Chapter 19: Future Preparations

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 19: Future Preparations

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. After defeating the evil Blackshire on Planet Plesruis, live returned to its normal state of chaos at the Masaki house. Ryoko Masaki and Yosho, after spending many days at this house, have returned to their own home, and were welcomed by Sakuya, and Sasami! Things have gotten even worse, as Blackshire, and Leech, have just made an unholy pact with none other than Lady Tokimi herself! Can Blackshire succeed where everyone else has failed? Can he capture Washu, and what evils of his past has he learned? I have told you the past, so you might know the present, and comprehend the future that much better….

Chapter 19 of 26:

Universe of Delight:

Evening:

The Training Grounds:

As the afternoon sun slowly enters into it's lowest point, two warriors clash, with wooden blades. One, a former first prince of Jurai, known as Yosho, the other a young boy called Tenchi. For the past hour, the two men had faced each other, testing the limits of the young man's abilities.

"Well Tenchi, I must admit, you have improved," the elder man declared, as he stepped back, sword still held ready before him.

"Really, Grandpa?' Tenchi declared, lowering his sword, and stance, as he listened to his sensei's words. In that instant, the elder man struck, his hard wood blade rapping on the youth's head.

"Yes, but you still need work…." The old priest declared. "That should be enough for today, but after meeting Yosho in battle yesterday, let me just say I can see bright things in your future."

"Oh really? He was that good, huh?"

The gray-haired swordsman paused, looking over his shoulder skeptically. I don't want to say too much, or Tenchi may develop an ego problem, which would make training him difficult…but then again, that young man was a phenomenal fighter. "Yes, he was probably the best fighter I had faced in a very long time. However, if you are to be the one who trains him, then you'd best work harder. Even he had a lot of holes in his techniques, the same ones you demonstrated to me today…."

Bowing respectfully, the young man understood what his grandfather was telling him, no matter how much of a round about course he had taken to say it. Without another word, the worn out young man slipped away, knowing that while he was leaving the training grounds, he was heading back to the battle field, or as he called it, his house.

Moments Later:

"Hello, Ryoko." The old swordsman declared, still looking at the ground, as he walked towards the shrine. His perfectly trained ears having heard a familiar noise of matter being rearranged in the air above him. "Tenchi, Just left. I would have thought you'd have shown yourself when he passed by. May I ask why you didn't?"

With a quick exhale, a silver-haired woman wearing a blue and tartan dress slipped out of the trees, and landed on the ground before him, an unhappy look on her face. Stretching, more out of habit than fatigue, she shook her head, speaking as if the Jurain heir to the throne had not said a word to her. "Perfect, that means he's all alone. Now I won't have to worry about anyone bothering me when I ask him for what he owes me." Turning away, Ryoko decided to walk down the stairs quickly after her beloved. It was trick she had learned from additional studies of Noboyuki's girl's comics. One rushes down a fleet of stairs, and catches their loved one, then in short breathes, with tears thrown in for extra emphasis, asks him a favor. Torn by grief at seeing her in that manner, he can never refuse.

"Owes you," the eldest Masaki asked, curious about this situation. I wonder what game she's playing now….

"It's rather simple," she began, placing her hands on the back of her head, as she edged away from him. "Tenchi promised me anything I want, ANYTHING at all, if I'd stay with him. Now I know exactly what I want, and I'll have it by the end of the night. It was a tough choice, but I like the idea best, especially the way things have been going lately."

"So you are going to demand Tenchi allow you to bring him into manhood?" the old man said in a high-pitched squeal of a voice, sounding as perverse as his son-in-law.

Ryoko's blood boiled. "IS THAT ALL EVERYONE THINKS IS ON MY MIND??" She asked spinning about, as her head enlarged, and she berated her one time archenemy.

"Well, I…." The Shinto priest began, unable to say anything as a large drop of sweet appeared beside his head. I think that's because it usually is all that's on your mind….

Clearing her throat, the silver-haired woman spoke with a dainty, and proper tone, clearly a mockery of Ayeka's general etiquette. "No, I am going to ask my Tenchi for the one thing I have been after, since we met face to face, all those years ago. I am going to get all three of my gems back."

At that instant, the laughter in Lord Katsuhito's eyes disappeared. "I would rather you didn't do that. I think it is a poor choice."

"Hey," Ryoko growled, not liking to be bossed around. "They're my gems, and if I want them back, then that's my choice."

"Of course, forgive me if I sounded as if I were trying to order you around," the old Shinto priest stated in his flat tone. "I suppose I became a little anxious, when you said you wanted all three back."

"Afraid I'm going to go berserk, again?" the lithe woman asked mockingly, glancing over her shoulder. "Well, don't worry. Kagato's dead, remember? There is no one who's gonna take control of me."

The elderly Masaki nodded his agreement, "No, that was not what I was concerned about. You must forgive me, but it was for a more selfish reason." At that time, the gray-haired senior resident of the shrine paused, adjusting his small glasses for a moment. "You see, long ago when I took your gems, I had meant to merely imprison you. I knew that since my ship was destroyed I could not go home, nor did I want to."

The fearsome woman chuckled, her back still to her former enemy, as she bent down to pick up a small pebble from the ground. Tossing it up and down in her hand lightly, as if testing the weight, the lithe seductress, quickly hurtled the rock skyward, as she spoke to her friend. "I can see why you'd feel that way…."

