Chapter 10

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.

Tenchi Muyo: The Final Saga:?!

Chapter 10: A night of Reunion

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.

Life has not been the same in the Universe of Delight since. Mayuka's health has been fading, since she refuses to eat now that the silver-haired beauty, Ryoko, is absent. However while at the Festival of Life, Ryoko made a grand decision. She is going to return home, and check on her tiny friend. However the Washu of Torment has decreed that even someone as stubborn as Ryoko will not be able to leave Tenchi twice.

And now part 10 of 26:

Universe of Delight:

The Yenvala:

Sitting upon a throne aboard the dark starship once named The Ebon Shard, sits a man. Yet to call him such would no longer, no ever, have been completely true. For this creature was not born by normal means. His body was grown by a madman, named Kagato, using his own cells combined with those of the MASU, and augmented with power from artificial gems created by his so called father. This monster's name is Kenzar and currently he is the most hated and feared man in the known universe. Yet his story does not end there. This yellow skinned beast has recently become bonded to a power beyond even himself. Now completely under this body stealing creature's control, Kenzar is the most horrifying threat the universe has ever seen.

"S-s-sir?" The timid youth, known as Scatter, due to his panicking nature and poor targeting abilities, said as he slowly walked up behind the large captain carrying an ornate black box. His orange hair covering his face, preventing any of his comrades from seeing how scared he was. "Excuse the interruption, but I have news."

"Yes…"the man with evil emerald eyes hissed, while twirling a long oily strand of his faint green hair with one finger. With his other hand, the massive figure held his muscle bound head. "What is it now? You just interrupted my latest fantasy. I was dreaming a wonderful dream, about killing everyone, and everything." Glancing at his sweating employee, Kenzar flashed his shark like teeth. "You were in it…."

"The uniform you wanted is finished. I have the helm right here…." holding forth the box the young space pirate quivered as his mind went through all the different ways he might be killed for interrupting Kenzar's daydream. Never had he been this afraid of his leader. Kenzar was never a kind boss, but ever since that monster took over him, he's become a nightmare. Killing anyone who bothers him, and they're the lucky ones. Swallowing hard the nervous pirate stared at his commander. Sometimes I think I'd rather die than continue working for him. Although according to the rumors, even then I wouldn't be safe from Kenzar….

With a heavy sigh, the evil man rose and slammed both hands on the ornate treasure box. The massive man grinned at his friend as if he was about to consume him. "Well, Scatter is it? My thanks go out to you. You've done well to get this to me so quickly."

Dropping to one knee, the orange haired youth almost seemed to collapse. "Of course, my lord. Anything to serve one such as you, my life is yours." The comment was meant to spare his life, yet the frightened youth had just sealed his own fate.

Wrong thing to say. Well, Nice knowing you kid. Sigius Meldred said shaking his head from his control seat. You just offered you're life to the devil, and he'll definitely take it.

"Is that a fact?" the possessed man declared lowering his box. "Well my young friend if it is, then let me tell you personally that I like you. But I will need proof of your loyalty you understand."

"Whatever I can do sire, merely name it."

Tossing his new item on his throne, the massive man smiled darkly. "Oh nothing too extreme. I merely want you to hold this pendant in your hand for a moment." From under his ragged shirt, the sadistic pirate revealed a golden heart pendant held upon a silver chain.

"Don't do it kid." Sigius whispered under his breath, occasionally looking over his shoulder at the talking duo. The ruby-eyed man was quick to note that everyone else in the control room was doing their best to appear to be looking away. Sighing in defeat, the weasel like second in command continued to analyze incoming data. Suddenly a thought ran through his mind. "Sir, where are we going? I need to know so I can lay in a course."

However the evil man's words went unheard as a horrible scream filled the air. Casually looking over his shoulder, Sigius saw a sight he had seen many times in the past few weeks. There stood Scatter with his hand on Kenzar's pendant, his body convulsing as emerald power and black lightning coursed through his young form. The orange haired youth's eyes suddenly flared with the same power his body appeared coated in for only a moment, and then went back to their normal red color. As they did, the normally nervous youth collapsed to the ground, no longer moving. Groaning the ruby-eyed pirate shook his head. "Kenzar! Was it really necessary to kill Scatter? I mean we don't exactly have a full staff. What with you killing everyone these days!"

