Chapter 14: Of Dreams and Shadows

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. The Celebrating is over, and life has returned to normal, at least, for a time….

And now part 14 of 26:

Chapter 14: Of Dreams and Shadows

One Month After our Last Chapter:

The Universe of Delight:

Planet Plesruis

Of all the planets in the universe, none are as quiet as beautiful not as peaceful as Planet Plesruis. Originally a small backward world, it was discovered near the out skirts of Jurai space by a group of explorers, who changed it into the universal hotspot they are today. With it's lush jungles, gorgeous beaches, and fantastic cities, Plesruis is the ultimate place for vacation and recreation.

Standing upon the sandy beaches was a man in tropical garb, a lie around his neck, and a cold drink in his hand. Well this is the life, the gray-eyed man thought glumly. Not that I don't mind being away from Kenzar, especially since he lost what little sanity he ever had after getting that necklace, but I've had my fill of this happy and cheery planet. I can feel my desire for some action kicking in. After all, I still have to kill Kenzar, and take my place as number one space pirate of them all.

"My, don't we look relaxed, Sigius." A warm, almost friendly voice said snidely. Looking to his side, Sigius Meldred was stunned to see none other than Commander Katiso coming up the path, fully dressed in his Galaxy Police outfit, a broad smile on his face.

As soon as he reached the smaller man, the holographic devise wearing Kenzar chuckled. "My goodness, Sigius, I never pictured you wearing an outfit like that! I feel as your commander it's my duty to advise you to NEVER wear anything like that again. Otherwise the Fashion division of the G.P. will have to arrest you."

"Katiso," the gray-eyed man hissed. "So I take it the vacation is over, and you're ready to get back to," pausing the vicious second in command coughed into his hand, "work…."

"All in good time, all in good time, my boy. Before we gather the troops, I want to show you something. I've been working on it a lot during the month you've been gone."

His voice, what is it about his voice that unnerves me so…The no longer relaxed pirate thought. I know what it is, he's happy. No! He's excited. I hate to think what he's been up to. "Alright," Sigius dismally replied, "show me what you've been working on."

Smiling darkly, the evil space pirate chuckled as he grabbed the gray-armed man's arm. "Very well, let's be off then…." An instant later the two figures disappeared, heading off to their dark destination.

Moments later aboard the Yenvala:

"So what do you think of the ship now?" Kenzar, no longer hiding behind his holographic image inducer, proclaimed holding out his arms to indicate the ship around him. It was obvious the Yenvala had completely changed since the last time any of the blue-eyed monster's colleagues had been aboard.

The vastness of the technological changes was mind-boggling. Sigius Meldred, also free of his disguise, walked behind the monster of a man a stunned look on his weasel like face. "But… but how did you do all this Kenzar? It would have taken thirty men years to do all this!"

For long moments the yellow skinned man merely laughed. When he finally spoke, joy was still in his venomous voice, "You recall how we stole so much stuff from the Academy? Well, I built myself a chronological distorter." Looking at the ruby-eyed man, the massive figure could tell his companion was completely confused. "Basically, in terms you can understand my dear friend, I can control the speed of time on this ship. In the time you had a month, I had, as you so nicely put it, years."

"But what about the help? With only a few years, you could not have renovated the entire ship by yourself!"

"That's why I keep you around, Meldred." Kenzar declared with a smile, displaying his jagged teeth in what had been meant as a jovial manner. "You always know what's REALLY going on." With that the large man pressed a button on the wall, opening the door before him. "Take a look inside, you'll meet my 'helpers'…."

The ruby-eyed man stared into the open portal, gasping back in terror. "But that's… those are…" He muttered pointing inside at the horrors before him.

"Cute aren't they? No one would ever think I'd use them, not even you. But enough of this," the large man proclaimed, his smile fading. "It's time. Time to end the charade. Go call the men back, bring any new recruits you have, and get ready. "

"Yes sir. Whatever you command." Shirking back, the ruby-eyed pirate prepared to fade into the shadows, to once again carry out his master's decree.

"Mark my words, Sigius," the yellow skinned brute called out. "I see dark days ahead."

I couldn't agree more, Kenzar's second thought darkly. After all that much is obvious. My only concern is for WHOM the dark days are coming for… you, or the entire universe….

Once the smaller man was gone, the man with light green hair spoke, and as he did his eyes glowed like twin emeralds. His voice a terrible sound the universe had not heard for many years. "Very soon, Prince Yosho. Very soon we will settle all past grievances. You will pay. Along with all you hold dear, especially that wretched wench Ryoko. I will see her suffer for wrecking my plans…."

Earth:

Tenchi's Room:

Middle of the Night:

The young man, Tenchi Masaki, lay soundly asleep in his bed, blissfully unaware of the things happening around him. Even if he were awake, the young man would have been hard pressed to see his visitor, for only her face was actually in his room, the other portion of her body still in the hallway. Taking a shallow breath, Ryoko stepped fully into the young man's room. It would not seem odd to anyone who dwelled in this house to find her there, since she had made it a habit of hers to try and sneak into this brown-haired youth's room, or rather into his bed. But tonight was different from any other, for tonight the silver-haired space pirate had not come to Tenchi due to lust, but rather from fear.

Reaching a hand out slowly, the slightly shaken space pirate paused just as she nearly touched the sleeping youth. What am I doing? It was just a stupid dream. There's no reason to wake him up over that. Turning sharply, the young looking woman almost laughed at herself. I mean imagine me, Ryoko, the greatest space pirate in the universe, getting scared because I've been having the same nightmare over and over. That thought brought her to a halt. The same nightmare for the last week….

"Ryoko?" Tenchi asked opening his eyes slowly. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Tenchi. It's me…." The silver-haired woman declared, doing her best to hide how upset she truly was.

"Is something wrong," the young man asked concern coming into his voice as he propped himself up on one elbow. "Is Mayuka-"

"She's fine Tenchi," the lithe space pirate replied holding up a hand as if to ward off his rising. "I just had a bad dream."

Ryoko? A bad dream? Tenchi thought, almost laughing. I don't even want to imagine what she'd consider a bad dream.

