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, Planet Plesruis Commander Katiso, and Kenzar. Thank you.
* Means a note at the end of the story
Tenchi Muyo: The Final Saga:?!
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.
At this time Tenchi is in Torment, and has pleaded his case for Ryoko's return. The seductive space pirate has agreed to consider his proposal. However Ryoko has her own reasons for not returning, she firmly believes if she leaves, the Yosho will revert into his dark persona once again. At this point, Mayuka and Yosho's future depend on the silver-haired woman's answer. For the blue-haired child of Tenchi, her very life is the prize, and for Ryoko's son, Yosho, his very sanity, and the fate of the entire universe, could be held in the balance. It is not a decision she takes lightly, but now after so long, the final answer is about to be issued.
And now part 12 of 26
Universe of Torment:
Washu's Lab:
In a vast lab, so large it dwarfs entire planets, sits a young man, and what appears to be a child with a large mane of red hair. However these two residents are even more exotic than this lab. The child is none other than Washu, the universe's greatest scientific genius, who is more than 20,000 years old. The young man with her is also a very special person. His name is Tenchi Masaki, and he has come from another universe called The Universe of Delight.
"Okay," The brown haired youth said as he leaned against a med tube containing the Ryoko from Torment. "I think I understand what you want me to do, but what I don't get, is how."
"Just talk to her, Tenchi." Washu said sitting on her floating cushion as she monitored her daughter's vital signs. "Like you did a few minutes ago, with the other Ryoko."
"What should I tell her?"
"I don't know!" the small woman snapped, appearing agitated at being asked so many questions. "You're the one she seems to be interested in, not me."
"Oh," looking at the naked cyan-haired woman floating in the green liquid, the young man's mind went blank. "So, Ryoko…what have you been up to? I mean besides floating there for the past year and all?" Laughing weakly, the young shrine keeper placed a hand behind his head.
10 minutes of rambling later:
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. He's been talking to her for ten minutes straight now, and nothing. Washu thought as she continued to look at every single bit of data that came in, searching for some small clue as to how to awaken her daughter.
Finally the stress of the situation became too much. Leaping to her feet, the diminutive scientist's face was filled with fury. "Alright, Tenchi that's enough. I guess you can go."
"Little Washu," Tenchi said remembering how the small woman preferred that title. "I want to help, but it's just…."
"Just what?" Washu declared rubbing her temples. WHY DIDN'T THIS WORK?
"Well, I don't know if it matter, but this all reminds me of when I first met Ryoko."
"How so," the red-haired woman asked only half listening.
"Well, I agree back then she did look like a mummy, but I mean she was soaking in water back then. It wasn't until I pulled the sword, which kept Ryoko in place, that she was able to move about."
"I knew all that," Washu declared, now interested in what
the young man was saying, "but go on…."
"Well, maybe if you drained the tube, and I got near her with the Tenchi-ken, it might wake her up."
Sighing, the child-like genius shook her head. "I guess it's worth a try, still I don't think it will work. But here goes nothing…" Calling up her ethereal keyboard, Washu quickly initiated the draining program, to siphon out the stasis fluid.
Yosho's Room:
Alone in his room stood Yosho Masaki, who scoured the darkened room like a thief in the night. AH! Where is it? I know I have it here somewhere! Pillows, covers, and clothes flew through the air as the young man searched frantically for his buried treasure. I just don't understand it. I should still have it here. I must find it. After long moments, the young man stopped his fevered hunt, and smiled. In his hand now rested the item he had been looking for. The treasure that would help him achieve his goal.
"Sasami's picture," Yosho said with a weak smile as he gazed at the poorly drawn picture of the Masaki family and it's guests. "I took it when mom wasn't looking. I don't think she even knows I have it. Yet in a way, it's funny, I don't know why my seeing this was so important. But as I look at this picture of everyone together, it makes me realize why what I'm about to do is so important."
The young man with glittering golden eyes laughed at the irony of his situation. "I'll be doing something no one else has ever been able to do, get rid of Ryoko. Blackshire, Yuzuha, Kagato, Dr. Clay, Aunt Ayeka, countless people across the universe, and even dad, none of them could ever make her go away. But I'm confident I can do it." Releasing the crayon-covered paper, the young man with the horrible past breathed sharply, trying to batter down his inner sadness.
"Now Yosho," he said trying to calm his nerves, "This isn't the time to get all emotional. I know you don't want to do this, but it has to be done."
Rising to his feet, the youngest Masaki shook his head, casting out his inner demons, "It's time to end this game, and mother, and I know just where you'll be. You've never stopped talking about that place since you came here. It's always on your mind, the sight of your biggest regret from Delight."
