Chapter 6 Rebellious Youth
Chapter 6: Rebellious Youth

THE LEGEND:

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 themselves. 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.

The battle is over, and Blackshire is no more, killed in Yosho's mind. Yosho and Ryoko have begun to experience joy in their new lives together, while Tenchi and the crew are saddened by their terrible loss. TO make matters worse, it appears that the Yuzuha from the Universe of Torment is planning against them. Although there is no proof, Washu feels with all her heart that this is true.

And now part 6 of 26:

One Week After Chapter 5:

Universe of Delight, Washu's Lab:

"Nothing, Nada, Zip, Zilch." Washu said shaking her head as she studied the data on her holographic monitor. I don't understand it. I've conducted every experiment I can think of and haven't found a single anomaly between Tenchi and Mayuka. Although Mayuka does appear to be a little undernourished, but that's probably because she hasn't eaten today I would guess. It's been a week now, and still I haven't detected even the slightest anomaly.

"So doth everything check owt, Wathu?" A naked Tenchi asked from the large devise he was strapped into. The young looking super genius had covered his body with scanners and various light emitting machines, which blinked frantically as they took readings of Tenchi's astral, temporal and psychokinetic patterns. There was even a machine attached to his tongue, giving him his current lisp. Casting a longing glance at the pile of clothes lying only a few feet away the young brown haired youth saw his daughter lying on nearby a platform. Mayuka kicked her legs slightly as she looked around the immense lab. A bright light moved back and forth over her tiny body, collecting data for further study later.

"Yes it does," she replied while continuing to breakdown the information. "Which confuses me. I KNOW I saw a green energy leap between you and Mayuka yesterday. Yet all my scans have come up negative. It doesn't make any sense." Reaching beside her the small scientist opened another window, searching the information listen there for something. "Ah Ha! Here it is, right here." Turning the holo screen in the air, Washu began pointing out various things to her friend. "You see Tenchi, I have records of three temporal, as well as spatial, distortions. One from the Onsen, another from by Funaho, and the latest one occurred just last week where you and Mayuka were sitting."

"And ewe think Yuzu-huh is behind thith?" The young man asked, trying to speak clearly.

"Yes indeed." Washu said making a few keystrokes, to release Tenchi from the bizarre device he was encased in. "That's better. You see Tenchi; it's the only logical explanation. All the signs seem to point right to her, the strange trance-like state, the emerald power, and the fact that you and Mayuka were involved. Although there are a few minor differences from the last time, I feel that we are definitely up against that demon from the tree of darkness, Yuzuha. Although, if I'm right, it's the one from the Universe of Torment."

Rubbing his wrists gingerly, the young man picked up his clothes. "But Washu, the only one of those times that Mayuka was there was the last time. Other than that I was either alone, or in the Onsen with Yosho." Tenchi lied quickly. He had never told any of the others about his secret rendezvous with Ryoko at Funaho, nor had he told them how they had both been in the Onsen at the same time. The only one who had any knowledge about his asking Ryoko to be Mayuka's mother was Ayeka, but since the first princess had taken the responsibility upon herself, the young man figured that the topic was a closed matter. There really is no reason to tell anyone what happened there. It would only have caused trouble. I mean if Ayeka were to find out I nearly kissed Ryoko, she'd lost it for sure. "And I certainly don't remember any emerald energy leaping from my body then."

"What about the trance like state," Washu said eyeing him as she continued to type. You're lying Tenchi Masaki. I've been alive too long, and know you too well to be fooled by such a weak lie. So what are you hiding? "Have you had any other experiences like that lately?"

The young man paused, trying to figure out what to tell the red-haired woman. "Yes. I have, but I always thought they were just results of me being tired. I didn't think they were anything major, like these headaches I've been having."

The emerald-eyed woman could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up as she listened to him. "What were you doing right before you entered into these trances?" Tenchi looked around nervously, not wanting to tell the shorter woman the full story. Shaking her head slowly, Washu sighed as she reached out to hold his forearm. This motion caused Tenchi to start, drawing him out of his frantic thoughts. From the top of his pile of clothes, something small and metallic fell to the lab floor with a clang.

"Look Tenchi, it's obvious to me that whatever you were doing is very personal. But don't worry. I promise I will not tell a single soul." Tenchi opened his mouth to speak, then stopped. "Please Tenchi, it could be very important. There must be something similar in all these events. I need to know!" Washu spun away, trying to hide her anguish. Recently she had lost her daughter, Ryoko. I will not lose anymore of my family.

The young shrine taker looked at the floor, noticing what had fallen. It was the pendant he had been given as a farewell gift from Ryoko. "Alright, I'll tell you the truth, Washu" he said with a sigh that sounded as if the entire world was being placed on his shoulders. "Both those times, I was…." Tenchi stopped as he picked up the locket. With a quick motion he opened it up using one hand, and gazed at the image inside. "I was about to kiss Ryoko."

"What!" Washu said making a noise that sounded like a shriek. Of all the possible answers she had expected, this was the least likely. My little Ryoko and Tenchi KISSING…. Well now I've heard everything!

"I'm not really sure why, all I can remember is our eyes met, and I felt drawn to her. It was an amazing feeling, an emotion more intense than anything I'd ever felt before. I'm not sure, but I think Ryoko was affected the same way. Each time when we came out of our trance we were so close to kissing I was surprised I didn't feel her lips on my own."