"Well, did you wanna talk about it?" he offered trying his best, despite the late hour, to be polite.

Taking a long, ragged breath, Ryoko glanced at him, or more specifically into his eyes. There was a peace there, one she had in her entire life never had. Even now, her soul still felt as if it was at war with itself. "Well, it's silly really, but it was about…. No… no, it's nothing. Forget I said anything. I just came by to check on you, since I was up anyway. Well I'm leaving now…."

The young man was not what one would call an expert on women, as a matter of fact he had been told numerous times, by various people, that he was rather slow witted when it came to the female half of his species. Yet Tenchi Masaki was also a man, one with a big heart and a noble soul. "Wait, Ryoko." He said, his words immediately having an affect. "If you want, you can stay here, with me. You'll still be close to Mayuka, and it always helps Sasami sleep." The young man knew that if any of the others were to find out about this, he would never hear the end of it, but this situation seemed different to him. Under any other circumstance, Tenchi would have thought Ryoko was merely trying to trick him, yet this did not seem like an act, and if it was, it was the best one he had ever seen. "We'll talk some more, and if after a while you don't feel better, you can have my bed, and I'll take the floor." As he spoke, Tenchi looked at the floor, gathering his courage with each word he spoke. "Unless you don't want to then…." When his eyes reached his door, the young man quickly noticed that the silver haired woman was gone.

"I thought you'd never see the light," the lithe woman cooed, suddenly appearing behind the young man.

Twisting his limber frame, the heir to Jurai faced his unexpected visitor. "Well since you've made yourself comfortable so quickly," he laughed. "Why don't you tell me what your nightmare was about. It always helps Sasami calm down, and it'll be good to get it off your chest."


With a sadistic smile Ryoko stared at him with hungry eyes. "No, I really don't want to think about it anymore. But I am intrigued about your suggestion thought."

"My suggestion," the young shrine caretaker in training asked, sounding a bit lost.

"About getting something off my chest," she added rubbing one of her hands seductively over her bosom. The result was almost immediate, as a small trickle of blood rushed out of the young man's nose. "Really, Tenchi I had no idea you had become so interested in getting me out of my clothes." At this her voice changed into a mockingly sweet tone, as she disappeared, reappearing in front of him, leaning heavily into him. "And here I thought you were supposed to be a nice boy, always being so polite and attentive, who would have guessed…."

"Ryoko!" He shouted in a hushed tone, so as not to gain the attention of any of the other household occupants. "You know what I meant! Now look, if you want my help, then I'll do what I can, but if you just want to play games…. Well wait until tomorrow. It's too late for me."

Her shoulders slumped, the silver-haired woman exhaled sharply, since her fun was now at an end. "Okay. If that's the way you want to do things."

Instead of making a reply, the youngest Masaki male merely stared at her, love reflecting in his eyes. The words he spoke next were not mean, nor angry, but full of concern. "Are you going to be alright to sleep on your own?"

Rubbing her right arm subconsciously, the silver-haired woman muttered something quickly in reply. Slowly looking up at the man she cherished more than her own life, she coughed, and repeated herself. "No, I don't want to do that."

"Do you think you could just lay here, and not cause any trouble?" He asked. Once again there was no reply, the golden-eyed woman merely continued to sulk. Sighing, the young man ran his hand through his hair. I want to help you Ryoko. I can tell whatever happened in your nightmare really spooked you. It tears me up inside to see you like this; it's just like at the party. You're hiding something from me again. I love you too much to let her go through that…Pausing the young man's face was a mask of confusion. Did I just say I love Ryoko? He mentally asked himself. For long moments the two figures sat on the young man's bed, neither saying anything. It appeared they were both lost in deep thoughts, Ryoko as she tried to decide whether to tell Tenchi her terrible dream, and Tenchi who stood at an emotional impasse. The young man was the first to make a fateful decision, and thus the next one to speak. Let's see, what do I really know about her. Suddenly a thought came into his head. It would seem a bit risky, but after the decision he had just made, it made perfect sense. "How about I make you a deal? If you can just lie down beside me and be good, I'll owe you one. What do you say to that?"

"You'd owe me…" The silver-haired woman said with what began as a faint smile, and ended in a malicious grin. "You know I'll hold you to it, Tenchi. For as long as I possibly can."

"Yeah, I know. Just try to keep your request within reason…" he said in a nervous tone.

Coming out of her nervousness, Ryoko laughed once again as she shook her head. "Oh… I don't know," she said jokingly. "I think I'll hold you to your exact words. You'll owe me anything. "

"Yeah, I figured you would." The young man said placing a hand behind his head nervously. "I guess that's one of the things I love about you. You always keep me on my toes."

"What," the silver-haired said in a stunned voice. Did I hear him right? Did Tenchi just say he loves me? He said it so calmly, and like it was common knowledge. "What did you just say, Tenchi?"

"I said 'you always keep me on my toes.'"

"NO! Before that!" she roared, her head becoming large momentarily.

"Oh, well I said that's one of the things I love about you, Ryoko."

"You…love…me? Really?" The golden-eyed woman stammered, tears welling in her eyes. Suddenly she remembered a conversation she had long ago with him. "Oh I see, you love me, just like you do all of us, right?"

With an embarrassed sigh, the part Jurain youth placed one hand on Ryoko's face. "Yes and No. I still care about the others, and would do anything for them, but when you think about it Ryoko, if I didn't love you, would I have gone through so much trouble to get you back? And I'm not merely talking about recently, when I went to Torment to find you. There are many other times, like when you went to face Blackshire, all alone, because you thought I hated you." As he said that phrase, 'I hated you,' Ryoko shuddered. "Or even as far back as what we went through with Dr. Clay and Kagato. Besides all those things, your Mayuka's mother, and the more I'm around you lately, I can see why Noodles chose you. Look, we can talk more about that later, but for right now, why don't you tell me about this nightmare of yours. Then we can go to bed."

Still in shock from her beloved's statement, the young looking space pirate was slow to answer. "I…Well you see…No. No, I don't want to spoil tonight, Tenchi. I promise I won't keep it a secret from you for much longer, but for right now…. For right now, can we just go to sleep?" Almost automatically as she spoke, the silver-haired woman slithered into a sleeping position on Tenchi's bed.