At Funaho:
Sitting upon the tangled roots of the great space tree, sat a woman in a blue and tartan striped dress, her silvery hair blowing gently in the cool nights wind as her golden eyes scanned her quiet surroundings. What a month this has been. I suppose it really proves that old saying, be careful what you wish for. I wanted to do something colossal; something beyond anything anyone else has ever done for their child, and I've DONE it. I came to this universe, one completely different in so many ways from my own, yet at the same time nearly the exact same, just to help my son get through a tough time. I think I've really been a big help to him, I just feel like there's so much more I can do for Yosho, but Noodles…. Sighing deeply, the mighty space pirate shook her head, looking defeated.
Well I've made my choice…. I know where I really belong. It should have been obvious from the beginning, I suppose. Taking the ingenious device from her wrist, the silver-haired woman gently threw it toward the lake.
I belong here, with my son. Ryoko drew her legs closer to herself,
wrapping her arms tightly around them. I'm sorry Tenchi. I really am,
but I would just as soon abandon Yosho, as you would Mayuka.
Closing her eyes the beautiful space pirate felt a tear roll down her cheek. I wish I could say I feel good about my decision, Tenchi, but I don't. Yet I know in my heart it's the right one.
Ryoko opened her eyes, staring at her feet, something didn't
seem right. Wait a minute… Shouldn't
there have been a splash? I didn't
think I threw the thing that hard. I
guess it's just another failure in my life. I can't feel good about any decision I make, and I can't even hit a lake
when I'm right in front of it...
At that instant, a warm familiar voice filled the quiet night, interrupting the silver-haired woman's self destructive thoughts. "I believe you dropped this mother. Not a wise move on your part, I should say. I mean, without this, how will you go home?" Standing before the crying woman was a young man with long black hair, golden-eyes, and a powerful looking physique. Yosho hovered just above the water's surface. He smiled with exorbitant pride as he noted his mother had noticed how well he was developing his powers. "I've been practicing," he declared in a hushed voice, not wanting to change the subject.
"I'm not going back," the former space pirate pouted, sounding like a child. "Besides, I don't need to GO home, I AM home."
The man with golden eyes that matched his mothers laughed as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard, taking a seat beside her. "Don't be silly. You belong here as much as I belong in Delight." The silver haired woman's head jerked up as she prepared to protest. "Don't get me wrong, Ryoko, I've loved having you here." The silver haired woman started, noticing that her would be son had chosen to call her Ryoko, instead of mother. "You have helped me through the hardest trials of my life. If it was up to me, I would have you stay here forever, but..."
"But nothing, Yosho. Don't you see I CAN stay here with you forever? All I have to do is not wear that thing, and...." Ryoko spouted excitedly, shaking a scolding finger at her son.
"And Mayuka would die." Yosho finished shaking his head sadly, sounding much wiser than his age would have made possible if he were an ordinary youth. "I can't allow you to sacrifice that girl, who has already been through so much already, for me. She has suffered at the hands of two demons now, Yuzuha and Blackshire. Noodles deserves a chance to be happy, taking that from her would be a worst crime than allowing Blackshire to come back. Listen to me; Ryoko this place is my home. It's where I belong, and although I love you will all my heart… you don't belong here. You've done many great things for me, and I am grateful. Thanks to you, I can go on. This entire universe can, since I firmly believe you freed it from its terrible curse, when you helped me kill Blackshire. Plus because of you, I now have someone special in my life, just like my father did." The silver-haired woman looked at the calm water in the lake. Sighing deeply, Yosho placed his arm around his could-have-been mother's arms. "It's not like this is goodbye. After all, once Mayuka is all grown up, you can all come and visit me again. Unless you forget about me that is..."
It had been meant as a joke, however the currently tenderhearted woman appeared almost wounded by her son's words. "No, Yosho, I will never forget you." Smiling, the golden-eyed youth leaned forward gently kissing her cheek.
"I know you won't. You are too good of a mother to ever forget your son." The black-haired young man rose, starting to walk away. "You always were a perfect mom, Ryoko Masaki. It's almost time… make the right choice. We both know in our hearts what must be done."
Ryoko turned from the kind hearted young man, looking at the
ornate time traveling device in her hands. The right choice... Forgive
me... But it IS the right thing to do... Closing her eyes, the heart broken space pirate made her decision,
and seconds later a bright light erupted at the lake, the dimensional device
having been activated.
A little earlier:
Washu's Lab:
Tenchi Masaki shook his head as he leaned back from the sleeping naked woman in the empty med-tube. "I'm sorry, Washu," the brown-haired youth said looking back at the emerald eyed woman with a morbid expression. "I really thought that this idea might have worked."
