Chapter 9 Festival of Life

Disclaimer: I don't own the Tenchi cast, or any of its characters. I did however create The Ebon Shard, the two universe's, Tenchi and Ryoko's son, Yosho [boy with golden eyes] (Please note I DID NOT create Tenchi or Ryoko), Blackshire, Commander Katiso, and Kenzar. Thank you.

Special Thanks To: Unholydragoon, Gabumon, and SSj4 Broli (that is to say me), for allowing me to use them as characters for this chapter.

Tenchi Muyo: The Final Saga?! Chapter 9 Festival of Life

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 came a young man who was imprisoned by a black-hearted monster, named Blackshire. After a horrible battle with Tenchi and the girls in the Universe of delight, since Blackshire kidnapped Tenchi's daughter, Mayuka, things have seemed to slow down. This encounter had serious repercussions. Learning that she had a son, Ryoko has left with Yosho to his home realm, abandoning Tenchi and the others.

In a desperate attempt to bring back Ryoko, Tenchi Masaki sent a letter begging with her to come home. The mighty space pirate was ready to return, until she saw that Tenchi had kissed Ayeka. After a heated discussion with her other self, the silver-haired woman reached an important decision. She would stay with her son. Since Tenchi probably only wanted her as a maid, and nothing more. However such dismal thoughts are the past, and thought there are clouds on the horizon, today is a day for rejoicing. Today is the day of The Festival of Life!

And now part 9 of 26:

Two Weeks after Chapter 8

Universe of Delight: The Yenvala:

Sigius Meldred walked defiantly down the long corridors of the mighty ship once called The Ebon Shard. He smiled broadly as his ruby eyes took in every nook and cranny of the vessel. Ever since he had found the necklace, that had once belonged to the infamous space pirate, Ryoko, his faith in his abilities had increased greatly. Kenzar thinks he's so great. Well I didn't rise up to this rank by following orders to the letter and never taking risks. No, and now I'm going to take control of this ship, and it'll be SIGIUS MELDRED that the universe lives in fear of.

After a few more moments of walking, the ruby-eyed pirate decided to head to the control room, and take his place as captain.

The Control Room:

Where is that pathetic loser, Sigius? The large man in the control seat asked himself, as feral growl emitted from his throat. He was supposed to report here nearly an hour ago. Maybe the pressure of being my second in command is too much for him. I may have to find a replacement…. Kenzar grinned, showing his sharp row of shark like teeth. It always has been a shame when I have to replace my right hand man, but then again when you've been alive for as long as I have, you have to do SOMETHING to shake off the boredom.

Looking out a port window, the man with sea green hair let out what might, in his case, pass as a sigh. I still can't believe he's gone. Killed by that stupid wench, Ryoko, as well as all those others. Well, I promise I'll get revenge on them all soon enough. Of course, that damn woman had the gall to die, BEFORE I could kill her, but no matter. I'll still have my fun with her friends, especially that boy, and his child. I just need to find the right weapon. I'm sure I can find the power Kagato was searching for, and then I'll be a force to be reckoned with.

Just like you had intended to become, eh father…. I'll prove I'm worthy of being your son. You may think of me as merely a failed experiment, but I'll show you how wrong you were. Imagine trying to combine your own DNA with one of the MASU, just to up your teacher. What ever were you thinking? Ah well, we all make mistakes, except for me of course. I'm the best there is, and nothing can stop me now!

Outside the Control Room:

As Sigius Meldred reached the large doors to the control room, he paused as a massive pain shot through his head. What's going on here…? Almost as soon as he asked the question, the vile space pirate felt himself begin to lose consciousness. Falling to a heap on the ground, the weasel-like man lay still for a few moments. Seconds later however, his body rose back up, and he shook his head wearily.

"It feels so good to stretch my arms again." Sigius declared in a shrieking voice. As he opened his eyes, they no longer looked like twin rubies set in his face; instead they glowed with an emerald power. "So Kenzar's the man in charge around here? I should have remembered that, we did meet briefly before. Oh well. I have my own plans for this ship, so I guess I'll need to go have a few words with him." Pressing a few keys on the panel beside the massive doors, Sigius smiled proudly, while speaking under his breath. "Let the games begin."

Universe of Torment:

The Masaki House:

"Come on, mother! If you don't hurry, well never make it there on time!" Yosho screamed up the staircase. Shaking his head, the young man leaned against the nearby wall. How can someone with so many super abilities move so SLOW?

