Chapter 26: The Aftermath Jeremy Moore Normal Jeremy Moore 2 1446 2001-10-31T10:34:00Z 2001-10-31T10:34:00Z 17 10444 59536 ME 496 119 73114 9.2720

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 26: The Way Things Must Be

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 war is over, and this is the result….

Chapter 25 of 26: Universe of Delight

Walking down the path leading to the Masaki house is a man, one with golden eyes, long black hair, and a powerful physique.  His stroll was casual, and he did not appear to be in a hurry, despite how little time he knew he had left.  With a smile, Yosho took in the wonderful sights and sounds of this place.  One that even thought it was not his home, the young man still cherished as if it were.  Ahead of him was his destiny, his last chance to say goodbye.  Things had changed drastically since his war in Torment, since he had called the Lighthawk sword forth, and battled Blackshire.  He could only wonder, if it were for the better, or if in the end he had only made things worse.  No, the son of Ryoko Masaki thought shaking his head happily, what I did had to be done, despite its cost.  He had unleashed so much pain; there was no other way. 

Moments later:

As the man from Torment approached the red-roofed house, a scene from the distant past played itself out, the way it had been meant to.  Ryoko Hakubi and Ayeka Jurai sat on the lawn, playing with the tiny child named Mayuka.  The two women chatted happily with the little blue-haired girl, casting vicious glances at the other when the small infant giggled or made any form of approving nod to either woman. 

Yosho came to stand a mere ten feet away from them, watching each move as if for the first, and last, time.  "Hey, how's my favorite girl?" a warm voice announced from behind the black-haired youth. 

Ayeka and Ryoko leapt to their feet, each holding Mayuka as they stared right at Yosho, towards the owner of the voice.  "Hello Tenchi," each said in unison, hearts in their eyes, thinking he had been speaking to them. 

"Hi girls," Tenchi said, walking right through the golden-eyed young man as if he wasn't there.  Indeed he wasn't truly there.  Taking his daughter from them, the brown-eyed youth held the orange eyed child high in the air, "Well hello there Noodles, and how is my favorite little girl, today?  Huh?"

The two rivals each bowed there head, as their faces contorted into a painful look, as they watched the happy father raise and lower his daughter in the air, causing her to squeal with delight.

"He was taking…" Ayeka groaned under her breath.

"…To Mayuka," Ryoko finished, pointing an accusing finger at Tenchi, who paid them no heed.  Shaking her head violently, the silver-haired woman glared at archrival viciously, "well of course he wasn't talking to you, little princess!" The loud space pirate boomed.

"Oh and like Lord Tenchi would actually favor you over someone as sweet and refined as me," the purple haired Jurain declared, taking a delicate stance. 

Growling loudly, the two contenders for Tenchi's love glared daggers at one another. 

"Tenchi!" a happy, young voice interrupted, "You're home early!"  The voice soon had an owner, as Sasami ran out of the door, still dressed in her carrot apron, Ryo-Ohki, in her tiny cabbit form, following behind her by only a few steps, meowing excitedly. 

"Yeah, Sasami," he laughed, moving Mayuka to one of his arms, so he could pat both the little girl, and her companion's heads, as they clung to his leg. "I didn't feel good about how you were acting when I left this morning, so I did my best on the exams, and hurried home."

Looking happy, yet embarrassed, the little Jurain bowed her head, a red area appearing on her face, "well I hope you made sure to do a good job.  I'd feel terrible if you failed because of some stupid nightmare I had," she spat, angry with herself for still being so young.

"Hey now Sasami," Tenchi smiled, "if it upset you, then it's important to me.  We are family after all, every one of us.  Right Ayeka, Ryoko?"

Turning faster than the eye could follow, the two women each nodded their agreement, trying to be the first to answer him, each looking as cute as they could. 

"I couldn't agree more," Ryoko cooed, appearing beside Tenchi, to wrap her lithe arms around his neck.  "So what's say we dump the old hag, sister-in-law, and go on a honey moon…?"

"MRS. RYOKO!" the elder sister growled, pinching her foes cheek, to drag her off the man they each so cherished. "How dare you assume you would be his bride, and who are you to call anyone an old hag?  Especially when you know that Lord Tenchi and I are destined to be…." As she spoke, the purple-haired princess could picture the wonderful day when she would marry her prince, and her face began to glow an embarrassed red. 

"Yes well…" Tenchi laughed weakly, doing his best to ignore the two women's advances as he turned to the little girl still clinging to his waist.  "So, Sasami, do you need any more vegetables, or help in the kitchen?"

At this the little cabbit replied, meowing ecstatically as she leapt around on her hind legs, trying to catch the young man's eyes.  The short princess laughed, "don't worry, I didn't forget, Ryo-Ohki.  We do need some carrots Tenchi."

"Okay," the young man chuckled, handing his daughter to his smaller friend, "will you watch Mayuka while I go get some more?  It should only take a minute or two."

Yosho smiled, seeing the love in this moment filled his heart.  It was something he had never dreamed he would see again, and in his heart, he knew he was not too far off with that thought.  Soon he would flicker out of existence, since he no longer existed, thanks to the obliteration of his timeline.  Yet this had been his boon, granted to him as a gift from Tokimi.  In those final moments before everything was annihilated, she had used her power to thank the man who had saved her from Blackshire's devious plot. 

Stepping back, the young man turned to leave, so that he might see how the others in this world faired, before he left reality for good.  As he did, a tiny voice caused him to stop, the words it spoke taking away his ability to move. 

Looking over his shoulder in mock belief, Yosho saw little Mayuka staring right at him, as if he could be seen by anyone within time, her small chubby arms extended forward to reach him.  "Bu- bu- buh bye, 'Osho…" the blue haired girl muttered, waving her arm to grasp him. 

"Tenchi did you hear that!"  Sasami shouted excitedly, handing the squirming child to her father, "Mayuka just spoke!"

"Yes, Sasami I did hear," he proclaimed, tears of joy rolling down his face.  "Come on Mayuka, can you say something again for daddy?"  However the young man's words went unheard, as the little orange-eyed girl continued to move towards the nonexistent youth. 

Stepping forward, Yosho held out one finger, watching as Mayuka's hand clasped gently around it, and passed through it.  Such an amazing child, he realized, one who will lead a wonderful life.  "Goodbye little sister," he whispered, doing his best not to cry.  Leaning forward, the young man gently kissed her tiny head, and then slowly backed up, as the others swarmed the ecstatic father and his daughter, who began to look upset. 

Having spent much of her life with either Ayeka or Ryoko, the little daughter of Tenchi was not used to people not giving her what she wanted, in one fashion or another.  Ryoko, since it was the way a space pirate would act, and Ayeka because she was a descendant of Jurain Nobility.  Since this was the case, Mayuka soon began to cry, softly at first, then in a full wail. 

"There, there," Ryoko said, taking the screaming child in her hands, as if it was completely natural.  "Don't cry little one…." Within moments of being in the silver-haired woman's arms, Mayuka began to calm down, and soon stopped crying, leaving everyone to gasp at the golden-eyed woman with large shocked eyes.  "What?" the former space pirate growled, "I was getting sick of her crying, so I did something about it!  You got a problem with that?" she demanded, scanning the crowd, trying her best to protect the tough image she had worked so hard to create. 

"Lady Ayeka…" Tenchi began, turning his head, yet never taking his eyes off Ryoko, which most would consider a good move, "could you call my dad, and grandpa, and let them know that Mayuka just said her first words."

