Kiriko just asks... "Mizuki, lock down the Idol Zone door again. He's not getting away with that again."
"How about we play for pairs, in the meanwhile." Ryoko quipped. Kiriko just shook her head. "But it was weird, the last time."
"Was it?" Hakuren smirked over, to a blushing non-response, from Kiriko. It just made the giggles, that more dangerous sounding.
And Senia's pounding at the gem-marble door to the Idol chamber, that much more manic!
He didn't escape either.
... ...
"Wait... that many ships?"
": No mistake Nagi. :" ...Minagi responded back. A similar investigation at formal hand. Nagi was proven correct, of her uncertainty, as the fifth graveyard site they had investigated, since their 'deputized' alliance together, had Minagi and Nagi, both starting to piece together a picture that Nagi wanted all well and good rid of.
But what they saw, as they moved into an even larger necropolis of shipwrecks, than that of a similar Hylian investigation had going on, at that relative moment, made both hardened warriors of many battles, shiver in unintended concert.
And then Nagi heard Minagi ask... ": Wait... what was that total count? It can't be right Hinase! : "...as a tone of disbelief, was heard. Nagi just sighed and commented back as she looked out from Ken-ohki's ship dome, at the various wrecks, littering space before... and around, them. "Don't bother. Over sixteen thousand total wrecks. That makes over fifty thousand total wrecks, from the total numbers, from everywhere we've checked."
Minagi's holo-image, was just pip eyed, and all sweaty looking. ": But... but the archive data, didn't have anything on battles like this! This makes no sense at all! :"
Nagi just huffed, solid in her arm folded stance. "Whatever. Ken, just keep scanning for any active Traquis signatures. Anything at all."
": How can you mean 'whatever'?! All this is...?! :"
"Not my concern." ...Nagi spat out, as Ken-ohki then streamed out a series of mews and meows, that Nagi understood readily enough. She huffs again, clearly not wanting to be here. "So. Only that odd electro-magnetic signature in the background signal. Probably just space static again. No active stuff to bother with?"
A pensive 'meow', returned, just imparts Nagi to close her eyes along with... "This is a waste of time. Dead bodies don't tell anything."
": The hulls might. :" ...Minagi injected, to barely a reaction from Nagi. This as Hinase is heard in the background... ": - I've correlated the age of all the wrecks. They are within a hundred years of each other, by age of battle contact, of relative points for each battle site. - :" ...Minagi just looked of an image of thumbing her own shin. ": But what does that have to do with these Traquis guys? It makes no sense for pirates to attack with such numbers, using... :"
"Who cares." ...Nagi snips out in turn. Minagi... ": We should! We might be able to predict the next battle, with this data! Who knows what else we could do with it! :"
"Get my pay, and get back to my old job, and never do a job for any empire again." ...Nagi snides out, Minagi just blanches back... ": How can you be so cold like that! :"
"How?!" ...Nagi truly snaps at Minagi, in turn with! Minagi just pulled back, as her holo-image attested. Nagi just looked ready to kill anyone, or anything, with an excuse. Minagi just snipped a comment back anyway... ": You know you aren't alone, out here. :"
"Stop trying to make me feel better! From one looking like Ryoko, it's plain creepy!" ...Nagi comically riles back with! The mention of 'Ryoko' again, just sets off Ken-ohki's 'Ryo-chan' meow-fest complex, to whit Nagi comically vents in kind! "Ah come ON already Ken!"
Minagi just shrugs. ": So. Just two more sites, and we transmit the data then, I guess. :"
"Yeah, yeah." ...Nagi makes a baleful wave of hand with. This as Nagi decides there and then. "And after that, we get our pay, at a neutral site. The heck with being on actual Fungesian territory, for an exchange."
": No argument there. :" ...Minagi only commented, before the duo moved on.
But not alone...
... ...
-Mikagami, an unwanted present time suddenly-
"Check that data!" ...Minaho's voice decried! This as Hirata saw as clearly as any of the rest did. "I don't think it's going to be incorrect."
The same of disbelief of any sight, that had chance to, to see a bento fan dropped. It's owner just looked with gape dismay. This as a holo-screen showed a ruined scene, of a familiar residence, that was only familiar, due to memory aiding, of want to see other than what was seen of near obliterated version instead.
Seto saw, and felt cold. "What... what happened to them?"
...
The same said by Funaho, as she held Misaki at bay, as Azusa demanded, standing stoic apart from his throne seat. "What the blazes happened down there?!"
Hardly a comforting answer back, from sensor officers, came back, as the holo-screens of Kirito showed a Masaki residence, essentially a near cratered ruin again! Azusa remarked, off old reports of the so called Z incident, that Mihoshi was replete in sending reports thereof, with a grimace. "At least the planet is in one piece, this time."
That caused Misaki to break from Funaho's grip, and snap out... "Where are Sasami and the others?!"
"Not registering Princess Sasami at this time ma'am! A couple of reported individuals from State Secret reports, are not indicated on scans either!" ...a commanding sensor officer reported back. Misaki just felt ill. "What?!"
"Who 'can' you discern, down there!" ...Funaho demanded, the lot near the throne seat area of the Treeship, as ever an epicenter of angst reaction to be had, at that moment. The Juraian tech reported back... "Reading... several individuals near one of the main impact craters, near where the primary dwelling... er... used to be. For the most part anyway. The upper 'shrine' is still there, most of the registered individuals remaining are there, save for the one code named 'crab', whom is heading for the remains of the primary dwelling. Reading a number of GP signatures from our database, as well as signatures from the former criminal pirate that once attacked Jurai, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, and several colony bio-form signatures, as well as one gemmite creature base format. The signatures of the primary State Secret, the Second Crown Princess, and the codenamed 'Priestess', are missing from scanners. Other indicated signatures to scan for, are either scattered around the immediate landform vicinity, or are outside said vector."
All that code speak, was too clarion to the Royals listening in. of course 'one' of them made Empress Misaki go cold. To her knees, no less. "Missing?" ...as the next sound that seems to cry out into the void of space, is a cry. And then a vehement husband echoed a mirrored look, from First wife. "Husband!"
"Prepare to..." Azusa about snaps to have himself transported down. That was when an ODD sensation, snapped at their very attuned senses of everyone present on the gargantuan ship! It was not localized. This Misaki struck a look up at the high 'ceiling' of dark, of the subspace enclosure, that Kirito's throne 'deck' was anchored within. Funaho gulped, as an Emperor felt... "What... what is this...?"
"That which made you, of course." ...a sudden appearance of a chibi Choshin made for an emperor sized teardrop. "Pardon?"
"Oh dear. The so called Power of Jurai, does not give sentience of mind, to be called 'smart' by, to use such a lowly mundane term." ...a chibi goddess 'not' of either Tsunami, or Washu either, remarked. Azusa pipped his eyes, at the odd sight before him! That caused a decent rumble of sudden teleported in guard troops, as two added individuals appeared with them! On top of that however, Funaho snapped... "Azusa, wait!" ...that the Emperor bade a sudden hand out, to hold the suddenly on guard troops with! He even adds.. "Azaka! Kamidake! Hold!" ...causing two formal Knights of Jurai, to slide to a stop, as they had rushed in from the lower reflecting pool terrace! The calmer than normal voice of their Emperor, made Azaka for one blink! "Emperor?!"
"Should I bother asking?" ...Azusa knew more than enough to make trouble with one, that enough reports were warranted of, to dare not challenge. This Tokimi smirked at, in her chibi own way. "You may ask." ...this she then turns towards a shuddering mother... "Worry not of your child, or my Sister, I should formally add. This if your penchant for poking your noses in, where it may not be wise to belong unto, tell you all well enough now."
It didn't stop Misaki from outright SQUISHING chibi Tokimi's cheeks, there and then! "My Little Sasami, had better be alright! This a 'mother' should warn a 'daughter' of!" ...this Tokimi just manages to blurt out... "I... I thought... thought we took... the Counteractor out of... you!" ...this before Tokimi just pop-phases away from Misaki, but all doesn't prevent Misaki from literally chasing chibi-Tokimi around, for four rounds of cheek squeezing! Funaho just smirks... "Serves her right, it seems." ...this before chibi-Tokimi just pop-phases to hide behind Funaho! "I thought we begot the Counteractor out of her already!" ...this Funaho just quipped. "Perhaps she is whom my Sister is, despite all your meddling."
Tokimi just chibi-drooped. "How uncouth is... ENOUGH deforming me already, unto my face!" ...that doesn't stop Misaki from another typical tirade assault unto the cheeks! Somehow the sounds of pain are absent, but the sight is enough of disconcerting nature, nonetheless. Misaki of course... "WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER!"
"Safe for MY Trial!" ...Tokimi said in stern measure enough, as she bade Misaki off with light, comical swats of her purple clawed hands! Azusa heard enough to impart... "A Trial, for whom."
"A focus of whom both our Realms of vanity, and destiny, find equal anchor from." ...this Tokimi imparts, phasing into formal height and format, before everyone. Misaki has to actually look 'up' as she stood, given how tall Tokimi made herself. The Choshin then floats up, as Azusa looked at the illogical format that Tokimi chose as her 'normal' garb. The wine red gown, a flowing cape-sash of white, gold trim and a formal band of gold, around her very head. It's the cascade of stars and galaxies in the gown, that gets to Azusa enough, to start formally wondering out loud... "Would this be of a grandson, I care not of?"
"A friend of his, that belongs to those accursed Powers!" ...Tokimi suddenly went from calm of demeanor, to riled in tone. Enough that made even Azusa gulp in throat. Tokimi even threw a tantrum, all of a sudden, as she spun about, venting at nothing of particular focus, save one not in presence to hear of it. "Those interloping scum of Time and Space! They play their games of Idealism, upon the Cosmic fabric, even making a mockery of the Multiverse I made! This making them think THEY are more important than all! Such impudence by their mere existence, they are!"
"Such a chore, they are, I take it?" Funaho quipped, and suddenly teardropped, as Tokimi shoved her head at the First Queen! "CHORE!? They play eternal games of wrecking the myriad Universes, in their Quest for eternal stability! Such a fallacy they make, of even that much, by inducing as much Chaos, as I myself have done, for mere Experiments! Grand Universal empires and civilizations made, endless Trillions upon fathomless more multiplied of countless lives, all shaped and molded, and then shorn asunder by the make of those that seem to think their way makes the Multiverse what it is! Such BILE ideology disrupts all I created, and all that ever can be and ever will be, because THEY think they know better than even I!"
Funaho looked cutely thoughtful, as the guards and two Knights nearby, just teardrop in collective unease. Funaho just remarked "I take it, you don't like these... Powers, you said of them?" ...such a rare in rare unease of teardrop from Funaho, came from the kind of stare down, Tokimi related back in eyed kind. "No. Nary a fool to suffer them, I tell you now. Suffer unto me, they have for far too endlessly LONG!"
"What does the ones you've taken, have to do with it all." Azusa asked, playing a game well, one Tokimi herself wasn't used to. Such the Choshin just phased over and eyed over the monarch, with a stiff gaze... "Your precious Lord Tenchi and my Sisters, are unharmed. I play them as one would as a mere fisherman, with a worm of this nearby world."
"Bait." ...Funaho translated. (And Azusa fermented in facade. "My 'precious'? What tripe!") Tokimi turns her head and upper body, to eye back... "Indeed First Queen of my Sister's Realm. I will bring this Power to my gaze, and Test him with no mercy. Only HE will determine, if he lives or dies, this very day. All others attached to Causality, will be unharmed as family should be."
That brought in an added voice, and face, to the picture. This as Lady Seto's image, pops up suddenly, to the mutual left of Azusa and Tokimi. ": Pardon, but if this be of whom is spoken of in absence, why Test unto him, as so? Is not this person, beneath your notice? :"
Tokimi makes a smirk, a kind that makes even Seto uneasy for once. (And such a matchmaker 'knew' the smirk, for what it really was, all unsaid here.) This Tokimi then seethed past her smile. "Oh, the story is such, that you all are not supposed to know. It was made as such, after all. And if I have my way, a resolution of a Crime, of ancient merit, far beyond your ken to understand, will occur of it all! The kind of actions only Time itself, can only view as logical to behold Logic itself of. More of what I commit to act!"
Seto smirked in kind, as Azusa eyed the holo-Dowager-Princess. ": And how will you test him then? :"
"My way, of course. To the end of all Logic itself, I so shalt!" ...this Tokimi then eyes Azusa back! "And you shall wait your turn, if this Power somehow passes my Merit. I think he shalt not, in such a frail format. Pahh!" ...the Choshin at the last, flings her purple 'hands' about in disdain.
"Only if we may witness." Azusa states. Tokimi looked back at him, and smirked at the value of it. She then imparts back. "So be it. If he fails, you will have no memory of him anyway. But to learn if the impossible occurs, I mince no warning in the reality it brings, if otherwise shalt happen. That be the 'reward' for witness, alone."
"So be it." Azusa acted way too calm, for the beheld moment. Seto holo-eyed over and suspected something. Tokimi smirks, as she then turns and points at a sudden displayed panorama, of the Third Colony World, (Earth, what have ye,) as a clawed finger points at. "Indeed. But given the remains of the first Test, already conducted, this Power's expectations, are remarkably low already. Unconscious from a mere detonation, of all things, from my sent underling. So underdeveloped, that one is. What a waste." ...this Tokimi pops into chibi format suddenly again, and off kilters out... "So I must head off to attend all such in person. Toodles!" ...and chibi-pops out of sight! Sure made many watching, twitter eyes all off kilter. Kamidake: "You get any of that Azaka?" ...Azaka: "You kidding?"
Off that, Funaho, holding at the shoulder of a uneasy Misaki, hears as Azusa looks over at Seto, and asks... "Did we come all this way, for nothing?"
": I bet my oldest Shinju sake' bottle, of otherwise. :" ...this she puts behind her displayed bento fan. (Yes, she plucked it up.)
"I'll take that bet." ...an Emperor smirks, making even twin wives blink. (Funaho: -eying warily- "What's Husband playing at?" ...Misaki: -just dryly stares-) Seto smirks, and then turns her holo image. ": Let's watch the show then. :" ...as all eyes are laden on the larger than eternal life holoscreen, showing thereof...
... ...
Everything was bright here. Did he remember when he opened his eyes? Something felt off, but looking around in this white haze that was clearing off, as he thought he saw several beings looking over some kind of devices, things that floated? Wait a...
A strange shimmer was felt going up and down his body. Strange beeping sounds he never head before kept echoing all around him. Apparently hearing was going in stride with sight, as sharpening edges started seeing more details of various colors from the strangest of artifices that lined all the walls. The light seemed to be as bright as sunlight on a summer Japanese day, but it came from the things around... him... the very air in fact.
Then a glowing green-blue line zipped down across his face, not too fast. A humming sound came with it.
Confusion came to his mind, he felt thinking come to the fore. In fact he realized this as if thinking wasn't capable beforehand. What the heck is going...?
The sounds most strange to him... (must be a him he thought...) ...grew clear as crystal. Everything did...
And then his mind began to click 'on'. This as a familiar voice feminine, imparted to his growing hearing... "He's coming out of it."
"Oh good." ...a second fem voice imparted to dear relief, as his mind began to 'flick' back on! What... wait... was... wasn't he...?
His mind began to remember. A calm and sunny day, with a gentle breeze that only seemed to cool around stolen kisses, on a picnic blanket. Around of nearby, a second blanket, where a gathering was beheld. A wondrous flair of melodious (or even tubarrific, depending,) voices, that clarioned a perfect summer day. Bare minimal thought of thoughts of duty, school, or the akin of alike, were essentially melted away with those steel melting kisses (it all seemed,) as pure joy of company, was beheld of a ravishing facade of a raven ocean.
Memory laden prior, of boken... more like just sword practice, anymore, given the ever rising intensity value of those sessions anymore, came cheery clarion for a family picnic, on a fine weekend day. Some minor chores, as an outdoor feast was prepared, and mind faded to more recent thoughts, as a mind inches to formal consciousness. Of one, mental note of Nobuyuki, with a cheerful filled Rea, remarking of a coming Architects Conference in Tokyo, in incoming note. And then a kooky comment from Katsuhito-san about Noby-'kun's' interests in Tokyo, got a nice headlock from Rea, as Noby just baled at Yosho in kind. (And a rice ball in Yosho's mouth, from Rea too.)
Tenchi... assailed by a torrent from Ayeka/Ryoko/Mihoshi/Noike in over and over note, as Tennyo, Kiyone and Washu helped, with various food implements to each gal, to waylay into the poor sod with. Tenchi is so loved. (And invulnerable apparently,) as Kiyone (Makibi,) tried to help Tenchi more, than Mihoshi, and just ends up in the fem furball that Tenchi is crushed unto and within!
Sasami's 'magic girl team', as the residence hold calls them, sees Mirei, Yugi and Misao, laugh at the antics, as well as talk of all things girls talk of, in their budding ages. And also keep lightly cat calling over at the Tsuoki 'cage' one of memory here, was trapped within. And Lil Ryo-chan, either bounding around everyone, mainly the 'magical girl team', or in cabbit-kid form, eating carrots with anyone that wants to share. (Which meant about anyone, next to her, at the time.)
Even the ancient Masaki lass, in formal Astral as always now (it seemed like,) hanging around, just talking up a storm with anyone that had an ear, which was usually. And of course Tama-chan, having Yugi buddy up to her much, during it all. And more of course of course, Mayuka sharing sloppy sucked carrots, with a softly mewing Ryo-chan, during it all too. And then a strange 'game' of snatching the tyke, from Washu to Kiyone, or vise versa, with other's helping between the two, in comedic fashion. Enough that Mayuka was beside her lil self, in giggling. It was hard for others not to do the same, as it happened. Save Tenchi, who got cuddly 'turns' deliberately, to only get muggings from his ladies, soon after, and Mayuka, back to the 'trade off' game, she was happy to be a center of.
Everyone was already into the picnic snacks, and Ryoko into her usual sake' binge, making for Sasami chiding everyone for starting early, everyone else teasing back. "Yes mommy." ...to Sasami's cheerful giggle. Ryoko was drinking too much to even pay attention to Ayeka's chiding. Noike just talked with Mihoshi, about the merits of blissful peace, before Mihoshi promptly spilled her lemonade onto Noike... and Kiyone... (the usual Makibi,) and Tenchi too. (With Ryoko just laughing it up.)
And memory from there seemed to focus more and more from there, back to kisses, and hugs, and almost too raunchy to watch hand feedings. And then a nearly far more so attempt, to 'teach' Aleaic, the Koro style back rub, by a 'helpful' Washu, and then BADE off, by most of the rest of the Clan. 1. Because Al-shmoo didn't know any better, and 2. There were minors about, that didn't need to see the result. Rea just suggested that Aleaic 'practice' it on Tsui, later that night. (Woo boy.)
And off all that, a fine and dandy day to be had... games and more to be had...
...all burned from memory instead, of a simple query from a noting Mihoshi: "Hey. Who's that weird old guy?" ...as everyone looks to their collective far left of screen view, and hence before anyone could ask, Aleaic 'felt', and then saw the look of raw fear, on Tsuoki's face!
That was the last one of this memory had, until now... and hence the waking mind suddenly shot up! "TSUI!"
