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), Leech, 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 23: The Hall of Dreams *

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.

Blackshire has returned, bringing pain and sorrow with him. To the dismay of the extend family, and their visitors, the ebon monster had came back, bearing horrible news, the death of Jurai, as well as kidnapping Yosho, Washu, Mayuka, and Sasami. When the other's went after him, the nightmare creature from Torment obliterated Tenchi's home town, killing his father and grandfather in the process, leaving everyone to wonder, what about the other Washu? Now the battle is joined aboard the Ebon Shard, as Tenchi and his friends do their best to make it through Blackshire's most terrifying creation yet, the Halls of Dreams....

Chapter 23 of 26:

Deep Space:

The planets in the special protected sector are often thought to be uninhabited, or if they do support life that it is a very primitive form of life. This is far from the truth, as most officers of justice, space pirates, and various scum of the universe know all too well. It is here that a lone vessel prowls, preparing to land on a large asteroid, populated by a small tavern. A place where the dregs of society hide, where the worst the universe has to offer can try to escape from those pursuing them.

Outside this hovel of scum and villainy, a star craft is preparing to land, one, which contains an extraordinary passenger. Its shape was dagger-like, and on its side was a crest, the emblem of one who belongs to the Bounty hunter's guild.

Victor Duras took a deep breath as he examined the watering hole for evil. The first thing one would notice about him was how his right eye was covered in a metal patch due to a scar which ran from his right brow, past his angular nose, and ending at the side of his neck. The second noteworthy feature of the bounty hunter would be that his skin, which appeared to be well tanned, was in fact a tawny colored fur that covered every corner of his well-built body. With an unconscious motion, the mighty Priderian brushed his curly mass of dark red and black hair out of his eye, and quickly pulled it back into a ponytail so it wouldn't get in the way.

"It's time... after all these months I've found ye," he growled in a deep throaty voice, as he peered out of his ship with his good left eye. Moving his hat, so that it concealed his tawny fur covered face. Stepping out of his vessel, the feral looking creature checked himself, making sure all his equipment was not only ready, but also concealed behind his brown trench coat. Smiling, he patted his weapon of choice, The Terra Blaster, a ballistics weapon, very useful in a world where everyone protects themselves from energy, and not slug based, weapons. All right, ye monster, time to pay for yer crimes.

Inside:

Stepping into the dingy hovel, the strong bounty hunter sneered as his eyes took in the inhabitants. Everywhere his good gray eye looked, he saw a bounty, someone whose life was sought by many, both law enforcers and lawbreakers. Keldra Veldziffer... didn't think she was still alive, and there's Angus Komolisha.... But where is.... Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat, as the large man saw who he had been looking for.

Sitting at a table in the corner of the establishment was a ragtag group of ruffians, who bore more scars and weapons than the bounty hunter had seen on any one person before. However what had caught his eye was the man who stood with one leg on his chair, as he told the others a story, as if he were some lore weaver speaking to his patrons. The man was small in stature, wearing a large dark blue ragged cloak on his shoulders, with large jutting shoulder pads, meant to give him a menacing and larger look, however due to his shriveled appearing body, it only made him look like a child trying to dress in his father's clothes. Almost instantly, Victor knew who that man was; his weasel-like appearance, red-ruby eyes, and oily black hair were a dead give away. Walking towards the table, the Priderian, tossed off his hat, not wanting anything to block his line of sight. Moving one hand into his coat, he quickly unfastened his weapon of choice, a Terra Blaster ballistic handgun. Stopping behind a row of overly muscled thugs, the large man showed a fearsome row of teeth at the little man. "Ye are Sigius Meldred," he asked, more of an acquisition than a question.

"Who wants to know," the smaller man shrugged, a winning smile on his face as he glanced at his companions. "You thinking of trying something, pup?" Staring at this newcomer, the ruby-eyed man could only shake his head at the absurdity of it all. To think this freak, with his muscles, and attitude, would dare to come in here... why I can't believe such guys are still alive!

"My name is Victor Duras of the Gehenna Hunter's Guild, and I have personal business with ye, if ye are Sigius Meldred." The scarred bounty hunter eyed the entire group warily as the ruby-eyed criminal stopped his casual attitude. "It's about some friends of mine, specifically the detectives Kiyone Makabi, and Mihoshi Kuramitsu...."

Placing his hands over his face, the self-absorbed criminal seemed to be embarrassed, however in truth he was hiding something. Something dark and terrible, behind his hands, his eyes now glowed an unholy emerald green. "Did you say Kiyone and Mihoshi are your friends?" Pulling his hands away, now revealing normal eyes, the weasel-like man grinned, "well then, I most certainly am Sigius Meldred, and I know why you're here, it's about Kenzar and Blackshire right? Well I have something to show you, but not in here, what's say we go outside, and settle this like gentlemen...."

"So ye are Meldred then?" he asked flatly. The ruby-eyed man merely nodded, in that instant, Victor reacted, lunging forward with one of his muscular arms, to grab the smaller person by the throat, and with a swift spinning motion, he not only through his prey out the door, but drew his gun, pointing it towards the table. To his surprise, no one in the bar had moved, or even cared in the slightest, to see Sigius thrown from his seat, casting a quick glance outside, he saw why. The little man lay flat on his back, not on the ground however with pieces of board in his back, but hovering just of the barren ground, an eerie green glow circling his body. Damn it all to hell, why is it every one of these monsters has to have some kind of force field? Guess we do this the old fashioned way.... Smiling barely to himself, the large Priderian walked through the crowds, holding his gun at the ready. As well as once again missing a crucial piece of evidence. All those who had sat with Sigius now had the same feature among them, green glowing eyes....

Outside:

Having righted himself, Sigius floated, sitting cross-legged before the advancing Priderian, his hands on his knees as he laughed insanely. "So you're friends of Kiyone and Mihoshi, huh? Sure are a weirdo! You know they're visiting with me right now. But don't worry, there's nothing between us, just bad blood."

"What are ye talkin' about?" Victor said eyeing his prey suspiciously. "You and I both know, Sigius, that you don't take hostages, you're too much of a coward."

Looking around, as if thoroughly bored, the little man grinned. "Yes, Sigius is a coward; a sniveling, whining coward, no good for anything really. Thankfully I am not him."

"Then who be ye?"

"My name is Blackshire," the second to Kenzar laughed, as his own eyes suddenly burst into a green unholy glow. "And I've made a decree. One I think makes total sense... No one gets out alive!"

"That goes for you too, ye monster. Ye've caused enough pain. I don't care what game ye're trying to pull, but I want yer head." At that moment, screams filled the air, coming from behind the opposing duo. Glancing over his shoulder, the Priderian kept one of his keen ears pointed towards his adversary. Now what's going on in there? One problem at a time... "Now then, I think it's time for you to die."

"Before you try to kill me, why don't you take a look in there," Sigius grinned, pointing into the shack. "I think it will show you how hopeless it is to oppose me. To oppose Blackshire."

