Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Tenchi Muyo
cast. However Blackshire, The Ebon
Shard, and Yosho (with the golden eyes.
Tenchi and Ryoko's son.), as well as The Universe of Torment, and The
Universe of Delight are my ideas, so please ask before using any of
them.
Tenchi Muyo: The Final Saga?!
Chapter 2 Meetings:
The legend of the two Universes' is an ancient one. These days it is told only to calm
children with nightmares. You see,
in one dimension, called the Universe of Delight, good always triumphs in the
end. Things may not be perfect, yet
in the end justice and right shall never fail. However, the other universe, The
Universe of Torment, is not so fortunate.
It is a realm where evil reigns supreme. In the end the evils that roam that
plane stand triumphant and those with pure hearts must be prepared, in the end,
to die by these monster's hands.
But, that is not the entirety of the legend. For you see, the old legend states that
one day a being of purest evil will leave The Universe of Torment, and wage a
horrible war with the Universe of Delight.
This monster shall be born from love, yet be the bane of all that have
love inside them. His hate and fury
will lay waste entire worlds, and all of time will quake at his passing. If the demon is defeated, then the
Universe of Torment will forever be free of its curse. The curse that evil shall always
prevail. But if the demon is not
stopped, then the Universe of Delight will fall under the same curse as it's
parallel, and every living thing in both universes shall know unending pain and
suffering for all time.
This is the story of the demon's coming, and how it will
affect the people in both worlds.
From Torment comes a young man imprisoned by a black-hearted monster,
called Blackshire, who may or may not be the demon foretold by legend. The ebon knight may merely be the
harbinger of worse things to come.
But this story takes place in the Universe of Delight, where Tenchi
Masaki, as well as all his family and friends, with the addition of his darling
daughter, Mayuka live happily.
That Said, Let us continue with part two of the
saga:
Outside the Masaki house:
A refreshing breeze blew across the lake in front of Masaki
house, cooling those on the land.
In the plush grass nearby, a beautiful woman in a blue and brown striped
dress laid on her back, trying to relax her silver spiny hair blowing gently in
the wind. Looking up at the clear
sky, she appeared to be lost in deep thought. Why can't I stop thinking about
Mayuka? Ayeka just went to put her
down for her nap a few seconds ago, yet I get the feeling that I just abandoned
her. I still must be tired. I did only sleep a few hours.
Ryoko sighed in defeat, closing her golden eyes, trying to
focus on the warm rays of the sun against her skin, instead of her own
worries. Maybe Ayeka's
right. I do seem to spend a lot of
time with Mayuka. Maybe I should
give the other's a chance to raise her more. After all, they all seem to be more like
the kid than I am, and they would all definitely be better role models. In the end, the only thing I seem to be
good for is smashing stuff.
Ayeka would be a much better mother figure than me.
Ryoko paused; shocked that she would even think such a
thing. I can't believe I
just admitted to myself that Ayeka would be better at ANYTHING than me. I must be REALLY tired.
As Ryoko continued to think about her day bitterness slowly
seeped into her thoughts. I
think what's really getting to me is how mom left Mayuka with Mihoshi. I didn't ask that poor excuse for a
detective to watch Mayuka, I asked WASHU.
Well, I guess the little pink haired midget must have remembered some
stupid experiment, and dumped the kid on Mihoshi. I should have known all Washu's talk
about me being a good mother was just talk. She did say she wanted to talk to
me about something else, so everything she said to me was probably a lie so I'd
let her poke me with more needles.
The silver haired woman stopped, mentally scolding
herself. What am I saying? Mihoshi may not be the smartest person I
know, but she isn't a danger to Mayuka, and Washu would never promise one thing
and do another without a good reason.
Whatever it was must have been important for her to just up and leave
like that. What is getting into me
lately? Ever since I started
thinking about myself as a mother, I've really been on edge. Perhaps I should go talk to Washu, she
always knows what to say to calm me down...
"Hello Ryoko."
Washu said solemnly approaching the reclined space pirate with a hand
rose to indicate her peaceful intent.
Seeing her daughter make no attempt to ignore her, the short scientist
face lightened. "I know you are
probably angry with me for leaving Mayuka earlier, and I am sorry about that,
but I had to find something very important. Now that I've found it, I want to give
it to you."
"What is it?"
The silver haired woman asked, hesitantly turning her head to look at her
red-haired mother. "It better not
be a shot, or so help me Washu..." Ryoko's words trailed off as she extended a
shaking fist toward her mother in a threatening manner.
Is that any way to talk to your mother, Ryoko? Washu asked mentally deciding this
conversation was best held in complete privacy.
I just came out here to show you how good a job you are
doing with Mayuka. Taking a
seat beside her easily provoked daughter the shorter woman cast a sympathetic
stare at the worn out space pirate.
You really shouldn't think of everything as a trap, it's not
healthy.
It's what's kept me alive this long. Washu's daughter reminded her, brushing
some wind blown weeds off her chest.
The green-eyed scientist bit her lip as Ryoko's word's cut her
deeply. She could still recall the
horrible torment they had each experienced at the hands of Kagato. Now, what's this about proof? What are you up to this
time?
Instead of answering, the diminutive scientist reached into
her shirt, and produced a small disc.
At first glance, it appeared to be no more than a small circular piece of
metal, roughly an inch in diameter.
The black metallic disc bore Washu's crab insignia on one side, while on
the other it appeared to have some form of a suction cup. Here it is. My proof. It took me all morning, but I finally
found it, and even managed to upgrade it a little.
Right... Ryoko responded looking at the tiny metal
disc skeptically. So, you spent
the whole morning looking for a weird looking coin to show me, and THAT's
suppose to prove that I'm doing a good job with Mayuka? Washu, I knew you were a little screwy
before, but now I'm convinced that you've totally lost it.
It's not a coin; it's my psionic connection amplifier.
Washu shouted into the golden-eyed woman's mind, noting that her daughter
continued to stare with a look that broadcasted the former space pirate's lack
of understanding. Breathing deeply,
the red haired woman decided to explain more basic terms. When you were little, I was unable to
read your thoughts, but I wanted to make your life as close to perfect as I
could. So I created this coin, as
you call it, to help me achieve that goal.
This device allowed me to read your mind. Anyone who is psionically sensitive,
like you, me, and Ryo-Ohki can establish a mental link with a person who has
this placed on their head. As I
said, I've altered it slightly; right now it is set to be usable only on those
of the Masaki bloodline.
