Chapter 18: The Unholy Pact

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 18: The Unholy Pact

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, and the extended family does it's best to get on with their lives.

Chapter 18 of 26:

Universe of Delight:

Space:

Adrift in the endless darkness of space is a ship, known to some as The Yenvala, but most know it as The Ebon Shard. The dark vessel floated forward, into parts of space

Captain's Quarters:

"What…" Koreas moaned, as he sat up in his bed. "Where am I?" Looking around the room, the strong Priderian tried to make sense of his surroundings. This looks like Kenzar's room? That last thing I remember was going to my room to sleep, and Lued visiting me late at night. That's right, he realized with horror as he leapt from his bed, there was a monster on this ship, and I…

At that instant, the black doorway suddenly flew open, revealing a tanned young woman clothed in the traditional GP officer's uniform, and eyes which were as fiery red as her cropped hair. The young officer hummed merrily as she walked in, holding a tray of food before her. "Halt," Koreas commanded, as he whirled about, holding his hand out as if he was prepared to open fire. Sadly the young Priderian had only forgotten one thing; he was not carrying his firearm.

Lued panicked, nearly dropping her tray. "Okay, Okay!" she shouted in her most annoyed voice. "I'm sorry I forgot your sugar for you coffee, but I wanted to bring you breakfast as fast as I could…."

"Lued," the bronze haired creature sighed in relief. "I'm sorry, I just got up, but… how did I get here?"

He doesn't know? The creature in the young woman's body wondered confused. Interesting…. I might as well play along, and see where this leads. "We are on a secret mission for headquarters. We're to take this ship into the unknown sector, and…"

"Explore?" the mighty captain said, throwing his gangly hair out of his face as he paced the floor. "That seems a little odd, even by GP standards. Although with the Academy destroyed, I suppose it's better than letting it fall into the wrong hands... again. Wait…" he paused spinning about to face the controlled dark-skinned woman, "Why don't I remember any of that briefing?"

Lued stammered, trying to deduce the best answer she could find. "You were…." Suddenly a vicious lie, the kind Leech craved, filtered into his possessed mind, "Weren't told. They figured since you had flown the ship before, you would be the best captain, and I came to get you started since I was running the docking bay. You were also pretty wild last night after you left the ship. The resident psychiatrist said this would be good, for you to get over seeing imaginary monsters and all. Think of it as a vacation, until you get reassigned."

So that monster I saw was a dream, a hallucination. I suppose that makes sense. Grumbling to himself, the strong Priderian clenched his fist as he glared at the floor, his eyes full of hate. Damn it! I bet this is all uncles' fault. Trying to protect his rep as commander. Still… I can't shake that horrible nightmare I had last night. Where I stood at the core, and fired some weird energy from my hands… Pausing in his dread, the Captain of this ship looked at his feral paws. But how could I do such a thing? I may not love my job all the time, but I'm no killer, so why would I dream of putting the core into critical meltdown? Maybe I do need a vacation…

"Captain," The Ebon Shard proclaimed suddenly, interrupting his dark thoughts. "We are detecting a strange energy reading up ahead. It appears to be coming from the galaxy up ahead."

"What?" Koreas said confused as he examined a nearby monitor in the room to check the readings, "but we are thousands of miles from the nearest known inhabitable world. What could make a power signature like that?" Sighing the young Priderian called up a picture of the anomaly. It was truly a sight to behold, one both beautiful and terrifying. In the past few days however, the mighty GP captain was becoming accustomed to seeing strange things. Before him a galaxy of planets stretched appearing at first glance like all do, however this one was unique, in that it seemed to be surrounded by a crimson sphere. In his vision, above the solar system before him, rested a bright a focal point of light. "Computer, what is that glow? Is it dangerous to the ship or us? Also what data can we gather about that strange point of light? Make sure you send our position and this data to headquarters."

"Communications with Galaxy Police Headquarters is currently unavailable. However all experiences are being stored for further analysis." The computer replied solemnly. "Also, the crimson colored energy does not appear to be dangerous, however it does seem to repel large vessels, judging by the large quantity and make of the destroyed space debris."

"What about the strange light?" Lued asked, crossing her arms over her ample chest as she too examined the wreckage.

"Define strange?" the computer replied.

"The source of light, located directly above the celestial body before us." Koreas hissed, annoyed by the computers picky word choices. Damn computer, it's supposed to be sentient, and still can't define strange….

"I assume you mean the intense power. From what I can gather, it is what has held us in the capture fields since we entered this sector."

The fiery-eyed woman was the first to react, as she staggered back from her position beside Koreas. "Capture field! Why didn't you mention we were stuck in one earlier?"

"I was not ordered to make such information known."

"Very well then," Koreas snarled, balling his fists as he looked at the screen. "Computer do we have any probes that can be launched?"

"All probes were launched earlier, as a safety protocol, however an unknown power has destroyed them."

"Okay, then do we have any one man ships to go investigate?" The lime-eyed beast man asked.


"There is one in docking bay alpha prime."

Exhaling sharply, Koreas looked at Lued. "Alright, I'm going to go investigate this thing. See what it is. If anything happens, and I don't make contact in… let's see, judging by the distance to the anomaly… six hours, come in guns blazing, understood?"

The dark skinned woman shrugged her shoulders, "Whatever you say, Captain."

"Well then," the lime eyed man declared with a devil-may-care smile, "Looks like I'm going to be a pioneer into an unknown area. Lucky me…."

Earth:

The Fields:

"Stupid farming!" Ryoko Masaki said with a groan as she churned the dirt in Tenchi's garden once again. I can't believe I let Yosho guilt me into doing Tenchi's farming today. What kind of sucker am I turning into? Glancing beside her, the young looking mother smiled. Right beside her was the young man she had just been thinking about, working as hard as she was, yet he seemed far more driven, and focused on his task. I guess I'm the best kind of sucker, a good mom….