Turning his gray eye towards the floating figure Victor grinned, showing his small sharp teeth, "I'm not that dumb."

"Then let me demonstrate my point..." holding his hands to the sky, the little man's body suddenly surged with emerald power, filling the air.

Gasping, the strong Priderian took a step back, trying to make sense of the scene. What kind of energy system does stuff like this? Reacting quickly he pulled the trigger, and a thunderous roar followed, as the small point of metal flew towards the man at the center of this bizarre maelstrom. Yet once again the fur covered man stepped back, how? How is he doing this? It's not possible?

With a grin on his face, and a hate in his eyes, which flourished in the torment he was causing, Blackshire held his index and middle fingers on each hand forward, as green power flowed forth from them encasing something just in front of the slender man. It was the slug that Victor had just fired. "Looking for this," " The possessor of bodies asked in an amused tone, nodding towards the bullet. "Ah... you wanted to shoot me, didn't you? Well why disappoint...." Throwing his arms wide open, the evil monster released the bullet, allowing it to fly straight through his chest. As Sigius' body winced in pain, he reeled as the bullet once again flew through him, this time coming from behind. Time and again the slug penetrated the weasel-like man's body, causing him to cry out louder each pass. Finally with a trembling body, he collapsed to the ground, the emerald power fading away.

"How could ye do such a thing to yerself?" The large Priderian asked, stunned by this turn of events.

Breathing weakly, as he cackled, Blackshire propped himself on one elbow. "You don't get it do you?"

Suddenly his voice changed, becoming more labored, and sorrowful, "Blackshire... doesn't need a body, he just uses them for his amusement. You, me, this whole universe... we're his playthings. Anyone he's met, can be taken... I've done so many terrible things since he took over my body, these past few months, when I thought I was free; have been the worst Hell I can imagine. I once hated," taking a moment to wipe a trickle of blood from his parched lips; the ruby-eye man began to tear up. "I once hated... those who were law abiding citizens. But now... now I wish to Kame that I were one of them, and not a toy for this demon... You see, his true form isn't here... it's on the Yenvala... or as he calls it The Ebon Shard.... Now... please," Sigius gasped, before entering into a coughing fit, spitting up a mass of blood and phlegm, as he reached up towards the strong Priderian. "If you have even one ounce of pity, a shred of kindness in your soul, kill me...AH...." The weasel-like man suddenly screamed, grabbing his chest as if her were suffering from a heart attack, as well as arching his back as he writhed on the barren ground.

"Yes..." he hissed, his eyes taking an emerald glow, "Kill Sigius if you dare, bounty hunter. Embrace the darkest corner of your soul. Revel in my domain.... It won't matter, soon, soon I will be god here, and all you know and love will die. Come on, show me you have the guts to do it...."

Retaking control of his body, the ruby-eyed man glanced up at his foe, tears pouring from his eyes. The wounded pirate moved his lips as if to say something, but only one word uttered forth. Yet in that one word was more power than any thing the muscular gun for hire had ever heard. "Please...."

Retaking aim with his Terra Blazer from its holster, Victor took aim and then looked away. Looking into the night sky, seeking absolution in the heavens, the bounty hunter fired. The shot echoed in his ears for a long time, even when he stopped hearing it with his keen ears, it was in his mind, engraved there for how long he could not say.

In his long life, the well-built man had killed man villains, from would be conquerors, to space pirates, even down to crime bosses, and he had done it without remorse. However this time, it was different. This time he was not killing a ruthless tyrant, or lawbreaker. This time he was ending a man's suffering and deep down he knew this was not the end. For the fate of everything, and everyone was going to be decided in the next few hours, on a black starship, and there was NOTHING he or anyone else could do, but sit back, and wait for the endgame to play itself out.

Kiyone... Mihoshi...he mentally whispered, before turning his attention back to the bar he and Sigius had just left. `Ere now, seems a might quiet, considering Sigius' men were in there and all. Might as well have a look....

Peering inside the rank cavern, Victor shook his head. Where once there had been a dive of villainy, now there was only a slaughterhouse. In the middle of the butchery, sat the men who Sigius had been with, hideous smiles on there faces, and vacant, dead looks in their eyes. What kind of monster is this Blackshire? Who would have his own men kill so many, then kill them in turn?

With a sigh, Victor pulled out his sidearm as he walked inside the wreckage of the bar. Checking to see that the chambers were all loaded, he spun the cylinder of the gun as he snapped the safety off. With no outward change in demeanor, the scarred Priderian leveled his pistol and fired repeatedly. In a matter of moments, all of Sigius's former crew lay dead. Again Victor sighed and re-holstered the Terra-Blazer firearm.

Putting his large rimmed hat back on his head as he left, the well-built Priderian sneered. Kiyone... Mihoshi... what have you gotten yourselves into....

Inside The Ebon Shard:

Throne Room:

In the inner sanctum of Blackshire's dark star ship, a horrifying scene takes place. A being of pure terror sits atop a throne, a long row of large ebon steps leading to him, his form cloaked in darkness, only his unholy eyes flickering the night, a wicked grin formed upon his chitinous face.

At the base of the large stairwell is another occurrence, also wrought with portent. Leech, Blackshire's right hand man held a terrified woman with short black hair in his sinister grasp. With slow movements, the young woman tried to loosen his deadly hold. Parallel to this demonic beast was a golden-eyed youth, who had seen more than his share of morbid events. Yosho Masaki stood ready, a sneer on his face as he held the Tenchi-ken in his hands, the blade not drawn. Damn it, why did I have to be so stupid! Why did I have to fall asleep on this ship? That let that blasted thing kidnap Sakuya again, and hold her hostage. My own idiocy once again is costing me.... The only light, which filled the room, seemed to come from a large device on a platform in the ebon staircase. It appeared to be some form of vortex, or portal, yet the blinding light it gave off made details nearly impossible to see.

"Do you wonder what he's doing?" Leech laughed darkly with a head motion to the ebon knight sitting high above them. Grinning triumphantly the life-stealing creature called up to his dark master. "HEY BLACKSHIRE!"

With a groggy shaking of his head, Blackshire opened his eyes wide, peering down at them. "Ah... I was... elsewhere...."

"I'll say," the love siphoning beast proclaimed under his breath, "so what's our next move?"

"Next move..." the ebon warrior whispered. Suddenly his face contorted, becoming full of mirth and joy. "Computer, run The Omega Program...."

With a voice devoid of any emotion, the ship responded, "As you command master...."

Outside:

As the shots of the Ebon Shard fired randomly, the twin Ryo-Ohki's as well as the Yagami, which tried to flee the scene, following a preprogrammed course, nimbly dodges the meager attacks from the evil ship. Yet despite their superior dodging, not one of the weapons on any of the ships, could so much as dent the hull of the black vessel, for despite the sheer power of the twin Ryo-Ohki's, it was still no match for a ship whose shielding was built by Washu, the greatest scientific genius in the universe, nor could they know that the area they fought was none other than Torment itself.