Looking about him, Lord Katsuhito nodded, seeing the deeper meaning in Ryoko's words. "Yes, Earth is a grand planet. True it has its problems, but then again, every planet does."

"Actually, I was talking about Ayeka." She proclaimed about her arch rival, "I can barely stand begin around her, I couldn't imagine anyone actually marrying her. If they did, they would definitely be either the bravest, or stupidest, man in the galaxy."

The old priest shook his head, as he closed his eyes, allowing a gentle smile to cross his face. I should have seen that coming….

"Back to my story," he prodded, "I soon learned something interesting about your gems, once they were embedded in master key. Somehow, they react on a similar power to my ship, and having them in the sword was actually sustaining not only my tree, but also my own life. So, as I said the reason I was a bit flustered when you said you were going to ask Tenchi for all your gems, was because without them in the sword, then Funaho will begin to wither, and then…."

"You'll die…." Ryoko said with finality. Her jaw nearly dropped to the floor as this new information sank into her mind.

"Not right away," the man who was Jurai's true first prince proclaimed, "but it would be the beginning of my life's end. Still, I would not be opposed to such an idea. After all, I have led a grand life here on Earth. It has been an exciting time, with many adventures, especially since you girls arrived."

The buxom woman rubbed her eyes, as if she were just awaking from a long nap, "well you sure know how to ruin my fun. Still I suppose if I can't think of anything else, I can always go with my special plans…"

"And what would that be…" the Shinto priest asked as he blinked, yet by the time he had opened his eyes again, the sound of dissipating matter echoed in his ears. Sighing, the elder Masaki glanced up at the fading light of the wonderful day he had just experienced. Perhaps I should postpone tomorrow's training exercises… If I am correct, Tenchi will be too tired by then to train properly. Hmmm… well, we shall just have to wait I suppose…

Tenchi's Room:

"Oh, man," Tenchi Masaki, declared, stretching his sore back as settled into his soft bed. "What a day, huh?" he asked, looking toward the lithe woman who floated from one side of the room to the other, disappearing as soon as she reached the end, and reappearing where she started. It was an unnerving process, resembling a tape stuck in an infinite loop, and it also was only used when Ryoko was under extreme stress. "Uh… Ryoko? Is something wrong? You've been acting real weird ever since I got back from training with grandpa. Did something happen while I was gone?"

Ryoko's reply came in a muttered whisper, "You'd be down too if you found out the thing you really wanted would kill your lover's grandfather…."

Chuckling weakly, the young man placed a hand behind his head. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you just said. Could you repeat that?"

"I said, 'Nothing is wrong with me'!" The lithe woman snapped feeling highly agitated as she recalled her conversation from earlier in the day. "I'm going to take a bath…" pausing, the silver-haired seductress smiled, trying to mask her discomfort with a grin. "Of course, you are welcome to join me, after all it'd be good for that sore back of yours."

"Ryoko…." The young man said beginning to remind her about his thoughts on the subject she often led him to.

"Well fine," she growled feeling rather vulnerable, and in no mood to be lectured on anything. "I wasn't going to seduce you, unless you made the first move, but since you're going to be so mean…I'll just go by myself, and we can talk later…"

With a hiss of dissipating matter, the silver haired woman disappeared, leaving the young Masaki all alone in his room to worry about her last statement. Talk later… Oh man, that's not good. The last time Ryoko and I talked, I ended up having to buy her all sorts of expensive gifts, and well maybe she'll calm down after a bath… Tenchi paused as his mind, subconsciously, drifted to thoughts of the Onsen, and it's newest occupant. His head quickly began to change, becoming a darker and darker red. With a jerk, the hormonally challenged youth came out of his, probably true, fantasy, wiping a trickle of blood from his nose. Maybe I should have taken Ryoko up on her offer my back is a little sore, and besides she did say she wouldn't try anything, and it would let her know I do trust her. Plus, if we both wore towels… Once again, the young shrine caretaker shook his head, and after numerous other brief fantasy's of similar nature, Tenchi came to a very obvious conclusion, the only one in which he could get any sleep, and reduce the massive blood loss he was having from all his fantasies. He would go to the bathroom, and take an ice cold bath.

The Onsen:

In the warm waters of the hovering bath known as the Onsen, Ayeka Jurai sat. A towel wrapped modestly around her, the young princess had a look about her of stress that no amount of warm water would ever relieve. In her mouth, was a tiny bowl, which she had just drained of its Saki. Currently, the purple-haired princess flicked the small serving bowl up and down in her mouth, as she pondered things of great importance.


Her mind continued to flash back to the previous day's events. One in particular was Yosho's statement he had made before he left. "But this is not where we belong. As much as we cherish each and every one of you…." Those words had echoed in the Jurain Princess's mind endlessly since she had heard them. It was as if the young man could read her heart.

So noble, polite, and caring… He definitely is the son of Lord Tenchi, she noted as she continued to replay the scene in her mind. I find it amazing that such a well-mannered young man would be related to Ryoko in any way. I would have been more apt to believe he was my own son, Ayeka paused an embarrassed look coming over her face as she realized no matter what she said, she still longed to be the one who was engaged to Tenchi Masaki. A tear rolled down her cheek as she happily recalled the kiss she had shared with the young man who was the grandson of her betrothed. Clearing her throat, she took a deep breath of the warm humid air, allowing it to fill her lungs and calm her jading nerves.