"Don't worry about that," the happy monster replied, as he turned to tend his gift. "You don't need to be upset, Sigius. You know I won't kill you. I have special plans for you. "

"I'm honored." The smaller man sarcastically said. "Now then, where are we going? It's been weeks since we've robbed anyone, and the men, those you HAVEN'T killed, are getting restless."

"That's nice." Kagato's son replied without interest, as he opened his gift. After a few moments of messing with the lid, the mammoth man was soon rewarded as he pulled out the most horrifying helm ever crafted. It looked like the head of demon, wailing as if tore itself from the torments of hell itself. Its eyes were like two holes bored into the skull, making it appear as if the wearer actually possessed a demon's head. But worst of all was the mouth. For this helm had a separate compartment for the jaw, so that once on his head, Kenzar's already formidable jaws, would now take on the maw of a monster. Placing it on his head, Kenzar excitedly spun about, facing his men. "Be honest, how does it look?"

Sigius, in his entire life, had never seen so disturbing a sight. The helm or Kenzar alone was scary enough, but together it sent chills down his spine. The eyeholes in the black metal mask seemed to amplify Kenzar's emerald glowing eyes, making them appear larger, and more menacing.

"I'll take all of your silence as a compliment. Now then," the yellow skinned monster said with a sneer. "It's time to pay the science academy a visit."

"The Science Academy?!" Sigius spoke out rising from his seat. "What could you POSSIBLY want from there? I mean sure they have nice tech and all, but we have the universe's most powerful ship right here!"

A sinister laugh escaped the creature with emerald glowing eyes. "That is for me to know, Sigius. Now be a good second, and return to your post."

"As you command, m'lord." With a rushed bow, the once proud space pirate shirked back from his superior. There was a time when he would have merely hated the large man for his words. But at this moment, Sigius Mildred knew the horror that Kenzar was experiencing. True he feared this new seemingly unstoppable creature, yet at the same time, he pitied the man who's soul was now ravaged by this demon.

"Ah, look at that Sigius." The large man said standing before the large plate glass, which held back the vacuum of space.

"What is it? I don't see anything out there. Nothing but darkness."

"Yes, that's exactly my point. Darkness, perfect darkness." Shaking his head as if coming out of a dream, Kenzar turned away from the void of space. "Sigius! See that Scatter's body is put with the others. The new uniforms are ready, and I must go inspect them. I do so hope that they are as pleasing to the eye as this helm, or I might get upset…." An instant later, the terrifying creature left the bridge, and Sigius Meldred began to carry out his commands.

Washu's Lab:

In a lab that's size defies explanation there sits a young man named Tenchi Masaki. He feels insignificant in stature not because of the wonders that surround him, but rather because of the frail infant before him. For because of his past actions, or rather lack of action, this young girl, named Mayuka, but known affectionately to her family as Noodles, is running out of time.

"I'm sorry, Noodles. I really am." The distraught youth said taking a deep breath. If it was possible, he would cry, but the events of this past month had been so overwhelming on his consciousness, that even the normally iron willed shrine keeper could no longer find the tears to show his pain. "I guess I can't compete with Yosho for Ryoko's love." Seeing his daughter as she now appeared sent chills down the young man's spine. Washu kept her alive through artificial means, such as feeding her via a tube. "I know you miss her, but you HAVE to eat, honey. Or else you'll…." Tenchi stopped, chocking down his pain.

"Tenchi?" A concerned voice echoed into the small region where father and daughter were. Looking over his shoulder slowly, the young man with black-hair was not surprised to see Washu, master of this lab, approaching. "You're still here? You should get some rest. Tomorrow…."

"Will be no different than today." He declared finishing her sentence for her. "Ryoko won't be here, and Mayuka will be getting worse. Tomorrow is just going to be another day to suffer through."

Taken back by the normally calm and patient man's words, the short redhead paused before speaking. "That may be true, Tenchi." She said with a cool confidence forged over the past 20,000 years. "But regardless of how painful it may be, tomorrow is still coming. There is no way to change that. The future is going to happen whether you want it to or not, even I have to accept that. What I suggest is that you put Mayuka to bed, there's nothing else I can do for her today, and the you get some sleep."