Flashback: The Night Prior:

Tenchi's Room:

Of all the rooms in the Masaki house, no other room has been host to such strange events as this one. Currently one of these occurrences is in progress. Tenchi Masaki slept soundly, which in itself was rare; yet the real oddity was the two women who surrounded him and looked identical to each other, save for the necklaces around their necks. Both women were named Ryoko, however only one was from this universe; the other had come from a place known as The Universe of Torment.

With a tired moan, the cyan-haired woman sat up slowly, placing her hand on her head. A smile creased her face as she looked upon the sleeping young man beside her with the silver haired woman who hung on him as if releasing him would be her death. Just like my picture, she thought as she opened the tiny locket around her neck, gazing longingly at the picture inside. I'm so happy to see you again Tenchi, it makes my heart sing to see you alive and well, even if you aren't my Tenchi. I wish I could take you home with me, so that our lives could go back to the way they were before that evil monster took you from me, but I know the girl beside you wouldn't like that, nor would that stuck up princess. Shaking her head, Ryoko grinned; I forgot what an enjoyable pain in the neck she was….

"He looks and acts just like father did, doesn't he?" a solemn voice said, startling the daydreaming wife of Tenchi. Spinning about, the cyan-haired woman smiled as she saw her son, half materialized through the wall. "I see you managed to get in bed with him, just like in the old days. No matter how much you two fought, you always slept side by side."

"It's a gift," she replied, tossing back her long strands of spiky hair with a flick of her wrist. "So what's up Yosho? It's awful late for you to be here, isn't it?"

"True," the black-haired young man said, "I just was wondering if you were wanting to go home?"

Those words struck the near goddess like a blow to the stomach. Home… as she heard that word, all she could think of was being beside this young man. "You know Yosho, here on Earth they say, home is where the heart is, and my heart has always belonged to Tenchi…."

Stepping out of the wall, Yosho walked towards his mother slowly. "Mother… I understand how much you miss father, but-"

"No you don't!" Ryoko shouted in a loud whisper, halting her son's advance. "How could you possibly know? I've loved this man his whole life, since I first laid eyes on him. I spent my every waking hour dreaming of being with him, and because some guy I killed a long time ago held a grudge for all these years, * I lost something more precious to me than my own life. Now that I've found that joy again, you expect me to just give it up? How could you ask me to do such a thing?"

There have been few times in his life, when the young man called Yosho, could ever recall being angry. He had spent his entire life surprising his darker emotions, trying to always walk in the light, but at this moment he could feel his blood begin to boil. With a swift motion, he brought his hand back, and struck his mother's face. With her three gems, it was obvious that the dimension spanning youth could not harm her, but such was not his intent. All he had wanted was for her to listen to him. "Listen carefully to what I am going to say, mom. I can ask you such a thing, because that is not my father." Pointing at the sleeping Tenchi, Yosho's voice almost seemed disgusted; as it had been when he spoke about Leech well over a year prior. "He may look like him, may talk like him, and even act the same, but in the end he is not the man who raised me. I cherish his life as I would father's, but he is not who I wish him to be." Looking away, the part Jurain seemed to gather his strength, and cool his temper. "Plus, as your only son, I ask you to leave with me because I am returning to the woman I love. You say you loved Tenchi from the second you looked at him; well I can honestly say I have loved Sakuya since I met her many years ago at school. I would have thought as my mother you would want me to be happy. I plan on leaving after dinner tomorrow. I am going to do some chores in the field and at the shrine to repay everyone's kindness, then after a final meal, I am going back to face the life I have left to fight Blackshire." Turning back, Yosho's eyes were full of tears, as he looked solemnly at his mother, before kneeling beside the bed. His eyes were wet from crying, and there was a pain in them which stung Ryoko's heart more than his slap had. "Please come back with me, mommy. I lost you once, because of someone who wasn't father. I don't want to lose you again."

The cyan haired woman looked at Tenchi, then to her son, sighing as she did. With a slow motion, she rested her hand on the back of his head, guiding his head to her lap. Damn… I can't say no to those puppy eyes of his…I never could, and probably never will. "All right Yosho, we'll leave after dinner tomorrow. You're right of course," Ryoko laughed, "just like your dad, even thought I don't like it, you always seem to be right. I guess I got so caught up in this fantasy, that I didn't want to let it go."

"I understand, if Ryoko hadn't came back with me, I never would have left I think." Yosho stood, wiping the tears from his face as if embarrassed to have shown emotion. "By the way mother," he said using his hands to hide an impish smile, "I think you should help me with some of these chores. After all Ryoko did go through a lot of trouble because of your prank earlier and all. That would let her and Tenchi spend some time together, after all you did cause them to miss their walk and all…."

"OH NO!" the lithe woman roared quietly, "I'm not doing any stupid gardening, I…" Mrs. Masaki stopped, seeing her son's puppy dog eyes once again. Damn it! "Oh fine! But just for a little while, and don't let anyone know you talked me into this, people will think I spoil you!"

"It'll be our little secret," he said, kissing his mothers cheek quickly. "Well a good night mom, I love you."

"I love you too, Yosho," the golden-eyed woman declared sinking back into her bed with a groan. I really need to learn to not get bullied around by that kid's eyes so much….

Back in the field:

"Well this is a surprise," a happy friendly voice declared behind the working duo. "What are you two doing?"

Ryoko Masaki was the first to place the voice, as she spun about to face the owner of the last proclamation, a seductive smile on her slender lips. "Hello Tenchi, dear. Yosho and I thought we'd help you in the garden, since I feel sooooo bad about yesterday. That way you and Ryoko could take a nice walk, like you were supposed to last night."

"Really?" the young man asked, looking to the black-haired youth who quickly hid his face.

