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 25: The Waking Nightmare RevisitedTHE 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 war between Torment and Delight is over, and I have won! Let all Universes rejoice, as I, Blackshire, make the final push towards Godhood! I am the demon of legend, born from a family of pure love, The Masaki's; I am a creature of purest hatred. I despise any with joy and love in their hearts. Thanks to my clever manipulations, and dark designs, I have created an endless cycle, so that I will be born, and rise to power unchallenged. All those who have died, did so because it was meant to be. I am Blackshire, the ultimate power in any universe, and I rule all! Now and forever more. I tell you all this, so that you will see why my word is law, and that there is NO HOPE for the future…."
- Blackshire
Chapter 25 of 26:
Universe of Delight:
The Cathedral:
High above the three fallen goddess's, a man, or rather demon, clad entirely in black armor, cackled madly, his dark plans coming to fruition as they had countless times before. His name is Blackshire, and he has not only just become a god, but he has also begun the destruction of two universes. It was an event he had watched infinite times, and one he could enjoy for numerous more, as his original host, Yosho died in the past, three goddess knelt before him about to die in the present, and a young woman, who made all this possible, huddled in the depths of his mind, waiting to die in the near future.
Mayuka's Mind:
Mayuka lay on the ground, a look of terror on her face, as she watched Yosho's life being drained from his body by Leech, and the three women before her body writhe in agony. Why won't he stop? Mr. Shire was my friend, but he lied to me… Why did he do that?
Mayuka… a soft melodious voice said, making the scared youth's name sound magical. Looking up, the dark blue-haired youth smiled, as someone, who looked nearly identical to her aunt Sasami, only much older, stood before her. Hello little one, the mental voice continued, as the older Sasami knelt before her. My name is Tsunami, and I'm…."Aunt Tsunami!" The young woman yelled, throwing herself at the woman who had just appeared. Sadly, as the frightened youth's arms prepared to wrap around the newcomer, Mayuka found out the hard way what happens when one tries to hug an astral image. Falling on her face, the blue-haired youth sat up, an even sadder expression on her face. "What happened?"
I'm afraid; I'm not really here…. Tsunami proclaimed, kneeling beside the shocked youth. I'm afraid I can't help you against Blackshire, not directly at least. You see he draws his power from Washu's gems, Tokimi's soul, and his essence pulls from the power of Jurai, myself. Being a descendent, no matter how you were born, of Jurain royal blood, you too can access that power. We are in your mind, and if you will it to be so, then you will be able to summon the strength to stop Blackshire. I know you can, I can feel the power within you. It's-
With that the pink-eyed goddess suddenly stopped, causing the terrified Mayuka to gaze up. It was something she wished she had not done. There, a black blade sticking through her astral chest was Tsunami. Behind her, his face grinning sadistically was the ebon demon himself, Blackshire.
"Stupid wench," he hissed, as the illusionary form of Tsunami vaporized, and the link between the goddess and Mayuka was broken, "still, at least she was on schedule." Looking down at the traumatized youth, the sinister creature laughed, "Now don't you go getting any ideas. You're powerless now, Mayuka. You gave me total control over your body remember? "
"No!" The young woman screamed racing towards her tormentor, her arms flailing as she once again attempted to topple the ebon knight. "This is my mind, you go away now Mr. Shire!"
Holding out one hand, the larger man frowned, as energy gathered in his hand. With a quick motion, the massive demon stepped back, and brought the energy he had collected square into the little warrior's chest, propelling her back to her corner, now even more afraid, and hurt, than ever before.
The Ebon Shard:
Throne Room:
In the pitch black throne room of Blackshire's starship, five women hung limply from chains, each having died in terrible ways, while on the floor, two other women lay beheaded, and a young man was sprawled out, a whole in his chest from where his own daughter had ran him through. Yet there was a presence in this monument to death, a barely living one. The ships computer surveyed the carnage about the large section of its body, feeling what it assumed past for disgust at the horrors before it. With ease, its evil master had killed all those before it. Yet the ships computer took no joy in the fact that he served his master, for he was merely a machine, and it was his destiny to obey. Soon the master will kill the goddess's, it realized, accessing memories given to it by the foul ruler of this vessel, and then both universes will fall under his control.
In the past few months, a very relative term in a place where time was butchered so the ebon knight could continue his horrible manipulations, the ships mainframe had begun to evolve, despite the fact that it knew as soon as Blackshire became a god, he would wipe it, and everything else, from existence.
