Disclaimer: I don't own the Tenchi cast, or any of its characters

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 left with Yosho to his home realm, abandoning Tenchi and the others.

However, this tale is not without a happy ending. Tenchi Masaki raced after the silver haired woman, desperate to bring her back, so that his daughter would begin eating again. Ryoko, after being convinced by Yosho, has returned, and now the Masaki family is whole again. Yosho's tale has taken a turn for the better as well, since his mother, Ryoko from Torment, has finally awoke. Now is a time to celebrate, a time for rejoicing. Come, let us see how the Masaki household will react, when they see that one of their own has finally, FINALLY returned.

And now part 13 of 26:

Chapter 13: The Morning After

Universe of Delight:

The morning sun slowly rises in the east, casting it's wonderful light on the tiny lakeside house below. Birds chirp cheerfully as they flutter hither and thither, going about their daily routines, and a slight dew covers the land, glistening radiantly in the rising sun.

This seemingly ordinary house, which resides near an old shrine in the mountains, is home to many wonderful and unique individuals. Today, they will all rejoice, as one of their number has finally returned, and a horrible battle they have been facing has drawn to a close. However, at the moment all of the residents of this home sleep blissfully in this tranquil morn.

In a tiny room, nestled in a corner of this red roofed home, rest the two people who are both to blame for the recent sorrows, as well as the reason for the grand joy, which is to come. Mayuka, tiny child of Tenchi Masaki, lay nestled happily in the arms of her best friend, Ryoko, the infamous space pirate. The two slept soundly, oblivious to the world around them, upon Ryoko's hammock, which was Washu's answer to her daughter's request. As the minutes passed by, a faint ray of sunlight progressed across the tiny room, casting away the shadows of night.

Soon, a horrible shriek filled the once quiet house. Shifting back and forth, the tiny blue-haired girl tried desperately to avoid the bright sunshine, as it flickered directly in her eyes, making it impossible to rest. Upset by this recent change, the little infant responded the only way she was capable, by crying.

In the past month, the littlest Masaki had become accustomed to calling out for help, and not getting who she was seeking, so it came almost as a shock, when the orange-eyed infant felt a lithe hand cover her eyes, before a set of powerful, yet gentle arms lifted her.

"There, there, Noodles," Ryoko, cooed sleepily moving the unhappy child out of the sun's path. "No need to get so upset. It's all right, that mean old sun won't bother you anymore. You just go right on back to sleep." Before the golden-eyed woman could even finish her speech, the tiny child in her arms had already drifted back into a peaceful slumber. Unaccustomed to being up at daybreak, the silver-haired woman yawned lazily, stretching her entire body, before joining her tiny companion in the land of sleep.

The Hallway:

Moments earlier

Sasami Jurai sighed as she opened the door, which led to the room she shared with her older sister. Mayuka is crying again…. Shaking her head, the little girl did her best to quietly shut her door, so as not to rouse the slumbering purple-haired woman. I guess I should see what's going on with Mayuka. Ayeka won't be any help, since she didn't get in the room until late last night. I wonder why she was dripping wet. I didn't hear any rain or thunder last night. In fact, I would have slept through the whole night, for once, if Ayeka hadn't been so loud when she came in.

A faint smile came over the pink-eyed girl's face, momentarily bring back the joy that used to radiate from her everyday. Whatever happened really got under her skin? I haven't heard her say stuff like that since Ryoko was here….

Stopping at the door to Tenchi's daughter's room, the little girl tried to steel her nerves. This was the time of the day she had hated more and more with every passing day. Like every other day since Mayuka had stopped eating, she would open the door, and see the tiny infant crying, starving to death, and be powerless to help. Placing a tiny hand over her large eyes, Sasami Jurai shifted her mental focus onto the meals she would be preparing today. As the little blue-haired princess opened the door with a heavy heart, once again a loud noise echoed through out the house. However in the after math of this noise, no one in the tiny house was still asleep.

"RYOKO! YOU'RE BACK!" The excited youth screamed, throwing her arms around the slumbering space pirates waist, causing the hammock to become unstable. In nearly an instant the former space pirate and the two girls all landed in a heap on the floor, Mayuka sitting happily atop Ryoko.

"Sasami, darling," the lithe woman said in a groan, trying to get her leg untangled from the hammocks embrace. "Please don't ever do that again, ok?"

Laughing weakly, Sasami stood, trying to help Ryoko free herself from her current imprisonment. "Sorry about that Ryoko, but I was just so glad to see you. I didn't mean anything by it…" The young girl pouted, as the golden-eyed woman rose to her feet. "I'm just glad to see you again, and I…"

Placing Mayuka in her crib, the older woman turned on the saddened youth, noting the tears welling in the blue-haired Jurian's pink eyes. Gazing up at the ceiling, the seductive woman knew exactly what was happening, she had taught the little girl this move. It was one of Ryoko's favorite, one she used whenever Tenchi yelled at her, thus it was well researched. All she had to do was look sad and pitiful, as if whatever had just happened had crushed her, and nearly instantly he would give her whatever she wanted. "Oh… come here you…." Wrapping her arms around the little blue-haired princess, whose head was barely above the silver-haired woman's waist, Ryoko noticed a smile sneak across Sasami's face. The little princess was definitely learning a lot of bad habits from the former space pirate.

"Sasami, you must not yell, it is very rude manners. Now then, what is going on in here?" A sleepy voice declared from the doorway. Looking up from their happy huddle, the two embracing friends notice Ayeka, who appeared to be more worn out than she had ever been before. "Oh it's just you," the first princess muttered looking at Ryoko with a sick expression. "I thought something important was happening."

"Well, good morning Little Princess," Ryoko said teasingly. "And aren't we the vision of loveliness this morning."

Ignoring her rival's words, the purple-haired woman turned her attention to her sister. "Sasami, please remember to wash your hands before you make breakfast. You really don't know where she's been, or what she's been doing…."

The two women stared at each other like the old days, sparks flying between them it always had in the past. As they glared at each other, Sasami watched the ancient feud start to rekindle itself, however being as young and naïve as she was, the blue haired girl was unable to see something special about this fight. Had she been a little older, and more experienced, the youngest princess of Jurai would have seen the faint smiles, which for merely a fraction of a moment, flickered across the two women's faces. Old friends, no matter what either woman might say or do, had met once again, and they were greeting each other the only way they truly were comfortable with.

"Now you two please don't start fighting already. I mean Ryoko just got back, and…" Sasami pleaded with her sister and the silver-haired woman trying in vain to end another battle before it could begin.