"Sort of…" he replied, kneeling down to pull some fresh carrots from the ground. "Ryo-Ohki will like these," the golden-eyed young man said to himself as he removed one of the orange vegetables from its earthen home.

"Well, gee Ryoko. I'm glad to see you showing so much maturity. I guess I was wrong about you." Tenchi said giving her one of his most approving smiles. "I'll go tell Ryoko, thanks Ryoko." Taking a few quick steps away, the young shrine caretaker paused, turning on his heels. Slowly he approached the cyan-haired beauty, with a wicked smirk on his face.

"What," Mrs. Masaki mumbled, taken aback by this version of her husband's behavior.

Having admitted his feelings for the silver haired woman, who was his Ryoko, Tenchi had begun learning a lot about Ryoko, and her more secretive desires. With a quick motion, the young Masaki leaned forward, giving her a quick polite kiss on the cheek. Having done that he bowed deeply, and left.

Yosho laughed under his breath as he watched the interesting event. "Just like dad would have done…." Shaking his head, the young man went back to his work, not noticing, since her back was to him, that his mother's face was glowing bright red, like a Christmas light.

"I love you, Tenchi," she whispered, putting a hand tenderly on her face, as she tried to reign in her heart.

"What was that mom," the universe jumping youth asked, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Shaking her head, Ryoko's eyes and face took a darker appearance as she looked at her son. "I said 'I hate gardening.' I'm going back to the house, at least there isn't so much dirt there." An instant later, the sound of dissipating matter filled the air, and Ryoko Masaki was gone.

Ryoko will be Ryoko, the kneeling man thought happily. That will always be true.

Mayuka's Room:


As the morning light filtered gently into the little girl's room, yet another duo is enjoying their time together.

"So, Noodles," the silver haired woman asked in a childish voice, "what dress do you wanna wear today? This one," she asked holding up a miniature dress, which closely resembled the silver-haired woman's blue and tartan dress," that I got you? Or…" at this point her voice changed, sounding more depressed, "that dreary one that looks like Ayeka's kimono? "

"Ryoko!" the little nearly naked blue-haired girl said clapping as she looked at the dress, which looked like her friends.


"Good choice," Ryoko replied. "Now then, let's change your diaper first, and then…."

"Hey, Ryoko!" Tenchi yelled throwing open the door with a quick motion. "You'll never guess what just happened."

It was not shocking to see the young man in a good mood, however it was odd to see him this jubilant about anything in particular. Both Ryoko, and Mayuka stared at him, mouths gaping. Slowly the mother and daughter combo exchanged a confused glance, before the woman with the silver-heart pendant spoke, in her usual kind and considerate voice. Or to be honest, she was highly sarcastic, and annoyed at being interrupted, after all what if anyone seen her acting so goofy? "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Well, Ryoko and Yosho are doing my gardening, and I was thinking we could spend some time together."

"That's a nice thought," the silver-haired woman said kindly as she turned back to the girl considered to be her daughter, gently changing her diaper. "But I have a lot of things I need to do with Mayuka. She needs a bath, and I want to spend some time playing with her. After all, you can't be a good mother if you ABANDON YOUR KID," the silver haired woman declared extremely loud, wanting a certain red-haired genius to hear her.

"Well, maybe I could join you guys? I admit I haven't been the best father, either and," Tenchi suddenly stopped noticing Ryoko seemed to be barely containing a smile.

"You know, I am shocked," the lithe woman said nonchalantly, as she finished her task. "But if you want to bathe with me, I suppose I can take another bath with Mayuka later."


Tenchi's face turned red, as blood ran from his nose. "R-R-Ryoko…" he began, trying to reign in his over taxed sex drive. "I didn't mean…."

"I know what you mean," she laughed coyly. "I'll tell you what thought Tenchi," Ryoko offered. "Give me an hour to get Mayuka ready, and then we can go for a walk, or whatever you have planned…."

The young man smiled, realizing their situation had become reversed since those day's years ago. Now Tenchi was the one who had to fight another woman for Ryoko's attention. Of course he didn't mind, since the other woman was his daughter. "All right then, Ryoko," the brown-haired youth muttered. "I'll see you in an hour."

Minutes Earlier:

The Kitchen:

Sasami sang a happy tune, as she chopped the vegetables before her with exact precision and jubilation. "Mya?" the tiny cabbit meowed, as she playfully rolled a ball of lettuce, with her head, over to where the little princess was working.


"I hope you washed you head," she replied with a giggle. A sudden hiss of matter rearranging caused the blue-haired girl to pause in her work.

"Hello, Sasami," Ryoko Masaki said as she walked up behind the little girl. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay," she replied, knowing that the cyan haired woman was up to something. "Did you want something to eat, before dinner?"

"No, nothing like that," the lithe woman replied. "I just have a request to make…."

Elsewhere:

Ryoko took a deep breath, enjoying the sensations of the moment. The warm sun on her face, the gentle breeze whipping about, causing her white dress with it's orange and black top to flow about as if it was alive. "Isn't this grand, Tenchi? It' so peaceful up here."

"Yeah, but…" the young man said skeptically.

"And talk about a view, you can see everything for miles…" as she spoke, the lithe woman extended one of her red gloved hands as she motioned towards the glorious expanse of trees, and the entire region. From their current vantage point, the young couple could see everything.

"You're right, Ryoko, but still…."

"What is it Tenchi? Is something wrong?" She asked with concern, "I thought you said you always wanted to see the area like this."

"Yeah, but I would have liked to see it while standing on the ground!" he shouted finally, as he clung to Ryoko's waist, his legs dangling limply. Timidly the young man looked below them, it was a good 1200 feet to the ground, and though Tenchi was not afraid of heights, he was not in the mood to find out what a fall from this height would feel like.