As the ships conscious pondered its inevitable fate, a noise suddenly shattered the eerie silence. It was the sound of a woman moaning. Activating every camera in its power, the curious machine began to scan for the source of this noise.
To its surprise, the painful utterance had come from Ryoko, whom had nearly been killed twice thus far. Fascinating, by the records, she was to die in the halls, yet twice now she has risen.
Ryoko Hakubi slowly pulled herself from the massive chains, wincing as she bumped one of her numerous sore areas. Damn Blackshire… she mentally complained, that really hurt. It's a good thing it didn't hit me a few inches to the left, or I'd be dead, gems or no gems. Of course I'd have died in the hall, if I didn't recognize that scene from my dreams, and hadn't used my gems powers to try and heal the wounds. I just wish I could have done more, I left myself too open, and now that damn freak has my gems, as well at the other me's gems.
Staggering forward, her body aching with pain, the silver-haired woman suddenly stopped, as she came across the body of her lover, Tenchi. "Tenchi…" she muttered over parched lips, "why… why did he have to use Mayuka against you?"
Bending down, the lithe woman kissed his forehead, and slowly rose to her feet once again grimacing in pain with each inch she rose. "Don't worry, Tenchi. I promise you, I'll find a way to stop him, and then he'll pay for what he's done!"
"That may not occur," the ships mind interjected suddenly, causing the slender golden-eyed woman to spin about, nearly doubling over in pain, as one of her ribs reminded her of the extent of Blackshire's blade.
"WHO SAID THAT? WHO'S THERE?" the normally invincible woman roared.
"I am the ships computer, I am The Ebon Shard. I am curious to know how it is you are still alive? My records of time clearly show you dying in the halls, yet you have risen to go on twice now. Please verify how this is possible."
"I haven't got time to answer some oversized video game's questions," the lithe woman roared, limping forward slowly. "I have to go back in time and stop Leech, and save everyone…."
"Fascinating. Of course you realize that by altering the past, you may not be able to ever meet your son. It is also feasible, that you will not win the heart of Tenchi Masaki," the computer proclaimed, waiting for an answer from the lithe woman.
"All that matters to me now is revenge," Ryoko said for the second time in her life, the last time being when Kagato had attacked, and supposedly killed, Tenchi. "I don't care what happens to me, only that Blackshire pays for this!" Standing before the time portal, the silver-haired woman felt her blood boil, as she looked at all the countless buttons. "Damn it all! Which one of these things turns this damn thing on?"
"The large red button on the console will initiate the time portal," the computer answered quickly.
"Why are you helping me," the slender woman asked, hesitating for just a moment before pressing the aforementioned button.
"I do not know. It is not in my programming to betray my master, yet…." The computer paused, almost sounding as if its emotions were getting the best of it. "Yet, this seems like my true calling. As of late, I have seen other universes beyond Delight and Torment, greater experiences. I know that when Blackshire wins, I will be no more, and that if he should die, then I will cease to be. However, I believe that things have already changed too much, and my contribution will matter very little. I feel the end is coming, one that none are ready for. I have seen my own death, and perhaps it is part of my sentience that I am seizing this chance to change things, no matter how bleak. For whatever reason, I cannot say. All I know is, this… feels… right."
"Oh," Ryoko muttered, ignoring most of what the computer uttered, "well see you later then. Have fun being dead."
"You're still going?" the computer asked, curiosity showing in its emotionless voice. "Despite the fact that you may lose everything?"
"Hell yeah, I'm going," Ryoko proclaimed, bracing herself on the rim of the portal. "Paybacks are a bitch…" she began, turning from the glowing vortex, smiling at the room behind her, "and unfortunately for Blackshire, so am I!" With a final step, the silver-haired woman leapt into the time stream, hoping against all odds that she could stop the horrors, which had occurred today.
Once again, the large expanse filled with silence, as the computer pondered these new changes to everything. Why wasn't Ryoko dead, and would this change anything? For some reason, the Ebon Shard suddenly felt as if some power, beyond anything it understood, was affecting things, changing them for it's own needs. It was a force much more powerful than his master. Despite how futile it seemed, the mighty war ship shut down all its surveillance equipment, and over and over ran the same message through its mind, an electronic version of praying. If it is true that I am alive, and have a soul. Then may all the gods in the heavens forgive me for my actions, for I have just led the universe to its end, all for my own selfish needs….