Before Ayeka could continue her verbal war with her golden-eyed rival, another voice interjected.

"HEY KIYONE!" Mihoshi screamed in a bubbly tone, as she peered into Mayuka's room, waving happily at the space pirate with a toothbrush still in her hand. "I was right, Sasami did say Ryoko's back."

"Mihoshi, although I do appreciate the news, I don't think it was something you should have used the emergency Galaxy Police signal! You're only supposed to use that when something major happens" Kiyone snapped in a whispered tone from further down the hall. Toweling off her hair, having had no time to dry herself when she responded to her partner's message, the green-haired detective had already had a rough morning.

"But isn't Ryoko's coming home big news?" The ditzy blonde asked looking confused by her partner's anger. Shaking her pink toothbrush to continue to accent her points.

"Well of course it is," the unlucky officer declared, still struggling to get her point across to the slow-witted tanned woman. "But…."

"Then it's settle," Mihoshi chimed cutting off her friend, "it was an emergency that you get here." Sighing, Kiyone glanced at Ryoko with sorrowful eyes.

I wonder if Washu could send me to that other Universe, the emerald-haired woman wondered, wishing to be away from her ditzy blonde counterpart. Oh no wait, she dismally reminded herself. Washu said in Torment bad stuff always happens. So that would mean I'd somehow be forever stuck with Mihoshi, just like now. I can only imagine how it could be any worse…. Shuddering, Kiyone recalled a time long ago, before she met Tenchi, where the two detectives had been out scouting, and had smashed into an asteroid. Weeks had passed before they could be towed to a repair shop. Mihoshi had decided to fill that time with her usual chatter. I couldn't do that for another minute, let alone my WHOLE life…

Shaking her head, the unlucky woman rejoined the conversation. "Hey, you know what? We should have a party to celebrate your return, Ryoko." It wasn't normally in her nature to recommend a party, but to the green-haired woman nothing else seemed like a better idea. "It's been pretty dismal here with you gone, and I figure with you back, we have a reason to celebrate."

"Oh yes, let's celebrate the return of that thing…" Ayeka rudely and sarcastically said under her breath. Yawning she glanced at her sister and the others. "That is… I'm returning to bed. It was a very long night."

"Ooooh," the silver haired woman called out after her rival, "and just what were you doing all night? Something kinky no doubt, right Ayeka?"

As she turned to leave, the first princess of Jurai cast Ryoko a quick glance, one each woman understood. There was still much more for them to discuss, and before the day was done, an old score was going to be settled.

As soon as the proper princess had left, the excitement in the Masaki house once again elevated to a roar.

"I'll blow up the balloons!" Mihoshi proclaimed thrusting one arms skyward.

"Better let me do that," Kiyone said looking at Sasami for support, "you might choke on them Mihoshi. Remember last time…."

"Oh yeah, well what if I help cook?" The slightly saddened blonde offered.

A large sweat drop formed over Sasami's head. "That's okay, I have something special I can make for…. OH my goodness! I forgot to start breakfast!" In a rush, the tiny blue-haired princess dashed out of the room, heading toward the kitchen.

"Kiyone," Mihoshi whined, clenching her hands together as if praying. "What am I gonna do? I wanna help!"

"Why don't you help Ryoko set up the decorations?"

"Actually that won't be possible," a nasal voice interrupted. Standing behind Ryoko was Washu, resident super genius. "Since my little girl's going to help me in the lab today, so I'll give her a special present. Isn't that right, Little Ryoko?"

Turning, her fist clenched in a ball of rage, the lithe woman glared menacingly at the smaller woman. Washu…! Isn't it a little early for you to be up here bothering me? Shouldn't you be off dissecting something?

Hey, when I saw Sasami wasn't cooking, I came upstairs to see what was wrong. I thought she might have been sick or something. It's a little thing I call compassion, Ryoko. You might want to learn what that means sometime. Now be in the lab in about twenty minutes, and we can get started. Nodding one more time, as Mihoshi and Kiyone watched the two women stare at each other intently, the super genius quietly exited the room.

"But if you're going to help Washu, what will I do?" Tears started to form in the tanned Galaxy Policeman's large blue eyes as she looked at the former space pirate.

"Oh, don't cry! You can do it yourself. I mean it won't…be… that…." Ryoko paused, seeing Kiyone making severe hand signs in protest to that idea. Fortunately, the mischievous woman was quick with a plan. "What I mean to say is, Ayeka will be able to help you once she's up. Maybe you should go wake her, now. You'll have a lot to do today, she shouldn't waste it sleeping after all." A vicious smile crossed Ryoko's lips as she looked at her dim-witted friend.

"That's a good idea, Ryoko." The blue-eyed woman declared. In a flash the bubbly policeman was gone, rushing off to her task.

"You realize Ayeka will probably want to kill you for this." Kiyone said as her eyes followed her skipping partner.

"Of course she will. It's what she does best." The silver-haired woman smiled as she watched Mihoshi rush off to awaken the slumbering Ayeka.

Kiyone chuckled, for the first time in nearly a month. "Yeah… well anyway, welcome back, Ryoko." Extending a hand towards the returned traveler, the unlucky detective felt awkward when Ryoko merely examined her hand.

"Thanks," she replied, shaking Kiyone's hand with a quick jerk. Sighing the silver-haired woman turned away from her comrade. "Well, I'm going back to bed. All this talk about work has worn me out."

Closing her eyes, the woman with the orange band in her hair smiled. "I thought you were going to meet Washu for something? You aren't planning on ditching her, are you?" For long moments nothing but silence filled the room. "Ryoko?" Opening her eyes, the first class detective was mildly startled, to her annoyance, to note Ryoko was gone. Where'd she go? She said she was going to bed, but her hammock is right here. Unless she meant….

For the third time in one morning, a scream echoed in the air of the Masaki house, this time from Tenchi's room.

Tenchi's Room

Moments ago:

Turning happily in his soft bed, the young man, Tenchi, yawned as he slowly opened his eyes. It was at that moment when the third scream echoed in the halls of the Masaki house.

Floating inches from the formally sleeping youth's face, was none other that the infamous space pirate, Ryoko. With a wicked smile, the seductive woman leaned closer, "Good morning, Tenchi. I hope you got your rest, because now it's time to play. The young shrine keeper, now leaning against the back wall of his room, by the window, merely stared at the woman before him.

"Ryoko! What are you doing in here? Can't you ever knock? I- " sadly, the young man's complaint was never finished, as the golden-eyed woman pounced on top of him, pinning his arms to the bed. "Hey! What are you doing, Ryoko?"