"I see. Tell me, Tenchi, what stopped you two from kissing? If you were both feeling that intensely towards each other, why stop?" Washu asked looking squarely into his brown eyes. "I know it wasn't Ryoko who pushed you away. She's been after a kiss from you since you were born. After all you were her whole world, everything she ever wanted in life…." Under normal circumstances the red-haired woman probably wouldn't have said anything about her daughter's desires, but the two hundred century year old scientist was not thinking clearly at the moment. Her heart was in control of this conversation, not her mind. Tenchi's proclamation about Ryoko and his nearly magical experiences, as well as her newest worry about this new threat from Yuzuha, had blurred her thoughts.

Washu's words about her silver-haired daughter struck home in Tenchi's heart, forcing the brown-haired youth to realize that no matter how much Ryoko may have meant to him, he would always mean infinitely more to the silver-haired former space pirate. It had been over a week since she had gone, and in that time, this was the first time Tenchi had ever thought about how hard it must have been for her to leave.

"Well, both times we were stopped by Yosho. The first time, when we were in the Onsen, he sneezed and… well I guess it kind of blew the mood. The next time, at Funaho, we didn't kiss, because he was having a breakdown, and Ryoko had to go to him. Not only that, but I never did get an answer to my question." Tenchi broke his gaze from Washu's as he finished getting dressed. Looking at the picture in the pendant one last time, the young man sighed before latching the silver clasp around his neck once again. "I had asked her to be Mayuka's mother, just before we nearly kissed. But now Ayeka has the title of mother to my daughter."

"I see…." She said, nodding as she listened. So Yosho means more to her than even Mayuka. I would have never thought such a thing possible. "Well, I guess I'm done with you and Mayuka for today. But I want to see you both again for another scanning tomorrow morning."

Shaking his head, the father of Mayuka picked up his daughter. "Alright Washu. By the way, I'm curious, is it always necessary for me to take off ALL my clothes. "

The youthful looking super genius merely smiled, a faint chuckle coming from her as she turned away.

Tenchi shook his head, "I knew it…. Well, I'd better be going now, Washu. See you at breakfast." Picking up his daughter with absolute care, the young man began to walk away.

"Oh, one more thing Tenchi," Washu blurted. "It's more or less for my own curiosity." The young father paused looking back at his smaller friend. "I know this is going to be very personal and all, but I do have to ask it. If Ryoko were to come back, d you think things would be different between the two of you?"

Tenchi cast his smaller friend a confused glance. "Different how, Washu? I'm not really sure what you mean."

"Well, as a mother, I of course would like you to marry my single daughter, but knowing you as well as I do, Tenchi I suppose what I would like to know is do you think there is a chance you would ever end up with Ryoko?"

The young man's face turned a bright red, as his embarrassment caused him to glow like a sun. "Well… I mean, that is to say… I don't know, Washu. There is a chance I suppose, I can't really say for sure."

"I see." Washu said hiding her smile. It was obvious to her that once again, the young man was lying. "Okay then, Tenchi I can understand that. You always have had a big heart. I just hope you figure out what you want one day, or you may be left with nothing."

The young man shook his head as he listened to the miniature woman's lecture. This was speech his grandfather had given him countless times in the past. It was also something he didn't like to dwell on, although with Ryoko's departure, it was also always at the forefront of his mind these days.

"Okay, Tenchi. I guess I've held you up long enough. If you think of anything else that is similar to all three trances, let me know." The youthful scientist said as she leaned against a nearby console, waving goodbye to Mayuka, who barely seemed aware of what was going on.

Cradling his daughter in his arms, Tenchi picked up one of her tiny arms, waving back to the small scientist. "Say bye-bye, Noodles." The little child made no reply merely grunted her disapproval at her father messing with her arm for some reason. The adolescent shrine caretaker sighed. "You haven't been very playful lately, ever since Ryoko left. Now have you Mayuka?"

Ryoko…Finally her father had said something Mayuka fully understood. "RYOKO! RYOKO! RYOKO! RYOKO! RYOKO!" The tiny infant shouted the golden-eyed woman's name repeatedly, as if it would magically summon the beautiful space pirate.

"I know you miss your friend, Noodles, but she's gone somewhere far away." The brown-haired youth stated trying to calm his joyous daughter's cries. At least she should be safe from Yuzuha there. "Wait a minute, Washu." Tenchi shouted running back to where the universe's number one scientist was frantically working. "Didn't you say that you thought this Yuzuha was from the Universe of Torment, where Ryoko is RIGHT NOW? If Yuzuha WERE back, then wouldn't she be coming after Ryoko as well? Washu, we need to warn her. She could be in grave danger. Please open the portal and let me at least go and tell her what she could be up against."

Her emerald eyes glistened in the pale light of her lab as Washu listened to Tenchi's hypothesis. "I…." Turning her head away in defeat, the red-haired scientist could feel her heart breaking as she spoke. "I can't. I promised Ryoko I would never use this device to send someone into that world, and I will not break a promise to my Little Ryoko."

"But Washu, we're talking about a Yuzuha from a universe where evil ALWAYS wins!" The young man could not grasp the concept of not trying to help the silver-haired space pirate. "How can you say you won't help? How can you just abandon Ryoko?"