"There's no need to be sorry, Tenchi." Washu declared, looking away from him. "It was a good idea, but anyway I…"
Placing a hand on the slumbering woman's cheek, the young Masaki felt his heart drop. Once again I've failed. I couldn't get my Ryoko to come home. I couldn't even get this one to wake up…. Looking at the cyan-haired woman with tears starting to form in his eyes, the young man muttered under his breath. "I guess this is goodbye, eh Ryoko?"
Almost as if on cue, a flash of light emitted from the bracelet around Tenchi's wrist, and pulled the sorrowful youth back to his home Universe.
"Well that was abrupt." Washu noted, looking more shaken by Tenchi's departure than she would have cared to admit. "Now wasn't it, Ryoko?" The upset mother asked her daughter as she prepared to refill the tank. "He never used to take off in the middle of a conversation before. He sure is getting to be rude, now isn't he? Must be from knowing you for so long."
"Ten…chi…" a weak voice echoed.
"Ryoko… did you just talk?" The smaller woman said spinning to face the cyan-haired woman in the empty tube. At that moment, two hands emerged from the inside of the tube, as Ryoko hoisted herself out. "RYOKO! YOU'RE AWAKE!"
"I know what I am," grumbled the now vertical space pirate. "Now keep it down! I feel hung over. By the way, where is Tenchi?" Placing one hand one her head, the cyan-haired woman tried to stabilize herself.
Hung over? "He
went back to his dimension." Washu
said, wondering what her daughter was talking about. I wonder why she would feel that way? She'd need something with a massive chemical
stimulant in it to make her… Wait a minute….
Quickly the red-haired woman called up a listing of all the chemicals used on her daughter in the vat. "AH HA!" A growl from the waking woman went unheard, as the super genius finally figured out this mystery. "So that's why you wouldn't wake up."
In no mood to play games, the golden-eyed woman decided to play along, "why couldn't I?"
"Because there was a powerful sedative placed in the tank. One I've only used once before. On that friend of yours we had visit us. You know your special guest at your wedding.**"
"So you've been sedating me for the past year?" Grabbing the youthful space pirate grabbed Washu by the shoulders, shaking her angrily.
"Not me, but someone had managed to alter the chemical mixture in the past six months. Whoever did it used minute doses, so even I couldn't detect the changes."
"Who do you suspect?" Ryoko asked finally releasing her dizzy mother.
"I have my guesses, but for now, there is something going on outside, I think you should attend to…."
"Right, I need to see to me…" Ryoko stated, leaving the lab in a hurry, still wearing nothing. As well as my son, it's been too long.
Yosho… did you do this, when you were under Blackshire's
influence? Or was it that monster the
other Ryoko was talking about? I think
they called it Yuzuha. Smiling, Washu pushed the depressing thoughts to the
back of her mind. Now was not the time
to think of such things. For after over
a year she finally had most of her family back, and nothing would take that
from her. One day I will figure
out who changed the constants of time and space, and I'll find a way to save
you, Tenchi, Kiyone, Ayeka, and Mihoshi. Then we'll all be together again. Once and for all, that I promise you.
The Walk Home:
Nearing the Masaki House:
Yosho walked toward the house slowly. I think I would rather face ten Blackshire's than do THAT again, but it had to be done. Mayuka needs you, Ryoko. I hope you went to her. Closing his eyes Yosho stopped, letting his tears pour out. "Good-bye mother..."
"Good-bye? But I just got here! What are you talking about, huh?" A melodious voice echoed in the air.
Yosho's heart sank as he slowly looked up, expecting to see the blue and brown dress-wearing woman he had just left. To his shock, floating a few feet off the ground before him was his own mother, very much alive, and wearing nothing more than what she had at birth. "Moth...ma...mom?"
"Yes, Yosho. It's me." The silver-haired woman said with a proud smile. "Mommy's back." Descending slowly in front of him, she spread her arms open like an angel beckoning a lost soul onward. "Now how about a hug for your mother?"
With a swiftness that few eyes could ever follow the golden-eyed youth soared into his mother's arms, burying his face into her chest. "But- But how is this possible? You've been gone for so long. I thought…."
"Whoa! Easy there, son, if you keep that up, people might get the wrong idea." Ryoko's joke fell upon deaf ears as the ecstatic youth continued to cling to his mother and ask her various questions. The silver haired woman exhaled her defeat, stroking her son's hair. "I know, I know. I'm sorry to have made you worry so much, Yosho, but I promise the nightmare's over."