So what you're saying is... Ryoko began; slowly
starting to follow where her mother was leading her.
What I'm saying is this, if you place this device on
Mayuka's head, you will share a link with her like you do with Ryo-Ohki and
me. You will be able to see into
her mind, and once you can do that, I'm confident it will help you understand
just how much you mean to her.
Tell me, Washu, could that thing also be used on
Tenchi? Ryoko asked her
curiosity peaked at the idea of seeing what the man she loved thought about
her.
It could be, Washu said her tone sounding
skeptical. But I don't think it
should be. The human psyche becomes
a dangerous thing to mess with, as they get older. You might be able to get away with using
it on Tenchi, but the chance of frying both your brains or going into in a coma
afterward is very high. Ryoko
waved off Washu's concerns, staring at the device with hungry eyes.
Listen, Ryoko, the reason I even showed this to you was so
you could finally put your fears about motherhood to rest. But if you no longer have those fears,
then I'll take it back to the lab...The short scientist rose to her feet
ending their mental conversation, since she had become tired of playing games
with her daughter.
I wish you would just decide what it is you want
Ryoko. It would make helping you
easier, Washu mentally told herself.
Just as she turned to go, the universe's greatest genius felt a hand
gently clasp onto her shoulder.
No! Please
Washu. Let me use that thing. Ryoko shouted back reestablishing
communication with the woman who appeared to be no more than a child. I'm sorry I mentioned using it on
Tenchi. I promise if you let me
burrow that thing, I will only use it to see what Mayuka thinks of me. Please, I'll do anything; give you
anything, just to end the stress this is causing me. Ryoko gazed at her mother, tears
welling in her golden eyes. I can keep up this worrying much longer.
Sighing, Washu looked back at her emotionally distraught
daughter. You just don't get it do you Ryoko? I'm not doing this to get something from
you. I've never wanted anything
from you, except to make your life a happy one. Placing the device in her daughter's
palm, the caring mother gently closed Ryoko's hand over it.
Take it, it's yours.
You are free to do whatever you want with it. I trust you won't do anything
foolish. Now go put your fears to
rest, once you've done that you'll have no reason to doubt your abilities as
mother, and we'll be able to get back to our usual daily routine. Ryoko swallowed hard, her arms
trembling with excitement as she looked at her closed hand. There was only one thing the mighty
space pirate could think of that would show her appreciation for what her mother
was doing for her. With blinding
speed, the excited woman threw her arms around the tiny woman, hugging the
red-haired woman so hard, it almost seemed she would snap the smaller woman in
half. A single tear rolled down
Washu's child-like face, as she returned Ryoko's embrace. You're welcome my little Ryoko.
Meanwhile at The Masaki Shrine
It was a pleasant early afternoon at the shrine. The chill of the morning had completely
disappeared, replaced by the radiant warmth of the summer's sun. Bird's sang merrily as the fluttered
about in the limbs of ancient giants that surrounded the tiny dwelling. In the shadows cast by these magnificent
trees, small forest animals darted about collecting food, and enjoying the
beautiful summer weather. It
appeared that just like it's predecessors, today would be a perfect day.
Inside an old man, wrapped tightly in white robes, sat behind
a small desk, composing sonnets as he listened to the wonders of nature. Now let's see... what should I write
this one about. Hmm. Adjusting his square framed glasses
delicately, the gray-haired man looked around the room searching for
inspiration.
I just can't seem to think anymore. Must be a case of spring fever coming
over me, I suppose. Maybe I'll go
back to the house and see what's going on.
Sasami may have a snack prepared, and it's always nice to spend time with
Mayuka. The elderly man, known
to most as Lord Katsuhito, and Yosho to those who truly knew him, told himself
before pausing as if analyzing something important.
I think I can safely say that I have never met a child who
is better behaved and more loving than Mayuka. She's like the best of all the girls
wrapped into one. She has the same love in her that Sasami shows, Ayeka's polite
attitude, with just a hint of a wild side like Ryoko. Mayuka also displays an innocence I have
only seen in Mihoshi, and her will is strong like Kiyone's. Of course I can't forget how smart the
girl is just like Washu. Mayuka
always seems to know what is going on around her, and who each of us is. Every time I look into her tiny orange
eyes, I get the same feeling I had when Tenchi was her age. There is just something about her that
makes me certain she is destined for great things.
Leaning back against the wall, the man who would have been
ruler of Jurai allowed his mind to wander.
I have definitely found happiness on this planet. Who would have thought that a man from
Planet Jurai, who was to rule most of the universe, would know such joys living
on a remote back water planet like Earth. Images of all the wonderful times he had
spent with Tenchi, Mayuka, and all the others began floating up to the surface
of his consciousness. Of the
fights, parties, and meetings. Each
day seemed to bring with it new challenges, but there would always be old
friends to face them with. Yes,
it certainly has been noisy around here with all these girls scurrying about,
but I don't think anyone of us, especially Tenchi, would dare say there is
anything wrong with that.
Taking a deep cleansing breath, Lord Katsuhito prepared to
sit up. Stopping himself suddenly, he realized that something felt wrong. Closing his eyes the old priest focused,
trying to detect the source of the problem as he listened to the world around
him. For long minutes he sat in his
trance like state, waiting to hear something that would tell him what was going
on. In the end he heard nothing, and that was what worried him. No longer did birds sing cheerfully or
animals chatter as they scurried about in the trees. In place of all these things there was
only dead silence. Slowly the
Shinto priest rose to his feet, his eyes locked on one of the wooden swords that
hung on the wall beside him. If
this is a burglar, or some one who wishes to do harm to the shrine, he will soon
learn that his priest does not take lightly who come bearing misfortune.
Just as he reached for the door, the old priest heard two
very distinct noises, like someone slamming two iron pots together, followed by
a murmuring. Is that
Sasami? Why would she come all the
way over here to play with pots and pans? He shook his head, ashamed of his own
thoughts. No, Sasami is too well
behaved to make noise like that in front of the shrine. His curiosity now peaked, the
gray-haired Jurain threw open the door.
Kneeling at the base of the steps to the office was a figure
clad completely in black form fitting armor from head to toe. Upon his head sat a helmet that
possessed two long black horns, and a jet-black cloak seemed to flow from his
body, and spill onto the ground.
The bizarre newcomer at the base of the steps was apparently deep in
prayer.