"Oh fine, I didn't realize you were really this big of a whiner," the silver-haired woman said innocently while looking up into her head, as if she had forgotten the fact only she could fly. "But if you want down, fine with me…."

An instant later, the two figures reappeared, standing before the Masaki shrine. The cherry blossoms fell slowly from the trees, occasionally being caught on the wind, and sent flying delicately on the wind. Tenchi released a sigh of relief, as he enjoyed feeling his feet on the ground.

Ryoko smiled, as she watched her beloved. "I guess the view is okay from down here, too."

Looking at her, the young man smiled, "I think this is my favorite view on Earth."

The lithe woman blushed, "really?" she asked skeptically. "Do you mean it?"

All Tenchi could do was nod, words didn't seem to describe what he was feeling. Standing together the two non-humans smiled. It had been a wonderful day thus far, and it seemed that nothing could ruin their day. However, the buxom space pirate harbored a secret, one she had not yet been willing to admit to. When I look at you, Tenchi, I feel so at peace. Yet every night, I still have those dreams. Where we're on the Ebon Shard, and I die…. A sudden chill coursed through Ryoko's spine as the terrible scene played continuously in her mind.

"Hey," the young man said softly, putting his hand on her arm. Slowly the former space pirate glanced up, looking into his eyes. Tears began to well up in her golden eyes. "What's wrong? Did I say-"

The silver haired woman said nothing instead she merely melted into his arms, trembling mildly. "Tenchi…" she began, "I'm still having those nightmares. Where I die on the Ebon Shard, and you say…."

"Ryoko!" the tender hearted youth snapped, sounding slightly angry. "I keep telling you, I will never hurt you, nor am I capable of hating you. You're just worrying yourself needlessly."

A smile cracked her face, as she took one of his hands into her own. "I know…. I guess I just needed to hear you say that."

Sighing with false fury, Tenchi wrapped his arms around the relaxing woman, for all her gruff and tough talk, he knew how she really was, deep down. Ryoko, I wish I could make these dreams of yours stop, or I knew what to say to ease your pain. For now, I guess, all I can do is be here for you. The two lovers stood in each other's embrace in the beautiful scenery of the shrine. Even thought he wouldn't know it for some time, the brown-haired youth's words and actions here had their intended affect, the silver-haired woman's nightmares ceased, at least for a time….

Later:

Dinner Time:

Most meals at the Masaki house are festive, yet today seemed to be even more jubilant than ever before. "Wow, Sasami," Mihoshi shouted as she gulped down a bowl of Meso soup. "This is really good. "

"I didn't make the soup," Sasami said with a knowing smile. "Ryoko did." The little girl's words brought utter silence to the table, followed by nearly everyone, the exception being the blue-haired girl and the two Ryoko's, spitting out their soup.

"You allowed us to eat something cooked up by that Monster woman," Ayeka said, scrubbing her tongue on her napkin. "We could have been poisoned."

"Although I don't agree with the monster statement, I think Ayeka has a point," Washu added. "Ryoko has less as much skill at cooking as Mihoshi has a clue about what's going on, right Mihoshi?"

"What do you mean?" The blonde woman replied in her normal ditzy voice. Kiyone shook her head, thinking about getting up to get some aspirin, as the conversation around them continued.

"Not Ryoko," Sasami declared, realizing her mistake. "Mrs. Masaki made the soup."

Almost as if it was rehearsed, everyone 'ohed.' "Well, she does have better taste than ours. I'm surprised you can even hold your chopsticks sometimes, Ryoko." Through the entire ordeal, the silver-haired space pirate had done her best to hold in her rage, yet her face still was contorted and furious. As soon as the purple-haired princess made her statement, the lithe woman lunged at her archrival, the two women wrestling on the floor, pulling each other's hair, as they continued to insult each other. After a few moments, Washu had to intervene, grabbing each woman by one of her ears, and lead them back to the table.

"What?" the cyan-haired woman asked in a bewildered voice. "It's not as hard as I thought, it's just a matter of taste."

Taste…Yosho thought in a confused manner as he looked at his mother, who gulped down her meal happily.

"Something wrong son," she inquired looking up. "I figured since the next meal we eat will be at our house, I should take a few lessons from Sasami. After all I doubt your aunt will be coming all the way from Jurai to teach me her technique."

As subtle as a nuclear bomb, Yosho thought as he shook his head in defeat. I can think of a million other ways to say goodbye, but I suppose that wouldn't be your style.

"You're leaving?" Mihoshi shouted, the first to speak up.

"But why do you have to go?" Sasami asked, sadness hanging in her voice. "I don't want you to."

"I know," Yosho replied, feeling a painful tug on his heart as he spoke, "but this is not where we belong. As much as we cherish each and every one of you, you are not the people we grew up knowing. I thank you for ALL you've done for me, and you Tenchi for my mother, but it is necessary that we leave. We have our own lives to live, and our own destinies to face. I was hoping to break this news to you gently, but we are leaving after dinner. I didn't want to ruin your joy, so I wanted to wait until as late as possible."

Not where you belong…. Ayeka thought, as she rubbed her ear lobe tenderly. Those words seemed to strike a cord with her as she looked at her extended family slowly. On that issue, I will agree with you. Turning her head, Ayeka focused on her sister, who continued to look at Yosho, the tiny princess's large pink eyes full of tears. I suppose it was destined to happen, but for Sasami, and indeed my own, I had hoped this day would still be far off. The purple haired woman smiled grimly, her own mental voice shaken, by her thoughts. I just wish… I just wish that it was not now, and that I still had more time. But, as First Princess of Jurai, it is my duty to handle the situation with both dignity and self-control. Gripping her dress tightly in both hands, the red-eyed woman bit her lip, having trouble containing her emotions. If only….