After waiting a few more moments, the disgruntled youth sighed, and began his ascension up the winding stairwell. "Mom! You better not be up there drinking. You promised not to drink before the festival!"

Finally reaching his mother's room, the young man knocked loudly. "Don't pretend you can't hear me. I know you are in there." Yosho was furious. It had not been his idea to go to the festival, but his mother had got him into an impossible situation. Now, to make matters worse, she was probably in her room drunk out of her mind. The entire event had worn the black-haired shrine keeper's patience away completely. Tapping his foot in annoyance, Yosho glared at the door with such intensity it seemed he was trying to melt the door. "Alright then, mom! If you won't come out, then I'm coming in! I hope you're decent." Had he have been in a better mood, the young son of Ryoko would have laughed. After all, when has Ryoko EVER been dressed decently?

Throwing open the door, the angered youth made a startling discovery. Ryoko was gone. "NOW WHAT?" He screamed hurling his arms into the air. "I can't believe she's gone. What could she be up to, now?! I…." Pausing, the confused youth suddenly noticed something he hadn't before. It was the note Ryoko had been reading. The same note that had made her so upset. Lifting up the crinkled paper, the now silent golden-eyed man shrugged. I'm sure it won't hurt anything to just take a peek at what it says…

Elsewhere:

Down a path from the Masaki shrine rests a tree with an unbelievable past. However the woman standing before this tree, called Funaho, was even more impressive. She was dressed in her favorite outfit, a blue and tartan striped dress. The scent of cherry blossom's faintly drifted through the air. The woman before this great space tree was called Ryoko. Although in this reality she was known as Ryoko Masaki, the wife of Tenchi Masaki, and mother to Yosho. The afternoon sun warmed her skin closing her eyes she did her best to enjoy it. A gentle breeze caused her silvery hair to flow lightly around her head. Why am I here? These last two weeks have been hell, but I haven't been able to get Mayuka and Tenchi out of my mind and this is the only place I can go to help calm my nerves. She asked herself as she clutched a bottle of Saki firmly in her hands. Still, why did I come here? What is it I'm expecting? It's not like Tenchi will be showing up. "Oh well," Ryoko declared with a heavy sigh.

As she held the bottle up to the sky, the young demoness bowed her head, letting her thoughts drift to that night over three weeks ago, when her and her beloved had nearly shared a passionate moment. This spot, no matter what dimension, would always be special to her, since it was where Tenchi had brought her to talk about Mayuka, and motherhood. That's why I'm here…. She then realized, to remember that memory of Tenchi that I will always cherish. Taking one quick swig of her Saki, like a private toast, the former space pirate wiped the excess liquid from her mouth. Well, maybe one day I'll see you again some day, and collect that kiss. Of course, it's not that you would want to since you have Ayeka now. Still…

The images in her mind changed from Tenchi to his daughter. Images of the tiny blue-haired infant drifted across her mind like leafs down a slow trickling stream. Oh Mayuka, I hope you're all right. If I could come back, I would. But my duties to Yosho have to be my number one concern. But you have Tenchi, Sasami, Kiyone, Mihoshi, and Washu, even Ayeka and Ryo-Ohki. You'll be fine. Choking down her sadness, the lithe golden-haired woman concentrated on her living room, preparing for a night of fun at the festival. If there only was a way I could go back, even for a little while….

Ryoko's Room:

"Oh my god…." Yosho gasped in horror. Mayuka…she's dying…. But why didn't mother go back? The young man asked himself, as he remembered all the joy he had seen in his mother's mind regarding the tiny tot. Unless… Up until this moment, the young man hadn't fully realized what Ryoko had given up for him, and in a way, he hadn't cared. All he truly had cared about up to this point was his own happiness. I wish mom had of told me. We could have gone back.

Suddenly the stunned youth paused. No, mom gave up all this, Tenchi and Mayuka for me. So that I could have a good life. But somewhere along the way, I forgot that she needs to have her own life as well. Maybe I should talk to her, get her to go back, at least for a little while. I know she would love to see the others. With a heavy sigh, the now depressed young man released the letter paper, letting it fall to the ground.

"Yosho!" A voice screamed, suddenly tearing through the young man's depression. It was his mother. "Yosho! Are you up there?"

Oh no! It's mom. If she catches me in her room, I'm a dead man. Scanning the room the now frightened son of Ryoko, looked everywhere for a way to get out of his mom's room. His heart nearly skipped a beat, as he heard the sound of footsteps from the staircase. Panicking, Yosho quickly ran to the window, trying to pry it open. However in his rush, the young man forgot to unlock the window. DAMN! Why won't it open? Spinning around, sweat now pouring down his face, the black-haired man desperately wished he were in his own room, instead of his mothers.