"Of course lord Tenchi," the still stunned princess bowed, slowly backing away, as if all reality had gone insane. 

"I guess… I better go check on my…. Uh… stuff…" Sasami said, here mind not keeping up.  "C'mon Ryo-Ohki…."

"Mya…." The little starship agreed, slowly following her friend, not sure what to make of her mistress's sudden reaction.

Moments Later:

"Ryoko," Tenchi began, when they were alone.  "That was amazing, and I…"

"Yes…" the seductive woman cooed, leaning closely to her beloved, Mayuka still in her tender care. 

His normal nervousness returning, the young man leaned away, feeling uncomfortable with how this scene looked, as well as having the busty woman so near him.  "I have something I need to ask you, I've been thinking about it a long time, but really I'd like to ask you in private." Realizing how that sounded, the young swordsman shook his hands in front of him, "I mean it's nothing really, well it's not really nothing, but you see… well… just meet me at Funaho about one hour after dinner tonight, okay?"

Grinning victoriously, the silver-haired woman nodded, "I'll be there with bells on.  You know what outfit I mean, right Tenchi?"

"Yes I do, and leave it here!" He groaned, "and by the way, please don't tell anyone about this, I really don't want you starting over trouble over this."

"Oh alright," the golden-eyed woman moaned, floating towards the house, "but you'll owe me, and I ALWAYS collect on my debts…."  Winking at the shaken youth, the flying seductress laughed to herself mentally, with a wicked mischievous grin on her face.  Oooh… I didn't realize Tenchi had such a dirty mind!  Maybe I should offer to share my bath with him… nah, I'll wait to celebrate his 'good news'. 

Lucky me… Tenchi groaned, before making his way to the shed, to gather some more vegetables for Sasami's meal. 

A midnight rendezvous, how interesting… Yosho grinned, watching the man and woman who could be his parents head their separate ways.  I wonder what this is all about….  Closing his eyes, the black-haired youth smiled, glimpsing the near future, another gift from his benefactor. Excellent, well I do hope everything turns out in the end, as it is right now, I have an important meeting to attend….  Nodding his head, the young man disappeared, heading off to see an old acquaintance, and so bring an end to his own life.  

The Field:

As the young man appeared in the vast carrot fields of the Masaki estate, he heard a terrible wailing, like some great beast was dying.  It was the kind of scream that would make ordinary men fall to their knees in fear, but he was not ordinary, by any means.  Looking around, Yosho's eyes instantly located the source of this terrible howl.  Smiling, the golden-eyed youth crossed his arms over his chest, looking at a black armored villain before him.  "Hello, Blackshire.  Is something wrong?"

"You!" the ebon knight screamed whirling, his black cloak swirling about him, and the Darkraven held tightly in his hand. "What's going on here?  One minute I'm about to destroy everything and ascend to godhood.  The next, I'm here, watching the Masaki's have a happy day, but what really sickens me, is when I try to gut them, they don't die! As a matter of fact, they don't even know I'm there!"

Laughing lightly, the son of Ryoko and Tenchi nodded, "we destroyed time with our battle, Blackshire.  Both you and the original Blackshire never existed.  However I should tell you, that your attempt at killing all three goddesses did make you a powerful enemy in Lady Tokimi."  Hearing that name caused the ebon demon to scowl as Yosho continued his explanation, as if the evil beast wasn't there.  "Your situation, and mine is two fold.  You see, for you seeing what life in Delight would have been like without us is the worst torture imaginable, but for me… well you know what it is." 

With eyes fuming rage, Blackshire slammed his dark sword into the field, hoping to rupture everything into nonexistence, yet nothing happened.  Standing back up, breathing raggedly, the emerald-eyed monster hissed his next words.  "So what you are saying, is we don't exist."  Cackling, the monster of torment looked at his foe with extreme joy.  "So this foolish world worked out for the best, who cares?  Without the original Blackshire, that means your father in Torment never proposed to your mom, and thus you were never born."

"Would you like to see what's happened in Torment?"  The golden-eyed youth asked, with a smile on his face.  Holding his had forward, a small portal, barely bigger than an old fashioned mirror, formed.  "Take a look for yourself, and see what's going on.  I already know."

Once again, the ebon knight howled, as hate and malice the likes of which few men have ever seen flowed from his unholy eyes.  "HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?  HOW!?"

"Basically, in the end, you aren't that important to the universe my dark half, and…" Yosho paused, noticing his forearm was beginning to glow with a brilliant white glow. "It appears our time is up.  We are about to be wiped from time. I doubt you'll burn in hell as I had hoped, since we're not going to be anything more than a dream after this moment…."

Standing at his full height, the massive warrior clenched his fists, a proud smile on his face. "This is not over, boy!  Remember; where there's day, there shall come night!  Where there's smoke, you will find fire! Where ever there's a Yosho, you will always find a BLACKSHIRE!"  With a final roar, one that could turn one's blood to ice, the ebon knight exploded in white light, as if poured from every seam in his armor.  Barely an instant later, the sound faded, and the demon of torment was gone, finally and forever. 

Shaking his head, Yosho smiled, as his body glowed with the warming power of the Lighthawk.  "No, Blackshire you're wrong." As the young man spoke, three wings of power appeared around him, like the petals of a giant flower blooming.  "I was the day to end your night, the smoke which choked out your fire.  My name is Yosho Masaki, and I have killed you, Blackshire…." A tear rolled down the sorrowful youth's face, finally after so long, he had done what he had sought to do all along.  He had killed the monster that killed his family, and now he was at peace.  At that moment, the great wings of the Lighthawk enveloped him, and in a flicked of light, the golden-eyed youth disappeared forever….

The Onsen:

Setting into the warm bath, the silver haired woman moaned.  It always filled her with joy to feel the hot water lap against her naked flesh, and to breath in the humid air of the Onsen.  This is the life, she mentally thought as she absent-mindedly stirred the water beside her, letting her thoughts ponder what it was that her beloved wanted to talk to her about.  I wonder what's on Tenchi's mind.  He's not usually this secretive, so it must be something big.  Now let's see… it's not my birthday, hmmm….

Tenchi's up to something, a voice intruded on her thoughts, I find that very hard to believe. 

Washu… the silver-haired woman hissed, what the hell do you want?

Smiling impishly, the red-haired woman swam over to her daughter, apparently having been sitting behind one of the higher baths.  Now is that anyway to talk to your mommy, Little Ryoko? Especially when I have a present for you.

Cocking her eyes, with a lethal glare, the golden-eyed woman merely glared at her mother, wondering what her strange mother was talking about.

Don't think I haven't been noticing you these past few days, Washu grinning, taking a seat next to her ever-suspicious daughter.  I've seen you secretly taking care of Mayuka, making cute faces at her to keep her happy, when you think no one's looking.  I know you're only acting like you hate watching over her, just like I can tell you have doubts about how good a mother you could be.  That's why I spent the whole morning looking for this, with that the small woman produced a small coin shaped item, causing the silver-haired woman to wonder where she had hidden it.

Right... Ryoko responded looking at the tiny metal disc skeptically.  So, you spent the whole morning looking for a weird looking coin to show me, and THAT'S suppose to prove that I could do a good job with Mayuka?  Washu, I knew you were a little screwy before, but now I'm convinced that you've totally lost it.  