"WHOA! Wait there guy!" Tennyo yelped, as she and Noike basically wrangled Aleaic back down to his back! That was when... "What the he... eck... my head..." ...he then feels a dizzy warble hit his head. He tries to reach for it, but Tama just yelps. "Keep him still! The regeneration rings are almost done!" ...as Aleaic is literally held down by seven different pairs of arms! Aleaic just in kind... "Wha...? What are... ugnh... what...?" ...as he suddenly feels a rib being sore. He then hears... "Keep still. You got about toasted by... well... the old creep that smacked us up good." ...as Ryoko quips of. He even hears Ayeka accent... "You almost died Mr. Aleaic. At least if what Washu said was true. To be honest..."
"What happened." ...Aleaic just asked, as he realized suddenly the places on his body, that were sore, were worse apparently, by both guesswork, and how he was being talked to thereof. The way so done, had a lot of relief tinged in their voices. 'The only other time they sounded like this, was after that Soth guy attacked. Is this all...?'
"An elder of great power, surprised us." ...he heard next from Yosho. Aleaic looked, the elder facade there though shown of clear dishevelment was apparent... in fact upon them all. Aleaic then looked out the side of his eyes to the remains of the residence. And part of the lake with it, given the cratered value of said sight. "And our insurance premiums are snafu again."
"The same for... ergh..." ...Ryoko stabbed a pained look away, as Aleaic noted the faces around him... and then those that weren't... "Where are... where's Tenchi? Wait... Sasami... and... oh..." ...the 'no' falling off hollow, as Tama announced. "He'll be good in about five more minutes. It's a good thing Washu infused him with enhancement, during that last exam."
"A who, what now?" ...Aleaic blinked, as did a few others around. Tennyo commented... "He's body enhanced? How? When?"
Tama looked meek... even embarrassed. "Ah... after that last test trip we did with Tsui-chan and Al-chan here."
Aleaic blinked... but then... "Oh! You mean that..." ...and his eyes turned all pipped.
... ...
... ...
-A few days before-
And a calm of calm... "IS THAT THE SUN WE'RE HEADING TO!? AIIEEE!" ...ever so calm.
Tsui just giggled. "Yup. Tis why I abducted you today cushy-bun. Washu-chan-chan asked." ...this as Washu is at a floating cushy seat, typing at her iconic holo-top again. Aleaic looks over at floating gem-crystal units, as they are within Ryo-ohki, as it approached the BLAZING inferno of nature Incarnite! Aleaic just eyed over warily. "Wait... Washu can ask for something?"
"YES I can ask for something, ya yutz! Don't make me mad." ...Washu just snips back, Aleaic hiding behind Tsuoki just then. Tsui just dryly angles her head back. "Such a brave one, you are."
"Washu scares me. She scares everyone." ...Aleaic admits with kooky jittering. Tsuoki just looks anime thoughtful then, a finger to her chin. "Actually, this is true." ...Al just bobbing his head up and down, like a bobble-head doll.
Washu just mumbles out... "WhyIgottaputupwiththiscrap,Itellya... ergh..." ...as they approach the Solar corona. Aleaic 'feels' that proximity, beginning to catalyst within him, as Aleaic just asks... "Why was I kidnapped from chores again? Tenchi will get mad."
"I already informed him Beloved. And unto you, I wished to know the full extent of the effect the solar body of this System, had upon you. And also why you react the way to it, that you do." ...this Tsui looks back, but then starts to see an immediate reflection of this, as Aleaic's body begins to glow! Aleaic stumbles away from Tsuoki! "Whoa! What is...?! I don't...!"
"Be calm Beloved!" ...Tsui decries a bit, worried of a chain reaction again, but Washu then announces... "Worry not Sis, if he'd done that already, it already would have cascaded well before now. And... This is amazing!"
Tsunami... er... Tsuoki shoots over. "Explain." ...Washu nodding... "You know I don't have enough formal data on Lighthawk Wings, right?"
"But you can create them yourself Sister." ...Tsui quips over, as she leans over Washu, (and Aleaic in the background, starts going manic all about himself, in wacky ignorance.) Washu just snickers. "I told you and Tenchi, that I prefer this lower base format now. Plus, just because I can generate them when forced, doesn't mean my lower format understands it enough, as a lower format mind is able to."
"Perhaps it's all the same as lower being formats, unable to comprehend powers of higher dimensional lifeforms, such as us." ...this Tsuoki imparts, Washu blinking, Tsui even adding... "Not that Lighthawk Wings are used normally anyway. They take much power and control, for even my Trees to enact with."
Washu nods, but then looks back at Aleaic, whom is suddenly much calmer now, and simply inspecting about his glowing format. The proven universal genius, then imparts... "But that doesn't explain him. If I didn't know any better, he can, you Aleaic, control them with far greater ease. Perhaps with simple training, if it's clear his body is adapting to his abilities now." ...this Aleaic looks up, as Tsuoki accents... "Perhaps it is more of focus there." ...that causes a blush to a pseudo-priestess. Washu eyes over, and quips. "Yeah, wonder why about that."
"I hate it when you stare, ya know." Aleaic warbles out. That just causes Tsui-chan to raspberry him, in kind. Washu then shrugs and offers... "Back to the point, it's simply data I need, to understand Tenchi's version, of it all. As such... oh, we have a guest."
At that point, an unexpected 'arrival' occurs, as a white haired, tanned humanoid being flares into view, of the trio... (actually quad,) as... "Oh, Mistress Urd."
"Sorry guys for a moment. Me, Skuld, and Peorth are doing an investigation with the Sun guy here. Did you guys note anything strange in the area recently? Our own Knight boy is hurt." ...this Aleaic sure blinks at... "Who...?"
Washu just beams back... "Sorry, been busy with our own stuff." ...this Tsui then imparts... "Watch for your enemy, I sensed it recently, to be noted. And I hope Nekomi, and the family is well."
Urd nods. "Sorry to ask. Emergency and all. I'll keep outta the way, like the Agreement states." ...as Urd then flares out of sight. Aleaic then just YELPS... "WHO was THAT?!"
"Another problem. Good time to get to experimenting." Washu just changes tact instead, and looks to... "If you would Tsui. And hold onto your carrots Ryo-chan!" ...as a stiff 'MEOW' sounds out! And to true form, before Aleaic can even ask of a dang well thing further, space around them all changes! This time... "HEY!HEY!HEEEEY! Watch that sun! HolyLightYEOW!" ...as they are suddenly in orbit over a large red giant type star! One giving off solar prominences from Invernus itself! Washu just smirks back... "At least he's calm." ...before Tsuoki can't help but... "You were right Sister!" ...as Aleaic then stumbles back, as his body then turns a strong tone of rubicon!
And then his Wings burst from him again! Washu... "Whoa! Hold it Light Boy!" ...Tsuoki cascading off of it! "Remember your training Beloved!" ...which Aleaic realizes to hear, and then 'grabs' a hold of his soul, an equal grab of his hands to his shirt, at the chest, before literally wrenching a hold of his Wings, in so doing! Aleaic isn't breathing heavy, rather rasping from fears! "Holy Jeepers!" ...he realizes soon thereafter! Tsui just cheerleads off rising confidence... "Well done Beloved! That's how to do it!" ...this as Aleaic sees his five Lighthawk Wings, the golden wings hued in a deep rubicon aura. Aleaic even starts looking at them more closely, when mindful to. "They.. they have... are those..." ...this Tsuoki walks over and looks as well. She sees... "Prominences. Wow." ...she admits, as tiny solar ejection effects, are rising off from the Wings now. Washu for her part... "Interesting..." ...and turns to start typing.
And then Washu began to have Tsunami... er... Tsuoki, quantum shift Ryo-ohki through all kinds of stars. From throughout the stellar classification system, through all kinds of sequence types, and even differing types of star ages, binary and trinary star units, and even more exotic stuff such as pulsars, solar cluster compacts. (One with fifty stars in the same type area of the Sol System... gee...,) and even a white dwarf. Aleaic for his part, became too captivated at the sights again, Tsui seeing and falling in love with the longing gazes Aleaic gave to the incredible sights, as Washu took note of the effects on the Wings.
But when Washu asked... "How about a singularity next..."
"No." ...Tsui sternly snapped back suddenly, making Washu look over and blink. Washu realized off the look Tsuoki gave, and sighed. "It'd garner attention."
"At this time, yes. A nature, most unnatural there, to tell." ...Tsuoki put it, Aleaic heard and imparted... "Uh, why?" ...and just wilted under the towering gaze Tsuoki gave back! "Ask. Not. Of. It."
"Okay." ...Al-mouse squeaked back. Washu just snickered, but knew better. 'Given these readings, it may have to do with our unseen enemy. I hope that doesn't become a handicap for us.' ...this Washu then decides to impart back. "In that case, I can inform you Al-kun..." ...this a shmoo looks over, Tsui turning her head to eye back as well, as a genius imparts... "...that either the nature of stars does something specific to your Wings, or that Tenchi's just hasn't been used enough yet, to give a credible answer for him as well, and thereby you in extension."
"Kay." ...Al quips, Tsui side looking back, from same positioning. Washu nods. "All I can say at this point, is try to understand your Wings as such, in the near term. Don't know what effect they will take play or form from, in the future here, but..."
Aleaic wasn't remiss in what he heard. "This have to do with Soth, and all that? (Whatever it all really is?)" ...this Washu scritches at her head. "Not like I'm saying be a weapon for everyone here, but given what we know so far..."
"What else can I do, to help protect everyone here." ...Aleaic put, not as a question, making three sets of eyes (Ryo-crystal format included,) blink at him. Tsui whispered... "Beloved... I..."
"Depends on how far you are willing to go." ...Washu 'gave' an option, one Tsuoki jerked her head back at, fearing a train of thought, she'd experienced before, as Aleaic looked and Washu noted he was heeding. The genius imparted first however... "Do know, to go 'that' far, means you'll end your life as an earthling."
"I already know I'm not one anyway." ...Aleaic stated. Tsuoki jerked back, and grabbed at Aleaic's shoulders. "Don't tell yourself that Beloved! You're..."
"Whom I will be anyway, despite it all." ...Aleaic stated one way, Washu about to accent, before Tsunami, hearing another, shouted back at him! "Don't throw your soul away like that so rashly! I love you for who YOU are, first! Don't forget that! Don't... don't throw it away... away..." ...again, the word fallen off of her memory soaked lips. This having several core questions, Aleaic had on his mind, all stuffed away, to then make a simple motion, to take Tsuoki's hands, and kiss at them. Tsui then heard, with a simple truth in turn... "Love. Whatever is going on? Whatever I have to still go through? With all this? Whatever this all is you guys haven't told me of yet, I... I just want to be ready for it. As ready as I can be, so you 'don't' lose me, and all." ...this Tsuoki blinks up, several tears flicking off her eyes in so doing, as Aleaic sees...
...he then adds with a completely open smile. "Besides, you think I want to leave you? I'd be nuts to do that to you!"
Tsuoki sees and after a staring moment... sighs. "I... wish I could hate you for that." ...looking down with, Al blinking in turn, before Tsui semi-looks back up, side long, with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "So I guess I love you too, my special attendant." ...this making Aleaic nervous. "Oh... sure... (eep!)"
That just leads to them both hearing, and looking back, as Washu just leans on the Ryo-crystal next to her float cushion, still sat upon, with a good laugh. "Oh my... you two are really something else." ...this Tsuoki just rolls her eyes. "So are you, Sissy-poo." ...this just making Washu bust a gut instead. "So... so I am... hahaha!"
Aleaic then tries to ask... "Ah... about that 'sissy-poo' part...?"
"Quiet attendant!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Washu needs a good minute to recover her composure from all her laughter. (Al-kun doesn't do of his, as Tsui's composure is just victorious looking.) Washu then offers out, with enough air in her ancient lungs to speak with. "O... okay... man, you two... okay, I think I can help a bit there, if you're willing Al-kun, to be willing to be subjected to some stuff of mine."
Aleaic blinks, and then... "Will it hurt?"
"A lot!" ...Washu ever too cheerful, makes Al-kun slump in reaction. Washu then adds, turning back around... "Not like stuff I didn't do to your goddessfriend already." ...this making Al blink up, and Tsui just blanching back at... "Not all that stuff yet, Washu!" ...this Al-chan skedaddles away to the atmosphere dome edge, Washu just shrugging. "Not for much longer, at this rate."
Tsui just sighed.
... ...
...as did Al, still bound down in technological healing format. Tama is looked at, by the rest of the Masaki group! Ayeka for one... "You mean you and Washu already..."
"Sorry. You know how I go along with stuff Washu does anymore. We're a team!" ...Tama-chan declares, oddly and kawaii. Ryoko just eyes back... "You're both a 'team' alright." ...Tama just raspberrying back. (And Ryoko is held back by Noike, from decking her.) Noike then imparts... "So that 'was' a weight bearing suit, I saw on you yesterday Al-kun." ...this Kiyone and Mihoshi, trade a knowing GP-esc look between them. Aleaic however blinks in turn. "It was? But..." ...he tries to feel himself over, knowing he's not wearing... "...Washu told me it was just to protect me in sparring now... but..." ...the same bodysuit now!
"Uhhh..." ...many knowing better, got to wondering about their invalid suddenly, one that changes status, on a literal 'ding', as Tama then imparts... "Oh! He's healed now. He'll be sore though." ...this as Tama hits a holo-button, on the multi-ringed regeneration equipment of uber-technological flair, and it all literally phases out of all sight! Al-kun feels his freed state, and starts to rise, wincing a bit in doing so. "Ow... she's right when right. Owwie." ...as he then gets a KLONK on his melon from... "Stop being a wuss already!" ...a helpful Ryoko.
However Aleaic... "WAIT! Tsui! And..." ...Yosho is heard next. "Yes. Tenchi and Sasami were taken too."
"By who!" ...Aleaic put in enough steel, to makes the remaining souls blink. Yugi just gulped... "That was different." ...as all other thoughts dropped, as Yosho then flung a mere folded piece of paper at Al-kun, caught deftly, as Yosho then states to the proper start of the affair to come... "One whom sends you, that message."
Aleaic looks around at the others, more confusion at the wary looks given back, before Al then unfolds the message, and... "On mere paper... odd... uh... huh...?"
'- To the one Her Majesty's Will is so directed in measure, know of the following:
Her Ladyship wishes to meet your woeful personage, upon the celestial realm where her true power lies. There, your ones called loved, are held incarcerated to ensure your arrival, without fail. Also be it know, you come only with those called love of closest. To abstain, means of an end to the trysts, you have been so lauded upon, with no measure of any earned the same.
To abstain, means the expunge, of your essence, from all Space-Time. Conduct with all expedience, on reception of this archaic message. The Nexus awaits.
Signed,
D3
P.S. - Do 'not' delay, to her will. All that you are, is seen though, of absolute certain. -'
Aleaic read that aloud, looked up at the bewildered faces looking back at him. (Save Yosho's stoic version,) and quips... "Uh... what, is this?!"
Al is then YANKED at the collar by... "Tenchi is captured because of you!" ... "Ryoko!" ... "M... me?!" ...Al jitters out over Ayeka's fearful chide, as Ryoko eyes him verily direly. Added even moreso with... "And Sasami too. I swear if they are hurt because of you...!"
"Ryoko!" ...Yosho at first...
"Then kill me now, if I deserve it!" ...Aleaic instead balks back, Ryoko blinking, then roughly throwing him back! Aleaic just reactively grabs at his neck, as Kiyone (worried GP,) snaps back... "It's not his fault Ryoko!" ... "Yeah Ryoko!" ...Mihoshi accents. Ryoko about snarls back... "Don't you love Tenchi too Mihoshi!"
"Yes." ...Mihoshi edges back with some steel of her own, as she kneels up to Ryoko's floating-on-knees version. Ayeka blinks and then asks... "Ryoko. We won't get them back by arguing."
"Let's get them back then." ...Aleaic snaps, and outright starts to stand. It catches the lot off guard, before Aleaic at his sudden feet, almost stumbles back down, before Noike and Kiyone (GP again of lass,) lunge over with... "Watch it there guy." ... "You just got healed."
"No. We're getting them back." ...Aleaic puts out with more growing iron, in his pit. He still needs help standing, for a good bit, but enough done that the lot looking, are now standing too. Aleaic just rings out true. "Whoever this is, they got my Tsui too. I'll give em what they want."
"But how will you get there?" ...comes Misao's voice next, about making Al facevault, about tumbling his assistance with him! Noike... "Whoa! Watch the body language there Al!"
"Are you certain?" ...the lot then hear next, from Yosho. Aleaic looks up, and then nods. "Yes. I want her back. All of them back." ...before Yosho adds further. "And do you know, whom you face?"
Aleaic this time, pip eyed. "Uh... no." ...to groans around.
And then... "I guess that is what Master was waiting for then." ...Tama chimes in again, as she hops up, and with everyone looking, imparts... "Come on then. Master is waiting for you, down in the Lab."
Aleaic just looks pensive suddenly... "Maybe not good to be in... yipe!" ... "Come on, let's go!" ...that Makabi quips in, with a yank.
Silver tressed Kiyone, with a strangely quiet through it all Mayuka in her arms, as the Masaki gaggle train heads over to the ruined house (again times... uh... lost count...,) quips over to Yosho... "Uh... you know this will make him mad, when he finds out." ...this Nobuyuki and Rea just eye each other, and say little from here.
"Indeed." ...is all a Shrine Keeper imparts back, as the lot manage to sift through the ruined house debris, (including some ruined artwork, that riles Aleaic out of needing to be assisted from there,) to a somehow intact closet door, and part of the wall with it, before they manage to enter the Lab of Mordor again. Aleaic just about... "Maybe this isn't a good..." ...and is shoved comically forward down all the way, into the Lab... "Aw shuddup and get in there!" ...by Ryoko-chan.
"Actually, I'm creeped out in here too." ...Mirei quips, Yugi nodding, as they enter said Lab anyway. However Tennyo looks back, as Masaki herself then informs... "- I wish you luck. I cannot accompany you further. -"
Tennyo just sighs, as Yosho and Kiyone (and Mayuka, ) look at the astral babe. Tennyo just looks back... er... meekly, as the rest of the (for some reason,) Al-kun led gaggle (and then Ryoko led, cause Al-bozu was freaked out in the Lab, before Al-hurting when Ryoko zipped back, and KICKS him back in the lead,) head on in, before Tennyo sighs out. "All the better you don't have to endure, what he's about to."
"And us, I guess." ...Kiyone walks down and past. Yosho follows simply, Tennyo with a thick sigh. Masaki sees them all go, and dryly remarks. "- I wonder what'd he'd be like, if we just left him alone, of all this. -" ...and fades out of sight.
The rest of the gaggle train, come into sight of all that Washu calls 'fun' and 'exciting'. Ayeka just looks around at the various scenery within, and queeps out... "This place always gives me the creeps."
"At least it's lit enough, in here today." ...Aleaic manages out, past his bare teeth. He then... "ACK! Stop kicking me Ryoko!"
"Can it and keep moving!" ...Ryoko puts, a bit too cheerful in so doing. A few more 'ouch' kicks, keeps Aleaic moving, against his will, into the Lab. And then Misao comments out... "Oh, it's Little Washu." ...as the lot see past unknown equipment, and all types of equipment, (plus some TUBES with more strange exotic effects within them,) is the central genius of the hour, this Washu notes off hearing... "Why thank you Little Misao. And guess you got Little Al-kun up and going." ...Rea adding with a chipper. "Yup!"