At that moment, the silver-haired woman threw open the door to the room which belonged to the Ryoko of this universe and her husband. "Yosho, are you in here?" However when the golden-eyed seductress looked around, she was completely alone. "Huh, I could have sworn I heard something in here. Wait a minute…" reaching down the young woman picked up a piece of paper off the floor. It's my letter from Tenchi. But why is it on the floor? Before she could analyze the situation any further, there came a loud shout from down the hall.

"OH MY GOSH!"

Yosho? The confused seductress asked herself before taking off toward the noise.

The door to her son's room flew open as she entered the hallway, and out stepped the black-haired youth an excited look on his face. "Mother, you'll never believe what just happened to me! I used my powers! I teleported to my room. I have no idea HOW I did it, but one minute I was on place then before I knew it, I was here!"

The young man spoke quickly, making it nearly impossible to fully understand him. "That's great," Ryoko finally managed to interject. "But we need to get going, or we'll never make it to the festival."

On the way to the Festival:

I teleported! That's awesome. I didn't actually know it was possible. I always thought it was some trick of Blackshire's, but I DO have the power my mom possessed. The young man looked at the stairs in front of him as he walked, lost in his own rapturous thoughts.

Even though the afternoon sun was beginning to descend, it appeared there would still be plenty of hours of light left. "So, do you think you could do it again?" the silver-haired woman asked breaking the few moments of silence they had walked in.

"Do what," Yosho replied sounding as if he wasn't following. In truth he hadn't been listening. His young mind was focused on the events that he had just read about. Looking at his other with sorrowful eyes, the black-haired youth couldn't help but wonder why. What makes me so special to you Ryoko? After all we've only known each other for a few weeks, yet you've given up so much for me. I can't help but wonder why. I know you love me, and I love you. But if I had of known you would have to pay a price like this for me…. Well, I never would have approved of you coming. My life has been good, and I will admit to there being some downsides, yet you to sacrifice Mayuka's life for mine….

"HEY!" Ryoko shouted snapping her fingers in his face. "I'm talking to you?"

"Sorry mom. My mind was elsewhere."

"I can see that. Now don't you be thinking anything naughty, or I might just have to start keeping an eye on your thoughts." The silver-haired woman laughed flicking her son's nose. "Besides, you've got Sakuya thinking you're a nice, clean-cut young man, like your father."

The young man's face turned bright red as he heard his mother mention the love of his life's name. "I already told you, Sakuya and I are just friends." As he retold his mother the same lie he had been using for the past nearly two weeks, the golden-eyed youth felt as if his entire body was lighter.

"Uh-huh," the demon of the Masaki shrine declared with a snicker. "Try telling me that when your feet are on the ground."

With a confused gasp, Ryoko's son looked down, only to notice that he was floating a few feet on the ground. Startled, the young man suddenly fell back to the ground with a thud. "How did I do that? I wasn't even trying!"

Reaching down, the lithe woman hefted her confused son off the ground with ease. "Don't worry about it, Yosho. You're just starting to learn about your powers. I'm sure once you get a little more comfortable with the idea of having your abilities. You just need to keep practicing using them, and I can guarantee you'll be able to master them."

"If you say so mom," Yosho declared brushing himself off. "But if it's all the same to you I'd rather talk about something else."

"Okay," Ryoko said with a head nod, "why don't you tell me about some of your friends. I'm sure we'll run into some of them there, and I'd like to avoid any problems, if I can."

Sighing finally, the man who once housed a great evil shook his head. "Okay, sounds fair. Let's see, where to begin…."

Later:

The Festival:

The two figures with matching golden eyes entered the bustling fairgrounds excitedly. As they walked through the dense crowds, Ryoko did her best to shove away people who strayed too close to her personal space. "Looks pretty crowded. How are we going to find Sakuya in all this?"

"I don't know," the young man said, a hint of anger in his tone. He wanted nothing more than to see Sakuya, even thought their current relationship was merely good friends. Yet at the same time he was scared she would show up, since he never felt comfortable talking to her with his mom around, even though his mother HAD seen and done nearly everything there was to see and do. "I'm sure we'll bump into her soon. All we have to do is find out what booth she's at, and we'll be all set."

