Far Away:

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, Captain Koreas, Sigius Meldred, The Yenvala, Commander Katiso, and Kenzar, Lued, and Posic. Thank you.

* Means a note at the end of the story

Tenchi Muyo: The Final Saga:?!

Chapter 17: Embraces

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.

The horror of this war was but a painful memory to the Masaki family, however recent events have changed that, from dreaded nightmare, to reality.

"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!"


It was these words, which, among other things, started a war, a war of legendary proportions. Blackshire has returned, in the body of Kenzar,' son' of Kagato. Tenchi and his family, along with Ryoko and Yosho, from Torment, have won the battle on Plesruis, now the aftermath begins.

Chapter 17 of 26:

Early Morning:

The Masaki House:

On the docks leading to the Masaki house, everyone assembled, embracing each other, and making small talk about being glad everyone was home safely. It was at that moment, when the young man, Tenchi Masaki, was attacked, viciously and without warning. His pain was great, worse than any he had ever felt before. Currently, the young warrior's face had become beet red, and it appeared as if he no longer was breathing. It seemed that his short, yet adventurous, life was about to come to an abrupt end. Yet this was something he had been expecting, indeed, the young man had even been waiting for this. It was after all, an unavoidable fate, one he had willingly chosen and even asked for. The extended family of Tenchi Masaki could only look on in various degrees of shock.

At the door, Ayeka Jurai stood beside her sister, and half brother, Lord Katsuhito, with a look of anger and revulsion, while her sister giggled as she placed a tiny hand over her face. The elder prince smiled timidly, as he watched his grandson's plight, and clutched the Tenchi-ken tightly in his old, weathered, hands. Standing at the opposite end, near the docks, was Mihoshi and Kiyone, who with Ryoko Masaki seemed to still be taken aback, by the swiftness of Tenchi's attacker.

Were he able to, the young man would smile at his current predicament. After all, one should always expect something like this when asking the great space pirate, Ryoko, to welcome you home.

Overwhelmed with joy and relief, the silver-haired woman had rushed the battle worn young man, and clutched him in her strong arms the instant he had appeared. Yet even she didn't understand how much she had missed her beloved, and now she hugged him so tightly it appeared he would collapse.

Ayeka, still in her Jurain battle garb snarled at the sight. Really such manners! With a swift motion, the purple haired princess snatched the Tenchi-ken from her brother's grasp, as she trudged toward the intimate couple. "Ryoko! I demand you release Lord Tenchi this instant!" Sadly the Jurain Princess's words fell on deaf ears. Very well then, with that thought, the young woman brought the hilt of the sword into the small of the space pirate's back. Electricity surged forth at that moment, encompassing Ryoko's slender frame, causing her arms to spring off Tenchi, who fell to his knees before her, shaken slightly but not harmed.

Spinning about the former space pirate growled, "HEY WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA, AYEKA!"

Facing her rival, the older princess smiled victoriously, "I am merely looking out for Lord Tenchi, Ryoko. Maybe you didn't notice, but your little display of affection nearly killed him!"

The two women glared at each other, sparks crackling between their eyes as the continued their stand off. Staggering to his feet, Tenchi made his way towards them, trying to stem the tide of battle. "Now you two," he asked in a raspy voice as his breathing went back to normal, "there's no need to fight, no harm was done, and -"

"Tenchi," the golden-eyed woman said with a teary look in her eyes. "Tell Ayeka to stop being so mean to me. After all, I was only doing what you asked me to, right?"

"Well, yes I guess, but-"

"Don't play innocent Ryoko, you nearly killed him!" the purple haired woman shouted, interrupting the young man. "If I hadn't got in the way, you'd have snapped him in half!"

By the house:

"They're at again, aren't they?" A young and masculine voice declared coming from inside the house.

Sasami whirled about, "Oh, Yosho! When did you get back? I didn't see you get off the ship."

"Sadly, I wasn't able to come home with everyone else, Aunt Sasami," the black haired youth said, looking down at his tiny relative from this universe. "I would have been here sooner, but as you know grandmother has a tendency to drop people in the Onsen after healing them. Thankfully no one was there this time."

"Yeah," the little girl giggled recalling his last experience in their Onsen, as he rubbed the top of her head.


"By the way, is our deal still on?" Yosho asked hesitantly, "I know I didn't beat Blackshire myself, but everyone did come home safely."

"Well of course I'll do it silly," Sasami said, "but there is one problem." The little princess glanced at the ground embarrassed.

"What are you two talking about?" Lord Katsuhito interjected, finding this conversation much more interesting than the usual battle waged on the docks.

"Aunt Sasami and I made a deal, Great Grandfather," the young man with the same name replied.

"What kind of deal is that?" the old Shinto priest asked, his curiosity peaked.

"It's nothing major," Yosho said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I merely asked Aunt Sasami to cook me one of her meals, if I could bring everyone back safely is all." Placing a hand to his face, the black-haired son of Ryoko leaned forward and in a whispered tone continued, "I doubt you've ever eaten my mother's cooking, but…well let us just say it leaves a lot to be desired…."

"Yeah, but we still have a problem," the tiny girl proclaimed, "Last night, Ryoko and I ate all the food. We'll need to go get more. Someone is going to have to go shopping."

Almost instantly, the sound of dissipating matter filled the air behind the small princess. "Did you say shopping, Sasami?" the cyan-haired woman grinned winningly. "You just tell me what you want, and I'll get it."

The Docks:

"What!" the voice of the other Ryoko shouted from the docks. It was apparent that Ryoko and Ayeka's argument wasn't close to over. However somehow Tenchi had managed to remove the Tenchi-ken from Ayeka's grasp, making it an argument of words, and no longer force. "There's no way!"

"Oh please, you two," Mihoshi whined, swinging her arms frantically as she spoke. "Please don't fight!"

Can't they ever stop? Kiyone asked herself, holding one hand over her face. It's been a long night, right now; all I want is to go to bed. Looking at her partner, who still tried to intercede in the battle before her, to bring peace to this dock, the teal haired detective smiled. Good. I shouldn't have any trouble sneaking off to bed, without dim bulb there seeing me. With the stealth only a ninja could match, Kiyone made her way past Mihoshi, but luck was not on her side. Just as the unlucky detective crossed paths with the blonde woman, a stray fist flung back, catching her in the nose. Staggering from the blow, the owner of the Yagami stepped back, lost her footing, and plummeted into the water beside the dock.

"Now see what you did!" Ryoko snarled pointing to the teal haired woman rising from the water beside them. "If you hadn't started this fight, Kiyone wouldn't have gotten knocked into the water!"

"Well if you could show a little more self control…."

Ignoring the arguing combatants, Mihoshi spun about. "I'm sorry Kiyone, here let me help you!" Bending over quickly, the tanned woman's end bumped into Ayeka, who lurched forward, and in a few moments, the sound of two figures falling in the water filled the air. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry Ayeka, Ryoko. Please let me help you!" Leaning forward, the slow-witted detective grabbed the elder princess's hand, and tugged. Sadly, Mihoshi had forgot to take into account the water on the dock, as well as Ayeka's weight when completely drenched, and soon joined the duo in the water.

"Now look what you've done!" Ryoko snarled at her archrival. "You can't even get out of the water properly!"

"I hate getting wet!" Mihoshi cried as she rose from the water, quickly making her way to shore, her clothes-sopping wet.