With a swift motion, Washu brought her hand up in an arc, smacking Tenchi's face, the sound echoing into the far corners of the lab. When Tenchi opened his eyes again, he noticed that he no longer talked to the diminutive scientist; instead he spoke to Washu in her adult form. "Listen, and listen good Tenchi. I'll only say this once. As a fellow parent you should know that I'd do anything to make my daughter happy. If that means leaving her in another universe where she could be killed, then I'll do it. I am NOT abandoning her. At every moment of every day since she left there have been machines in this lab scanning every known spectrum of the universe for ANY sign that my daughter wants to come home. If I had even the slightest reason to believe she wanted my help, I would be there in seconds. I know this may seem strange to you Tenchi, but trust me one day Mayuka will grow up, and she'll make some choices you might not like. She may meet a guy you disapprove of, but in the end you too will stand by your daughter as I am mine, and you will still love her with all your heart."

The youngest male Masaki rubbed his face, unsure which had stung worse, Washu's words or her hand. "You're right, Washu. I had no right to say such things. Please except my apology. I don't know what came over me. I…."

Waving off his apology, the adult redhead before him instantly returned to her smaller form. "Don't worry about it, Tenchi. I still like you. Besides, your reaction was normal for someone who's in love…" Washu turned away, beginning to walk further into the lab. "Well I have some work to get done. I'll see you at breakfast. Make sure that girl of yours eats something will you? Her scans show slight malnourishment, and don't be a stranger, Tenchi. If you want to talk about something private, I'll always be here to listen. It's what I've done best for over 20,000 years."

Tenchi smiled, rubbing his face one last time. "Thanks Washu…" he said in a whisper. Looking down at his little girl, the young man's voice was stronger, and happier as he addressed her. "Come on, Noodles, let's go eat. You haven't eaten much since Ryoko left, and daddy's getting worried about you. IF anything happened to you I'd just…"

"RYOKO! RYOKO! RYOKO! RYOKO! RYOKO!" Tenchi's words were cut off as the tiny infant once again happily screamed out the only word she knew over and over again as her and her father left the massive laboratory.

Universe of Torment: Washu's Lab

In this realm where darkness always triumphs, a woman unlike any other toils away relentlessly to find answers to questions no one has ever thought to ask before. To some her massive workstation, which exists in subspace, and equals the size of three planets, would seem intense, indeed even somewhat oppressive. However to Washu, the universe's greatest scientific genius, this laboratory is home. Sitting on her floating cushion, which she used as a chair, she skillfully examined some plans being displayed on a holo-monitor before her. "Now let's see here…." The tide of her large mane of red hair being held back by a simple headband, so that she could examine her plans closely. "If I adjust this here, and replace this quantum fissure with more dioxins, then it should be more efficient." Leaning back, the wily genius smiled happily. "Yes, that would work, then I could rebuild my time and space machine easily. It shouldn't take more than a few days, and then I can have my machine up and running again." Washu paused mid-thought. Why have I been so obsessed with finding a way to open that gateway again? It's like I know something is about to happen, and I want to be prepared, but that's silly. The worst is over now, Blackshire is gone, and Yosho is happy. At least, he's happy for now. One day Ryoko being here won't be enough. I worry about that kid so much, and I would have disapproved of his bringing that other Ryoko here, if it hadn't been for how much I could tell she cared for him.

Standing up, Washu walked away from her plans. They can wait right now I have to go check on something important. In a few moments, the young looking redhead stood before a med tube filled with an emerald liquid. Inside floated her daughter, the Ryoko of this world. "Hello Little Ryoko." No reply came from the tube, which did not surprise the shorter woman. Calling up her ethereal keyboard, Washu quickly checked the sleeping woman's data. "This is very strange," she said after a few moments. "I see by these readings you are sporadically communicating with someone, my guess is it's that other Ryoko, yet she hasn't said anything about it to me. What could you possibly be telling her?"

"Not only that, but why is it I can't get through to you?" Placing one hand on the glass casing, Washu smiled weakly. "I need to talk to you Ryoko. It may sound selfish, but ever since you were born, I always wanted to be a part of your life. In a way that is why I made you, to complete my life. Now, when it seemed we were both so happy, that damn Leech had to show up. I'll never stop cursing him, or his dark master, Blackshire's name." She paused, letting the anger melt from her tongue. "Please, tell me what to do, Ryoko. I'll do whatever it takes to get you back. Just don't leave me alone. I know life is painful when you lose someone you love, but we have to go on."

The green-eyed woman sighed, trying to shake her sadness from her voice. Wiping a tear from her eyes, the universe's greatest scientist exhaled sharply before she began her march upstairs. Soon it would be breakfast time, and she wanted to be ready for the day to come. I only hope that today is better than yesterday, and that in the end my Little Ryoko will be awake once again. It was the same thing she wished every hour of everyday. One day she hoped she would find the answer, and she would not need to wish for her daughter's return.