After Dinner:

Washu's Lab:

Yosho Masaki and his mother stood before the massive portal, which lead to the Universe of Torment. A grin came over the gathering that had turned up to wish them off. "Thank you all, for everything you have done for me. It has been an honor to know you all." The young man said with a bow.

Sniffing hard, Sasami stepped forward from the group, a large wrapped bundle in her arms. "Here," she proclaimed. "I wrapped up the leftovers for you."

Taking the offering from her, Yosho knelt as he opened his arms wide and embraced the little girl. "Aunt Sasami," the golden-eyed youth smiled. "As long as you're out there, I know no one can ever conceivably go hungry. Thank you for everything, your kind words, actions, and for just being you."

Rising to his feet, the son of Tenchi patted the blue haired princess's head, as he glanced to the other women in the dark expanse of the super genius's lab, finally settling his eyes on Ayeka. "Lady Ayeka," the young man whispered. "You have always been an inspiration to me, a shining example to me, showing me how to have dignity, pride, and yet still remain humble, all at the same time." Finishing his sentence, Yosho bowed deeply to show his respect, and Ayeka did the same.

Sighing, he smiled as he stepped down the line of women, to look at the two GP officers. "Aunt Mihoshi, Aunt Kiyone thank you for everything. Aunt Kiyone, I know I haven't been very trustworthy, but still you did not hesitate to come to my aid. If you ever need me, all you have to do is ask, and I shall be there. Aunt Mihoshi, I am also in your dept, thanks to you I've finally been able to finish a terrible battle with my inner most demon." The young man wanted to say more, but at that instant, the blue-eyed detective lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck as rivers of tears poured from her eyes.

"NO! I DON'T WANT YOU TO GO, YOSHO! YOU CAN STAY HERE," the dark skinned woman protested. Suddenly she felt something on her shoulder, a light touch. Looking back, the teary-eyed officer saw Kiyone, a solemn look on her face, as she shook her head no. Slowly Mihoshi released Yosho, clinging to her partner as she continued to cry out the injustice of it all. A few seconds later, the buxom woman shot up, her attitude going back to normal. "Wait a minute! If he's Ryoko and Tenchi's son, then all we have to do to see him again is have Ryoko and Tenchi have a kid, right?"

The ditzy police officer's words had an immediate effect, as both Ayeka and Tenchi's face became beet red, while the lithe silver-haired space pirate laughed heartily. "I like the way you think," she proclaimed, leaning heavily on Tenchi's shoulder. "So what do you say Tenchi? Should we give Yosho a chance to live here?"

"NO, I mean he should have a chance, but I… well…" Tenchi babbled caught by Ryoko's wording.

"Ah, Ryoko." Yosho smiled at her.

Looking away from her beloved, the lithe woman frowned. "I don't need a speech, after all I'm sure I'll see you again, am I right?"

The young man closed his eyes, quietly laughing. "Yes, of course. After all, how could I ever hope to hide from you?" Sighing happily, the golden-eyed youth approached the last person he had to say anything to. "Father, Tenchi, whichever you want me to address you by, know that in my life I have only met one man with the same honor, dignity, and love in his heart as you, and that would be you." Finishing his statement the golden-eyed youth extended his hand, which Tenchi quickly accepted, returning the handshake as tightly as he could. Yosho merely shook his head, laughing deeply. "Who am I kidding?" He asked seconds before he jerked Tenchi forward, wrapping him in a bear hug. With tears strolling down his cheeks, Yosho whispered into his would be father's ears. "Make sure you take good care of her. She's going to need all the love in your heart."

"Are you talking about Mayuka, Ryoko, or someone else?" the young shrine keeper asked feeling squeezed in the black-haired boys arms.

"Yes…." Was all the time and space lost man could say, as he released the Jurain Prince, and prompt walked towards the gateway to Torment.

"Washu," Yosho proclaimed stepping up beside the portal, "I know you aren't my grandmother, but I owe you my life. Without your intervention I might have died on Plesruis." Crossing his arms over his chest, the young man spoke a quiet oath of thanks, in Jurain.

Almost the same instant, Tenchi was free of Yosho's grasp, a new set of arms drew him into their fold. Holding the young man close to her, Ryoko Masaki took a deep breath, letting his scent fill her completely. It had been so long since she had held her husband, and she knew she would lead a long life before she saw him again. But this was not her husband. It was not her Tenchi. No matter how much he looked, sounded, or acted like him, the man she held in her arms was not the man she married. He belonged to the Ryoko of this world, of this Universe, and despite how much it tore at her heart, the cyan-haired woman knew she would have to release him from her embrace soon. I never got to say good-bye to you, Tenchi, and I'm not going to say goodbye to you now, because I know you won't have to meet the same fate as my Tenchi. She forced herself to think as tears rolled down her silky cheeks. I had thought the best days of our lives were ahead of us…. Not that every minute with you wasn't perfect, but still…

Sniffing hard, the voluptuous space pirate, pushed the young man away, as if he had suddenly become poisonous. Those assembled could not comprehend what was truly going on, but one look at this other Ryoko, seized their hearts in a powerful manner. It was obvious to everyone, even the normally slow-witted Mihoshi, that Ryoko Masaki was saying more than goodbye to strangers who looked like her old friends, this was her way of saying farewell to her past, to the most cherished part of her life. "Now I know what you're thinking," she said almost scolding those around her. "And I don't want your pity. I'm not a weakling like Ayeka," the purple haired princess ignored the mirror of her rival's words, knowing they were a part of her false bravado. "But I want you all to look out for each other." Smiling timidly, the cyan-haired woman shook her finger at the assembled party, "because it's getting real old having to come back and bail you guys out all the time." Laughing at her sad attempt at humor, she suddenly felt something rest on her shoulder. Glancing to her side, Ryoko saw what it was. It was a hand, the hand of her son, Yosho Masaki.