We could do an aerial scan, you know. Ryoko mentally joked. It would also give you a chance to work on using your powers. The mighty space pirate seemed to pause a moment, before she continued. Yosho….

Mom! I don't want to be seen using those abilities. The young man snapped back as he plowed through the crowed, searching for Sakuya as if he was a vicious predator. To you it may be no problem, but remember I have to see these people everyday at school. Now please try and behave yourself why we're here, and don't do anything to…. Ryoko's son stopped, suddenly he felt as if he was talking to himself. Mom? Turning around slowly, he was distraught to see why his mother had broken the mental link with him. There talking to his mother was the woman he had been looking for. The two of them seemed to be laughing about something.

"Yosho!" the emerald-eyed schoolgirl cried out, running past the silver-haired mother. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it." Throwing her arms around his neck, the excited woman gave him a quick hug.

"Uh… Hi, Sakuya." The black-haired youth replied nervously placing his hands on her waist delicately as if she might break. "You didn't need to worry. We said we'd be here, and we were. Mom just took a little longer than I thought she would getting ready." With a quick smile Ryoko's son cast a quick glance at his mother. "Isn't that right mother."

The lithe space pirate merely smiled. "That may be son, but if you hadn't been playing hide and seek…."

"Okay you two," the black-haired girl said stepping in between them as if they were about to fight. "How about we go on a ride?" Quickly Sakuya turned to look into Yosho's golden eyes, clasping her hands before her. As she gazed at him, her eyes seemed to sparkle like twin stars. "And I know just the one. I've been wanting to ride it all day."

"What one is that?" Yosho asked with a slight laugh trying to hide his nervousness.

"The Ferris wheel." Spinning on her heels, the emerald-eyed woman looked over the endless throng of people around her, pointing towards the large circle of lights. It's always been a dream of mine to ride it with the man I love. Oh I hope Yosho will go on it with me….

"Sure, sounds like fun. Let's go on that one first, okay mom?"

Before she answered, the golden-eyed woman looked at the youthful woman, whom she knew loved her son. In Sakuya's face Ryoko saw something she had never seen before, yet had experienced countless times. That look…. I may not be able to read her mind, but I know what Sakuya's thinking. "Actually, I think I'll sit this ride out." The woman with silver-hair stated. "Heights make me nervous and nauseous."

Yosho smiled. You're lying. He proclaimed meeting his mom's stare. For one, you love to fly, and two, nothing makes you sick to your stomach.

Shaking her head lightly, Ryoko merely smiled at her slow-witted son. One day, when you're older you'll understand what I'm doing.

"Ok. Then Mrs. Masaki, we're going to ride the Ferris wheel a few times. What are you going to do?" the bubbly young woman replied squeezing the man she cherished hand a little tighter.

"Oh, I'll be alright. I'll wait for you two right here. Go on, have a good time." Shaking a hand at them, like one would to shoo a pet, Ryoko leaned against a nearby stall.

A Few Moments Later:

Yosho and Sakuya entered onto the amusement park ride, while the attractive Ryoko Masaki watched from her spot where she had agreed to meet them. Yosho sure does seem happy, and Sakuya looked really excited to be riding alone with him. I wonder how long she's wanted to do that with him.

A sad sigh escaped her body as she shifted her eyes to the ground. I know how long I've wanted to spend a night with the man I love, my whole life. Every time I saw Tenchi all I wanted was to be close to him, to never leave his side. I wanted to spend every waking moment with him so he'd love me like I loved him. But Ayeka, or one of the others, was always in the way. I could never just be alone with him. True, I'm a little more forward with how I feel than any of them, but I want Tenchi to understand that I want nothing more that to make him the happiest man on Earth.

Shaking her head slowly, a smirk came over the young space pirates face. I can't believe I'm still thinking about him. After all, I'm Ryoko, the number one space pirate in the entire universe, and right now I'm on an important mission. I'm here to take care of my son. To make sure he can live a happy life. Looking at the Ferris wheel, Ryoko's keen eyes focused on her son and his date. Still, he does look happy now…. I wish I could be too. But in order to do that, I'd have to go home and see my Tenchi, and that's just not possible.

Like a bolt of lightning, the silver-haired woman recalled something Washu had said to her nearly two weeks ago. Can I build a portal to the other Universe? Not only is it possible, it's already done! Do you want me to send you home?

Washu has the machine still. I could go home, and see how Mayuka is doing. Then I could come home. Ryoko's joy suddenly faded. But I can't just leave Yosho here. As soon as he figures out I'm gone he'll head home looking for me, then I'll REALLY have problems. There's no telling what my leaving might do to him mentally.