Just before Breakfast Universe of Delight: (The next morning):

On any other day, Ayeka Jurai would have looked radiant, despite the early hour. However as it was now, she looked frazzled, almost as if she had been fighting. Although this was not completely true, it was very close. The entire night she had spent rushing into to try and calm Mayuka, yet nothing she had done ever seemed to calm the screeching child's nerves. Trying to reduce her stress, the purple haired princess rubbed her temples delicately. Her eyes had large bags under them, and her red eyes appeared even redder showing her lack of sleep. Even Ryo-Ohki, who I thought could always calm Mayuka, was not able to do anything. Frustration filled her mind, as the first princess of Jurai slammed down her fist on the breakfast table. OH! It makes me so angry, I simply cannot understand what I am doing wrong! Mayuka barely eats anymore, and I cannot get her to lie still for more than twenty minutes at a time. If this keeps up, she is going to get sick.

I appear to be failing at motherhood, but why? As far as I know, I do everything just like Washu, Ryoko, and all the others do, but Mayuka is always unhappy. I do not dare tell Tenchi, or it may destroy his faith in me. Yet I simply cannot figure out what it is I lack? It is almost as if Mayuka does not want me to take care of her, but that is silly. After all she is still merely a child, and cannot understand such things yet, can she? Tears ran down her face as Ayeka sat at the table. AYEKA! Stop this crying immediately! You are the first Princess of Jurai's Royal family; such things are unbecoming of you. She scolded herself repeatedly, while wiping away her tears, which ran slowly down her porcelain skin. Mayuka is merely going through a phase. I'm sure she'll eventually come out of it and start acting like a good girl again.

Ayeka's dementia was interrupted as she heard a door quietly closing behind her. "Is that you Sasami?" She asked peering over her shoulder.

"Nope," a happy voice rang in reply, "just me and Noodles." Tenchi Masaki and his blue-haired daughter soon rounded the corner, and appeared in the dining room. The young man appeared slightly shocked at the sight of Ayeka's disorderly appearance. "My goodness, Lady Ayeka. If you don't mind my saying so, you don't look yourself today. Is something wrong?"

The sleepy princess blushed slightly, realizing she did not look as beautiful as she normally tried to. "Yes… well, I was just trying out a new look. I suppose it is a bit extreme. I will have to go to the Onsen and get cleaned up."

Tenchi chuckled, understanding it was as close to a joke as Ayeka would ever come. "Oh I don't mind, I think you still look perfect. Don't you agree Noodles," he asked while shaking the tiny tot, causing Mayuka to moan slightly. The young man frowned, "Oh now don't be like that Mayuka. You should always say nice things to your mother. Especially when your mother is a pretty young lady like Lady Ayeka."

The young princess blushed. In the past week, Tenchi and her had become much closer. It's like a dream come true, she told herself. I knew that once Ryoko was gone, we'd be happy. Yet despite the joy she felt for her closeness to the man she cherished, it all felt wrong in a way, as if she had stolen it. It must be because I am so tired. Imagine me, the first princess of Jurai, feeling guilty that I beat that exhibitionist space pirate, Ryoko. It would be funny if it were not so sad. Still… Ayeka paused. Like all the others she missed the silver-haired woman's constant presence. However, unlike the others, she did not allow it to show. Still, even though I am happy with Lord Tenchi, it doesn't feel as good as I had thought it would.

"Ayeka?" Tenchi said finally, calling her from her thoughts. With a quick spasmodic motion, the young princess leapt from her thoughts. "Sorry to startle you, I was just wondering if you would feed Mayuka. Lately it seems like she just won't eat. I'm sure it just takes a mother's touch…." Extending his arms, the young man offered the blue-haired youth to the First Princess.

The purple-haired woman took Mayuka into her arms, gazing deeply into her orange eyes. "I'm sorry," she said under her breath in a barely audible tone.

"What did you say, Ayeka?" The brown-haired man asked with a yawn as he looked over at her.

I cannot continue to lie to him. I must tell Lord Tenchi the truth, no matter how painful it may be for me. With a deep sigh, the purple-haired woman cleared her throat. "I said I am sorry." Swallowing hard, Ayeka continued. "You see Lord Tenchi, I am not as good a mother for little Mayuka as you may think. I cannot ever get her to sleep, nor do I have the ability to even feed her properly. I am sorry, but I can no longer go on being Mayuka's mother. I am ill equipped for the task, nothing I do works." Ayeka would have continued, however her eyes suddenly began to shed tears anew, her usual strong will finally broken.

Tenchi sighed, rising from his seat to kneel besides the crying princess. Slowly he wrapped his arms around her, burying her face into his chest. Quietly he tried to shush her. "Ayeka… please. Please don't cry. I understand what you're going through. I too don't think I'm qualified for the job of caring for a child, but we can't give up. I know you aren't the perfect mother, just like I am not the perfect father."

Ayeka looked up at him, her red eyes welling up with more tears. She could not believe the blasphemy that Tenchi spoke. TO think that anyone, even Tenchi, would ever say he was not perfect defied every bit of logic she contained. "No, Lord Tenchi, you are beyond perfect. Never in my life have I met a man would could be your equal."

Smiling gently, Tenchi brushed his child's mother's hair out of her face. "It's kind of you to say that Ayeka, but I am not perfect. I'm merely Tenchi Masaki. As I was saying, neither of us is perfect, we've both made choices in our past that we regret I am sure. However, now I am more certain than ever before that when I chose YOU to be my daughter's mother, and that is something I will never regret, nor will I ever take back that title from you. It shall always be yours to bear."