Of course, with Lord Tenchi as an influence, he couldn't help but turn out right. In a way it is almost amusing. When his father died, and he would have been left with only that monster woman, Yosho became Blackshire. Were the situation not so dire, it would be quiet comical.

A sudden slam of the door ended the Jurain princess's brooding. Glancing up through the top of her head, Ayeka moaned under her breath. As if this wasn't a bad enough situation I'm in right now. I don't need her coming in, flaunting that swelled chest of hers, and the fact she is so low in morals she sleeps in the same bed as my Lord Tenchi. The red-eyed woman sighed, taking the bowl from her mouth as she sank into the warm waters of the bath. Although I suppose he isn't MY lord Tenchi, but I am still not in the mood for her insults, jibes, and annoying voice. Perhaps I should leave. No, she may not say anything. Ayeka laughed to herself. Yes, and I may end up Mihoshi's partner.

Without a word, the lithe woman slipped into the warm waters, staring at her former archrival, which glared back with hate in her red eyes. What's her problem? The silver-haired woman thought as she closed her eyes, relaxing her body as she experienced the sensations of hot water on her tired flesh. You'd think I had just insulted her or something…. Minutes later, as she opened her eyes, Ryoko was slightly unnerved to see Ayeka was still staring at her, an intent look on her face.

I still don't get it, the Jurain Princess told herself. What could Lord Tenchi, and Mayuka, possibly see in a creature like this?

On a typical day, such stares from anyone would have been a welcomed event, however currently; Ryoko Hakubi was not at her best, and as such felt uncomfortable by the purple-haired woman's constant glare.

Finally, Ayeka tore her eyes from the nude former space pirate, looking straight down into the water. That must be it, the lithe woman realized as she watched the young princess's behavior. In a hiss of matter being altered, Ryoko vanished, and reappeared with something in her hands.

The sound of Ryoko's return caused the silky skinned woman to look up from her brooding. Her hatred, and in a way jealousy, of the other woman intensified slightly as she looked at her prime competition for Tenchi's attention. What is she up to? As the slender woman looked on, she watched her golden-eyed opponent opening a bottle of saki, a rather expensive bottle. Demon Dance Sake?* I have no idea that monster woman had such good taste. What happened next surprised the well-mannered princess, as she watched, the golden-eyed woman slowly poured a bowl of the expensive Saki. Then the former space pirate drifted over to the observing princess, and offered her the drink. Ryoko offering me the first drink from her sake? Something has got to be going on here….

"What's the matter," Ryoko asked in a joking tone, even thought she knew the Jurain Princess would never fully trust her.

"What are you up to now? Can't you just leave me alone?" Ayeka asked with a hiss, her current thoughts preventing her from enjoying this moment.

"Look, I know you're upset. But don't worry things will work out in the end." The lithe woman said in as sympathetic a tone as she could muster. "You're still young and all…." The young princess cast a pitiful smile at the silver-haired space pirate. Poor Ayeka, I've never seen anyone so envious of me. I mean I knew she hated being flat chested, but I never thought it would get her THIS down…. Still, things grown in captivity don't get a big as those in the wild. The golden-eyed woman smiled, complimenting herself on the witty comparison she had made between bust size, and captivity, or rather clothing.

The young princess laughed as she downed her sake. "You know… lately Ryoko, it's getting harder and harder to hate you."

"Oh really…." The lithe woman said setting down her expensive sake, paid for unknowingly by Noboyuki, seconds before she disappeared, and a bucket of icy water poured down on the purple-haired woman's head. Almost that same instant, Ryoko reappeared before back in the water, a wicked smile on her face.

Shivering from the icy surprise she had just received. Ayeka coughed, rubbing her arms, in a vain attempt to warm herself back up. "Like I said, it's getting harder, but I never said I didn't still hate you."

Ryoko and Ayeka exchanged a glare, for many long moments, but seconds later, sounds of laughter echoed from within the large floated bath.

Another Room:

While Ayeka and Ryoko laughed merrily, and the other member's of Tenchi's family slept comfortably in their beds, one woman gazed out her window, looking fondly at the clear starry sky. Kiyone crossed her arms over her chest as she observed the beautiful display. There was a time when I could have been among those stars whenever I wanted, but now with all that's happened…

A sudden roar interrupted the detectives thoughts, slightly startled, the GP officer looked at the source of the growl with a smile.

I never can understand how Mihoshi can sleep at a time like this. I mean not even a DAY ago we heard the Ebon Shard blew up, taking the entire main command center of GP HQ with it, and she's sleeping like it's no big deal. For all we know her grandfather could have been among those killed in the explosion. AH! I can't believe we fell for such an obvious trick, that damn Blackshire, he must have set the thing to self destruct if anyone took it. But why didn't it blow up on Plesruis? Why wait so long?

Turning away from her partner, who continued to sleep the slumber of the innocent, the emerald-eyed woman returned her eyes to the endless darkness before her. I wish I could go there, explore the destruction myself, but that would be against proper protocol. Ever since I was a cadet, I've been told that no matter what happens to HQ, it is my, and every other officer's, duty to remain at my post, and protect that area as best I can. Until a new central command can be established…. Still, as I look at outer space, and see how beautiful it is, I can't help but wonder what kind of monster could cause such a horror. My whole career I spent trying to get ahead, to make something of myself. But now, now there's nothing to get ahead of. It's all gone, my life, my past, and my future. What am I going to do? How can I possibly pick up the pieces of my life…? Kiyone then paused, crying into her sleeves. Her sobbing stopped instantly, as she felt a warm hand on her back.