"Mother…." He began, his own words a mix of sorrow and promised joy. "I think it's time we went home."

The lithe bride of Tenchi grinned saying only one thing before turning to follow her son into the glowing portal before them. "Home…."

As the portal to Torment closed, an eerie silence hung like a shroud over the lab. The only sounds, which could be heard, were the muffled sound of crying. However finally, as it always is destined to be, the silence was shattered.

"All right!" Ryoko yelled wearing an expression of pure jubilation. "It's about time they left! Now things can get back to normal! No more trying to act nice for the kid, or his gorgeous, and amazingly single, Mother."

"Aren't you sad, Ryoko?" Sasami said almost sounding offended, as she looked up from her already damp handkerchief. "We might never see them again."

"Ah… those two will be back. After all they still have a Washu to deal with, there's no telling what kind of problems she'll cause, and we'll have to fix. I tell you what, being a mother can be a pain sometimes…"

You're telling me, Washu mentally declared walking away from the group, as Ryoko continued to expound upon her trials as a mother, and of course retell how wise it was for one such as her to have such a title. Still the silver-haired woman's words did seem to have an affect, as one by one those around her smiled, briefly at first, but in the end, when everyone left the lab, no one was crying.

Universe of Torment:

Masaki House:

In the fading daylight hours, a rather bizarre trio, quartet if you count the tiny creature called Ryo-Ohki, sat in the lush living room, chatting politely. Washu, one of the aforementioned trio nodded politely as her blue haired guest rambled on and on in a loving voice, about nothing in particular, while the third visitor, a black-haired female, slowly stroked Ryo-Ohki's fur as she pondered what had recently happened, since she arrived hours ago.

"So anyway, it was about that time that I told Azaka to scan for life signs in quadrant alpha seven, and then…" the woman with short blue hair droned endlessly, her story although entertaining to listen to, was rather dry to the super genius.

Holding up a hand, Washu quickly ended the long tale. "Whoa there, your highness," she said with a smile, "I just realized I didn't offer you anything to eat, or drink. And I wouldn't be much of a hostess if I didn't. Would you like some tea," a wicked grin came over the diminutive red haired woman's face suddenly, "or maybe some Saki? After all you aren't at the palace anymore…."

The emerald-eyed woman's offer caused the visiting royalty to blush. "Please Little Washu," she began, waving off the offer. "

I'm not really hungry, but a glass of juice would be fine."

"Still drinking juice? After all these years…." The grandmother of Yosho proclaimed rising to her feet, and arching her back to yawn. "You'll always be young at heart, won't you?" The perky heir to Jurai's throne smiled. Washu turned her attention suddenly, addressing the almost traumatized woman who slowly petted the tiny cabbit. "How about you? You look like you could use a hard drink." Finishing speaking, the small genius followed her words with a forced laugh.

"Juice is fine," the black-haired woman proclaimed sounding as if her very essence had been torn away from her. "Thank you Miss Washu…."

"It's not Miss Washu," the little scientist began, yet before she could finish her statement, a large vortex suddenly opened between the three women, and out stepped two figures, their backs to the two visitors.

"Yosho! Ryoko!" Washu said with a smile, which portrayed that they were in trouble. "What are you doing back?"

However, before either person could get their bearings, or even try to make a response, something happened. "Ryoko!" a joyous voice proclaimed, causing the golden-eyed woman to spin about, seeing who was yelling only seconds before something collided her, and dropped her to her back.

"Oh…" the lithe woman moaned disoriented, and a little sore from her landing. "Hello Sasami, when did you get here?"

"I came to visit you, as soon as I heard you were up!" the fully grown woman said, her royal white robes flowing down to cover her sister in law. "Of course I'm not the only visitor you guys have," she began, as she got off her old friend. "This girl was here before me."

"Hello," a timid voice uttered. Ryoko glanced over, as Yosho instantly spun about, a look of sadness and shock on their faces. Standing before them was none other than Sakuya Kumashiro.

"Sakuya!" Yosho shouted, taking several steps back, as he realized he had been caught. She had to have seen that portal open, and us step out, and from the sound of it, she probably saw Aunt Sasami arrive as well…Man I am so screwed! What am I going to do?

"Yosho, what's going on? First this lady, who claims to be your aunt, shows up out of no where, and then you two just appear from out of thin air?" the young girl with short black hair asked, completely confused by the events happening around her.

The three women looked at each other hesitantly, then to the young man whom this woman loved. Finally it was Yosho who ended their staring contest. It's time I told the truth…."Sit down, Sakuya. I have something important to tell you, you may not believe it all, and may think I'm insane, but what I have to say is who I really am…" With that the young man began to tell the woman of his dreams his true life's story, omitting no detail.

Universe of Delight:

The Data Base:

It is a place where everything in the universe is known, but not always comprehended. It is known as the Database.

At the current time, this place of knowledge adrift in the endless darkness of space is so much more than it appears. It is also the home of gods, goddesses, and their minions. Currently a ship is docking, one with a most unusual man at the helm. His name is Captain Koreas, until recently he was in charge of keeping the peace on a planet called Plesruis. A monster called Blackshire, attacked, until a horrible space pirate, Kenzar, possesses that.

"Amazing," the feral looking man said into his communicator as he took in the sights before him. The area in front of him defied all known laws of physics. However he could not deny that it was truly a wondrous sight, from space, it had seemed to be a piece of a planet that had been blown out into space, surrounded by other pieces. Yet as he drew near what appeared to be a aqua-duct, in which a river flowed endlessly through, ending in a waterfall, he could see great beasts of the sea freely swimming about, while great trees, like those of Jurai, seemed to grow in the airless void of space. "This is amazing. Never in my life…."

Come…an ominous voice interrupted the Galaxy Police captain suddenly.