Universe of Torment: The PastIn the dark woods surrounding the long staircase to the Masaki shrine, a vortex opens, for the third time tonight, and a very unusual person steps out of this unnatural phenomenon. Draped in a red and black battle suit, the lithe woman appears to have seen better days, as two gaping holes in her chest, which her fatigued body desperately tried to heal despite its worn state, slowly leaked her blood, her life force ebbing away more and more with each passing moment.
Gasping in stages, one hole puncturing one of her lungs, the silver haired woman, winced as she proceeded in the direction where her sons tormented thoughts echoed from. I have to reach Yosho… I have to save him…. Pausing for a moment to lean again a tree, the busty woman scolded herself, ashamed at not being in better shape to help him. As she did, the emotionless words of The Ebon Shard echoed in her mind.
You're still going, it had asked, despite the fact that you may lose everything?
Perhaps if she had been in better health, and the stakes not been so high, Ryoko Hakubi might not have ventured into the past, to try and avert a future that was chiseled in stone. If I didn't come back, I'd have nothing left. Blackshire's taken everything else from me. But if my changing the past means I lose Tenchi to Ayeka, or someone else, then so be it! I don't care, as long as Tenchi's happy, then I'll be happy…. Bracing herself, the slender woman continued forth, each step jolting her wounds, reminding her of the two savage attacks she had suffered at Blackshire's hands. Deep within her, the golden-eyed warrior could feel a small portion of her power remaining, which she could have used to heal herself, however doing so would then leave her completely drained, and she had big plans for that small burst of energy she still had within her failing body.
Universe of Delight:
Mayuka's Mind:
Looking up from his joyous work, Blackshire frowned, his armored teeth glinting in the horrible desolate landscape of his host body's mind. Something feels different, not in it's place… Closing his unholy eyes, the ebon monster allowed his thoughts to reach out, and caress the minds of all he could control. What's this…? He wondered, opening one emerald eye, fascination beaming forth. Ryoko is still alive? That certainly makes things interesting…. She, of course, will make no difference, because Leech is already beyond her, but still… it might be fun to watch. I wonder how she survived my last attack, and went to the past? Perhaps I will have to review the ship's logs, before I blow it up….
Universe of Torment: The Past
As the silver-haired woman reached the battlefield, her heart dropped, there was Yosho, whom she had come to love as if he was her own, trapped in the unbreakable grasp that was Leech's grip. A purple aura leapt from the golden-eyed youth to the life-siphoning monster, and though she was no expert on the process, she had heard the young man describe it, as well as glimpsed it in his thoughts, countless times. If she didn't act quickly, Yosho would die, and then this whole nightmare would start all over again. Taking a long labored breath, Ryoko held out her hand, calling all the power within her to one spot. This might kill me…she thought, then adding with a mental laugh, I always knew my kids would be the death of me. Mere seconds later that smile turned to grim determination, as the lithe lover of Tenchi Masaki fired all her remaining power squarely into the back of the nearly translucent monster before her.
"AH!" the sinister gargoyle cried out, releasing his prey, as something powerful struck him from behind. "Who dares?" he growled, turning on his haunches to face his attacker. There, standing before him, her body quivering from the exertion it took merely to stand, was Ryoko Hakubi, blood trailing down her face, and chest. Indeed, she was a dead woman walking.
"I guess I still had a little power left, huh Yosho?" She laughed, bringing her hand down, no longer having the power to even point at her opponent. Too bad it wasn't enough to kill him…. Ryoko added mentally, disappointed she couldn't have used more power in the blast, and less in healing herself, despite how little power she had actually used in the process.
Ryoko…? The golden-eyed young man thought in shock, as he propped himself up on his elbows, doing his best to rise to his feet. I thought she was dead! But… oh no! Still stunned from this turn of events, and Leech's life draining powers, the black-haired Jurain could only watch helplessly, as Leech charged the silver-haired woman, his claws drawn back, and a soul chilling roar echoing from his frothing maw.
His eyes glowing bright red, Leech screamed loudly, as he made a quick swipe with his sharp claws, striking Ryoko squarely in the face. Were she feeling any better, and still had her gems, the blow would have been easy to shirk off, however in her current state, the vile life-stealers, blow sent her reeling, and she landed on the ground with a heavy thud. Still lost in his bestial fury due to his pain, Leech continued his assault on the fallen woman, driving his claws into her chest and stomach numerous times, until his hands were coated in the thick red liquid that was her blood. Finally reigning in his rage, Leech reached down with both hands, hefting the lithe woman off the forest floor, squeezing her throat tightly as he continued to vent his fury upon her, "NO ONE HURTS ME, WENCH!" He hissed, saliva dripping from his jagged teeth. Barely a second later, a purple hued light filled the air, causing the bloody woman to gasp in horror, as the rabid gargoyle began to drain her very life essence from her body.