After waiting a few moments, the ruby red-eyed priest cleared
his throat. As he spoke, his voice
was filled with power and authority, yet at the same time it was
compassionate. "It's a little early
for Halloween, don't you think? Is
there something I can help you with, my friend?"
The figure stopped his murmuring; slowly raising it's head to
look at the old man with its golden eyes.
"Friend? No one has
ever called me that before. My name
is Blackshire, and I'm..."
"Blackshire? I
think I have heard of you, are you with a circus group?" the caretaker
interrupted apparently uninterested in the metal clad man's identity. Still as he listened to this stranger's
voice, Tenchi's grandfather could not help but feel slightly shaken. There was something vaguely familiar
about it.
"No," the ebon titan hissed, "I am not in the circus. As I said, I am Blackshire, Lord and
Master of The Ebon Shard. I have
heard much about your fighting skills, and have traveled across time and space
to test myself against you. So will
you face me in battle," as he spoke the black armored monster rose to his feet,
holding his hands out as if he was presenting divinity. "Will you prove me wrong when I say I am
the ultimate power in any universe?"
"I am sorry Mr. Shire, but I have no reason to fight you, and
I have no time to enter any contests.
There is much work to be done, and I am falling behind. Perhaps another time." Katsuhito turned
away, heading back into the shrine.
"Good day to you."
Closing the door behind him, the former Jurain prince let out a deep sigh
of relief, shaking his head as he looked at the floor. Kids today. So that is the newest fad, eh, dressing
up in armor and challenging priests to fights.
As he looked up, Yosho paused mid thought, now standing
before him was the armored figure whom he had just left outside. "I'm afraid I can't accept your
answer. You see I have a serious
mental condition. If I don't get
what I want, people tend to die." Reaching over with one hand Blackshire
removed another wooden sword from the wall, all the while never taking his eyes
off the surprised priest. "Maybe it
won't be you, but I could always go after one of the others. Ayeka, Sasami, Kiyone, Mihoshi, Washu,
Ryoko, you grandson, or even little Mayuka, would satisfy my bloodlust." As he spoke Tenchi's daughter's name,
the villainous intruder accented each syllable, easily indicating his
target. "So then... what do you
say?" Under the black metal helm,
Blackshire smiled while scanning the weapon in his hand. When he returned his gaze to his
opponent seconds later, he expected to see a scared Shinto priest; the evil
creature instead was shocked to see Lord Katsuhito charging at him full
speed.
With blinding speed, the surprised intruder quickly brought
his own blade up to block the amazingly agile warriors thrust. "What's the matter Lord Blackshire,"
Katsuhito asked in a slightly superior tone as the two fighters pressed their
swords against each other with tremendous force. "Did I catch you of
guard?"
Squinting his golden eyes, the master of the Ebon Shard's
hate quickly rose. Using his vast
strength, he hurled the older man away from him, and went on the offensive,
swinging his blade swiftly and with extreme force. Unfortunately for the evil attacker,
Lord Katsuhito was prepared, and was able to deflect each thrust with apparent
ease. Their battle raged on inside
the small shrine, as the elder Masaki parried all Blackshire's attacks, as well
as made a few attacks of his own.
It was an epic fight with neither combatant gaining any ground. He fights as if he was trained on Planet
Jurai, yet his strength and speed are like Ryoko's, not to mention that his
voice reminds me of someone I never thought I would see again. The gray-haired priest was brought out
of his thoughts as the black cloaked villain swung wildly completely missing his
target. The sheer force of his
swing caused the wooden blade to crash through the floor of the shrine.
While his enemy tried to recover from his poor attack, Lord
Katsuhito reacted, making an upward arch with his sword blade, taking
Blackshire's helmet off in a single blow.
In panic, the now helmet less monster threw his hands up to cover his
face. "What's the matter
Blackshire? Did I knock the fight
out of you? Or are you afraid I'll
make a scar that face of yours?"
"You wouldn't want to scar THIS face, now would you, old
man? It's such a thing of beauty,
don't you agree?" the evil warrior hissed, slowly removing his hands from his
face, revealing it to the old priest.
"Your face... but how..." the priest asked at a loss for
words. "It can't be
you?"
In that instant, where the proud Jurai swordsman dropped his
guard from shock, Blackshire landed a powerful punch on the center of the older
man's chest, sending him flying into the far wall. Upon impact with the wall, the old
priest buckled, feeling something snap inside him. "Stupid mistake Prince Yosho, letting
your guard, especially to me. You really should have known better. From the sound of it, that mistake got
your ribs broken. Oh, and by the
way, it can be, and is me. I'm
back, in a manner of speaking."
Wincing from the pain, the gray haired man struggled to his
feet. How can that
be?
Blackshire slammed his helmet back into its place, looking
with vicious eyes at the battered priest. "You know, this was fun, but it
wasn't the legendary battle I had anticipated. The stories of your greatness seem to be
mere fabrications, and that's very disappointing. I think it's time to end this pointless
battle…" Holding both hands to the sky, the Lord of the Ebon Shard sent twin
blasts of emerald power hurtling from his hands into the ceiling, causing the
entire building to quake. "Goodbye,
Yosho…" Blackshire proclaimed, "I have others who I want to have fun
with."
Summoning the last of his strength, Yosho staggered toward
the door, hoping to escape from being buried alive. Glancing behind him, the hurt old man
noticed Blackshire was no longer where he had been. Where is he? Wincing in pain, the heir to the
throne of Jurai shook his head furiously.
My own stupidity let him
hit me hard enough to break my ribs.
I can't believe I gawked at his face like a first year trainee. For now my concern must be for Tenchi
and the others. I must get to them
before he does. The old prince
was soon to discover where his foe had fled to, as he looked forward once
again. Before him stood the ebon
knight, one hand outstretched with another ball of emerald power. How is this possible? He should not have powers like
that!
"Goodbye, Prince Yosho," Blackshire declared before whipping
the blast at Yosho's feet. The
force of the energy shook the shrine violently, and in seconds the entire
building collapsed completely with Lord Katsuhito still inside.
Seconds later, Blackshire walked over to the rim of the
destruction. "It's too bad you were
so weak old man, I wanted to see the fabled power of Jurai first hand. Oh well, I suppose I'll just have to
amuse myself with your successor.
At least he has been known to be a challenge." The black-hearted creature
chuckled, before disappearing once again.