"Did you hear that," Koreas asked his comrade back on the mother ship, as he pulled his tiny black one-man ship beside a pod floating over the endless waterfall.

"You mean the voice that just appeared in my head?" she asked holding her head tenderly. With a weak, almost wounded chuckle she looked at her companion, "it was kind of hard to miss."

"Alright, I'm going a little further," as he spoke energy enveloped the tiny shuttle, and the mighty captain suddenly found himself standing on the pod, which altered it's shape, becoming a series of vertical rings, with him standing on top. How is it I'm breathing? He asked himself as he looked about. Yet before the Priderian officer could get his bearings, the strange pod sphere began to move forward, with incredible speed, and soon it reached the end of this bizarre space aqua-duct. Koreas felt his stomach lurch as he gazed down, seeing nothing, at first, but empty space. Scant seconds later, however he beheld something truly glorious. For the remainder of his life, he would have trouble fathoming it, but to best describe it, he was looking at pure chaos, molded into complete order. Things floated around him, which resembled planets smashed flat, and stretched across space like a roll of paper, and bizarre shapes resembling pictures of atoms he had seen in his cadet years. Only one thing seemed clear in his entire surroundings. That point of energy was the focus of all these things, everything was relative to that point. His speed continued to increase as he raced towards that point, and an instant later, everything went white, like stepping into the sun.

Moments Later:

Shaken by his ordeal, Koreas rose to his feet, and nearly fell back on them when he beheld where he was. "What…" It appeared he was in a temple, one so massive that it would have taken a thousand men a hundred space years to complete. Never in his life had he seen a place with such detail, with trusses and supports that wove such a glorious tapestry, but all that paled in comparison to that which was directly in front of him. A large gem, the same color red as the energy around this solar system, supported by two grand trusses. This must be the source of that power. A gem with that kind of power… I need to take this back to the ship, to analysis. There's no telling the uses for…. At that instant Koreas's thoughts were stopped as he witnessed an intense awakening. The gem shimmered for a moment, and then, as if it had always been, a massive transparent head, of an ancient human, appeared before him. "H- H-H… Who…" was all the officer could muster.

"I am known as D3," the massive divinity proclaimed. "Who are you?"

Using all his strength, the Priderian reigned in his fear. "I am Koreas of the Priderians. I am a Captain with the Galaxy Police, my current station is The Ebon Shard, also called The Yenvala…."

"Ah, The Ebon Shard. That vessel which we brought here." The large head said with a knowing nod. "My lady would speak with you. One moment…"

"Your Lady…" he gasped, expecting to see a female head suddenly appear, what he witnessed nearly shocked the life from his body. The temple around him vanished, as did D3, and the night sky filled with black shadows, the shadows of gods. These were all but splinters of the grand vision he saw. A woman, who seemed to be composed of the universe, with short brown hair, which looked more like a helmet, with a plume of orange hairs in the front. Her deep blue eyes, with dark red pupils showed no emotion, yet held a tremendous power all their own. Green markings came up from her jaw, and a ring of metal floated about her like a collar, holding her white royal cloak which somehow whipped in the void of space. At the center of her chest rested a red jewel unfathomably big. Her clothes were a deep brown, with intricate designs in a lighter color. She glanced down at him, slowly, and sneered.

"You are not the one I wish to speak to…" The malevolent goddess decreed as she looked down upon the cowering Priderian. "I asked to speak with the captain of that ship."

"But I am the new captain of the Ebon Shard, I am Koreas, the-"

"Silence!" she said quieting his protest. "Show me the True Captain." She ordered, as her eyes flashed brilliantly covering the trembling officer with their light. A gasp that sounded as if his soul were being torn from his body escaped the young Priderian microseconds before he collapsed to his knees, breathing raggedly.

Koreas kneeled before the two gods, like a knight meeting his master, and soon a dark laugh, the kind a man who had been imprisoned would issue when released, echoed from his maw. "My lady, it is an Honor to kneel before you." As he spoke, the kneeing man never looked up, covering his smiling face with his raised arm.

"I see you have finally awoke." Tokimi proclaimed. "I trust D3's summoning did not harm you then?"

"No, my lady. It did not, and I thank you for freeing me of my imprisonment, with Koreas gone, I finally have full reign of this body."

"And who are you?" She interjected, "I had though I knew everything in this universe, however Tsunami and Washu are always providing interesting new things for me. Are you one of theirs?

"No, I am not."

"Generally, if I wish, I can see the hearts, minds, and souls of anyone. But I do not know you, nor can I see your thoughts. What manner of creature are you?" Tokimi declared.

I am but a servant of something greater than myself," the man once called Koreas declared, "but I am known to men simply as Blackshire…."

Blackshire… The impressive goddess thought as she looked at the kneeling man. That name seems familiar, as if we had met before, but why? No matter. "Blackshire, My name is Lady Tokimi, and I would speak with you. "

"But of course, my lady, yet…." Blackshire paused, taken aback by the name, which echoed in his mind. Yosho knew of Tokimi, I had nearly forgotten about Ryoko's run in with that idiot Dr. Clay. I had always thought of it as a stupid story of Washu's, made up to make Yosho fall asleep at night when he was but a child. The strangest thing, is that it feels wrong for me to be kneeling before her, that I should rise to stand parallel, perhaps it is my own ego, but I feel as if I am before a kindred spirit, and that I have done this before.

"Yes…." The goddess proclaimed, curious as to what this creature she seen before her was so hesitant to mention.

"Well, you are so much more than I," he began sounding humble, "to look upon you would truly be too much for me, to try and take in your entirety in one glance. It could shatter my mind, forever."