Tenchi shook his head, slipping past the soaking women.

"Oh," Sasami said seeing his approach. "There's Tenchi! He can go get the stuff from market!"

"Market?" the young man began, suddenly remembering something. Oh man! I almost forgot it should be ready today!

"Yeah," the little girl replied, "you see I told Yosho…."

"She told me she would make one of her special meals if everyone came back safe and sound." The golden-eyed youth interjected, "and with the exception of myself, everyone did come back safely…."

"Oh, well sure Sasami," the father of Yosho declared nervously. "Just let me run into the house, and talk to dad real quick, okay?"

"Sure," the little girl said happily, "I get you the list of things we'll need in just a minute Tenchi."

"By the way, Aunt Sasami. What happened here last night? There's a huge mess in the living room," the golden-eyed young man asked.

"Oh no!" the youngest princess shouted running in the house. Ayeka will kill me if she sees that I was watching that tape. Moving as fast as she could, the mischievously delightful girl raced towards the television, and just as she snatched up the tape in question, she heard something which turned her blood to ice.

"Sasami!" Ayeka yelled, storming into the room, still sopping-wet. "Did Ryoko do all this?"

Taking a deep breath, the little girl glanced over her big sister's shoulder, seeing the silver-haired former space pirate nodding her head yes. Smiling, Sasami met her sister's glare. "No, Ayeka, I did this last night, and forgot to clean it up, and…" the little girl stopped, holding out her the video she clutched in her tiny hands. "And I watched this again."

The purple haired woman seemed taken aback, as she looked at the tape. "Well," she said almost speechless. "I am disappointed in your behavior, but you were honest, and so I will not hold it against you. Now please clean up this mess, and then you can go play. I am going to take a bath." Turning, the red-eyed woman walked off, trying to look dignified as water dripped from her body.

With a sigh, Sasami began picking up the scattered bowls, and Saki bottles. Just as she reached for one on the table, a lithe hand snatched it out of her grasp. "I don't think you want this one," the owner of the hand said, "It's still got some in it." Looking up, the little princess smiled at Ryoko, who was also dripping wet, but did not seem as bothered by it as Ayeka. "Now, Sasami, darling, why didn't you tell Ayeka that it was me? She's always mad at me, anyway, and it would have been easier than taking the blame."

"I know, but you're my friend, and friends help each other."

Shaking her head, the silver-haired woman sighed. "Kid, you've got a lot to learn…. Still since you took the fall for me, I guess I can help you out here." As she spoke, Ryoko picked up a few empty bottles of Saki, placing them in the crook of her arm.

"Wow, what's going on here?" Tenchi asked as she approached the two cleaning women.

"We made a mess last night," Sasami said, "and Ayeka said I have to clean it up."

Nodding the young man looked at the golden-eyed woman, "hey, Ryoko, I'm going to the market. Would you like to go with me?"

"Oh, just a minute, let me get you that list," the blue-haired girl said under her breath as she scribbled some things down on a piece of scratch paper.

Looking around her, the lithe woman merely grinned, "well I'd like to, but I need to help Sasami here. Why don't you go, and I'll see you when you get back."

"I on the other hand," a voice nearly identical to the silver-haired woman's said behind him, "would love to go with you!"

"Gee swell," Tenchi said in mocking joy, as Ryoko Masaki drug him from the house. "Well then I guess I'll see you all later on."

"Don't you go doing anything with my Tenchi, that I wouldn't do!" the silver-haired woman shouted, she could almost hear Ayeka's usual declaration that Tenchi wasn't hers in the air.

"But Ryoko," Sasami said confused, "isn't she you?"

"You have a point there," Ryoko realized with a weak laugh, "but if you can't trust yourself, who can you trust?" Mimicking her friends laugh, the two friends, a Jurain princess and a former space pirate, continued to remove the evidence of the party they had held the night before.

Later:

The Market:

Amid the hustle and bustle of the daily market goers, two youth's make their way to their destination, trying their best to blend in and not be noticed.

I still can't believe I let myself get talked into this. The young man groaned as he walked stiff-legged through the town market, being drug around by the wrist by a certain cyan-haired woman. Shopping with Ryoko wouldn't be so bad, but I was hoping it would be the other one.

"Come on," the woman from another Earth shouted, pulling the young man a little harder as she walked.

"What's your rush, Ryoko?" he asked, trying desperately to remove his arm from the cyan-haired woman's grasp. Finally as the young couple broke free of his companions grasp. "We don't need to rush!"

Stopping dead in her tracks, the cyan-haired mother spun about, her face only a millimeter away from his, and a seductive smile on her lips. "Oooh! I like where this is going, so what do you have in mind, Tenchi dear?"

"You know I don't mean anything like that!" he replied, backing up a step, trying to keep his calm. "I mean we still have a long time before dinner, and Sasami said she wouldn't be starting it until later on. Besides if you don't mind, I need to go pick up something before we go any further."

"Okay," she replied with a carefree shrug of her shoulders. "Then let's go get it."

Clearing his throat, the young man slowly considered his words. "Well you see… if you don't mind, I'd rather be alone when I go get it…. It's kind of personal and all…."

The cyan-haired woman's grin suddenly changed, becoming even more devious and seductive than normal. "I didn't know you and Ryoko had that kind of plans for tonight, still I suppose it's only natural…. But you know, I used to buy condoms for my Tenchi all the time, when we got married, and-" the lithe woman was suddenly silenced, as the young swordsman clasp his hand over her mouth.

"I am not buying those!" he whispered harshly, his face beet red. "It's something else… something…" he paused, noticing the golden pendant around her neck, which hung delicately between her bosom. "But I can't really say, since you might tell Ryoko." Looking back at her face, the young man started, seeing her color changing to purple, frantically he released her.

Taking a large gulp of air, the cyan-haired woman looked at him skeptically. "Oh I see, you're buying lingerie, and you don't want anyone to know you went into one of those stores. If you'd like, I could go for you. I think I know what she's like, since she's me and all, of course my chest is a little fuller, don't you think?" As she asked, the lithe femme fatale leaned back, arching her chest towards his face.

Quickly wiping the blood from his nose, Tenchi shook his head, regaining control of his thoughts. "That's not it either! Look I just need to be alone for this, okay?"

"Well…" Ryoko began murmuring to herself, "alright, I guess I can amuse myself, SOMEHOW…" Glancing around the town, she sighed. "Can you give me some money? I might as well do my personal shopping, while you're doing yours."

Reaching into his pocket, the young man pulled out his wallet, handing her roughly five thousand yen (if I'm right about $40). "Here, it's all I have. Please don't spend it all…."

"What about the things we were supposed to pick up?" she asked, not looking at him, instead focusing on the lovely feel of fresh money in her grasp. All right! This is perfect! It's just enough to buy the things I need.

"Well, I do have my dad's credit card," he said, noticing the golden-eyed woman's face light up at the concept of using a charge card. Oh man, mentioning that was stupid. Dad gave me his credit card, so I could buy my special item, but now I'll have to use his card to buy all the stuff Sasami wanted too.

Not liking the awkward silence, the lithe woman shifted back and forth. "Well, I guess I should get going. See you in a little while…." The lithe woman proclaimed with a sweet wave, before instantly disappearing.

Sighing Tenchi looked at the golden plastic card in his wallet. Man, I hope Ryoko isn't that weird when she gets older…. Oh well, there's no changing the future, I might as well get going.