With a sharp exhale; the young man spoke, nestling back into his spot on his bed. "Alright then, Goodnight Ryoko." Moving his arm almost stiffly, the brown haired man rested it upon the small of Ryoko's back. Once there, the young man gently, and with a rusty motion, rubbed her back soothingly.


"Goodnight, my Tenchi…." The silver-haired woman moaned closing her eyes as she snuggled close to him. Yet despite her relaxed appearance, and slowness of breath, Ryoko was not asleep, since her mind was still racing. How could I tell him? How could I bring myself to tell him about that dream, after seeing the love in his eyes?

For a brief moment, the former space pirate recalled her terrifying nightmare. With a final shudder, the silver-haired woman banished the vile thoughts from her brain, choosing instead to focus on the warm youth beside her and the words he had spoken to her moments ago. Smiling inwardly, having finally gained a small portion of inner peace, which she had sought for as long as she could remember, the golden-eyed woman at last drifted off to sleep. A strange feeling coursed through the silver-haired woman as she faded into her blissful sleep, a feeling she had never experienced, at least not at this level, before now. For the first time in her life, the once dreaded space pirate, Ryoko, felt safe.

Later that Day: (Nearly Dinner Time)

The Kitchen:

Ryo-Ohki sat on the floor staring up at the counter, a hungry expression on her tiny face. Before her was the universe's undisputed best cook, Sasami. Of course the tiny princess was rather short, and still required a stool to reach the counter top, but nevertheless, she was the best cook there is. Currently, the queen of all things culinary chopped up vegetables for dinner.

"Meow?" Te tiny cabbit uttered pathetically hoping to catch the tiny chef's attention.

Looking over her shoulder, Sasami was quick to find the source of her interruption. "Hello, Ryo-Ohki! You want a carrot?" This question caused the tiny cabbit to nod frantically. "Well I'm sorry, but you'll just have to wait until dinner time. It won't be much longer. Why don't you go see what the others are up to? It will help to pass the time and… Oh shoot," the miniature princess declared. "I forgot the seasoning!" Quickly hoping down, the sister of Ayeka slid her stool to the side, to gain access to the cupboard containing all her various spices. "Now let's see, I know it's in here somewhere…." Leaning further into the cupboard, Sasami was now totally engrossed in her quest, ignoring the sad faced cabbit who continued to look at her with teary eyes.

Suddenly, the golden-eyed animal noticed something, a large orange object sitting on the counter where Sasami had been moments ago, or to be more specific, a carrot. But this carrot was special, it was not currently being guarded, and so would be easy pickings for the tiny hungry creature. Closing her eyes, with a blissful look upon her face, Ryo-Ohki leapt upwards to claim her prize. After a few moments, Ryo-Ohki realized her feet had not come in contact with the counter; the little space ship slowly opened her eyes. As soon as she had, the golden-eyed cabbit immediately wished she had not.

There was Sasami, an angry expression on her face. At that moment, Ryo-Ohki saw, and now felt, that she had been caught by the ears while in mid-flight. "RYO-OHKI! I can't believe you! I told you dinner would be ready soon! Now go outside, or I'll tell Ryoko, and she won't let you have any carrots."

Meowing in pure terror, the little cabbit thrashed about, until Sasami released her. As soon as her paws touched the ground, the little cabbit darted away, eager to make sure she stayed in Sasami's good graces, so she could continue to have her favorite food.

"My word!" Ayeka shouted coming into the kitchen as she was nearly trampled by the rushing cabbit. "There is no need for such haste. Really!" After watching the swift Ryo-Ohki a few moments longer, the purple haired princess shifted her gaze back to the blue-haired girl on the stool before her. "What was that all about? Are you two playing a game? I thought I told you not to play in the kitchen, it's very dangerous, and you could get seriously hurt!"

Holding her hands up to her face, Sasami giggled. "It's nothing like that, Ayeka. I just told her that if she kept trying to steal carrots, I'd tell Ryoko."

"So?" the red-eyed woman said sounding as confused as Mihoshi would.

"Well I told her, Ryoko wouldn't be happy, and would take away Ryo-Ohki's carrots."

"The only way that woman would get angry about you telling that, Sasami, would be because Ryo-Ohki was caught." The two sister's laughed merrily at Ayeka's remark. It was a sound, which the Masaki house had become accustomed to again, after the dismal season of Ryoko's absence.

"I don't know, Ayeka, Ryoko's been acting differently since she got back."

"What did you just say?" the older sister interrupted.

"I said 'I don't know, Ayeka, Ryoko's been acting differently since she got back.'" Sasami repeated, unsure what her sister's problem was.

"Such improper grammar! You should have said this; 'I don't know, Ayeka, Ryoko has been acting differently since she returned. Got back, is not proper language for a princess of Jurai's royal family. You must remember that."

"Sorry Ayeka…" the little girl moaned, forgetting how prim and proper her sister could be sometimes. "Can I finish what I was gonna say now?" Seeing that Ayeka was about to correct her again, Sasami grinned. "I mean, MAY I finish telling you what I was GOING to say?"

"Yes, you may continue dear sister." The young princess declared, a smile on her face as she noted how Sasami had corrected herself.

"Well, you probably noticed that Ryoko has been acting different these days. She seems to have calmed down a little," as she said this, a hint of disappointment laced Sasami's voice. She had always admired the silver-haired woman's energy and how she was always up to something.

"That is true, but you can not change one's basic nature so easily, Sasami. Ryoko may be good with Mayuka, but do try and remember that she is also a notorious criminal. This could all be an act, to fool me." The elder sister stated, her usual paranoia about Ryoko seeping into her speech. "But, you have brought me to the reason I came in here in the first place. Do you know where Lord Tenchi is? I haven't seen him in a while, and we were to walk to the shrine, to do the sweeping, and other chores, together."

"Well, I don't know where he is now," Sasami said trailing off, "but the last time I saw him, he was taking Mayuka out for a walk."