Ayeka once again met Tenchi's brown eyes, this time instead of pain and sorrow her eyes showed joy. "Oh, Tenchi…" was all she could mutter. Closing her eyes, she turned her head slightly, sitting up straighter in his arms, extending herself towards him like a flower would move towards the sun. The young man was not slow to notice this, as he too closed his eyes, and slowly moved down to meet her. In a fraction of moments, their young lips touched. In that split second all the pain the two had felt vanished, as if this kiss were something magical, something that transcended everything. Yet it seemed to lack passion, true it looked passionate, yet to the two youth's involved, it was comfort they drew from their kiss.

Mayuka watched the scene play out with a sickened look in her orange eyes. NO! Daddy, what are you doing? You're not 'posed to kiss Aye-ka! You're 'posed to kiss friend! Stop Daddy! Sadly the young child was unable to say what she felt, and expressed her emotions the only way she truly knew how, by crying loudly. Her loud screams did have the desired effect, and the two young Jurains broke their kiss.

Ayeka's face was glowing bright red as she gazed at the crying child in her arms. Tenchi quickly snatched up Mayuka. "What's wrong, Noodles? Are you hungry?"

HOW COULD YOU DADDY! Wait until Friend gets back, she's gonna be real mad! The tiny infant screamed out continuously, demanding to know why her father was acting like this.

Clearing his throat the young father rose to his feet. "Well, Ayeka. I'd better get her something to eat, or she'll never stop crying."

"Of course," Ayeka said sniffing loudly. "I will talk to you more later…" The young princess could not describe the feelings she felt. She did not experience the joy she would have figured she felt instead she felt comfort. Yet at the same time she was suffering. I feel so dirty, yet Lord Tenchi and I both wanted to kiss. So why do I feel this way? OH! It was so much easier to understand my emotions before I came to this planet. Yet now after being on Earth for so long, I no longer care for Tenchi as much as I once did. I still love him with all my heart. However now, I care for him like I do Sasami, and not as the man I once wanted to marry. I am so confused, I thought with Ryoko gone I finally had everything I ever wanted, but now…. "Please Ryoko. Come back soon, things were so much simpler before you left…."

The Kitchen:

Once again Mayuka's crying was loud enough to wake the dead, and Tenchi Masaki was at ground zero for this vocal performance. "Come on, Noodles," he pleaded offering her a bottle. After numerous tries to get her to eat, the young man set the bottle down, listening to her ear piercing cries. "What is wrong?"

"Ryoko…" Mayuka said, as if that one word, that name, held all the answers to everything.

Apparently, it held some meaning, since Tenchi was taken back by the impact of his daughter's words. Of course, how could I be so stupid? IF there was anyone who truly loved Ryoko with all their heart, it was Mayuka, and I went and kissed Ayeka right in front of her. It must have torn her heart to pieces. "I see now. You're upset that I kissed Ayeka, aren't you, Noodles?" The tiny infant did her best to nod her agreement.

Tenchi exhaled defeated. "I'm sorry, I know you probably wanted to see me kiss Ryoko, right?" His question brought a squeal of joy from the blue-haired girl he cradled. "Well, I'm afraid she's gone far away now. I don't think she's coming back. But if you want, I can tell you about a few times I almost kissed Ryoko."

No, daddy. You're wrong. My friend would never go away. She'll come back, I know she will, and you better get her back soon. Mayuka was furious with her father, she wasn't sure how, but deep down she knew it was probably his fault that her silver haired friend left. I'm not gonna eat, or sleep again, until you bring my friend home.

"It was the day after we got you back from Blackshire," Tenchi began his story, leaning against the stove. "I was in the Onsen with Yosho…." As he spoke, Tenchi's mind raced back to that day. He could still recall the passion he had felt deep in his heart, as he had nearly kissed the silver-haired space pirate. It was a passion that had been missing from the kiss he just shared with Ayeka. It had been a comfort, to share something so personal with the first princess, who was also his half sister. Yet at the same time, Tenchi felt as if he was betraying his heart. I wonder why I feel this way… It was an answer that Tenchi Masaki would learn the answer to soon enough, and the price he would pay, would bring him to the brink of destruction.

Later that day Afternoon:

Kiyone was in no mood for games, her Galaxy Police badge had been going off for the last few minutes, and she still could not awaken her partner, who seemed to be sleeping soundly in the living room.

"Come on, Mihoshi!" The teal-haired woman screamed trying to rouse her sleeping partner. "We have to get to the Yagami! We've got an important message!"

"Can't it wait, Kiyone?" The ditzy blonde asked rolling onto her side. "What could be so important that I can't get a few more minutes sleep?"

"Mihoshi! It's an Omega Class Message! I don't think I need to tell you what that means."

Instantly the forgetful blue-eyed woman sprang to her feet with cat like reflexes. "An Omega Class Message! That is serious. Come on, Kiyone, what are we waiting for? We have to get moving." Mihoshi took a superior tone as she spoke. "You know, you really shouldn't stand around like that Kiyone. After all this IS a very important transmission."

"What's all the excitement?" Sasami asked coming into the room, wiping her hands. "Is something wrong?"

"Oh no, Sasami, nothing at all. We've just got an Omega Class Message," Mihoshi declared turning to face the younger princess.