The Masaki House:
Ryoko and Washu sat embracing each other as mother and
daughter. Tears rolled down each
woman's face. The silver haired
space pirate cried for joy, to finally be able to have mental peace, and the
red-haired scientist cried to see her daughter so happy. "Thank you Washu." Ryoko muttered between sobs, "I will
never forget this."
You're welcome Little Ryoko. You know I would do anything to help
you... Washu's speech was
interrupted as the golden-eyed woman suddenly stood up, throwing the diminutive
scientist away. "Hey! What's the
big idea, Ryoko?"
"I heard an explosion.
It sounded like it came from the shrine." The battle hardened woman
proclaimed, a grim look of determination in her eyes. "I think I better go check it out. I have a bad feeling about
this."
The emerald green-eyed genius nodded, knowing better than to
question the spiny silver-haired woman's hearing. "Alright Ryoko, if you see anyone that
is hurt, bring them back here immediately. I'll go get a med tube ready. However for what it's worth, I
hope you were just hearing things. "
"So do I, Washu.
So do I." Placing the device
Washu had given her inside her dress for safekeeping, Ryoko squinted and
prepared for the worst before disappearing.
The Shrine:
Dread filled the great space pirate, Ryoko, as she appeared
at the remains of the shrine. The
entire shrine had been decimated, and now lay in a heap before her. What happened here? Who could have done this, and why would
anyone attack a shrine? I hope Katsuhito wasn't inside when this place
collapsed, I don't think even he could survive if he was. Something deep the
silver-haired heroine, that feeling she always got to expect the worst, told her
that she needed to look through the wreckage. Quickly teleporting to the rubble,
the mighty space pirate began frantically tossing aside the gargantuan chunks of
granite as if they were nothing, hoping she was merely being paranoid, and that
no one was actually buried inside this mound of concrete. As she lifted a massive piece of the
roof, the golden-eyed woman's search was sadly rewarded. Lying between two large pieces of the
collapsed building was Tenchi's grandfather, and he appeared to still be
alive. It's a good thing those
two wall chunks fell like they did, or he might have been squished by the
roof. "Grandpa! It's me Ryoko,
are you hurt?" Yosho moaned, trying
to move, but having no success.
"Hold on, I'm going to get you some help." Placing one hand on the wounded man's
body, Ryoko concentrated on the Masaki house, and in an instant Ryoko and her
companion disappeared.
At that exact moment when Ryoko left at The Masaki
House:
"There you are Mayuka," Ayeka declared proudly as she set the
little girl in her crib. "Now you
be a good little girl and go right to sleep, so that when Lord Tenchi comes
home, you won't be crabby princess."
The purple haired princess smiled happily at the thought of Tenchi, the
man who made her heart sing, returning home from school. Meanwhile, the tiny child before her let
out a squeal of joy at the mention of her father's name. Giggling Ayeka tickled the blue-haired
babies stomach. "You certainly do
love you father, don't you. We all do.
That's why we're all here.
He is the glue that binds us together. One day I hope to be his bride, then I
can show you the wonders of Planet Jurai, your home world. You would love it there, Mayuka. The trees are always in bloom and the
weather is so beautiful. It would be a perfect place for so perfect a
child." All I have to do
is get rid of that annoying space pirate, and then Lord Tenchi and I can finally
be together. Ayeka blushed as
she pictured the endless romantic days she could spend with Tenchi, if Ryoko was
not always in the way.
"You paint a lovely picture of your home planet, Princess
Ayeka." A voice hissed from
nearby. Looking up toward the
window the first princess, who had expected to see Ryoko or one of the others,
was shocked to see man in black armor, with a flowing black cloak, and golden
eyes, leaning against the far wall.
"Who are you?!
How dare you come into this house without permission!" The purple haired woman declared leaning
defensively between the orange-eyed child and the intruder.
"Don't get so worked up Lady Ayeka, I am not here to harm
anyone. All I want is to see
Tenchi." The large figure vanished
from his leaning position, only to appear instantly on the opposite side of the
crib as Ayeka. "My name is
Blackshire. I am Lord and Master of
the ultimate war ship, The Ebon Shard.
As I said, none of you will be harmed, if you just show me where Tenchi
is."
"Lord Tenchi is not here. However, I will not allow you to harm
anyone here." The purple haired
woman glared at the ebon night with hate flowing from her eyes. "I suggest you leave now before I am
forced to remove you myself."
"Forced to remove me?!" Blackshire snorted staring at her
like a wild beast studies its prey.
"I'd like to see you try.
Let me show you little one what true power is!" Holding the palm of his hand at the
first princess, the evil intruder fired a blast of emerald power straight at
her. Ayeka reacted quickly throwing
up a shield to protect her and Mayuka, the result of her force field and
Blackshire's blast colliding caused shockwaves to run through the house, causing
it to quake. The ebon knight
continued to increase the intensity of his blast until finally the blast
exploded.
Seconds earlier OUTSIDE:
Ryoko appeared on the front lawn with a wounded Katsuhito
before her. Washu was waiting for
her return, standing beside a large glass cylinder with various tubes and
instruments covering it. Behind her
stood a vat filled with a green liquid.
"Washu! He's hurt
badly. You've got to help
him."
Accessing the situation with a confused look, the short
scientist motioned for Ryoko to place the battered priest inside the bizarre med
tube. "Alright, calm down
Ryoko. Once he's inside the Med
Tube, I can see how severely hurt he is."
The red haired woman typed frantically as the cylinder shut itself once
the fallen Masaki was inside and began to fill with the emerald liquid. "By the gods, what happened to him,
Ryoko!? He has multiple broken
bones, from I can see at first glance, it's both his arms, four ribs, the jaw,
in several places, and his right arm..."
"How should I know," the old man's rescuer snapped back
defensively. "When I got there the shrine was demolished, and he was buried
alive inside it."
At that moment another thunderous explosion filled the air,
this time coming from just behind the two women. Looking toward the house they noticed
the corner of the house where Mayuka's room was, now had been obliterate, smoke
billowing out from the gapping hole in its place. Before either woman could ask what was
going on, a black figure materialized in front of them. In his ebon armored right arm the
newcomer cradled Mayuka. The
orange-eyed infant's crying echoing in the once peaceful
afternoon.
"Greetings ladies," Blackshire nodded politely. "Although in your case, Ryoko, I use the
term loosely. My name is
Blackshire. I am Lord and Master of
The Ebon Shard."
"I don't care who you are, or how you know who I am," Ryoko
growled, her clothes changing to her black and red space outfit, as she stepped
toward Blackshire threateningly.