"Hello Mrs. Masaki, and how are you tonight?" a deep voice asked from behind the cyan haired space pirate drawing her from her thoughts.

Ryoko spun about quickly, wondering not only who would know her, but also who would have guessed she would be at the Festival. To her surprise she saw the most ridiculous looking young man she had ever seen in her life, and that had been a long time. He was a foot shorter than her, and had short spiked blonde hair, which actually was a dark brown, and was poorly died to appear blonde. The young man looked as if he hadn't missed many meals, although he wasn't the fattest man at the fair, he was not slender. He started at her smiling politely, his green eyes twinkling in the mid day sun. "Brahley...?" the space pirate asked, recognizing the young man from Yosho's description of his friends.

"Yeah that's me," he replied, "What are you doing here tonight ma'am? I mean Mrs. Masaki," Brahley caught himself just in time, remembering the stories Yosho had told him about the fate of people who called Ryoko Masaki 'ma'am.' "I see you barely recognized me, it's my new contacts isn't it. They're green, just like my favorite character in Dragon Fighters."

"Oh yeah, that must be why," Ryoko stated through gritted teeth. Brahley was even stranger than she had thought he would be. He began to tell her all about the latest fan fictions he had been writing, in great boring detail. After waiting a few more minutes, the golden eyed interrupted him; "excuse me Brahley, but what can you tell me about Sakuya Kumashiro?"

The odd youth stopped, putting a finger to his cheek as he spoke. "Huh? Sakuya? Well she's the second most beautiful woman I've ever seen. You being the first Mrs. Masaki." Ryoko laughed politely realizing Yosho must have told him she like compliments.

"Do you know if Yosho likes her?" she asked.

"Yosho? Oh, you bet he does. She's all he ever talks about. Every time he sees her, it's 'Sakuya this, and Sakuya that. I mean if he likes her so much I think he should just ask her out. But anyway, why do you ask?" Brahley said scratching his head confused. "Is Sakuya here or something, and while we're on the topic, where is Yosho?"

Ryoko took in the information slowly as she thought. So I wasn't losing my mind. My little boy DOES have a crush on Sakuya, eh? Smiling devilishly, the silver-haired demon quickly concocted a plan. Maybe now WOULD be a good time to have Washu open the portal. After all, it would only be for one night, and only so I can check on Mayuka, a simple in and out job. Besides if things work like they should, I'll be home LONG before Yosho knows what's going on. Once again, the former space pirate's excitement began to over take her, and a single tear ran down her face.

"Uh…. is something wrong Mrs. Masaki," the smaller person asked her. "Do you need some water?"

"No, Brahley I'm alright," the silver-haired woman responded, just before an idea came to her. Smiling deviously she looked the odd gentleman squarely in the eyes. "I just remembered something that I need to take care of back home. Yosho and Sakuya are on the Ferris wheel right now." Taking one of the blonde youth's hands in hers, Ryoko pressed a few bills into it. "Do me a favor. Give this to Yosho, and make sure you tell him that I said for him to not come home until late." With a wink the space pirate took off toward her house.

Brahley shook his head, looking at the money in it. Ok, but how am I gonna give it to him, he's on top of the Ferris wheel, and I'm way down here…. It was truly a desperate situation, one that would probably take the man with the new green contacts hours to figure out. But fate had not decreed that to be so. At that moment, a barking dog jarred the slow-witted young man from his thoughts. Startled he spun about.

"Hey Brahley, what'cha got there?" a slightly shorter girl with shoulder length brown hair and blue glistening eyes asked. She wore a white shirt with a picture of a cartoon character called 'Gabumon," on it. In one hand she held a leash, which led to a small dog. "It's a good thing I brought Jengi along. Why were you standing over here like a statue, and where did you suddenly get any money?" Brahley stared at his hand, making a droning noise as he tried to put the thoughts together in his mind. "Never mind, we are supposed to be meeting Drez over at the shooting gallery. By the way, was that Mrs. Masaki you were talking to?"

"Yes it was Gabby, she gave me this money to give to Yosho," Brahley finally replied getting his thoughts together as they headed toward the Ferris wheel. "She also gave me a message for him. Oh and you know what, she didn't recognize me with my new contacts."

The young woman, nicknamed Gabby, laughed. "I think she didn't want to be seen by you is all. Did you say that Yosho was here? Where is he?"