At this time, the computer has just initialized Blackshire's command, and The Omega Program has begun. Where once the black star ship has possibly one hundred cannons, set to fire ineffectively and on low power, now there where hundreds of thousands, each designed to attack these mighty star faring vessels. The appearance from their hidden enclaves now gave the Ebon Shard the look of a large black porcupine, making the ship itself nearly impossible to see under the sea of cannons. A fraction of a moment later, each cannon fired, filling the void of space with blast after blast of emerald power.

In her life, both in Torment, and Delight, Ryo-Ohki had faced odds, which would blow ones mind, however even with 5000 years worth of experience, the outcome of this battle was easy to detect before it even began. Blackshire had spent many long hours, learning everything about his foes from the Database, and then used that knowledge, with his Chronological Enhancer, to upgrade his ship in ways no one could have ever fathomed. A mere breath after the attack began, both Ryo-Ohki's shields were failing, each shot was fired with extreme precision, and the sheer number of blasts made evasion tactics nigh impossible. However, all did not seemed lost, as the cabbit starships returned fire time and time again, in a vain attempt to his some major component to their foe. It was then that fate stepped in. Behind the two black starships with the red command center, an explosion occurred, one, which caused them to lurch forward. The Yagami had been destroyed. Reeling from the impact, each ship flew into thousands of blasts, and their death wails filled not only the emptiness of their surroundings, but also the minds of two women on board the evil vessel....

The Throne Room:

"Noooo...!" Yosho screamed, as he, along with the evil duo, watched as the Ebon Shard's unbelievable weapons system tore the two cabbit star ships to pieces. He had always heard of the legendary might of Ryo-Ohki, how it could not be beat, and if it was harmed, how it could regenerate. Yet as he watched the scene unfold before him, the young son of Tenchi swallowed hard, doubting that even his mothers familiar, the one creature that could possibly understand the darkest fears and sorrows she had ever known, could survive such a pummeling....

"Quiet a nice display, wouldn't you say?" the murderous demon beamed,

Channeling his hatred, into a living weapon, the golden-eyed creator of this evil, held his sword prepared for battle, as he roared, "I've had enough of your evil!" At that instant, the young man charged towards the ebon knight, a gleam of pure hate in his eyes.

"You actually think you stand a chance?" The ebon knight laughed, holding out his hand to form a green energy blade, the kind he had used countless times before. "It's sad, especially when you should be able to know from my thoughts where we are."

Torment...he must have crossed dimensions into Torment..."

Responding to Yosho's thoughts, Blackshire spoke, "in a manner of speaking. Actually I brought Torment to Delight. You see I realized last time..." the evil monster's voice stopped, as he teleported away, dodging a swipe of Yosho's glowing blade. "That I can't win in delight, not with the card so stacked against me.... However if I could fold space around me... It wasn't that hard really. I've already mastered time, as you'll soon see, so pulling the dimensions into an overlapping is mere child's play. "

"Quit your blabbing, and fight me!" The young man demanded, holding his sword at the ready.

"Very well," the ebon warrior sighed, "if you insist." With a hiss of matter dissipating, Blackshire disappearing, reappearing before Yosho an instant later, his black cloak blowing in the air around him and his powerful arms drawn back behind his head as he brought his weapon down with tremendous force. Using agility given to him from his mother, the young man swiftly positioned his blade between him and his foe. Despite his deflection, the black-haired youth still felt the impact of the blade, being knocked to his knees, gritting his teeth, the golden-eyed man pushed back against his adversary, doing his best to rise to his feet. "You've improved... I'm impressed."

As the tide of battle began to turn, the young man could see Blackshire's arms bending back, slowly the Jurain youth was gaining the upper hand. It was then he saw why. He had not been over powering his foe; instead the ebon monster had removed one hand from his emerald energy sword, forming a ball of power. Smiling so his chitinous teeth glistened in the pale light, Blackshire spoke, "catch...." With that he unleashed his power, hurling the young man away from him, as the energy smashed into his chest, nearly shattering his ribs.

"I was wrong about you, boy. You're still pathetic.... Leech," Blackshire laughed, glancing at the hostage situation behind him, "its time to go, but don't forget to leave a parting gift, to thank Yosho for his time and failed efforts...."

The chuckling life stealer grinned ear to ear, his jagged teeth glistening in the portal's light. Making a lightning quick motion with his claw, his sharp finger raked across Sakuya's throat, causing the scared woman to gasp for air, but only for a moment. Before she could even hit the icy floor Sakuya Kumashiro was dead, her life ended by the monster whom had taken Yosho's family from him.

The black-haired youth's response was understandable. Deep in his soul, the young Masaki felt a flame of hate erupt, a passion, which could be expressed in one word. Rising up to his legs, shakily, Yosho threw his arms behind him, and his head back as he roared that word. "BLACKSHIRE!" With an angry glare in his eyes, overpowered only by the fresh hurt he felt, the young man charged, his Tenchi-ken glowing powerfully as he rushed his ebon foe.

At the same instant, the translucent gargoyle stepped through the vortex, off on his horrible quest. Turning away from the angry youth, Blackshire laughed. "Do you know where he's gone, boy?"

Reaching his foe, the smaller combatant brought down the Tenchi-ken on his adversaries unprotected back, "I don't care! All I want is for you to die!" Before his weapon could strike its target, the ebon monster vanished, creating a hiss of dissipating matter in his wake.

"Now that's no way to talk to me, not when you hear my offer..." the demon said, appearing right behind Yosho. Worn from his battle, Yosho was in no position to dodge, as Blackshire's fist collided with his back, battering his weary, both mentally and physically, body even further. Landing hard, as well as skidding across the room, the golden-eyed man slowly picked himself up, trying to stand upright once again. With a heavy sigh, the unholy creature examined his nails as if they were more interesting than anything else. "That portal is no mere gateway. It takes Leech back to a particular time, a certain night. I know you can still feel me in your mind; we are forever bound together, after all. You know what day I am speaking of, and what his mission is."

Leech is going to that night, when my life died, the day it became a waking nightmare.... He's going to kill my father, and try to do the same to my mom....