It's not a coin; it's my psionic connection amplifier. The green-eyed genius shouted into the golden-eyed woman's mind, noting that her daughter continued to stare with a look that broadcasted the former space pirate's lack of understanding.  Breathing deeply, the red-haired woman decided to explain more basic terms.  When you were little, I was unable to read your thoughts, but I wanted to make your life as close to perfect as I could.  So I created this coin, as you call it, to help me achieve that goal.  This device allowed me to read your mind.  Anyone who is psionically sensitive, like you, me, and Ryo-Ohki can establish a mental link with a person who has this placed on their head.  As I said, I've altered it slightly; right now it is set to be usable only on those of the Masaki bloodline. 

 

So what you're saying is... Ryoko began; slowly starting to follow where her mother was leading her.

What I'm saying is this, if you place this device on Mayuka's head, you will share a link with her like you do with Ryo-Ohki and me.  You will be able to see into her mind, and once you can do that, I'm confident it will help you understand just how much you mean to her.  Shaking her head, causing her torrent of red hair to flow side to side, Washu sighed.  With a simple flick of her thumb, the diminutive genius threw the special device to her daughter. *

Laughing, the lithe woman caught the offered gift, weighing it in her hands.  Thanks Washu, she began, her voice sounding tender and warm.  Washu did her best to not show her appreciation at her daughter's words, as she sat a little taller, and smiled despite herself. 

Then with an almost casual motion, the busty space pirate hurled the amplifier into the air, firing a blast at it, blowing the marvelous piece of work into shrapnel.  But no thanks, Ryoko stated, her voice as snide as always. I don't need your help to tell me what I already know.  Now then I have things to do.  So try to stay out of my head for a while, okay?  With that the golden-eyed woman vanished, leaving a stunned Washu alone in the Onsen.

Staring at the shard of her masterpiece, which floated in the warm water, the emerald-eyed woman shook her head side to side, an even bigger smile on her face.  I'm glad to see you don't need mommy's help all the time, Little Ryoko. Still… why did you have to break my psionic connection amplifier!  It's gonna take me months to build a new one…  Sighing heavily, the small genius sank further into the water.  A mother, and a genius's, work is never done.  Still, Washu grinned, looking up towards the ceiling. With Ryoko in a better mood that would mean I could finally get her too….  Laughing to herself the little genius was practically glowing, as a new plot brewed in her fantastic mind.  Although rarely deadly, the universe's greatest scientist's plans were always painful, in one-way… or another….

 

The House:

In a brightly lit room in the Masaki house, a young woman, with teal hair, took a break from her vacuuming, as an interesting device on her wrist suddenly began to blink spastically. 

What could it be now? Kiyone asked herself, as she examined her wrist comm.  As if I don't have enough to do today without some jerk breaking the speed limit, or something else like that….   Before she activated her incoming message, the green-eyed woman looked up, a quirky look on her face. What am I saying?  I've been around Mihoshi too long… I'm a Galaxy Police Detective, not a maid!  Sure I like it here, but my job always comes first, a lot of innocent people are counting on me to protect them from dangers they don't even know about.

Pressing a flashing button, a holographic figure suddenly popped up, the dispatcher for her area.  In a frantic manner, the overworked employee went into great detail, joyously describing Kiyone and Mihoshi's last arrest, which until now the two women had thought only a speeder. 

"What?" the young woman said, her jaw nearly falling from its hinge.  "It was him!"

"Yes, it was Detective Kiyone.  You and Detective Mihoshi did an excellent job apprehending him.  Everyone here at HQ sends our thanks, and you definitely are going to be hearing from the higher ups about your recent promotional inquiries.  Keep up the good work," the small holographic officer shouted, hastily saluting her, before the transmition ended.

Amazing… I can't believe that guy we beamed to HQ was… "Well this certainly is good news," Kiyone declared aloud, talking more to herself than to anyone in particular. 

"What's good news, Kiyone?" Mihoshi asked, suddenly opening the door to casual waltz into their room, a cleaning bucket, filled with soapy water in one hand, and a bottle of cleaner with a rag in the other.  "Did you finish vacuuming?"  Suddenly the ditzy blonde gasped, dropping her items on the floor, spilling the soapy water everywhere.  "Don't tell me," she gasped, her arms tight against her chest in anticipation.  "You found my Tenchi doll!  I thought I lost it months ago!  Where was it?"  

"I didn't find your doll, Mihoshi!"  The unlucky woman snapped, noting her partner become depressed, as once again her prized doll was lost again.  Shaking her head, the woman with the orange headband continued, "I just got a call from HQ." The teal-haired woman replied, noticing that this confused her partner even more, since they had never received good news from Galaxy Police Headquarters.  "Do you remember that guy we caught speeding a few days ago?"

Pausing, the slow-witted blonde placed a finger on her chin, trying her best to recall that particular criminal.  "Hmm… Oh yeah," she suddenly uttered, a cheery grin on her face. "That nice man who offered us a drink?  What about him?"

Sighing to herself mentally, the first class detective shook her head. How can anyone mistake a drunken space pirate for a nice guy…?  "He wasn't drunk, Mihoshi!  He was wasted on Saki, and hitting on us!  But that's beside the point.  If you recall, we sent him to HQ, for entering a specially protected region of space, and reckless driving well above the speed limits.  Well, as it turns out, that guy was Kenzar!"

"Oh, that's great!" the blue-eyed woman declared smiling at her partner a completely lost look on her face.  "Is he an old friend of yours?"

"NO HE'S NOT A FRIEND OF MINE!" Kiyone roared, her head contorting as she screamed.  "He's the most wanted space pirate in the galaxy, and we caught him!  Not only that, but he also ratted out his crew, telling the officials everything, hoping to get out on good charges."  Either that or he's turning them in since he got caught, who knows with nut jobs like him.  But now, finally, the young woman sighed tears in her eyes, after all these years!  I can't help but get my promotion, and then I can go far away from Mihoshi…!

"Well, that's nice," Mihoshi, proclaimed as if she had just heard a little kids daydream. Suddenly her brow deepened, as she looked at the mess on the floor.  "Hey, Kiyone?  Where did this water come from?  You really should be more careful when you vacuum.  You're making an awful mess."

"That was your mess, you bubble brain," the teal-haired detective shouted. However her words went unheard, as the dark skinned woman was already on her knees, humming happily as she wiped up the soapy water, oblivious to the world around her.  Just a few more days, Kiyone sighed.  Then I'm sure I'll have my answer….

Funaho: Evening Nearly 11 pm

Sitting next to the ancient space tree, was a remarkable young man, with brown eyes, and dark brown hair.  Peering around the calm lake around him, he seemed to be searching for something, as if what he sought would appear at any given instant, and he had to be ready to act at any moment.  After a long day of school, chores, and the excitement surrounding his daughter's first words, Tenchi Masaki merely wanted to go to bed, however the young man knew from experience, that breaking an engagement with certain space pirates can be bad for one's health.  Shaking his head, the Jurain prince couldn't believe he was shocked by this recent turn of events, despite how often it happened.  Ryoko was late.  Can't she ever be on time for once? I mean she's the one who's always after me, it's not like I had to force her to meet me here, but she should have been here long ago.   

So lost in his own brooding was the young man that his ears did not hear the hiss of matter dissipating behind him.  "Hello, Tenchi," a warm seductive voice cooed into his ear, from behind. 