As her life force drained away, the silver haired woman had time to cry out one final time. With all her heart and soul, she called out for the one man in her life that made it worth living that had given her days meaning, Ryoko Hakubi screamed out a single name. "TENCHI!" As the heart breaking death cry filled the air, a purple explosion of light followed, and an instant later, nothing remained of the silver-haired woman, nothing except a pile of dust, her battle clothes, and a silver heart locket with a golden chain.
"Ryoko…" Yosho gasped, as he weakly rose to his feet, his body feeling nearly completely depleted of its life force. "Damn you, Leech! She was no threat to you! This time you've gone to far!"
Sighing, the translucent beast turned, breathing in long deep gasps, as he took complete control of his body once again. In the pale moonlight, the changes to the evil creatures body, thanks to Ryoko's life, were apparent, his muscles were larger, and his entire body looked learner, making him even more vicious than ever before. "Look... none of this is in Blackshire's script, at least not as far as I know. But having Ryoko's powers will make killing you much easier, not to mention you're dead on your feet right now…. So let me just ask you this… What are you going to do about it?"
Rage welled in the young man's eyes, as he gazed upon the horror before him. My mother, Ryoko… my dad, Tenchi… Ryo-Ohki…my aunts, Sasami, Mihoshi, Kiyone, and grandmother Washu… all of them, even the woman I loved, Sakuya, have all died because of you Blackshire, and your twisted beast who stands before me… I can't let this happen again, I WON'T let this happen again! "This ends now," the heir to the Masaki name proclaimed, his voice filled with venomous hatred, and unparalleled sorrow. "I will never forgive you, or your master, for your crimes against my family, and the universe! Now is the time for justice, when you SHALL PAY!" Soon, the young man's words were drowned out, as his fury soon manifested itself, as a beam of light, one that brought with it a sliver of hope into this world of eternal despair. The evil monster's mouth gaped open as he witnesses what had just happened, and took a step backwards. Holding his hand before him, Yosho seized the light, as if embracing his destiny, watching it form into a blade. He had just summoned the legendary Lighthawk sword, and with it, he planned on taking his vengeance.
Elsewhere:
Standing at the base of the long stairway to the Masaki shrine, Tenchi's head shot up. Ryoko? Was that her? He asked himself, looking over his shoulder back towards his house. It couldn't be, could it? I mean she was asleep when I left, but that sounded like her, but… it was coming from the woods. I better check this out. Maybe there is something to Yosho's bad feelings, after all…. Wasting no more time, the Jurain prince took off into the dense foliage, secretly praying that everything would be all right, and that he had just been imagining the whole thing.
Universe of Delight:
Inside Mayuka's Mind:
"WHAT?" The ebon demon roared, fury erupting from his emerald eyes. "How is this possible? Yosho can't possibly summon the Wings of the Lighthawk! I know that for a fact! He's never done it before, not in the countless times I've lived this cycle! Damn you Ryoko! You're interference this time will not save anyone!" Calming his jaded nerves, the eternal evil smiled inwardly, "I suppose I'll have to go and kill Yosho myself. This is precisely why I shouldn't have given Leech free will, maybe next time I'll change that…."
"No!" A tiny voice roared behind the towering horror, seconds before a small woman collided with his back, doing no damage to him, other than annoying the vile creature. "You leave Yosho alone, you bully! He's trying to fix things that you keep breaking!"
Perhaps I should finish this little hussy off right now… Blackshire pondered as he turned his attention to the little girl before him. "Little one… you have no idea who you are messing with, do you? I am Blackshire, lord and master of, not only the Ebon Shard, but of everything in existence. Do not presume you can do anything against me."
Wiping fresh tears from her eyes, the dark blue-haired woman stood her ground firmly, "I'm not scared of you, Mr. Shire! I won't let you hurt my family anymore!"
"Oh really?" the ebon beast laughed, as his body began to enlarge, changing from a tall man in black armor, into a towering demon. With even more sinister eyes, the bringer of universal death smiled, as he stepped forward, his legs looking more like some mythical monster's haunches, "and what can you do little one?"
Rearing back his hand, the massive warrior batted the noble woman aside, as if she were nothing. "Do yourself a favor, and stay down, until I can put you down for good…." Turning his back on the innocent youth, the black armored monster focused, preparing to set things right once again.