Sasami shook her head, it was clear that Mihoshi's words held no meaning to the little princess. "What's that mean? Is that good or bad?"

Kiyone spoke up, before her dim-witted partner could. "We can't be sure until we go see what it is, and to do that we have to go to the Yagami!" The teal-haired woman screamed the last part into her partner's ear.

"If it's that important, why don't you check it out in my lab?" Washu asked from her seat in the living room, where she sat reading a book slowly The other three woman appeared shocked as had just noticed the small scientist. The Universe's number one genius smiled seeing the shock on their face. "Don't worry, I just got here. But anyway, if you want to receive that message of yours in complete privacy, I can let you access your ship's computers from my lab. It should be easy enough."

It figures that Washu can tap into our computers. Kiyone thought eyeing the red-haired woman. I'll have to remember to have a talk with her about that later on.

Moments later in Washu's Lab:

Washu, Sasami, Kiyone, and Mihoshi stood inside the massive lab. All eyes were fixed on Washu as she quickly typed on her keyboard.

"Alright," Washu said looking up from her ethereal keyboard. "Your message has been downloaded from your ship. Would you like to hear it now?"

"Of course, Washu! That's why we're here isn't it?" Kiyone snapped her nerves were jaded from the importance of this message. "Just hurry up and play the Omega class message we just got!"

"By the way, Kiyone," Sasami said from behind her. "What is an Omega Class Message, anyway?"

"It's a message from The Omega Sect, or as you would probably call it, Sasami, Black Ops. They're like secret agents, the most secretive and elite among all the Galaxy Police officers. They are called in only during the most severe situations. They were originally called in to deal with Kagato…." As she spoke, it was apparent that the emerald-eyed officer held nothing but respect for that particular branch of the Galaxy Police.

"And a wonderful job they did," Washu snapped, recalling how she had spent five thousand years as that madman's prisoner. "I'll have to remember to thank them for saving me so quickly." Sarcasm coated all of the young genius's words heavily.

"Oh, I'm sure they were more than happy to help out, Washu." Mihoshi said, missing the other woman's implied meaning. Suddenly a confused look came over her face. "But why would you want to thank them? Wasn't it me who saved you? I'm not sure why you would want to thank them."

"MIHOSHI!" Kiyone shouted, a vein bulging in her head. Even thought she was seething with anger, the first class detective did her best to remain calm, and in control. "Now then Washu, could you PLEASE play the message, so we can find out what is going on here!"?

"No." the red-haired genius replied. "Not unless you call me by my proper name and title!"

"Of course," Kiyone said, barely holding back her fury. "How could I forget. Would you please play the message, LITTLE Washu?"

"Well…since you asked so nicely, I suppose I could." With a winning smile, the short scientist pressed a final key, and a large ethereal monitor appeared before them, a large man with jet black hair and a very important Galaxy Police uniform glaring back at them with azure blue eyes.

"Who is that, Kiyone?" Sasami whispered to the first class detective beside her whom stood firmly at attention. Even though it was merely a recording, the teal-haired woman had always respected those who worked in The Omega Sect. It was the highest rank an officer could achieve, head of The Omega Sect. The only position higher, and it was still a debatable fact, was the rank of Grand Marshall. All her life Kiyone had wanted to raise to that special rank, but with a partner like Mihoshi, her dream slipped away from her more and more everyday.

"I don't know, but if I had to guess from rumors I've heard, that must be Commander Katiso, the man in charge of The Omega Sect."

"But Kiyone," Mihoshi whispered excitedly, "Isn't he supposed to be on an assignment to capture the number two space pirate in all the universe, Kenzar?"

"Yes, he is, Mihoshi," Kiyone snapped back at her partner. "Although with Ryoko gone, Kenzar is the number one space pirate. Now be quiet he's about to speak!"

"Greetings, First Class Detectives Kiyone and Mihoshi." The large man with the ebony hair declared. "My name is Commander Katiso, of the Omega Sect. It is my great honor and privilege to come before you today, and to speak to such heroic officers, who have done their jobs so very well."

Kiyone blushed; to get a compliment from Commander Katiso was truly an honor. "And now I have the distinct honor and privilege to ask for your help in the name of The Omega Sect."

The teal haired woman's breath began to come in short gasps. This is it! This is my ticket to the big time! He's going to ask me to join The Omega Sect! I can't believe it! Finally after all these years…

"You see we read your report on this Ebon Shard, and wish to claim it in the name of The Omega Sect. A ship with such awesome shielding and an undetectable appearance surely would be of use to keeping the Universe safe." The large man's words shattered Kiyone's fantasy world, bringing her back to reality harshly. "However, we do require you to do something for us. You see we cannot have it's weapon system so easy to shut down, it you could remove the Yagami programming, and leave only the basic flight controls in it, it would be a help to us, and would definitely go on your records. You would forever been remembered for what you've done. Please have the ship ready; we will be arriving on the Planet…" the large man paused, checking a paper on the desk before him, "Earth, by this time tomorrow. That is all." As he finished speaking the screen instantly went black.

Kiyone turned on her heals slowly, gazing at the redheaded scientist. "Washu… you heard him, do you think it's possible to wipe the ships memory clean by this time tomorrow? " The words came almost timidly out of the teal-haired woman's mouth.