Startled by this new sound, despite the familiarity of it, Tenchi leapt to his feet, whirling about to face the newcomer.  There was Ryoko, on all fours, where she had been behind him, now looking up at him with a mischievous grin.  Since the last time he had seen her, the silver-haired woman had changed outfits, as she now wore her green and pink over-shirt, which occasionally she wore as one of her most seductive dresses.  "You're late," he muttered, trying to slow his heart.

"Oh Tenchi don't be upset," she whined, reappearing behind him, wrapping her arms around his next,  "it's not my fault!  Don't be mad.  It's all because of that mean old Ayeka."   As she breathed into his ear, the young man suddenly smelled something he hadn't before, the smell of saki. 

"You've been drinking…" the brown-eyed father muttered, disappointment in his voice.  Man, what I wanted to ask her is serious.  I wanted her full attention, "maybe we should do this some other time…"

"NO," the golden-eyed woman complained, floating to look him square in the eyes.  "I had too, Ayeka was watching me like a hawk, and I had to make her think I was passed out so she wouldn't follow me!"    

Sighing, Tenchi turned around, covering his face with his hands, as he faced Funaho.  "Alright," he agreed softly.  "Ryoko… what I'm about to ask you I don't take lightly, so I'm hoping you'll be serious about this with me."  Swallowing hard, the young man motioned to the ground before them, showing he would be more comfortable sitting than standing.

With a shrug, the lithe woman floated to a sitting position.  Whatever, you say Tenchi dear.  Heck sitting together is one step away from lying together, which is basically sleeping together….

Taking a seat beside the scantily clad woman, the young Masaki looked up at the sky.  Whatever it was the young man had to say, it was obvious to her that it weighed heavily on his mind, since he appeared to be taking his time to make sure each word was chosen carefully before he spoke.  "I have a request I want to make of you.  It's something I've recently been thinking about a lot lately."

"Oh, I see."  Ryoko said trying to hide her sadness.  So this is it.  Tenchi's finally going to tell me to leave Mayuka alone.  I figured it would come to this one day; he probably doesn't want me to be around his kid, since I have such a temper and all.  Well FINE I don't need him, or his daughter. 

"This is kind of hard for me to ask, and I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but…."

"There really is no need to say it Tenchi, I know what you want."  Standing to her feet angrily, the former space pirate looked at the young man as if he had struck her.  "We both know you don't think I'm a good person to have around Mayuka, so sure I can stay away from her.  It's fine with me!" 

"What are you talking about, Ryoko?" Tenchi asked completely shocked by the golden-eyed woman's words. "That's not what I wanted to ask you at all! "  As if answering her challenge, the young man rose to his feet as well, glaring into Ryoko's eyes.  "Where are you getting this stupid notions?  I'd never say something like that about you!"

"Stupid huh?  Well since I'm too dumb to figure things out on my own, why don't you tell me what it is you want…?"  She demanded clenching her fists. 

Quickly the brown haired man glanced at the ground.  It's now or never. "Well you see I've been thinking about it a lot lately.  When I was growing up, I didn't have a mom, so I really don't know how a mother is supposed to act.  The only time I've ever really seen someone doing what a mother and child do is when Washu was caring for Little Taro."  Tenchi paused getting ready for the big moment.  "I guess I shouldn't say the only time, since there is one other person I've been fortunate enough to have help me watch over my Noodles, you Ryoko.  I've noticed you taking care of her when you didn't think anyone was near, and I see the way you care for her.  I think that deep down you love her as much, if not more, than I do.  Which is why I have to ask, Ryoko, will you be Mayuka's mother?"

The silver-haired woman paused, having not expected Tenchi to ask her something like that.  Man, does everyone know how I feel about the kid?  I really need to work on my sneaking.  Must be getting soft, staying in one spot like this….  After a few moments the lithe space pirate shook the cobwebs from her mind.  "So you drug me out here to ask me that?  Why all the secrecy?"

"I don't know, Ryoko.  I just didn't feel comfortable asking you in front of the others.  I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea." 

As he looked at the golden-eyed goddess before him, Tenchi couldn't help but wonder.  Why did I ask her to meet me out here?  I mean did I have something else in mind?  No, of course not.  Still, why not ask her in front of the others, it certainly would have made this a lot less of a cloak and daggers thing.  Gazing at the lithe woman, the young Masaki could only stare.  Ryoko does look nice tonight, he admitted to himself, then pausing to wonder why he would think such a thing

Calming herself, the silver-haired woman smiled, bowing her head almost respectfully.  "It's funny, here I thought you were going to profess your undying love to me, and you wanted me to be the mother of our child."  Sighing, the golden-eyed space pirate looked upwards, to the heavens, as a smile cracked her slender lips.  "If that's all you wanted was an answer Tenchi, and not to propose, then my answer's simple.  My answer is yes." *

At that instant, the young man felt his heart nearly leap from his chest as he laughed.  It wasn't that anything about this scene was funny, but for some reason he couldn't help but feel overjoyed, and laughing simply seemed like the best idea.  For months, since Mayuka's birth, the question of who would be her mother had plagued his heart, and now, after all this time, to have an answer made Tenchi's heart feel free, as if there would never be a limit to his joy. 

Smiling at Ryoko, the brown-haired youth shook his head, "thanks, Ryoko. You have no idea what this means to me, if there's anything I could ever do to repay you…."

It was then their eyes met.  Perhaps it was the quiet smile on the lithe woman's face, the serene surroundings, the joy each felt that the other took the matter of Mayuka's parentage so seriously, or even something deeper, but as the two figures gazed at each other, each found they could not look away. 

Taking a step forward, which caused them to be so close they were nearly touching, the young man reached out, unsure why, to take Ryoko's hand in his own.  Smiling, he nervously looked at their intertwined hands.  "Ryoko…" he began, shaking her hand once lightly, yet passionately, "thanks again.  This means a lot, not just to me, but I'm sure it will be important to Mayuka as well.  I-"

Shaking her head, Ryoko shushed him, taking too much joy in staring into his eyes to be distracted by idle chatter.  It was a very rare moment when she could be alone with Tenchi, rarer still when he would ask to be alone with her, and she did not want to waste this precious moment.  "It's all right, Tenchi," she smiled, "I promise to do my best for Mayuka."

With that, silence filled the small island, as the two figures stared at each other.  Closing their eyes, it felt as if each breath they took lasted years, as ever so slowly, their faces drifted closer and closer.  What felt like eons later, the young man, and seductive space pirate's lips met.  It was a sensation that neither would ever forget; it was each person's first kiss.  Yet to each of them it was so much more than that. 

It was at that moment when Tenchi realized the truth behind why he wanted this secluded rendezvous.  This wasn't about Mayuka, although it was true that his daughter's motherless plight had caused him numerous nights of worry. That had merely been the clenching factor that helped his troubled heart make its decision.  Although Tenchi Masaki loved each of his extended family with all his being, he knew in the end that he could only give his heart to one of them, and now it seems he had made his choice.  Slowly, the Jurain youth uncoiled his hand from Ryoko's and wrapped his arms around her, holding her against himself. 

To Ryoko, this was more than a mere kiss it was proof.  Proof that she was more than some machine for Kagato, or a test subject for her mother.  It was this kiss, which signified her claim to humanity, that she could be loved, and could give love.  It was this kiss, which gave her the right to live, to be the woman she wanted to be. 

Then, as suddenly as it began, the two figures parted, Tenchi taking a soft step backwards.  Looking at the silver-haired woman, he smiled.  "Well, I'd better go. It's getting late, and I want to check on Mayuka before I go to bed."