The Masaki House:

Dinner Time:

"Here, you are Yosho," Sasami shouted, handing the young man another bowl of rice. "I hope you like everything. I did my best to make sure everything was just right, but I was a little hurried, because of last night…" as she made he concluding remarks, the little girl blushed looking away.

"Aunt Sasami," he replied swallowing hard holding up one hand towards the ceiling as if making a toast, "the king of Jurai himself doesn't get to eat such culinary delights. We are all blest beyond measure to have you in our presence."

Now I know you didn't get to be such a bad actor from me, Ryoko mentally remarked looking at her would be son, who blushed, from her comment, and as he noticed everyone staring at him for his unique performance. Washu had even gone so far as to hold up a card with a six on it, indicating she had seen better performances. Never the less, Sasami was deeply touched by his compliment, no matter how much he might have been acting.

"Wow! This is the best Sasami," the silver-hired woman shouted as she shoveled yet another helping of everything into her gaping mouth. Cleaning her plates in record time. Thrusting her arms forward, bowl in hand, Ryoko put on her best puppy face on. "Can I pleeeeeeeeeeease have another helping?"

"Ryoko!" the little princess laughed, "that's already your fourth helping! You never liked my cooking this much before."

"Well everything has been TASTING so much better lately," she replied, with a smile and quick wink towards Washu. "I'm not sure why, must be the weather."

Grimacing, Ayeka carefully placed a small portion of noodles into her mouth. I don not think I can take much more of Ryoko's moaning at the table. I agree that Sasami is a good cook, but REALLY! It almost sounds like she having an… The purple haired woman suddenly paused, glancing over at the two guests at their table, Ryoko and Yosho Masaki. The young man who had done his best to help them, seemed to really be enjoying his meal, indeed this feast was his idea, but his mother, the Ryoko from Torment, seemed to merely be picking at her food, glancing up on occasion to look around the room. If I did not know any better, I would swear she's staring at me. Like she is planning something. I don't like it one bit. Still, I suppose I'm just being paranoid, since Tenchi and Ryoko have been together for only a short time, and all.

The red-haired scientist looked over at the visiting duplicate of her daughter skeptically, trying to analyze her unnatural behavior. I wonder what's eating her?

Isn't it obvious? A cruder voice interjected into the emerald-eyed woman's mind. She's jealous. I can taste this wonderful meal, and she can't. Not to mention I still have my Tenchi, and she doesn't.

I suppose you could be right, Little Ryoko. The little genius replied, taking her statement into consideration. But I think there's something more to it than that. Still, I might be able to help her out, at least with the taste thing…. "Hey Ryoko," Washu began, noticing both women who bore that name suddenly looked at her, "I mean Mrs. Masaki, could you join me in my lab after dinner? I'm curious about a couple things, and I promise it won't take long."

You're always curious about something… Casting a quick glance at the purple haired woman, Ryoko smiled, "well I suppose I could make it. But only for a few minutes." With a polite smile, Washu nodded, popping another morsel into her mouth.

Elsewhere: GP Headquarters:

Late Night (as late as night can get in space)

Deep in space floats a massive structure. To those who look upon it, it may seem like the wreckage of a once mighty space station, since it's pathways, and very appearance is that of utter chaos. However in truth, this is not a device of chaos, instead it is the headquarters of the Galaxy Police, protectors of law and justice.

Docking Bays:

Two young officers sat at the main desk, going over the day's paperwork, as they discussed what they would do once their shift ended.

"Honestly, Lued, " the plump younger man, with blue hair, eyes, and pointed ears began. "I don't understand why you were so insistent we take dock duty tonight. Nothing worth while ever happens down here."

"Look, Posic," the skinny woman, who was nearly identical looking to First Class detective Mihoshi, said, casting him a passionate look with her ruby red eyes, looking through her hair which glowed in the light like a flame, and hung in front of her face, covering half of it. "We're here, because I heard Koreas is gonna be by tonight, to begin searching that ship he brought in earlier. Remember him from the academy?"

"I remember you had a crush on him," the stout officer declared, stamping some papers. "Well if you just wanted to ask him out, why ask me along?"

"It wasn't a CRUSH," she snapped blushing slightly. "I just happen to respect him a lot. I mean look at how well he's doing! Just a few years out of basic training, and he already took down Kenzar!"

"Got lucky if you ask me," the portly fellow said beneath his breath, "I hear he had outside help, and-"

"Well, if it isn't Posic and Lued," a feral sounding, yet polite, voice stated seconds before Captain Koreas entered the room. "How have you two been?"

"Sir," the two said in unison, rising from their seats to salute him.

"No need to be so formal," the Priderian declared with a wave of his hand. It was at that time, when the two officers noticed that on his hands were two gauntlets, which looked like a lions claws, fully extended. The bizarre silver gauntlets made it look at if his fingers were several inches longer, and thinner. Noticing their concerned look, the captain smiled. "Don't worry about these, they're just for my exploring the data base on the ship. These are new from the lab, and can supposedly pop any locked door, or decode any data. Now why don't you open the doorway to The Ebon Shard, so I can get started? I'm curious to see just how that madman, Kenzar, built this ship."

With a nod of her head, the fiery haired woman pressed a button, and the hatchway leading into the docked vessel slowly opened.

As he stepped in the ship, the feral officer smiled, "Well, wish me the best. Maybe I'll get LUCKY again, eh Posic?"

The plump officer sank slightly in his seat, his face turning a slight shade redder.

Later:

"I can't believe this!" the mighty Priderian shouted to himself. "I've been in every room in this thing, and still there's nothing! The only thing here is quarters for his men, an empty storage bay, and a mess hall. All that's left is the control room, but I know Kenzar had to have something hidden, all space pirate's hide there stashes somewhere." Continuing to the prowl through the ever-dark hallways of the massive ebon ship, the feral looking officer received a sudden surprise.

In an instant, a panel on the wall opened, revealing a large room, fully lit. "Welcome Kor-e-as," the computer's voice said in its usual emotionless tone. "What are your commands?"

The computer is on? He realized with a shock. But everything is supposed to be shut down, how can it still be running?

"I am still fully functional because I run on a separate power source from the rest of the ship." The mechanical voice proclaimed. "I am also programmed to inform you that Project Omega is finished and awaiting release, and that The Ebon Shard's program has reached full sentience."

Completely thrown by the recent changes around him, as well as the new information he had just received, Koreas instinctively reached for his arm communicator watch. "This is Koreas, please send a science crew to The Ebon Shard immediately… hello? Is anyone there?"

"No one can hear you," the computer stated simply, "This ship was redesigned by the master to block any form of foreign communications."

"All right you hunk of metal, then how is it you knew what I am thinking?"

"I have always known the will of my master, whom ever it is. It is part of my programming." The main unit of the black ship replied. "Would you like me to release Project Omega?"

Cocking one eyebrow, the young Priderian captain smirked. "No, but show me what my predecessor called Project Omega."

"Very well." The computer stated. After a few moments of waiting, a large lab table resembling a med tube used on the field, floated up beside him. "Project omega is here sir."

"A med Tube," Koreas said skeptically as he approached it, "I don't see what's so bad about that, I- MY GOD!" The tiger-like man shouted stepping back in horror, as he pointed towards the floating med tube. "What is that thing!"