"I see." Ayeka declared shifting her eyes as her lightning quick mind began to quickly take in all the variables. "Wait a minute… Sasami, where is Ryoko?"

The younger sister, now tending to the pots behind her, rolled her eyes, since Ayeka couldn't see her. "I don't know. The last time I saw her, was at lunch. I've been in here most of the day getting dinner ready. But I think Mihoshi or Kiyone might have seen her."

With a nod, the purple haired woman left the cluttering kitchen on her quest to find her rival, and thus find Tenchi.

Outside:

Mihoshi stood up from her crotched position to stretch her sore back, and wipe her sweaty brow. "It sure is hot today, isn't it Kiyone?"

"Yeah," the teal-haired woman replied pulling up a weed from the flowerbed. "But then again it usually is this time of year."

"I wish they had a climate regulator on this planet, so we could turn the heat down." The ditzy blonde declared as she resumed pulling weeds like her partner.

"Now remember not to pull any of the flowers, Mihoshi. Remember what happened the last time you plucked one of Ayeka's roses?"

"Really, Kiyone, you must think I'm stupid." The blue-eyed woman said hurtfully. "I can tell the difference between a weed and a rose. I- Uh oh…." Holding up one hand, the slowwitted detective noticed she had inadvertently plucked a full grown rose, while defending herself.

Almost afraid to ask, the unlucky detective glanced to one side, "What did you do, now?" Shaking her head, Kiyone groaned. "Why don't you leave the weeds and trimming to me, Mihoshi. You just go get the house, and start watering the flowers, okay?" Even Mihoshi can't do any damage with a water house.

Almost as soon as she had finished this thought, Kiyone realized how wrong she was. At that instant, ice-cold water splashed onto Kiyone's head, causing the kneeling woman to leap to her feet.

"Mihoshi! Do I look like a flower?" She roared angrily. Standing before her, completely confused, was Mihoshi, a running hose in her hand.

Giggling, the blonde galaxy police officer looked at the soaking woman. "Of course you don't. Although your hair is green, and that does make it kind of hard to…" As she spoke, the still dry woman moved her hands about, splashing Kiyone with more of the hose's icy water.

"Oh really," the soaking detective growled taking the hose from her partner. "Well then let's see how you like getting drenched." With that, Kiyone placed her thumb on the tip of the hose, blasting the dark skinned woman with water.

Now both soaked the two women laughed at one another, while struggling to regain control of the hose. They were not fighting, but rather two friends playing with the hose on a hot summers day. In the midst of their struggle, both women grabbed the house, sending a spray beam of water towards the house.

The sound that filled the air soon brought an end to their merriment.

"MISS KIYONE! MISS MIHOSHI! WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING?"

Turning their heads slowly, the two space detectives noticed Princess Ayeka standing in the doorway, completely drenched, her pink kimono clinging to her body tightly, and her long purple hair covering her face. Instantly the two women dropped the hose.

"Sorry about that Ayeka," Kiyone apologized hoping to avoid angering the damp princess any further. "We were just playing around and…."

"What's going on out here?" Another voice chimed from behind Ayeka. It was Sasami, who had come when she heard her sister yelling. "What happened to you Ayeka?"

"Never mind that now, Sasami. I have to go change. Then I must find that monster woman Ryoko. There's no telling what she could be doing."

"Ryoko?" Mihoshi finally said, "Oh well that's easy. I saw her heading up the shrine stairs, just after Tenchi had taken Mayuka for some fresh air."

"WHAT!" The first princess screamed, taking a step off the porch. "Then I must go after her, don't you understand? She's obviously trying to seduce poor Lord Tenchi." The ground Ayeka's descending foot rested in was still drenched from the recent hose war. The result was terrifying, losing her balance as she tried to make her noble quest to save her beloved; Ayeka fell face first into a newly formed mud puddle.

"Really, Ayeka, I think you're over reacting," Kiyone said as she helped the now filthy princess to her feet. "Ryoko probably just went to the shrine."

"And just why would that demon go up to a holy place like that? You don't expect her to do work, now do you?" Ayeka said shaking her arms to throw some of the mud off. "It was obviously a ruse, meant to fool you." With a sigh, the purple haired woman looked toward the path leading to the Masaki shrine. "Still, I suppose you could be right. I am going to take a bath. Then I shall prove to you that something is going on. Mark my words." With that, the angry and mud covered princess stormed away.

The Onsen:

"What is Ryoko up to?" Ayeka asked herself as she rubbed her silky skin with a bar of soap, finally getting the last of the mud off her arms. "I know I shouldn't worry. Lord Tenchi is more than capable of taking care of himself, but lately I've been getting rather worried. I have this nagging feeling that something bad is about to happen, and it will affect us all. Yet I fear whatever it is that is coming will be most interested in Lord Tenchi and Ryoko." Laughing, the silky skinned woman washed away the soapsuds. "I must be listening to Sasami's nightmare stories too much, I'm starting to sound like her. But that is silly. No force could ever harm us, not in this place, The Universe of Delight."

Grabbing a towel, the Jurain Princess quickly wiped herself dry. "Of course, that whole nonsense about Yuzuha coming back was never resolved, but perhaps it was merely Washu's imagination. After all, it's been well over a month and nothing odd has happened since. With the exception of that report Kiyone received about the Science Academy being blow up. I wonder whatever caused it. Still it is no surprise. I've always figured one day one of those dreadful experiments they do there would come back to haunt them."

Having finished putting her hair back in it's braids, the purple haired woman wrapped a fresh towel around her waist, and began to gather her things so she could get home and change. After that she would decide whether to continue her hunt for Ryoko or not.

The Masaki Shrine:

Ryoko stood before the ancient shrine wearing her long red dress, with her spiky hair done up into a ponytail in the back. Today she had something important to do, and she always wore this outfit on those occasions. Of course, she had worn in on other occasions as well, but it was one of her favorite special occasion clothes. Having finished muttering a quick prayer, the lithe woman turned, and began to float away, into the clear blue sky.

"Well this is a surprise," a kind old voice declared from behind Ryoko. "Are you leaving so soon?"

Spinning in her ascension, the golden-eyed woman quickly identified the speaker. "I was just passing by, seeing if Tenchi was here. Since he isn't I think I'll just go home."