That's the one," the emerald-eyed creature laughed glimpsing Yosho's thoughts. "However he thinks we're going to change time, and that he'll become a god. Sad how easy the young are to fool, isn't it? But there's more to this than what you think. When I met Lady Tokimi, she gave me access to her database, a place where all is known. From there I discovered the truth behind Leech, his DNA was a riddle, one that only I would understand. It maps out everything that has come to pass, is happening, and what will occur. In short I know all. I can't and won't lose! I have won this war every time for the last ten thousand times I have been in this cycle. You should congratulate me, boy. I'm about to be a father, I'm about to set events into motion to give birth, to an evil called Blackshire. The portal shall only be open a few more moments, and Leech's time travel also has more repercussions than you will ever know. You see changing the time and space constant so no one can interfere, as well as altering the very course of time in two Universes, has to have a cost. Your great grandfather, the original Yosho, your grandfather, Noboyuki, and dad, all paid a price. The first two paid with their lives, of course the chronological backlash made you all think it was a natural occurrence, and in a way it was. I suppose that would make me a force of nature.... As for your father, he didn't die, since Washu managed to cure him of his `disease....*' "

"You've been behind everything.... All my families pain, all the suffering... but what about the original Blackshire?"

"A minor note in history. Sadly Leech's passing occurred around the time that fool your mom and her friend fought had escaped Hell. Somehow his mental powers sense Leech, and he glimpses the same data I did, and created his own Blackshire, to kill my servant, and try to prevent my rise to power. You realize, of course, he failed.*" Spinning about, his black cloak whirling behind him, Blackshire grinned darkly. "The portal will be open for only a few moments longer. You have a choice; my back is open to you. If you attack me now, I swear I shall not move. But you will then lose your only chance to go back in time, and undo all I have done." Tensing, Yosho clutched his sword in his grasp tightly. "So what will it be?"

Looking back and forth between the evil tyrant and the gateway, the young man could feel his heart tear. My whole life, since the day Leech attacked, I've dreamed of killing Blackshire, of watching him die by hands, but if I take that path, then not only I, but countless others will have lost their lives because of my greed. However to go in the past, I may die, I might be wiped from existence.... With a rumbling growl in his voice, Yosho rose to his feet, "Damn you Blackshire!" An instant later a loud snap filled the air, the sound of a current being broken.

Looking over his shoulder, Blackshire grinned vilely. The last piece to that part of the puzzle is finished. Now, for the fun to begin....

Ryoko/ Sasami (Torment's) Path:

"AHHH!!" Ryoko Masaki screamed, falling to her knees before her companion, a woman dressed in fine white robes. "Ryo-Ohki.... No how could he...."

"What's wrong," Sasami reacted, kneeling before her friend, "Is Ryo-Ohki going to be okay?"

"No..." the golden-eyed woman hissed, "Blackshire has killed her. But I swear, he'll PAY!" Using all her fury, all her power, the lithe woman flew off, rocketing down the hallway, to meet the monster that had hurt her, and make him pay for his crimes.

"Wait, Ryoko! Come back!" the blue-haired woman screamed, chasing after her friend in vain. Pausing, the first princess of Jurai clutched her hands before her, afraid to be alone in this evil hall.

"Leave that monster woman be," a prim and proper voice snapped from behind her, "you'll only catch more of her poor traits, and end up a failure like her."

Spinning about on her heels, Sasami gasped, standing before her, with an azure glow about her, was Ayeka. "Sister..."

The glowing Ayeka merely smiled and nodded, opening her arms for a hug. "Yes, Sasami. I've come back for you...."

Down the hall:

Flying down the bleak hall full speed, the cyan-haired woman's blood began to boil, her emotions taking complete control of her actions, as she quickly leapt between anger and sorrow in an endless cycle. Blackshire... why must he forever be in my life? How many times must he die before he stays dead? Why can't he just die and leave me be? Like his predecessor, he's doing his best to take my life from me. As she flew, the golden-eyed woman's eyes brimmed with tears, and she swallowed hard. If only I'd have listened to Washu when she told me... then no one else would have had to die. Tenchi was already dead, there was no saving him, but because of me so many others had to die as well, and all this happened....

It was at that moment, she saw something further down the dark hall, or rather someone. It was a young man, with deep brown eyes, and a gentle smile on his face, he waved towards her with all the love in the world, yet the thing that had caught her keen golden-eyes first about him was what was on his finger, a small golden ring, with three gems, the wedding ring both her and her husband wore... "Tenchi..." she gasped landing before him. Her knees were weak as she tried to understand the bizarre occurrence before her. "Is that you...?"

The young man nodded slowly acknowledging her words, but saying nothing. In that instant the golden-eyed woman saw a soothing azure glow around the young man. "Yes it is him...." Another calmer voice said from beyond him. Slowly a woman came into view, it was Kiyone, yet she bore the same glow as the cyan-haired woman's beloved. "I'm here as well, and so is Mihoshi...."

As her name was announced, a voice echoed behind Ryoko, "Hey Ryoko! Long time no see! You're looking pretty good," the ditzy voice began, "so did you manage to get Leech, or are you dead like me and Kiyone?" Already knowing the owner of that voice, the young looking space pirate smiled.

"Hello Mihoshi, what are all of you doing here?" she asked, her smile fading away, "I thought you were all dead...."

"We are," Kiyone snapped, stepping in front of the young man, who remained quiet throughout this entire ordeal. "We're dead because of you, damned forever to roam this place. Toy's of Blackshire's amusement."

"Toys...." The cyan-haired woman muttered.

"Our souls belong to Blackshire forever," Mihoshi said, her usual joy fading away, "all because you didn't act. You let us die."

"Tenchi..." Ryoko gasped, looking at him with hurt eyes. The young man merely nodded his agreement to the two detectives statements. "I'm sorry I didn't know..."

"Well, it's not really so bad," the blonde woman replied, "I get to spend all my time here with Kiyone, of course things aren't quiet so good for Tenchi... but he did get to come to see you...."

Exhaling sharply, the teal-haired detective understood her living friends confusion. "Anyone who Leech killed is here. But Tenchi...." Biting her lip, Kiyone could only shake her head sorrowfully as she stepped back.

Reaching down, the young man grabbed the edge of his shirt, and with a quick upward tug, removed it. Ryoko swallowed hard, falling to her knees, placing her hands over her eyes. When she spoke it was only in a whimper, "no... not to you, not to my Tenchi...."

Tenchi/Ayeka/ Ryoko's Path:

Standing before a large black metal door, a young man pounded his fist time and again onto its surface, trying in vain to knock it down, as a proper woman, dressed in Jurai battle armor only watched, hope fading from her eyes with each blow. "It's no use,"

It was at that instant, a terrible soul-chilling scream filled the air, and Tenchi knew he could stay idle no longer.

"Ayeka," Tenchi shouted hastily, "It sounds like Ryoko is in trouble, please wait here. It might be a trap, if I'm not back in five minutes, then you'll know it was a trap. Otherwise, I'll be right back...." With that the young man was off, running as fast as is legs could carry him.

"Good luck..." she whispered watching him leave. "My Lord Tenchi...." Look at him, rushing off to save that monster woman, she told herself. Of course I know deep down in my heart that Lord Tenchi would do the same for any of us, no matter what it meant he must face. This past year has been one filled with terrible deeds, but in the end we have always managed to rise above it. I know that if anyone can save my sister it will be you Lord Tenchi. Though I myself do not care for her, you seem to have chosen this monster woman as your other, indeed giving her the honor of being the mother of your daughter. It was a job, which I will always regret not being able to do. However in that instant, I learned that though I love you with all my heart, and I know you care for me as well, the biggest part of your heart does not belong to me. It belongs to that woman, and your daughter. I pray you find them both quickly, so we can end this horror, and begin our lives again, picking up the pieces as best we can....