"With a big headache." ...Aleaic starts, before more sternly... "What's going on! Where's..." ...to whit Washu bades her hands up defensively. "Hold up! Hold. I didn't see this coming either. I'm just here as the messenger."
"The what?" ...various voices blink in surprise, as Mihoshi quips... "I thought you were..." ...this Kiyone clamps around a partner's mouth! Aleaic looks back, as Washu just looks off kilter, when Aleaic looks back. The fact she then chooses to tell him her next, starts to raise Al's suspicion levels, when Washu remarks out in meek mode. "Sorry about this, but... I had to agree to all this too."
"To what?" ...Al quips, this before the lot blink, as Washu begins to have a glistening red outline. The lot knowing better, realize what Aleaic doesn't, as Washu then imparts... "To something that brought you here in the first place Al. But I think you better know something about what you are getting into." ...this as Washu steps to the side, and pats at... "This holo-projector will tell you something, about who attacked us all here today. I'd tell ya myself, but I promised my Sister I'd not interfere with what she's doing." ...Noby looking at... "Interfere with what?" ...a sighing wife that knew better.
Aleaic looks between Washu, the projector, and then back at a Washu really starting to glow now, in rubicon measure. Aleaic... "What are you...?" ...beside himself in confusion, before Washu then displays a small red orb in her right hand, so displayed. Ryoko blinks! "How'd you get a Gem to... EH?!" ...as Washu just tosses it to Ryoko! Ayeka blinks, as Washu imparts... "You may need this, where you all are taking Al today. Call it a hunch, from a gal that really doesn't want to go through with this, so prepare the worst, kind of thing."
Aleaic is looking back and forth in manic confusion, even seeing Tenchiken is down to one Gem upon it, before Ryoko gets it and sighs. "I should be happier about getting more power, than this way." ...which causes Ayeka look back, and remark to... "Is this related to when we fought Z, Miss Washu?"
"Bigger." ...is all Washu says, making about everyone teardrop as Yosho just coughs a bit loud, and Al... poor beside himself Al, as in sudden next measure, Washu winks at... "It's all you this time Al-kun. Just be yourself through it all, and don't forget you love her." ...before Washu then just FLARES out from a trans-phase teleportation, to a higher dimensional setup.
And for a moment after they are alone, of the (about,) a million questions on a whacked out mortals mind, stars off with a simple one... "Uh... okay... WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"
"Try this." ...Tama bounces over, (a bit too bouncy at that, to anyone's health of sanity there,) and takes Al-kun's right hand over to the projector, and... "Just need a hand print to verify the data transfer..." ...plops it onto an apparent console... "...and... er... um..." ...that does nothing. Everyone blinks, as Tama starts patting Al's hand down, before then SMACKING his hand down at the scanner... (And Al's pained face show's said effects.) This before Tama thinks a moment... "Oops. Wrong side." ...and YANKS Al's arm about off his body, as she drags him over to the other side of the projector, to a second proper attempt, and this time a proper hand scanned effect on contact, and then...
"What is... WHOA?!" ...as a duo effect occurs. One, a mental projection effect, that Aleaic is subjected to, and external, the rest see as a standard holo-projection. Tama just imparts, as Al's mind begins to see... "Master wanted you to know background data, on where you are going."
As such Aleaic is truly exposed to...
... ...
... ...
'- A mind is introduced to direct mind link information transfer. Makes connecting the cloud, really feel like it! "LIGHT!"
"~ Greetings.~" ...a disembodied voice imparts, though Aleaic mentally thinks... "Tsuoki?"
"~ I am here to tell you about all that you need to know about the higher dimensional realm, called by outside influences: as the Nexus. A place where many experiments were conducted within, for a goal that I am here to explain to you now. ~"
"If... if you say so Tsui." ...a mind responds back, to a cute giggle, chimed all around the watching mind. This before Al's mind then is described unto, at the first, with many images both unto the mental, and the graphically extravagant, as the Voice explains it all...
"~ Be it so known, once upon a time before Time itself, something created... us... the Choshin, as we are euphemistically called. Whether started by ourselves, or from others, we cared not. What we did care for, was the realization, that we Existed. At some point from that realization, we then 'knew' that something... or one, created us as well. However, we could not properly conceive the notion of whom or what, this power was. As a result, we began to investigate how this was even possible. ~"
The next image seen, is Creation itself. A Point of Light, that became All that ever was. "~ As a result, we, my Sisters and I, began a ceaseless investigation, via endless questions and considerations, lasting endless amounts of time. And then we spent further endless amounts of time, considering even further, before we came down to the conclusion to begin the experiments as we formally know of them currently, after we created the endless interconnected Multiverses that ever are, as they are now. ~"
A mortal mind, comprehending it all beyond past sanity's breaking point, for pure curiosity of the most nascent and innocent mode, only watches as 'sped up perception', shows Reality merge as Existence, as Space and Time become the Universe they all exist within. It could all be easily misconstrued as cheesy space drama for televised educational shows, if not for the FEEL of it all, as if it were happening right there and then! Aleaic's mind finds itself glossed in amazement, as from there...
"~ Know then, that over time after the Creation Point of Existence, that at some point, Three Sisters decided to impart to attend to experiments to find this Higher being of Existence, beyond Existence, to prove its existence thereof. As a result, one decided to reduce their essence, to that of within a planet, a second similar, to attempt experimentation the same. Beings you would know of, as cyborgs were discovered by progenitors to the civilizations you will learn of, in the current era, learned of advancements beyond their normal ken to constrain themselves by, thanks to Gems discovered via the First to Descend. Some historians call these souls, the Ancients. They are nearly extinct now, in this area of the universe, because of actions caused, by another Outside power, that caused a great travesty, both to several civilizations, as well as to three Bioroids that were created, as a part of one of our Sister's allowed experiments.
True knowledge of what happened hence, before their destruction, is uncertain. All that is known, is that thereafter regaining the Gems from fallen kin, the First then decided to further reduce her essence, to that of a child, left abandoned at a monastery, upon another planet, to then be raised to become the renowned 'genius' known of in the galaxy, some 20,000 years ago. This choshin, you know of Aleaic, as the one that experiments constantly, even to the here and now. ~"
Yeah, Al sweated even in the 'holo-cloud', at that one...
"~ A Second Sister, as aforementioned, reduced to that as a progenitor of the Trees, around the same time that the First did. However an unexpected event occurred, as the planet that it occurred upon, was 'not' the one, that an Empire knows of today. Time and story lost of 'that' civilization, known to tell 'you' now, my Aleaic, as Sentai, the First Jurai, to be called of equative measure.
And here I can add, that the cause of 'that' civilization, is related to the Trial Washu's Bioroids underwent. A Darkness that wanted that same power, somehow knew of its existence, and instilled the greed for the same, that the Ancients then were waylaid upon, in annihilative measure. This as... as a first Jurai civilization, grew just as powerful, enough to be called Ancients themselves, and even be a part of the experiments, that created something that helped 'lead' to the arrival of the Darkness. Allied nations that did not know better to act as so, were shorn under a Dark jihad, that destroyed Sentai, and led to my own escape, to where Jurai was founded, unto the now. ~"
Yeah, Aleaic could feel his throat, as all hence continued in tale.
"~ The truth is still muddled in even My mind. I cannot tell the whole truth why, because as all it as so. And then, some mere one hundred and fifty thousand years ago, a time before the First Sister acted as she so reduced herself, I was found on another world, by mere pirates. In the one first soul I met, was the Seed I was looking for, that would lead to the Family you know call as such, by more than mere bond of Adoption. The first Emperor of Jurai was discovered and ordained as such, as I created the Generation, Seeded in anew hope, off of one Lost, as I renewed my own Experiments again, and a new Empire flourished from it. Jurai as it is formally now, is the creation of this Will, and of my Trust, one I relearned of, after days I was waylorn of Love the same.
The same Love, I give you fully today Beloved. ~"
"What?!"
Another formal giggle... and then the mind is 'turned' to another page, as the Voice (of obvious now,) then imparts to a shuddering mind... "~ Know then, that the Experiments that Led to Tenchi being discovered as a possible Solution to all that we Experimented for, and caused such consternation thereof because, became only one possibility from it all. This as a Third Sister conducted her own Experiments, from a Realm beyond imagination to witness. This, the Nexus was my Sister Tokimi's place, to equal Washu's Lab, that chaos was promoted within. ~"
"I... believe that much." ...Al relents, but... "...w...wait... who is...?" ...as the Voice chimes in silver teal, to explain. And images to match of a dire fear, for Aleaic's mind to endure.
"~ Know then, the Agitator of the situation you, my Beloved, are challenged by. The Third Sister that decided to remain in the Ultimate Dimension, she reduced her own 'lab' from the heights, to begin promotion of Chaos, in her own attempt to prove of the Higher Being of Existence. Hence, she sowed discord, rendered civilizations from their own wombs, and sent minions to conduct her intents. She even moved entire galaxies, to the Nexus, where she furthered her ambition, for the Solution. ~"
Various scenes shown of mind, show 'just' that. Even the sight of a Galaxy within a rubicon globe, being dragged into the embrace of the Nexus, to then be dissected, as if it were a frog on a classroom table. Such was the meaning of how Tokimi's Experiments were so conducted. This then leads... "~ And then Beloved, she thought she found the result she seeked. At some point before Tenchi was found as another Solution, another mortal was discovered, as they attacked in response to one of Tokimi's acts of promoted Chaos. ~"
Aleaic then sees of witness next, an entire Fleet of advanced ships, invade the Nexus, all the nascent sights to Aleaic, bade in favor to the destruction rendered, as a people fought both redemption and revenge the same. And then all lost, under the power of Tokimi's own apparent forces. This as elongated shapes of ships, fell under the hammer blows of strange Bell shaped vessels, as one of them, a black clad vessel last, then is assaulted under enormous knives, and from that...
...the result...
"~ Z. He was thought the result of Tokimi's endless prodding. All he turned into, was a broken mind, that lost all he loved, and was driven insane by it. He also turned quite receptive to being molded, and learned the ways of Tokimi's game, becoming a more competent Champion, for Tokimi's will. Tokimi thought his own Lighthawk Wings were his gift to rule the universe with, her search completed.
And then Tenchi Manifested, because of me. This as his own Wings, saved us all from a vile person, one named Kagato. ~"
And then as iconic images of Tenchi's early 'days' are flooded into Aleaic's mind, as Aleaic himself remembered all the stories the gang told him, over the past several months. Aleaic realized. "So 'that's' why he's so loved. Lucky guy." ...he said of true genuine mode. Aleaic then realized of whom... "Wait... 'you' did that to him?"
"~ I awakened the potential, that was Seeded all the way through the other Generation that I instilled, that the Trees helped foster of their own. The result, a Being that could harness that power, was then used for the good of all he came to love. Only at times of Need, as it was all so called, more there because of unfamiliarity, as well as that of a mere soul that wanted to keep anchor of simplicity. This is what Tenchi is, and why he is loved. The power within him, is for protecting all he cares for. ~"
Aleaic got it, before he saw... "And this Z... because of all he lost." ...and then the images of Z's acts, from an attempt of the Choubimaru Incident, to the assault on Earth, that Aleaic then realized what he was watching, at a time Aleaic apparently died from! And then the incredible results, of Z... Tenchi's proper manifestation as a Kami, and then all that had come since.
An image of white light remains, as time is then rewritten. Aleaic for some reason, 'clicked' in mind, as... "Then... I..."
"~ Tenchi learned of the truth, as I tell you now. Z was reborn, back to where he was most loved. That aspect of the experiment, lost to time as we know of it. My own acts of intentions, did not meddle with that aspect. Z already had endured enough. Tenchi, as the incumbent timeline now passes unto as this is spoken, is a possible result of all we have done.
Until I remembered You, and the days you were reborn unto, from an ancient past, aforementioned lost from the days of Sentai. ~"
Aleaic... eeps... "Should I know..." ...as images from his own dreams were suddenly funneled back into his mind. And then a tone that 'was' as loving as intended, also mixed with various other emotions... both good... and ill.
"~ Beloved. Know that you are a reborn soul of another that I once loved, with utter passion. Know then, that I steered the course of your life. Know that passion is awakened again, because of you. Know your Wings from that love. Know that it is also now of focus of the Third Sister, that faces an unexpected trial of her own. And that Trial, is why you are so challenged unto here, and verily now. ~"
Can an Aleaic gulp? He knew he could. (With no choice.)
And the Voice sighs thickly... "~ I cannot tell little else from here, as of yet. Know that Tenchi and Sasami, and of I, are of this programmed moment of recording, incarcerated by the Sister I call Tokimi, as mentioned. ~"
And then Tokimi's image is shown. Aleaic BLINKS! "She was at that weird Uno game I was trapped in! HEY! I got cramps from all of that!"
A most lively sounding giggle, made Aleaic wonder, if all this 'was' a recording, before the Voice of teal, then imparts. "~ Beloved. Know also that what is to come, concerns all that we all have Conducted unto you, as one that was 'not' of our Experiments. I cannot tell why there, of details yet, as I am Sworn against such spoken, until the right time, but know Tokimi is aware of you, and your Manifested power. She also has been told something, and is acting irrationally because of it. This is the base cause of the attack, that has led to this moment of truth. Beloved, know one certain thing, as you come, as so challenged. ~"
"W... what..?" ...a mortal didn't want to hear. He was told anyway. "~ She wants your power, for some reason, Know that 'you' are the one in control of it, and all you conduct, and thereby so do. Be as in truth, to yourself, no matter what happens. Be yourself in all truth, and you will see us all through, to a proper end. ~"
"An end to what?" ...Aleaic quips, wondering 'just' that, not quite believing what he's being told. He then SNAPS out... "And why is this all about me, BLAST IT?!"
A silent moment... Aleaic begins to grit mentally, before he then hears... "~ An end to what you thought you'd remain. And a beginning of all we can count upon. More of my love for you. And why of you, I have asked to myself of, so often in even the days I held you as an infant. Now, you will answer for yourself, and for us all, why as so, by the time all this ends. To whatever end. ~"
"I... thought you said to a beginning." ...Aleaic reactively said, then realized his own words. He 'felt' a 'blush' in reaction, before he then realizes... "So... um... how do... I... we...?"
"~ The coordinates for how to reach the Nexus, are being sent to a portable device, that Detective Kiyone is receiving, at this moment. And once you arrive, despite what is to come, know two things. ~"
"Yes?"
"~ Despite how it sounds to be selfish of, try to enjoy the sights you will soon see.
And also, be assured that I apologize for all in advance, for what will happen to you. To you, more than any other here, because a Sister so Wills it. Please be assured to keep in heart, all that is still wanted of, once all this ends. Do not think yourself as how Z turned out as. You, are 'yourself', in the end. Show a Universe this, to be proud by. ~"
Aleaic wasn't sure how to interpret all that yet, as the scene begins to face to reality... but before...
"~ Oh, and know cushy-bun, your tactile mind is a sexy thang to cusp. ~"
"HEY!" ...as face to reality. -'
... ...
... ...
"Aw come ON!" ...Al-kun just snaps, as he then blinks to realize... "Oh."
...and then he hears from Kiyone, as she and Mihoshi indeed... "Hey! I have the coordinates she mentioned!" ... "Cool!"
"Wait..." ...Aleaic blinks, seeing the looking lot at him. "...how much did you see?"
"Too dang much." ...a motherly Kiyone remarks dryly, Mayuka blurping in similar tone. Yosho then offers... "All such explains much, of your presence, Aleaic-san."
Aleaic just droops in chibi-deformity. "I hope someone understood that all more, than I did." ...this Yugi hops over and bolsters him (sorta,) with... "I got that you're really important now, Al-san." ...this not really helping Al's humble complex any. "Ah... um... how about that location stuff?"
Kiyone and Mihoshi comes over... (actually about the entire clan,) as the GP officer shows for a passive Al-kun... "See here? Looks like the coordinates are for a spot between the orbits of Saturn and Jupiter."
Aleaic sees, and then realizes... "Let's get them back then. Um... guess we need a ship." ...this Kiyone even adds in... "Let's take Yagami, and have Ryo-ohki on backup."
Ryoko, Rea and Noike then lean in... "You're being awful helpful." ...this Kiyone blanches back! "I'm just trying to help Al-kun! Back off!" ...with Al-kun only being kept near in place, by Ayeka grabbing hold of him. (Al's typical flight instinct, was too well know of now, at such wacky times.)
"Let's go then." ...Tennyo imparted, this prior to Yosho then calling over. "Aleaic-san."
"Yes Master?"
Aleaic is then thrown Tenchiken which Al-kun catches in right hand, as the lad looks at the Master Key, and then at Yosho, whom imparts... "I will remain with Kiyone, and the girls. Be careful out there."
"Brother." Ayeka quips, before Aleaic nods. "We're all coming home from this one." ...this he turns to GP Kiyone, and trade a nod. A good gaggle is led by two GP officers, Noike looking back as she's given a nod of confidence too, from Kiyone, as even Mayuka 'waves goodbye', for more than knowing luck.
The next they know, they are outside at the Dock terrace, as Yagami is soon seen lifting off into the long blue sky. Kiyone asks... "Father, why must we go along with all of this?"
Yosho nods. "Indeed a proper question. If not for those that attacked us in enough acts already, I would have easily considered young Aleaic, as a mere student, for me to teach. A fine fellow to live a nice and peaceful life, quiet, with little avail to need to worry of things, such as battle and ill tales."
Kiyone sighs, and looks away, as Mayuka looks to the elder, 'more than knowing', as Yugi, Mirei and Misao also look on. Yosho then imparts, keen and level... "But we see now, what the true tale that lays before us. I admit a willingness to witness something impossible, to yet cherish, occurring before us now."
"Like a mother that is not, for a Son that isn't my own, this version around?" Kiyone alludes. Nobuyuki gulps out... "Kiyone, I..." ...before Yosho nods. "Indeed, all enjoyed nonetheless in lieu of a Sister and Granddaughter so lost to us. But I suspect that story even, may not be as done yet." ...this making Kiyone jerk her silver head over, as Yosho alludes to that, as Yagami's engines fade from atmospheric view. "We may be witnessing the real beginning, of what we are meant to be here for. Witness, to miracles."
Kiyone looks fully awestruck, at her, as... ": I hope you're right. :" ...as a separate holoscreen of an image, then injects her own comment. Mirei just waves back. "Hi auntie Seto!" ...this Seto turns her holoscreen and smiles back with.
And then they look up anyway...
... ...
...as a GP cruiser in crimson, blasts past Mars orbit... "Passing the Planetoid Belt, in a moment folks."
"Got a game plan bub?" ...Ryoko asks, as they all are now dressed for battle, Ryoko's battlesuit of red and black, joined by Ayeka's purple hued version of her Juraian combat armor. It's adjoined by Noike's green hued, Tennyo's GP combat suit of standard merit, Kiyone and Mihoshi in theirs of ensured. Ryo-ohki sat in cabbit format, on Ryoko's shoulder, as Aleaic, in his own (new) Juraian combat suit of black, white underlay, and yellow-gold trim, as he gripped both Keys, in both hands.
"Bum rush. Might as well return the rude favor, we already got."
"Heh. Getting to like you more." ...Ryoko smirked back. Ayeka of course. "Sound plan, since using stealth, while Ryoko is around, is a waste of the entire universe's time."
"You're the big fat waste here, Space Prissy!"