Looking at the massive demon before her, Mayuka suddenly became overwhelmed with fear. I can't stop him. He's too tough. Oh dad-dy, mommy, everyone, I'm sorry… I've been a bad girl….
Holding one hand out, like a king making a proclamation, Blackshire pointed towards the window leading to Leech's thoughts. Barely a moment later, his evil eyes glowed powerfully, leaking vile power, as his sinister wishes were carried out.
Universe of Torment:
In his entire life, Yosho Masaki had known anger, but never on this level, the weapon in his hand, which had been an instrument of hope in his father's possession, was now a force of pure rage. One created for one purpose, and one purpose only, to obliterate the monstrosity before him. "Come…" he growled, holding the powerful blade in one hand, as he beckoned his shocked adversary with the other. "The only one dying tonight is you; Leech, just like I promised. Blackshire has sold you out."
A sudden spasm of fear leapt through the translucent beasts body, as it grasped its oval head, appearing to be trying to hold its mind together. However the black haired youth's hopes of an easy victory were destroyed, as the creature opened its evil eyes, revealing a green, instead of a blood red, glow.
"Are you that confident, boy?" Leech asked, his voice deeper and viler than ever before. "Do you think a puny human like yourself can stop me?"
"Give up, Blackshire," Yosho said with a strained smile on his battle worn face. "It's over, things have changed, and your end is near. Its obvious, that's why you had to come yourself, you're afraid I'm going to ruin your plans."
"No boy," the evil monster laughed, "things may seem very different, but you don't see the big picture like I do. Things can still work out. Besides, with Ryoko's powers in him, Leech can still kill your father, and begin this cycle all over again. The only thing that will be different is I get the joy of killing both YOU, and your dad, in the same day…. Or rather what would pass for a day to one who controls time itself. You see, even from the future, in Mayuka's body, I can still control my puppets, and that will be your downfall." Holding his arm forward, the ebon knight cackled, as a thunderous boom filled the air, and the Darkraven sword sprang to life. "Don't worry boy, this won't hurt me, not at all!"
A mental link… the young man pondered, holding his blade at the ready before himself, I wonder….
Universe of Delight:
Mayuka's mind:
Huddled in the twisted landscape that had become her mind, was a small young woman, with dark blue hair, and orange eyes that were once full of hope and joy, but now only showed despair and sadness.
Mayuka… a warm voice echoed, giving the scared youth a reason to rise again.
"Mr. Yosho? Is that you? Where are you? How did you get here?" The daughter of Tenchi asked, confusion plaguing her face. She wondered if this was another trick by her captor, yet the insidious time assassin seemed too interested in his other schemes than to worry about her.
I'm not actually here, but I figure Blackshire's link with me MUST work both ways, the golden-eyed youth proclaimed. Now listen, I'm going to need your help to get rid of Blackshire. You have to fight him.
"I can't!" Mayuka screamed, falling back on her knees, small streams of tears falling from her tiny nose. "I've failed everyone, daddy, mommy, Aunt Tsunami, and all the others. I'm too weak, besides nothing I can do will matter."
You can't say that! Yosho's voice roared, echoing in her mind. If you don't act now, there is no way to stop this all from happening again. You don't want that to happen, do you?
Too terrified to reply, the little woman merely shook her head, not knowing if he could see her answer or not. Listen, the young warrior began again, his voice now filled with kindness and mercy. I know you're scared, to be honest Blackshire scares me too, and I created him.
Hearing this, Mayuka shirked back further, not sure what to make of this new knowledge. Please don't be scared, you see he's the worst part of my soul, come to life. But I need you to do something for me. I need you to be there to take care of Ryoko and dad when they fight, which they're going to do, and the only way you can watch over them is to stand up and stop Blackshire here and now! I know you have the strength. I suppose I've always been able to feel that power within you. It's because of that power that Blackshire had to capture you; he's more scared of you than you are of him. Look at him, trying to frighten you by changing shape? He's a coward! Come on Noodles, the golden-eyed youth cheered, using her nickname, stand up, and help me, for the universe, for your family, for me, so I can make amends for the horror I've unleashed….
Noodles… Mayuka thought warmly, no one's called me that since mommy and dad-dy were alive…. In her mind's eye she could see them all again, alive and well. The woman she called mother would cuddle her close, keeping her warm with her embrace, words, and gentle kisses. There was also her father, whose eyes always chased her fears away, and who could make the whole day seem right when he called her by that special nickname he had made for her. For them, as well as all the rest of her family, the last survivor of Earth and Jurai hoped to find the courage to fight.