Further down the passage:

The pain was intense, sending liquid fire coursing through her veins. Her mind felt as if it were about to explode, as she knelt on one knee, trying her best to force the pain to stop, so she could continue with her quest. However despite all her power, all the mental abilities she possessed, nothing could make this pain hurt less. There simply was no getting around it; Ryo-Ohki was gone, this time for good. Taking the time to raise a hand to her eyes, Ryoko quickly wiped away her tears. As far back as I can remember she's always been there for me. Everyday in every way, even if she cut our link like she did when we learned Sasami and Tsunami are one, I could always feel her there. I always knew if she was all right, but now... my best friend in the whole world is gone. Poor thing, all she wanted was to play with Sasami and eat carrots, but now....

As the silver-haired woman cried, a sensation seemed to filter into her mind, blanketing her sorrow. Wanting the pain to end quickly, Ryoko embraced this lack of feeling, becoming one with it. As she did, her breathing slowed, and her eyes ceased their constant flow of tears. Closing her eyes tightly, the golden-eyed seductress rose to her feet, a look of grim determination on her face. It would have been a joyous sight; one where a person could know justice would be served, had she not opened her eyes then. As she did, an unholy light sprang forth, followed by an evil grin. With the sound of matter dissipating, the possessed woman vanished, ready to undertake her new masters orders.

Kiyone/ Mihoshi's Path:

Walking slowly down the dark hall, Kiyone and Mihoshi said hardly a word as they trotted forward, their guns aimed and ready. The only noise, which filled the passage, was the sound of their feet lightly hitting the floor, and Mihoshi's poor attempts at a muffled crying.

"Mihoshi!" Kiyone whispered with a gasp, "keep quiet, I can see a light up ahead. So get ready." Walking lightly, the two officers soon arrived at what appeared to be an opening. The narrow hall they had been walking down suddenly opened into a large well-lit room. One filled with fog, the only thing visible in the blinding fog, was the vague outline of columns, which held up the ceiling of the room.

"Where are we Kiyone?" The slow-witted officer asked, peering into the room, while trying to remain hidden, like her partner.

As the blonde woman's question finished, a dark laughter echoed in the foggy air. "Welcome to the inner sanctum. I've been waiting," a dark voice proclaimed. Through the thick fog, twin points of emerald light could be seen radiating high in the air. "Come get me, if you think you can..." As the evil voice ended, it seemed to echo in the large room,

As the two women exchanged a hurried look, Kiyone nodded, "Mihoshi you go right..." pausing the teal-haired woman decided to point, "go that way, and I'll go the other way. Remember, he's the one who killed everyone at headquarters, and not to mention Tenchi's grandfather and dad! Now visibility is low in there, so if you have to shot, make it count."

"Right Kiyone," Mihoshi nodded, stepping into the dark foggy room, seconds before her partner joined her. Each prepared to end this battle, once, and for all...

Sasami's (Torment) Path:

Sasami could not believe it, standing before her was Ayeka, the woman who had died nearly two years ago. "Ayeka," she shouted excitedly holding her arms out as she ran toward he sister. However when it seemed the pink-eyed woman would finally reach her sister, she merely stepped through her. "What..."

"I am a ghost, Sasami," Ayeka mused, turning to face the young woman who now stood behind her. "And I have come with a warning."

Looking embarrassed, as well as ill at ease, Sasami kneaded her robes in her hands as she nervously looked at her sister. "What kind of warning?"

Smiling, the spectral women bowed her head, "you must run Sasami... Run for your life. Blackshire is coming; he's already killed the others. Your only hope is to escape."

"It is too late," Ayeka, proclaimed, reaching out to touch her sister's face. It was a kind gesture, but ultimately futile, as her hand passed through the young girl. "I am already dead, a puppet for his dark whim. But if my life means anything, then you must survive... please... go..."

Sasami shook her head, tears in her eyes, "No, I won't leave you. You have to come with me, Washu can...."

"Washu is dead!" an evil voice roared behind her. Spinning about, the first princess was terrified to see Blackshire, in all his evil glory, standing before her, his eyes glowing with their unnatural hate. "Just like you..." Forming a ball of power in his hand, the ebon knight prepared to fire. Screaming, the blue-haired princess threw her hands in front of her face, preparing for the worst.

There was a flash of light, but when the young woman opened her eyes, she saw that she was unharmed. The reason why, made her eyes fill with tears. Ayeka stood between her and the ebon monster, her royal robes smoldering in the wake of Blackshire's blast. Time seemed to creep to a halt, as the purple-haired ghost fell to the ground, landing hard on her back. Turning to her frightened sister, the battered spirit gasp out a final message, "Sasami... run... you can't stop him...please go..."

Looking at her sister, then the ebon knight, the young woman with blue hair, felt something inside her snap, and then a surge of power, as Tsunami rose to the surface of her mind. "Blackshire..." the goddesses voice rang out, echoing in the hall. "For your terrible crimes, I now punish you." Holding forth one hand, the Goddess of Jurai fired an intense ball of azure power, while the evil beast merely grinned, as a sound like a thunderclap filled the air. Barely a breath later, the shot struck the demon, filling the hallway with intense light. As the light died down, terror covered Tsunami's face, as she gazed the sight before her. Not only had her attack done nothing to the evil monster, but he now held in his hand a black sword, one with long emerald cracks, emitting vile power.

"Was that all? I suggest you run and get help. You know what this sword is, don't you Tsunami?" Blackshire grinned, as he watched the tall Jurain back up.

"The Wings of the Darkraven... but how...?"

Making no reply, the sinister demon drew his sword arm back, and with a swift motion flung his horrible weapon towards her. Doing her best to recover from the shock, Tsunami threw up one of her best shields, but it was too little, too late. The ebon blast of power cut through the shield quickly, flying straight through her chest. With a deep gasp, the last princess of Torment's Jurai fell, as did the goddess called Tsunami.

"Wasn't that fun?" The evil creature asked her lifeless form, as he wished away his weapon. "Now then, I need to take you where you can do me more good, Sasami," Blackshire laughed, picking up the one lively woman's body. "Then we'll see to Ryoko." Looking back at the soul of Ayeka, which laid dead before him, the ebon knight smiled, "Computer! Well done! Now end holographic program Ayeka."

"As you command, master, "the ship stated, as the ethereal woman vanished. Mere moments before the ebon knight also fled, leaving a hiss of dissipating matter behind him.