Noike and Tennyo just teardrop, as another A-R stare down commences. Aleaic, between the pilot seats, just anime bemoans at... "Are we there yet?"
"We get there, when we get there." ...Kiyone looking as equally dismayed at it all. Mihoshi just looks back at the near tussle with worry.
As they pass Jupiter...
... ...
Somewhere in the deep of Fungesian space...
"You feel that?"
": Yup. :"
"Hmm... we're being followed."
Minagi said nothing. Nagi imparted. "Let's angle towards that stellar cluster, nearby to our left."
": Gently Hinase. :" ...Minagi agrees with.
Two vessels zoom off into the stellar distance...
...something dark keeps it's shadow upon them.
... ...
"Guess... this is it."
Mihoshi's announcement, causes the crew aboard the Yagami, to eye about, as they see... "Nothing's here." ...off Ryoko's assessment imparts. Minds start to immediately try to figure it all out, before Mihoshi offers out. "Is there something hidden here?"
"Not... sensing anything." ...Ayeka offers, eying Aleaic for anything similar from him. Noike then considers... "Anything gravitational."
"Wait." ...Kiyone realizes, and then does some calculations. Aleaic is the only one obviously lost of the group, as the fems readily realize when Kiyone does... Tennyo announcing... "It's a System La Grange point!"
"Really?" ...Aleaic blinks, as Kiyone nods, "It's an unstable one. Several of the planets are causing gravity shadows, at this spot, as of current." This Ryoko goes off her mother's own genius. "Anyone wana bet that it might be a gateway of some kind, to this Nexus we're going to?"
Wouldn't be sur... eh? Al-kun?" ...Tennyo looks over, then they all do, as Aleaic is suddenly holding his head lightly. Kiyone about lunges out of her seat... "What's wrong Al?"
"I'm... fine... so weird." ...Aleaic starts to refocus away from the 'voice' in his head again, before he looks up at the various looks of unease. Aleaic then offers, after a moment of uncertainty of himself there... "Um... you... might think me nuts, but... I've been hearing a voice in my head, telling me what to do with my powers."
"Meaning?" ...Ryoko tones of wary mode, Aleaic shakes his head, and imparts... "That... to use my Wings here. And... um..."
The gals look about at each other, before Kiyone offers... "Well, it helped us against Soth. Might as well try."
"Just don't kill us all." Ryoko cracks, Al-kun balking back in kind! "Gee THANKS!" ...to snickers in the cockpit. And then a nascent being of the Light, take a moment to... "Okay... just have to..." ...reach into his soul, as told, and then grasps at the power so 'trusted' within him. And from that... "...use it to save her." ...this his eyes glow fiercely in swift act! A sudden set of gasps, heads that turn in relation, and amazement at the result, as Aleaic 'clenches' his hand forward, to 'conduct' the Wings, to the sudden fore of the ship! Ayeka sees, and then back at... "I see your Sigil Lord Aleaic!" ...such Aleaic just openly displays his Five Wings of Gold, and then 'use' them to 'pull' open a formal Rift in space! Soon, the Rift is dragged open to the size of the Yagami! Kiyone gasps out... "Incredible!"
"KIYONE!" ...Mihoshi suddenly yelps, as everyone else joins in, quickly! The GP Detective snaps out... "Something just took over navigation systems!"
"What?!" ...of myriad yelps, as Aleaic suddenly yelps himself! "I feel us being grabbed!"
"By who!" ...is the last Ryoko and Ayeka can yelp, before the Yagami is formally phase-jumped into the Rift!
One heck of a screech of screams, as they all soon 'arrive', at the entrance! It takes a moment for the lot, all grasping at anything they can hold onto, as Noike just quips... at some point... "Uh... uh... is... is everyone... okay?"
"Um... no..." ...Aleaic shivers, as the fems all blink, and then realize he was the one, they all grabbed onto! Even Ryoko is shocked! "Wha?!"
"Uh... is this what Tenchi goes through?" ...Aleaic really warbles out! A bunch of blushing snickers, as Tennyo offers instead. "I hope this what Tsu... er... Tsuoki, goes through." ...as Aleaic is quickly released of hold readily. (A moment longer for Kiyone and Tennyo, for the same,) before Ayeka asks... "Did we... er... make... oh my..." ...her query falling dead short, on innocent sight of all that wasn't as so. The crew have no choice, as they gaze into the panorama enforced unto! Words are lost, save one... "This is where they are?!" ...from a mortal of the Wings. (A status up in the air, at that point, by the by,) as...
"Sorry... but..." ...Kiyone can't help but hit her console, and activate the cockpit transparency mode again. As if the sight wasn't extravagant enough. Now eyes are looking about, all around as any first timer dang well should. All around... stars... planets... entire galaxies... even entire quasars! Maybe more than even that! Imagination where sight warranted, told the mind enough, then drove the rest of the mind into a stutter.
"Planets... those... look like worlds all stretched out..." ...Aleaic...
"Ringworld?" ...Mihoshi guesses at correctly, of the multiple seen. Noike points... "Is that a tree, floating in space?"
"Huge." Ryoko agrees. This as all forms of mystical, and celestial sights are to be had here. Aleaic indeed can't help... "She... she was right... I can't help but..." ...as the Yagami is pulled along the incumbent sights, and over towards... "One big honkin river." Ryoko notes. Ayeka BLINKS! POINTS TOO! "Is that a WHALE!?" ...as some enormous sentient of these extra-celestial seas, this as Tennyo blinks too... "Are those blocks, holding this... river... something... here?!"
There were too many sights to behold here. However Aleaic then notes. "We're heading towards something guys." ...as he points a strange object, over the 'river', one Noike denotes... "Looks like some red, round, puzzle obj... eh...WHA?!" ...she, and the lot of them sudden feel, as without warning, the group is forcibly teleported onto the said round object! They all end up jerking looks too and fro, as... "What happened?!" ...Tennyo shouts.
"Someone being impatient." ...Aleaic got a good guess in. Kiyone has to look 'over' the rounded side of the item they are suddenly upon, snapping... "Well they got me all riled!"
"We're moving!" ...Ayeka shouts, as the device starts moving all of a sudden! Kiyone yelps back... "My Yagami!" ...as her ship, and pretty much everything around them, suddenly ZIPS out of view behind them! Ryoko just snarls... "Someone's being an ass, alright!" ...as Ryo-ohki just meowed in annoyed concert with her.
"Just keep calm!" ...Noike imparts, trying to use that to keep herself calm. She then looks over as the closest to Aleaic, whom has a stoic face of chisel, this she denotes. She then imparts... "Why are you so calm?"
Aleaic looks over sidelong, as his dirty-blond hair flutters behind him in the 'wind' of apparent. "Tsuoki is along this path." ...Noike blinks, Al-san adding... "We want Sasami and Tenchi back to, right?" ...and Noike nods in quick enough kind. Everyone heard that, and found their own anchors. They then all look, as they approach a blinding area of light... thought further came down to one thing now.
"Someone's paying, for taking our Tenchi." ...Ryoko asserted. Everyone nods in kind. Aleaic of his version, of tightly gripped Keys. 'Please be alright my Love.' As they then begin to approach...
... ...
Senia just... er... wobbled away... from... who's bedroom again? "Man, they are getting rough anymore." ...said while limping. He then looks back... "And man, Kiriko and Karen like that? I..."
He didn't get to think much farther than that. He suddenly froze.
A fine time for Gyokuren to slink out from a side gem brown lined hallway, dressed... er... not very much in bare white loin cloth... er... garb... "Oh... look who's free now for another round with Neiju and... eh? Senia?" ...this the Renzan lass stops slinking, and hops over. As soon as she sees Senia's frozen facade, she SHOUTS out! "GUYS! We got trouble!" ...as that just erupts the Kamidake gals (all scantily clad,) into all but immediate sight (about all of five seconds maximum,) as Kiriko reaches over... "Senia!"
"I... Idol... Idol says..."
Amane went cold, as much as they all did. "Oh crap!" ...before...
... ...
Seto was seeing it all. All of it. Minaho had to sit down, as much as Hirata was trying hard as heck, to see if any of the sensor technicians, were getting any of it, off sensors. Nay there. A female technician only replied back... "Nothing since... since he used the Wings... to..."
Hirata just shivered. He truly did.
Not the only one there, doing so, in the small royal Flotilla, near Jupiter now. Seto, for her part, just eyed it all, with one thing on her mind. 'If he's truly Sai'Hon, I get the infatuation of Tsunami's. They 'will' be married, if I have anything to say of it.'
The Seto then smirked... "But he'll beat me to that first, I am certain."
"Of what?" ...Minaho looked back, from her floored spot. Seto only snickered to herself, and said nothing. Minaho just dryly blanched back lightly. "For once I'd love to know, what you are thinking."
Seto only looked back at Minaho, and then at the holoscreen. And what they began to all see from there...
...
"Think that's it?" ...Ryoko comments, arms folded in annoyance exacerbating, as they all see... "Must be." ...Aleaic sees, of some gray effidice, of an enormous polyhedral structure of stark gray, large like it was a station of some kind, that the 'transport' is directed towards. Tennyo sees... "Must be our bus stop." ...as an opening appears upon the solid gray slab. The 'transport' soon enters it, and the lot are suddenly within some ginourmous hallway... "Yagami could easily fit in here!" ...Kiyone makes the only comparison of, she can muster.
"We need to lay off the 'tea', you know?" ...Tennyo comments out, Mihoshi gulping to accent. "And the sake' too." ...that Tennyo just moans at.
"Um..." ...Aleaic suddenly notes, Ayeka... "Al-san? ...oh!" ...as eyes then train on a single individual, somewhere in the middle of this... hallway... that the transport soon stops near. Aleaic blinks, as Ryoko suddenly SNAPS her energon blade open! "Hey! It's the creep that attacked us!" ...as the transport stops. Ayeka however... "Wait Ryoko!"
"- Finally awake I see, small mortal. -" ...as the lot realize, whom is being addressed. Aleaic just lunge leaps off the device, and tumble lands in front of the... elder. Soon, the rest of the ladies are landing behind him, with grace, as Aleaic's tone isn't, standing with... "We're here for our Family! Take us to them now please!" ...Aleaic ups his tone to nigh titanium. The elder however sniffs, and then bows... "- Pardon our manners. I am D3, custodian of your arrival here. -"
Aleaic cocks his eyes... and reciprocates the bow. Ryoko snaps in dismay... "What are you doing Al! He..." ...but is belayed by Ayeka suddenly! "Wait Ryoko! We're not on our own ground here." ...this Ryoko hears, as Noike realizes the same. 'bad time for us to get narly, in a place we really don't know zilch about.' ...as that left consideration, lain at Aleaic's bowed head. D3 sees and nods. "- Bare minimal sentience to be civilized with. -'
"Nice to meet you too." ...Aleaic drypans back. Almost deadpans given the tone. D3 realized the notation of it, and turns. "- I will take you to them then. -" ...and begins to lead the group, through the diamond-gray hallway, and hence off a mere moment of this... 'This is the elder that knocked me out? I'm missing something here.'
" - Too much of a frail mind to comprehend. -' ...D3 remarked back. Aleaic realized... "I see." ... as he tried to keep his mind silent, from there. Ryoko however, about another moment of this... "What did you do to Tenchi bub!" ...this D3 decides to... "- I put the mouse, in the proper cage. -" ...and GOT the expected reaction... "WHY YOU!" ... "Ryoko!" ...the others decry, as Ryoko attempts to attack, Aleaic trying to stop her, but then is rebuffed back by D3, at the same time the elder just stops Ryoko's blade attack, with barely a hand raised! "What the...?!"
The next moment all can realize, Ryoko is suddenly in a cage made of crystal! Aleaic... well, all of them see, and... well... gulp. All but one, that is. "Haha! Serves you right Ryoko!" ...as Ayeka mockingly chides Ryoko's tact, this as Ryoko just huffs, sitting in an otherwise ordinarily shaped cage. All otherwise unharmed.
D3 looks back at... "- There are consequences, for ill behavior. -"
"Does that include what you did? All acted without honor to it?" Aleaic bites back with. D3 cocks his eyes, and then mentally shatters the cage, releasing Ryoko. The space pirate floats back over next to Ayeka, as D3 nods. " - I will relent, my actions were commanded. My Lady, expects better in return. -" ...as Aleaic realizes of his all but immediate knockout, from the attack that should have killed him anyway. Aleaic then asks directly... "If I'm that impotent, then why am I here?"
D3 looks, and then turns to lead forward with... "- Because you are expected, Wingbearer. -" ...this Aleaic hears, and looks within. A moment to question himself, that was. A hand on his right shoulder, he looks and sees Kiyone offer, helps bolster him again with. They move on.
A hallway then begins to turn into something else. The gray, literally splitting apart into white... and then a hallway into a bridge, and the walls becoming extravagant again! Heads of eyes can't help but look around, as they progress, as impossible sights of a Cosmos, ones of many types and veins, never expected to be seen so up close before! Over nebulas, solar furnaces, crisscrossing Ringworlds, anything of seemingly everything akin of what was on arrival, now up close, beneath their very feet, and verily around their heads! Even... even at one mind shattering point... "Is... is that a... a...?!" ...Aleaic can't say 'Big Bang', off from his mind numbed mind! They all of that mode and feel, as creation is below their feet now!
"How is this possible?!" ...Tennyo is about to lose her mind upon! They all are! D3 just notes, and is about to...
"END THIS FARCE!" ...a mortal suddenly SNAPS! D3 jerks a look back, as Aleaic looks ready to run D3 through! The glowing Sigil again, makes D3 stumble a touch, as Aleaic stuns everyone out of their eternal revelry! "Stop delaying us! Bring us to our Family, now!" ...this D3 blinks, and remarks... "- So you realized the trap. -" ...this the others blink, and Noike echoes... "Trap?"
"So 'that's' why we were escorted like this! Wow, talk about a good idea!" ...Mihoshi comically blurts out! Kiyone just droops in comic response. "Only you could say that here."
Ryoko realizes with a traded look with Ayeka, before she then looks over and gulps a bit. This as Aleaic's gaze, to her, as he looks at their host, is truly wrathful. D3 sees it as well, and nods. "- Sooner than expected, at that. I will reward, with no further delays. -"
And then D3 vanishes, and their 'area' changes in simult!
"Whoa!" ...Aleaic is shattered from his dire form, to a nigh helpless one, as he, and they...
"~ They have arrived. ~" ...a familiar 'red' voice, as at the center of it all. A large... very bloody large, gray plate. 'A dais?' ...Aleaic thought, as he then looks up at... at...
Numerous figures of standing shadow, below a swarm of galaxies, as eyes raise from there, to an even greater apparent cosmos behind... behind...
"So that's where..." ...Noike 'gets' it somehow, almost as if another voice spoke for her, from within, as Aleaic about loses it. The eyes so focused on the brobdinagium shadows of a height, that skyscrapers on Earth would possibly have trouble reaching heights of. (Possibly embellishment there, but for those of their nascent first time ever...!)
Three great shadows, taller than all the rest. Their focus was of obvious note. Their meaning and purpose...
"- My Lady, the one you requested, as been delivered to your gaze. -" ...as the lot find throats growing dry, as Ryoko just snarls... "Give us back my Tenchi!" ...this Ayeka... "You mean our Tenchi!" ... "No I meant MINE!"
"~ As the same as ever. ~" ...a more familiar voice commented out. Ryoko and Ayeka just EEP, as Noike... "Is that you Washu?!" ...as one of the triad shadows, turns her head, and phases into partial view, her familiar face. "~ No one else, Kagee babe. ~" ...this Noike rolling her eyes at.
And then, the voice of D3, makes for eyes turning to one of the subordinate standing shadows, as... "~ You may descend your will, to gaze on the lowly, if you wish it. ~" ...they saw D3's face upon the 'head' of the same shadow! Aleaic... "I feel small." ...the ladies just nodding comically in simult.
And thereby smaller from there, as the central shadow, decided to 'reveal' her head from the shadows within, as if raising a head from eternal, murky depths. By the time the face emerges... "Jeeze Toki girl..." ...as Tennyo puts it, the formal facade of a Choshin reveals, with... "~ Well. Finally. ~"
"Yup. Same weird girl." ...Aleaic can't help but blurt. D3 hears for certain, and about snarls out. "~ Dare not call her, by such crass terminology, frail one! Her majesty is beyond your meager bounds to... ~"
"~ Enough Administrator. ~" ...Tokimi chides over from her heights. D3 decides against wisdom for possibly the first time in his existence with... "~ I must speak for truth! This one has not the mind enough to comprehend the glory YOU command, My Lady! It is nigh an insult that he... ~" ...and ZILCH said further, as Tokimi gave one RILED look back, right at him! "~ You seek to surpass my will and judgment here?! Castrate yourself upon it, with a mere syllable spoken further thereof, of my Prize! ~"
"Prize?" ...Aleaic looked pip eyed lost with. Meanwhile, heh, D4 next to D3, just half phases in, on semi-sight, and quips over. "~ You 'had' to push it. ~" ...and D3 just grumbles.
"HEY!" ...eyes bolt over, as... "Where is my Tenchi, dammit!" ... "Quit being possessive like that, already!" ... "Fine! OUR Tenchi! (Mostly mine over hers.)" ... "ERGH!" ...one can guess speaking parts there. Tokimi looks with actual cute openness, as Noike just eyes over dryly. "Hey, he's my fiancé too, you know." ...hands on hips even. Ryoko rolls her eyes. "Yeah, miss fourth in line." ...that... gee, Noike ain't happy looking.
"Yay! I'm still third then!" ...gee Mihoshi. Ayeka just mirrors Ryoko's bland facade... "I hate it, when she pays attention." ...this as Kiyone twitters an eye at her unwanted partner.
Tennyo then just passively claps her hands. "Focus ladies, please." ...this Aleaic takes over with a stern wipe of his arms out. "Release Tenchi, Sasami and my Beloved, please!"
"~ Such 'order', to your manners. ~" ...Tokimi notes of detail. Aleaic gulps but presses past his cold unease, in his pit. "I ask for our family."
"~ You lack the 'please', to acquiesce. ~" ...Tokimi slits her ginourmous eyes with. Aleaic... "Please!"
Tokimi... "~ Not as all you will expect here, tiny Power. ~" ...this Aleaic blinks, but pushes past... "I only expect we came what we garnered for! Does not the meaning of family, mean anything to you?"
Tokimi jutted her head from on heights... "~ You deem to lecture me?! ~" ...Aleaic starting to get annoyed past proper sense of... "And you to not attend to proper manners?"
"~ You child of the small, think you can command of me?! ~"
"And you fit to ignore us?!"
"~ Why you insignificant protoplasm! I deem fit to whom to pay attention to here! ~"
"(And act scary when tiny too.)"
Um... ever... uh... been to the Statue of Liberty in New York, and... um... ever thought what would happen... er... if one was standing at the base of said statute, and... er... if somehow, the entire statue of full height, somehow shoved it's head right at ye?
Well... of size, triple that, of what Tokimi's head did, as it (and the rest of her revealed format,) shoved RIGHT at Aleaic! (Look, he really is Tiny! They're right, don'tchaknow!) "~ What was that?! ~" ...Aleaic... "Holy freaking Light Batman! AIEE!" ...maybe a bit girly and cry-baby sounding too.