"All I can say is that you'd better give Mayuka back right now, or you'll
have to deal with me!"
As Mayuka's kidnapper prepared to respond to the
silver-haired woman's threat, Ayeka suddenly appeared, wearing her Jurai battle
gear. With remarkable finesse and
agility, the first princess landed a powerful right hook on her opponents face,
sending him reeling back.
"What was that?" Blackshire chuckled using his free hand to
check his helmet's latches. "You'll
have to do better than that if you want to stand a chance against me. Although I
sincerely doubt you will be able to do much against me, since even Prince Yosho
stood no chance." Holding out one
hand, the ebon monster drew in emerald power, and Ayeka to prepared for another
blast. However this time, the evil
creature squeeze the gathered power, forming it into a green blade. "Now then, who will be the first to
die?"
"No one is dying today," Kiyone shouted from behind the sword
wielding mad man. "Release Mayuka,
and put your hands up. You are
under arrest in accordance with Galaxy Police Law Number 29584." As a warning shot, the teal-haired
marksman shot at Blackshire's sword, causing it to shatter.
Casting a quick glance behind him Blackshire noticed the two
Galaxy Police stood in a triangle, so that no matter where he moved to he would
always be in one of their line of fire.
My they just keep coming, don't they? Well no matter. I could easily kill them all now. The metal clad figure shook his
head, his voice filled with no emotion as he mocked the first class
detective. "Oh no. What will I do? You destroyed my
sword. I am completely helpless
now." Reaching onto his side, a
compartment opened up, revealing a hidden weapon. "All I have is this." Raising the new item aloft, everyone was
shocked to see it was the Tenchi-ken.
The only difference between it and the one Tenchi used, was that it
contained all three gems on the hilt.
"Do you like it? It's a gift
from Yosho to me. Thankfully this
armor prevents me from feeling the ill effects of the blade. It really would be bad for me if when I
tried to hold it, I were electrocuted.
Now wouldn't it?"
Ryoko snarled loudly as she launched herself at the sadistic
invader with all her speed. Just as
she brought her fist around to pummel the intruder, Blackshire turned placing
Mayuka between the two of them.
Pulling her punch, Ryoko was pleased to note that her attack had stopped,
mere millimeters from Mayuka's face.
The tiny child's expression seemed to lighten as her orange eyes saw the
silver-haired woman, who had come to save her.
Bringing the hilt of the Tenchi-ken up into Ryoko stomach the
ebon villain laughed as it sent waves of electricity through the attacking space
pirates body. "That's what I love
about you heroes, you will do anything to protect the innocent. It makes my job so much easier. " Pulling the hilt away, Blackshire
backhanded Ryoko, knocking her to the ground. "You always were defective,
Ryoko."
Seeing her would-be savior fall, Mayuka began to cry anew,
this time louder than before.
Sasami and Ryo-Ohki watched the entire horrible battle unfold
from inside, fear causing her heart to beat loudly. "No... not him. It's the monster from my nightmare,
Ryo-Ohki. It looks like he's
already killed grandpa and Ryoko, and he's taking Mayuka away! What are we going to do?" The small
cabbit could only meow, since she was as terrified by the bastion of horror that
plagued their home as the blue haired princess.
Ayeka, Kiyone, Washu, and Mihoshi all edged closer, forming a
circle around the vile intruder.
"Give up you monster!" Jurai's first princess demanded with regal
authority. "There is no way
out. You are completely
surrounded."
"Is that a fact, Princess Ayeka?" As he spoke, the harbinger
of destruction began to levitate, floating higher and higher into the sky. "I think I still hold the upper
hand."
Damn him. Kiyone growled looking at her target,
trying to figure out someway to bring him down. If only I had all the weapons from
the Yagami, I might be able to... Wait that's it. It's just the detraction we need. Putting one hand to her mouth, the
teal-haired detective shouted as loud as she could. "Yagami!" At that instant, a massive red starship
filled the sky. Its large frame was
colossal, appearing to fill the sky with its girth.
Startled the ebon invader looked upwards momentarily stunned
to see the large Galaxy Police spacecraft appear above him. Kiyone called the Yagami to help
us. But I can't just sit here and
wait for her to do everything.
After all, I'm also a Galaxy Police detective. At that moment, Mihoshi closed her
eyes, and fired at the black armored villain in a desperate hope to stop his
ascension. Please don't let me miss. I can't let him get away with Mayuka.
The shot missed its intended mark, the middle of Blackshire's back, but
instead struck the back of Blackshire's knee. Once again, the ditzy blonde's
unbelievable luck kicked in. The
bullet hit a piece of armor on the black armor clad criminal's leg that was not
fully fastened, sinking into his knee, and sending the loose plate of ebon armor
flying. The ebon monster seemed to
twitch angrily in pain as red blood trickled out of the newly formed wound.
While descending Blackshire's furious breathing echoed from
inside his helmet. "THAT
HURT!" He screeched before hurtling
twin blasts of emerald power at the two detectives, missing them by fractions of
an inch as they leapt out of the way.
"Alright if you want to play with ships, then we'll play. But not right now, I have better things
to do than play with you. After all
I came here for Tenchi Masaki, not you weaklings. So I suppose we'll have to play
later. EBON SHARD!" When the ebon titan roared its name, a
second star ship filled the sky.
This new ship was the mirror of the Yagami in nearly every way, save that
it was as black as night.
That ship, it isn't showing up on any of my scans. It's like it isn't even there! Washu said as a wave of fear washed
over her.
"Hey Kiyone," Mihoshi shouted motioning toward The Ebon Shard
with her hand that didn't hold her gun.
"Doesn't that new ship look just like ours?"
Kiyone made no reply as she stared with steely eyes at the
horrible vessel that had just appeared.
"It's time for me to take my leave, ladies. Do come visit me sometime. We'll be waiting for you. I'll even
throw out the welcome matt for you.
Now before I go, there is
just one last thing I want to tell you."
Pausing the malicious figure held Mayuka close as he rose in the
air. When he finally spoke, his
voice had a mocking poetic tone.
"Where there's day there will come night; when there's smoke, you will
find fire; wherever there is Yosho, there will always be a Blackshire!" The metallic monster laughed once again,
before disappearing.
As she finally staggered to her feet, Ryoko looked over her
shoulder at the others. Kiyone
returned her gaze, looking as concerned at the battered space pirate. "What are we going to tell Tenchi? We just allowed his daughter to be
kidnapped."