"Please restate which thing." The computer stated, "The med tube itself, the contents, or one of the other experiments occurring in your bedroom."

My bedroom… what kind of monster was Kenzar to keep things like this in his bedroom?

"Answer Unknown," the digital voice declared, "Analysis of the Master was strictly forbidden."

"Ok," Koreas said trying to clam himself, as he slowly made his way towards the med tube once again, "computer…what is the creature inside this med tube? What is Project Omega?" As he reached the tube, willed with bizarre yellow liquid, the mighty Priderian squinted. "And what is it floating in?"

"Answer: The creature is Project Omega. Project Omega was created for a purpose, known only to the master. The liquid is a DNA stimulant, which enhances a specific gene order, while allowing for genetic redevelopment."

Not knowing much for science, the GP captain placed one hand on the glass of the cylinder, wiping away some of the fog, as he swallowed hard. "Is it alive?"

"Yes," the ship said, almost the same instant the creature in the pod's eyes shot open. In his life Koreas had seen many terrifying things, the latest being Blackshire's unholy minions, but the sight of those eyes, put everything else at a distant second. The red eyes, which glowed like coals from hell, stared at him through the yellow liquid, as a long slender hand, reached up to touch the glass in the same way Koreas just had. It was a monster from his nightmares, looking like a pasty white, almost translucent, skinned gargoyle. Taloned feet floated weakly in the med tubes liquid, and its limbs were long and skinny, with elbows and knees that ended in long jutting spikes. The monster's head was most unusual, as it tapered up to a long point, giving it and oval shaped appearance.

Throwing his hands over his face, Koreas ran, as fast as his legs would carry him, from the room. As he left what had once been Blackshire's bedroom, the young captain shuddered. He left in such haste, that young captain did not notice the doorway seal behind him as he left, erasing the existence of the monster's foul lab.

Moments later:

"I can tell you this much," Posic declared leaning back in his chair. "You'd never get me to go on a ship like that."

"That's why you'll always be left here at HQ," Lued stated reading another docking form for the next day. "But me, I want to go places, do things! I'm gonna be brave, just like Captain Koreas!"

Almost on cue, the hatch leading to The Ebon Shard, slammed open, followed immediately by Koreas, covered in sweat, which sprang out, rolling on the ground, before he rose to his feet.

The two dock hands shot out of their seats, "What's wrong, Captain," Lued asked as she drew he gun, running to his side. "Is there something on that ship?"

"Yes," he began through labored breaths. Shaking his head, he quickly corrected himself, "I mean no… that is I thought I saw… look just never mind, I was tired, and probably just saw something. You might think I'm crazy, but I saw a demon on board."

"A demon?" the chubby man said skeptically. "Are you sure, sir? Why didn't you contact us then?"

"I tried, but the ship said communications were blocked off due to the ships nature." Koreas stated wiping his brow.

"Of course, sir." The dark skinned woman stated placing a hand on his tense arm. "Why don't you just go back to your quarters and rest, you look worn out. We'll have a squad come and check the ship out, and if there is something on board, they'll find it. I'll come by your quarters later, once you've had time to calm down, and get your statement, and assessment. But don't worry, it was probably nothing, you have been under a lot lately, what with taking down Kenzar, and all."

"You're right," he said, wiping back his hair, "I probably did just dream it all up. I'll see you later then?" Lued merely smiled, looking at his through her cropped fiery hair.

"Of course…." After the young captain had left, Posic's snickering was very audible. "What is it?"

The plump man's voice rose a few octaves, as he clasped his hands beside his face, "Oh Captain Koreas, Are you alright? I was Soooooo worried about you!" Laughing obnoxiously at his partner's weak attempts to hide her flirting, the blue haired man was soon unaware of what was behind him.

Spinning about, the well-tanned woman prepared to scold her partner, and instead gasped. Standing behind the pointy-eared officer was a horrible monster, resembling a nearly translucent gargoyle. "Posic! Behind you!"

"I'm not falling for that one," he proclaimed, "besides you can't change the subject. Admit it you like Captain Koreas, and-" the young man gasped loudly, as a pair of strong arms hefted him from his seat, spinning him around. At that instant, the blue-eyed youth's face went completely white from fear.

"Where…is… Kor...e…as…?" the creature asked, it's nearly translucent tail whipping side to side behind it.

"His quarters…." The captured man declared, terror in his voice.

However the evil monster did not seem to understand his answer, and peered over at the second detective, "Where is Kor…e…as?"

Pulling out her gun, the red-eyed woman tried desperately to get a clear shot at the horrible monster before her. Damn! It's got Posic in between us! I can't get a clear shot! "Release that man at once," she snarled, "or you'll never find out where Koreas is, I can promise you that!"

"Re…lease?" It said, the word taking a new meaning in its twisted mind. Suddenly an unnatural light filled the air, an amethyst glow irradiating form the monster's hands. Unsure what was going on, Lued continued to focus her attention on her friend, who seemed to getting thinner by the moment.

"Stop!" she cried, watching her friend for so very long, get smaller by the minute. "Or I swear, I'll shoot!" The evil creature paid her no heed; instead closing it's eyes, like someone enjoying a delicious meal. No longer able to control herself, as tears of pain rolled down her face, Lued fired, not once, but three quick shots, into the monster. However before the blasts even reached the monster, it was too late. As Posic's once bulky and lively frame, dissolved before her, turning into a pile of dust and GP uniform on the floor.

Still the three shots did hit the bizarre monster, knocking it back, as three small holes in its frame leaked purple blood. It was then the creature spoke, although it was more of a hiss than a voice. This time it's voice was no longer broken. "That hurt you wench!"

Filled with angst and the pain of losing her friend, the young woman screamed at the monster, as tears rolled down her tanned cheeks, "I don't care, I'm going to kill you for what you've done to Posic!" As her statement faded, the sound of her blaster firing repeatedly filled the air, a few shots punctured the translucent beasts hide, but the evil murderous monster seemed to be faster and more agile now, avoiding her shots, but only barely.

"I am sorry I killed your friend," it hissed through rows of jagged teeth as it advanced on her, "but if it makes you feel any better…he really hit the spot." At that moment, the red-eyed creature swung one of its slender arms, knocking the firearm from her grasp. "You have a lot of spirit, my lady," it admitted. "I have a special plan for you…."

Not liking the look in its eyes, Lued spun about, running towards the alarm, in a desperate hope of summoning someone to help her overcome this demon from The Ebon Shard. But just as her tanned hand reached the button, something pulled her back. Turning, with fresh terror in her eyes, the red haired woman discovered her opponent had caught her, but that was not the worst of it. The vile monster seemed to be melting, and flowing all over her body. "Noooo!" she screeched, however due to the late hour, and how far she was from the next officer, her words fell on deaf ears, and soon the liquid had covered her entire body. Writhing in a fit of pain, as the gelatinous creature seemed to soak into her skin, Lued fell.

Nearly an hour later:

After the initial attack on her body, the fiery haired woman had gone completely limp, not moving even the slightest muscle. But finally after lying still for the longest time, she moaned, holding her head in her hands. That was harder than I thought, The tanned detective thought as she rose to her feet smiling broadly. But it's over now. Still, I better get going, or I'll be late. I'm supposed to see how Captain Koreas is doing. Making her way to the door, the young woman paused, glancing back at the entrance to the Ebon Shard behind her. "I'll be right back," she said to the vessel, as if it would reply. "And I'll bring the Captain…."