"Would you like me to come by and tuck you in, Tenchi dear?" the excited space pirate cooed, arching her back to present herself to him.  "Of course with me there, you definitely wouldn't need covers…."

"That's quiet all right, Ryoko," he laughed nervously.  "Now there is one thing I still have to do.  I have to tell Ayeka."

"What?  Why?"

Shaking his head, the young man looked at her with sad eyes.  "Ryoko, if I was doing this with Ayeka, wouldn't you want to know about it, as soon as possible?  I mean would it be fair for me to keep it from you?"

Pondering his words for a few moments, the lithe woman seemed confused.  "First off if that little princess was capable of sneaking out for something like this I'd be impressed…." Pausing, the golden-eyed woman's shoulder's slumped, as she turned her focus back on him, "but no, I guess it wouldn't be right."

"Okay, then it's settled. I imagine since I'm still on my walk, Ayeka is up.  I'll just go tell her now."  Tenchi said slowly backing away, "goodnight, Mother Ryoko."

Grinning at the retreating youth, the lithe woman waved with a few fingers, as she watched him go.  "Goodbye, Father Tenchi…." 

Within moments, the young man had disappeared into the darkness, heading back towards the house.  That's what I love about you, Tenchi.  No matter what happens, you always think about others before your own happiness. I know Ayeka won't like what you have to say, but coming from you IS better than it coming from anyone else.

Ryoko smiled, as she looked at the stars above.  Today had been like a wonderful dream.  NO, she thought suddenly, it's been better than a dream.  Today was real!  Still as she watched the stars twinkling in the heavens, the lithe woman couldn't help but feel something was amiss, as if things had happened like this before, but differently.  It all reminded her of a dream she had the night before, when she dozed off earlier, as well as numerous times before.  The details were always fuzzy, but in her dreams, her and Tenchi had been married, and had a son, who possessed her golden eyes, and looked almost exactly like Yosho. 

Wishful thinking, she told herself, as she began to hum a tune about cherry blossoms, while floating into the air.  Tonight the lithe woman felt like celebrating, true she had promised Tenchi she wouldn't tell anyone about this meeting, or what happened, until he said otherwise, but tonight the former space pirate was full of more energy, and thirst for life than ever before.  Tonight was the beginning of something big, something grand, and something that would once again redefine her life, as it had been when she first saw her beloved Tenchi.  With a wondrous laugh, Ryoko propelled herself into the air; arms open as if she was going to hug the heavens themselves.

A few minutes later:

The Masaki House:

What is that monster woman doing?  Ayeka asked herself, as she watched the woman in the revealing outfit fly merrily through the night sky.  She's too happy, which makes me nervous.  Something must be going on.

Just then, three timid knocks came from the door, causing the purple haired woman to start, coming out of her observational hatred of the silver-haired demoness.  "Lady Ayeka…?" a whispering man's voice called out, "are you still awake?"

Lord Tenchi?  What is he doing here at this hour…?  Peering out the window once again, the young Jurain suddenly began to piece things together, Of course!  He told that monster woman to get lost, and she's got herself drunk again, which means he must be here too….  Giggling herself into a frenzy, the young princess appeared to be acting more like Mihoshi than herself, as she hopped excitedly from one foot to the other.  He must have come to profess his unending love to me!  Oh how romantic, the moon is so full, and it's so late at night, the perfect time for a romantic confession of his undying love….

Gasping, the young princess looked at herself frantically, "just a moment, Lord Tenchi, I will be right there.  I just need to put something on, I shall only be a moment."  I cannot let Lord Tenchi see me like this, I'd look too cheap, too easy…the first princess of Jurai proclaimed mentally, despite the fact she was wearing at least three layers of clothes.  Glancing at her feet, the purple haired princess saw her sister happily sleeping on her futon.  "Sasami," she whispered, kneeling to shake the slumbering girl. "Sasami!" she said a little louder, finally jarring the blue-haired youth awake.


"What is it, Ayeka?" Sasami moaned sleepily rubbing her eyes, as she sat up. 

"Lord Tenchi is at the door," the red-eyed woman declared, as if it answered everything.

"Well why don't you answer it?" the tired youth muttered, not in the mood to be forced to think. 

"I cannot!  Not looking like this," she shrieked in a whisper, motioning to her nightgown, "I don't have any make up on either, please go talk to him while I get ready."

"Do I have too, sister?  I'm so tired…." Looking up, Sasami saw the look in her sibling's eyes, and with a heavy sigh, rose to her feet and made her way to the door.

Outside the room:

What could be taking her so long?  Tenchi asked himself as he stared at the oak door in confusion.  Women… it takes them forever to do anything!  Unless…  I wonder if Ryoko has already told her?  That certainly would make her act this strange… not that Ayeka or Ryoko needs an excuse to do something weird.

Just then, the door slid open, and out stepped a worn out looking Sasami.  The little blue-haired girl's eyes barely seemed able to stay open by their own, and as she spoke, her words sounded very tired.  "Ayeka says she's getting ready… so if you can wait…." As a sign of her weariness, the little princess's head drooped, as she nearly fell asleep where she stood.  However barely a second later, her head shot back up, and she continued her tired speech.  "I'm gonna go back to bed, but Ayeka will be out in a little while, okay Tenchi?"

Smiling, the young man patted her politely on the head, "sure Sasami, you have a good nights sleep."  Too tired to say anything else, the pink-eyed girl grunted quietly and staggered back into her room, dragging her feet behind her.

Twenty minutes later:

Leaning against the wall, the youngest Masaki's head bobbed up every so often, as he fought hard to stay awake.  He knew in his heart, that what he was doing was the right thing, but his body was rather worn from the long, mentally, physically, and emotionally, day, and it was starting to show.  Finally, as in the end it must, Tenchi's body won out, and his eyes shut, as he drifted off to sleep. 

"Lord Tenchi…" a warm voice said, jolting him awake, as he felt a tender hand brush against his chest.  Shaking his head frantically the young man smiled at the sight before him.

"Oh, Hello Ayeka." He moaned, nodding at the beautiful woman, who was draped in her finest Jurain robes, each hair perfectly in place, and a fragrant smell of cherry blossoms wafting from her silky skin.  "Uh… you didn't have to get so dressed up," the brown-haired youth began, nervously scratching his head. "I just had something I needed to tell you."

"Yes!" Ayeka gasped, leaning into him, her hands clasped as she waited to hear those words she had been waiting for. 

This didn't sit well with the tired prince, who stepped back out of shock, causing the young woman to collapse onto the ground in a heap.  Reaching down, Tenchi laughed weakly, trying to disarm this situation quickly, before the noblewoman got upset.  "Well you see I just came from Funaho.  Ryoko was there and…" it was then, the young man paused, not sure how to say this.

"What is it Lord Tenchi," the purple-haired princess asked, dusting herself off while keeping her eyes on him the entire time.  "She did not harm you in any way did she?" Almost instantly, the red-eyed Jurain scanned her beloved, looking for any open wounds, or areas of serious injury. 

"No, nothing like that…" inhaling quickly, the young man knew his only hope was to quickly say what he had to say.  YouseeIaskedRyokotobeMayuka'smom.Sheexceptedandthenwekindakissed.  Well, I'm glad we had this talk, I think I'm going to go to bed now," Tenchi laughed weakly, trying to edge his way to his room.

Did he just say…?  Ayeka seemed stunned as her mind quickly took in Tenchi's words, and she turned her eyes upon him.