"Kiyone…" a warm and loving voice proclaimed, seeming to share her pain, but also offer hope. It contained the innocence of a child, but also had a dusting of experience. Experience from a life that had once been full of turmoil, adventure, and glamour. Turning her head to the side, the teal-haired woman saw her partner, Mihoshi standing there, tears of sympathy streaming from her large blue-eyes.

The unlucky detective could only smile. Of course, I forgot, she began. True Mihoshi is a dimwit, and she never seems to get anything right… but at one time she was one of the best. Until the stress…. Turning fully Kiyone laughed. Until the stress of worrying about the job, about things beyond her control like explosions in space, and deadly space pirates, became too much for her.

Drawing her hands back, the ditzy blonde had a look of both concern and dread on her face as she watched her partner undergo this metamorphosis. "Is something wrong, Kiyone? "

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be altering my life, because of something that happened to Mihoshi, the first class detective realized. But if I let myself stay worked up like this, I'll never make it to the top! We will come back from this, no matter what happens, the Galaxy Police will rise to the challenge. Her mood slightly lightened, the young officer looked at her partner. "I'm fine, Mihoshi. Now let's get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, I can already tell." As Kiyone lay down, she could feel a strange sensation in her chest. Not one of bitterness, hatred, or even joy, but an unease feeling. She had experienced this sensation before, when she felt something had to be said, or action to be taken. After lying beside her life long friend, and partner, she suddenly knew what it was she had to say, "One more thing, Mihoshi…."

Rolling over in her bed, the sleepy eyed woman looked at her friend with all the loving tenderness of her heart, "What is it Kiyone?"

"Thanks…. For everything, for being there for me and all. You're the best partner anyone could ever ask for."

"Don't be silly, Kiyone" the mentally slow officer proclaimed, "I'd never leave you, no matter what. We're more than just partners, we're friends to the end right?" As soon as she finished speaking, the curvy woman held out one of her hands, offering it for her friend to take.

"No," Kiyone said causing the dark skinned woman to become distraught, and draw back slightly, for a moment until the teal-haired woman spoke again. "We're not just friends, or even best friends, we're family." At that moment, Kiyone grabbed Mihoshi's hand, clutching it tightly in her grasp. "No matter what happens, nothing can ever change that. I promise Mihoshi!"

Universe of Torment:

Masaki Home:

In a realm ruled by evil, it often seems that happiness is hard to come by, and when one finds true happiness, they must be quick to seize that moment, or else it will be gone forever. At this time, two young lovers are doing exactly that. High in the azure sky above the Masaki house, Yosho Masaki and Sakuya Kumashiro fly, one in the other's arms.

With a gleeful cheer, the young man landed, setting the black-haired woman down on the ground with ease. Receiving a hug from the young man as her feet hit the ground. The two seemed even more in love now that Yosho's past was revealed, than ever before.

My goodness, but aren't they a happy couple… the lithe woman commented as she watched her son and his girlfriend enjoy the day and each other's company, a sarcastic tone heavy in her thoughts.

What's wrong, Little Ryoko? Washu asked noticing how her daughter seemed on the verge of biting her tongue off as she looked at the scene before her. Are you jealous of your own son?

Amazingly, the lithe woman did not strangle her mother for such a comment, as would be par for the course, instead, she mentally growled a reply. It's not that, MOM. I just can't ever recall a time when Tenchi was glad I had my powers. When we enjoyed them like those two are right now. I used to think they were a wedge between us at times.


The reason he was never crazy about them, was you always used them to seduce and torment the poor guy. Heck you even tried to kill him the first time you two met! Washu said as she pointed to the happy couple, but if you look at Yosho, he's only using his powers to help others, and bring joy to them. It is no wonder Sakuya likes him so much. Still even I'm a little stunned at how quickly she accepted Yosho's story. Which means she's either an easygoing girl, or she still doesn't have a clue what's going on.

I'd vouch for the second one, and you sound like one of those sappy birthday cards Ayeka used to send out…. The cyan-haired woman commented note impressed by her mother's observation.

"Excuse me," Yosho asked, a look of joy on his face as he stepped toward the two women. Ryoko's eyes shifted ever so slightly, as she looked at her son. "I was wondering if it would be okay if I took Sakuya home?"

"Fine by me," the busty space pirate proclaimed, shrugging her shoulders. Smiling viciously, the young looking mother shook a finger at her son. "Now, remember not to do anything I wouldn't do!"

And what would that be? Washu mentally asked, enjoying her daughter's angry reaction. As the young man turned to tell his love the good news, the diminutive genius suddenly stopped him. "Hold on a minute there, Yosho. Don't you think it would be dangerous flying her home though? You might be seen and all…"

The youngest Masaki merely smiled. "Yes, if I flew we might get seen. But I was going to use another form of transportation." Taking Sakuya's hand in his own, Yosho waved briefly, and with a hiss of matter being taken apart, the two figures disappeared.

"Ah…" Washu swooned, "young love…. Isn't it grand?" Sadly the little genius couldn't say more, as a mighty hand suddenly slammed into the back of her head, knocking her into the dirt. Shaking her bruising cranium, Mrs. Hakubi did her best to rise to her feet, as she did, she heard her assailant muttering off in the distance.