Rising, a scowl, which portrayed Tenchi's inner battle, came over his face. "Of course. You're right Washu. I'm sorry for snapping at you like that." Gently taking his blue-haired child in his arms, the distraught youth turned towards his red-haired friend. "Please forgive me. I do appreciate everything you've done to help my little girl."

"You don't need to thank me, Tenchi. I haven't been able to save her yet. However…" the emerald-eyed woman paused, a glint of hope seemed to sparkle in her eyes. "I have been working on a formula which I feel can fully restore Mayuka's health. It's not ready yet, since I still need to run some more tests. But…."

"But what?" Tenchi yelled, a smile cracking the anguish away from his face. "This is fantastic news. You think it could cure Mayuka?"

"I don't doubt it will work," Washu proclaimed suddenly casting her large eyes at the floor. "What I'm afraid of is that it won't Matter. Remember Tenchi that you and I have both concluded that Mayuka's lack of eating is mental not physical. So if I give her this formula, and restore her to full health."

"Yeah, but if we always feed that stuff to her, then won't she always be fully healthy?"

"If it was possible. You see this chemical takes a long time to prepare, about three weeks. I used to use it long ago when Ryoko was a baby. It has some side effects, like loss of the ability to taste, at least in Ryoko's case it did, and if we did give it to her…."

"She'd be in the same situation again in a few weeks, a never ending cycle." The brown haired young man closed his brown-eyes, trying to vent all his frustration in that instant. "Basically, unless Mayuka wants to eat, we'll only be prolonging the inevitable, right Washu?"

Instead of saying anything, the woman with the mane of red hair merely bobbed her head up and down slowly, as if in mourning.

Biting his lip, the youngest Masaki sighed as he realized this was a battle he could not win on his own. "Well then, I'm going to bed. Right after I put Mayuka down for the night. Thanks again Washu."

The short scientist muttered something in reply before venturing further into her massive lab.

Hours later:

In a clearing in front of the Masaki house, a disturbance has just occurred. Where once there had been merely a dark field, now an energy vortex has appeared, casting its light blue energy everywhere. Just as quickly as it appeared the man sized portal vanished, but not without leaving something or rather someone behind. Looking at the house in front of the red roofed house, the silver-haired woman sighed deeply.

I never thought I'd see this place again. Ryoko declared walking slowly thought the cool night, the grass brushing against her feet. Nothing seems to have changed. The old place looks just like it did when I left. Maybe Tenchi's letter was just a joke.


Nah, Tenchi could never do something so underhanded. He's too nice of a guy. As she thought, the golden-eyed woman looked over the house, finally focusing on what she was looking for, Mayuka's Room. Time to do what I came to do. In an instant, she was gone.

Washu's Lab:

The woman with the large main of red hair sipped her cup of hot tea carefully, so as not to burn her lip. Under her floating cushion chair, slept a tiny creature called Ryo-Ohki. During the past few nights the little furry animal had taken up residence in the massive lab, finding a small measure of solace with her creator. Ever since Ryoko's disappearance, the golden-eyed rabbit like creature's life had felt emptier. But for some odd reason, being in the place of her birth made Ryo-Ohki feel as if the woman who was a part of the tiny cabbit might show up at any moment.

Sighing, the small genius placed her tea on the ground, as she continued to type on her holo keyboard. Things sure have been miserable around here lately. Everyday is the same thing day in and day out. Mayuka won't eat, Tenchi's worried, and the others, Ayeka especially, have no clue what to do. And me, I just miss my little girl. Just when it seemed we were finally able to live our lives as a family once again, something like this had to happen. She HAD to be taken from me. Oh sure I knew it would happen one day, but I always assumed she would end up getting Tenchi to like her or something, not taking off to a whole other universe on her own.

Sitting back, the diminutive genius could no longer continue to work. It's no use. I can't seem to focus anymore. Throwing her head back, the emerald-eyed woman massaged her face, trying to ease her stress. Suddenly an odd tingling sensation appeared in Washu's mind, seconds before a monitor appeared beside her blinking and whistling loudly.