Ryoko's (Torment) Path:

Further down the passage, lost in her own personal hell, Ryoko Masaki knelt before a glowing young man, as two other women, dressed in Galaxy Police garb, also glowing brightly.

"NO! How could he? How could this be possibly doing this to you, Tenchi? He isn't even the right Blackshire!" The cyan-haired woman cried, not wanting to look at her beloved any more. The sight of this young man, which at one time make her heart beat swiftly, now nearly ceased her hearts beating entirely. His young chest was covered in fatally deep scars, as if he had been thrown into a shredder. Whatever had made these clearly had been trying to take his life, once again. IT was in that moment, when Ryoko saw why her husband never spoke, as a strange discolored area near the base of his throat, glistened in his aura, his voice box seemed to have been removed, and only a scar remained in its place.

"You're wrong." Kiyone said, holding her arms over her chest, looking sickened as well. "There has only ever been one Blackshire, the first one we met was a fluke, a mistake. The one whose here, who caused Tenchi the pain he suffers every night, is the demon of legend."

"But don't worry," Mihoshi chimed from behind the grief stricken woman, "you and Tenchi are going to be able to be together again soon. I'm sure of it. Nothing can keep you two apart for long, right?"

The young space pirate smiled, looking into her beloveds loving eyes, completely lost in the world they created within her. "Tenchi..." she cried, "I'm so sorry for all this...." She was so lost in his appearance that the normally constantly alert space pirate never heard the hiss of matter behind her, nor did she see the ebon blade descend, as it took her life, and her head.

As the headless body landed with a thump, Blackshire grinned, picking up her severed head by her cyan hair. "You're all really so easy." He laughed, his emerald eyes glowing sinisterly. "A few holograms, some suggestive words, as well as air filled with drugs, can do SO much for one's diabolical schemes... Well, time to gather you up Ryoko, and move on." Once again the ebon demon vanished, and the `souls' of Ryoko's friends and family disappeared. The horrible lie, that was their lives, fading away forever.

Kiyone/ Mihoshi's Path:

Kiyone Mabaki prowled through the dense fog, in the poorly lit room, staying close to the massive pillars so as to have some cover. Where are you? She mentally asked, seeking the owner of this ship, her weapon ready to fire. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, the teal-haired detective saw an emerald color behind her, dropping into a roll, she quickly darted away form the pillar, as the blast collided with the powerful beam, sending metal shards flying everywhere. That was too close, Kiyone realized, watching for any movement. At that moment, she heard a scream, one of a young woman she knew all too well.

Mihoshi! The green-eyed woman realized, charging towards the noise full force. Within moments, the unlucky detective found her quarry. There standing with his back to her, next to a smoldering pile of rubble, was Blackshire. Oh no... he did it... he killed her! At that instant, rage overtook the nimble woman. "BLACKSHIRE," she howled, bring her small GP issue weapon before her, taking aim right at the monster's head. With a slow motion, the ebon knight turned, surprise in his eyes, as he held both hands forward, one with the pointer finger extended, as he took aim at her head. In that instant Kiyone fired, and the ebon monster turned his head to one side, wincing as he did the same....

Moments ago:

Mihoshi Kuramitsu held her gun nervously in her hands, timidly walking around a large pillar, trying her best to be brave, despite how scared she felt. As she prepared to turn the bend around another massive pillar, the ditzy blonde stopped, fear taking over her body. Oh, I can't get scared now! Not when everyone is counting on me. I have to get Blackshire, so we can save Mayuka, then we can all go home. Suddenly tears welled in her eyes, but there is no home anymore.... Well I won't give up! Cause Washu can probably fix this whole thing, she can do anything! It's like I told Kiyone at breakfast a few days ago.... As the goofy detective talked to herself unendingly, her confidence returned, and she took a step forward, just in time to avoid an emerald blast which struck the pillar beside her, sending shard of the massive support spilling onto the ground. Screaming loudly, as well as nearly jumping from her skin, the dark skinned woman pointed her gun at the rubble, as if it might attack her.

Just when it seemed her heart was beating a decent pace, the slow-witted blond heard a voice roar behind her. Turning slowly, the busty officer saw to her horror, Blackshire standing before her, his hands held forward as if he was about to fire a gun. Swallowing hard, and reacting on instinct, Mihoshi brought up her gun, pointing it quickly at her adversaries head. Turning her head to the side, not wanting to see the horrible even to follow. Wincing she fired off a shot, just as she heard the black chitinous armored warrior release his own blast....

A few seconds later:

The twin shots of Mihoshi and Kiyone finally faded, as each woman lay on their backs, a bullet wound in their forehead. Blood poured freely onto the ground, and soon a familiar sound of hissing matter filled the quiet room. "Poor, Kiyone," Blackshire laughed, as he examined the two woman. "You always thought Mihoshi would be the death of you, I suppose you were right. It's too bad you didn't realize this fog was a class A hallucinogen. Otherwise you might not have killed each other." Shrugging casually, the ebon knight hefted the two GP officers' onto his shoulders. "Oh well, I suppose I'd better get you ready for the big show. You definitely don't want to miss this!" With a sinister laugh, which echoed in the great room, Blackshire vanished, taking his latest victims with him to further his vile plans.

Tenchi/Ayeka/ Ryoko's Path:

"What are you doing standing here, little princess," a sinister voice asked from behind the young Jurain, the last full blood member of her race. The shock of that question caused her to spin around, and she let out a sharp breath as she saw who it was behind her.

"Ryoko!" Ayeka said excitedly. "I was worried you were Blackshire, now come on. We must hurry; Lord Tenchi is looking for you. We must go meet him, so we can rid ourselves of this dire threat."

"Yes, Masaki and I will meet soon enough," Ryoko, laughed, her eyes glowing an unholy green. "But you won't...." Reaching forward lithe woman grabbed the hair on the back of Ayeka's head, giving it a hard jerk. With a yelp of pain, the slender princess soared back, drug by her purple locks into the far wall by her super powered ally.

"What is the meaning of this Ryoko?" The Jurain Princesses asked, winded by the impact with the hard metal of The Ebon Shard's hallways. To her horror when Ayeka looked up, she did not see her one time rival and friend, but a being with horrible eyes. Her ears were filled with the hissing sound, as the busty space pirate formed an energy sword.

"I'll tell you what I'm doing," the red and black clad seductress grinned, stabbing the sword forward, causing Ayeka to cry out in pain as it punctured her chest, mere inches above her chest. "I'm doing whatever I want...."

Further down the Hall:

Tenchi Masaki stopped, as he a horrible scream once again broke the eerie silence of the Ebon Shard's vile hallways. "Ryoko?" the voice screeched inhumanly.

Lady Ayeka! The young man mentally gasped, stopping in his quest to find his silver-haired love. She's in trouble I have to help her, looking back, he knew he must help the purple haired woman, yet at the same time the brown-eyed youth could not deny his desire to save Ryoko.