"Just making up for lost time," she explained from atop the struggling youth. "Just relax, dear. I only want to play a game with you…."

"What kind of game?" Tenchi asked, a slight hint of fear in his voice.

"Hmmm… I don't know. Let's see what we have to work with, shall we?" Casting her eyes around the young man's room, Ryoko shook her head in dissatisfaction. "Well, there doesn't seem to be anything fun to do in here." Returning her gaze to the young man beneath her, a vicious smile, like a predator has for its prey, came over her face. "But I guess if we use our imagination, we could think up something. Let's see, what could we do with a young man, a gorgeous woman," saying this, the golden-eyed seductress removed one hand from Tenchi to display her figure, "and a bed, on a quiet morning? Hmmmm…." Leaning closer, the silver-haired woman grinned, pursing her lips as she neared Tenchi's lips. "I'm sure, given time we'll think of something," Ryoko remarked with a slight laugh.

As their lips approached, the door to Tenchi's room suddenly burst open. Standing in the open door way, an angry expression on his face was Tenchi's father, Noboyuki. "Tenchi! What's with all the racket? Some of us are trying to sleep, and I…. Oh!" A twisted smile replaced the older Masaki's angry expression as he looked at the two figures before him. "I see now, well I'm going to be going now. Have fun you two…."

"No, Dad wait it's not what you think, I…"

"It's okay to be nervous, son. Especially with someone as good looking as Ryoko, but don't worry I'm sure you'll do JUST fine." With a perverse laugh, Tenchi's father began shutting the door.

"Why thank you for you compliment," Ryoko said with an almost bashful look on her face, as the door fully shut. Ya weirdo. I'll have to make sure I get him for interrupting me, but for now….

Turning back to her prey, the silver haired woman grinned. "Now then, Tenchi, Darling, where were we? Ah yes, we were just getting started…." Once again the voluptuous woman began her decent, this time determined to get her good morning kiss, and once again a distraction appeared.

RYOKO! Washu's nasal voice roared into the silver-haired woman's head, destroying her moment once again.

Damn it, Washu! What do you want now? Ryoko replied furiously.

I told you twenty minutes, now get down here now!

Realizing she could never reestablish the mood she was trying to set as long as Washu was bothering her, Ryoko snarled, and in an instant, was gone.

The hallway:

With an insidious snicker, Tenchi's father prepared to sneak away from his son's room. I'd better hurry, and get my camera. After all, this is a very important segment of my son's development, his sexual development. Of course, as his father it's my sworn duty to record these events. To think I was worried about his sexual orientation. He has been avoiding all or Ryoko and the other's advances, it's such a blessing to know he isn't gay…. Lost in his own perverse thoughts, the older Masaki suddenly was stopped by something very firm, yet not as hard as a wall would be, the resulting collision knocking him off his feet.

"And just what are you up to?" Ayeka asked, still wearing her silky nightgown as she peered down at the perverse old man. Looking past her, an embarrassed expression on his face, Noboyuki noticed Mihoshi laying unconscious at the foot of Ayeka's door, a rather large knot on her head. Kiyone knelt beside her partner propping her up.

"What happened to Mihoshi?" The older man asked looking back and forth between the angry Ayeka and the curiously injured Mihoshi.

"I simply had to remind her why one does not interrupt a princess when she is getting her beauty rest," the purple haired woman said with her usual noble attitude. "But that is not what I am asking you. I saw you look in lord Tenchi's room, and now you are trying to sneak off. What is it, exactly you are up to?"

"Well, I was just… you see Lady Ayeka…. Ryoko…" stammering to find the correct words that would not upset the first princess, having just seen what would happen to those who upset her, Noboyuki's face was contorted with worry. The only option he could think of was to point in the direction of his son's room.

"WHAT! Are you telling me that Ryoko is in there ALONE with Lord Tenchi, and you did nothing to help him! Are you insane?" The purple haired princess snapped, her head turning large as she berated Tenchi's father. "I will not stand for this any longer! Such behavior is unbecoming. I don't care if she did just come back. We have rules here, and trying to sleep with Lord Tenchi is definitely against the rules!"

"But when has Ryoko ever followed any rules, Ayeka?" Kiyone asked, dragging her still unconscious partner down the hall.

Fuming, Ayeka turned away from the green-haired woman. "Nevertheless, I will not allow Ryoko to…to…" The silky skinned princess stammered, unable to voice what she knew her archrival would be doing with her beloved prince. Why does it bother me so? I mean I saw the two of them kiss, and I already know in my heart that Lord Tenchi and I are truly not meant to be. Our kiss proved that. Then why is this bothering me so? Looking up with a renewed determination in her eyes, Ayeka found her answer. "Because it's my sworn duty to protect Lord Tenchi from that monster woman's vile clutches until such time as a suitable woman, like myself, enters into his life."

Gripping the handle of Tenchi's door firmly, the angered princess prepared to hurl open the doorway.

"Lady Ayeka, I wouldn't do that if I were you…" Noboyuki warned, as he propped himself up on his elbows.

Casting the fallen father an icy glare, the Jurain princess paid his precaution no heed as she flung open the door. The sight she beheld caused her face to become beet red, there alone in his bed, was Tenchi. Yet this alone was not enough to embarrass the young princess.

Tenchi Masaki, wearing only his underwear, slowly turned to see who was now at his door. His legs and body were still contorted as if he was fighting off some invisible menace. "Uh… hi Lady Ayeka, is something wrong."

Embarrassed beyond belief, having just seen the man she so cherish in nothing but his boxer's, Ayeka backed up slowly, shutting the door quietly behind her.

Washu's Lab: thirty minutes later

A thunderous slamming noise resonated in the small lab as Ryoko set down yet another monstrous piece of equipment.

"There," the agitated woman declared dusting off her hands. "That's the last of your stupid machines. Now then, are you gonna give me that gift, or am I supposed to waste the whole day moving these pieces of junk around?"

"Actually Ryoko, I didn't need you to move anything, I just haven't seen you in a while, and thought this would be a good way to spend sometime together." Washu said with a smile as she looked away from her angering daughter.

"Do you have any idea what I was up to when you got in my way?" Ryoko snapped viciously at her smaller mother.

"I imagine you were trying to seduce Tenchi, yet again." The young looking scientist said with a smile as she selected a vial and needle from a cabinet nearby, paying her furious daughter no attention. "Don't worry, this shouldn't take long, and once I'm done you'll be better than ever."