"What in the…" Washu gasped, sitting up quickly to gaze at the incoming data. An inter-dimensional gateway! That can only mean one thing!

Beneath her, Ryo-Ohki meowed happily, tears of joy forming in her eyes.

"Yes, Ryo-Ohki, my little Ryoko has come home!" Wiping a tear from her face, Washu practically leapt from her seat. There was much to do, and from the urgency she sensed in Ryoko's thoughts, there might not be much time left.

Mayuka's Room:

In a dark corner of the Masaki house, a small blue-haired girl slept. It was not a restful slumber however; instead it was more like that of someone who was dying, which in fact was true for this little infant.

Ryoko appeared with a hiss of dissipating matter before the small crib. Moving without a sound, the lithe space pirate peered into the sleeping child's crib. "Hello, Mayuka…" she whispered lightly in a soothing voice. As she spoke the mighty space pirate used every bit of her self-control. Mayuka looked worse than she had imagined. Looks like I came back just in time. Reaching down slowly, the silver-haired woman tickled Mayuka's stomach, causing the little blue-haired girl to awaken. For long moments Tenchi's little girl merely stared into the darkness at the figure hovering over her, and when she did speak, it was a wondrous sound.

"Ryoko! Ryoko!" Mayuka squealed with absolute delight as the silver-haired space pirate reached down and hefted the ecstatic youth from her crib. The tiny girl's arms, despite how weak she had become due to her diet lately, flailed about as she giggled the golden-eyed woman's name.

Hearing the happy child's voice made Ryoko's heart skip a beat each time she spoke, and a single tear escaped her eye, rolling down her cheek as she smiled at Mayuka. "Alright, Mayuka. I'm here now, you can settle down, okay?" The silver-haired woman leaned closer to the infant she cradled in her arms. "Now then, what's this I hear about you being a bad girl and not eating? Huh? I thought I told you to take care of your daddy, not make him worry. That's not like my Noodles at all. Come on, it looks like mom… Auntie Ryoko is gonna have to feed you." Almost before she finished speaking, the silver-haired woman vanished, taking her weak passenger with her on her journey.

Moments Later:

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes the once angelic appearing first princess of Planet Jurai yawned loudly as she made her way down the hallway to Mayuka's room. No longer did Ayeka wear her silky nightshirts, nor her fine Jurain robes. Such frivolous things had been traded in for more practical clothes. Under her eyes, bags could be seen. In the past weeks since her arch rivals departure, the young purple-haired princess had little opportunity for a full nights rest. However, she still was much more rested than the seemingly ever-crying infant's father, Tenchi. If Mayuka is going to scream something over and over in the middle of the night, at least she could learn something that is a little more soothing to the ears. I mean really, calling out that monster woman's name is hardly proper behavior.

As her slender silky skinned hand reached for the door, Ayeka stopped. Something was not right; she could no longer hear the tiny child's cries from inside the room. Odd. I know I'm the first one here, and Mayuka never falls asleep on her own. Unless….

Panic filled the young princess's mind as she hurled open the door, and rushed into the dark room. There were only two possible conclusions she could gather as to why Mayuka had stopped crying. She was either no longer in the room, and thus Ayeka couldn't here her, or the little girl had passed away.

Peering into the crib, Ayeka was petrified to see her worst fears come to life. The blue-haired daughter of Tenchi was no longer there. Where could she be? Her stomach now in knots, the red-eyed woman spun about calling out for the others. Mayuka was gone, and she knew that she would need aid in finding her.

Meanwhile in the Onsen:

"Now wasn't that good, Mayuka?" Ryoko asked as she set down a third empty bottle of formula. Unable to answer with words, the tiny blue-haired child did the next best thing, she burped in reply, causing a small trickle of drool to spill from her lips. You DEFINITELY spent too much time around me kid. It shows. The former space pirate thought as she instinctively reached besides her fro a towel to wipe the slobbering tot's mouth. As she leaned forward to clean her little friend's face, some of the seductive woman's hair fell on Mayuka's face, tickling her nose.