Ayeka, still in her Jurai battle gear, wrapped her arms
around herself trying to find some comfort from this horrible turn of
events. "We must get Mayuka
back. But how can we do that? We barely stood a chance against him
here on Earth. On his own ship, we
will easily be defeated."
"You're all alive!" Sasami screamed running out of the house,
toward the others. "Ayeka, I'm
scared this is just like my nightmare."
The purple haired woman's eyes opened wide in shock. That's right, this is just like
Sasami's horrible dream from last night.
But how does our brother tie into all this? Is he to be the only one to survive this
ordeal? Not only that, but how is it that vile beast knows about Yosho, and can
use the sword? The proper
princess wrapped her arms lovingly around her sister. "Do not worry Sasami. No one will be harmed, except
Blackshire."
"That's right, now let's move! Ryo-Ohki!" The silver haired woman commanded, as
the tiny cabbit ran forward preparing to transform in a mighty star ship.
"Wait Ryoko. You
can't go running in there, not without Tenchi." Washu proclaimed. "Ayeka said it herself, you were all no
match for him when he was here. You will all stand an even worse chance on his
home turf if you try and go now.
The only option we have is to wait until Tenchi gets home from
school. Until then, we need
to try and think of a plan."
"Why not use the same plan the last time we attacked his
ship?" Ryoko asked bitterly. "It
worked once, it should work again."
"When have we ever fought Blackshire in the past,
Ryoko?" Washu asked curiously.
"He didn't call himself Blackshire then, but it's obvious who
he really is. Think about it
Washu. He came in mocking us, uses
emerald energy, then took a hostage demanding we follow him. It sounds to me like Kagato is
back."
Ten Minutes later:
Tenchi walked cheerfully up the path leading to his
house. Finally, school is
over. Now I can relax and spend
more time at home. Of course, when
have I ever relaxed when I'm home? Tenchi laughed to himself, even though
things were hectic at home, he would have it no other way. I wonder what everyone has been up to
while I was gone. As he walked
the young man could picture the days events. Ryoko would spend the entire day either
hovering over Mayuka, trying to find some way to win his love, or doing
both. Mihoshi probably spent her
time trying to help Sasami and Ryo-Ohki in the kitchen, but in the end only make
a mess. All the basic chores, like
cleaning the house and laundry, would be done by Ayeka and Kiyone. Although by now they were both probably
be working in their flower garden.
The only person he wasn't certain of was Washu, although he figured the
red-haired scientist was likely off in her lab working on another fantastic
invention.
To his shock, as he came into view of his house, he saw all
the girls standing in the yard arguing about something. Now what's going on? Drawing
closer, the compassionate young man noticed that Ayeka was in her battle garb,
as was Ryoko, who appeared to have taken a savage beating. The two space detectives were also
breathing hard. Kiyone's face was
beat red, as she seemed to be yelling, like the others, at the top of her
lungs. Although Tenchi noticed that
the teal-haired detective seemed to be yelling solely at Ryoko. Those two! Can't Ryoko and Ayeka stop fighting for
one minute! Man, they get worse
everyday.
Taking another quick scan of the scene, Tenchi know noticed
that part of the house, specifically Mayuka's room, had been destroyed,
and that Sasami was crying, currently held by Washu. Oh no! They couldn't have... Looking
frantically around, the brown-eyed young man was terrified to note that his
daughter was nowhere to be found.
He did see one of Washu's Med Tubes in the lawn, which only fueled his
terror. Tenchi's mind whirled as he
dropped his school bag, and ran at top speed toward the assembled women. What's going on here? Did Ryoko and Ayeka destroy the house in
another one of their fights? If so
is Mayuka all right?
The now frantic young man could picture the entire
incident. It probably started
off as any every other argument between those two. Ryoko may have insulted Ayeka's
appearance, or Lady Ayeka could have pointed out one Ryoko's faults, as she
likes to do. In either case it
would have led to a fight. Even
though I told them not to fight in front of Mayuka, they probably got too caught
up in each other to notice her.
Ryoko must have tried to blast Ayeka, and caused an explosion, which
Mayuka was caught up in. That would
explain why everyone is yelling and crying.
Sasami looked up from Washu, seeing the brown haired young
man running at them, tears streaming from his eyes. "Tenchi!" She screamed, releasing the emerald-eyed
scientist as she rushed toward him.
Moments later, the blue-haired princess slammed into him, wrapping the
crying man in her small, yet strong, arms. "Tenchi, I'm so sorry.... Mayuka's
gone."
At that moment Tenchi Masaki's world shattered. His worst nightmare had come true;
Ryoko and Ayeka had inadvertently killed his daughter. "No...," he whimpered, his voice little
more than a whisper. The tiny girl
holding him could feel his entire body tremble as the horrible pain he felt
consumed his body. Suddenly the
youngest Masaki's head shot up, and a grim resolve came over him. "RYOKO! AYEKA! "
The two woman quickly made their way over to him, each
wanting to be the first to try and comfort the man they loved. "How could you two let this
happen?"
"Let this happen?" Ryoko roared back at him. "It wasn't our
fault. He was too tough, none of us
stood a chance against him."
"Him? What are
you talking about? Didn't you and
Ayeka's fighting blow up the house? Isn't that why Mayuka is dead," the
irrational young man snapped back, still able to feel his insides quaking.
The golden eyed woman backed away, sickened by his
words. I should have known, in
the end I am nothing more to him than a violent monster. FINE! I'll show them all what this monster can
do. Breathing deeply Ryoko bit
back her tears before disappearing.
"Lord Tenchi, that is not what happened at all!" The red eyed princess replied, her tone
both polite, yet at the same time deeply insulted. "You know Ryoko and I would never do
anything to put Mayuka in danger.
We were attacked Lord Tenchi."
"Attacked? By
whom?" The young man asked
flustered as he tried to figure out what was going on.
"A monster calling himself Blackshire," Kiyone informed
joining the group. "He arrived a
few minutes ago, nearly killed your grandfather, then attacked us. He tore through us like we were nothing,
and then he kidnapped Mayuka, demanding you face him aboard his star ship, The
Ebon Shard."
"It was the man from my dream Tenchi," the pink-eyed princess
said looking up at him, the tears still pouring down her face. "He looked just like that monster. I
thought Washu said that the things in my nightmares couldn't come
here."