Oh man, I'm gonna get it now…. He shivered, closing his eyes, preparing to hear the young princess scream her hatred of the silver-haired woman at the top of her lungs.  However it was a sound that never came. 

Instead something far worse happened.  Something, which hurt Tenchi more than any training session, or battle ever had.  Ayeka cried.  It was a soft sob, barely noticeable, but it was there.  Opening his eyes, the pain only got worse.  It was probably the most heart-rending sight he had ever beheld.  There she stood, her head drooped, as she tenderly wiped the cascading tears from her eyes. 

Quickly stepping forward, the young man found himself at a loss, he stood there, arms frozen as if he were about to embrace her, unsure if that was the right thing to do, or not.  "Ayeka, I-"

"NO!" she hissed, stepping back, still covering her eyes with one robed arm, as the other barred him from getting any closer.  "Stay away from me!  I thought you cared for me Lord Tenchi! How could you do such a thing, to not only leave your child, heir to the throne of Jurai, in that monster woman's clutches, but to also kiss her; to display such an affection of love for so horrible a monster?  How could you hurt me so badly, after all I've done to show how much I care for you?"

Feeling his heart shattering, the Jurain prince swallowed, feeling his own eyes water.  "Ayeka… I'm sorry.  I didn't plan this, I mean I did want to ask Ryoko about Mayuka, but I never planned on anything else.  Please, forgive me for hurting you," folding his hands before him, the son of a Shinto priest bowed slightly, trying his best to show the pain in his own heart. 

Peering from behind her sleeve, like a timid animal watching a human from afar, the red-eyed woman saw this gesture, and bit back her pain.  Dropping her arms to her side, the young woman no longer cared if he saw her in crying, for there was no longer any reason to be brave.   Stepping forward, Tenchi wrapped his arms around her, in one final attempt to comfort her.  Breathing deep, Ayeka became engrossed in his smell; it was earthly, yet not offensively.  His scent reminded her of the great gardens back home, and her own personal one here on Earth.  Looking up, a broken smile on her face, the purple-haired woman spoke, her voice crackled and full of grief.  "So… I suppose that means she's won, and I am to go home, to Jurai."

"Of course not, Ayeka."  Tenchi said, meeting her eyes with his own, which showed the deep passionate kindness that he was known for.  "Just because I kissed Ryoko, doesn't mean anything has to change between you and me. We can still go for walks, and talk about Jurai.  I still love you Ayeka.  That will never change.  You'll always be important to me, and always wanted and welcome in my home.  If you left, then this place would be too empty, too quiet.  We all need you here, you're so important to our day to day lives that I can't even begin to describe it."

Laughing, the young princess looked away, "I had made a special lunch for tomorrow, so that we might go on a picnic, just the two of us.  I suppose that such a thing is out of the question now."

"Not really," Tenchi said, stepping back, yet holding her hands securely in his own. "We can still do that.  Like I just said, I love spending time with you Ayeka, and this wasn't an easy decision on my part.  I would NEVER do anything to purposely hurt you."

Smiling, tears continuing to roll down her cheeks, the young princess met his eyes.  No matter what happens, you always know what to say to make things feel right, Lord Tenchi.  That is one reason I will always love you.  Perhaps… perhaps it is not too late.  I may have been hasty in thinking the final victory was Ryoko's.  There is still a chance, as long as I draw breath that we can be together.    Releasing his hands, the purple-haired woman nodded, "Very well then, Lord Tenchi.  Then I shall see you tomorrow."

"Okay," he whispered, "and don't worry about Ryoko.  I think I have an idea how to keep her busy.  Oh and Ayeka…" he began, causing her to start.  "Thanks for forgiving me."  Nodding happily, the two parted company, it had been a painful confrontation, with wounds that would take time to heal, but the two Jurains knew they were better for it, and that bright, not dark, days were on the horizon.

Ayeka sighed as she returned to her room, looking at her sister sprawled out on the floor, her tiny arms and legs going every which way, as she snored loudly.  Smiling, the purple-haired woman moved the slumbering girl's limbs back onto her futon, covering her with the blanket when she was done. 

Looking out the window once again, the red-eyed princess was uncertain whether to cry or laugh.  It pained her deeply that her beloved, Tenchi, had kissed her rival, as well as bestowed upon her the honor of being his daughter's mother, yet at the same time she felt relieved.  It was as if a great tension was taken from her soul, and now for the first time since she left Jurai well over 700 years ago, she could finally relax. 

In the end she decided to laugh, as her thoughts turned to the idea of Ryoko trying to nurture the tiny infant.  Mihoshi would have better luck than that monster woman, she mused. Looking up at the full moon, Ayeka saw a lithe figure fly in front of it.  "Well Ryoko," the first princess whispered to the happy woman, as if she could be heard.  "You win the first round, and I congratulate you on this.  However, I am not willing to admit defeat just yet.  Now more than ever, Lord Tenchi will need me to protect not only himself, but his child as well, from the horrible fate you have planned for him."

Despite this new knowledge, Ayeka Jurai grinner as she closed her eyes, tomorrow would be a new day, and she was sure it would be a better one.  I do wish you had chosen me, Lord Tenchi, for I am certain we would have led a wondrous life on Planet Jurai.  You, me, Mayuka, even your father and, of course, my brother, would be welcome.  We could have all stayed together there for many years.  Yet in the end as long as you are happy, I also shall be.   

That night, as the young princess drifted off to sleep, she grinned, hoping this would put an end to the terrible nightmares she had been having as of late, ones where she was Mayuka's mother, and all she could do was sit by, and watch, as the dark blue-haired infant slowly faded away. 

It was then a sharp pain emerged in her gut.  Wincing, the young princess opened her eyes slowly, seeing the source of her suffering.  In her sleep, Sasami had kicked her leg out, and inadvertently, struck her square in the stomach.  Besides, Ayeka mentally groaned, why would I want to be Mayuka's mother, when I have enough trouble with my own sister…?

"You don't have to call me Aunt Sasami, Yosho," the sleeping girl grumbled in her sleep with a slight laugh, as her own dreams changed from ones of dark demons, to a golden-eyed youth who looked amazingly like her brother.

Brushing her sister's hair out of her face, Ayeka grinned.  What bizarre dreams you have Sasami.  Imagining our brother as your nephew….  Rolling about, to get comfortable once again, the red-eyed woman nestled in her futon one final time, before drifting off to sleep, knowing there would be new challenges, and adventures to come when the sun rose once again on the red-roofed house.

Universe of Torment:

In Okinawa:

You know this chapter is nearly finished and I haven't even titled it yet.  Yosho declared pausing in his writing, coming into town always helped him with his writing, since it allowed him to leave the constant craziness of his home life.  Let's see this is chapter ten, the young man paused as he tried to think of a title to this portion.  What sums up this chapter well?  Let's see.  For long moments the pondering scribe stared at the ground.  Ah! I know, A Night of Reunion.  Smiling to himself, the golden-eyed youth carefully wrote in the title, almost positive he would change it later as had with all the other parts.  Still, for the moment he was happy with the name, and with a quick motion flipped back to the end of that notebook section, to continue writing his story. 

It was at that instant, when a dark shadow appeared, blocking out the sun.  "Hey Yosho," a bubbly voice chimed.