"Ryoko!" The orange-eyed girl giggled as she wrinkled her nose. Smiling happily, the silver-haired space pirate slowly sank into the warm waters of the Onsen, holding the happy youth against her body. The young passenger gasped momentarily, as the warm water cascaded up against the shocked infant's naked flesh. However the feeling of Ryoko's body against her own soothed the young Masaki's nerves, allowing her to overcome her apprehension. With her free arm, Ryoko scooped up a handful of the warm water, and sprinkled it upon the child's head. "Doesn't look like Ayeka even knew how to bathe you right, eh Mayuka. I can see why you're so upset about all this." Enjoying the warmth of the bath, the tiny infant no longer heard her friends words, instead the orange-eyed girl listened to the sound of Ryoko' voice, preparing to fall asleep.

"I mean look at your hair style." The spiny-haired woman declared, holding a few strands of Mayuka's hair in her fingers. "I can see why she wears her hair straight down. Those Jurains really need to learn some style. Don't even get me started on this boring little nightgown she had you in…." The golden-eyed woman continued to talk to the sleeping baby, for long moments.

Finally, she sighed, looking at the room she sat in. "You know Mayuka. You're father and I nearly kissed in here once… I wish I could go back to that day, to the way things used to be. But I know that isn't possible. I've become too far involved in Yosho's life now. You understand, don't you?"

Mayuka kicked in her sleep, as if she could not only hear what the other Onsen occupant was saying, but disagreed.

"I'm sorry that I can't stay her with you forever, Noodles." Ryoko declared in an apologetic tone. Coughing quietly, so as not to awaken her sleeping friend, the golden-eyed woman continued, "but I have to go. However, it is possible that I could come back here one day, but if I hear that you've been acting up again, then I won't ever come back. You hear me?" The silver-haired woman chocked on her own words, unable to believe her own threat. The thought of never seeing this child again hurt Ryoko more than anything else in her entire life. So intense was this feeling, that Ryoko squeezed her friend closely to her chest, as if she was trying to become one with her, enveloping the blue haired girl in her silver-hair and long slender arms. After a few moments of holding Mayuka close, tears began to pour down her cheeks.

Later in Mayuka's Room:

"There you are honey," the lithe space pirate said softly as she placed the tiny sleeping infant into the crib.

Ryoko… a voice echoed into the silver-haired woman's mind. Welcome back.

Hello, Mom… Ryoko replied sarcastically looking up at the woman who stood in the dark corner of the tiny room. I wouldn't be welcoming me back just yet if I were you. I'll be leaving very soon. The Washu from Torment is supposed to be opening the portal back any minute now.

I thought so, and I think I have an offer that might make you decide to stay. Reaching into her coat pocket slowly, the small youth prepared to pull out something. Looking over her daughter's shoulders, Washu saw someone entering into the room. Shaking her head the small genius merely melted back into the shadows, as the she watched the second figure enter into the room. I see we both know my daughter very well. All right, I'll give you another chance. You'd better succeed this time, or we may lose her forever.

"Hello Ryoko." Tenchi declared from his spot in the doorway.

"Tenchi!" the silver-haired woman screamed turning to face the young man with dark brown eyes behind her. "I was hoping I wouldn't run into you…."

"I thought you'd come back. I don't know how I knew it, but as soon as Ayeka woke me up and said Mayuka was missing, I knew. Now tell me, Ryoko, why are you sneaking around like this?" Tenchi asked, his voice taking a hurt and angry tone. "I don't understand that at all. Have we done something to make you want to avoid us? Can't you see that we need you here? No one here can take care of Mayuka like you can. Even if they could, she won't let them."

Looking over at the sleeping baby in the crib behind Ryoko caused the young man to sigh. It was a rarity for him to see Mayuka sleeping these days, and even rarer for her to be looking so healthy. "Don't you see, Ryoko? We can't afford to not have you here. Without you, Mayuka won't be able to survive. I can see that you must have fed her, since she isn't crying out of hunger, but if you go this will all start all over again." Stepping back, Tenchi held out arms, blocking the doorframe. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you go Ryoko."

Ryoko's shoulder's slumped. She had waited her whole life to hear Tenchi tell her that, but in her heart the lithe space pirate knew she couldn't stay. Summoning up her full emotional strength, the silver-haired woman steeled herself. "I don't want to go Tenchi, but I can't stay. Yosho needs me, and I can't just turn my back on him. He's my son! I'm his mother!" Even as she yelled, the shaken space pirate still managed to keep it at a whispers volume, so as not to awaken her sleeping friend.