Meanwhile on Earth:

As the entire Masaki household slept peacefully in their beds, one woman still labored in the moonlight night. This is gonna be great! The cyan haired woman laughed as she finished tying up the package she had purchased earlier for this moment. Stupid Princess! Thinking she can insult me and get away with it! Well, she's dealing with the wrong space pirate! Shifting in her seat, the cyan-haired woman winced. Damn Washu! It wasn't enough she made me spend hours on her machines, while she scanned me and my necklace, only to say I was clean of Blackshire, but what was up with all those needles? Now not only does my tongue feel funny, but my butt hurts! Sighing, the cyan-haired woman shook her head. It's sad really, but it seems like no matter what universe you're in, you're never safe from that little psycho!

"Mother," a young, yet strong, voice asked coming up behind her. "What are you doing up so late?"

OH NO! The wife of Tenchi started, Yosho's still up! I can't let him see what I'm doing. He might ruin the whole thing!

"Nothing, Yosho," she laughed nervously, positioning herself between her son and the packages.

"You're up to something," he remarked leaning each direction, trying to see what she was hiding. Finally the limber young man was able to sneak past her, and snatch up the package. His smile immediately faded. "Not this old prank." Handing the package back to her, Yosho sighed. "Let me guess, revenge on Aunt Ayeka?" The golden-eyed woman merely nodded. "What did she call you fat again?"

"NO!" the universe jumping woman snapped almost sounding insulted. "She basically told me she was going to leave me for dead, when we went to fight Blackshire."

Yosho merely shook his head, "then maybe we should just leave. We have been gone a full day now, and I'm sure Grandmother is getting worried, not to mention Sakuya is going to kill me for not calling her all day."

"We can leave in a little while," she replied, standing up stiffly. "Washu can wait, and Sakuya won't kill you, I'm sure of it. Besides, you two have been spending a lot of time together. A little time apart won't hurt anything. I wanna see the look on that stuck up princess's face when she uses my special gift."

"What makes you think she'll use it?" He asked looking at her unsure. Looking at the package, he suddenly saw his answer, a small card marked, 'To Ayeka, thanks for all your help in our recent crisis, Love Tenchi.' Using Tenchi to get even with Ayeka, just like the last time. "Look, mom, I just don't want to see anyone get hurt…."

"Oh quit whining," the former space pirate shouted in a whisper. "This stuff isn't toxic, or anything. In a day or so, no one will even be able to tell I did anything."

"Fine, since I know you won't listen to reason, do what you want," the black-haired youth simply said as he walked over to the couch to sleep, "just be careful mother…."

I'm always careful, Flustered, the lithe woman picked up a bottle of saki she had brought with her from Washu's lab. Taking a quick swig, she sighed happily. Ah the sweet taste of revenge…. Wait a minute! Taste! I can taste stuff! But how, I… of course, all those stupid shots of Washu's! Leaving her packages, the slender space pirate bolted into the kitchen, to begin testing her theory.

Nearly an hour later:

The former space pirate slowly floated out of the kitchen, a weary smile on her face. She was now an expert in the art of tasting things, having spent the last hour sampling everything in the fridge. This is great! As she drifted back into the living room, the lithe woman saw her son, sleeping peacefully on the couch. Yosho's such a good son, she told herself, always looking out for everyone. Maybe I should listen to him, and not give Ayeka that package. After all they did help me get my sense of taste back….

Moving to the table, where she had left her gift for the purple haired princess, the cyan-haired woman suddenly gasped. HEY! Where'd my present go? I know it was right here on the table, but now it's…gone. At that instant, Mrs. Masaki suddenly smelled something, the faint fragrance of cherry blossoms, and lilacs, a perfume odor she knew all too well. Oh crap! Why would Ayeka have been up this early? That means she must have seen the present and took it… Oh well, no use worrying about it. It says from Tenchi, and what's the worst she can do to me? With a final shrug of her shoulders, the golden-eyed woman settled onto the couch, enjoying the lingering sensations on her tongue.

The Next Morning:

The Onsen:

"My goodness," the slender princess said as she opened the strange package she had found the night prior. "These look like some of the finest cleaning soaps, and hair products. I'm grateful that Lord Tenchi would pick them up for me." Looking at the card once again, the purple haired princess felt her heart skip a beat. Although his handwriting is a little sloppy, but no matter, I will use these fine products, and present myself to him, with my silky skin, and perfect hair. It's the least I can do to repay his kindness. It was lucky for me I couldn't sleep last night, thanks to that weird woman from Torment's constant drunken laughter. I am shocked she was able to stay married to Lord Tenchi for so long, with her rude manners.

Shaking her head, Ayeka's mind returned to how lucky she had been to find the package before the others had awakened. I am certain the others, especially that ill manner Ryoko, wouldn't have understood this to be a simple act of kindness. She would have probably thought I was trying to take Lord Tenchi from her. Imagine, me, Lady Ayeka of the House of Jurai, trying to steal a man from her, a lowly commoner! Indeed! One day Lord Tenchi will come to his sense's and he will come back to me, and that old crone will go out and get herself arrested like she should have years ago. Opening one bottle, the silky skinned woman rubbed the lotion up and down her arms. My goodness, I can actually feel it cleansing my entire body! Ah… Soon I will look better than ever before. I might as well apply the hair gels, before I wash away the body lotion, so that they can get a very nice deep clean….

Minutes Later:

"AHHH!" a royal voice screeched, shattering the quiet morning of the household, coming from the Onsen. Ayeka Jurai leapt from the warm waters, looking at herself in the mirror, it appeared her hair was still covered in soap, however she had just finished lathering it. "My hair! What happened to my hair?" Looking down, the now white haired woman was shocked to see her skin had an almost red tint to it. "What's going on here?" Grabbing her new assortment of shampoo's, and skin care products, which had been a gift from her beloved Lord Tenchi, the red-eyed woman quickly discovered that the labels, were in fact, fakes. Peeling them off with tender care, Ayeka groaned. "But why would lord Tenchi… wait a minute! This could only have been thought up by one person!"

A Few Minutes Prior:

The Path Leading to the House:

Before the Masaki house, stood three figures. One a man with connections to the planter Jurai, the other an infamous space pirate, and the third their son, from an alternative Universe.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Yosho asked respectfully. "I would like to repay your kindness, for all your help."

"Don't concern yourself with working, Yosho. You're our guest, right Tenchi?" The silver-haired woman asked, although it was more of a statement than a question.

"Yeah, Ryoko's right," the brown-haired man said, before pausing. Did I just agree with Ryoko, on avoiding work?

"Well then, I suppose I can go and see if great-grandfather would train me," the golden-eyed youth said, scratching his chin. "I've always wanted to test my skills against his. Maybe this would be my chance…."

"Good idea," Tenchi agreed, then adding in a laughing tone, "Maybe then he won't be so rough on me, if you wear him out some before hand."

"Ohhh!" the golden-eyed woman cooed into his ear, "I like that idea Tenchi, darling. That way you won't be so tired tonight, when we go to bed…."


"Ryoko!" he shouted nervously, not wanting Yosho to get the wrong idea. "We don't do anything in bed besides sleep!"

"I know," she pouted tracing small circles on his chest with one of her fingers. "But after all I still have my request from you left, and I have some ideas we can do if you don't get tired before bed time…."