The rest of the ladies... er... teardrop. (Tennyo: "Might have wet myself to here. Yeep!") ...before Mihoshi just remarks. "Wow Lady Tokimi, your pores are super clean!" ...this Tokimi actually just kawaii smiles at... "~ Why thank you Mihoshi! ~" ...and... yeah the teardrops ain't getting smaller.
Al-kun fainted by the way.
"~ You about done Sis. ~" ...this Ryoko blinks. "Mom?" ...this Tokimi 'pulls back', and looks to her 'right'... "~ Only beginning here. ~"
Washu just eyed back in uber goddess glory. "~ Yup, ultimate genius goddess here. And I thought I'd ask, since we're not pushing plot here, as it is. Might want to get to the point. ~" ...this Tokimi just smirks, and imparts... "~ But I was looking forward to discussing with my Prey here. ~" ...this Washu rolls her enormous eyes at. "~ How about saving the lover talk, for later. ~"
Aleaic, just coming back out of another fainting spell, helped by Kiyone and Tennyo, before he hears enough... "Wha...?" ...and bounds up suddenly to cocked kneeled positioning... "...what did you...?"
"~ I think he heard. ~" ...Washu imparts, and then over... "~ Didn't he Sis. ~" ...as the 'third' shadow, looks away, with no reveal.
Ayeka just looked annoyed... "We're getting nowhere here, so far." ...this the other ladies nod. Aleaic however then thinks on the 'briefing', and then decided to attempt a different tact. He looks up and... "Your assembled artworks here, are impressive!" ...this the Choshin... er... well, all of em, look down/over, as Aleaic plays his game of... "I would commend you better, as fellow artist, and not as an enemy, if one would simply give us back our kin, and my Beloved, to 'be' of better mood by."
Washu smirked, and then noted with a side glance, the... one heck of a giant blush there. Washu just smirks, as her own full reveal is shown to all. "~ Now how can you acquiesce nay, to something like that. ~" Tokimi just huffs away, with all despite of attempt to... "~ To think I had to ask 'her', to such an ill begotten answer. ~" ...before she then looks down, and imparts... "~ I will reward your proper eye, with another treasure, to behold. ~" ...and from that, a glowing cage of light, hued in the dark behind it, off their mutual left, as... "Tenchi!" ... "Sasami!" ...in loved myriad succession, as Aleaic sees both are held in stasis apparently, as if in passive bracings, held up in mid-space of the cage. The unconscious mode, just riles him back out with... "What did you do to them! And where's my Beloved!" ...he forges past his fear, as Tokimi senses... "~ Do take care of that tone again, before you Cascade off them. ~"
"Of all the..." ...Aleaic really started to vent. Tokimi decided to wrest 'control' back with... "~ Thus be the one that enticed my Sister so. However, be it that your Will is not in the common here, rather I will be the one to decide such things. A Guest is not a Host, child. ~"
Aleaic's anger only rose from there. "I be the one to say FACE us as a proper Host should then! This if what be you Seek then!" ...with Keys both flared to life! Ayeka just blinked as Noike quipped... "That was... eloquent." ...as Ryoko just slid in next to Aleaic... "Whatever! Let's get Tenchi and Sasami back already!"
"For my Beloved too." ...finally just too angry to care if he loved or died. One goal on his mind from there. Tokimi saw it passively, as did 'other' eyes, as Washu then quips... "~ You liking all this too, White Sis? ~"
"~ More and More. ~" ...a 'third' high voice joined in, Ayeka... well, all of em, just went pale! "Not... not her too!" ...as below Tokimi's 'stature', Gaea phases in, with a look at only one mortal of pretense, that she lain such lustful eye upon! Not quite as tall as the enormous ensemble, she was well and tall of lithe note, to tower readily, in her chosen gown of crystal white and blue, that flowed with a lower train that extended well past her peds. The same of silken sleeves that extended like flowing drapes of white crystal sheer! Same of akin of lavish pearlescent hair, fluttering in simult direction, as the gown, as if of a wind, none could feel. Skin as pearl as seen other times before, her sapphire eyes just give that dangerous look, that makes Aleaic nearly lose his steel, in the looking.
Noike just grits, as she looks over at a roiled in facial emotion clad Aleaic, and then can't take it, shoving her head at... "Please don't do this to him! He's better than all of this!" ...that only causes Aleaic to shove his head over at! "Huh?!"
"~ No. ~" ...Tokimi stamps in, Al-kun forced to eye back, with a declared heard of... "~ LETS! ~" ...and tilts her head downward!
"INCOMING!" ...Ryoko snapped, as suddenly, several tall crystals of elongated vertical rubicon appear, and suddenly start firing plasim bolts without warning! The ladies prove quickly as adept, as... "Shield!" ...Ayeka snaps, as she, Noike and Tennyo, snap out their Jurai guardian shields, to encapsulate Kiyone and Mihoshi! A partner yells... "Mihoshi!" ... "Right!" ...as both their standard pistols are pulled and start ringing out shots, the large crystals proving narly with their shots, but also fragile, as pot shots take them down! Mihoshi... "Wow! I got one! Did you see..."
"Don't stop bubble brain!" ...as they both keep firing! Tennyo eyes over whole blocking plasim bolts... "Should we help them?" ...this Ayeka and Noike eye over, for Ayeka's part... "Ryoko, forget her." ...to looks from the other two Jurai lasses. Noike blinking... "Al-kun, however..." ...as what becomes the next sight to be amazed by, as Ryoko flip bounds about, as she yells to... "Remember all that training we knocked into ya Al!" ...as Aleaic fully hears and definitely looks all Marty Sue like, as he is able to bound about, avoiding gouging shots with deft skill, and further the same of honed in skill, to use speed to bound, cartwheel, and even double back in places to block, deflect, and cut down offending crystals, in short order! Ryoko assists (as much as lets LOOSE,) as she dodges her own attackers, and throws several bolts, before cutting a good swath of... dozens of the crystal offenders down with, upon her energon blade!
It's such chaos, at that moment, as growing numbers of crystals begin to replace fallen 'soldiers', that keep the first test going! It's at first a test then of numbers, as Aleaic and Ryoko do their all, to stem the tide around them. Noike just yelps out, at an early point... "This is gonna get to be a bit much, before too long." ...as the Shields begin to take a good pummeling! Ayeka already feels a bit of strain, as Kiyone and Mihoshi assist shots where they can! Mihoshi... "Kiyone..." ...a partner gulping... "Yeah, I know." ...and keeps firing anyway.
Above, as the fight soon starts to become crowded, Washu, a pensive face, Tokimi a rising glee. Gaea below, a clutch of her hands at her waist, (as if wanting to ravage into someone,) and a fourth, that starts to peek out, of a nominal canon facade, as below...
"Okay, this is getting NUTZ!" ...Tennyo just snaps, as literally a moment later, larger crystals begin to emerge, as Ryoko proves of ease to slay those nearest her, as does Aleaic, in proving dexterous enough to belay and destroy offenders enough, including a triple double blade spin, of stabbing one in the fore, cutting three in a slice, and a backstab finisher, to leap away with, to waylay more of them with! It's this, that causes larger crystals to arrive with, ones that start firing even larger shots with!
"~ Tokimi! ~" ...Washu tries to bade, but abstained with a snarl... "~ No! ~"
"Trouble!" ...Noike shouts, as the larger hits suddenly make the ladies strain too hard, as several bolts actually slide the lasses back to the edge of the Dias! Kiyone and Mihoshi have to dive back to keep within the shield! "We're in trouble alright!" ...as Ryoko even has to dodge more now! Aleaic with added in slices from Tenchiken to his Sele'ntaken thrusts, also finally stars taking clips, including one... "Augh!" ...to his left shoulder! A 'fourth' Sister finally 'appears'... "~ No! Sister! ~"
"~ Do not impede! ~" ...Tokimi warns...
It's bad enough to finally pin down 'all' the combatants, as Kiyone can't help but decry. "We're dead!" ...as Aleaic and Ryoko trade a look...
Washu sees it... "~ About time. ~" ...as three other Sisters stab a look, and in due course miss sight of... "DOWN!" ...they look back, as the ladies under the Shield, note they are directed at, and... "He said down!" ...Noike drags Tennyo and Ayeka with, right before Ryoko and Aleaic suddenly save them all, with a... "~ Wings! ~" ...that suddenly produce from Ryoko 'and' Aleaic, as a single Wing produces from Ryoko, and five from Aleaic, and both make a mutual motion, of Ryoko swiping her Wing around her in a circle, as Aleaic contracts his five, into a glowing ring, and blasts it out from him, both attacks annihilating the entire crystal ensemble at once! In stunning order, that battle ends! A strange sight of shields dropping, and combatants on knees, as a fine red sparkling 'snow' essentially showers about them.
"Whoa..." ...Mihoshi quips, as eyes laden on a quiet moment of... "Where... where'd you get that attack... Al?" ...ala Ryoko, as Aleaic deep breathes in, and offers off raising to his knees. "That... display I was shown. That Z, used that attack against those bell things, when he invoked."
"Not shabby." ...Ryoko gave a raised notch, of a compatriot there. Aleaic however asking of Ryoko's Wing, is bade suddenly, as the sound of clapping, fills the... er... air. Eyes look up, as Gaea is seen... "~ You can stop clapping now, weirdo. ~" ...Washu quips, and Gaea jerks a look back 'up' with... "~ Hey! I can appreciate good action, as much as the next goddess! ~" ...this Tokimi just lays a purple 'gloved' hand' to her head. "~ Must you act such ever a way, as that? ~"
"~ Look who's talking, Inquisitor! ~" ...Gaea balks back, and hence two goddess heads start one of those anime tug-o-war head thangs, even here. Washu just rolls her eyes. "~ I get a feeling of why I erased my memory. ~" ...both Toki/Gaea just sharktooth snapping back... "~ Who asked you! ~"
"Wha...?!" ...eyes and heads turn, as one set of eyes, recognizes... "Tsui?!" ...another's! This causing the fourth goddess melon, to 'dive' back into darkness. Tokimi and Washu 'lean' over, to the... er... left side, of the Trio pillar (that works here,) as Washu just eyes over... "~ Maybe not the time to hide yourself there Sis. ~"
"~ But I'm so embarrassed suddenly. ~" ...came a Tsui type voice, that Aleaic sure is blushing from. Tokimi eyes between the two, and quips. "~ Really Sister? Of such tripe? ~"
Somehow the 'Tsui' shadow, manages to yelp back, without a reveal... "~ Well you're the one pushing my Beloved like this! ~"
"~ For reasons my own! ~" Toki just yaks back with! Washu shakes her head, as Gaea zips up... "~ Hey! You knew better what you got yourself into! ~"
"Guys." ...an ignored mortal...
"~ I got into taking a slower approach than this! This is all ruining that! ~" ...the Tsui voice comically decries back! Gaea just uses... er... tact (or lack thereof,) with a shake of her goddess hips. "~ Go ahead! Go for it all, rather than wait, I say! Like you haven't done it all to him before! ~"
"~ Gaea! ~" ...Tsui acts all angsty with. This is thankfully diverted by... "GUYS! H... hey already!" ...as eyes look over. "Tenchi!" Ryoko blanches, as Tokimi then sees... "~ How did he escape! ~" ...this Washu really acts exasperated. "~ Did you forget your own plan? ~" ...as Tenchi and Sasami are wake and well now! Gaea even blinks. "~ You're not supposed to awaken yet! ~"
Sasami just looks peeved as Tenchi just cracks back! "Yeah, well, I didn't agree to being attacked like we did!"
"Huh?" ...only one souls reacts to that, the others just looking at each other pensively. Tokimi just riles... "~ You were supposed to awake when... hey! Wait! ~" ...as Aleaic decides to act anyway, and... "Catch!" ...tosses Tenchiken to its proper owner, like a thrown beam of light! Sasami looks up as the Master Key stops right above Tenchi's head, (having penetrated the cage with ease,) and then gripped as proper of its incumbent owner. Tenchi then swipes a 'door' open in the cage, and... "Common Sasami." ... "You got it Tenchi!" ...as both Juraians make the jump to the Dias with ease. Aleaic sees and sighs in relief. "Finally, the main character can take over."
"What? Not liking the upfront role?" ...Tenchi comically comments back. Aleaic just shakes his head. "Can you imagine the show being called" Aleaic Muyo? (Like I'm really needed at that!)"
That just starts the kooky gravy train with... Ryoko: "Man, that show would totally blow."
Ayeka: "-sigh- It'll never sell, that's for sure."
Noike: "It'd be worse than Shin Tenchi was."
Mihoshi: "We'd all be out of work in a day!"
Kiyone: "I'd feel sorry for whoever tried to type cast that show."
Tennyo: "AIC would go bankrupt in days, if that was made."
Washuu: "~ Actually those Funi guys could make a Roast with all the bad material there. ~"
Toki/Washu/Tsui-shadow/Gaea/Tenchi-crew/the readers/all of anime and fandom in general: -All just nod-
Sasami: -patting Al's charred ego (and body)- "At least you'd be remembered in Trivia Pursuit."
Al-kun: -All droopy/sobby-
Washu then just claps her hands, and wrecks the Fourth Wall back in place with... "~ How about we save the actual roast for Al and Tsui's wedding, that is, if we can get them together here finally. ~" ...this a good tease, that a shadowed Tsui turns away from. Tokimi sees and slits her eyes. "~ It 'is' pointless to hide the truth 'here', of all places. ~" ...this the shadow just acts even more meek. "~ I... I didn't think I would be ill ready, for this. ~"
"Tsui?" ...a loved voice calls out, as eyes dart back and forth, as Aleaic's voice actually causes the 'shadow' to have an actual blush upon it! "What's going on?"
Gaea just looks back at... "~ Lover boy, you don't know how good you really got it. Can't wait till she shows herself to you for real. ~" ...this causing the Tsui shadow to protrude her face out from the shadow! "~ Stop trying to push already! I had my own plan for him! ~" ...this Gaea just sidelong rolls her eyes back. "~ And you ply to the games of that Juraian spider, eying us all now, a bit too much. ~"
"Eh?" ...several ladies realize, as... "We're being watched?" ...Noike of note, looks 'up', as much as Ryoko holds her own head. "Great. She just can't leave well enough alone."
"~ That.. ~" ...a stern voice clarions, to a rectification. Washu eyes over as Tokimi looks with a business like demeanor. "~ ...would be my doing. After all, I whom made this universe... ~"
"~ We... ~" ...Gaea amends, and gets a swat to the head for it, by Toki, before the choshin lass in lavender and cosmos, makes of direct eye upon her Target. "~ ...deem to show the impotence of the Powers, once and for all here. This to ensure all to see, never mistake again, to defile MY works, with THEIR filth of Ideology! ~"
"Pardon." ...Aleaic notes of being focused there, and adds to ignorance... "...Power?" ...with a raised finger. (Tsui found it cute looking.) Tokimi just slit her eyes back, as Washu and Gaea also eye now, under a mortal's duressed gaze. Tokimi just eyes harder in turn. "~ My mistake. Of course one such as little as you, cannot confirm their existence, without equitable proof. They however are within you somehow, and I intend to mettle both punishment, and goal, all the same 'here'! ~"
"~ Sister! ~" ...Tsui... "Ut oh..." ...and Al-kun, before Toki-pissed, just glammers her right eye, and imparts... "~ Nay! I will test of thee, NOW! ~"
"~ Agreed! ~" ...Gaea...
"~ This might be fun for him. ~" ...not Washu too!
Aleaic didn't even get to look at his compatriots...
...
...and a tested suddenly stands at the edge of... of... "- Jeeze! Is... is that... galaxy... wait... my voice! -" ...as split between realization of his voice, is that he also is floating at the edge, of all appearance, of an actual galaxy, in all formal recognition!
Aleaic... so calm... "- Where the Universe AM I?! -"
...
"What?!" ...Seto, encapsulated for all watching...
...
Tenchi decried... "Hey! That's not fair to him!"
"~ Nor are the Powers, in all that they do! Now watch! ~" ...Tokimi stresses. It was enough that Tenchi about Invoked again, and to a point that he's grabbed at the shoulder. Tenchi looks back... "Ryoko?"
"Hold it. Just... wait.." ...the cyber marionette bade Tenchi to be calm with. Tenchi saw, as did the others, and hence he nodded. However he then 'did' look at Tsui's shadow, sternly enough. All the Choshin there saw it, for what it was. And Tsui 'nodded'.
...
A poor Al could only hover there, a mind at fear's true brink. Too much of, to even encapsulate mind to words, even of simplistic value. Of course there, in space, apparently, with an entire galaxy before one that shouldn't be there, at all to witness, nevermind every effectual question to be had here, to bother an explanation of, to justify even being there at all.
...a mind 'can' go insane, just on the first nudge of a go around, with an iconic display, before ye to go mad from, all before a mind could coalesce logic to work with.
All that a mind could utter out, before it realized it did... "- Dang... dang prayer... -"
"~ BELOVED! ~" ...Al-kun just gIRLY screeched in response! " - T... T... Ts... -"
The next thing his mind feels, is a 'hug' from one of such familiarity now. And then a 'pet' on a 'head' of psy-mind note, as he 'hears'... "~ Steel your mind. What you see and feel, 'are' real. Do not be afraid of what you love to see, before you now. ~"
That caused Al's mind to find logic to 'see' with finally, and from that, to accept the reality of it all. Not all at once of course, that would come by exposure. One being prodded forth by... "~ Do not dally! The Test is Nigh! ~"
"- Who asked you! -" ...a tested just anime arm waggled out! "~ I did, of a demand! ~" ... "- Quit that! I'm new at this! -" ...and... "~ All the while those watching wait, while you gripe! ~" ... "- Like I was even asked to do any of this! -" ...she's pushy... "~ I have reasons to Push! I do not like to be kept dawdling! ~" ... " - Pushy! Pushy! Pushy! -" ...that finally got Al-something, a swat to a melon, from a most unseen, but obvious source! Al just shakes his head clear, as he then hears... "~ Might as well do this kid. Being one with Wings, kinda got you stuck with attention. ~"
"- Didn't ask for 'that' either. (And even 'why' for it 'all'.) -" ...Aleaic sighs, but then starts to realize... "- What's the goal here anyway? -"
"~ Find a path back to us here. The path itself however, is most fraught. To fail means your essence is 'mine', and the interloping of the Powers, is at an end. ~"
"- What the heck is a Power, by the way! -" ...Al-kun really stresses, before is bade away in favor of. "~ You should ask yourself something else. Do you know who you are? ~" ...came Gaea's voice, that made Aleaic droop in reaction. "- Why does that question keep coming up? Sheesh! -"
Apparently these psychic swats make for a celestial grade headache! "- Owwie! Quit it! -"
"~ He sounds too girly, for anyone's good there. ~"
"~ Yes, well... ~" ...Aleaic made faces at the sounds of Gaea and Washu, in each turn. A good wipe of a brow, and finally some proper anchor of witnessed reality before him. He did make a mental allusion towards... 'Well... I'm alive.( I think.) And... well... Tenchi and Sasami are okay, so... at least for now and... no... I... a feeling of... feeling. Her... Tsui... what about... her... what is she...? I...' ...as his mind finds two questions, of one want, to be finding confirmation of.
"~ You missed something Sis. ~" ...Washu's voice, was meant for one Testing him, as Aleaic 'then' felt what he was growing in want for. That gave a form of a 'trail' to follow.