"Stupid Washu," Ryoko fumed under her breath as she headed back into the house. "Just 'cause she's a genius she thinks she knows everything… why if I wasn't such a lady I'd….'

One Hour Prior to Dawn:

In her darkened room, a young child, called Sasami, awoke. Stretching her tiny body, the little princess yawned as she gazed around the room. Looking around, the blue-haired girl suddenly realized she was completely alone. As she continued to look around, dread seemed to creep into her tiny body. Ever since Blackshire had first arrived, night had become a terrifying time for the young Jurain. Where is everybody? Using every bit of her self-control, the small princess reigned in her fear, and tried to assess the situation. Okay, Sasami, she told herself. It's no big deal. Ayeka is probably just in the bathroom. Standing up, Sasami began to dress herself, as she moved to her dresser; her foot kicked something small and furry.

"MYA" a tiny voice meowed.

"Oh, I am so sorry," the young princess moaned, looking at the cabbit at her feet. "I thought you'd left me, Ryo-Ohki! I should have known you'd never do that." Bending over, the pink-eyed sister to Ayeka petted her little friend carefully. "Well you go ahead and go back to bed, I'll see you at breakfast, okay?"

"Mya?" the golden-eyed cabbit asked pointing at her with one paw.

"No, I'm okay. I was just scared when I woke up alone." Having finished her dressing, the youngest princess hummed her favorite song, as she made her way down the stairs to the kitchen.

Downstairs:

Sasami happily sang the Pioneer theme as she floated down the wooden staircase. It was her favorite time of day, just before the others awoke. It was her time, when she began to work her magic, and create the delectable meals, which would start her family's day off with joy. As usual, such thoughts seemed to energize her body. To some cooking was a chore, but to Sasami, it was like a holy quest she ventured off on every morning.

"Ah, Sasami." A polite, voice suddenly uttered, startling the little princess, as well as shattering the serene silence of the quiet morning. Slowly the blue-haired princess turned from her casual stroll towards the kitchen, and faced her sister. The purple-haired woman sat at the table, a gentle smile on her face, as she tenderly held a simmering cup of her favorite tea. "I am glad to see you have woke up."

"Ayeka," the younger sister yawned, as she wiped some sleep from her tired pink eyes. "What are you doing up so early?"

Instead of a reply, the elder princess took a long slow drink from her cup, sighing once she was done. "Please, Sasami, come sit down beside me and join me for a cup of tea."

"But, I don't really like tea, and…" the pink-eyed girl paused, as she realized what her sister was saying. "Oh." Her legs felt like lead as the little girl slowly made her way towards the dinner table. What did I do wrong now? I've been good; I haven't broken anything, or been disrespectful. Suddenly a thought dawned on Sasami. "Do I have to? I really need to start breakfast, and then…."

"Sasami…." Ayeka proclaimed in a tone, which though kind and caring, hinted that she would harbor no excuses. Instead of saying any thing more, the woman in a pink kimono patted the ground beside her. "Come, this will not take long, and then you can cook breakfast." The sitting princess stared at her sister, who still had not resumed walking. At that moment, Ayeka laughed mentally. Oh Sasami, I had almost forgotten. "Don't worry, you aren't in any trouble." After casting a few more nervous glances at her sister, the little girl finished her advance, taking the seat directly across from the red-eyed woman. "Now that's so much better," she cooed to the frightened youth, as she poured a second cup for her sister. "It has been a long time since we sat down and chatted, dear sister. I felt that in light of all that has happened up to now, we should talk." Pausing the first princess decided to slowly enter into her topic. "Have you been writing home lately? You know how mother worries when you don't send her a letter…."

"Yes, I have, sister…" Sasami said, terror still in her eyes as she glared at the steaming cup of tea before her, as if it was poisonous. Why do we have to have one of these talks? I hate them! Ayeka promised me we wouldn't do this anymore. Not after last time….

Smiling tenderly, the proper princess put her hand on her sister's shoulder. "Sasami, I am not going to spank you. The last time, you were only four, and you would not listen to me when I spoke to you. I lost my temper and I am sorry. However since we came to Earth, I have noticed you have grown, and matured greatly. You are no longer the little girl I knew on Jurai. Indeed you are quickly becoming a proper young lady. You are truly a blessing to know and it is my honor to call you sister." Sasami's face lit up slightly at her sister's words. "As you know, growing up means changes, some which may confuse you, and you may not like them. But change is inevitable…."

"Oh, you're talking about becoming an adult, right?" Sasami interrupted, her voice becoming more like it's usual perky tone. "I know all about those changes, Ryoko told me." Thinking the conversation over, the little girl prepared to leave the table. However the red-eyed woman reacted almost too fast to detect, letting her arm shout out to clutch her little companion's tiny arm.

Ryoko…she told Sasami, about that! The most tender, important, and special time in a young girl's life, and my sister was told all about it by that exhibitionist sadist demon! Oh when I get my hands on that woman….

"Ayeka…" the little girl groaned, "You're hurting my arm." Suddenly snapping out of her fantasy, which involved Ryoko getting throttled, among other tortures, the proper woman released her sibling's arm.