Taking a step back, the universe spanning youth, held his stomach, after all no youth likes to see his parents flirt with each other, prepared to take his leave.

"LORD TENCHI," Ayeka's voice suddenly echoed, from far away, shattering the romantic scene Ryoko had been trying to set up.

Uh-Oh, sounds like trouble. Yosho thought as he quickly glanced behind him, seeing a red skinned, and white haired Ayeka plowing towards them, wearing only a towel. Mother's kind of trouble. With a quick thought the young man disappeared, wanting no part in the ordeal to come.

"What happened to you, Ayeka," the silver-haired woman asked with her arms still wrapped around Tenchi's neck.

"DON'T PLAY DUMB!" the purple haired princess snarled, holding up one of the bottles of hair bleach. "You're the one who did this to me!"

"What are you talking about Lady Ayeka?" a thoroughly confuse Tenchi asked, looking at the angered Jurain. "What makes you think Ryoko did this to you?"

"You know she is always doing mean things to me, Lord Tenchi. This time she tricked me, by putting bleach, and various skin irritants in a package to me from you!" The red-eyed woman stammered furiously, "now my beautiful hair is ruined, and my skin is breaking out in rashes!" Tears poured down the young princess's face, "all because she was mad I shocked her yesterday."

Pushing the silver-haired woman away, the young man pulled the crying woman close to him, feeling his heart break to see her like this. That does sound like something Ryoko would do…. With a sigh, Tenchi turned his attention back to the lithe space pirate, who merely looked on at the scene, flustered, and equally upset. "Ryoko!" He finally yelled. "Why did you go and do something so mean? Honestly, just when I think you two are getting past such petty things like this, you always have to prove me wrong." Closing his eyes, the young man held his head in shame, "I'm really very disappointed in you, Ryoko…."

"But Tenchi, I didn't…."

"That's enough," the young farmer said simply, there was no anger in his voice, but his tone was strong and foretold that arguing with him was a bad idea. "Now I want you to apologize to Lady Ayeka."

"But…." Ryoko hesitated as she looked into the youthful prince's eyes, noticing that determined glare which dwelled there. "All right, Ayeka…" the silver-haired woman paused, finding the words revolting. Had the situation of been different, she never would have apologized for something like this, especially when she knew it wasn't her fault. Yet, after a few moments, the former space pirate swallowed her pride, and looked into her archrival's red eyes. "Ayeka, I'm sorry. I honestly don't know what came over me."

The first princess prepared to say something degrading, something, which would scold as well as berate the caught woman, but she too saw the look in her beloveds eyes, and held her tongue. "Well, I suppose there was no real harm done. I will have to spend a few hours cleaning this junk out of my hair, but other than that…." She remarked, realizing the damage to her body was far less permanent than she had originally stated.

"Why don't you ask Washu for help, I'm sure she can find something to make the whole process easier," the brown-eyed youth replied, knowing Ayeka would rather spend hours in a bath, than minutes in Washu's lab. "Well in any case, I'm glad that's settled. Ryoko," the young man began looking at her once again, making the silver-haired woman feel very small. "Since Ayeka's going to be fixing your mess, you'll have to do her chores today."

"But Tenchi! It would take me all day to do Ayeka, and my chores, plus watch Mayuka! You and I were supposed to take a walk tonight, remember your promise?" the silver-haired woman moaned grabbing his arms defensively. "That's not fair!"

"Well you should have thought of that before you played your joke," he scolded her. "It wasn't fair for you to make Ayeka cry, now was it? Besides we should still have time, if you don't waste time planning revenge on Ayeka any more." Looking from one girl to the other, the young man's face lightened, "cheer up you two, when I get back from training, I don't want to see you frowning. It's too nice a day for that. This could be a new day for you girls, maybe you can start getting along better, and we won't have so much troubles?"

With mumbled agreements, the two ladies turned from the man they so loved, each heading off to their own tasks. It's not fair! Ryoko snarled as she flew away. I didn't do anything, why can't Tenchi ever trust me? He promised me he'd act differently towards me, but he still treats me like an enemy.

Inside the house, Ryoko Masaki slept peacefully, still enjoying the experiences from the night before, oblivious to what her innocent little prank had done.

Later: The Training Grounds

With slow, heavy footfalls, Tenchi Masaki climbed the stairs, approaching the space reserved for his training. I can't believe it; I mean why would she do something like that? I guess it's a good thing Ryoko didn't come with me yesterday. Maybe I should return what I got her; after all it was supposed to be a gift for her acting so mature lately. No, I can't do that. That wouldn't be showing much maturity on my part. As he scaled the cement steps, the clacking sounds of two wooded blades striking each other slowly seemed to come closer and closer. Well, at least grandpa won't be working me to death today.

As he reached the top of the stairs, Tenchi stopped immediately, completely shocked. There was his grandfather, and Yosho standing only a few feet apart, breathing heavily as sweat ran down there bodies. I've never seen grandpa get that worked up before! Amazing….

"Ah, Tenchi," Lord Katsuhito said, dropping from his defensive stance, "late again…." At that moment, the young man before him rushed forward, seeking to strike an easy blow. Seconds later, Yosho found himself face first in the dirt, trying to recall how the old man had moved so quickly. The Shinto priest smiled, offering the fallen youth a hand up, "quiet warm today, isn't it Yosho? It's enough to make one sweat. By the way, you lead too much with your right."

Dusting off his training gi, Yosho nodded, "Of course, most respected one."

"Please, there's no need to be so formal," the old man said, crossing his arms behind his back. "Just call me your highness," he laughed.

"Grandpa!" Tenchi yelled.

"I'm just kidding," Katsuhito declared, motioning for Tenchi to calm down. Leaning towards the golden-eyed boy, he quickly muttered, "was he this serious in your universe as well?"

"Worse," the black-haired youth replied in a whisper.

"So," the brown-haired Masaki interjected. "Are we going to train, or just stand here?"

"I hear Lady Ayeka had a bad experience in the Onsen," the old priest said, as if not listening to his grandson. "Did you handle the matter properly?"

Unsure as to the relevance of his question, Tenchi shrugged, "Yeah, Ryoko was playing a joke on her. So since Ayeka will have to spend all day cleaning the stuff off her skin, and out of her hair, I told Ryoko to do her chores."

"Ah, good, I'm glad you made mother realize the error of her ways," the black-haired young man said, a hint of jot in his voice.

"Excuse me, Yosho," the brown-eyed swordsman said, confused as normal, "but which Ryoko do you mean when you say mother?"

Chuckling as he looked up, "Why my true mother, Ryoko Ma...saki…" Seeing the expression on Tenchi's face, Yosho swallowed hard, "uh oh… I said something I shouldn't have, didn't I?"

"Oh man," the young man said, "I better go find her, and apologize. How could I have-"

"TEN-CHI!" A powerful voice commanded behind him. Turning the fleeing youth saw his grandfather staring at him. "You are here to train, not worry about your love life. But I will make you a deal, if you can beat Yosho, and then me, in combat, you can leave early."

"Do I have a choice…." Tenchi murmured already knowing the answer. Shaking his head, the young brown-haired man held his wooden sword forward, as Yosho held his own at the ready. Something told him this would not only be long, but very painful….