The wild cyan-haired space pirate's words once again went unheard, as the black-haired youth finally composed himself enough to speak once again. "Mother... While you were gone, I did something horrible."
"OH? Did you get married and not invite me?" The lithe space pirate wiggled free of her son's arms wiping away her own tears of joy. The young man opened his mouth, still not following her jests. "Look, it doesn't matter. It's in the past, and if your father taught me one thing, it's that you can't dwell on things that happened in the past. For now, let's go inside. I'm not exactly dressed for this kind of weather."
The only surviving heir to the Masaki name nodded joyously. Ryoko continued to speak as they walked home, yet he heard none of what she said. All the young man could think was that FINALLY, after so many years, a piece of delight had finally come to this land of torment.
Universe of Delight (Washu's Lab):
Tenchi Masaki appeared in Washu's lab, looking frantically around. "Where is she?!" he screamed. The red-haired woman standing nearby appeared startled.
"Where's who, Tenchi?" The super genius asked. "Mayuka? She was brought down about an hour ago; she vomited up all the formula Ryoko had fed her earlier. I just left her over by the bio-scanners. But I think I should warn you, before you go see her, Mayuka's condition has changed Tenchi. She's... HEY TENCHI!" The emerald-eyed woman shouted to the young man as she watched him run at amazing speed through her lab. Oh well, I guess you'd have seen it sooner or later; I just wanted to give you some warning before hand. I really wish you would think before you act, Tenchi….
The brown haired youth reached the crib that Washu had specially built to house Mayuka's fading body, when she received treatments, in a few moments. To his horror, the crib was empty. No.... why did this have to happen... Why couldn't Ryoko have listened to me? To Tenchi Masaki torment had come to his world of delight. The demon of legend wasn't some force he could face with his bare hands. Instead it was a slow vile killer, a monster called starvation.
"Damn you, Ryoko! Why did you have to be so self centered." Tenchi screamed bringing his fist slamming down on the empty child's bed.
"EXCUSE ME, TENCHI!" An angry voice yelled behind him. "If it isn't okay for me to curse in front of Mayuka, then I hardly think you should be able to. Since we both know I'm much better at it than you are. Besides, I hardly think it's self-centered on my part, if I'm giving Mayuka her bottle."
The brown haired youth turned slowly, unable to believe his own ears. The sight he beheld was the most beautiful thing he had ever laid his brown eyed upon. Standing before him, Mayuka held tightly in her arms, was the space pirate, Ryoko.
"What?" She asked, casting him a confused look. "Do I have something on my face?" The brown-haired young man merely shook his head, indicating that was not why he was acting so odd. "You did ask me to come back didn't you?" The golden-eyed woman smiled removing the empty bottle of Washu's Super Formula from the hungry child's mouth.
Smiling she turned her conversation to the small baby in her arms. "Your daddy sure is silly, isn't he? Can't even remember what he said half the time I see…."
"Ree-oh-Ko!" Mayuka giggled in happy reply clapping her already strengthening arms in celebration.
At that moment Washu appeared, breathing heavily. "I...tried...to...tell you... Tenchi. But you had to ...go off, and ... get all worked up..." Ryoko handed the excited child to the worn out Washu.
"Well Tenchi, I guess you don't want me here, since you haven't even said hello to me yet. I suppose if you're going to be that rude, the I should just go." Throwing her head back, the zany space pirate laughed heartily. Suddenly she felt something collide with her. Opening her eyes, she was pleasantly surprised to see Tenchi had thrown his arms around her. The mighty space pirate's face turned slightly red as she felt his warm embrace. "My goodness, Tenchi. I guess I was right; you are a forward one, aren't you? You know I have a couple ideas of what we could do to celebrate my return..."
The young man released her at that moment, wiping tears from his eyes. It's good to hear your voice again, Ryoko. I never realized how much I missed you trying to sleep with me. Tenchi thought, still unable to speak.
"By the way, there are a few things I wanted to talk to you about, Tenchi dear." The silver haired woman declared happily. "If I'm going to stay here, there are some things that have to change. For starters…." Ryoko paused, looking from Washu to Tenchi, making sure she had their complete and total attention. "I want a bed. I got used to having one over the last month, and the thought of sleeping in the rafters, although its nice and quiet, is not something I want to go back to. To be more specific, Tenchi dear," the lithe woman leaned forward, smiling in a victoriously seductive fashion, "I got used to YOUR bed. It was quite comfortable."
Sadly, as so often before, Tenchi Masaki was slow to catch the woman in the blue and brown striped dress's hidden meaning. "But if you took my bed, where would I sleep, I'd…." Pausing, a nervous look came over his face, as tired young man realized what was happening.