"He's on the Ferris wheel, and guess what, Sakuya is there too," Brahley said as the trio reached the shooting gallery booth, where a man stood firing repeatedly at the moving targets. "Can you imagine the luck, that Yosho and Sakuya would be riding at the same time?" As Brahley spoke, the man at the booth threw his head back, causing his final shot to miss its intended target. "He's a pretty lucky guy."

"Brahley! I can't believe you're so dense," the man shouted turning around. He was slightly taller than the blonde young man, and had a faded scar on his right cheek. Upon his face rested a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. "If Sakuya and Yosho are on the Ferris wheel at the same time, then they probably got on together."

"Oh, really Drez?" Brahley replied. "Well I need to give him this money from his mom, and tell him a message." He directed his gaze up at the top of the Ferris wheel. Sighing deeply, the young blonde shook his head. "I wish I could fly like Mrs. Masaki can, then I could fly up there and hand him the money."

"For the last time Brahley, Mrs. Masaki can't fly, you were just seeing things. Normal people do not fly, and she's just as normal as all of us." The young man called Drez, paused amending his statement, "or should I say as normal as Gabby and I are. Look, let's just go and wait for them to get off. Then you can give him the money and the message."

"Ok," the blonde haired man replied, "Hey! While we're waiting I can tell you about my new story I'm gonna write!"

"Maybe you should tell us the message you have first, just so you don't forget," Gabby interjected, since the green contact wearing youth's stories tended to take a long time. Not only that, but he tended to change things mid-sentence, making following his plot line nearly impossible.

Nodding his understanding, the slow-witted young man began his message. "Mrs. Masaki said 'Give this to Yosho, and make sure you tell him that I said for him to not come home until late.'"

"I see," Drez said rubbing his chin. "Look's like Yosho's got a girlfriend. I never would have thought such a thing possible."

"Wow that's great," Gabby said excitedly.

"It sure is. But, I wonder who it is," Brahley asked. "I hope she doesn't mind that he's on the Ferris wheel with Sakuya."

Sighing deeply Drez answered, "His girlfriend IS Sakuya. Man, you must act this way to give me these headaches...."

Later at the Ferris wheel:

"That was great Yosho, what are we going to do now?" Sakuya asked practically dragging Yosho from his seat by one arm. This is perfect. Yosho, and me out at the carnival having fun! Nothing could possibly ruin this for me. Casting her eyed over at the man she loved so dearly, the young woman sighed deeply.

"Well, uh that is I...," the young man with golden eyes, muttered, "I guess I should checking in with my mom real quick, and then..."

"No need to do that Yosho," Drez replied waving from the fence around the ride. "Your mom asked us to give you this money, and to tell you not to come home until late..." Drez smiled charmingly, slipping the money to Yosho. "Well, we're heading out now. See ya later, Yosho."

"Thanks Drez," the golden-eyed youth said to his friend. So that's what you're up to mom, Yosho told himself, a deep smile on his face, as he looked from his departing friends to the woman clutching his arm. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner. I must be one of the slowest thinkers alive. You're trying to set me up with Sakuya. I guess I wasn't as good at keeping a secret as I thought….

"Hey, Yosho! Look over there!" Sakuya yelled, suddenly becoming very excited and alert. "Let's go!" With a quick tug, the young man was drug off towards the next event on Sakuya's to do list. It was going to be a long night for the two in love youths, but it was a night neither would ever forget.

Back at The Masaki House Washu's Lab:

In her massive workstation, the redheaded woman, named Washu, slowly lowered one beaker towards another. Just a little more…. The emerald-eyed genius thought gently as if one fast thought could cause her experiment to go completely wrong. A little more, and all I'll have finally completed this test. It's taken me months of analyzing and extracting, but if I'm careful, I'll soon have the results I've been looking for….

"WASHU!" Ryoko screamed hurling open the door to the lab. The result of her barging in was obvious. The small scientist's arms jerked, causing her to spill some of the bizarre liquid too fast. In an instant, the area around the emerald-eyed woman became filled with a thick and putrid smelling cloud.

"Damn it, Washu!" The silver-haired woman coughed. "I need to talk to you. Can't you wait to play your pranks until Yosho gets home? And really why are you messing around with stink bombs? I KNOW you're more creative than that, since I'm usually the one you make jokes at the expense of." The coughing woman declared remembering all the times Washu had teased her in front of Tenchi.

"RYOKO! Don't you ever think about knocking?" the smaller woman snapped. Waving some of the noxious fumes away from her face, the diminutive scientist took a few short breaths. "And just so you know, I was in the middle an important experiment! It took me months to get all this data and equipment set up…."