As the old caretaker spoke, his voice was jovial and light. "Oh come now, Ryoko. There's no need to rush off, after all I haven't been seeing you around lately. It's almost as if you were avoiding me, or something."

With a chuckle, the silver haired woman landed in front of the ancient shrine. "Yeah right, like I would want to avoid you. Can you give me one good reason why I'd do that?"

"Well, of course I don't know," he said with him arms out stretched in a purely non-threatening manner. "Still, since we are friends, I figured we might share a drink together."


"Friends, huh." The golden-eyed woman said suspiciously. "And since when do you drink, while at the shrine?"


"I meant tea," Katsuhito replied, shaking his head in defeat.

Looking over her shoulder, to avoid eye contact, the lithe woman was quick to answer his statement with one of her own. "Oh, I knew that." With a shrug, Ryoko began walking towards him. "Sure, I'll stay for some tea. After all I haven't tasted that yet. But don't you try to slip me anything, or try anything funny. Or so help me…."

"Really Ryoko, you should relax," the feeble looking man said as he poured the two of them a cup of tea, and indicated a place at his table where they could sit. "After all, I am not like Tenchi's father."

Well that's always good news, Washu's wild daughter thought as she accepted her first taste of green tea.

"By the way, what did you mean when you said, you haven't tasted this yet?" the old man innocently asked holding up his cup as an example. "I've seen you drink it many times since you came here."

"Never mind that," Ryoko snapped, still not comfortable with anyone knowing that particular secret of hers. "Look, why don't you just cut this pleasantry crap, and tell me what it is you want to ask me. I'm not like Ayeka, or one of the others, I can see a set up a mile away. If you wanna know something, just asked me flat out."

"My but you are suspicious today, aren't you Ryo-" the eldest Masaki's words were suddenly stopped, as a crimson blade, composed completely of ruby energy suddenly appeared beside his throat. Sighing, Lord Katsuhito looked up at the agitated silver-haired woman. "Ryoko. I thought I made it clear there is to be no killing in the house or shrine."

"Did you say that?" the lithe woman said looking innocent for a moment. "Gee, I must have forgot being a ruthless space pirate and all." Suddenly her tone faded, and was replaced by a more steely tone. "Now as I said just a second ago, what is it you want. You and I are both too old, and have known each other for too long, to say this is just your idea of a social call."

The old man said nothing instead merely cast his eyes at the energy sword still at his throat. Noticing his movement, the lithe woman quickly dissipated her weapon. "That's better, now then I suppose I should cut to the chase, after all you do know me quiet well, Ryoko. I was wondering how you've been sleeping. Have you been having… bad dreams?"

Casting Tenchi's grandfather an icy look, the silver-haired woman leaned forward. "What I dream about is none of your concern. Besides why would you care?"

"Lately I have been getting this feeling. A feeling that something that was left unfinished is coming back upon us."

"Yeah, I've had that feeling as well. I'll admit to even having a few recurring nightmares to back up that feeling. Ones about me, Tenchi, and Ayeka…."

"Does Tenchi know?" The direct heir to Jurai's throne asked as a side note. "Now more than ever, I can say that I feel that you and Tenchi are going to be the main recipients of this evil. You will be the ones it comes for first."

"No, I haven't told him about it yet. I went to talk to him last night, but…" the silver haired woman paused unsure how to word her phrase. "Let me just say he still surprises even me, and I've known him his whole life."

"I see." The old man declared, setting his cup down gently on the low table. "He is a rather remarkable boy, isn't he?"

Ryoko slammed her fist on the table once more. "It's obvious who this thing is, and since you won't say it, I will. It's Yuzuha, back to get revenge on Tenchi and me for beating her on her home turf. So, now that we know that, what should we do? Tell everyone you have a bad feeling, and I'm having nightmares? That hardly seems like a good enough reason to scare everyone. Of course with those weird things that happened while I was gone, maybe it won't be a bad idea."

"Do?" the old man laughed loudly. "Why we'll do absolutely nothing. It is wise to be ready for a fight, but if you are always expecting to fight, then you'll forget to enjoy life as if comes. If we are correct in this coming evil, then we should try our best to enjoy the time we have, while we still can. Besides, what if we're merely both going crazy…."

"Gee, you're a bunch of help. I feel a LOT better now…" Ryoko said sarcastically as she rose to her feet. "Well since we've "handled" this problem so well, I'm leaving. It's been fun, Yosho. Let's not do this again. Okay?" With that the silver-haired woman disappeared, leaving the first prince of Jurai alone in the Masaki Shrine.

The Walk Home:

"What a wonderful day! Right, Mayuka?" Tenchi asked the tiny girl in his arms. The young daughter of Tenchi did not reply to her father in words, instead she merely stared at the wilderness around her. The tiny butterflies that fluttered past her on occasion especially fascinated her.

"Well there you two are!" A voice chimed from behind the heir to Jurai's throne. "You two are getting to be pretty good at hiding from me."

Turning, the young man nearly screamed when he saw Ryoko, hovering inches off the ground, and so close to him, that their noses narrowly missed touching.

"Ryoko!" Tenchi exclaimed slightly shocked. "We weren't hiding, honest. I just was taking Mayuka for a walk, and…"

"Nice try, Tenchi dear. But I know why you really came out here, and I think it's a wonderful idea." Ryoko grinned taking another step closer to the shaken young man, who stepped back out of habit.

"W-W-What are you taking about?" he replied unsure where this conversation was going.

Gently placing a finger on his lips, Ryoko shushed the quick talking youth. "Like you don't already know, Tenchi dear. I know you came out here so we could have some kissing time." Turning her head slightly Ryoko continued her advance on the young man, preparing to receive a kiss from him.


"MYA! MYA! MYA!" a tiny voice meowed loudly from behind the nearly kissing couple.

"OH WHAT IS IT NOW!" Ryoko screamed turning about, just in time to catch her tiny furry companion who leapt into her arms, crying heavily. Stunned to see the tiny cabbit in tears, the silver haired woman's face changed to a look of concern. "What happened Ryo-Ohki? Is everyone alright?"