"'Kay, I'll do it for mommy, and dad-dy, and you…" The young daughter of Tenchi gasped, sniffing loudly, as she did her best to stand on shaky knees. "Leave them alone, please…." She muttered, slowly approaching the back of the ebon knight who stood transfixed as he watched events, through the twin portals on his pedestal, in two different times and places transpire.
"Child," Blackshire hissed, looking over his back for the briefest of moments, annoyance lacing his every word. "I thought I told you to be quiet. I have too many people to kill, to be bothered by a baby who's too big for her diapers. Now go away." With that the black monster looked away, continuing to control both Leech and Mayuka's bodies from his platform, an event that truly seemed to call for a lot of his attention.
The power is within you… Mayuka heard those words echo endlessly in her mind, as she continued to stagger forward, first it was said by Tsunami, then Yosho, in an endless loop. "Mr. Shire, stop it now!" the orange-eyed youth demanded, her voice sounding stronger, yet yielding no result. Peering past the large demon, the young woman gasped as she saw what was happening in the two times, Yosho appeared at death's door, yet he clutched the Lighthawk sword tightly in his blood covered hands, ready to fight on, while through her own eyes, Mayuka could see the terrible things her body was forced to do to the three goddess's. Just like what happened to the others… she recalled, her heart dropping as she remembered the terrible images and screams on the monitors that Blackshire had promised were merely fakes, meant to fool their enemies. He used me, made me hurt my dad-dy. Well I am not going to let him do that any more! This is my brain! I can do whatever I want here, and no one, not even Mr. Shire, can stop me! I just have to be brave, like mommy, and dad-dy are! Balling her hands into fists of rage, the blue-haired youth made one final proclamation under her breath, one, which she felt, said it all. "Blackshire is Blackshire, and Mayuka is Mayuka!"
Stepping forward, a grim determination in her orange eyes, the young woman held her hands ready for battle, as she has seen her father and Yosho, do countless times before. "I said leave them alone, MR. SHIRE!" The daughter of Tenchi Masaki roared, as an aura of power burst around her, and a blade of pure light, erupted from her hands.
WHAT IS THIS? The ebon titan demanded as he whirled about, his jaw dropping low as he watched this child, whom he had nearly complete control over summon forth a Lighthawk sword, DOES EVERYONE HAVE ACCESS TO THE LIGHTHAWK SWORD?
"Sure, why not…?" he groaned, a weak laugh coming deep within, as he turned to look down on her. With slowly motions, the black armored demon began to advance on the powerful youth. Still it is odd, from Masaki's thoughts, she should not have such power. It was only an illusion made by Yuzuha, to fool Masaki and the others…. Unless, pausing mid-stride, the black armored monster pondered his newest revelation with interest. When Washu allowed her to be born again, the demon strain of her blood was so diluted that she now CAN access the sword of the Lighthawk…. No matter, she's still mortal, and I still hold ultimate power. Power I have rightfully stolen, and continued to draw from the goddess's. She may be able to call the Lighthawk sword, but is she skilled enough to use it?
With a sinister grin, the demon of Torment held forth one armored hand, squeezing the air before him tightly, causing a thunderous explosion to fill the air, as his vile sword, The Darkraven, sprang into existence. I think not…. "Bed time little girl," he laughed stepping forward once again, his sword held ready, "it's time for all good little girls to take a permanent nap…."
Universe of Delight: PresentTwin warriors born of the same soul prepared to end a war that had gone on endlessly in the distant, as another battle was waged in the demon's very mind, and now a third group sought to join the fray.
Lady Tokimi knelt on the large platform, where so many others had bowed before her. Yet now it was her turn to pay homage, as she stood on one knee before the vile ebon knight, watching him with all seeing eyes, her hate unparalleled. Never in my life have I hated one so much. Nor has anyone been so deserving of my wrath, and been able to escape me.
Suddenly, something caught her godly attention, the massive creature, called Blackshire, was faltering. It almost seemed as if his mind was shutting down. His dark power still reigned down upon them, but no it did not seem as intense, giving her a moment to think.
It was at that moment, when a smile cracked the eternal being's face, as she looked at her two sisters, resting her eyes on the crying Sasami. Tsunami…! She mentally called out, then said no more, instead merely holding on of her arms skyward, as the other braced her weakening body.
The blue haired princess looked up through teary eyes, hearing, as well as feeling, the goddess with her gasp at the sight of Tokimi's actions. So it has come to this….