The emerald-eyed woman merely laughed. "Possible? Kiyone, I did that over a week ago, so that there would be no logs of my time and space machine, or rather of the other me's machine." The unlucky detective released her tension with a long slow breath. "Now then, if you three will excuse me, I have some work to get done."

A few moments later, Mihoshi, Kiyone, and an excited Sasami left the large lab. The blue-haired girl ran quickly, to tell Tenchi and her sister the good news.

Meanwhile in the Universe of Torment:

"I'll be back later on. I'm going to relax in the onsen, okay mother?" The golden-eyed young man shouted to the silver-haired woman reclining on the couch as he opened the door.

Ryoko continued to lie lazily on the soft couch, and open photo album in her lap. With a weak effort she raised one hand to shoo him away, so she could continue to relax in peace. "Have fun…" she muttered. She was feeling slightly depressed, and looking through her other self's life always cheered her up. I wonder what it was like, she asked herself. I see all it all the time in pictures, on her home video's, and even on Washu's special device, but I still have to wonder what it felt like to actually get a kiss from Tenchi.

The former space pirate sighed. If she truly regretted anything in her entire life, it would be that Tenchi never returned her kiss. It was true that she had received a kiss from him, but that was while he was asleep. No, that didn't count as a kiss. Turning a few pages in the album, the silver-haired woman finally located that which she had been looking for. It was a picture, taken not too long after her and Tenchi had become husband and wife, at least that was what she figured by the caption underneath it. In it, they were kissing, whoever had taken the picture was probably either extremely brave or stupid, and to risk her wrath by standing so close to her while she was involved in something so personal. Must have been Washu, she reasoned. She's the only one who would try to push my buttons that way. A sad smile came upon her face as she looked at the photograph. There was an intense passion about it, something raw and primal, yet at the same time this intense emotion it radiated also filled her with feelings that she was sure had to transcend time and space. I wish I could have even one experience like that. With another heavy sigh, Ryoko closed her eyes, entering into a peaceful slumber.

Ryoko's Dream:

Ryoko found herself standing before the small beach outside the Masaki house. Much like every time she had fallen asleep in the past week she was joined by a rather unusual guest. A slender woman sat on the sandy beach, skipping smooth stones across the surface of the calm lake. The slender woman always caught Ryoko's attention. It wasn't this other woman's cyan hair, her golden eyes, or her figure, which caught the silver-haired woman's attention, but rather the fact that this silver-haired woman was always shadowed by dark storm clouds, which filled the sky above her.

"Hello Mrs. Masaki. You look well, as usual." Ryoko said taking a seat beside the woman who could be her twin.

Hello, Ryoko. It's nice to see you also. The other woman said into Ryoko's mind. We do seem to spend a lot of time sleeping, don't we?

The silver haired woman picked up a stone, and whipped it across the water full force. Instead of skipping, the rock flew like a rocket, causing the water to part around it as it flew. It seemed the projectile would go on forever, yet it was stopped as it collided with a tree on the far shore, the sheer force of that collision causing the ancient tree to fall over. "Oops…."

So, is there something I can help you with? Tenchi's wife asked. I can see by the look in your eyes that you look troubled by something.

"Always cut straight to the point, don't I?" The golden-eyed woman from the Universe of Delight said with a smirk. "But yes, I can't hide anything from me, now can I? I was wondering, since we share a mental link, and all…."

No. I will not give you the memories of what it was like to kiss, or be with, Tenchi. The woman who was wed to Tenchi Masaki declared, rising to her feet. It may seem odd, but I keep those memories, and feelings hidden from you for a reason. You see if I gave you those memories, you would always compare my experiences with MY Tenchi to yours. That would not be right. Although both men bare the name Tenchi Masaki, they are as different as you and I are. Please try to understand.

Ryoko nodded, "I knew I would say that. I guess I can agree with you on that. I just…."

I know what you are going through, Ryoko. It was a hard time in my life, but I have faith that you will one day have the joy I did, and I will always envy you for that. The cyan-haired woman place a hand lovingly on her other's face, trying to be sympathetic.

Suddenly three thunderous booms filled the air. Ryoko glanced upwards with a sneer on her face. " Sound's like you're going to get rained on. I don't envy you. I hate thunder; it only leads to rain, which gets me wet. " Looking at her married self, who appeared confused, Ryoko flashed a winning smile. "Unless of course Tenchi and I are getting wet together."

Instead of laughing, Mrs. Masaki continued to look at her other self as is she was looking at a crazy person. What are you talking about? I don't hear any thunder, are you sure you're feeling all right? I….

Once again the thunderous booms echoed, this time in Ryoko's mind, and with such intensity that she could feel herself being drawn from her dreams.

END DREAM

Back in the land of the awake

The Masaki House:

Ryoko sat up quickly, throwing her photo album from herself. Her head darted around the room, as she tried to figure out what was going on. As if in answer to her unasked question, there came a knock at the door. "Who the hell could that be!"? The golden-eyed woman shouted as she disappeared, reappearing before the door. "Whoever it is had better not be selling anything, or they'll be damn sorry!"

With tremendous force, Ryoko threw open the door, and was completely shocked by who she saw. In her whole life, she had never seen this person before. It was definitely someone she would remember seeing. "Who are you?" She asked in a rather rude manner.