Sighing deeply the brown-haired man stroked Sasami's head
sympathetically. Looking up at the
purple-haired princess, the young man cleared his throat before speaking. "Lady Ayeka, I am sorry to have accused
you of such an act. It was wrong of
me to assume you and Ryoko would..." Tenchi looked around at the mention of the
space pirate's name. "Hey, where
did Ryoko go?"
As if in reply, the mighty cabbit spaceship, Ryo-Ohki,
blasted past them, roaring a challenge to all who would stand in it's way as it
lifted off into the blackness of space.
"NO!
Ryoko!" Washu screamed
running toward her daughter's vessel.
Realizing her cries were in vain, the small scientist clutched her fists
in anger. "Why does she have to be
so pig headed!"
"What's going on, Washu?" Mihoshi asked looking at the
red-haired genius with her large blue eyes. "Is something wrong? Where is Ryoko going?"
"Yes, indeed, something is very wrong. That foolish daughter of mine is running
off to face Blackshire all by herself."
"Why would she do something as stupid as that?" Kiyone
interjected. Ryoko is
headstrong, and a bit rash at times, but this seems a bit too extreme. I think there is more to this than
you're telling us, Washu.
"Ryoko will be Ryoko," Washu said looking up into the
stars.
"Don't worry," Tenchi said confidently to the shaken
mother. "She can take care of
herself until we get there. She is
the strongest of all of us."
"That would be true, IF she had all her gems, IF she hadn't
been up all night watching Mayuka, and only got a few hours sleep, IF Blackshire
didn't have an exact duplicate of Tenchi-ken to us, and IF she wasn't an
emotional and physical wreck right now."
"What are you talking about, Washu?" Ayeka asked
cautiously. "I think you should
explain, especially the last part about her being an emotional
wreck."
Taking a deep cleansing breath, the woman with a mane of red
hair explained to those gathered the story as she had seen it unfold. She told them how about her conversation
with Ryoko in the Onsen this morning, and how the silver haired woman's goal to
be a good caretaker for Mayuka had been weighing heavily on the space pirate's
mind. Washu also recapped, as best
she could, the story of Blackshire's attack on them for Tenchi. "She really thought you hated the idea
of her taking care of Mayuka, Tenchi.
I think when you jumped to the conclusion that she killed Mayuka, it
pushed her over the edge." Pausing
Washu glanced at Tenchi, seeing that her words had hit him in the heart. "I'm sorry if that hurt Tenchi, but it
is the truth. However, it gets
worse. Ryoko believes that
Blackshire is Kagato, somehow back from the dead, and you know how much she
liked Kagato... So you see, its
true Ryoko is tough, but even she has her breaking point. I'm afraid she's pushing herself too
far, and if we don't do something soon..."
Tenchi Masaki closed his eyes, his features broadcasting his
fury. "Wait here everyone, there is
something I need to get before we go."
Releasing Sasami, the young shrine caretaker ran into the house, only to
return minutes later with the Tenchi-Ken clutched firmly in his hands. "Alright. I'm ready. We better hurry if we are going to save
Ryoko and Mayuka."
"Wait!" the diminutive genius screamed stopping the prepared
to depart heroes. "Before you go
running off, take these." typing a few quick keys on her holographic keyboard,
the super genius opened a portal and out fell five tiny devices. "Put these on your ear, it's a
communication relay with a few added features. It will let me track you on aboard that
ship, so if anything happens to you, I can transport you back here
immediately. Not only that, but I
can run scans of the ship from the inside using those devices, and tell you if
anything dangerous is coming.
I would go with you, but I want to analyze this armor some more. As well as this blood sample." Washu said holding up the piece of
Blackshire's armor as evidence. "Be
careful, all of you." Taking the
devices everyone mentally began preparing themselves for the battle to come.
You may be a woman of loose morals, and have horrible
manners, unworthy to even sit at the same table as Lord Tenchi, Ryoko. Yet I cannot fault you for your concerns
over Mayuka, nor could I say I would not do the same if our places were
exchanged. For you, as well as Lord
Tenchi's daughter, I will gladly risk my life to make sure this horrible day
ends. As she thought this,
Ayeka looked from Sasami, to Tenchi, to the pod that held her wounded
brother. It appears we
have more in common than just our love for Tenchi. I never realized until now just how
alike we truly are, Ryoko.
This is it, my big chance. Today I'll bring in that most wanted,
and until now thought deceased, criminal, Kagato. Kiyone smirked. I don't know how he got a ship that looks
so much like mine. But I can
promise you this Kagato, if you followed the designs as close as I think you
did, it will prove to be a fatal mistake, no one knows the Yagami better than
me. Ryoko, Mayuka, hang on the Galaxy Police are on the way.
Kagato...that most wanted and notorious criminal. I hate him so much, but because of him,
I met Washu. I wonder if this means
that we'll be making a new friend this time? I certainly hope nothing bad
happens. Mihoshi checked her
gun, making sure she hadn't lost it in the time it took for her to holster it
and look back. I wasn't
able to help fight you last time, but this time I'll be ready for your tricks,
and I'll make sure you go to jail forever for your crimes.
Tenchi stared at the clear summer sky. It's a beautiful
day... The kind of day where Ryoko
would always try her best to seduce me.
Images of all the millions of seduction attempts Ryoko had made
against him flashed into his mind.
It's been great so far; Ryoko, and I know this is nowhere near the end
of our adventures. I'm sorry I
always made you feel so unwanted, so mistrusted. I promise when this is all over, I'll
find a way to show you how sorry I am.
You've been nothing but a good influence for Mayuka and
me. I know you're a bit crazy, and a tad extreme in showing off your looks, but
it's that passion for life you show that we really need. You remind us to seize
the day, and to not let opportunities pass us by. I'm sorry for being so rough on
you. It's clear that you love my
daughter as much as I do, maybe even more.
I promise you this Ryoko; you will have a chance to see her grow up.
Kagato, if that is you, this time when I kill you, I'll
make sure you NEVER come back. I
WILL save Ryoko and Mayuka you can count on that.
In a flash, the four champions, Ayeka, the first princess of
Jurai; Mihoshi, the super lucky Galaxy Police officer; Kiyone, the most unlucky,
yet brilliant Galaxy Police detective ever; and Tenchi Masaki, father of the
stolen child, and heir to the throne of Jurai, vanished, transported aboard the
Yagami to face the ebon monster that had caused them such strife.
Washu hit a few keys, and the Med Tube containing Lord
Katsuhito vanished into another portal.