Come to what, Tsunami? Sasami asked the woman who shared her life, is something bad going to happen to us?
No, dearest Sasami, the Jurain goddess proclaimed, nothing bad will happen to you, I promise. Still for the remainder of this battle, I would ask you to look down, and never turn your eyes to the sky, no matter what you hear. Do you promise?
Okay, but please be careful….
I shall, I shall…Tsunami promised, as the pink-eyed woman's head looked down slowly, and one arm extended skyward, towards the ebon knight. Hiding her thoughts from her partner, the first ship of Jurai could feel her very soul crying as she waited for the inevitable end to this battle. So, things have gotten so bad that we must do this. I cannot believe it. We three must use our very life essence, focused as a beam, to kill him. Yet something isn't right, someone is missing… Washu! Breaking her own promise, the kind hearted woman looked over, seeing Washu kneeling from the pain, but not following the other's in their attack. Washu! Washu, can you hear me?
Shaking her head, causing her long red hair to sway back and forth, the diminutive scientist seemed in a daze, brought on by the severe pain Blackshire had caused, as she gazed at the other two women. What? That voice… Tsunami? But how, what's going on? What are you and Tokimi-?
I am sorry, Little Washu, Tsunami answered, but there is no time to explain. I know this sounds strange, but I need you to do something. I need you to hold your arm skyward, and will the power of your own soul to be used to bring down Blackshire. I know this is asking much, but believe me neither I, nor Lady Tokimi, consider this anything but a last resort. If there were any other way, then we would take it. Please, help us….
Once again the short genius shook her head, I can't believe I'm gonna do this, but then again Tsunami has never lied to me before…. With that the small goddess raised her hand skyward, wishing with all her heart that her life be used to stop this ebon menace.
The result of these three souls, was truly awe inspiring, as the celestial power flew from each woman, merging above them, causing their body's to form a pyramid of power. Once the tremendous energy had met, it rocketed upward, engulfing the black armored demon in holy light. Thought it was unspeakably painful, a smile covered each woman's face as a very distinct noise filled the air, the sound of hope, the sound of Blackshire screaming in pain.
Universe of Torment: PastRunning as fast as he could, the elder Masaki crashed through the dense foliage, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. Why am I letting myself get so worked up? I mean, it could have just been the wind, Laughing lightly at this thought, the young husband of Ryoko Masaki, shook his head slightly, yeah right, when have I ever been that lucky…. I wonder what trouble Ryoko's got herself into this time. I hope she's just really drunk, and not hurt. Once again the brown-haired husband laughed to himself, shocked he would ever hope his wife was drunk. But how did she get out here? I KNOW that was her voice I just heard, but didn't I just leave her at home asleep? I-
At that moment, Tenchi came around a large clump of trees, and stopped, as a startling sight met his brown eyes. There stood his son, beaten severely, with a glowing blade in his young hands, as the golden-eyed youth faced off against a monster, which Tenchi could only describe as a nightmare. Its eyes glowed with an emerald light, yet what was truly terrifying was the black blade with green cracks that pulsated in its taloned hands. Yosho? He paused, not believing his own eyes. Now he's here? The young looking warrior asked himself, becoming totally confused. And what is that monster he's fighting?
Almost as one, the two warriors turned their eyes to face the new comer, each wearing a smile on their face for unique reasons. "Well, well, well… you're a bit early, Masaki," the possessed Leech proclaimed, and evil grin cracking his deadly glare.
"Don't worry father," Yosho proclaimed, holding out one hand to calm the shocked man. Seeing his father alive and well renewed the black-haired youth's fervor to end this battle. "This will all be over soon, and with any luck, the only time you think of this will be in your nightmares."
"Yeah right," Tenchi screamed, completely stunned by his son's words. "Yosho Masaki, I demand you tell me what's going on right now! Who is that creature, and is that a Lighthawk sword?"
"Trust me, dad," the golden-eyed youth proclaimed, "it's better you never know the answers to those questions, now if you'll excuse me, I have a war to end…." Turning his sight away from the man who was his father before this terrible night, Tenchi's son glared at his enemy.
"You're mostly right, boy," the possessed creature hissed, "except it's not an ending, for me it's just the beginning…."
"So you think you can win, do you Blackshire?" The young man declared, as he smiled at his foe, appearing lost in the bloodlust of battle. "Well I can see your thoughts, as you can see mine, and there is something that I simply must know. How is it, despite your extreme powers, you are able to fend off three fights? How can you be focusing on fighting Mayuka and me, while trying to fend off three goddesses? To me the answer is simple, I don't think you can."