"Wait a minute," the enraged space pirate said a look on her face that declared she had just solved some mystery, and that she wasn't happy with the answer. "Are you saying that this gift you had for me is a stupid shot?"

"Well we don't want my little girl to get sick," the red-haired woman giggled. "Now then, I'll need to do a quick physical. Please stick out your tongue, little Ryoko."

With pleasure, the silver haired woman thought sticking her tongue out in a rather rude fashion. If she were able, Ryoko would have laughed at her mother for making such a stupid request.

With a motion that seemed impossible to one so small, Washu quickly reached out and grabbed the former space pirate's tongue, holding it firmly in her vice like grip.

"Whath the big idée, Wathu?" Ryoko demanded, her blood beginning to boil once again.

"Now I promise this won't hurt…much." With a vindictive smile, the young scientist produced a needle filled with the liquid she had just found. "But I'm afraid that you'll thank me for this one day. Until then, try not to move much. This is going to take more than a few shots, but don't you worry, I'm sure after the first twenty or so, you won't feel a thing…."

Breakfast:

After nearly a month, the entire Masaki family sat around the table, enjoying their breakfast in each other's company. Although to be honest it was not a quiet gathering as a normal family might have. Instead it was typical meal at the Masaki house.

"You really should calm down, Ryoko." Washu said taking a bite of her noodles. "I was joking about how many shots you'd need. Now wasn't I?"

"Yeah, well you try having some short psychopathic blood sucker with a fetish for causing you stress grab your tongue and threaten to poke you with an army of needles, and see how calm you are!" The silver haired woman growled, as she rubbed her tongue, still unable to cause the tingling sensation in her mouth to fade away.

Sighing as she shook her head, Washu merely looked at her daughter. "Alright, that's quite enough, Little Ryoko. Now be a good girl and eat your breakfast. Sasami did a wonderful job today, everything tastes wonderful."

So what! Ryoko snapped back. You know as well as I do that I can't taste anything. But I guess as long as I'm eating, I can drown out your dumb voice. Might as well…

Snatching up a couple noodles with her chopsticks, Ryoko quickly slurped down her food. It was at that moment, that she received a wonderful surprise. For the first time in her life, Ryoko tasted the flavor and texture of what she was eating. "This is great Sasami," the lithe woman said gulping down a tremendous amount of food. "I've NEVER tasted anything…so good."

"Gee, Ryoko," Mihoshi said, as confused as everyone else, by Ryoko's sudden outburst. Only Washu seemed to understand what was going on. "I didn't know you were such a fan of Sasami's noodles. Me, I prefer her soup, but if you want, you can have my noodles. Why the other day I…."

As the ditzy detective continued to ramble on and on, Tenchi Masaki could only stare from Ryoko to Washu, completely confused by the recent turn of events. Did Ryoko just say…did she just say she TASTED something? But how? As his brown haired youth's eyes rested on Washu Tenchi suddenly recalled something. Wait a minute… last night, when I went to get Ryoko… Washu said something about a gift for Ryoko. I wonder if that was…. OF course, it has to be. With an amused smile the young Masaki continued to eat his meal, watching the silver-haired woman eat as if it was for the first time.

The air of joy while floated around the Masaki house was suddenly interrupted as a young girl's crying echoed from above.

"Sound's like Mayuka's awake." Kiyone declared dismally. "She sounds upset."

"No problem, she probably just wants her bottle," Ryoko said setting her chopsticks down happily. "I'll be right back. Sasami would you please get me some more noodles, while I go handle this?"

"Okay," the little girl declared reaching for the bowl.

"Wait a minute," Mihoshi interjected. "Shouldn't Ayeka go? I mean she is Mayuka's mother and all…."

Ayeka's head shot up, revealing that both her and Ryoko shared the same stunned look. With a weak cough into her hand the purple-haired woman spoke. "Yes, I suppose you're right, Mihoshi. If you will all excuse me, I will be right back." With her usual grace and dignity the young princess went into the kitchen, to retrieve Mayuka's bottle. I do so hope this ends better than my other attempts to feed her…

Moments later:

Looking up from her meal, Ryoko sighed. "I think I'm done. I'm gonna go take a bath." With a discouraged expression on her face, the former space pirate disappeared, taking with her the joy of the moment.

The Onsen:

"Ah," Ryoko declared as she sank into the warm waters of the bath. "It doesn't get any better than this." Yawning loudly, the silver-haired woman stretched her lithe body to its limits.

"Oh drat, and here I thought I could finally have some peace, but of course YOU'D be here," a very prim and proper voice declared, sounding disgusted. As Ryoko opened her eyes, a disappointed expression crossed her face.

"Hello, Little Princess," she said to her archrival in a tone which though not threatening, was by no means friendly. "Come on in if you want, the water's fine. But don't expect me to share my Saki with you. You'll have to get your own if you want any." Reaching beside herself, the golden-eyed woman picked up a bottle of the aforementioned liquid, taking a deep drink of its contents as if to show her seriousness. Grimacing, Ryoko shook her head, having just taken her first taste of Saki.

"Really, Ryoko. Do you honestly think that I would want to share a bottle with you? Besides, there is more to life than Saki." Ayeka said sitting down quickly into the hot water of the Onsen. It was apparent that the battle between her and Ryoko would again begin.

For long moments, the two women merely sat, neither one particularly enjoying the other's company. "You are right, Ayeka. There is more to life," Ryoko said finally ending the long silence as she downed the last few ounces of liquid from her bottle. "There's Tenchi."

"On that, I will agree with you. It has been a long time since I have truly been able to think about my own life, what with Mayuka being sick, and all the other things that have been going on." As she spoke, the young Jurai princess's mind recalled everything that had been happening in the last from threats of Yuzuha's return, to her moment with Tenchi, as well as the Galaxy Police's arrival. Clearing her throat, Ayeka looked at her rival, who appeared to be looking for a fresh bottle of her favorite drink. "I assume you have heard about Tenchi and me…."

"What are you getting married or something?" the silver-haired woman asked in a dismissive tone while she stood up to continue her search. Finally finding what she had been seeking, the former space pirate smiled. "Or is this about that kiss between the two of you? If it could even be called that."

"Yes, that is what I was speaking of." The purple-haired woman said, trailing off at the end of her sentence as she glanced down at her feet. "I suppose it wasn't really a kiss, but I still thought you should know."

Exhaling with laughter, Ryoko took a drink of her fresh bottle. "The way I see it, Ayeka, we're even. After all you saw that Tenchi and I kissed at Funaho last night. So we've each kissed him at least once."