The mysterious guest smiled happily as she looked at Ryoko Masaki, and open her mouth to speak….

That Night Washu's Lab (Universe of Delight):

Hmmm…Washu thought as she looked at one monitor. Well I guess Commander Katiso's story checks out. I thought it was strange that the head of The Omega Sect would send a message on that particular frequency, but when I trace it back to it's home source, it seems to be coming from the ship that he's supposed to be on.

Closing that monitor, Washu focused on the one in front of her. The youthful super genius's fingers moved with lightning speed across the ethereal keyboard as she entered new data and calculations into her database. She had been spending the past few days, when she wasn't investigating Tenchi and Mayuka's strange experience, working on this particular machine. I did make a promise to Ryoko that I would never use the time and space machine Yosho had to send anyone to her world. However I never promised that I would not work on another invention that could do that same thing. Looking beside her, the red-haired woman in a Space Academy uniform smiled broadly. Laying on a platform were two devices, which resembled a matching pair of bracelets. Above them machines moved back and forth, bringing raw materials in, and shaping them to the specifications that the super genius had just typed in. Of course this invention will only be used in a dire emergency. But I don't think we should have any problems so big we can't handle them ourselves.

Suddenly Washu recalled another problem that was on the rise. Mayuka…. I almost forgot about her, let's see here… She thought as she checked her latest data on the little girl once again. Hmm… This isn't good. It appears her nourishment level has declined again. Still, I'm sure it must just be the heat, since it's been so warm this summer. If she gets a good meal in her, she should be fine.

The emerald-eyed scientist laughed at herself. Listen to me! I sound like I'm Mayuka's mother, although from what I've been told, that job is Ayeka's. She's in charge of making sure Noodles eats properly and all. I'm just over compensating for my losing Ryoko by worrying too much for Mayuka. Still… It's usually better safe than sorry… I suppose I should mention to Tenchi that his daughter's condition is worse, not much worse, but it would be the right thing to do. Yawning loudly, the diminutive scientist stretched her tiny frame. But I'll do it in the morning. For now, I need to get some sleep myself.

Tenchi's Room:

Inside the quiet confines of his room, the young man, known as Tenchi Masaki, slept. It was not a restful sleep however. Instead it was one plagued with dread. The brown haired youth tossed back and forth under his covers, as if he was sword fighting against some invisible foe. Inside the young man's head, he faced a powerful evil, which appeared to him as a vast black cloud.

Tenchi's Dream

The young shrine caretaker looked around, it appeared he was at the shrine, in his hands was a broom. "What is going on here? The last thing I remember was lying down, and now I'm at the shrine?" Slapping his head, a thought sprang forth in his head like a bolt of lightning across a stormy night. "Of course, I must be dreaming." Looking around Tenchi shook his head. "Boy, even my dreams are boring."

My you are perceptive, aren't you Prince Tenchi Masaki…A voice echoed inside his head.

"Who said that!"? The young man shouted spinning around, looking for the owner of the mysterious voice. "Show yourself!" Turning one last time, Tenchi saw a large black cloud, floating before him. In the center of the black vapor, twin eyes, glowing with emerald fury, stared at him.

Soon…Tenchi Masaki…. Soon I will show you everything. Soon you and all of yours will pay for your crimes against me. You think you can kill me that easily? No…I'm much too powerful for that. It won't be long now. Soon all Universes' will tremble at this 'demon's' passing. I'll take everything from you, and in the end you will die embracing me.

"You must be insane, Yuzuha, if you think I will ever embrace you. What makes you think such a thing will ever happen?" He demanded holding his broom between them defensively. "What do you want from me? I never did anything to you, you were the one who attacked us!"

The demonic voice seemed to chuckle. You're so good at figuring things out, why don't you tell me how I know these things. I'm not really so sure myself, all I know is that you are destined to die in the arms of someone you cherish, and I will watch you die through their eyes. Besides, you're not the one I want. The one I want isn't even here. Tenchi gazed skeptically at the cloud.

"If not me, then who do you want?" The shrine caretaker asked, anger creeping into his voice.

You know whom I want. The one I've always wanted. But enough talk for tonight. Farewell, Tenchi Masaki…. We will be meeting again soon. In an instant the dark cloud vanished, leaving the young man completely alone at the ancient Masaki shrine, alone to ponder the monster's cryptic message.

"The one she wants isn't even here?" Tenchi said to himself as he swept unconsciously. "But the only one who isn't here would be…." The young man gasped. "Ryoko…."

Next Time: This concludes my prologue. (a mere 127 pages) Amazing what I can write in one weekend, isn't it? Now the REAL Story can finally begin. Will SSJ4 Broli's self proclaimed title be revoked? Will Ryoko kill me? I would hope not, but as I like to say…

{knock at door} one minute. {opening door} Oh, Hello Ryoko I was just… AH! Ok there's no need to do anything rash, just put down the sword and I'll explain. Just let me finish my after thoughts.

But anyway, be here next time to find out that Ryoko's mystery guest is (PLEASE review and guess who it is at the door, I do so love suspense, and finding out what others think!), and what Washu (universe of Delight) has in store for Tenchi. Also, Is Yuzuha truly after Ryoko? Plus the Galaxy Police show up… Part 7: Something Lost, Something Gained

- It is something that should NOT be missed! - Ayeka Jurai