"Yosho needs you! What about Mayuka? Ryoko, I know you care about that boy, but he isn't YOUR son. He's the son of a Ryoko from another time, another place. You aren't responsible for him."

"Tenchi, the Ryoko from his time is gone, possibly forever. I know I've talked to her in my dreams. She can't be there to help him now, but I can. Since I can help him, then it's my job to do so. I may not be his true mom, but I promised him I would be there for him. Now then, I hate to say this to you, but get out of my way. I have to go now. He'll be home any minute." Leaving now felt even harder than the last time when she left in the middle of the night, but Ryoko was determined to not let her son down. The silver haired space pirate rushed forward her head down looking at the floor to avoid meeting Tenchi's eyes. She was determined to knock him away if the young man would not step aside. "I mean it Tenchi! Move or face the consequences."

Yet as she reached him, and placed her hand on his chest, her strength seemed to vanish, and she crumbled into him. It's not fair! She thought enraged. Why do they have to make my leaving so hard for me? Can't everyone see I want to be here, but can't afford to stay? Yet how can I choose one child who needs my help over the other? The strain of trying to choose between Yosho and Mayuka was a pain the silver-haired woman had been fighting for nearly a month now. Everyday she had to strengthen herself; to recommit her life to helping Yosho through these troubled times. Yet at this moment, that same strain had become too much, and caused the golden-eyed woman to start weeping.

Slowly the brown haired youth placed his arms around Ryoko holding her close. "I have to go to him..." she whimpered. "It's what any good mother would do, and I am a good mother."

Sighing Tenchi closed his eyes as he looked at the ceiling. "Ryoko..." he began. "I don't doubt that you are a good mother, no one in this house would dare say otherwise. As a matter of fact that's why we need you here so desperately. Ryoko, Washu tells me that if we can't get Mayuka to keep down some food soon, she'll die. I know you fed her tonight, and that might help her go on a little longer, but then what? We'll be back where we started, but without your help. Whether you like it or not Ryoko, YOU are the only one who can reach Mayuka. The one who makes her life worthwhile. Do you love Yosho so much that you would let Noodles die for him?"

"You don't need me. You have Ayeka." She said in a bitter tone, continuing to bury her face in his chest.

The young shrine caretaker sighed loudly. "Is that why you won't come back? Because I kissed Ayeka? I thought I told you in the letter it wasn't something I planned, it just happened. Ryoko, as you know I do not have what anyone would call a normal life, but I've managed to live it this far with only one regret."

Slowly tilting her head upwards, the teary eyed female looked at the speaking young man, wondering if he would admit his one true regret to her. "And I suppose you're going to tell me that you regret kissing Ayeka, right?"

"No." Tenchi declared softly. "I already told you that I'm sorry it happened, but it wasn't something done out of love. No, Ryoko there is only one instance I truly regret with all my heart, and that's how poorly I've treated you. I know I always made you feel unwanted, and I'm sorry. I've made this promise to myself twice now, once before we went to the Ebon Shard, and then before I mailed your letter. Now, I'll make it to you. Ryoko. I promise things will change if you come back. I will do everything in my power to make your life as happy as I can."

"Oh, Tenchi…" the silver-haired woman said sniffing loudly as she once again hugged the young man's chest.

Yes! Washu thought, a smile covering her face from the shadows. It worked. Tenchi got Ryoko to stay. Now things can go back to normal.

"So, what do you say?" The brown-haired youth asked trying to look down and see the crying woman's face. "Will you stay with me Ryoko?"

Releasing the man who freed her from the cave she had spent 700 years in, Ryoko stood at her full height. Making a quick motion, she undid all the wrinkles in her dress, and smiled at Tenchi. Taking one final deep breath, the lithe woman brushed away her tears. "What do I say?" She echoed almost laughing. "What do you think my answer is?"

Throwing her arms around Tenchi's neck, Ryoko gazed into his deep brown eyes. "Let me give you a hint," she cooed. In response to her words, the young Masaki male wrapped his arms around her waist drawing the silver-haired woman closer.