"Sorry Sasami," Ayeka said with an apologetic laugh, "but that is not what I wanted to talk to you about. It's about something that I feel I need to ask you." Taking a moment to regain her composure, the first princess motioned for her sister to sit again, before continuing. "Tell me Sasami, are you happy here?"

"Of course," the little girl said, partially confused. "You know I love it here, everyday with our family here is like a great big adventure."

"What about our home?"

"Well," Sasami complained. "I don't really know much about architecture, but I think Tenchi's dad did a nice job."

Laughing at her sister's slowness, Ayeka shook her head 'no.' "I am sorry, dear sister. I was referring to Planet Jurai. Do you not miss it?"

"A little, I guess," the younger sister replied with a head bob. "But…."

"But you would miss everyone here, right?"

"Yeah." Looking up, Sasami smiled, "but we don't have to worry, mother and father are fine, and we can stay here for a long time. Right Ayeka?"

Now it was the older sister's turn to be nervous, as she clutched her kimono tightly in a balled fist. When she finally spoke, her voice was more of a whisper than ever before. "No."

Taking aback, the little princess stared in complete confusion at her sister. "What? What do you mean?"

Trembling, the red-eyed woman used all her strength to reign in her heart. I promised myself I would not cry. I must be strong, or I will not be able to make it. "Sasami…." Sadly before she could continue, the little girl rushed her, burying her crying face in her sister's less than well-endowed chest.


"No! I don't wanna go home! I wanna stay here with Tenchi and Ryoko and Mihoshi and Kiyone and Ryo-Ohki…." Her voice was so tiny and weak; the Jurain Princess could feel her heart break as she looked at her sister.

At that moment, despite her iron clad resolve, and years of training in the art of controlling her emotions, Ayeka wept. "I know how you feel, Sasami. But think of it. You know how much I care for Lord Tenchi, and how much I cherish our every moment here, yet I also respect his wishes." Moving her hand over her sister's smooth hair, the older woman continued, "It has been grand, and I would not trade our time here for anything. However I have noticed as of late that our presence has caused much turmoil as of late. What with that incident between me and the other Ryoko…."

"But I don't WANNA go…."

"SASAMI!" Ayeka said her patience sounding frayed now. "I am not saying we go right away. I still feel I can return Lord Tenchi to his senses, given time. Perhaps even convince him to come to Jurai with us…" the young princess stopped, hoping at the least her sister believed what she was saying. "But I think it would be a nice gesture to Lord Tenchi, and…. Ryoko… if we went away, if only for a short time. So they could… build a relationship."

"You're right," the little princess proclaimed, "So when are we gonna leave then?"

"I wish to see the cherry blossom's coming in bloom one last time, before we leave, and I feel it would only be just if we were here for Mayuka's first Christmas, don't you?" Sniffing hard, Sasami nodded. "Good," Ayeka stated rising to her feet. "Then we are finished here. Please, do not say anything to the others. I don't want them to make this any harder on us than it must be. It shall be our little secret."

Standing up, Sasami wiped her nose on her sleeve. The purple-haired princess shook her head, upset that her sister would forget her manners. "Okay…I won't tell anyone. I guess I'll go make breakfast then."

From a dark corner of the room, a woman floated in the air, with only half her body phased out of the wall. Ryoko Hakubi frowned dismally as the scene between sisters concluded. She had come down only moments ago, when her hyper sensitive ears detected a whispered conversation where her name had been mentioned. Ever curious, the lithe woman had come downstairs, just in time to catch the end of the shocking tête-à-tête between the two Jurains. Just when you think you know someone…the seductive woman thought before she disappeared.

Upstairs:

With a hiss of dissipating matter, the silver-haired woman appeared besides her sleeping beau. Perching on the bed, like a predator on the prowl, the seductive woman landed with a heavy thud next to the man she cherished more than anything. The sheer force of Ryoko's back, jostled Tenchi, and caused him to quickly awaken.

"Huh…" he muttered half asleep, "What's going on? Are you okay, Ryoko?" Hastily the young man sat up, looking down at the mother of Mayuka with tender eyes. The lithe woman lay beside him, a hurt look in her golden eyes, as she held her arms tightly before her. "What happened?"

"Tenchi, I heard something terrible just now," she began.

Now, the brown-haired youth was fully awake, leaning over the turned away woman. "Well, what is it? What did you hear?"

"I heard…" she paused, for what felt like a million years, but was only a second. In that instant she heard Ayeka's voice echo in her mind.

Please, do not say anything to the others. I don't want them to make this any harder on us than it must be. It shall be our little secret. Even thought the first princess had not been talking to her former rival, Ryoko felt bound by that request, and with a deep sigh, she shook her head, closing her eyes, as she nestled her head on her pillow.

Meanwhile, the young Masaki male continued to look at her once worried face with concern. "Ryoko?"

"Hmm…" she hummed, as if she had suddenly awoken from a deep sleep. "What is it Tenchi?"

"Don't play games," he warned in a voice, which showed more concern than anger. "What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing." Ryoko proclaimed with a shrug. "I just wanted to make sure you still cared about me."

Sighing in defeat, the young man pulled up his covers, turning his back to Ryoko's as he lay back down. "Okay then, Goodnight Ryoko."

No sooner had the gentle sounds of the starry night returned to fill the darkened room and the powerful seductress spoke again. "Tenchi…."

"What…"he groaned sounding as if he were fighting a hopeless battle.