In reply the small furry creature meowed in numerous variations of her usual speech. "What is it, Ryoko?" Tenchi asked, unable to understand the frantic creature. "Is something wrong?"

The silver haired woman gasped, as Ryo-Ohki spoke to her. On occasion the lithe woman would reply with phrases like, you don't say, No way, and really.

Finally the former space pirate shook her head, and the little space ship, Ryo-Ohki was silent. "Well if that's what Sasami said, then I guess I'll have to do it. After all, Sasami isn't a liar."

"MYA!!!" the little creature screamed in disbelief, tears water falling from her eyes.


"Don't take that tone with me, Ryo-Ohki! You do what Sasami says, and stay away from those carrots until dinnertime."


Of course, it's about carrots, Tenchi realized with a sigh, unsure why he didn't think about it sooner.

Hmphing, Ryoko's companion held her nose up high, as if offended. "Listen to me, Ryo-Ohki." The lithe woman snapped. "I never raised you to be greedy."

"Of course you didn't," Tenchi muttered thinking he was unheard. "You both can't be greedy, or you'd end up at each other's throats."

Spinning in mid air, Ryoko glared at Tenchi with hungry eyes. "Don't worry Tenchi dear, I can give as good as I take… I promise I'll show you that tonight. Remember you still owe me, and I have a good idea of what I want…."

Gulping hard, the young man realized he would be in for quite a night. His best bet, as usual would be to go to bed early, so Ryoko would have find something else to amuse herself, and thus she would leave him alone.

"Now then," she said returning her gaze to her companion. "Look in my eyes, while I'm talking to you Ryo-Ohki!" Ryoko demanded as she prodded the tiny creature until it turned around. "You will not sneak carrots OFF THE COUNTER TOP, when Sasami is cooking with them. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

The little creature placed one paw on its face, as if pondering Ryoko's words. Finally, once again appearing happy, she nodded. "MYA!"

"Good, now that we've handled that," the golden-eyed woman said setting down her tiny cohort. "Why don't you play with Mayuka?" Taking the blue-haired youth from Tenchi's arms, the lithe woman set her down beside the tiny cabbit. Looking up, Ryoko's eyes seemed to have changed. There was something in them that showed she was perfectly serious about what she said next. "There's something I want to discuss with you Tenchi."

"What is it?" he asked preparing himself for the worst.

"First come over here," Ryoko's voice said from behind him. Turning the young man saw the silver-haired woman sitting atop a rather large moss covered rock, just off the path. "Oh, and just so you know, Tenchi. Since you were the one who told me you loved me, you can kiss any thoughts of ever getting rid of me goodbye."

"I figured as much. So what did you want to talk about?" he asked sitting down beside her. "So, what's on your mind?"

"I just wanted to ask you, something really." Leaning back, the lithe woman arched her back. "Do you remember the first time you were happy?"

Looking at her as if she had gone insane, Tenchi made his reply. "The first time? No, I can't say that I can remember. Why?"

"No reason really," the silver-haired woman declared sitting back up slowly. "I can remember my first time. It was the day we first met. Back before you let me out of my cave. It was the first time I laid eyes on you." Unsure how to respond, the young Masaki merely nodded, quickly glancing at his daughter and Ryo-Ohki. "Anyway, about my dream I…."

"Ryoko look!" the young man shouted his attention still focused on the tiny cabbit and her companion.

Jerking her head to the side instantly, the silver-haired woman prepared for the worst, but instead was met by a most wondrous sight. With Ryo-Ohki's help, since the little cabbit was now in her humanoid form, Mayuka had been propped up onto her feet and had begun to take a few small steps forward.

"Noodles!" Tenchi shouted as he practically ran at his daughter, "You're walking!"

Mayuka giggled as her father hefted her high into the air. For reasons she couldn't understand, she noticed her father was crying, as if upset, yet he acted as if he was happy. Unsure what to do, the little blue-haired girl continued to giggle, and attempt to clap her hands, celebrating her victory.

Appearing beside the young man with the spiky brown hair, Ryoko smiled up at the orange-eyed girl in his arms. Impatiently waiting to hold her, and tell her daughter how proud she was of her.

Handing Mayuka to the waiting woman, Tenchi wiped his tears away. "Come on, we should go tell the others!" Turning the young man began to walk towards the house, after a few rapid steps he paused looking over his shoulder, expecting to see the silver haired woman right behind me. Yet to his shock, she merely stood there smiling, holding the excited youth delicately in her arms. "Oh," the young father muttered remembering what he and the silver-haired woman had been talking about moments ago. "By the way, Ryoko. You were saying something about your dream?"

"It's nothing," the happy mother declared. "I'll tell you later, right now it's almost dinner time, and this is definitely something everyone is going to want to know about."

Dinner:

"Really! That's amazing, Tenchi!" Sasami said in sounding both shocked and overwhelmed at the same time. "I wish I could have been there when she started walking."

"Yes, it is rather exciting when they first start walking," Washu said eating a mouthful of noodles, "at least you don't have to worry about any surprises showing up, like Mayuka realizing she can fly. It's stuff like that, which makes a mothers life hectic. In response, Ryoko merely cast her mom an icy glare. "Not that it isn't nice to know you have a special daughter…. But anyway... Congratulations, Tenchi, Ryoko, Mayuka. You've all come a long way, haven't you. We all have really, as parents, as friends, and as a family."

"Thanks, Little Washu," the young man said with a smile. "Hey, we should probably get a camera, maybe we can get a video of Mayuka walking again, it's not her first steps, but it would be of her walking today!"

"That is a grand idea, Lord Tenchi." The purple haired princess declared. "But it is starting to get rather late now, and Mayuka should be put down for the night don't you think?"

"She's right," Kiyone added sounding dismal. "Although we would all like to see her walk, I think she should rest a bit. She's had a busy day after all."

"You're right." The young man said, taking his daughter out of her chair. "Come on, Noodles. It is way past your bed time anyway." Turning his attention to the girls around the table, Tenchi smiled. "I'm a little tired myself. It HAS been a long day, I think I'm gonna go to the Onsen, and relax."