It worked. The young man thought joyously, I managed to convince her to stay…. Twice in the past month these two had attempted to kiss, however it seemed as if life had decreed it to not be so. But this time was different from the others. There was no feeling of being in a trance, yet each person still felt as if they were being pulled toward the other by a power bigger than either of them. Closing their eyes in anticipation, the two young lover's lips finally, after waiting so very long, met.

Tenchi Masaki felt as if his entire body had burst on fire as he felt Ryoko's silky lips upon his own. It was the greatest feeling he had ever experienced. Deep inside him, the young man felt a strange calmness pour through his troubled soul. This is like a dream… he thought happily. But this is no dream. When I open my eyes, Ryoko will still be in my arms. As the brown haired youth prepared to open his eyes, he heard a sound he had heard numerous times before, the sound of matter dissipating, just like when Ryoko teleported somewhere.

"Ryoko?" Tenchi muttered, as the sensation of Ryoko's lips on his own faded, and he opened his eyes barely a few seconds later. Terrified the young man noted he was now hugging the air, and that Ryoko was not only no longer in his embrace, but nowhere in the room. "Where did she go?"

"She's gone, Tenchi." Washu, who now stood looking out the window, said flatly. "I just saw her step through a portal in the front yard. I thought we had her this time. I really did. Yet, I suppose Yosho really DOES mean that much to her. Still, I can't believe it, she's gone…." Taking a deep cleansing breath, the emerald-eyed woman looked at her young friend. "You might want to let the others know that Mayuka is safe. I have something to do in the lab."

Gone…. The horrible word echoed in Tenchi's brain. So it was all a trick. Ryoko knew I'd never let her go through that portal if I could keep talking to her, so she played on my emotions. The young man smiled. At least that's what she wanted to do. But if I know you as well as I think I do, Ryoko, then you felt the same thing as I did. This isn't over; I won't give up, not while there is still a chance to save Mayuka. Standing tall, Tenchi looked out the window to his daughter's room. "Washu's right. I'd better let the other's know what's going on. Then I've only got one option left."

Later in Washu's Lab:

A thunderous bang echoed throughout the great expanse of Washu's lab, as a young man with passion burning in his eyes, threw open the doorway with tremendous force.

"Washu!" Tenchi screamed as he frantically ran into the darkness that was Washu's laboratory. "Where are you? I need to talk to you, to ask you about…"

The young man's words were cut short as he turned a corner and found the woman he had been seeking. The young red-haired woman leaned with one hand against a large computer system, while shielding her eyes with the other hand. It appeared she was crying, removing all her emotional restraints so she could mourn her daughter's passing once again.

"What…" she hissed peering over her slender hand at Tenchi. Twice she had given this extraordinary youth the chance to bring her daughter back to her, and twice now he had failed. She did not hold this against him, yet at this particular moment the universes greatest genius did not want to be disturbed.

"Washu, I need you to open that portal to the Universe of Torment. I have to go there and get Ryoko back!"

"If I've told you once, I've said it a million times Tenchi, I promised Ryoko I wouldn't open that portal, and I always keep my promises!"

"But Washu, I need to go there to…."

"No, you need to stay HERE with your daughter. I doubt you can understand how terrible it feels to lose your child." Rage filled her words as the angry mother snapped at the heart broken youth.

Swallowing hard, Tenchi took no offense to the enraged Washu's statement. Instead he merely replied, "you mean like what is about to happen to Mayuka?"

His statement seemed to catch the small woman off guard. At that moment Washu felt a bond form between her and Tenchi, a bond of understanding. In her entire life she had lost two children, one due to the father's rank in society, and the other to various madmen throughout the universe. It was a pain she had never wished on any other person, yet now it seemed the young man her daughter cherished so much was close to feeling that pain. "Point taken, Tenchi. However, as I said I will not use this portal to send you to Ryoko."

After nearly a month of fighting, the young shrine keeper finally admitted his defeat. "So then it's over. There really is no way to get Ryoko back is there?" I've never felt this terrible. I wish I could get Ryoko back. I love her, more than I love anyone, or anything, else.

Looking up at Washu, Tenchi could no longer hold back his own tears. "I've been a fool. I was so scared that I'd lose all of you if I allowed my feelings to show that I got us into this mess. Now, my daughter is going to die, and all I can do is sit here and watch. My own timid ness has stolen Mayuka's hope."