"Would you be upset with me if it was just you and me?" she asked quickly, making the confusing question twice as difficult.

"No," the young man answered, "besides your question isn't making much sense." Rolling over, expecting to still see her back facing him, Tenchi was shocked when he saw Ryoko's face; tears welled up in the corners. However unlike her Jurain adversary, who was well versed in controlling her emotions, Ryoko was a master at covering her feelings.

"I'm sorry if I bothered you, but I get the feeling something bad is on the way, and it will all be my fault."

"I swear," the young man laughed, as he pulled one arm out of his covers to gently wipe away the tears she had so carefully been holding back with a soothing pass of his thumb. "You girls get too worked up. You probably shouldn't watch so many romances." Or in your case, horror movies…. The golden-eyed woman sighed, closing her eyes as she tilted her head, almost as if she was peering between them. This caused Tenchi to shift subconsciously, since in the past, Ryoko had always been looking at a certain part of his anatomy when she had done this. After a few brief moments, scarcely longer than a few short breaths, the lithe woman felt a hand on her chin. When she opened her eyes, the silver-haired mother saw only Tenchi's warm brown eyes gazing back at her. "Are you gonna be okay?"

"Yes," she began with a pause, smiling as she slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. "And I know exactly what I want." Ryoko proclaimed in her most seductive voice.

"What… you… want… " Tenchi slowly stated, as his brain recalled how he had promised Ryoko anything she wanted.

"You didn't think I was gonna wait forever to ask you, did you?" the former space pirate proclaimed, tilting her head to one side as she spoke.

"Ryoko…I've got to get up early tomorrow. I still have more training to do." The young man began in vain; hoping to post pone what he was sure was to be a very explicit sexual fantasy of Ryoko's for as long as he could.

"Part of being a good soldier is being able to stay up all night," she cooed into his ear. "And that's exactly what I have planned…."

Hours Later:

Next Morning:

"Wasn't that fun, Tenchi dear?" Ryoko asked rolling over on the bed happily, like a giddy schoolgirl, a wicked grin on her face. However, the young man made no response, instead he merely moaned as he put his shirt on. It was clear that he had quiet an exhausting night. "Oh come on," she pouted, "it wasn't that bad!"

"It wasn't that bad, until you poured that saki down my throat!" he snapped.

"I was just trying to help you relax," the lithe woman pouted. "You were so tense, and at the rate you had nose bleeds I figured you would be out of blood soon. So you see I did what I did out of love for you, honey."

"Gee… thanks…" the young man groaned, "but what I don't understand is why you wanted me to take a bath with you, when you just came back from there."

"It was to celebrate," the golden-eyed space pirate replied, "besides you said yourself that since we were wearing towels, you wouldn't complain, and it was MY request after all."

"Yeah…" Tenchi admitted, "I guess you're right, but I don't think we should make that a habit. It could easily be taken the wrong way."

"Alright," the daughter of Washu grinned, "by the way, Tenchi, did you enjoy scrubbing my back?"

"Wha- what are you talking about?"

"Don't get so uptight, I was just wondering if you were looking for this little fireflies light. After all you spent a lot of time scrubbing back there."

"Ryoko… I…"Tenchi stuttered with a bright red face. Finally he shook his head, unable to think up a believable excuse. "You see I was…."

Looking up, the young man saw Ryoko before him, her lithe arms outstretched as she took him into her fold. "Don't worry, Tenchi, I won't tell anyone it'll be our little secret." With a final smile, the slender woman leaned forward kissing the young man gently on the lips. "Well, I have to go get Mayuka up. If you feel like another bath, just let us know…."

As the former space pirate disappeared, the youngest Masaki male shook his head. Man training would have been hard enough today, but now that I have a hangover, as well as being wore out, it's going to be nearly impossible. Picking up his training Gi, Tenchi smiled as he thought about the exciting experiences he'd had the night prior. Even thought nothing had happened between him and the golden-eyed woman, sharing something as intimate as a bath had actually been good for him. True, I'm not comfortable about being naked around Ryoko, or her around me, but still after last night I do feel like some wall between us has started to come down. I wonder if that means anything? Shrugging his shoulder, Tenchi Masaki held his head in his hands. Maybe I should wait to think about stuff like this, my head doesn't feel very good. Besides no one knows the future anyway. It's no sense worrying about it….

Universe of Delight:

The Data Base

Aboard The Ebon Shard:

In the vast darkness of the black stronghold called The Ebon Shard, a nicely tanned woman slowly strolls, her path leading her through the seemingly endless corridors. As the woman called Lued walked, she stared intently at her hand, as if it were the most perfect thing she had ever witnessed. What an amazing sensation it is to be human, she began to think, as she flexed her hand. So many interesting things, emotions, feelings like taste and touch, not to mention being able to feel blood in your veins. I could get to like possessing these creatures. Looking up, the fiery haired woman smiled broadly. One day you'll be mine, Blackshire. You're mind and body will belong to me! No one orders me around.

Is that a fact, a voice boomed into her mind, shattering her threatening thoughts. I see you're still as stupid as ever. I suppose it's a side effect of absorbing a creature like Lued. Well, you'll be happy to know that I'm setting you free of her. I have someone new I want you to possess.

"Blackshire? Where are you?" the young red-eyed woman said in a stunned manner, looking around the hallway.