An Hour Later: The Masaki House:

"Stupid raking!" Ryoko shouted, throwing the rake into the shed as she passed by having just finished raking the lawn. "What's next on Ayeka's stupid dumb list!" Pulling out a wrinkled up piece of paper, the golden-eyed woman bitterly examined her new list of duties. "Just because she's a princess, and can't read the labels on her stupid hair cleaners, she has to go and blame me! It's not fair, why is everyone always out to get me?" Continuing to complain as she read, Ryoko finally found her next task, before disappearing into the house.

Inside:

"What gives?" Ryoko snapped, looking at the toilet as if something was wrong. "The toilet's clean too!"

"I cleaned it a few minutes ago," Sasami said, coming down the hall with Mayuka in her arms. "I did all your inside chores, while you were raking the lawn."

"But why?" the silver-haired woman remarked, taking the happily giggling child into her arms. "Don't you think I pulled that prank on your sister too?"

"No, of course not!" the pink-eyed princess declared.

"Well Tenchi does…"

"Ah don't worry, Ryoko!" Sasami chirped in her upbeat fashion, "he'll calm down after he goes to do his training. You know that!"

"Yeah, I suppose. Well, I guess I'll take Mayuka for her bath. Still, if you see Tenchi, don't tell him where I am. I'd rather wait until I know he's in a good mood to talk to him again." The little girl nodded, her heart hurting to see her good friend so sad.

Night:

Sitting alone, staring up at the starry sky, Ryoko sighed heavily. Lately, she would be sleeping beside Tenchi right now, enjoying the feeling of his warm body pressed against her own. However because of what had happened earlier, Ryoko had no desire for that right now. Right now, all she wanted to do was forget how the man she loved so deeply had hurt her so much. Why can't he ever believe me?

"Well here you are," Tenchi Masaki said in his cheeriest voice, as he stepped up onto the roof. "I've been looking all over for you. Have you been hiding from me, or something?"

"It might have rained for all we know, and I didn't feel like having you give me any more chores to do, after you decided to blame me for something I didn't do."

"Ryoko…."

"No!" she snapped, turning to face him. "I'll admit, I might not be the nicest person, but when I say I'm telling you the truth, I would expect you to believe me! You told me things would chance between us, yet even now, you still won't trust me."

"Ryoko," he said taking her hand in his own. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done what I did, but I have spent the whole day looking for you to say that. There's also something else." Slowly he reached into his pocket, "it's one of the reasons I wanted you to go with me yesterday." Pulling his hand out, Tenchi revealed a small black velvet box. "I wanted to give it to you then and there."

Taking the little box from him, the lithe woman opened it, and gasped at the sight. "It's beautiful." Slowly she removed the contents from it. "But why did you go with a silver heart, and a golden chain?"

"Well," Tenchi said weakly, "I know how much you liked the other one, and I wanted to get you something just like it, but I wanted to make it something special, for us."

Smiling, Ryoko held it before her, not really hearing, but not listening to his reasons. "Why'd you buy it? Today wasn't my birthday."

"I know, it was supposed to be a gift for all you've done for me." The young man began, while the lithe woman hummed happily, clasping the necklace chain behind her neck. "Once again, let me say just how sorry I am. I shouldn't have yelled at you, it seems like I'm always jumping to conclusions about things like this. Please give me another chance. I love you Ryoko."

Hearing her beloved say those words, Ryoko's heart skipped a beat. Sighing the silver-haired woman wiped a tear from her eye. "I'll forgive you on one condition, Tenchi." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she grinned. "You'll have to kiss me, but not just any kiss, this had better be a good one."

"I'll do my best, firefly," the young man mused, using the nickname he had started using since that night, at the cave since he had set her free.

"Am I glowing that brightly?" she asked pulling him closer. "Washu told me that fireflies only glow when they want to mate, is that your invitation?"

"Ryoko I, hmm…" the young man was suddenly stopped mid sentence, as Ryoko's lips smacked into his own. The two youth's stood together, experiencing the warm sensation from each other.

When she finally drew her mouth away, the grin on the young woman's face was unmistakable mischievous. "My goodness, Tenchi! I didn't know you knew how to french kiss. You still need work at it, but I wouldn't mind teaching you."

"Look Ryoko, why don't we go back inside. We can talk more there." Taking her hand into his, the two lovers made their way back into the house.

Nearing 2 am

The Hallway:

Ryoko Masaki floated down the hallway, looking around at everything as if for the first time. It's just like old times; everything is just like I remember it. As she passed Tenchi's room, the door suddenly swung open, and out stepped the young man she had lost so long ago. "Hello Tenchi, you're up awfully late, aren't you?"

Looking up, his heart having skipped a few beats from seeing the woman he had just left floating before him. "Hello. You know, that was a cruel thing you did to Ryoko, Ryoko," the young man said getting straight to the point, yet pausing afterwards, slightly confused by his own statement.

"What do you mean, Tenchi dear?" the cyan haired woman said, floating back a step.

"Look," he replied flatly. "I know you were the one who gave Ayeka that present. Yosho told me."

"…." Ryoko opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Staring at the young man she finally slouched. "I'm sorry." A tear rolled down her cheek, "it's just that…." For a few moments more, she continued to cry, her arms trembling slightly, finally the lithe woman regained some measure of control. "It's just that you, all of you, remind me of the life I used to have. When Ayeka, Mihoshi, Kiyone, all of you, were still alive. I guess I got caught up in that old feeling, and didn't think. Please forgive me."

The young man shook his head, sighing sympathetically. "You were married to me, at least one version of me, so you should know that I'd forgive you, or any of you girls, for anything. However, it's not me you need to be forgiven by, it's Ryoko. She did take the fall for you, I had to spend the last hour, cuddling with her, and promising her… well basically everything."

"I see, so she's probably still asleep in your bed?" the cyan haired woman said, taken aback by his declaration.

Tenchi nodded tiredly. "Yes, I just want to say that I really think it would show some maturity if you apologized to her."

Closing his eyes, the young man rubbed his face. "Now if you'll excuse me, there's something important I need to attend to…." With that, the young man quickly made his way towards the bathroom.

Hmmm, the cyan-haired woman thought looking down the hall. I'll never get to sleep if I have this apology thing hanging over my head. I might as well get it over with now….

Later:

With unparalleled stealth, Tenchi slowly crept into his room, closing the door quietly behind him. Of course, keeping true to his luck, the sliding door closed with a light thud. Wincing, as if in pain, the young man looked over his shoulder at his bed, noticing a rather odd lump lying under the sheets of his bed, completely covered. Good, I didn't wake her up. That's the last thing I needed was her to ask me why I wasn't in bed. Grabbing the sheets, the young man attempted to slip into his bed, however something stopped him.

"Hey," a voice shouted in a hushed angry tone. "If you don't mind Tenchi, I am laying here!"

"Ryoko," he replied in a shocked whisper, "you know that's my side of the bed, now move over!"

"I can't!"

"Why not?"

Suddenly the covers on the far side of the bed flipped down, as a second woman, this one wearing a golden necklace with a silver heart, sat up quickly. "Will you two keep it down! I'm trying to sleep here!"

Doing a double take, the young man instantly noticed the woman he had been speaking to was wearing the reverse of the other woman's necklace. "What's going on here?"

"Well, Tenchi." Mrs. Masaki began, "I came up here to apologize, which I DID, and she said I should stay here."

"What? Why?" the confused prince stammered.