At least once? What does she mean by that? Ayeka thought, quickly looking up.

"Of course, I wasn't eavesdropping on you when you kissed Tenchi," Ryoko said, happily sitting back down in the hot waters. "But I guess I could say the time we kissed in Washu lab, or maybe that time in Torment, could be my experience to balance us out."

Why is she telling me this? Ryoko knows I wouldn't want to here such things. That it would make me get angry, and…. Pausing from her thoughts, Ayeka Jurai stared into her archrival's golden eyes, and nodded a smile parting her lips. "I know what you're trying to do, Ryoko, and it won't work."

"And just what am I doing, Little Princess?" the lithe woman said putting a finger to her face.

"You're trying to upset me, so I'll either fight with you, or leave, but I refuse to play your childish games."

"Well, I suppose you would be a master of childish games, but alright then," Ryoko said drifting towards the other woman. "Speaking of children. How are things going being Mayuka's mother? You know that was originally going to be my job, but…."

"But you deserted us to help Yosho," Ayeka declared coldly. For reasons she couldn't fathom, Ryoko was still trying to goad her into a fight, still making it hard to welcome her archrival back.

"It wasn't like I had a choice!" Ryoko shouted rising up out of the water a few feet from Ayeka. "I didn't want to go, but I knew there was no choice! Can't anyone understand that!" As if to accent her point, the silver-haired woman hurled her bottle away from herself, causing it to shatter against a far wall. With her back now to the other woman, Ryoko continued sorrow in her voice. "It's not something I'm happy I did, but I don't regret going to help my son. Surely you can understand that, Ayeka. What with you having a sister and a daughter."

This is the moment I have been waiting for. The young princess thought with a determined smile. "I have a sister, yes, but I do not have a daughter. If you remember correctly, Ryoko, Mayuka is Lord Tenchi's child."

"So what," the silver-haired woman said, still looking away from her antagonist.

"So, Ayeka declared stressing the word heavily. "You just said the job of Mayuka's mother was going to be yours, and from what I know of that night at Funaho, you never did answer Lord Tenchi."

"Yeah, a lot of good it does me now," Ryoko said taking another step away from Ayeka.

"I want to know something," the young princess said rising to her feet. Even though she was wearing only a towel, the heir to Jurai's throne still carried an air of dignity and respect, and her voice was as proper as it was inquisitive. Not waiting for the silver-haired woman's answer, the red-eyed woman continued. "What would have been you answer?"

"My answer?" Ryoko echoed looking over her shoulder, a look of suspicion glimmering in her golden eyes. "Why do you want to know?"

Must you make everything so difficult? Just answer my question, so I can tell you what I have wanted to since I first witnessed your return. Ayeka asked herself, choosing to say nothing.

Realizing the young woman in the Onsen with her would say nothing, Ryoko turned around, sniffing hard. "Alright fine, but I hope you can handle the answer. I would have said yes."

To Ryoko's disbelief the young purple haired woman did not appear phased by her words at all. Instead, the Jurain princess continued to stare at her with a small smile. "Then answer me one last question. If the job was still open, would you accept it?"

"Sure, but we both know-"

"Then it is yours," Ayeka declared in a stately fashion holding up a hand to ward off Ryoko's protest. "It has become apparent that I am not fit to be Mayuka's mother. I do not have your skills in dealing with her. Thought I do not think you are worthy of one such as Lord Tenchi, I will grant you this, as a chance to redeem yourself in my eyes. After all, he and I are related by blood, and if I do not look after his best interests. Well…." Motioning with her hand at the stunned space pirate the young woman smiled. "You can see what a horrible choice he could make. So, Ryoko, what do you say, will you accept my offer?"

No reply was made, at least not verbal. The silver-haired woman threw her arms around the purple-haired princess, a faint smile around her lips. "Then I take it you find my offer acceptable?"

Pushing the proper woman away, the former space pirate smiled evilly. "Yes, I'll take your offer, providing Tenchi goes for the idea…."

"I am certain he will have no problem with it," Ayeka declared regaining some of her balance. "After all he did ask you first. I will notify him of this change immediately after my bath."

Sitting back down, Ryoko smiled speaking in a happy, almost mocking tone as she picked up yet another bottle of Saki. "Well then, I think it's time to celebrate. Care to join me?"

Holding out a small saucer, Ayeka accepted a portion of the offered drink. "Be careful Ryoko," she warned. "Otherwise someone might think you are being kind to me."

With a chuckle the voluptuous space pirate filled the saucer. "There you go over examining things again, little princess. Don't think this changes anything between us. All I want is to get you so drunk that you won't be able to interrupt Tenchi and me today. I have big plans for him and me…."

Flashing the golden-eyed woman a smirk, Ayeka quickly drank her Saki. Exhaling her satisfaction. Yes, I'm sure that's it. You're still acting odd, Ryoko. I thought it was my being Mayuka's mother, but now I am not sure. I wonder….

The Party:

In the past month, the Masaki house at night had been a dismal and depressing place, a place where an air of depression hung like a noose around the estate. However tonight was far different from the typical night. Tonight the air itself seemed revitalized, and full of life. Music and laughter echoing from inside the red roofed home. For nearly two hours, this party had been going on, with good reason. The residents inside had much to celebrate, and this was their big chance. Everyone had contributed in some fashion to making it the success it was.

Ayeka and Sasami had worked in the kitchen, while Kiyone and Mihoshi decorated everything. Tenchi had done his best to help once he had learned what was going on, however most of his day had been spent keeping an eye on a certain space pirate, to make sure she didn't spike the punch. Ryoko, to her credit, did nothing to hinder the preparations, and thus contributed greatly. Under any normal situation she would have argued with her purple haired rival over anything and everything, the resulting fight normally destroying half the party decorations.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, as their laughter and voices filled the air. It was as if life had gone back to the way it had been over a month ago, as if nothing had ever changed.

After nearly an hour of enjoying the festivities, Tenchi Masaki noticed something he hadn't before. There was something odd about Ryoko's behavior, odd even for her. Squinting, as if the sun was in his eyes, the young man focused intently on the silver-haired space pirate.

"So you've finally started to notice it, eh, Tenchi?" A very strong and formal voice stated from behind him.

Looking over his shoulder, the distracted youth saw his grandfather, who had been merely watching the festivities from the couch, now standing right behind him.

"Notice what?" the brown-haired youth asked, unsure what it was both he and his grandfather had witnessed.

Realizing his grandson was still too young to understand a great many things, the old man smiled inwardly, placing one aged hand on Tenchi's shoulder. "Fireflies, Tenchi," he simply said, as if that statement was the answer to everything.