"Don't worry, I'm not that greedy." Ryoko cooed. "We can share." With a light laugh, she leaned towards him.
"I have just the thing, Little Ryoko." Washu said as she gave her daughter's end a quick pat, ruining the mood the silver-haired woman was trying to set. "You just leave everything to your mommy...."
Mommy… The word echoed in Ryoko's head as she made a quick saddened glance at the tiny youth still in Washu's arms. Looking back at Tenchi, the vicious space pirate's scowl faded into a smile. "All right, Washu. I'll leave that one to you, but I warn you don't try any tricks or I'll…"
"No need for violence, Ryoko." The red haired mother said, knowing she held the upper hand, since Ryoko couldn't do anything to her with Mayuka present. "Besides if you keep acting like this, I won't give you the special gift I made for you."
"Oh yeah, I'm real excited about that." The agitated woman declared dismally under her breath. Shaking her head, causing her silver hair to flow around her head magically, Ryoko clutched the brown-haired youth's wrist. "Well, I guess that's all settled then. But now, Tenchi dear, we have to discuss something else I want."
"And what would that be Ryoko-" Before the young man could finish his sentence, the silver haired seductress took off toward the lab door, dragging him outside of the shielded lab, to teleport the two of them to a very special place.
"It looks like those long days of arguments, fights, and Ryoko's threats on my life are back, eh, Noodles?" The red-haired woman said finally with a happy sigh, having just got her breath back from her run through the entire lab, and dealing with her daughter's ever-hostile nature towards her. "Good." Walking towards the door, with a newly revitalized Mayuka in her arms, the young scientist hummed a merry tune. *
Funaho:
The full moon reflected on the still waters of the lake surrounding the great space tree, causing a beautiful glowing reflection. There was an ever so slight breeze, just enough to keep the warm summer's air from getting too stuffy. Truth be told, it was probably one of the most romantic settings, but to the woman who bore witness to its beauty, it was wasted.
Ayeka sat on the far side of the great space tree, her legs tucked close to her chest as she sobbed into her hands. I failed. I'm nothing but a failure! The purple haired princess of Jurai told herself over and over.
I did my best, but it wasn't enough, and now Mayuka is going to die because of me. How can I ever face Lord Tenchi? He entrusted me with his child's safety, and I failed him. What ever made me think I could do this? Placing her hands on her face, the lovely Jurain released her tears. I don't know if I'll ever be able to look him in the eyes ever again, for each time I look at Lord Tenchi, all I'll be able to see is that pain of losing Mayuka. Perhaps it would be best if I left. I've been no help to him as of late….
The purple-haired princess rose, having come to her decision, as hard as it had been. Then it's settled I'll… pausing, Ayeka heard something on the other side of the great tree. The sight that met her eyes was astonishing. It's Lord Tenchi, with RYOKO?! But how….
On the Other Side of the Tree:
(If you have access to the song: Dimension of Love (song from the end of Tenchi Universe) listen to it now, I did when I wrote this, and it fit well.)
"Now then, for the last thing on my list, Tenchi." Ryoko cooed seductively. "The last time we were about to kiss, we were interrupted…."
"So the last thing on your list was you wanted to kiss me here, right?" Tenchi replied nervously as he looked into Ryoko's eyes.
"Yep. Unless of course you want to do more…" grinning the golden-eyed woman enjoyed watching the young man squirm at her suggestion. "But for right now, that's all I really want. I mean you do want to kiss me, don't you Tenchi. I…."
At that moment the silver-haired woman's words were cut short as, to her surprise, Tenchi Masaki's lips pressed against her own. When he kissed Ayeka, it had been one of comfort, to ease a shared pain. Ryoko and his last kiss had been a goodbye kiss. This one was different from all the others. This was a kiss of purest passion, and joy. Each person could feel their hearts racing, and their hands have no place to go. Ryoko's arms, which had hung limply clutched in front of her, now wrapped around Tenchi's neck, as the young man slowly embraced the silver-haired demon. Breaking off their lips from each other, the two figures continued to stand arms around each other, with their eyes closed, and heads leaning together. It had been a very long, and emotionally trying month, but now, after so long, each person was finally comfortable enough to relax.
From her spot behind the former space vessel, Ayeka smiled. Well, I suppose if Ryoko is here, and this is happening, then Mayuka must be fine. Blushing, the first princess of Planet Jurai looked away, I should not be here. Not right now. I am both glad, and angered, that you are back, Ryoko. Still, now is not the time for me to greet you. Smiling the purple haired princess turned starting to walk toward the edge of the gnarled island of root's formed by Funaho, all the while watching the two lovers behind her. Sadly, the young princess of Jurai's royal family was not heading the way she had figured, and her next step sent he splashing into the still lake.