The shocked young man quickly jerked his head up; he would know that voice anywhere.  It was that voice, which had echoed in his dreams for years, filled his every waking hour, and made his once sane mind, as sane as a man who lives with Ryoko and Washu could be, doubt reality itself.  The owner of that perky voice was Sakuya Kumashiro, the girl of his dreams.   "Uh...hello, Sakuya.  What are you doing here?" He babbled, his brain never working right around the volleyball captain. 

"Some friends and I were out shopping when I saw you sitting over her.  What is that you are working on?  Is it for one of your classes?"  Laughing, she sat down on the bench beside him, trying to read over his shoulder, "I bet it is, you're always so focused in class.  I wish I could be more like you.  You're so perfect, always getting assignments done way early, where as I have to hurry to get them done the week before they're due."

"Huh?  Oh this?" Yosho declared, a few minutes behind in the conversation, holding up his notebook, giving it a disgusted look.  "It's nothing really just something I've been writing to waste time.  It's based on a string of dreams I've been having recently, and...." The golden-eyed young man rambled.  Sadly Sakuya sent his mind to a crashing halt, yet his mouth was free of that curse. 

Before the golden-eyed youth could react, the lithe young woman snatched the notebook from his hands, reading his latest entry.  Quickly he patted his finger tips together constantly, embarrassed to have anyone read his work, "I know it's not very good, but..."

"I think it's great," she shouted happily as she finished the page he had been writing.  "You say this is based off one of your dreams?"  Laughing, she turned towards him, looking square into his eyes with her own, which reflected nothing but joy.  "You must have some weird dreams.  Is there more to it?  I'd love to read it."

"Well, all the other nine chapters are written before that one," he replied.  Like an energetic child, Sakuya flipped back to the previous chapter, entitled Festival of Life.  The black-haired woman quickly began to scan over the document, showing her amazing ability to read and take in information at a level far beyond her age level.  Seeing her take such an interest in her in his art caused the muscular youth to grin, however it was an emotion that soon changed into horror.

Oh no…Yosho thought, a terrified expression replacing his joyous one.  Why did she have to flip to that one?  That's the one about my dream where we go on a date!  I hope she can take it as a joke.  If she gets mad at me for it… Wait, I mention mom's powers in there!  This could be bad.  I better say something….

The son of Ryoko was now sweating bullets as he tried to think of something to say, in a desperate attempt to cover for having her in his story.  "I... uh... that is… well…." Finally, his mind caught up to his mouth.  "I was writing the story as it happened in the dream.  Later I plan on changing the characters to fit the idea.  I mean some of the things I have happening are kind of crazy, don't you think?"  Yosho weakly laughed as he intently watched her read.  There was a long pause as she finished chapter 9, closing the notebook with a thud, which echoed in his ears.

"Crazy?" Sakuya asked looking up at him, water welling in her eyes.  It appeared the young woman was about to start crying.  "So you think it would be crazy for someone to want to spend a day at the festival with me?" she asked her voice filled with hurt and anger at his statement. 

Yosho's breath caught in his throat.  Frantically he tried to calm her, "NO! Not at all, Sakuya," he began.  "I, personally, would love to spend the day with you at the festival," the golden-eyed youth stated, sitting beside her, placing a kind hand on her shoulder as he accidentally allowed some of his true feelings to slip out.  "What I was talking about was-"

"Great, then meet me at the festival at school tomorrow at ten o'clock, ok Yosho?"  Sakuya asked smiling happily. 

Yosho stood frozen unsure what to say or do.  This was something he had, until now, only dreamed about.  He had a date with his dream girl.  Finally he managed to speak, "ok, sure I'll see you there."  Sakuya grinned happily, closing her eyes.

"Hey, is it alright if I burrow your story?  I'd like to read it all if I can." 

"Well… I would let you, but its not finished yet, and all."

"Ok then, I'll tell you what.  I'll read it all when it's finished," she chimed, her perky almost bubbly attitude returning.  "Or, you can tell me all about it on our date tomorrow ok?" Sakuya offered, with very little subtlety.

Yosho's heart paused for a moment when Sakuya said the word date.  However when blood resumed its flow through his veins, he managed to continue speaking.  "Sure, I can do that.  I mean if you really want me to."

Saying nothing, the young black-haired woman smiled happily, a hushed giggle escaping from her lips.  "Well then, I guess I'll see you tomorrow at the festival!"  Walking away, a perky spring in her step, the energetic youth waved to the stunned young man, as she resumed her walk. 

Sunset at the Masaki house:

Yosho walked up the path to his house.  Humming merrily to himself.  He was on top of the world, as he made his way home, the long blacked haired young man threw his notebook into the air, causing it to spin a few times before he caught it.  Once he was nearly to his house he saw his mother, sprawled out on the roof, relaxing in the setting sun, wearing her red shirt and white shorts that she liked to wear on the hot summer days.  "Good evening mother!" the golden-eyed youth called happily to the cyan haired woman.  "It's been a great day hasn't it?"

Ryoko sat up from her semi-awake state, casting her excited son a curious look.  "What are you up to Yosho," she asked raising her tone in warning at the end.  She knew that her son rarely was so cheerful, unless he was in the middle of something big.  "You didn't sign us up for another one of those stupid family days, did you?"

"No, I didn't mom, and I'm not up to anything," he said laughing at her accusations.  "I just had the most wonderful day of my life, and I just know tomorrow will be even better!" 

"Well, it sounds like someone had a good time in town," a very nasal voice replied.  A few moments later the owner of the voice stepped around the corner of the house, holding a large rake.  She was a small woman, appearing to be no more than twelve years old, with long pinkish red hair that hung down to her feet, and deep green eyes.  It was none other than Washu, the universes greatest scientific genius, and Yosho's grandmother.  She wiped the sweat from her brow; apparently she had been working quite hard in the warm sunset.  The tiny genius was not wearing her usual Science Academy outfit; instead she sported a blue and white striped tee shirt, and a pair of red shorts.  "So what happened?  Did you get that book you're righting published or something?  You're home later than you said you were supposed to be."

Yosho smiled mischievously, closing his eyes, "No, nothing like that.  I just made some plans for tomorrow, that's all.  I'm going to the festival at school."  He stood looking at the two women, first his mother, then his grandmother, wanting to tell them whom he was going with, but he was just too excited at the moment, and was hoping they might guess. 

"Hey what's all the commotion," Tenchi asked coming out of the house wearing his field clothes, a glass of water in his hands.  Having only returned from the fields a few minutes ago, he was still covered in dirt, and looked fairly warm.  Trailing behind him a few steps was his constant field companion, Ryo-Ohki, who stood beside him eating a carrot happily.  Stopping he sighed heavily, "Ryoko!  What are you doing out here?  You're supposed to be cleaning INSIDE the house."  The first prince of Jurai shook his head, even after all these years he still had to watch his wife every minute to make sure she did her chores. 

Suddenly appearing behind her husband, Ryoko wrapped her arms around his neck, "Oh but Tenchi it's so hot inside.  I needed to take a break, or I'd just die of heat stroke."

"It's not that hot Ryoko," Tenchi muttered realizing she was trying to weasel out of work.  "Besides, you've been laying around ALL day long.  Remember everyone is arriving tomorrow, and we want the house to look nice for them, don't we?"  He asked looking at her with his large brown eyes.  The cyan-haired woman did her best to avoid meeting his eyes, as she hated to be scolded.  Realizing the conversation with his wife was going nowhere; the young man returned his sights to his son.  "Oh yeah, by the way Yosho before I forget, someone called for you a few minutes ago.  It was a girl, Sakuya, I think."