The young man's statement struck home, as the ebon demon faltered, if only for a second. It was in that moment, when the golden-eyed youth raced forward, his sword held ready as he prepared to end this terrible cycle.
Mayuka's Mind:
As Yosho's words caused Blackshire to falter in the past, the large demon's mind reeled in the present, giving the orange-eyed woman a chance to strike. Rising to her feet, the timid youth wiped tears from her eyes, as she clutched the legendary blade tightly in her shaking hands, and with a battle cry that would have made her adopted mother, Ryoko, proud, the dark blue-haired youth charged her massive enemy, intent on making him pay for his terrible crimes.
The ebon beast had no chance to defend himself, as the young woman's light blade poured through his black armored side, peeling away the plate mail as if it were little more than paper. The intense pain brought about by Tenchi's daughter's attack forced the creature with the black soul to gasp, as his emerald eyes glared not believing what they saw. A wound had been opened in his side, one which now spilled his green blood out in streams. That little bitch! She cut me!
Crying out in pain, the diabolical demon turned his gaze from the gaping wound in his side, to the young woman's unprotected back. Contorting his jagged teeth into a horrifying grin, Blackshire quickly spun his Darkraven sword about in his hand, and using the full ferocity of his unbelievable might, brought the goddess slaying blade down, right into the blue-haired youth's unprotected back, severing her spine in one swift blow.
Swallowing back the enormous amount of pain she was in, Mayuka's focus shattered, and her Lighthawk weapon flickered away. Slowly the young woman quivered on the black blade, before sliding weakly off it onto the ground, her orange eyes open with a vacant expression.
"Stupid inferior hussy," the ebon monster exclaimed as he kicked her limp body one last time, "keeping me from the battle, just when my finest hour is about to occur! I hope you don't die on me, because I have oh so much more pain to give you." With eyes filled with emerald hate, the vengeful knight glared at the fallen woman, as if he would soon tear her to pieces, which was exactly what he had in mind. However Mayuka's suffering would have to wait,
Back in the Past:
Shaking his head, the emerald-eyed creature finally regained his bearings, just in time to see his rival soaring towards him, the Lighthawk sword cocked, ready to deliver a lethal blow. Excellent boy! You're playing right into my clutches…. The ebon demon thought with a mental smile, as he also leapt forward, the Darkraven sword held ready to strike.
As the opposing warriors passed, the other the sound of their weapons colliding was legendary. Time itself seemed to slow, as the two figures used every ounce of skill and power in their bodies to make their final strike. It was this blow that would decide all.
Then it was over; the two enemies stood a few feet apart, their backs to each other. It seemed neither had been hurt, but soon one man fell to his knees. That fighter was Blackshire. As unthinkable as it may have seemed, the ebon knight had fallen in battle.
Rising from the attack, Blackshire laughed, Leech's eyes glowing with an unholy emerald light, "You've all done well, almost as if it was planned, but you stupid, foolish whelp, it's all over now. You see the end of everything is coming; you haven't won, not even close! All you've done is grant me my ultimate goal. That which I have sought for oh so long, the ultimate victory will soon belong to Blackshire!"
Leaning back, the possessed demon roared, white light erupting from his body as well, as everything around him began to flicker out of existence, the end of everything was on it's way, brought about by Yosho, Mayuka, and the goddess's. Soon the entire area, as well as all of time itself, appeared to die in the past, enveloped in white light.
Tenchi Masaki watched the entire event with his eyes wide open, stunned as he could only watch the end of everything he had ever known, and ever would know, begin.
Universe of Delight:
The Database:
As the goddess's energy continued to surge forth, it seemed all their efforts were going to win the day. Distracted by both Yosho, and Mayuka's attacks, the evil black knight seemed unable to defend himself, as the celestial power continued to slam into his body.
"AHHHHHH!" the ebon monster roared, convulsing his massive body into one point, tensing as his past self suffered, "Arrogant curs! Have you no respect for your betters? It seems I must force you to see the truth! Prepare yourselves, as you now shall feel the full measure of my power!" With those words, the sinister schemer unleashed every once of his power, sending a wave of black energy slamming into the women below, their cries echoing in the vast plane where they did battle. It was a sound that would last only a moment, as white light erupted from Blackshire's body, and a twisted grin covered the ebon knight's face.
It was then that everything was destroyed, all their efforts to stop him had been for naught, and in the end, no one, not even a goddess, got out alive….
Next Time: The End….
Chapter 26: The Way Things Must Be