"I didn't say that there was no hope. There is one option, Tenchi. Do you remember that device I used to send your letter to Ryoko?" Washu asked wiping the last few tears from her cheeks.

"Yeah, that bracelet like thing? What about it Washu?" Tenchi asked, a small glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Are you planning on sending another letter to Ryoko? It's a nice idea, but I don't think Mayuka has that much time."

Her nerves calmer now, Washu merely smiled at the young man. "I agree with you there, Mayuka might not actually have that much time. But you see I have two of those devices. They're actually inter-dimensional transports. I modified one to emit an energy beam so particular objects could be sent to the other universe. However when worn, they can transport a person instead."

Gasping, the love-struck youth thought he might collapse from his own joy. "So what you're saying is I could go to Torment and bring Ryoko back!"

"Yes, Tenchi. Ryoko said I could never use THAT portal to visit her, but she never said anything about me building another one." Washu smiled slightly at her own underhandedness. "If you give me a minute, I can have everything ready, and you can go. But keep in mind the charge on these is only three hours. After that, they beam themselves back here, an auto return feature I designed."

"Three hours?" Tenchi declared with a smile. "That should be plenty of time. Ok then, show me where these things are," the anxious youth blurted. "I have to get her back. We can't go on like this," as he said this the distraught youth motioned toward the upset Washu and then to himself. "Ryoko is too important to us all to let this whole thing go on any longer."

"You're right." Washu nodded. "Follow me Tenchi." You've always been a lucky guy, Tenchi. Well let's see if you can succeed this time. However I think the odds are against you, after all you'll be going into the Universe of Torment, where evil always wins. I hope and pray you can succeed, but I doubt even you are that lucky.

Moments later:

"Well Washu," Tenchi said snapping the bracelet around his arm, while clutching the second bracelet in his free hand. "It's time." Tears of joy rolled down his face as he tried to still his shaking body for the ordeal to come. The small bracelet began to hum, as the portal feature started to activate.

"Wait, Tenchi!" Washu screamed holding out a hand to the emotionally shaken youth.

"What is it, Washu?" the tiring youth asked as he looked up at her with still moist eyes.

"Bring my little Ryoko home, okay? Tell her…" the red-haired scientist paused, breathing sharply. "Let her know that her mommy has a present for her if she comes home, and that I'll love her no matter what she decides. Okay?"

"Don't worry, I'll bring Ryoko back. No matter what the cost. In a few hours, the nightmare will be over." With that said, the young man pressed a button on his armband, and disappeared, hurling through time and space to another dimension, a dimension called The Universe of Torment.

Minutes later in The Universe of Torment:

Ryoko stood in front of the Masaki house, watching as the nights wind blew threw the trees slowly. Closing her golden eyes, she still could feel his lips upon her own. It had felt better than anything else she had ever known. "I'm sorry I had to leave you Tenchi. I really am, but Yosho will be home soon and I have to be here." Turning to go back inside, the silver-haired beauty sighed. It had been a long day, and still she felt as if her trials weren't over.


Universe of Torment

Washu's Lab:

Sitting on her floating chair, Washu typed slowly as she took in the events of the past few minutes. So Ryoko's back huh…? Well, I never would have thought she could have resisted Tenchi's charms. Maybe she didn't have to. It is possible she could have just snuck around the house. After all it is pretty late. But still that seems fairly odd. I wonder if anything…. At that moment something caught the small woman's eyes, causing her to change her focus to the monitor to her right. What was that? A tear in time and space? What is this some sort of reverberation from Ryoko's trip?

As she reviewed the entire incoming data, the emerald-eyed woman gasped happily. It can't be… can it?

Meanwhile Outside the Masaki House:

"Ryoko." A voice said from behind her.

"Tenchi?!" the silver haired woman declared turning to face the owner of the voice. There stood the man she loved so dearly, a bizarre device around his wrist, and another one clutched in his free hand.

Tenchi cleared his throat, looking at her with pain filled eyes. "Ryoko, we have to talk…."

Next Time: Chapter 11: SHOWDOWN IN TORMENT