"Okay, Tenchi." Sasami said, her voice becoming concerned. "But are you sure you had enough to eat? It didn't look like you ate much."

"Don't worry, Sasami," he told the little blue haired princess, "I'm just too wound up right now to eat. I'll eat a lot for breakfast, okay?"

After finally calming the young girl's fear, the young father, with his daughter in his arms left his assembled family, as he ascended the stairs to his daughter's room.

Once Tenchi was gone, the conversation immediately stopped. Unsettled by the sudden quiet, Kiyone was the first to speak. "So…" she began, "does anyone have anything to talk about?"

"Well, tonight there's a really good movie coming on," Mihoshi said in her normal bubbly fashion. "It should be on in about an hour I think."

"Is that all you have to talk about?" Ryoko said with a yawn.

"I suppose you have something more interesting to bring up, Ryoko?" The first princess of Jurai declared looking angrily at her rude comrade.

With a devilish grin, the lithe woman leaned forward, resting one arm on the table, making whatever she had to say sound even more intense seeming. "As a matter of fact…"

A few minutes later:

Washu's Lab:

Well that was an interesting dinner, a delicious meal, with all sorts of surprises. Most of which were pleasant. Well, hopefully all those scans of the wreckage of the Science Academy will yield some results, and I can see what REALLY happened there.

"Blast!" the tiny scientist shouted as she read one of several ethereal computer screens around her. "Another inconclusive scan! How can this be? With my equipment I should be able to see what it was exactly that destroyed the Academy."

Sitting back in the large cushion she used for a seat, Washu pondered this predicament. In the last month she had spent a lot of time trying to discern the nature of the Academy's destruction. I don't buy that story about it being caused by an experiment gone wrong. Sure it's possible, but they don't accept idiots into the Academy, with the exception of Clay, Washu amended. Still even he knew how to take proper precautions, and if the scans I did originally are true, then something would have been caused by a gravity flux, but there are so many safety devices to contain any incidents there that unless the station had taken severe damage…. Suddenly an idea came to the red-haired woman. Of course! They were attacked! I've been so busy trying to uncover what experiment could have caused it, that I ruled out an assault.

After pressing several keys, the small woman read the screen again. "DAMN!" There weren't any ships there? This makes no sense! How could that be possible? I should be able to detect a ship's energy trail, unless they had shields even I couldn't detect, but that should be impossible. Wait a minute! The Yenvala! It is possible that Kenzar attacked them, and Katiso destroyed his ship. I should set up a scan to locate the remains of any ship fragments that aren't normally used by Science Academy members.

One last time, the young scientist screamed. "NOT AGAIN! THERE ISN'T ANY OTHER SHIPS? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?" There's no way, Kenzar could have shields that are that advanced. So what does this mean? This is really starting to get me mad! It makes no sense, who would want to attack the Academy? It's not like it's known for having anything worth a lot of money, and besides you'd have to have as much fire power as either Ryo-Ohki or the Soja to take on their defenses.

Defeated, the young looking scientist cast her eyes upon her watch. Oh man, it's getting late! I better hurry, or I'll miss the movie! Rising to her full height, Washu stretched her tiny tired body. Well the Academy isn't going anywhere, and I should take a break anyway.

Universe of Torment:

Yosho's Room:

In his room, he son of Tenchi and Ryoko Masaki sleeps, yet it is a fitful rest. As he lay there, the muscular youth occasionally tosses and turns, as if trying to escape some unbelievable evil.

Yosho's Nightmare:

As the young man opens his golden eyes, he was quick to notice his surroundings, or rather the lack of them. All around him was darkness, complete and unending. "Where am I? What is this place," he asked, his voice echoing in the great expanse of this unyielding night.

As if in reply, three light sources appeared. The first was from high above, a small point of golden light, which as his eyes focused on it, he could tell this beacon in the dark, was quickly descending towards him.

The other two sources were much bigger, and more terrifying. Two slits of emerald light suddenly appeared before him. Resting his sight on these new sources of vile energy, the youngest Masaki quickly knew that they were not merely lights, but a set of eyes. "Who are you?" he shouted, yet no reply came. Long moments passed, and Yosho gazed upwards, noticing the descending light was still heading towards him. Looking back at the twin eyes, the golden-eyed youth noticed a vague shape, a figure whose darkness overshadowed even this endless night. "You…" the young man hissed. "But I know you're dead, so why are you here? What do you want?"

Instead of saying anything, the evil shadow merely pointing skyward, towards the falling light. Glancing back, Yosho noticed that the beacon was now right in front of him, with a quick motion, the black-haired youth reached out, plucking the light source from the air. His reaction was instantaneous, a burning pain shot through his hand, causing him to release his newly acquired possession. With a his hand clenched and now trembling with pain, the heir to the Masaki name looked at his feet. It was a most peculiar sight, there still glowing as it had before, was his mother's pendant. Opening his hand, expecting to see a heart shaped burn, the scared youth was once again met with a surprise. There was burn on his hand, but not in the shape he had thought. Instead it was skull shape, one with glowing green eyes.

Casting his glare from his hand, to his mother's pendant, to the shadow before him, the youngest Masaki suddenly understood what was going on. It was that shock, that realization, which ended this terrible nightmare.

End Dream:

Sitting up, in a panic, the young man screamed, louder than he ever had before. "I must warn them, I must tell them the evil which followed me!" Leaping from his bed, the frantic youth ran, phasing at the last second, through his door.

"Yosho!" a voice screamed from behind him, "What's wrong?" Spinning about quickly, the man with eyes like his mother's saw who was speaking to him.

"It's a long story, Mother," he wept as he gazed at her. "One I don't think I have time to explain right now, at this moment I must get to Delight! I must warn them of the evil I have unleashed on them all!"

Inhaling for long moments, the cyan-haired woman nodded, not wanting to pry if there was no time for him to explain. "Very well, Yosho. Go get the sword, and meet me in Washu's lab. Then there's just one last thing to do, and we'll be on our way." Placing one hand on his shoulder, the wife of Tenchi Masaki smiled. "Don't worry Yosho, we've made it through worst things, and came out okay."