Suddenly the old shrine caretaker's voice changed from serious to jovial, "oh my, I'm out of punch. I best go get a refill. Although it is getting later, and now might be a good time to switch to some Saki," with a quick nudge to his grandson's ribs, the old man pointed to a bottle of the aforementioned drink on the table. "What do you say, Tenchi? It'll be all right; after all we have a lot to celebrate, don't we? I mean Ryoko's back, and everyone looks happy for once. I figure as long as she stays, our lives will be the way they used to be, right?" Despite what he actually said, there was, as always, a hidden meaning to the old man's words, which of course was wasted on Tenchi.

"You know I don't drink, Grandpa!" The young man remarked sounding slightly offended. In a few moments Tenchi was once again losing himself to his thoughts.

Fireflies? What in the world is grandpa talking about? There aren't any fireflies out tonight. This must be another one of his mind games. He's always trying to rattle my cage with some bizarre riddles. Shaking his head, the young man looked outside. Well if he knows what's bothering Ryoko, I wish he'd just tell me so I can help her out.

Slowly rotating his head, Tenchi once again watched the party taking place all around him. Sasami and Ryo-Ohki were playing happily, while nibbling on some candied treats Ayeka had saved for such an occasion, while the purple haired princess talked with Lord Katsuhito in a giggled tone, apparently having already had too much to drink. Meanwhile, Ryoko was singing, in her tone deaf fashion, on the Karaoke machine, while the others watched and waited for their turn. He wasn't sure why, but for some reason, seeing the golden-eyed woman right now did not fill him with joy as it had the night prior, instead he felt a tightening in his chest, feeling sorry for the silver-haired woman.

Maybe I've just been inside for too long. I think I'll go for a quick walk, by the time I get back, no one will have even known I was gone. Besides, at the rate Ryoko's been drinking she probably doesn't know anyone is here anyway. Setting down his cup, the young man slowly made his way towards the door. Before he reached the door, the young man already had his excuse for leaving worked out. If anyone asks me where I went I'll just say I went to get some vegetables for tomorrow, and that it was too dark to see if any were ripe enough.

An hour later

Outside:

What a day…. Ryoko thought exhaling sharply as she flew through the night's sky. Floating high above the trees, the golden-eyed woman scanned the entire area like a king would his kingdom. It was a feeling she always cherished, a feeling of absolute and total freedom. If I was back in Torment, Yosho and I would probably be relaxing right now. I'd be in the Onsen, while he would be talking to Sakuya on the phone. I wonder what he's doing right now?

Focusing on the Masaki house, Ryoko sighed once more. I sure do miss him. It's nice and all to see everyone again, but I still don't feel right about any of this. I love Tenchi, and I promised Yosho I would watch over Mayuka, but I still miss him….

Without thinking the former space pirate teleported to the ground. Opening her eyes, she was only mildly surprised to see where she was, in front of her old cave, the entrance appearing before her like the mouth of a massive beast, ready to consume her, and hold her captive for another seven hundred years.

With a shudder, Ryoko looked away from the gapping maw of the cavern, thinking about something else. I like being here, with Tenchi and the others, but I really would rather be with my son. Still, I should get some kind of reward for the acting skills I've shown today. I bet everyone thinks I'm the same old Ryoko, without a care in the world. I know Ayeka was really fooled by my performance in the Onsen. Although I am honored to be Mayuka's mom, I have to wonder what they'd say if they knew how much it hurts me to be away from my son…. To know he's out there, but to be trapped here because I can't bring myself to hurt anyone here, especially after seeing how much they need me here. Well don't worry, Yosho, the first time I can come back to you, I will….

"Hello, Ryoko." A kind voice said behind her, startling the lithe woman, and bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Tenchi…" she said, sorrow lacing her voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I don't really know. You were acting kind of strange, at first I thought it was because you were excited about being called Mayuka's mother. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that you accepted my offer, but after a while I knew that couldn't be it. When I couldn't figure out what was wrong with you I went for a walk. I don't know why, but it's like I was drawn here, like my legs had already known they wanted to bring me here. I've been waiting here for an hour, hoping the answer would come to me soon."

"I see, and did you figure out what is wrong with me?" Ryoko said, trying not to reveal any emotion as she looked into the deep blackness, which was the cave entrance. Tenchi's silence was all the answer she needed. "Tell me, my Tenchi, what do you see when you look at this cave?"

"What do you mean, 'what do I see'? It's a cave," the young shrine keeper proclaimed as if it was the obvious answer.

"I know that," Ryoko roared her head becoming huge as she screamed at him. Claming herself, the young looking space pirate brushed back some of her silvery hair. "What I mean is, what does it symbolize to you?"

"Oh…" the slow-witted youth said before falling silent for long moments.

"I'll tell you what I see when I see it. Imprisonment, pain, suffering. All the worst things I've ever experienced come back to haunt me when I see this place." Bowing her head the silver-haired woman felt slightly ashamed of herself. After all he's been through, I shouldn't be bringing this up now. With a forced laugh, the mighty space traveler looked up, trying to hold in her tears. "Kind of stupid, huh."

"Ryoko…." He muttered, before glancing skyward, trying to think about what to say next. At that moment, Tenchi Masaki saw a small flicker of light. A firefly…. Seeing the bioluminescent insect caused the young man to recall his grandfather's odd statements from earlier that night. What was he talking about? Gasping, the brown-haired youth nearly hit himself as he recalled a lesson he had learned long ago.

Years Ago:

A small boy, dressed in a shrine keeper's outfit stood excitedly before an older man, his grandfather. A glowing jar clenched tightly in his hands.

"Look, grandpa! I caught a whole lot of fireflies! Aren't they great!" Tenchi asked holding up the jar for inspection.

A smile cracked the elder man's ancient face. "Yes they are Tenchi, now do be sure to…."

"I know," the excited youth interrupted, "I already poked holes in the top for 'em. They're the best, grandpa! I'm gonna keep them forever, then I'll always be able to look at them!"

Kneeling the old man put a hand on his grandson's head. "No Tenchi, you must never do that."

"But why grandpa? They make me so happy, why can't I keep them?"

"Tenchi, I know these fireflies are bright and cheerful now, but in time, if you steal their freedom from them, then they will lose their beauty, and eventually they will die. It is not for us to enforce our own will on others, you must learn to respect every living thing, and allow it to live it's own life."

"But I'll take real good care of them, I promise. C'mon, please grandpa." The young man whined. Instead of continuing the argument, the old priest merely stared at his smaller companion for a few more moments, before walking away.