Smirking, the mighty goddess focused her power, which was followed by a flash of bright light, filling the endless space around them with glorious light. "Rise Blackshire," she commanded, "so that we might discuss what must be done. Now then," she said, placing a hand upon the Priderian's shoulder, causing him to look up into her endless eyes. "I have an offer, a deal, I would like to make with you." Intrigued by her beauty, as well as her words, Blackshire rose to his feet, slowly and almost cowardly.

"You want me to get Washu, don't you?" he stammered, looking up again he noticed what could be called shock in the goddess's face. "Washu used to tell Yosho about Zero when he was a child, and how she was part of some plot by a lady Tokimi."

"Yosho, the first prince of Jurai?" the mighty woman said, startled by this strangers knowledge of her past adventures.

"No," Blackshire said, "he is from my Universe, The Universe of Torment."

Tokimi nodded and smiled victoriously. "You truly are an interesting man, Blackshire. Now then, if you bring me Washu, I will grant your heart's desire."

The mighty Priderian shook his head, "I am sorry m'lady, but no one can grant my hearts truest desire, nor would I want them to. That is something I must achieve myself. I am a simple creature, blessed with extraordinary abilities, but I have a simple request. I will bring you Washu and all I will require of you, is comprehension."

Casting him a confused glance, the mighty goddess merely stared at her ally. "What do you mean?"

Sighing, the lime-eyed creature shook his head. "Ever since I returned to The Ebon Shard, I felt the need to build things, to do specific events, as if I was destined to do so. I wish to know why! The most perplexing is why I made a monster like Leech, why I would reconstruct the creature which caused me to be born?"

Unsure what the Priderian spoke of, Lady Tokimi turned away, and made a gesture with one hand, causing the area around them to contort, and a grand library, filled with books and colossal computers, appeared. "As one of my servants, you shall have full access to the database, anything which can be known is known there. Even I can not comprehend this universe you speak of, nor would I wish to if my suspicions of there being another such as myself there were true, but if your desire is to know about one person from your world, perhaps you will find your answer here."

With a staggering step backwards, Koreas's body shook. "Amazing…."

Making a shrugging motion, the darker goddess continued, "Such is what all my servants receive. Ask me for something else, something for which I can reward your efforts for."

Still in a state of shock, Blackshire looked from her to the fountain of knowledge before him, "Very well, then I would have a sword, one composed of your power. One I could wield and know that I was connected to you, to the heart of true power."

Breathing deeply, more to stress the importance of her next words, than for any other reason, "you ask much Blackshire," she declared, "but so be it, if you succeed I shall grant you your wish. However, you will only have one year to do so, if you fail me, then you will only receive… my thanks."

"Of course," the evil creature declared with a quick bow. "Once I have learned what I must from here, then I shall go to Earth, and acquire Washu for you."

"Excellent." Turning the mighty being paused, "There is merely one last thing I must say. Washu must not be harmed, understood? For I wish to speak with her." Instead of replying, the evil creature merely bowed, clasping his hand over his furry chest, in a symbol of loyalty and respect. "Good, then I shall see you in one year…." As she finished speaking the divine being suddenly vanished leaving no trace of her ever existing, and the room reappeared around the kneeling man.

"Marvelous," Koreas grinned vilely. What wonderful power she has…. Why with power like that I could… Shaking his head, Blackshire withdrew himself form his blissful daydream of death and destruction. "But first I must learn, the secrets of my actions…."

Back on The Ebon Shard:

The Control Room:

"I don't like it computer…." Leech hissed, drumming his dark tanned fingers on the arm wrest. "Tell me computer, do you think Koreas has been behaving… differently lately?"

"Define differently," the computer asked simply. "I am still unable to fully comprehend the master's abilities. However, it is not in my programming to go against the master's will. I am bound to obey him, no matter which form her takes, or attitude he exhibits.

"Never mind," Leech hissed. "I don't want to hear you babble. What could be taking him so long?"

"The factors are many, and without sufficient data, a proper conclusion is unfeasible." The ship's personality replied, thinking Leech had been speaking to it. "Furthermore…."

"Will you just shut up! I don't care about-" at that instant the door to the large room flew open, the metal hiss of the sliding gate, echoing in the now eerie silence.

Standing in the now open portal, was a figure with eyes that glowed like an unholy flame, casting emerald light from its eyes. "It's about time you showed up, Koreas!" Leech proclaimed, his annoyance sounding quiet amusing coming from Lued's body. "Where have you been?"

"The name is Blackshire, now and forever more, and you may count yourself as being one of the lucky, son. I am in a good mood right now, if I weren't you would die where you stand for your impudence. You see I have learned things. Things about you and me, which would blow your puny mind, to even try to comprehend. Suffice it to say, that the final hour of my enemies is approaching, and now is the time when I will unleash my full might. Now come, my son. There is much work to be done, and I still need to send a thank you card to my dear brother Yosho. After all with out him I wouldn't be here."

"Sounds like he would be your father to me," the fiery-eyed woman proclaimed sounding very bored.

"True, but I feel a kinship to him. The kind one only feels with a brother, but enough talk. It's time to prepare. I know why I've lost every fight up to know, and I know exactly what will remedy that situation." Blackshire laughed as he clapped his hands together with a noise that echoed in the loud darkness. "Let the final game begin…."

Next Time: The final story is nearly set to begin. As the prelude draws to a close, the war between dimensions prepares to enter its final battle. Blackshire now begins to marshal his forces in earnest, getting every sinister plot he had been working on ready for action, as Tenchi and the gang relax, and train for whatever their lives may bring. Plus other members of the Tenchi family begin to plot their own life's future, and of course, what will Sakuya think of Yosho now that she knows the truth? Will it tear them apart, and if so what will that do to a young man who has already lost so much?

Chapter 19: Future Preparations

  • Ryoko Masaki is talking about how she killed Blackshire (The Blackshire Interval, and Vegeta Muyo 2) and Leech came to kill Tenchi and steal her Gems (The Waking Nightmare)