Smiling weakly, the young man removed Ryoko's hand from his shoulder. Not this time, he told himself darkly as he ran back into his room. This time I can feel it. There is no hope, only death. Even at our best, I know we're just running off to die. But I'd rather die fighting the evil I've caused, than live knowing it's still out there.

Evening:

Night has come to the Masaki home, and everyone is relaxing together after a long day of chores and celebrations. Ryoko, now in her blue and tartan dress, and Ayeka, who wore an elegant silk white robe, since her kimono was still drying off, fought over a bowl of chips. Each trying to greedily eat all of them before the other could, while Sasami occasionally interjected that they should share.

"Oh boy," Mihoshi chimed excitedly. "I hear this movie is really good! I've never heard anything bad about it, not even once!"

"You say that about every movie, Mihoshi," Sasami said leaning forward in her seat so she could see the ditzy blonde, a smile covering her tiny face.

"Oh yeah, that's right," the blue-eyed detective said, having never realized that before. "Well, this is supposed to be a really good romance."

Not another romance movie…. Tenchi mentally complained, having just arrived with an armful of snacks and drinks. Don't they ever get tired of watching that stuff? All they're going to do is end up crying by the end. I suppose I should go get some tissues… Hey! Maybe I can get out of seeing this one. All I need to do is tell them I'm tired. Stretching himself to his limits, the young shrine keeper yawned. "You know, girls, I think I'm going to go to bed. It's been a long day."

"It is still rather early. Are you feeling well, Lord Tenchi?" Ayeka asked, concern radiating from her royal red eyes.

"Now, now, little princess," Ryoko said in a berating tone. "If my Tenchi wants to go to bed, then he doesn't need to explain himself to you."

"Thanks, Ryoko, but really I'm just tired that's all," the young man said, feeling unnerved that the silver-haired woman would allow him to escape to his room so easily. His feels were justly places, as the golden-eyed woman appeared behind him.

"And of course, if you want some company…" she laughed wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Miss Ryoko!" Ayeka screamed rising to her feet, "Really have you no decency, no sense of tact! Such behavior is unbecoming of one who is Mayuka's mother."

"No need to get upset, Ayeka." Kiyone said while getting comfortable for the movie. "I'm sure Ryoko was joking."

"Right…." The silver-haired woman said slowly. "It was just a joke, Princess, don't you have any sense of humor?"

"Please don't fight, you two," Sasami interjected once again trying to stop whatever horrible war was coming. "See," she said, pointing to the screen, "The movie's about to start. If you start fighting we'll all miss the intro, and…."

"WE INTERUPT THIS FEATURE FOR A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!" the television suddenly blared ending all conversation.

A small man, with a bad toupee, suddenly appeared on the monitor. "The Planet Plesruis has been attacked. What started out as a beautiful day on the paradise planet has turned into a day which all will remember in horror. The day Kenzar the Space Pirate attacked Plesruis! The Galaxy Police are already on the scene, but from what we have heard, the situation is looking grim. We go know to one of our reporters who has a live feed of the chaos brewing."

At that instant the images on the screen changes. "This is Karmic Dales, reporting live from Planet Plesruis. I've managed to get on the top floor of this building to give you a bird's eye view of what's going on here, those of you with weak constitutions may wish to look away."

Holding the camera up toward the sky, horrible images filled the screen. The sky, once a beautiful blue, was not red, with steaks of black, from the fire and smoke, but even these things were not the worst. Horrible black figures flew through the air, apparently of their own free will. One happened to close enough by that his face could be seen. What was seen was not human. What was once a young man now was an abomination. It had vile emerald glowing eyes, and it appeared that his flesh was merely wrapped over brittle bones, yet somehow this corpse was able to fly. Across his chest, was a word, which could have been a nickname written in blood, the word was Scatter.

"I don't know what is going on here, could this be the end of the world?" The frantic reporter stated before a loud crashing sound echoed from behind him.

This action was soon followed by a villainous voice, "Well, well, what have we here? I was hoping to destroy the GP, and this planet without anyone seeing me too much, since it's so much more fun to kill people when they don't know you're coming, but I guess, since you're here, you might give the universe a glimpse of what death looks like." Slowly the cameraman turned, focusing on the figure behind him, a man clad fully in black armor, and a helmet which looked like a demon's skull, with evil emerald light, like those of the strange creature's flying about, ebbing from its eyes, as a soul crippling laughter escaped its maw.


At the Masaki House:

Ryoko was the first to react, although everyone else was so focused on the screen, they barely noticed. No! It's not fair, not after all our hard work to be free. Oh no! Mayuka! I have to make sure she's safe! With that thought, the mighty space pirate beamed away, to check on Mayuka, and to regain control of her nerves. The other's reactions varied greatly. Washu merely gawked in surprise at the terrible events on the television, stunned by what she saw.

Sasami clutched her sister tightly, as tears poured from her young eyes. Meanwhile Ayeka stared at the screen with morbid curiosity. Kiyone sneered as she looked upon the destruction of Planet Plesruis, no emotion sneaking past her attention. She appeared focused and ready, preparing herself for the worst. Mihoshi clutched Kiyone's arms tightly; unable to hide the fear she was experiencing.

Tenchi Masaki stood like a statue as the vile laughter filled the air. There was a look of grim determination in his eyes, a passionate fury that would not be suppressed.

The monstrous figure in black armor finally finished his laughter, and took aim at the cameraman with one of the two massive blasters in his hands. Then Kenzar fired, causing everyone watching to flinch, as if they were hit by the blast. As the feed began to fade out, the monstrous figure spoke, bringing all fears to life.

"Where there's day, there shall come night; when there's smoke, you will find fire; where once there was Yosho, now there is only BLACKSHIRE!"

Next Time: Blackshire's back. What horrors has he unleashed, and more importantly, without Yosho to try and control him, can our hero's stop him? Will Ryoko and Yosho from Torment be of any help? Plus what was Ryoko's nightmare? Will it affect the outcome of the battle to come, and what will she ask of Tenchi?

Chapter 15: Dark Days, Forces Gather

{special congratulations to Gabumon, who figured out the truth!}