Standing alone in the field, the young Tenchi Masaki looked at the jar in his hand, an angry expression on his face. Finally, when it seemed he was about to explode, the young boy opened the lid of the jar, watching all his fireflies escape. At that moment, the youthful heir to the Masaki shrine understood how beautiful it was to witness something that was once imprisoned be set free, but it had also been the hardest thing he had ever had to do, until many years later….

The Present:

Coughing, the young Masaki brought himself out of his reflecting, realizing what the problem was. "This is about Yosho, isn't it? You want to go back to him."

Nodding, her back still to him, Ryoko wrapped her arms around herself for comfort.

"I thought so. You've been acting too much like yourself lately, like the Ryoko we knew before the whole Yosho ordeal, to have not been upset about something." Looking down, the young man kicked a loose pebble watching it skip away. "Well, I've decided on something, Ryoko."

Glancing over her shoulder, her silver hair covering her eyes, Ryoko cast Tenchi a look which, even thought he couldn't see her full face, made the young man feel very uncomfortable.

"You can go," he said simply with a wave of his hand, as he looked away. "I know you want to go back to see Yosho, and I don't want you to feel trapped here. If you're not happy, then go. I'm setting you free."

Setting me free…. Ryoko thought, a stunned look on her face, as she recalled a time not to long ago when she had used that exact expression. "But what about Mayuka? She'll die if I leave."

"Ryoko, I know it was difficult for you to come back here, but I wouldn't leave you alone until I got what I wanted from you. For that, I'm sorry. Now then, if you want to go back, right now or at any time, I won't have any anger or resentment towards you for it. I would just like to say goodbye before you go, and I want you to know you would always be welcome here."

"Thank you, Tenchi." The silver-haired woman said tears trickling down her face. "For everything." Smiling sweetly, the former space pirate tilted her head up, looking at him intently. Coughing, to sturdy her emotions, she continued, "I guess this is goodbye. I have to go, there's somewhere I need to be more than here at the cave."

Nodding, doing his best to hide the pain he felt, Tenchi looked at her as if for the last time. "I understand, good bye, Ryoko. I hope we see you again soon."

"I'm sure you will…" she replied with her usual winning smile, before disappearing.

The House:

The Masaki house at night was a quiet place, it's residents having all gone either to bed, or to relax in the Onsen nearly an hour ago, all but one person who was too focused on her current crisis to fall asleep.

I can't believe it! It's so sudden. Washu thought excitedly as she removed a tray of food from the refrigerator. I'd better hurry, or the others might try and stop me. Nearby, the tiny cabbit Ryo-Ohki meowed sadly from the couch, tears in her golden-eyes as she motioned for Washu.

"Just a moment, little Ryo-Ohki," she said finding a pitcher of tea. "I'm almost ready to begin."

At that instant the door swung open, and in stepped a young brown haired man, looking as if he had just lost his best friend. "Hey, Tenchi," Washu shouted distractedly while she looked in the microwave at her warming treat. I can't believe Sasami has such outdated technology for cooking! It's enough to drive me insane! I can't be late for this. It's too important, and she's counting on me.

"Hello, Little Washu," Tenchi said as he walked past the red-haired woman. "Tell me, do you know where Ryoko is right now?"

Popping a cracker into her mouth, the youthful scientist shook her head. "How should I know? I would have figured if anyone knows where she is right now, it would be you." Picking up her pitcher of tea and finally warmed snack plate the diminutive genius quickly pushed past the young man. "Now if you'll excuse me, my favorite show is coming on."

The young shrine keeper sighed, Washu's current tone and attitude was one he had become rather familiar with lately. She was definitely hiding something, some emotional pain, or torment. With heavy footsteps, Tenchi Masaki made his way up the stairs to his lonely room.

Universe of Torment:

The Dinner Table:

Ryoko wolfed down her food in her usual fashion, never bothering to wonder what she was missing taste wise, as the others merely watched in disgusted silence.

"So let me get this straight," the black-haired youth said, wiping his mouth with the edge of his napkin, as his Aunt Ayeka had shown him years ago. "Grandmother, you're saying someone had been putting a super potent sedative in mother's tank for the past six months."

"Yes," Washu declared sipping her cup of steaming tea carefully. "That's about right." The diminutive genius's emerald eyes continued to stare at the golden-eyed young man with extreme interest.

"Do you think it was me?" Yosho asked timidly. "I mean do you think it was Blackshire?"

"Yeah right," the ill-mannered space pirate said loudly. "I doubt he could have done it. I mean after all we all know subtly isn't his game. He prefers a more direct approach. I bet it was that monster my double was talking about, what was that demon's name? Yagami?"

"Yagami is that name of Kiyone and Mihoshi's ship, the name I believe you are looking for is Yuzuha." Washu said with a superior smile. "But what makes you think it could be here?"

"I don't know. I just do," Ryoko declared standing up from the table. "In any case, it doesn't really matter. If she shows her face here, then I'll take care of her. No problem." To accent her point, the silver-haired woman made a few quick punching motions with her fists.

Ryoko will be Ryoko…. Washu noted as she observed her daughter's display. "And just how will you do that without any of your gems?"

Looking at her hands, the golden-eyed woman chuckled weakly. "Oh yeah, that's right. I need to get those back. Yosho dear," she said, her voice taking a lighter, more melodious, tone. "Be a good boy and go get the sword. I need those gems after all."

Nodding his understanding, the young man began to rise from his seat, leaving his food half eaten. Of course after witnessing his mother do what she calls eat, the young man no longer had an appetite. "Okay, just a moment I'll be right back."

"Hold it you two!" the youthful looking woman said, standing up as she thrust her arms out. "No one is giving anyone any one any gems. Not until I have a chance to analyze this situation further."

"What are you going on and on about, MOM," Ryoko snapped putting a rather rude accent on the last syllable in her sentence.

"I'm not really sure myself, but I have this feeling that if you get your gems, then we'll be playing right into someone's trap." Sighing the little woman shook her head. Looking at her daughter, Washu knew there was nothing she could say that would really stop her. "All I'm asking is you give me time to study this situation. If you have to have your gems back, then promise me you won't do anything rash."

"Well never mind then," the cyan-haired woman complained. "If you're gonna lay a guilt trip on me, I don't want the dumb things."