Before he could act, he was attacked. Yet it was not a physical attack which hit him, but a mental one. Gasping from pain, the last of the Masaki line fell to his knees, as his brain erupted with unbelievable pain. Only once before had he experienced this form of suffering and even then he had suppressed it. It had been when Blackshire had tried to control him, and failed. However this time things were different, Tenchi stood in Torment itself, and he was on board The Ebon Shard, where foe with the dark soul reigned supreme. Those two things, combined with his worry over his friends, were enough to drive him to his knees, and finally to all fours. Moments of suffering felt like hours of extreme pain, but finally as it had before, the searing pain died down, and the young man stood to his feet, however this time his eyes irradiated an unholy power, and a sinister grin crossed his face happily. "Those two I swear... they never learn," he uttered in a dark psychotic tone, "I suppose it's time to end all this then..." Stepping forward, Tenchi vanished, creating a hiss of matter, leaving the hall, to undertake his sinister plot.

Back at the entrance to the Hall:

Tears rolled down the red-eyed woman as she looked at the silver-haired woman, trying to comprehend the purpose of this assault. "But why... you have everything... Lord Tenchi's love... a daughter... why are you attacking me?"

"Please," the lithe demoness laughed darkly, "I don't care about Tenchi's love, I NEVER did. It was just the easiest way to get my gems back. He fell for my lies so easily," Smiling sinisterly, the golden eyed woman noticed her fallen rival was crying, shaking her head as she refused to believe her comrades words. Rage seemed to boil in the silver-haired woman's veins, as she glared at her adversary. "Besides, you're wrong Ayeka," Ryoko frowned, holding a hand towards the bleeding woman, "there is one thing you have that I will always want, for as long as you live. That one thing is, of course, your life!" Saying nothing more, the possessed woman fired all her power into the weaken woman, and in doing so, took the last thing Ayeka felt she had left to lose....

Throwing her head back in victory, the lithe woman chuckled merrily. "I did it! I killed that annoying little princess!" Suddenly, the joy on the lithe woman's face vanished, as she blinked furiously, and saw what she had done.

Oh no, the golden-eyed woman gasped, taking a step back from the horrible sight. What have I done? This is just like my nightmares, but then where's Tenchi? He's supposed to....

Almost as if on cue, the silver-haired space pirate's body jerked, as she look down, to see an azure blade erupting from between her ample breasts. Feeling weak, she instantly fell to the floor. With a weak effort, the slender woman looked at her attacker, her breath coming in short terrible gasps, "Tenchi...."

Standing behind her, a smile on his young face, as he looked down at the ground, his eyes firmly closed, was the man she cherished more than life itself, Tenchi Masaki. "Damn you..." he growled in a low tone, his smile turning into a frown. "Damn you, Ryoko! You killed Ayeka? How could you be so heartless? How could you do that to the woman I love?

"The woman you love," Ryoko screamed, propping herself up on her elbows, but I thought..."

"You thought? Oh that is quiet amusing!" the young man growled. "Didn't you know that my first love was Ayeka? The only reason I keep you around is for Mayuka's sake, but since you couldn't ever keep her safe, what good are you? I can't believe I ever thought of you as anything more than a beast, a worthless monster! You thought I loved you? Ayeka and I had been waiting, until the day Mayuka didn't need you, so we could get rid of you. After all," Tenchi turned, preparing to walk away, "how could anyone ever love someone as horrible as you?"

"No...Tenchi, please... don't say that..." the wounded woman gasped, one hand reaching towards him, shaking like a leaf in a hurricane, as her other hand held the wound in her chest, in a vain attempt to hold in the seeping blood.

"Don't say what?" The brown-haired man asked, slightly turning his head as if to look over his shoulder, "that you're worthless to me? That I hate you? Is that it? Please Ryoko, if you still care about me, and my daughter do us all a favor, and die. It'll be the first thing in your life you ever did right." Leaning back, to stand tall, the young man began to walk away, back into the darkness, "you cost me everything, Ryoko. Now please, be a good space pirate, and burn in hell...."

Laying her head back on the purple princess's body, Ryoko could feel her own blood trickling down her body, merging with Ayeka's fresh blood on the floor. It would have been child's play to fix the wound. However, as she listened to the young man's stabbing words, the golden-eyed woman could not find a reason in her heart to do so. Tenchi... she cried, you promised me, when Blackshire appeared on Plesruis, that no matter what, you'd always love me. You've never lied to me before, why, why did you have to start now, and why about that...?

As Mayuka's mother stopped breathing, the young man stopped, an inhuman laugh erupting from his maw, as he dropped to his knees, suddenly appearing exhausted. Seconds later, the sweating youth opened his eyes, which were vacant of any evil. The only thing visible was grim determination, and loving patience, the kind, which Tenchi was best known for.

What just happened? The heir to Jurai asked himself as he rose, the last thing I remember was hearing Ayeka scream and... turning about slowly, Tenchi could not believe his own eyes, for the sight he beheld was beyond imagination. There lay Ryoko, the woman he loved with all his heart, so much in fact, that he had given her the title of mother of his child, and also shared his bed, as well as life with her. Behind the silver-haired space pirate, was the still body of Ayeka Jurai, blood running from a gapping hole in her chest, like something an energy blast at close range would cause. HE was quick to recognize it, since Ryoko had quiet often blown up things around the house.

"RYOKO! LADY AYEKA!" he screamed, running forward to pick up the limp body of the golden-eyed woman. "Oh no... what have I done..." As he looked at the horrible scene before him tears rolled quickly down his cheeks, and painful memories, of a time long ago when Ryoko had warned him of this day, came to the front of his mind. It must have happened just like her dream, but how... why... who...? The answer to his question, he knew, lie all around him, it was the easiest answer he had ever received for a question. Blackshire....

With heavy tears in his eyes, the young man set the woman he cherished more than his own life down gently. "Ryoko, Ayeka, I promise you I will not let him get away with this! Blackshire will die for what he's done. I don't care what happens to me, his life is over!" Holding his sword threateningly before him, Tenchi shook his fist in rage, before turning to continue down the seemingly endless chamber towards the monster called Blackshire who awaited him.

Moments after he had gone, a dark form melted out of the ground, it's chitinous frame and evil grin making the creatures identity unmistakable. "A pity you had to die..." Blackshire grinned, grabbing the dead women in his calloused hands, "but you still have a use...." With an evil laugh, the black-hearted beast disappeared, taking the two recently departed women with him.

Moments Later:

The Throne Room:

Arriving at twin doors, the young Jurain hurled both fists forward, causing the twin doors to fly open with a resounding boom. "Why..." Tenchi growled as he stood in the doorway, a faint light shining behind him, so that only his silhouette was visible.