"It's simple, Tenchi," the silver-haired former space pirate cooed. "I wanted to make sure she stayed out of trouble, so I figured if she was nearby I could keep an eye on her."

"And WHERE am I going to sleep?" Tenchi asked, already fearing the answer. The two women said nothing, instead sliding apart, indicating the area between them. "I don't think that would be a good-"

"Please," the silver-haired Ryoko moaned in a childish tone, "you can't leave me alone with her all night, there's no telling what mean things she might do…."

With a sigh, and a mental promise to learn to stand up for himself more in the future, the young man climbed into his bed. As he lay down, he could instantly feel the two women clinging to each side of him, before they each fell asleep. With saucer shaped eyed, the brown-haired man stared at the ceiling. What a weird day, he started to think, then paused to look at his sides, and an even weirder night….

Washu's Lab:

Sitting happily on her floating cushion, Washu smiled as she watched one of her various monitors, one that seemed to be watching a certain young man's room. "I am so glad I decided to install that monitor device in Lord Tenchi's room, aren't you Ryo-Ohki?"

"Mya!" the little cabbit, now in her humanoid form, answered also watching the odd scene in Tenchi's room.

"After all, someone has to look out for his best interests, " she remarked with a smile, while patting the little child like cabbit's head kindly. "Besides, how many times in ones life can you see two Ryoko's in the same bed as Tenchi?" Pushing another button on her computer, the little genius looked around the lab, mostly to stretch her neck. "Why there's no telling what I could do with the data I get from this experiment…."

Back at GP Headquarters:

Lued paused in her walk down the seemingly endless hallways of the Galaxy Police Headquarters, turning to face the door beside her. This is it. The room I've been looking for! Pausing, the red-haired detective took a deep breath, to calm her nerves. Finally, after all this time… Shaking her head, the dark skinned woman gritted her teeth, Damn emotions, I really must learn to control them better. With slow movements Lued popped open the door to the room, her eyes casting an eerie red glow as she prowled into the darkness, closing the door behind her. Excellent. He's asleep….

"I was wondering how long it would take for you to get here," a feral voice shouted, instants before the lights flickered on. There sat Captain Koreas, still fully dressed in his GP uniform, wearing his special gauntlets, on his bed. The artificial light, seemed to cause his lime eyes to glisten brightly. "So tell me, Lued, do you always break into your superiors rooms late at night, or am I a special case?"

What is he doing up? He was so tired looking when he left, he should be… Well it doesn't matter…. The young woman smiled, "oh you're special alright. I just had to come and see you." I just need to change my tactics…. The woman once called Lued realized, shifting her shoulders, before walking towards him in what was meant to be a seductive stroll, but was instead a clumsy stumble. However in her stumble, the fiery haired woman fell right into the captain's lap.

"Looks like you've fallen for me, eh Lued," the mighty Priderian laughed, reaching down to help her up. "Now then, do you want me to make my report?"

"That won't be necessary," the young woman smiled, quickly leaping to her feet, and wrapping her hands around the larger officer's throat. "After all, I don't like the idea of people knowing I exist." As she spoke, a faint purple glow seeped over the larger man's body, and Koreas began to feel his strength ebb away. "Don't worry, this shouldn't take long. After I stole the chi from Posic, I'm a lot stronger, and I won't even leave a mess, you'll simply be a pile of dust when I'm done."

"Unhand me… you leech." The mighty captain declared, trying to pry the possessed woman's hands off his throat.

"Leech?" Lued mused, "I like that. Yes, that sounds like a perfect name. Simple and straightforward, just like me." At that instant, Koreas bellowed, "Oh please, don't go out crying. It's so sad to watch a grown kitten cry, I-"

The large Priderian's eyes flew open, as emerald light cascaded forth. With a final roar, Koreas finally pried his tormentor's hands from his throat, and with a single backhand, propelled the life-stealing creature away from him.

"You dare!" he hissed, rising to his feet, holding out a hand. "I gave you life, and this is how you repay me! Die…" as he spoke, Lued suddenly stopped her attempt at standing, pain arching through her entire body. It was too painful to even scream, as her muscles went into spasms, and her nerve endings felt as if they were on fire. "Leech, you stupid twit! Coming after me! If that good for nothing, Koreas hadn't blacked out from pain, I might never have taken control! Still…."

As soon as it had began, the pain stopped, and the ruby eyed woman, looked at the large Priderian tears in her eyes. "What… what just happened to me? Who are you?"

"Just call me Master for now, and never mind the rest. Just remember to never disobey me again!" Koreas hissed. "Now that I'm awake, there is much to do. I can feel something out there calling to me, we must leave this place."

Her arms still shaking from the pain, as sweat covered her body, Lued rose to her feet. "Then you have a plan…"

"Oh I have a plan," he grinned sadistically. "but it's too complicated to tell a low class officer like you. Just make sure power is restored to The Ebon Shard, and be waiting for me in the control room in three hours. "

"As you command…master." With a final hesitant bow, the evil creature in the stole body made her way to the door.

"Oh, and Leech, one more thing…." The red-eyed woman stopped, looking over her shoulder at the eerie man behind her , "Remember not to fail me…."

As the door shut, the feral man looked out the window with a smile. Finally, after all this time, I will have the answers. I can feel it! I will know everything, and why I feel like I've done this all before. Soon everything will make sense….

Nearly Three Hours Later:

Docking Bay:

"Where is that idiot?" Lued said, leaning against the entrance to The Ebon Shard. Laughing, her tone changed, from violent, to charming. "I mean really, how can he keep a girl like me waiting?"

The eerie silence of the docking bay was suddenly shattered, as a loud clanging echoed into the air. Mere moments after the sound began Koreas entered the room. "GET INTO THE SHIP!" he screamed, "NOW!"

Confused by his statement, the dark skinned woman slipped into the black star ship, followed closely by the rushing captain. "What's the big hurry, Koreas? You-" However her statement never was finished, as the strong Priderian slammed her out of the way, as he slammed the doorway closed behind him.

"Computer?" Koreas said as he yelled, "are all systems, functionally?"

"Yes. All system are operational, and fully powered. What are your orders." The metallic voice asked, coming online.

Grinning, Koreas turned towards his companion, "my orders? Brace yourself."

At that instant something struck the ship, something massive and powerful. Causing both figures to lose their balance, and topple to the floor.

"What just happened? Are we under attack?" Lued asked frantically, as she glanced out a nearby port.

"No, nothing so melodramatic." The GP captain said with a smile, as he dusted himself off, walking down the hall towards the control room. "The GP headquarters just exploded. At least it better have! I just planted a bomb in the main reactor. A special bomb, one of my own design, ask me about it sometime, I'll let you in on how I carry such a powerful bomb, in secret…."

"Are you insane? The ship could have been destroyed in that blast!"

"Two things," Koreas said turning to look at his companion as he walked away. "One, this ship could easily survive a much worse explosion, and two… never call me that…." At that instant, pain arched through the evil creature's stolen body. "That's much better. Now then, computer."

"Yes, Koreas?"

"Head towards the unknown sector bearing 825 alpha." Koreas requested with a yawn, "wake me when we get there. I've had a busy night, but I get the feeling what I find there will be worth the wait!"

Next Time: Leech? No it can't be…. How could Koreas do such a thing? Oh this is not good. Looks like dark days have come… Be here for the next chapter when Tokimi arrives. Answers will be given. Chapter 18: The Unholy Pact