"- : There be your focus. All as before, is yours to command of then. : -" ...an extra Voice laden in. Washu of 'note'... "~ I know that voice! You mean SHE has been... ~" ...as Tokimi's voice cascades in on Al's mind. "~ NO! I told you it's not TRUE! ~"
"~ What isn't? ~" ...'several' high in high voices asked back, within Aleaic's mind. This as an added voice, of most want then finalizes... "~ Heed that advice, and be one with your imagination. That is the reality your power will follow! ~"
Aleaic finally acted, as he felt his Wings again, and encased himself in them, in a energetic globe. "- If this works, I should... -" ...and decided, since everything felt illogical here, he just went with that! And swiftly, a point of anew starlight shot off! Myriad 'watching' reactions, see a globe shoot off into the galaxy 'maze' set before him! Torrents of stars flew by him, as he began to 'search' for the feeling he was desperately wanting. In all literal sense... "~ Heh. He's using Tsunami's love of him, as a homing beacon. ~" ...to a dear blush, from a Beloved. Aleaic was split in hearing that, as he also saw a swath of celestial glory speed by him! He actually had a bit of trouble focusing, given how much there was, as he sped by! "- Holy Light! -"
"~ Already past one galactic arm there, not bad Al-kun. ~" ...Washu kept of level headed voice. Aleaic however didn't feel the blushing glowers, his own amazed eyes beheld of what he saw, so reacted from. Clusters of solars. Constructs of ageless physics. Nebulas that plied colors a mind couldn't help but realize of its natural beauty. Vibrancy of architecture that defied all mortal versions of make, by mere existence. A Tested had to slow several times to be certain of what was being shown. A slowed in slow point, as a far off left look, of a nebula that glistened green and purple, through the hues in between them, in spectrum, told of ancient gasses lit of ancient lights of countless stars not readily seen from that perspective vantage. Relative vantage even.
"- What Galaxy is this all? -"
"~ You forget yourself of your Test, Power! ~"
Aleaic drew of ire there, as he balked back into the void around... "- Is a simple query, too much to stand even there?-" ...hence a biting return of... " ~ Then you forget, you are still within a Maze! ~" ...as suddenly, something... holy yeow... the Nebula did an ILLOGICAL act! It... "- ...it's... it's MOVING... and... at me! YIPE! -" ...as the said Nebula, 'actually' moves, as if it were some child, throwing marbles, as such. Course, the 'child' was the Nebula, and therefore, the 'marbles', were RACING at him, at full bullet speed! Aleaic has to EXPEDITE to avoid being 'shot' by entire stars themselves! The largest knowable 'shotgun pellet' spread effect ever possibly known, that a tested sped by in enough measure, before... "- WHOA! Big red star, too fast! YIEE! -" ...as he can't avoid a formal supergiant red star, that he has to brace himself within his Wings, to survive through! And...
"- ...e... eh?! -" ...he realizes his still... " - ...me still alivey? What...?! -" ...and looks back as the said enormous star, now shooting off into void lack of sight! Aleaic comically looks back and forth, at the disheveled Nebula, and the out of all sight stars, and then blanches! "- You better put those back later lady! -"
"~ Aw shut it and MOVE IT Power! ~" ...that Aleaic all anime wacky just SHOT off again with!
And 'that' was the appetizer for the literal 'Galactic Maze', he was 'such' a mouse within, thus as Aleaic begins to adapt to the scenario he is shoved into. And hence more such 'traps' are shoved at him in utter turn! For examples extravagant:
A Ringworld, that he was 'funneled' through, thanks to Neutron Star Bursts, about once a second, and hence the Ring world literally CLAMPED a sheer force energon field, to nearly decapitate him through with, and so blunted off his Wings, and thereby shot through...
A formal Supernova explosion, almost Hypernova of emotionally overcharged intent so behind, that set off like a landmine or such, as Aleaic passed by what otherwise prior, was a mere White Dwarf, almost fried poor Al, if he didn't somehow outrace it. (And fully realizing of relativity factor, and hence simply 'ignored' of it, within his Wings.)
A Neutron... no... Magnetron Star, that someone decided to have chase Aleaic, over a parsec, before the Neutron was collided into a Supergiant... gee, the prior Supernova was small compared to the detonation that then occurred. "- What does that broad have against me! AIEEE! -" ...before he actually teleported the escape vector needed. (That caught Toki-chan off guard.)
And... dang it's getting weird! Another 'man' shaped Nebula, that wasn't prior, is reformed and then against further stellar logic, actually charges at him, as of a Minotaur-esc value! Aleaic... (like who wouldn't go cry-baby in that moment,) yelps... "- Carl Sagan is rolling in his grave here! -"
"- : Conduct your Wings, as per your Double Key! : -" ...he head again, and twin Wings become akin of a double blade sword! A double swipe, leads to a SHEAR of the... uh... attacking Nebula, of a formal (if to be believed. No blame if there so not,) of a multi-Light Year subspace Tear, that shorns the entire 'creature' utterly! Aleaic just BOOKS IT, before feeling any after effects!
"~ HEY! Stop tearing up one of my Galaxies, you Turd-Power! ~"
"- Stop messing with me at all, whydon'tcha! -" ...Aleaic just BALKS back!
Somehow through it all, Aleaic still was honing on the 'homing signal', he was searching for, and managed to keep closing in on it, despite all those extravagant snares! However the next occurrence, is him being halted by... "- Who...?! -"
"~ Beloved! ~" ...a gargantuan face of pink eyed note, appears in front of him! Aleaic... aghast... "- Tsui?! -" ...before Toki's engrossing melon, then appears to... er... head butt into... "~ Not now Sister! ~"
"~ But I can't hide the truth from cushy-bun! He...! ~" ...and Toki's head cheek smushes Tsui's with... "~ The Test is still unconducted! Butt out! ~" ...and (Al's teardropping for sure,) Tsui's face-tug-o-wars into Toki's in turn with... "~ And I never said to subject unto him, in this gross manner! ~"
Al-kun, teardropping... "- Are you gals... LIGHT! -" ...as suddenly Gaea's ginourmous melon, SMACKS into Tsui's facial other side! Al's teardrop shouldn't exist in space, like that, but guess what folks! " ~ Hey! Stop messing up the fun, because 'you' decided to go primitive on all of us! ~" ...and Tsui smush-balks back with... "~ And who is trying to horn in on my Turf, despite the Ancient Accord! ~" ... "~ I am! I want back on that Tuff now! ~" ... "~ Stop it you two! Stop messing with my Test! ~"
Two of the three 'faces', looks comically suddenly at Toki's 'head', with... "~ Just admit you love him too! We both see it! ~"
"~ Why should I! ~"
That just makes the heads get all wrestle manic, and all. Aleaic just sees this and BLANCHES... "- GUYS! Quit it! -"
Goddessx3: "~ Stay out of this Aleaic! ~"
Poor Al-kun, and his puny squeaky brain.
Tokimi just GRUNTS in irked ire, as she snaps at... "~ Enough! The Test still is to be finished! ~" ...which she whisks Gaea and Tsui away, Tsui yelling out suddenly, with too much of a helpless tone! "~ Don't give up Beloved! ~" ...that RILES Aleaic in turn, into action! "- Why I ought to... -"
": ~ Hold up. ~ :" ...comes a new voice in Al's mind. One his mind has also heard before! Aleaic realizes... "- Oh Kami... -"
": ~ Good enough. And simple also to add, you think the Wings are limited by reality? Try imagination 'with' imagination. Thought'd I'd help! Cya! ~ :" ...before Al's already hashed mind, realizes... and then begins to look...
...before he then feels... "- OH SNAP! -" ...as the next 'trap' engages, and with nary sight, but 'all' denoting, a formal Singularity has encapsulated around him! Aleaic just anime kooky SHOUTS... "- That's unfair! -" ...and is swallowed up, in the death of a star!
One can then imagine the faces on the witnessing, as at first, death of certain on minds.
And then all but, as 'another' scene from the holo-display is remembered, and off a kami level of hinting, a SHARP point of gold light, then bursts from, and making light around the event horizon of the Singularity! An impossible act, as a trial of impossible events suddenly continues, as the owner of the gold Wings, then becomes further angry, and... "- ENOUGH! -" ...and just HONES on the same 'signal', and just flat out RIPS through any possibility of another trap, to the growing 'signal strength', of loves growing demand! He also clearly denotes, the now approaching the center of the 'Galaxy Maze', (Al: "- Convenient. -") as light becomes more and more of a cascade, to the point formal forces of all four Universal elements of Creation Point, are assailing at his Wing Shield! Aleaic just strains with a dire... "- Almost... there...! -" ...strain, before he then finally has to stop, at the point where a massive gravitational node exists, within incredible amounts of swirling matter! Aleaic sees... "- A... super Black Hole?! -" ...as he realizes what lies beyond the energonic cloud swarms, and the stars surrounding in numerous measure!
And then he hears... "~ Wait Tokimi! We don't know if he's affected by... ~"
"~ You mean akin of the 'other' Singularity he survived? ~" ...Washu mentally notes for 'both' noting parties! The GASP from Tsui, gives sudden strange hope, for one that... "- Let's go then! -" ...and before Tsui's gasp can encapsulate his mind, his already directed his course to where the 'signal' lies strongest.
In the one place it shouldn't. Aleaic stops, as seeing is believing. Aleaic can't help but marvel... "- Wow. -" ...as seeing a Core Galactic Singularity 'was' awesome to behold. Aleaic saw, and anything but dark feelings, was on his mind there. He instead had pure awe. "- Quite a good show, you put on here Lady T. -" ...that causes a rather hefty blush, to be felt of Tested mind.
"~ At least he knows how to compliment 'her'. ~"
'That' apparently tore it to Tokimi, as then suddenly... "~ Make idle fun of my expense, will you?! ~" ...as Aleaic then feels 'and'/ is screeched at, all at once... "~ Beloved, get out of there! ~" ...as Aleaic then is 'shown', and he also looks up 'and' down, as... "- IS SHE INSANE?! -" ...as... yeowza! Apparently six separate spiral galaxies are HURLED at the one Aleaic is mouse trapped within! Already, stellar nutzoid occurs, as the last shred of logic went out the wazzo, with this act!
": Aleaic! :" ...he 'hears' of multiple voices, before he just turns passive for a moment. "- This is no way to be diplomatic. -" ...and then kookily, as if the sight of supernovas and starbursts AFLARE had no bother to him, he just shrugs and quips too calmly... "- Fine then! Let's go! -" ...and DIVES right at the Singularity, just as all space around him literally goes Quasar on him! (Maybe even Hyperactive Energetic Galactic on him! Silly definitions ala.) And at that last moment of realizing to change the space-time constant around him...
... ...
...-SHZAHM!-... A nigh no longer possible mortal suddenly BURSTS into view of the Dias, and SLAMS into it!
"He made it!" ...several familiar voices yelp around him, as Aleaic crash lands hard into sight of everyone! Gaea is sure happy clapping! "~ Yay! He made it! ~" ...as the family is about to rush over to assist Al-kun.
That is before Tenchi sees, and he and Noike then... "Whoa! Wait!" ...they bade suddenly for everyone to stop approaching! This as even the goddesses gasp, at the sight incumbent, of a Wingbearer that looks up, and about every portion of him, is glowing and warping oddly. Tsui... "~ Beloved! ~" ...this she is stopped by... "~ Wait Tsunami! Look! ~" ...that a furious looking Choshin, gives another, before a look back, as to Tsui's directed sight Aleaic realizes, and concentrates to regain 'stability' from.
Ayeka 'has' to ask... "Can you do all this Tenchi dear?"
"Never had to think about it before. I guess..." ...Tenchi leaves off, as Aleaic then looks back up, scarred and burnt of the stars themselves, as a face regain regenerated format. All the while, Aleaic then starts to stand. He's only nay assisted, due to just how disheveled he looks, as Ryo-ohki even mews out to Ryoko... "Watch it guys, he's got radiation burns on him. They're fading though." ...before Aleaic then looks up. He then manages... then not... rasping for breath, as Sasami kneels a bit closer than Ryoko woulda liked. "You okay Al?"
Al-kun finally manages to raise his head again, and stutters out... "W... wa... was that all... good for you... too?"
Yup, facevault Nexus. Even Choshin aren't immune, as Washu manages to 'right' herself... "~ Well at least he wasn't bored. ~"
"~ Beloved? ~" ...suddenly asked of Tsu... nami's voice, as she saw and felt, before the rest of them did. The same the next did, as Sasami gasped again...
...
'One memory from in there. A flit past being shot at by the stars themselves, was one particular sight in his mind. It burned at him. The sight of, for some reason, a broken, burnt, withered Tree. One the size of a planet, all on its own. A dead planet, all around it.
For 'some' reason, it stuck a deeper chord, than one currently alive, of a few mere years, not even two decades yet, should have had such a feeling for. And after all such occurred, it hit even harder now. It fueled...'
... ...
...teardrops.
A mind well read, made Washu strike a sneer at... "~ How could you Tokimi! ~" ...but is bade in full defense. "~ Twas not I that delved that scene in. Swear to my Status broken, if I lie! ~" ...before Gaea looked up at... "~ Is it her? Or... -gulp- ...Him... doing that? ~"
And then a clack is heard as Choshin eyes look back... "~ His Key. ~" ... "Whoa! Al!" ...and a Kami asks of nominal worry, as the said Key is tossed aside.
And the answer, as Al drooped his head down. "Wh... who am... I?" ...one could interpret as questioning himself. Instead, an answer in part is given at hand looked at, that threw his Key away with. The lot look with various looks of guilty consciousness, as Aleaic looks up with stymied tears, to sternly answer back at Tokimi with... "A... apparent... ly... I... I am a person that is found of... incomprehensible Power, and of a mind that allies itself to them. Beyond that... I REALLY don't know who... or what I am. And quite bluntly, it all BLOODY well scares the Light out of me! Satisfied!?" ...he then smacks down to full elbows in exhaustion.
"Al." ...even Ryoko draws a rare and worried tone, as Aleaic just states out to his transgressor... "L... look. Whatever it is you want with me... just end me, and take what you want. -looking up again, with welled up tears- ...just leave Tenchi and his family out of this! Please! -dropping head, then shaking it thusly, teardrops flicking about in sparkles- ...don't hurt them because of me. Pleasepleaseplease..." ...of a voice that didn't know better, and fearing beyond terrified measure.
"Jeeze Al." ...a said disheveled soul hears, as he side looks with his head over, as Tenchi, Ayeka, and Sasami are closest, to a really shaken up adoptee, as a shmoo then hears from the proper title character... "I think you got it all wrong here guy. And... um... to tell you the truth." ...this Tenchi in turn looks 'up' at the celestial gathering. Of particular sights now, Three of the Choshin, are of remorseful facades now, as Washu, 'not' one of them, looks over and declares... "~ Is what you seek, worth a good soul? -said at Toki, then looking at her other two Sisters- And are you two, along with Sis, ready to tell all truth, no matter what happens? He's earned the right to know, why he's tortured as so. ~"
Tokimi just sighs, looking rather remorseful now. "~ Indeed. I have seen... too much. I am... vexed, and cannot learn here better. ~"
Gaea looks over at... "~ It would be best to proceed, given things are to be rectified and prepared for, off of the ancient version of past things. ~" ...Tsui, whom nods, as Aleaic looks... then looks, as Tsui offers... "~ Agreed. I admit jealousy still, in the goal seeked. ~"
"Pardon?" ...Aleaic finds again, the only one saying any response to any of that. It's Noike that then next starts to... "Um... ah... well Al, you see... oh dear..." ...as she then looks over at Tennyo, really meekly, of whom bades off with both hands raised! "Forget it! I don't want him mad at me. Not after what I saw him do just now."
"~ Then I will tell him. ~" ...comes a wanted voice, one Aleaic looks up towards, as the others do, and Tsu... Tsunami... begins to infer... "~ You see Beloved... we... ~"
Interrupted...
" - Mistress! We... Breach! -" ...D3 didn't even get to get out, nor any of the Administrators, this as suddenly as the warning is decried, Dark assailants suddenly SWARM the entire gathering, from literally nowhere! "~ What is... ~" ...suddenly, to Tokimi's and everyone's abject shock, dark knives of lethal sorts, are at everyone's necks! All save one, as Aleaic stumbles to his weary feet. "Wha...?! Guys! -GASP-!" ...as in sudden of sudden moments, it was all as if darkness itself, suddenly melted out of the dark voids all around, and literally formed grotesque shapes, that outright bound everyone, and had dark, serrated, wicked blades at targeted throats!
"Tenchi!" ...Ayeka screeched, as her own esophagus is so beheld! All of them were! Not even the Administrators were spared, as All save again... "Wha... YOU!" ...Aleaic sees, as a shadow 'blip' suddenly causes a familiar darkness, to appear. The saccloth eyed owner, just cranes his cowled head of pitch back with... "{~ Yes. I! ~}"
"How... how the hell are you alive?!" ...Ryoko manages to shout out, as Soth only eyes one apparent target again, as hate filled as before. "{~ I serve Death. I breathe the Will of it. I obey what Death commands of me! I do not die before that Will SAYS I do!" ~}" ...this Soth jerks his head, for Ryoko's binding assailant (one 'not' meek in strength,) to about stab her trough with!
Aleaic already sees... "Wait! What do you want!" ...with a fear laden hand, bade out!
All of five meters away, a dark blade is shunted right at him! Soth of holding owner, imparts with all hate... "{~ To serve Death, with YOURS! ~}"
" ~ Ju... just run, beloved! ~" ...Aleaic heard from a realized sight of a loved one, (for whom she really was,) before Aleaic just restates, trying to buy time. "What are you?"
Soth turned to formally face a hated foe, one that knew to hate another, for far, far so much longer, than the other knew even why it was there. This as a target asked of that ignorance, and the darkness before, complied... "{~ Ask not of I. I am merely here, as a host, at the Call of my Master.
...and such he will comply to answer better, for worse! ~}" ...as... cripes... a... a 'hand' suddenly erupts from behind Soth, and then... then... envelopes him, in a format, of a hand clutching, and then crushing the held 'item' within, to then meld more Darkness. Akin of tentacles, that then mutate into worse nightmares...
...or the worst of them, as Aleaic manages to hold stance, as... 'He changed again. To... what...?'
"~ No... ~" ...Tsunami toned in such fear, it drove it into her Sisters, as the Darkness, grew another good meter in tall IRE, as then, the writing cowl of oil, opens the yellow tinged eyes. "~ ...no, not Him! ~"
Aleaic 'felt' a connection, and loathed it outright, as the Dark Lord saw of first formal gaze... "{{~ Nemesis! At LAST! ~}}" ...as Aleaic couldn't help... "Who... are you?" ...but stumble back. This as eyes galore get their first glance at The Ancient Darkness. "{{~ The One that ended Sentai! The One that nearly expunged your rebirth at infancy! The One MEANT to end you, for all Darkness sakes Eternal! The Will of the Dark, is your judgment! No recourse. No mercy! ~}}"
Aleaic can't say anything. Not now. This as the Darkness then looks back at Tokimi. "{{~ FOOL! Think not I would not recover from your PITIFUL assault! Know I breached all too easily, your pitiful veil attempted, with a mere Avatar to extend my Essence by! ~}}"
"~ It's not all really him. ~" ...Washu managed out, before nearly gutted for it, by a creature that was as tall as she still was! This, and then the Darkness eyes... "{{~ And here, to find the Whore herself! All thee found to be so lowly and ready for the expunge! Now to make the next Agony conducted! All for attempting a failure to hide from ME! Sentai died. And now, so will you all! ~}}" ...as Tsunami winces and can't help but reimagine ancient memories that all ended badly. Tenchi then tries to demand out... "What... who are you!"