Ryoko's head shot up, and Tenchi's head fell onto her shoulder. Casting a look behind her, the lithe woman heard Ayeka's muffled coughs as the purple haired princess tried desperately to pull herself from the lake. Well, looks like the little princess is getting to be more and more of a REAL woman after all. Imagine, Ayeka eavesdropping on Tenchi and me. "That's pretty funny, isn't it Tenchi?"
Sadly, Ryoko's question went unanswered "Tenchi?" Glancing downward, the silver-haired woman was quick to discover why her beloved had not replied to her inquiry. The last month's hardships, both physically and mentally, had finally taken their toll on the young shrine-keeper, causing any reserves he had to be totally depleted. As he had stood in Ryoko's warm, caressing embrace, the last of his energy had faded, and he lapsed into unconsciousness, or to put it simply, Tenchi had fallen asleep.
"Not the world's most romantic guy, are you, Tenchi?" She laughed, hefting him into her arms in a quick motion.
Looking over her shoulder, the silver-haired woman grinned. "There's no need to continue to hide back there, Ayeka. It can't be comfortable for you, since you're sopping wet and all."
Stepping out from behind Funaho, the Jurai princess had the appearance of a child who had been caught somewhere they weren't supposed to be. Her long purple hair hung raggedly before her eyes, as she twisted a handkerchief in her hands nervously. "I should have guessed you'd figure out I was here. But how did you know I was here?"
"Well you were making enough noise to wake the dead." Lifting Tenchi slightly, the youthful looking pirate smirked wickedly, "Although, not enough to wake Tenchi."
Ayeka's expression changed to take a more compassionate appearance. "Poor lord Tenchi. He's been so much lately, as we all have. It's been such a long month since you left us, Ryoko. I don't know where to begin. But I suppose it all started with…."
Holding up a hand quickly, the mighty space pirate shook her head. "If you don't mind little princess, I'm going to put Tenchi to bed. " The red-eyed woman's mouth stiffed at what that phrase could mean, coming from someone as twisted as Ryoko. "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything kinky with him tonight, after all where would the fun be if he wasn't awake?"
A polite laugh escaped Ayeka's mouth, as she wondered how trustworthy her archrival was. A long silence filled the clear night as the two women looked at each other. Finally, the Jurai princess ended the eerie moment. "It's good to see you again, Ryoko."
"It is good to see you too, Ayeka." Ryoko said mimicking the meek smile on the robed woman's face. Stunned at the silver-haired woman's kind words, the Jurain Princess's mouth gaped open slightly. "Don't get any wrong ideas. After all, without you around, I have no one to pick on. Now then, if you don't mind, I have other things to do…." In a hiss of dissipating matter, the mighty space pirate disappeared.
Things to do, Ayeka thought wistfully. That's something I never thought I'd hear
Ryoko say. Taking a deep breath,
the young woman closed her eyes, walking towards the edge of the island formed
by Funaho. After a few moments, the
grin on Ayeka's face was replaced with a frown.
"You know the least that monster woman could have done is take me back to the
house. I mean really, I could catch my
death of cold out here, and…." Despite how much she complained, the proper heir
to Jurai's throne could not help but feel happy that she had something to whine
about, besides Mayuka's failing health.
The Middle of The Night:
Tenchi Masaki awoke suddenly. With tired eyes, the young man looked around his room. To his surprise and dismay, he noted he was
alone. "What a night yesterday
was. I must have dosed off after Ryoko
and I kissed. I wonder where she is
now? It's funny, all the day's events
feel just like a dream now, and I…" Tenchi gasped suddenly in horror. Had that whole thing been a dream? Did I even go to Torment?
Leaping from his bed, the brown haired youth could think of only one way to put his fears to rest, he would have to check on his daughter. If Ryoko did come back, then where is she? I sincerely doubt she would pass up a chance to sleep next to me. She never has before, so why would she start now?
As he reached the door, the young man paused, trying to sedate his nerves. So what if the whole thing was a dream, maybe everything else has been too. Yeah, that's it. After I heard Sasami's nightmare, I freaked out, and must have imagined everything else that's been happening. That MUST be it…. Had the tired youth been in less of a hurry, he might have checked his desk, where the Tenchi-ken rested. Then he might have saw something which would have put his wondering to an end, a sword containing three gems….