Shrugging her shoulders, the golden-eyed woman continued talking as if the other woman wasn't there. "That's great Washu, I'm happy for you. Now then there's something I need from you."

Sighing heavily, Washu shook her head. "I already told you a few days ago, I will NOT make you any Saki. You're just going to have to go to the store like everyone else, Ryoko. Honestly, my dear, maybe you should consider quitting if you have that bad of an addiction to it."

"I am not an addict!" the now furious daughter screamed, appearing ready to pounce. " I came down here, because I want you to open that portal again."

"Another message?" the small scientist asked looking up at her daughter with a curious look, while continuing to dust herself off. "The portal isn't a toy, Ryoko. If you have an important message, I can send it. But I am not going to open it every five minutes, so you can send another short note."

"No," Ryoko declared, a hint of sadness in her voice. "This time I'm going." Washu's opened her mouth preparing to say something, but the silver-haired woman was faster. "I shouldn't be gone long. Just one night. To check on Mayuka. Give me three hours, and then open the portal again. Understand? I want to be home before Yosho get's back from the fair."

The short red-haired genius nodded, calling up her ethereal keyboard. "Ok, if that's what you want. But you realize they'll try and keep you there."

"I know, but you don't need to worry. I'm ready for anything." To accent her point, the silver-haired woman called up a ball of energy. She then squeezed it tightly forming it into a crimson energy sword.

Shaking her head sadly, Washu sighed. You say that, Ryoko. But I have to wonder, are even you strong enough to resist Tenchi? Well, I guess it's time to conduct a new experiment, now isn't it? Can Ryoko overcome Tenchi's charms? Hmm… Something tells me she's not coming back.

With the click of one more key, a massive portal of intense power opened before the mother and daughter duo. The two women exchanged a brief head nod, before the silver-haired woman stepped through the gateway, and returned home.

Universe of Delight: The Yenvala

It's time to die, Kenzar. The insidious Sigius Meldred thought as he slowly opened the door to the control room. Time for me to take this ship, and have my revenge.


Slipping inside the massive control room the now emerald-eyed pirate quickly took in his surroundings. To his shock, he was quick to note that the man he was hunting for was nowhere to be seen. What's going on here? Where is Kenzar-?

"You're late" A powerful voice declared behind him. It was Kenzar, who had been leaning beside the door, where the other man would miss him as he came in the room. The massive figure stood with his muscular arms crossed over his chest, almost looking relaxed. "I don't like it when my people are late. It makes me think they could be up to something. So tell me, Sigius, what have you been up to?"

The weasel-like man smiled as he turned slowly. "Oh you know, boss. This and that…." Drawing his fist back cautiously, Sigius took one short step toward his commander, and then swung with his full strength into Kenzar's stomach, causing the bigger man to bend slightly. "Don't worry, it won't happen again. You'll never have to wonder who's betraying you, because you're about to die!"

A faint chuckle began to echo from Kenzar's throat. As the long strands of his faint green hair covered his expression. When he spoke, his words came in a raspy whisper, sounding calm, yet on the verge of madness. "Really, Sigius? I'm going to die? Well that's news to me. There's just one problem…."

Rearing back his fist, the smaller man prepared to hit his former master once again. "And that would be?" Meldred asked as he swung.

Almost instantly, Kenzar's hand shot up, catching the other man's fist. "The problem is, you have no means to kill someone like me. You see boy, I've been alive for more years than you can imagine being alive, and I have no intention of letting some egotistical loser like you kill me." Rising to his full height, the yellow-hue skinned man hefted his attacker off the ground by his caught hand. "You punch pretty good, for someone so small. But let me show you what a pro can do." As his powerful arm collided with the smaller man's chest, Kenzar released his hold on Sigius's hand, the sheer force of the blow sending him hurtling across the control room.

At this time, all the other member's of Kenzar's crew were on their feet, cheering to see a good fight. Kenzar stood, arms in the air, as his men praised his name.

He's strong. Good, I like that in a man. But still, I can't just let anyone knock me around like this. It's bad for my image. As the man who once was Sigius pulled himself back to his feet, a ball of emerald power forming before him. As he unleashed the blast, the possessed man yelled laughingly. "Hey Kenzar, CATCH!"