Something iconic... something like a page turned back from a moment in stilled time, as the others were enforced to watch. This as Sasami ekes out... "Sisters..." ...past the dark blade at her throat. Not even Ryo-ohki was spared a dark blade beheld, this as a Darkness, sees the Light, and declares with harsh Dark echoes. "{{~ Do ye remember ME Sai'Hon! Know Mulhorand bids by Soth's willed Hand, to impart, whom here dies FIRST! Choose and perish by it! ~}}"
"I don't know you." ...Aleaic responds, trying to nail down his fears, mainly of all he saw under duress, as this causes a froth of a reaction from the oily figure of Saccloth Flame, whom snaps back in kind! "{{~ Dare forget your Nightmares, FOOL! I made them all, and rended all you built, to remind your impotence, whom is the Better of here, and of the All! ~}}"
"Still no bell there." ...'something' Aleaic was then doing there. This as minds were formulating various plans, at that moment, in that suddenly suffocating arena. A moment Mulhorand didn't allow past, with a crane of a head, within the Saccloth. "{{~ No matter. No matter. A simple remedy for ignorance. Death. Before me, before them all. Or them, before you, before the all! ~}}"
"What?" ...Tennyo cries out, as Mulhorand keeps gaze with... "{{~ Mistake me not then. Kneel and let them all watch you Die Nemesis. Or bade, and watch them die, all the same before You! All the better to savor allagony by! ~}}"
Ryoko gaffed... "Wha... what kind of stupid choice is that?!"
"None." ...a soul suddenly dropped to all fours with. "{{~ Indeed! ~}}" ... "~ BELOVED! ~" ...as a Darkness SHOT in with all speed of it, to Soldier's Coupe de' Gracie! It happened too fast from there to stop... "{{~ DIE! ~}}"
"- No. -" ...the Light!
One UBER Lens FLARE on the split later, and a Darkness is formally REBUFFED~!~! A howl of oily screech, hides also as multiple 'distraction' as 'sunlight orbs', suddenly appear and split second detonate near everyone, giving a righteous reaction of indignant souls that reacted of all angry proper! Ryoko... "YOU die!" ...an energon blade that dark flames a dark assailant like Mache paper, the same of three other targets, that release Ayeka, Tenchi, and Sasami! Others flare Jurai power, and equal skill, as Tennyo shoots a Jurai powered bolt to release Kiyone and Mihoshi, as Tokimi proves her lethality, with a DEFT swipe of her very clawed right hand, that releases Washu, before then as mammoth energon bolts, that Washu then uses, to destroy several more assailants, upon the Administrators! Gaea and Tsunami for their parts, both spin their own energon blades of enormous size, decapitating their own paired assailants, before throwing their own blades, to release the remaining administrators!
Tsui then outright yells... "~ Aleaic! ~" ...as Tenchi sees, and notes Aleaic is diving and avoiding, for his very life, with all he has left! Tenchi bounds forward, and scoops up Sele'ntaken, "AL!" ...and throws it at all force, as Aleaic barely catches in time to avoid his hand being cut off! "{{~ Die impudent WRETCH! ~}}" ...and a SWATH strike to follow through!
One parried, as Sele'ntaken is activated, at one end, and the other reactively blocks a second rebound strike! Tenchi then leaps in. "Hold on Al!" ...and makes his own overswing strike! One blocked be... "What the?!" ...a Dark Wing shield! Eyes that see, dismay for a second, as its owner snaps... "{{~ You DARE underestimate me?! ~}}"
"Says you!" ...Aleaic takes moment of an off guard moment, to upper slash his blade up along Mulhorand's format! A sudden screech of Wraith akin agony, before Tenchi levels a shot in on his own, to another SCREECH! Tenchi gaffs at... "What the heck is... ACK!" ...before he's knocked back by a backhand, that Tennyo slides in to catch him with! Several Ayeka, Ryoko aided shots of power in turn, Kiyone and Mihoshi emptying their energon plasim clips into the thing, that seems to absorb with further howls and SNARLS!
All of it 'not' killing the Dark Lord. Not even close!
"He isn't going down Kiyone!"
"Just keep firing!" ...to the point their clips would literally drain of power! Before that, even Choshin shots get in, as soon, it seem all the world (as far as the Tenchi clan goes,) is pummeling the Darkness, without mercy! Aleaic had to dive away as the shots... "Holy jeeze!" ...get dire! Even Ryoko's best, are shoved in, at full force! All that power, that suddenly stops with... "That had to get em!" ...Ryoko announces, as firing stops. Washu... "~ We had to have... ~"
"~ DON'T STOP ATTACKING! ~" ...Tsunami yells so hard, that all too soon proves why, off shocked measure, as reacting heads, then see... "What?!" ...Ryoko again, in dismay this time, as the Darkness just rises, and LUNGES at Aleaic again! "{{~ DIE!~}}"
Aleaic manages to avoid a slash that gouges into the Dias, kicks away Mulhorand with a bading martial motion, that he in turn gets 'back fisted', by a sudden Wing of Darkness in turn!
"~ Oh no! ~" ...Washu realizes, as Mulhorand... "{{~ END THIS FARCE AND SUFFER IT! ~}}" ...as several Dark Wings then slice at Aleaic out from behind Mulhorand, before three more attempts about Schism the Dias utterly! Tenchi forces everyone back with his sudden produced Wings! "Get back guys!" ...as he's more concerned of defending his cherished, as Aleaic then suddenly uses his Wings, at the last ditch! Mulhorand sees his attack blocked by... "{{~ YOUR VILE LIGHT! It cannot stop me! ~}}"
"~ Yes it can! ~" ...as suddenly Tsunami's own Wings suddenly glow forth! Washu sees with a shock... "~ Wait! ~"
"~ No! ~" ...in crescendo, of Tokimi and Gaea's Wings, displaying now too! Mulhorand quickly sees Aleaic's empowerment swell quickly... "{{~ Then this Shell is unfit to complete this assault by. HOWEVER! ~}}" ...as he doesn't 'see' where the Choshin are directing their Wing formats, that Aleaic does when he 'feels' his energy return in cascade! Mulhorand however is already about to react... "{{~ If I cannot find satisfaction. A tragedy I can instill instead, of mirror measure! ~}}" ...and eyes the original intent of coming here. This seeing one particular Choshin, and hence begins to redirect his Wing attack! Aleaic senses a split moment later... "- No! -" ...and FLARES an unexpected teleport... "What is he... AL NO!" ...Tennyo and Noike both, as too late, Aleaic reappears to block the Dark Wing attack, that targets Tokimi! Aleaic manages with all strength to block it! Tokimi is aghast of sight! "~ What?! ~"
"- NOT... HAPPENING! -" ...an Avatar brunts the full impact of a force, that Stars were usually shorn asunder from! Tokimi realizes... "~ I... ~" ...before she then realizes and... "~ ENOUGH! ~" ...three specific Choshin decide to combine an effect, through Aleaic's Wings, that in turn, he just THRUSTS back... "- Go back to the Dark! -'' ...and retorted in accent with, a formal BLAST of... "JEEZE!" ...a Corona Wing Ejection blast! A literal SHOWER of solar waves, SLAMS into Mulhorand, and further impacted by Wing energon that cascades onto the SCREECHING Dark Lord! Tenchi has to brace his Wings, to brunt it all, to keep the ladies around him alive! Even Ryoko has to turn away from the display, as she has a hand on Tenchi's back, feeding all her Gem energon, into Tenchi, to assist! Jurai Shields galore in accent, and wailing screams, before all FALLS silent!
...and it takes a moment to gather shattered bearings, as... "I... I thought you were the main character." ...Tennyo queeps, Tenchi just snipping. "After that, I can handle second best for now, and... what...?!"
"It can't be!" ...Noike shoots her head forward. Ayeka too with... "After all of that?!" ...as...
"~ As I feared. ~" ...Tsunami accents, Aleaic looking hard too, through his Wings, as afar, a disheveled Dias area, still had the Great Darkness upon it! One looking back at his prey. Washu just about... "~ Enough of him! ~" ...about makes a clawed swat of her own.
"~ Wait. ~ / - Hold. -" ...two seem to know better, one better than the other so guessing, Washu stopping and seeing, as Mulhorand just looks at the foes above him, and fells to a 'knee' suddenly. The Darkness starts to bleed away suddenly... "{{~ ARGGHH! USELESS cur of a Shell! ERGHAA! ~}}" ...as the Darkness realizes the Soth Shell isn't enough here. Washu realizes on seeing... "~ He's losing Astral cohesion here! ~" ...this Gaea just blanches... "~ That was all just in Astral form?! ~"
The Dark begins to flame desiccate away gain, but not before, on looking back up at a Nemesis... "{{~ No Victory here. I am Eternal Still! The 'same' as it ever was, from all ancient times. Antara and Alpha, all the entropic SAME! A War has returned to utter... FLAME!~}}" ...before the Darkness 'collapses' within itself! And the last, as 'Soth' returns of lacking yellow eyes, before he too then begins to 'suck into the Abyss', warning with all spite... "{~ And Destiny WILL Die! ~}" ...and black flame snap implodes upon itself, with a last spiteful gasp, one however with no power to it.
And then, a dragged out, choking moment to claw realization back from, before a voice from Noike... "Is... is that it?"
"~ For... now. ~" ...Gaea hopes she judges right. Tokimi just asks in turn... "~ What was he?! I didn't even sense him entering the Nexus! ~" ...this Washu eyes over at... "~ Good question. ~" ...at the unspoken Choshin of note here. This before... "~ I... Beloved! ~" ...Aleaic just teleports down to the Dias, and PLOPS to his back! "Enough! Enough for one freakin' day!" ...to a sudden vented body waggle release of chuckles, that giggles find attaching too readily after.
Washu denotes. "~ Indeed. ~" ...as she phases down now, Tokimi reacting baleful to... "~ Sister! ~" ...as a genius, returns to join her proper clan. "Washu!" ... "Great party Mom!" ...various Tenchi mates yelp. Washu just raspberries Ryoko back. "Hey. You agreed too, to it all."
"Eh?" ...Aleaic blinks with view of nothing at all, as Tenchi then just holds his head. "What next." ... "That." ...Noike puts, as Sasami comes up to Washu... "You all okay?" ...this Washu just gives a Sissy-poo hug to Sasami, into her nominal sized chest. "Never better Sis!"
Aleaic's hearing more and more, as Tokimi just snaps. "~ We haven't finished the trial, I... NOT YOU TOO! ~" ...as Gaea 'descends' and appears next to Al's splayed body. Al-kun sees as Gaea just flits a hand. "Quit it Sis. We got too much out of this. Enough to proceed to the proper course." ...this as Tokimi just sighs, looks over at... (why is Tsui being so passive, unto all this time...?) ...a Sister, before she does similar, and 'descends'. Ayeka sees, as Tokimi appears 'not' next to Washu, or Tenchi, but rather... "Then it really all is true. Oh my." ...as Ryoko just shakes her head, and Sasami leads half-sorta giggles. This as Aleaic starts to see to both sides of him, as two Choshin are near him now. He then suddenly scampers to his feet! "Wh... what are you doing?"
"Should we tell him?" ...Gaea quips, arms folded, looking at a Sister across from her. Tokimi just smirks, and tries to fight off a blush, as she then imparts... "That he's too special to be left alone?" ...this Aleaic hears, starting to 'not' to believe his ears, as Tokimi just instead eyes towards... "That part, was not for me to inform . I however find... a want, in this one now."
"Oh?" Gaea leans in with, and Tokimi flusters the white hair off with. Aleaic is growing more beside himself, as he's recognizing the looks on the two goddesses. "You can't mean... you... can't...!"
"Then whom should tell him?" Gaea makes a provocative stretch of her body, in accent, that any proper male would have trouble avoiding gaze of. (Ayeka: "She really is serious?") Not that Al doesn't realize to AVERT his gaze in split second realization of, before Toki just leans in on Al, whom blinks in wide eye reaction, before she leans back, and then imparts... "Given the situation, it would be best to conduct this with full truth." ...this before Tokimi then looks up... "All of the Truth." ...at where Aleaic does, and a final Choshin looks pensively away, Aleaic finally getting a chance to see proper goddess details here, before Tsui decides to descend as well. This into formal lower-esc format view.
Gaea and Toki just eye Al sidelong, folded arms to each even, as Aleaic eyes... "Wait... I... is... is that really..." ...as he looks about her usual format, but then sees one aspect of familiarity, as he meets her pink hued eyes...
"Tsui...?"
Tenchi crew heads and eyes trade back and forth, Ryoko even... "Might get sappy here." ...before a Washu sponsored elbow to daughterly ribs.
And... for a moment, those eyes looking at each other... his with confused... wonder...
...hers... that try hard to look back into them...
...but... "No." ...and she suddenly whooshes right by them all! Al SPINS about... "Tsui!" ...as Tsunami stops, looks back, and then exits the Dias, with a strange whimper! Aleaic just rushes to the portal Tsunami makes, but already... "Tsui! Wait! Hold on!" ...is closed behind her! Aleaic just anime bounces around, looking at... "How did... where...?!" ...as he gets all antsy-pantsy, 'looking for a way'!
Washu just snickers... "Guess we should help." ...and Tokimi just raises her purple hand to... "I got... it?" ...but stops. A good off kilter eyed moment, when the next thing they all see, is... holy jeeze, Aleaic using one of his Wings to actually shoehorn the portal open with! With Manic... "Wait up Tsui! ERGH!" ...grunts, before actually succeeding somehow, and on enough made room, just skedaddles into the wrenched portal! ": TSUI! :"
That just leaves Toki and Gaea both... dumbfounded! (Not to mention kooky looking!)
"Just HOW did he do that?!" ...Tokimi actually is in disbelief of! Gaea just blinks a lot. A lot!
Washu just leans in, as much as Noike... er... all the girls do, as Washu teases in. "So. Interested yet?"
The... smirks, both goddesses give off, gives off vibes only Tenchi cannot feel. All 'such' flair, seem to be a female domain. Tenchi is just making mental notes all that Wing play, he saw. "I'll get good with them, next time!" This Ayeka and Ryoko just glower at him, in hearing!
Tennyo just whispers to Noike... "Guess the room will get crowded."
"Will it just 'be' a room?" ...Noike just looks in thinking about. Washu hears and just chuckles.
Meanwhile. "Washu. Please tell me my Yagami is still in one piece?" ...this a genius just eyes back with... "Aren't you more worried about Aleaic?"
"Will you quit that too! Just get me back my ship!"
Washu just shrugs and charges a finger. "Last goddess act for today. (And for a year if I can help it.) But first..." ...she opens a 'window' to peep at...
... ...
Two verily similar space warrior babes, were panting for a gout of exhaustion. Minagi looked on, as Nagi... "Ken..." ...beheld a badly hurt cabbit, in shaking, blood cut hands. The blood however wasn't all red. Some of it was dark. None of it cabbit blood. There was too much burn damage instead. Minagi just imparts... "He'll be fine."
Nagi... shaking... "Y... yeah... he's a tough little guy." ...as already the regenerative functions were kicking in. It took a LOT to knock off a gemmite creature, of highly advanced make.
What did it, left telltale burn marks of black, around within the bridge area of... "Hinase."
": No more sign of... that unknown enemy, Mistress Minagi. :"
Nagi just looked back, past the nearly ruined bridge area of Minagi's Jurai style Battlecruiser, and remarked. "Not even of... something that large?"
": No sign... Mistress Minagi... :" ...the sentient computer imparted, with decent strain. Someone injured would tell of a similar tone. The smell of a barely victorious battle, off an ambush... "How could they attack from literally nothing at all?" ...a Hunter asked of answers not forthcoming. Worse of, as Nagi looked at her sudden shipmate. "And how long have 'you' been hiding Lighthawk Wings?"
Minagi just shrugs. "Ask my Master. Like I ever knew he had a Tree. Or I for that matter, till now."
Nagi got suspicious, but finds herself too tired for demand conjecture. However she 'did' ask... "I think we better tell those Royals. Might get them off our backs. I'm done with all this."
Minagi just nods with a sigh, wiping at her forehead, and then remembering the sting from the cut she still has there, and then a realizing look back at the blood smear, on her offending hand, then just nods. "Yeah. This isn't our problem here. Hinase."
": Yes Mistress? :" ...as the primary crystal sentient, floats up, rather knocked around looking. (As were several other 'ship crystals', as they were checking each other over.)
"Prepare a data packet, and send when ready. Then set course back to Juraian space."
A bading... ": It'll take time, the communication system was damaged in the attack. We're repairing now, and will comply on completion. :"
Minagi just nods. "One thing, then another." ...this Nagi just plops to her butt with. Minagi does so to, and asks... "We can put her in a healing tank, if you want."
Nagi turned angsty, thinking it a way to hurt her, given how the Hunter usually was around... well... anything. But then her mindful manners kick in, and then changes her facade to match. "Fine. The sooner the better for him."
Nagi then hops up... "And then maybe we can take him to Earth and let Ryo-chan help?"
"Drop dead." ...Nagi cracked back, before she rises as Minagi giggles despite, and the two head off to the Med bay. Hinase meanwhile is piloted away from the battle zone, for a nearby gravitational anomaly that is good for hiding from sensors, to wait out repairs.
All the meanwhile...
... ...
...the next act in the play... "They... no... he's back!" ...Rea shouts, as she/they in the Masaki hold within a somewhat used living room remains,, see Aleaic appear at the broken terrace, screeching to a halt there, looking back and forth, then RACING off to their right, back into the grassy area! Mirei looks past the disheveled house, and asks... "What's he looking for?"
"Love." ...Yosho takes a sip of tea (green) with. (Guess a cup survived too.) Mirei looks back, as Yugi cocks a look back. "Weren't you watching all that happened too, Mirei?" ...this Mirei just blinks back across the (somewhat intact, ad-hoc) Kotatsu table. "Wait. So Tsunami is here?"
"Here here?" ...Misao looks, as a Seto image pops up... ": Might want to hurry and see. :" ...this a decent gaggle of fems race to the area the glass slide doors used to be, and about plop out of, as Nobuyuki then looks back the shredded sofa area, from being about to join. "Aren't you coming Father?"
Yosho just makes a relaxing sip. "In a moment." ...this Noby just shrugs, before joining the lady laden lot.
And afar of what they poke out to see, (over more wreckage, than wall there,) is a MANIC Aleaic, looking everywhere, anime about, to and manga fro! Even at the lake, and... "Tsui! Where are you Tsui! TSUI!" ...making cupping motions with his hands, over his mouth. The calls carry around the Shrine area, as Aleaic is about to make a dash to the Shrine, but... halts... and turns passive.
"But... Tsu... ui..." ...as he realizes to be mindful of everything that hinted up to now. He then looks up at the blue sky. Dots are connected enough now to ask... "Where... who are... you...?" ...as a leaf passes by his face, and down to the...
"~ Yours. ~" ...a calm, yet still whispered tone imparts, as a chime sings at the very air, where the leaf touches.. This becoming the nascent time, Aleaic is witness to a proper goddess arrival. Eyes watching, are shown the goddess accent of sun flared sparkles, as she appears before Aleaic, in all her replete kimono glory. Blue tresses and pony-tails flutter in the summer breeze, as she floats over the lake, verily close to him.