Throwing open the door to Noodle's room, the youngest Masaki male's facial expression suddenly changed, from a look of pure dread, to one of rapturous joy. It was all Tenchi could do to not laugh at the scene before him. Washu had promised to make a bed for Ryoko, and she had come through as always. This particular setup was very suited to the golden-eyed pirate's lazy nature. Suspended from each side of the room was a hammock, containing the two women Tenchi sought.
The silver-haired space pirate, Ryoko, lay in the exact same position she had been that first night he found her in his bed, many years ago. The only difference, was this time, she cradled his daughter gently in her lithe arms.
Leaning against the doorframe, the still exhausted youth couldn't help but smile.
"Welcome home Tenchi," Ryoko said in her most sultry and seductive voice, gazing at him from barely opened eyes.
Remembering that night very well, the young man clapped his hand twice, muttering a quick prayer. Having finished reenacting their first night, Tenchi stretched, a yawn escaping his mouth.
"Well, it's good to see I wasn't just dreaming." He muttered under his breath. "Ryoko, I'm going to my bed, if you promise not to try anything funny, then you can sleep with me. It can't be comfortable in that thing."
"No thanks, Tenchi," the relaxing woman replied, shocking her beloved Jurain prince. "Maybe later, but for now, I'm fine here with Mayuka in my arms." Fully opening her eyes, Ryoko was slightly unnerved at the way the young man looked at her. "What are you looking at?"
"I was just noticing how natural you look with her." The young man said. "You know, I'm not that tired. If you don't mind, we could talk for a little while."
"Whatever," the golden-eyed demon replied. "It might be nice to have a conversation that doesn't involve the fate of an entire universe. So what did you have in mind?"
"Well, I figured I'd tell you about some of the little things that's been happening around here since you've been gone. For example, the other day, when Mihoshi and Kiyone were out doing the yard-work…."
Meanwhile:
The Science Academy:
Of all the places in the entire universe, none is as sophisticated, and awe-inspiring, as The Universal Space Academy, or as it's called by it's residence, The Academy. Its defenses are, simply put, beyond mortal comprehension. No one has ever made a successful attack upon this place, and lived to tell the tale. However today, things have changed. For on this day, a terrible evil has arrived, one so great, and powerful, that even the seemingly invincible might of this fortress of knowledge, was unable to stand against it, an evil that came in the form of a man named Kenzar, and his dark ship, The Yenvala.
Only a few hours ago, it all began. The massive black starship appeared, undetected, before this place of learning, and opened fire. It was more of a massacre than a battle. To their credit, the staff of The Academy put up a valiant battle, but the inevitable happened, and their own impressive shields were breached when the maniacal captain of the chaos bringing star-craft rammed into the port side. What followed afterward was a butchering. Kenzar's pirates looted anything that looked valuable, while killing anyone in their path. Never before in the history of one of Kenzar's raids, had so much blood been spilled. Each of these invaders wore complete black armor, with terrifying helms making them look like an army of demonic nightmares. Yet none of them even held a candle to their leader, whose very image was enough to kill some from the terror.
Hours After The Invasion:
A poor old scientist lay face down on the cold floor. He could hear the screams of his fellow colleagues dying down, as their ranks were quickly diminishing. Standing over him was the leader of this group of horrors, Kenzar. "I know what you're thinking," The massive man said with a vile smile, "how could one man be so cruel? Well, don't worry I promise to end it all very soon. Your pain, as well as everyone else's…." Grabbing the elderly man by the few remaining tuffs of hair on his head, the possessed man reared back his other arm, preparing to inflict serious, but non fatal, pain on his captive.
"S-sir?" a young pirate stated, interrupting the black clad man's rampage.
"Yesssss?" Kenzar hissed, his helmet echoing his monstrous voice. "What do you want? How dare you disturb me! Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Yeah boss, but you said you wanted to be informed when we received a specific energy frequency from that planet…uh… Earth."
"Ah! Excellent my boy!" The creature with emerald eyes shouted, letting his prey fall back to the ground, as he advanced toward the messenger. "Did Sigius steal everything I told him to?" Too scared to reply, the smaller man merely nodded. "Good, then round up the men. We're leaving." Almost instantly, the scared space pirate, fled, gathering his comrades as he ran.
"You… monster…" the battered scientist Kenzar had just released gasped as he glared at the ebon clad villain who had caused so much destruction.
"Monster? No, my friend I'm not that nice." Reaching into a compartment in his belt, the huge pirate threw something in front of the weak man. As he spoke, Kenzar's voice was a malicious laugh. "That's one of your Gravitonic Reverters. It's the first thing I picked up while doing my shopping here. I'm afraid I broke it though. It's about to activate in about… oh say… ten minutes. But you'll only need an hour to fix it."