The evil voice merely laughed in her mind. I'm nearby…. That's all you need know. For now, kill that stupid woman, and go get her…. As soon as he finished speaking, pain arched through the body snatcher's mind, causing it to shriek, as a picture of a woman was burned into his mind. It was a woman he had never seen, but then he hadn't seen many. Still the feature about her that stood out to him was her eyes, which seemed so pure and innocent, as if the evils of reality couldn't touch her. Do you feel it Leech? The evil knights voice asked again, the desire to have her, to take her life? That was why I made you. You were born from the purest hate, as I was born into love. However you my son are destined to battle, to consume, to devour love. No matter what you do, you will always be drawn to those with purer souls, looking to take their life, and destroy it. Don't fight it. Just get rid of the body you have now, kill her if she still lives, and go to the lab. Everything is ready….

Shaking his head, the vile monster paused, as he considered what the Ebon monster that created him had just said. Blackshire is the vilest thing I have ever met, but he may have been correct… I do feel a strong desire to have that woman, to absorb her memories, emotions, and pure heart into my self. Perhaps it is only to ease my own wretched existence, but if so then so be it….

With a moan, like a person under extreme strain, a clear liquid began to pour out of Lued's body, coming from ever opening and pore. As the last of bizarre slime dripped to the floor, the fiery haired woman collapsed to the floor, while the strange substance began to take shape once again, looking like a semi translucent gargoyle with red glowing eyes. Leech took a deep breath, gazing at his clawed hands, in rage. The warmth he had experienced, the emotions, and even the memories he had seen while in the young officers body, began to fade, replaced by rage. Damn! I must find another body soon; I can't stand this lack of feeling. I'm so cold, my mind is so quiet, and I can't take this….

"What… where am I?" The red-haired woman asked with a gasp, trying to take in her surroundings quickly. The last thing I remember was that monster attacking me, and then…. Turning her head to the side, Lued's skin began to lose its color as she saw the horrible creature called Leech standing beside her apparently lost in his own thoughts. "NO! Stay away!" Realizing her gun was gone, the lithe woman quickly scramble away, however her scream seemed to break him from thoughts, and the vile beast continued its advance on the shaken woman.

"Now, now, my dear," he hissed in a sinister tone, his cold hearted attitude returning the longer he stayed out of a human vessel. "You don't want to make me upset Koreas, now do you? After all he's the one who wanted me to kill you."


"You're lying," she screeched. At that instant, the mighty energy stealer latched onto her, hefting the fiery haired woman off the ground by her throat.

"I am many things," Leech commented, preparing to steal her life. "But not a liar."

"Leech!" A voice boomed from behind the monster and its struggling victim. "Haven't you killed her yet?" As the two looked down the hall, they could clearly see a man clad completely in black leather's, prowling down the hall, his feral body tense, with his arms clenched behind his back. In the dark hallways of The Ebon Shard, the only thing that set him apart from the shadows was his head, and his eyes, which glowed with an unholy emerald light. Shaking his head, the possessed Koreas growled. "Honestly, I give you one task, and you can't even do that on time. All you had to do was gut that stupid wench."

Unable to believe her ears, the red-eyed woman used the last of her strength to pry Leech's hand off her throat, at least enough so she could mutter a few last words. "Koreas…" Lued cried, as tears poured down her dark cheeks. "How could you say that? You're my friend, and I love you…."

"Isn't that sweet." Blackshire laughed deeply. "Sadly, my dear, I have no such feelings towards you, and as such you are worthless to me. Now be a good officer, and die like all the rest." Snapping his fingers loudly, the ebon knight glared at his son, who understood the message loud and clear. Amethyst light erupted from the vile monsters hand, and seconds later where once there had been a GP officer, now there was merely a pile of dust. To this day, no one can say for certain what exactly killed her. Was it Leech's siphoning power, or her own heart breaking as the man she loved so dearly ordered her death so casually?

"Now that we've handled that situation," the man with green glowing eyes proclaimed, "report to my lab. The machine is ready, and you have a date you have to keep." Reaching into a pocket in his black coverings, the evil creature quickly added, "Oh, and take this with you." As he removed his hand from whatever dark confines it had been, a strange wrist device landed in the nearly translucent gargoyle's clawed hands.

"You're giving me an image inducer?" the Red eyed beast asked in confusion. "Why would I need such a thing?"

Blackshire laughed, as he turned away. "You don't honestly expect to waltz in and get your hostage looking like that, do you?"

"But wasn't it you who said my fate was to kill them all anyway?"

At that instant the ebon covered Priderian stopped, his voice menacing and full of hate. "You are never to tell anyone what I have told you. Else everything we've worked for could come to an end, and I'm not ready for that, not just yet." The evil body stealer paused, his breath a feral snarl as he glared over his shoulder, death in his eyes, "now go, and do not fail me…."

Next Time: "Things really heat up when [sound of door exploding] What the… By the Lighthawk Sword! Blackshire what are you doing here?"

"Here I am the main villain, and you give me such a bit part in this chapter? Oh I don't think so! Leech, hold him while I set the stage for next time!"

Things in Torment go bad, which is good for me, as my sinister plan begins to take shape. Oh yeah, and there's a scene between Yosho and Sakuya that can't be missed…. Don't you dare miss the next part, Chapter 20: To End an Eternal War

* Those of you who read AH MY Goddess will recognize this Sake; it's what Urd Drinks when she starts getting younger.