Aleaic sees, and... so floored to his knees. "Is... is that...?"
"~ You are indeed, everything of what our own dreams made prophetic unto us, my dear beloved. ~"
"I... I am?"
A moment then, as two drink in each other of sight, this before Tsunami looks away, terribly blushed... "~ It's...been forever, since you looked at me, in that way. ~"
"I thought it was earlier." ...Aleaic imparted, as he then cocks an eye a bit, as Tsui realizes and cocks her own head back. Al quips... "So... you are Sasami's sister?"
"~ Now. In a sense. ~"
"I get it. I really get it." ...Aleaic quips a bobbing nod back, Tsui betraying a giggle. Aleaic then asks... "Tsuoki?"
"~ My cover. My proper name is Tsunami. Call me either, whichever you prefer. ~"
"Call you beautiful, either way." ...Aleaic felt a swamp in his soul, mush in deep. Tsui, to another giggle.
"Why?" ...Aleaic asks next. Tsunami just floats down, and looks dead into Al's eyes, ones full of shiver, questions, and fears. She cups a hand... then both to his cheeks, and offers. "~ Because Beloved, I have been in love with you, for a very, very long time. Your essence, has been my bond, through many timelines, some of which even bypass the logical meaning of our current Existence. You are whom I waited for, after so long a lonely wait. I am truly sorry for deceiving you, as I did. I had my reasons. I wished them to remain, for a time longer. None of my impart, was ever meant to harm you. ~"
Aleaic shivers from the touch of reality.
And then he feels PAIN in those same cheeks! This as Tsui just gets a tic angsty in turn. "Wait! Ow! Owowowow! Lotta pain!" ...what a girl.
And suddenly her gaze isn't terribly loving. "~ And more before, to rend you now, for a wait caused by your last sacrifice, done yourself, that nearly broke me! And after so long molding you into a format I didn't have to reduce my own format to belove unto! ~" ...whence is her wacky shaking of a poor shmoo... "~ Why did you Sever from me, you eternal putz! ~" ...er... remember how Misaki treated Ryoko the first time around? You get the holo-pic there.
"OW! Ow!... how should... OWWIE! ...I... YEOW! ...know?! ACK! OWWIEE!"
One wonders how his head is still on his body, at that point, as onlooking just teardrop. Seto actually looks queasy. ": A truly tough soul, that one is. :"
"Gives me an idea." ...Rea quips, before Nobuyuki hears and BOOKS it out of sight. Misao just looks 'upward' below Rea, and adds... "You haven't done it to Noby-kun yet?" ...that Rea just giggles, before the next sight, makes for BLUSHES, of fem abound. Yugi, suddenly covering her eyes. "Oh jeeze!" ...as Mirei and Misao sure ain't!
It all turns an emotional corner that fast, from Tsui cheek obliterating poor Al, to outright kissing him, with full force. Al-kun isn't mumbling any complaint, at least until... "Mummph! Mrwwumph! Mruu... T... Tsui! W... wait!" ...he has to bade off suddenly, as Tsunami realizes too, as she sees him 'sparkling' a bit too 'Edwardian', as Tsunami uses a quick bit of her power to stabilize Al! "~ And as I feared. Our relative astralforms are still incompatible. ~" ...as Aleaic 'settles' down, this he gasps out weirdly. "Wha... why... and... wait..." ...as he suddenly also realizes... "Wait... how do I know..."
Tsunami, on her knees before Aleaic, offers... "~ I wanted you to know. Know 'everything' of the truth, of why you are here. And... 'why' I have conducted as so. All my transgressions. All my intentions. All my works upon you. ~" ...as Aleaic realizes 'everything' from how his Journey started, up to that moment! Aleaic's suspicions, myriad hunched at clues, and far more of both the Shrine Journey, and the time at the Masaki Shrine, are answered unto his mind. And a 'bit' more than that.
After eyes dart about in sudden self reflection... "So I 'am' an orphan." ...Aleaic gulps, of knowing things an infant version could never remember to properly know. Such looked down with at sodden ground, before looking up with sodden eyes. "Tsui... is anything I ever did, ever have done, any of my own doing?"
A silken hand on scarred and burnt Jurai armor, more blackened than the black of original pigment color, at the chest. "~ All of it. I only steered to my end desire. But it's whom you are, that drove all before that, and what I honor to 'know' whom I love. I leave you with that, and the memories, to tide you over for now, until I return. ~"
Al's million questions a second bit, just screeches to a halt in his mind! (And a lot of eyes blink too!) "Return?!"
Tsunami nods sadly. "~ I had attempted to conduct myself as a lower format, to bide time to allow your own ascendance, and better hone all that we are, from all such. Events have however transpired to damage my lower dimensional format, to remain amongst without unforeseen damage. ~" ...and a fearful one creeps more into a lover's voice. A shaken head mop of burnt blond accents... "But... but we have Washu! Not here but...! But we can fix this, you and I somehow! Please don't..."
An elegant finger, halts a mounting tirade of fear, at the lips. A selfishness Tsunami (and others listening,) appreciate... "~ Thank you for that. It's been so long, since I heard such care, and selfishness for myself. ~"
Tsunami then sees softly, the growing worry, that Aleaic takes his own hand to put aside Tsui's bading one, and imparts... "Is... is it because what I did... back... er... up there?" ...worrying if his 'acts' had caused there he and losing now. Tsunami just sighs. "~ I fear our Dark enemy is more to fault there. But do not despair so readily. I do intend to return. I however require time to settle affairs, before I can be yours forever again. ~"
"How... h... how long?" ...a mind breaking, yet trying to be appeasable, despite the consternation wrung within a young love. Tsunami just touches her forehead, tom his. The tactile effect alone, sends shivers through them both. "~ Uncertain. But know my bond to know my truth, all such that I speak. It says of my return, without fail. ~"
And after a deep gulp, like about to take a plunge down a cliff, without a certain end to the fall, he offers... "O... okay. I'll... gawd I hate me... I'll wait for ya. I swear I will." ...clutched at her hands tightly.
"~ Thank you. ~" ...responded to, to another witnessed kiss. A 'lot' of questions that begin to bubble up in Al's mind. Ones that are suddenly felled silent, and...
"W... where did she...?" Kiyone balks, as Mayuka finally whimpers, for a sad and lonely sight. Eyes see only one soul of lakeside witness now. Aleaic, by the time the 'tingle' leaves his lips, realizes... gulps raw and cold, and then sighs. Then... a prolonged moment of waiting for... nothing... before he smirks a bit. "So... that's what I did to her." ...with a weak shrug.
One myriad set of 'orbital' eyes, saw something that went to short in passing moment, of eyes wiped at to eventually dry, and of the clenching breath at end result, that made some 'high on' further decisions made, on the spot. The far reaching kind. (Full of differing amounts of comedy and annoyance too, viewpoint depending,)
However one tone then spikes in next, of a stoic clarion... "And now, I'd like some explanations from the peanut gallery, thank ye all."
A wise voice unseen, clarions tone of... "We'll 'all' discuss that, up at the Shrine, kun-san." ...that quite a few knowing ears, (in various places,) teardropped in hearing.
": I'll leave you to it. :" ...one voice just bade off with. The rest... oh well... "Guess we have this coming." ...Rea quips, as soon a telling will be at hand. Gathered at that.
... ...
...another crew has it's similar fill. "Is everyone... -cough- ...alright?" ...with smoke and sparks around him, overlaying a more menacing worry, of aftereffect hand.
"Too close." ...Amane and Suiren comment back, a bit weak of voice. Senia then asks, as he ignores the very real cut to his forehead. "How long till the breach is sealed?"
"Almost there." ...Kiriko reports. Neiju then asks, badly disheveled looking, a good bit wary as well. "Did we get em?"
"Can't... really tell." ...Gyokuren responds. She then looks over... "Double check me Ryoko. Is it...?" ...this a former space pirate, turned GP officer, can only respond back with disbelief. "Unsure either. Hard to believe, but our sensors are having trouble localizing everything, but before, it was like..."
"It wasn't there." ...Senia arrives to the same, disturbing conclusion. He then gets a tad impatient, off several various fears, that were filtering out of him. A light vent to be sure, in about demanding... "Did we get anything about what that thing was?"
"Sorry Senia... trying to... ergh... this makes no sense." ...Kiriko reports, just as angsty. They all were, for certain. Fuku was in Neiju's own shaking arms, both sharing the same fear, as all sight of a scantily dressed crew, was bade away for all sense of melting away terror, as whatever attacked them, was nearly powerful enough to do in even Washu's expert design battleship.
Senia looked around at the rather damaged interior of the bridge area. He also looked as Hakuren was tending to Ryoko, the cut on Ryoko's arm, rather nasty, the bandage on it, already soaked in blood, that was trying to keep the bleeding in check, while the internal body enhancement nanites caught up, as well as the med pack she had under the bandage. Somehow, despite the audacity of the attack, that was the worst of the injuries, past cuts, bruises, and badly shaken nerves. It took a lot to unnerve GP officers, none less battle hardened veterans, such as the Kamidake II crew. Senia just couldn't get the image of that strange ship, made of pure darkness...
'It's like, the void of space came out and attacked us.' ...the Captain thought, before he asked... "Has anyone ever come across a ship like that?"
"If it was a ship..." ...Kiriko imparted, clearly shaken by it all. "...I'd not even know where to begin to ascertain what to search for."
"Bad news guys." ...Suiren was forced to declare. "That fight took out most of our weapon arrays. Engines are down to sub hyper warp until repair systems catch up. The spatial cloak is down too. Heck, about everything both important, and minor is in bad shape. We're lucky to be alive."
"Thank the Captain for all that." ...Karen propped. Senia just acts meek, as Kiriko, 'the' reason she's so unnerved... "We're lucky we have Idol, I don't know what that enemy ship used to nullify my Wings like that. If..."
"It's okay Kiriko." ...Senia just smiled back, ever iconic and hopeful. Kiriko needed that. Mizuki was sure reflecting how scared the 'child' Tree, was. Idol thankfully, was as battle hardened a Seed, as one could get, apparently. Senia sorta wondered about that, but all vectored away from the next obvious problem...
"If the Hylians find us..." ...Amane considers too readily, of the next problem. Senia then sighs. "I guess getting to Alcorian space now, is not good."
Gyokuren nodded. "The damage is bad enough, we'd probably need Washu's help herself, to assist us."
"Okay. And... time for probably my luck to get lousy on us again, but..." ...Senia started, then took a breath before imparting. "...find us a sensor cloaking area, make what repairs we can, and then use the Fold drive to get us back to friendly territory."
Yeah, the bunch took that well. "You're nuts." ...given Neiju said that, Fuku mewing in strange accent, it didn't bolster crew confidence. Senia then asked. "How long for self-repair systems to get us back to standard operation, if we don't Fold."
And the way the crew reacted, when enough return data came back to consoles, Amane just sighed in anime mode. "We can only get it to about seventy three percent. Some of the auxiliary self repair systems are destroyed."
"Guys." ...Senia took a (sitting) stand, to the surprise of the ladies. "It'll work. Just redirect from what we don't need, and find us a place to hide, for at least the Fold. We'll worry about repairs once Washu gets a hold of the Kamidake, we just need to buy time. I know it'll work."
A good time for all those loving blushes to help find lost confidence again. One by one, nods begin to agree. Ryoko even accents... "If it works, we'll make history."
"Better than your past history, for sure." ...Hakuren quipped. Ryoko had to be held back by Amane there, for some reason. Senia however took enough from all that, to then command... "Set a course for something we can hide in. A week at most, earlier if we can manage it."
Karen then imparted... "I noticed a Class Three Nebula with star formation that can hide us." ...this Hakuren nodded. "About 0.7 of a parsec off." ... "As long as it's not some hidden Hylian base or something." ... "Yeah yeah." ...both Renzan fems, blanched to Ryoko's parting shot.
Senia then just sat back, and thought, as the ship began to move again, under limited power. 'Just hope our luck is good for all this. Hate to get us all killed here.' ...this he just anime sighed at.
The ladies saw and looked comically annoyed in noting. "Oh that helps loads." ...Amane 'quips'.
... ...
(June 17th - Tenchi Journal)
-Wow. I kinda hate myself a bit, at the moment. Sure, Al is getting over what we all did to him. To be honest, I really didn't know 'what' was going to happen, prior. I thought Tokimi would just scan him or something. Make him go through some simple maze. What I did see him do, I kinda wished I was the one instead doing it. I also hate to really say it, though not really, I guess I get an idea of what these Wings can really do, when used right. I'm sorta not so afraid of using them now, and might even... bad idea, I know... ask Washu about how to learn to use them better. I mean if Al can use them, I can too. After what we now know, what we face, I'd better help Al do all he can. To help protect us all. (Course, knowing the girls, they got ideas of their own too. Family is family, as Al said, back at the Shrine, after that... event.)
Speaking of that, when we told Al what we agreed to let Tokimi do to him, he was mad alright. Just... not mad in the way we expected. Apparently really silent, when mad, Al is. So much so it actually creeped Ryoko out, and she ended up chasing after him, to get him to yell at her! He just ran away from it, that Al! Heh. I guess he's mad. I'm rather angry at Tokimi, for kidnapping us all, like that. Jeeze the girl needs to learn stuff about living down here, if she's going to do so. All that if... maybe if, maybe more, they... man, even writing that down, is too much. I actually better not say it here, Al might actually get curious and read my journal. (Or my mind. Don't know what else the guy has going for him now.)
And we all got some yelling out, some screaming, some explosions here and there. (Man Ryoko and Ayeka don't hold back.) Also got some near pummeling by Grandpa, with that sledgehammer he borrowed again, for this. Was bad enough when he nearly used it, for that phone class bit, he hijacked from me. Yeah, I love my Grandpa. (The bonehead.) I think Grandpa though, was doing it all to try and let Al... keep focusing this on Al, to be distracted from what happened. He loves Tsunami. We all see how hurt he is right now. I think he's better than the last time she vanished for awhile. And we found out why, and all that led to all this, I think of mention. He says she'll be back. We all believe that. (Also getting a weird vibe from Washu for some reason now. I don't get her sometimes. Or maybe at all.)
Well, after all that, and a bit of promised Washu-goddess power to repair the house... and the area, from that fun stuff. (I mean jeeze man, I don't like the idea of stars being thrown at me. Gotta respect Al now, for surviving that.)
-a moment-
Al keeps saying all this isn't supposed to be about him. I think it really is all about him. Tsunami sure set it all up as so. Heck, changed a universe in time, to get him to her. Makes one wonder just how far those two really go back. And that part, is really scary to hear bout.
Aleaic, when asked about it, said something like... 'I guess we started together, a long, very long time ago...' ...and about... 'She changed me (him) into a better person, more than I (him) ever thought I (him again,) could ever be.'
The weird part, is now that Al knows about what led him up to coming here, he has blanks in his memory, of specific things, that apparently, I guess if we all guess at, even Tsunami doesn't even know of. Not all sure why yet, and I guess that's more dang foreshadowing for ya.
The rest of us. We're adjusting back to the routine. With one caveat from Washu, right at Al. Kinda rude of her, in a way, given how Al is at the moment, but... also I guess fair to set him straight.-
... ...
"Okay Al-bub. Got something to tell ya, before you go moping off on us again."
"I'm 'not' moping. I'm... -sigh- messed up." ...Aleaic responds back to Washu, as she was ready to set him straight, that day after the Shrine 'meeting', and seeing Aleaic looking as said mopy, as she was about to head into her Lab again, with Tenchi, Tennyo, Noike, and Ryoko (upside down,) watching, decided to help in her own way.
Sorta... as she WHACKED Al in the noggin. "YEOW!"
"Grow up."
Even Tenchi winced at that one. "Washu?!"
"Grow... up?" ...Aleaic blinked. Washu just huffed and leaned right at him, right by the Lab door, and poked at his chest. "Yup. Guess what 'kun', life is full of crap that can get nasty and not so nice. Might want to keep level headed through it all, before some of the bad stuff comes back to make trouble for us again. Besides, it's not manly for someone that should act in more control. Especially with your powers and all. The universe isn't going to wait for you to grow up, if you aren't careful."
Aleaic had to gulp at that one. "Uh... sure." ...as he started to 'see' a needed lesson. Washu noted this in the eyes, as she then turns and then adds... "Also, when my Sister comes back, might want her to see a man, rather than a boy. Might get to enjoy her more, since she 'is' a goddess with needs."
And whatever moment of clarity there was to be had, it just froze with that last spiel. Even Tenchi had to balk out. "Washu! Did you have to tell him that, in that way?!" ...this Washu just eyes Tenchi, rather dangerously in turn. "Oh? And when do we get to see the 'man', from you too, eh?"
Tenchi just booked it. "Not today!" ...as Washu just snickered, as Ryoko and Noike just eye Washu. "Gee Mom, give him more reason to not choose."
Washu blinks at that. "We let Tenchi choose?"
Tennyo just heard all the fem snickers, and smirks. "Ol Bro, doing 'good' for himself." ...before going back to a girls comic.
Oh, and Ryoko checked on Al-frozen, and quipped... "You gonna stay like that, all day?"
Al just nods. "Yeah. Thank my overactive male thinking bit... er... there." ...and Ryoko just snickers, and flips back up to her rafter spot. Al just takes a walk outside, and then walks into the lake.
... ...
(Tenchi Journal continued...)
-Well, I guess Al is healthy... er... as they say. (I'm worried about 'me' being that healthy, and... er... moving on.)
And from that, we all started to settle back into that same routine. One that unfortunately got mucked into, when we learned that night from Al, that his old area of Nekomi, got hit by an earthquake, during all that fiasco we went through. Or something along all that. Washu got kinda antsy in telling what was going on over there, since I guess Tsunami and Tokimi... and Gaea too... aren't the only goddesses, out there on this 'blue dot', that Kiyone (the Galaxy Police one,) said she got from Al. (Man he's getting to the girls. I tell you.)
Anyway, the main point, Al learned that his old Nanny called, and told him, what I just wrote here. After we got the gist from that, we all outright put together a care package, and Dad, Rea (Mom I guess too,) and Grandpa, volunteered for go with Al back to Nekomi to help check up on his old place. (I think Grandpa wanted to do something else too. He always does weird stuff, while helping out, or a part of regular stuff we do.) So, we all just wait here, and see what Washu has cooked up, while I keep getting hints from Sasami, of something 'big' about to happen. It's a good thing Al is suddenly gone, since whatever that whole mess in the Nexus was about, I never really did learn 'why' they were doing it to him. I keep asking the girls, and they keep telling me it's a surprise.
Fine, don't tell me. Girls.
So, I guess when Al gets back. And also, heard from Grandpa stuff is happening in space too. I wish I would be told stuff. I hate it when I learn stuff last. I swear everyone does it to mess me up in the head. It's always games with everyone, and I never get the race car. (I think I get the top hat, or glass shoe, or something play piece, as far as these 'games' go.)
And I guess I'll stop here, with a prayer for Al's Nanny, and that orphanage of his. Didn't sound good on the phone. Losing Tsunami, and then this. I have to say, I'm glad he's my friend. Or that I am his, as he'd say. I wish him the best, and hope to see them both together soon. I mean, it's all more fun when we're all together. I guess family really is worth fighting for.
It really is.-
(End Act VI)