"YOU idiot! This device will turn this entire space station into a black hole! Nothing will escape it!"
Shaking his head, the large man laughed obnoxiously. "Oh I think not. There are SO many unstable inventions here, that the change in gravity will cause this place of learning to explode. Filling the area with a bright light, and then total darkness. "
"But…Why? What did we do to you?"
"Everything. You foolish creatures cast light into the blissful darkness of the unknown. Where's the fun of slaughtering innocent with terror if no one is afraid? That, and I just like to kill. Well, I'm going to my ship, The Yenvala. If I were you I'd run to a working escape station, and… Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot, I broke both your legs, didn't I? Oops." With one final cackling, the black clad man disappeared, leaving the old genius alone in the destroyed ruins of The Academy.
As he lay there battered and broken, a tear rolled down his cheek, not for himself, but because of the horrifying vision he had during those moments. He could see the light of the universe snuffed by an overpowering darkness, the only light that existed was from the planets that still existed, and those with any living creatures were engulfed in flames. But the worst portion of his apocalyptic vision was the true face of the demon super imposed over the starless universe, a woman's face, one that showed there had once been kindness in her ancient looking eyes, yet now there was only evil. The only satisfaction the old man could take, was that his suffering was now at an end.
Later Back aboard The Yenvala:
Kenzar's Quarters:
Poking his head inside the ebon room, Sigius Meldred glanced about, looking for the ship's captain.
"Ah Sigius," a voice said from beside him.
Startled, the weasel-like second nearly jumped out of his skin. Kenzar had never scared him this much, but this new demon was too much. Kenzar was bad, but this things just plain evil. I mean I don't mind blowing up a planet if we have to, but what he just did, I don't know if I'll ever get those screams out of my head.
"I'm glad you came. Set our next stop for Plesruis." The large man, no longer wearing his vile helmet, declared as he walked by cleaning some strange object in his hand. Sigius Meldred cast his master an odd look, noting Kenzar sounded more like himself than he had since his possession. "I figure the crew of the Yenvala…" Spinning about the creature with green hair stared at the ruby-eyed man, "I don't like that name. It's too kind sounding. Let's hold a contest, to pick a new name, one that really does it justice. Now then, I figure we need a break, since we have a big battle coming up."
"What do you mean," the ruby-eyed man said prying cautiously. "What battle?"
A faint laugh came from Kenzar's throat. "I don't know, but I have this feeling that we're going to be going toward Earth soon, and that it's important we stop on Plesruis. Don't ask me why."
"Kenzar, don't you see this is that monster's doing? I mean what was so important about this equipment, and that reading from Earth earlier?"
"All I know is the reading was talking about Ryoko. Remember, I want her head. So we'll play this game with this demon until I no longer need him." The yellow skinned man turned. "Now leave, I have work to do…."
Bowing with actual respect, the weasel-like man fled back to the relative safety of the bridge. Kenzar's doing it! He's able to repress that monster! Maybe that means those horrible nightmarish visions I had of that thing killing everyone were just my own paranoia. Maybe, but I still don't like this…
As the large metal door to his quarter's closed, the man who ruled this ship laughed, as an emerald glow eradiated from his eyes. What a fool. They all are really. How can anyone try to understand what I truly am? It angers me that I feel myself being drawn along this path, but I know this is my true destiny. Still, it's better to have this crew think Kenzar can control me, than the other way around. Looking out a massive window in his quarters, the hideous man smiled. "It won't be long now, Ryoko. You made a fool of me in my home once, not twice. You and that prince with his princess and all the others will pay. It won't be much longer. Not long at all…." As Kenzar returned to his work a cruel laugh echoed in the massive expanse that was his quarters, a laughter of a true demon.
Next Time: Well isn't that special it looks like
everything has worked out for both universes. Also, why in the word do I keep
mentioning Kenzar and his crew? Well maybe I'll get more into that next time,
or maybe I won't. I could tell you
everything next time, OR we could have a big party to celebrate the return of
the two Ryoko's! I'm opting for a happy
party chapter, how about you? Besides,
what is Washu's gift? In either case
this 26-chapter story is FAR from over. But you'll have to wait and see. Be here for Chapter 13: The Morning After
If you think this is the end, then you'd be wrong.
BY THE WAY: If you have a cooler name for The Yenvala, please let me know. I have a very nice name picked out, but I am open to suggestions. Please review and tell me what you think it should be!
- I assume Washu is humming the song Dimension of Love (the song played at the end of Tenchi Universe. Track 11 if you have the Tenchi Muyo sound track.)
- The man in question is Vegeta who stared in Vegeta Muyo and Vegeta Muyo 2