Peering into the room, the bold warrior had to take a deep breath, as he took in the retched throne room. Suspended from the walls, by horrible hooks and chains, most rust covered, and barbed, was his friends, his family. Ryoko and Ayeka, whom he had just left, had their chains run around their arms, and necks, making it appear as if they had died by hanging, instead of by Blackshire's malicious intervention. Kiyone and Mihoshi, were the most puzzling, yet no less disturbing, of the deceased, as each had a hole in their heads, apparently shot by someone with excellent marksmanship. Laying on the floor, was Ryoko Masaki, her head laying sideways in her lap, having been removed from her body, and Sasami, like Ayeka and the silver-haired woman, also hung draped from the ceiling by massive rust covered chains. Everyone was dead, and as the young man looked closer, he suddenly saw something even more unnerving; each woman's eyes had been propped open, causing them to bear a look of sheer terror, as the seemed to gaze right into his soul. Above each woman, was an ethereal monitor, which bore a recording of that woman's demise, bolstering himself Tenchi watched Blackshire's terrible, scenes unravel, the screams of his loved ones echoing in his brain.

Descending from his throne, his arms open as if in an act of friendship, Blackshire, motioned to the women to his right, "Do you like my collection? I thought it would be a good idea to invite them here, after I killed them. So you'd know I wasn't making anything up with those videos." The demon laughed, teleporting beside Tenchi's love, to rub the back of his hand on the cyan-haired woman's face, as one would pet an animal. "And now you can see just how serious I am. There is no one who can save you, Masaki."

"I know you've always wanted me, Blackshire!" Tenchi growled, his voice sounding like gravel, due to the hate he felt towards this abomination before him. "So why did you have to kill them? They did nothing to you, you had no reason to involve them!"

Turning around, the ebon knight sneered, furrowing his brow deeply. "Why? You have the GALL to ask me that after all this time? You dare to ask me why I have done what I've done!" There came no reply from the young man, only a powerful glare emitted from his eyes. "Your family, and friends, distract you from your true purpose. So I have taken away the distractions in your life, piece by piece, giving you JUST enough time for the pain to subside before hitting you again. Look at you," he roared pointing towards his opponent with open arms, like a man welcoming his son home. "Your mind is clear and focused, your body tense and ready, you are a perfect warrior. Everything I ever wanted in an adversary."

Holding the Tenchi-ken limply in his hands, the young man felt his heart drop. "If I am a perfect adversary, it's not because of anything you've done."

"Believe what you will, but thanks to me, there will be no distractions in your mind, no lovers, relatives, friends, or children to cloud your thoughts. Only perfect untainted hate, pure and simple, directed solely at me. For the first time in my life, I will face a foe who is worthy to stand before me!"

Children... Mayuka... "What have you done with my daughter, you damn monster?" The grandson of Yosho demanded, as the blade on the Tenchi-ken blasted forth, radiating powerfully in his young, yet strong hands. He was the last hope of the universe, the last survivor of Jurai and Earth. "Where is she?"

"Mayuka? Let's just say I found the demonic essence in her, gave her life force a flavor I don't think I'll ever taste for the rest of my life." Holding his arm out towards the angered father, Blackshire smiled, "but enough talk..." at that instant, an emerald blade, his main weapon before Tokimi's gift, appeared. Beaming with fiendish pride, the ebon monster took a step forward, continuing to point the sword at Tenchi. "Since you seem to insist on using that toy to fight me, I am not going to show you the full fury of my power, not yet anyway."

Stepping forward, ready for battle, Blackshire suddenly straightened, pointing behind himself with his free hand, "oh, and to make this interesting, the portal behind me leads to the past. To torment, where Leech is going to kill you, and cause all this to begin anew! If you can kill me, you can go back and stop him. However to do that you'll need to kill me, and I won't be pulling punches. This time I promise, no more running, no more games, and no Ryoko to save you. This is it, winner take all, you verses me, mano eh mano, end game! Now then shall we?"

Taking a moment to place the device Washu had given him on the ground, the young man looked at his enemy with an intense hate he had never known before. He's taken everything from me... Ryoko, Ayeka, Sasami, Washu, Kiyone, Ryo-Ohki, Mihoshi, dad, grandpa, and even my daughter. My life is gone, but I can't give up, no matter how strong he may think he is. I still have the Lighthawk sword, to use if I need to. I swear, after I kill you, Blackshire, I'll stop that monster you created, and your evil reign will come to an end! Grasping the Tenchi-ken tightly in his hands, as he glared at his enemy, Tenchi no longer saw a monster called Blackshire. He only saw an obstacle; one, which stood in his way of saving his, loved ones. With a final glimpse at the endlessly looping displays of his family's deaths, Tenchi Masaki roared, and charged the ebon demon.

Feeling even more anger than he would have thought possible, Tenchi nearly flew at his foe, and in a blurred motion, brought the Tenchi-ken down. Reacting with unspeakable speed, the ebon knight caught Tenchi's blade with his own, and the two warriors glared at each other, the final battle had now begun. "You're wrong, Blackshire..." the young man growled, passion in his sparkling angry eyes, "all you're horrible games have done, is make sure there is no one left to stop me from killing you, and my name is not Masaki, it's Tenchi. Remember that, because it's the name of the man who's going to kill you!"

Universe of Torment:

Back in Time:

Yosho stood, battered and bruised, in the woods between his family's home, and the Masaki shrine. Blood trickled from an open wound in rivers down the young man's face as he scanned the area, his good arm holding the Tenchi-ken, its blade casting the only light in the area. Where is he? Where's Leech?

Breathing raggedly the golden-eyed youth couldn't help but smile. I'm doing it; my life is about to change! I'm about to change time; soon dad and all my family will be alive again! But I can't help wonder how Leech killed my great-grandfather and grandfather... His aura is nothing like mine, and yet... Of course! Blackshire probably expected me to kill him, thus the portal would close, and he could kill me on that ship. Then he could come back here whenever he wanted, and alter time without my presence. What I wouldn't give to see the look on his face when he sees I'm destroying his life's work.... I'm going to kill Leech, like I should have when last we met, this is the universe of Torment, but I don't care. Leech has officially run out of luck, once and for all!

As the young man planned his victory, he was unaware of a presence perched high above him in the trees. A beast who resembled a translucent gargoyle, his red eyes glowing happily as he eyed his prey. Yosho... what a pleasant surprise... now I have something to entertain me, since it'll be almost an hour before Tenchi shows up...It won't be long now, and I'll be a god, then all in delight will be mine. All their love, all their joy, all of it for me to siphon!

Next Time: Leech and Yosho battle in the past, while their respective fathers dual on The Ebon Shard. Can Tenchi overcome this unparalleled evil? Will the Lighthawk Sword be able to succeed against the Sword of the Darkraven? And who is Blackshire, really? Chapter 24: A Goddess Ascends

* Ryoko's Birthday Part 4 (The Curse of Kagato!) * Original Title: No One Gets Out Alive (or rather this was to be chapter 24's title, but this works out better....) * Vegeta Muyo 2: The Final Bout (he's talking about Cell Zero!))