Merely a moment too late, the ruler of The Yenvala spun about. The energy blast stuck him, knocking him to his back. Small cuts appeared on the mighty pirate's body. As well as a smell of singed flesh. Grunting, Kenzar struggled to his feet. "I don't know how you learned to do that, Sigius." Roaring loudly, the now enraged captain charged his second in command, "but for shooting me, YOU WILL DIE!"

"Drool." The emerald-eyed man said as he remained perfectly still. "Very drool." As he finished speaking, Kenzar's fist collided with the unimpressed fighter's face. The sound was like a thunderclap, followed by a scream of immense pain. Falling to his knees, the yellow skinned pirate stared in disbelief at his hand.

"You broke my hand," Looking up quickly, rage seemed to have embedded itself into ever portion of Kenzar's face. "I'll gut you for this, Sigius."

With a sigh, the man called Sigius Mildred made a lighting quick motion, lifting the wounded man up by his throat. "My name is no longer Sigius. You see I am so much more than that now." With his free hand, the emerald-eyed man reached under his shirt, pulling out his prized possession, Ryoko's Necklace.

"I get it now. That necklace is what made you this strong," Kenzar said as he tried to break his capture's iron grip. "You idiot. Don't you realize that boy is probably looking for that thing right now! You've given him a way to track us."

"No, I think not. Right now, the Masaki house is having enough problems. I guarantee it, since I helped cause it all." The weasel-like man grinned. "Would you like this necklace, Kenzar? It might be more power than you can handle?" Leaning forward, Sigius dangled the heart pendant before the choking man. The yellow-skinned man merely glared at the treasure before him, his desire to possess it evident in his eyes. With a laugh, the shorter man released his captain.

"Tell you what, since I like you so much," the possessed man began removing the necklace from his neck, clutching the chain loosely. "You can have it, if you want. Just take it…." However, this ploy did not seem to affect the muscular pirate, since he remained on the ground, breathing erratically. Lowering the treasure, a depressed look came over Sigius. "Don't tell me you're giving up. Just when the game was getting interesting…." Shaking his head, the victorious man looked at his crew with a sad, yet amused, glare. "Not so tough, is he?"

Screaming loudly, Kenzar lunged at the distracted man, snatching the pendant from him. Hurriedly, he latched it around his own neck. The shock of losing his treasure seemed to affect the smaller pirate greatly, as he held his head tightly. However this was nothing compared to the horrible event, which the larger man seemed to go through. As the pendant fell against his body, he issued a thunderous roar, before emerald power and black lightning leapt across his body for a few seconds, and he collapsed to the floor.

"What happened? Where am I?" Sigius asked his eyes now back to their ruby color. "Who did this to Kenzar?" He snapped noticing his fallen commander.

"You did!" one crewman shouted.

"All hail, Sigius!" another added.

"I think not!" A tremendous voice proclaimed. All eyes turned towards it. Kenzar rose to his feet, yet not by standing. The massive yellow skinned man now floated a foot off the ground, and his eyes radiated an emerald power. "I am in command here. Don't forget that."

"No…"Sigius gasped. "It's you. The demon that was in my head…."

"Yes, and you're one of the few people, who I'm going to let live." The figure called Kenzar said walking on air as he approached his men. "Now then men. I've just given Kenzar an awesome power. We have a quest, or rather a mission, one of vengeance. Those of you who are loyal to me will live. Those who are not… will die." Smiling sadistically at Sigius, Kenzar held out one hand as if offering something to the shaking man. "Fear not Sigius. I have decided not to kill you, just yet. There is still much to be done" With one hand, the floating man picked at his clothes. "These clothes for one must be changed. We are the greatest force in the universe, with the ultimate ship. I don't think we need to dress like common thugs." As he spoke, the green-haired man spun around taking in the entire room. With a vicious grin he continued. "Oh yes, things are defiantly going to be different from now on…." After a few moments of malicious laughter, the super powered Kenzar disappeared, leaving those in the control room to ponder their new situation.

"He's a monster," one man said in a panic, as the others added their agreement to the statement.

Sigius shook his head, still terrified by this turn of events. "No, then at least there'd be a chance of killing him. The thing that has Kenzar isn't a monster, it's the devil…."

Next Time: The Action/Romance/ Drama goes up a notch, as it finally happens; RYOKO GOES HOME! But can Ryoko's return help poor Mayuka, or will she be too late? Plus, Kenzar's new acquaintance begins to spread its influence a little stronger.

Find out next time in Chapter 10: A Night of Reunion. The sparks are gonna fly!

SSJ4 Broli's note: Let the healing begin…?!