"Sasami, why don't you go make us some lunch. When the others get back, they are going
to have a wonderful story to tell us, and will probably be very hungry." The young girl nodded her head properly,
walking toward the kitchen.
Watching Sasami leave, Washu's brow matched her dark thoughts. I hope your dream was wrong this time
Sasami. If that creature is Kagato,
and he is from the Universe of Torment, then there is little hope for this
Universe if Tenchi and the others can't stop him.
Aboard The Ebon Shard:
Inside the cold halls of the soulless star ship, one room is
free of the overwhelming sense of dread that this vessel is known for. This room contains the only two people
whose hearts beat with love and compassion aboard this hell bound star
ship. The room itself could have
once been living quarters, but now it was a shell of its former self. The walls, which once gleamed with
cheerful colors, and exhumed a friendly, non threatening atmosphere, now
mirrored the malicious heart of the ship's owner.
It is in this room, where a man with golden eyes stands watch
over a child who has just finished crying herself to sleep. His name is Yosho Masaki, the child of
Ryoko and Tenchi in the Universe of Torment. Lovingly he examined his new cellmate,
Mayuka. Little Mayuka, my baby sister… I am sorry for this little one. The
young man gestured at the room around them with his hands. There are so many things I would like to
ask you, to know about you. For you
see in my world, you do not exist.
I can't help but wonder, are you, like me, a child of Tenchi and
Ryoko? Your hair color would
indicate that you are related to Aunt Sasami, but she is too young to be your
mother. Perhaps you are the child
of Tenchi and Aunt Ayeka? If that
is true, then way was my mother caring for you?
Sighing, Yosho watched his sister twitch in her sleep. I don't know why Blackshire brought
you here, but I promise you this, he will not harm you as long as I am alive.
Tenchi's son's mind drifted back as he recalled how he came
to this universe. "You see Mayuka,
I lost everything to Blackshire. He
sent a beast of pure evil to my home one night. This creature, called Leech, killed my
father, and then drained the life from Kiyone and Mihoshi. To make matters even worse, it impaled
Lady Ayeka and nearly syphoned the life force from my mother, Ryoko." The mention of the silver-haired woman's
name seemed to cause the sleeping youth to jerk. Yosho gazed at her, wondering if Ryoko
meant as much to her, as the former space pirate had to him. "Only Aunt Sasami, Grandmother, and I
escaped without physical injury."
"Yet despite all this horror, I had thought I found a glimmer
of hope. Long ago, my grandmother,
the one you would call Washu, discovered a way to open a doorway to another
dimension, one where the terrible deeds of our world had not transpired
yet. This discovery proved to
her that we lived in the Universe of Torment, where evil will always wins. When she told me about the
Universe of Torment, I had thought all hope for vengeance against Blackshire was
lost. After all, any battle with
him would ultimately be a lost one.
However, my grandmother in her infinite wisdom theorized that if we could
drag that wretched beast here, then he would stand no chance of winning. Using all the resources we had
available, which included the Yagami, loaned to us for a short time by the
Galaxy Police, we created a vessel with shields so great, that nothing could
detect it. To make it more
efficient, we repainted the entire ship black, so as to match the endless night
of space."
Yosho paused, the next portion of his tale leaving a horrible
taste in his mouth. "Everything
seemed to be going according to plan, and I was prepared to take our invention
on its mission. I had been training
for nearly a year, to fight against that black armored demon, and I was ready to
have my revenge. It was then that the unthinkable happened. Blackshire attacked me on my own
ship. Beating me mercilessly until
I was unconscious. I have no clue
why he still decided to come here.
When I awoke, I was in this universe, and that cackling monster had
somehow linked our minds. He even
inserted a devise into my body so he could cause me severe pain should I try to
fight him again."
"Now you know what I have done," the golden-eyed man
stated. "Just remember I made a
promise to you, and no matter how much pain I may have to endure, I will hold to
that promise, and make sure nothing bad ever happens to you."
Talking to babies now, Yosho? You really are getting pathetic.
Blackshire's voice mocked, echoing in the golden-eyed youth's mind.
How dare you bring this child here!? It's me you really want we both know
it. So leave her out of your
twisted games! Yosho roared
mentally back at the evil figure who was linked to him. Because if you lay so much as one
finger on her, I swear I will...
You will fell pain, Yosho. On command, Yosho felt as if his entire
body was engulfed in pain. Never
question me, you insignificant cur.
Now then, report to the bridge immediately. We have visitor's approaching, and it
seems your mother will be our first guest.
I want to make sure everything is perfect for her arrival. This has been a grand day for me
Yosho, and I have you to thank. I
was able to test myself against the legendary fighter, whose name you share, and
now I'll be able to face his successor.
Not to mention I will get to kill that annoying insect, Ryoko. Looks like I brought a little piece of
home with me, now doesn't it? Now
get up, boy. There isn't that much
time!
All right, I'm on my way... Yosho replied, tears rolling down his
face as he tried to bare the unbelievable pain that filled his body. However, the physical pain he felt did
not cause these tears. The
golden-eyed youth, with long black hair cried for those who were coming. Realizing his quest for vengeance
would not only kill him, but all those he cared about as well. As the pain subsided, the young man rose
to his feet and with heavy footsteps, made his way to the control room.
On Ryo-Ohki:
Kagato. Even
your name makes me sick. I thought
I was done with you the last time we saw each other. But you keep coming back, relentless as
always. Well this is it! Today, one of us dies. The game is over you heartless
bastard. I will see you dead
for taking Mayuka from Tenchi. You may think I'm defective, but I aim to show
you what this defective creature can do. Sitting in the control seat,
the silver haired woman felt something press against her breast. Reaching in her shirt, she removed a
tiny coin shaped device. It
was the same invention Washu had given her only a few minutes ago. Mayuka, I will not let Kagato taint you
as he did me. I guarantee you shall
have the life that I never could.
"Ryo-Ohki! Top
speed!" Roaring a thunderous meow
in reply, the cabbit starship increased to maximum velocity as it headed toward
the jet-black ship sitting beside Earth's moon.
Next Time: The end battle begins, and Blackshire's identity
revealed! Can it be truly be that
Kagato, (SSJ4 Broli's favorite villain from the OVA) or is it something much
worse? Will Ryoko get a chance to
put her fears to rest, or will everything end in tragedy? It's the beginning of the end, or is it
the end of the Beginning? Find out
next time in part 3, Insanity's End.