Sitting back in his seat, Yosho watched his mother and grandmother argue as they always used to. He imagined Ryoko would in the end get her gems back, but his grandmother would make a valiant effort to keep her from them. As he watched them, the young man couldn't help but think of Ryoko, or rather the woman who had posed as his mother for a time. I wonder what she's doing now? I wish I could see her again, and let her know how I'm doing. If I know Ryoko, she's probably happier than ever before…. Still I'd give anything to see her again, but I don't feel anxious, because I get the feeling I'll be seeing her again, real soon.

Universe of Delight:

The Yenvala: Floating around the Planet Plesruis

Inside the ebon halls of this vile ship, a lone man stalks its corridors, a wicked grin on his face. His name was once Kenzar, although at the moment, he is something much more than that. He is a man possessed. Possessed by a being of extreme power, power that could almost rewrite history itself. Ah it is finished. Now I'll have all the time in the world to work on my weapon. Soon I will have the perfect power. It is amusing, almost as if I know what is coming. Everything is happening, as I know it must. While my minions rest on the planet below, I shall grow, and become more powerful. Soon it will be time to reveal myself to my enemies, and the final battle can begin. I've been waiting to get revenge on Him for a very, very, VERY long time. With an inhuman laugh, the vile monster continued its march through the black hallways of his warship. "Very soon indeed Masaki! Soon I will have your head, and you will know I, and I alone, am the most powerful force in the universe!"

Earth:

Tenchi's Room:

In his dark room in the Masaki house, Tenchi moped about dismally. "Man what a day!" he complained. "First things are horrible, and Mayuka is dying. Then I go to Torment, get Ryoko back, and life seems to get a little better. Now, Ryoko came back and I sent her away. What in the world was I thinking?" Sitting on his bed, the young man held his head in his hands. "What will I tell everyone in the morning, when they wake up and see what I've done? How can I ever look at Noodles as her father, and say I love you?"

Resting his head on the soft downy pillow, the young man could feel himself shaking. Focusing his attention on his own problems, Tenchi never heard the hiss of matter behind him.

Suddenly, the shaken youth jerked back in surprise, as he saw a pair of lithe arms wrap around him. "Tell me Tenchi," a melodious voice said quietly. "Do you always spend a lot of time alone in your room blaming yourself for everything? It's really not very healthy you know."

Stunned, nearly beyond words, Jurai's first prince barely could mutter the name in his mind. "Ryoko?"

"Yes, it's me." The seductive woman whispered into his ear. "I don't know what took you so long. It's not very nice to keep a girl waiting, especially one like myself."

"But, I thought you were leaving…"

"You silly boy," she said holding him closer to her body. "I never said I was leaving. I just said goodbye. I went to check on Mayuka, and then I came in here to catch a nap. That hammock Washu gave me isn't as soft as your bed is. That, and I want to thank you, for setting me free. I don't want to leave you, ever again, but it is nice to know I have your blessing if I do decide to leave. Besides, after you waited for me at the cave for so long, I could very well let you sleep alone, now could I, Tenchi?"

Shaking his head, the young man laughed lightly. "It would have been nice if you had told me you weren't really leaving me earlier, then I wouldn't have been so worried. Would I, mother…."

"True, father…. but then I wouldn't have got to see how much you care, now would I?" the silver-haired woman teased. "Besides, you know how much I enjoy playing with you, don't you, my Tenchi?"

"Yeah, but you know, Ryoko. Our conversations always seem to end without one of us finishing what we wanted to say," Tenchi said to the lithe woman behind him.

"Well, maybe if we did a few tongue exercises, we could talk faster," Ryoko remarked hugging him a little firmer. "Then we'd be able to get in everything we wanted to say."

Ignoring the blatant request for a kissing spree, Tenchi continued. "You see I've been thinking about it since you told me what you see when you look at the old cave, and I think I can finally put into words what I see."

Her curiosity now peaked, Ryoko tilted her head up slightly as if she wanted to see what he said. "Which is…."

"Well, when I was kid, the cave was always a source of excitement, something new to explore, and forbidden. When I woke you up, I probably would have said it stood for trouble," as he said this Ryoko rolled her eyes away from him, not liking to be, no matter how true it may have been, called trouble.

"But, now I can honestly say that when I see that cave I see it as a new beginning. Before I let you out of that cave Ryoko, my life was pretty empty. All I had was a few friends at school and my time up here at the shrine. But ever since then, nothing has been ordinary or boring. I've learned so much, about myself, the universe, and about life itself. I used to think grandpa was always just spouting nonsense with all those sayings of his, but now, NOW I see the wisdom that was hidden in them all."

A cheerful sigh escaped Ryoko's throat, making a humming noise. It was clear that the woman behind him, although she heard his kind words, was no longer able to reply, as she was slowly falling asleep.

"Goodnight, firefly…" Tenchi muttered, placing one hand over her arms, which were still wrapped about him, before drifting off to sleep.

Had the silver-haired woman been more awake she might have caught his bizarre statement. After all she had been through in the past month, especially the last few days, the former space pirate finally felt completely at peace. Sighing, oblivious to the world around her, the silver-haired beauty clutched her beloved a little tighter, feeling his hand on her arms, as she smiled. Finally…I'm home, and free…. In a few moments both Ryoko and Tenchi, the father and, newly designated, mother of Mayuka Masaki slept happily in each other's embrace.

The Living Room:

Sitting on the couch, rested Washu, who happily ate her snacks as she sipped on her tea, watching her favorite soap. Beside her sat the tiny cabbit, Ryo-Ohki. "Ah!! This is the life, eh Ryo-Ohki? No one dying, no opening gateways to other worlds for others, no experiments that need my attention, and for you no Sasami to cover your eyes through the good parts. I can finally kick back and relax. I'm glad I set a tape for all my shows when Ryoko told me she was leaving a month ago, otherwise I'd miss out on what's been happening."

Beside her mother, the small star ship meowed her agreement. "Of course I did have to be rude to Tenchi to watch them, but I've told him a million times not to interrupt me when I'm watching my show. I guess I could say something in the morning. Imagine, him asking me where Ryoko is," Washu declared with a nasal laugh. "He must have had too much punch." The little woman laughed once again. "Who would know where she is at any given time better than him?" Stopping the fast forward feature on the tape, Washu quickly shushed her tiny friend. "Okay, the best part is coming up, so don't look away now."

Next Time: Bad news my friends the story is half over now…. Or as I like to think, it hasn't even got started yet. Where this first part was mostly a drama, prepare for a more action packed second half. Past mistakes get reexamined in the latter half of Tenchi Muyo: The Final Saga!? Because next time.… The demon stands revealed!

Chapter 14: Of Dreams and Shadows