At that mention of his dream girl's name, Yosho's eyes lit up.  "She called here?  But how did she get this number," he asked nervously, trying to sound cool and confident despite how excited he was. 

"She said she got it from the school directory, " the first prince of Jurai declared with a shrug, taking off his work gloves, to wipe his sweaty brow.  "Anyway, her number is on the table."  Laughing slightly, Tenchi looked up at his son, "she told me you have to call her, she really made it sound urgent."

"Sakuya?" Washu said curiously as she watched Yosho's reaction.  "Isn't that the name of the volley-ball captain, and most popular girl, at your school, Yosho?  It isn't that Sakuya is it?"

Yosho put one hand behind his head, laughing timidly. "Yes, it is….  You see… that is..." finally he took a deep breath.  Quickly the shaken youth muttered, "we have a date tomorrow."

[Washu, Tenchi, Ryo-Ohki and Ryoko all collapse anime style]

Ryoko was the first one up, hugging her son close to her.  Tears flowed down the former space pirates face, as she wailed, nearly choking her son in her embrace.  "Oh my baby is all grown up!  Where has the time gone?"

"Mom..." Yosho moaned, trying to pry himself free of the golden-eyed woman's grasp.  Yet his mother was not listening to a word he was saying, she instead continued to cry, acting more like his great-great-grandmother, Misaki, than a former space pirate.  In desperation, the golden-eyed youth looked pleadingly at his father for aid. 

Tenchi shook his head, doing his best to pry the cyan-haired woman off of the struggling youth.  To Yosho's joy, as soon as his father touched his mother, she released him.  However the busty former space pirate then latched onto her husband, hugging him close, nearly snapping him in two.  "Well," the golden-eyed youth quickly stated, checking to make sure he was still in one piece.  "I guess I better go.  I need to call Sakuya back.  So, I'll talk to you all later!"  In a flash, Yosho bolted into the house, searching for the phone number his father had mentioned.

"I can't believe it," Washu said after he had left. "Yosho has a date!  I never thought I'd see the day.  He's always been such a quiet boy, I was worried he might never meet anyone."

Ryoko pushed off of Tenchi, eyeing her mother with menacing glare.  When she spoke it was obvious she was back to normal, "What are you talking about Washu?  He is MY son after all; of course he's going to have the girls coming after him.  I mean when you have a mom as beautiful as me, you can't help but be attractive."

"I'm glad to see you're taking this so well Ryoko," Tenchi said looking into the house. "I would have figured you'd be interrogating him for information on this girl." 

Throwing her head back the cyan haired woman laughed heartily.  "Oh Tenchi, I've changed so much since we first met!  You know I'm surprised you don't know me better than that," she said waving a hand at him coyly.  "Now then, I better go, I have so much work to do," her last few words rang melodiously in the air as Ryoko disappeared.  

"She's up to something," the pink haired genius stated.  "I think we better keep an eye on her."

Tenchi nodded, exhaling sharply, "of course.  She wouldn't be Ryoko if she wasn't always up to something.  I'll go tell grandpa the news, then I'll call dad at the office from the shrine, and let him know what to expect."

Later that night:

Ryoko sat on her and Tenchi's bed sulking her arms crossed over her chest as she started at the floor before her with such fury, it seemed the wooden floor would soon burst into flames.  I can't believe they caught me!  I mean how did they even know I was gonna do that?  Damn it!  I can't believe I'm being grounded….

As the cyan-haired woman continued to brood on her current problem, the door quietly opened, and in peaked one of her captors, her husband, Tenchi.  The young man held his hands in front of him, as he approached her, as if to show he had no weapons, and was not a threat. "Hello Ryoko, is it alright if I come in now?"  He asked, in a timid voice. 

Turning her head up, she looked away from him, making a pouting noise.  "I'm sorry we grounded you, but you really shouldn't have been eavesdropping on Yosho like that.  It isn't very nice, and since you wouldn't stop after we asked you, that's why we had to unplug all the other phones.  I've been talking to him about tomorrow, and this Sakuya sounds like a very sweet girl.  I told him he could bring her by tomorrow night, after the festival if he wanted.  That way Yosho would have someone to talk to, since Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi, and Kiyone are more our friends than his."  Still the space pirate did not respond to his words, and continued to look away, her face a mask of hurt feelings.  Sitting on the bed next to her, Tenchi sighed in desperation. "Ryoko don't act like that.  You didn't expect Yosho to stay your little boy forever, did you?  I mean I was about his age when I met you..."

"Tenchi," she said her voice sounding rough as she finally looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes.  "I don't like it.  That girl's up to something, I just know it!  She's going to hurt my little boy's feelings."  Her golden eyes glistened with sadness, and a hint of anger at being powerless to help. 

The brown eyed youth placed his hands on her neck, gently massaging her shoulders, "and how do you know that Ryoko?  You haven't even met her.  You know you're such a worrier.  I keep forgetting how much you worry over every little thing."  As he massaged her neck, the seductive space pirate's head twirled around as a moan escaped her lips. "Now why don't we just go to sleep, we can talk about it in the morning, after you've had some rest, okay?"

Nodding seductively, the silver haired ex-space pirate slowly looked over at her husband.  Her golden eyes appeared hungry as she examined him like a spider does its prey.  Bed certainly was on her mind, however sleep was not.  "You know Tenchi, I've always thought we should have a little girl, what do you say?"

Shocked by his wife's sudden statement, Tenchi stammered for an answer, "Ryoko, I..." he began, but his words were stopped as she pressed a slender finger against his lips.

"I know it'll take a lot of effort.  I mean look how long it took to have Yosho, but I'm sure you'll be more than up to the challenge."  Without saying another word, Ryoko removed her fingers, kissing her husband squarely on the lips as she leaned forward causing them both to topple onto the bed. 

In the last few nights, the seductive space pirate had been having a bizarre recurring dream.  One in which she was not married to Tenchi, where Sasami was still young, and where Ryoko cared for a small blue haired baby.  In that strange dream world she was happy, although it was a different kind of joy than what she felt right now.

Elsewhere:  In a realm unaffected by Time

Interesting…. A hollow voice echoed, watching the scene between Blackshire and Yosho play out.  You did rather well for one with such limited mental powers brother….  Perhaps had you taken the emotion equation into play, as I have, you would not be in your current state….  Holding up a large emerald, the looming figure, dressed in black armor, like a knight of old, complete with a large black visor, examined it, with twin eyes which glowed from under his visor with a sapphire hue.  Just like our brother.  But I see the visions I gave those in one reality turned the tide of things, and you have lost it all. 

Were I capable of laughing, I would say this whole ordeal was amusing.  The idea of two Universes, Torment and Delight, indeed!  If such legend WERE true, then the war would have been long over before your experiments.  It would have ended, when that boy killed Yuzuha, the tree of darkness.  Pausing in his thoughts, the ebon knight looked at his feet, where the dried husk of an ancient corpse laid.  The old body looked like the remains of a demon, apparently vertically cut in two.  I am sorry, Yuzuha, when we gave birth to you, this was not our intent, dear daughter.   At least I am as sorry as I can be.  However, as you know, my brothers were always obsessed with their games, constantly trying to overpower the other.  I bear this Tenchi Masaki no ill will, nor do I see any reason for our paths to ever cross.  He is only a single mortal, why Blackshire wasted time bonding himself to his bloodline is beyond me.  There is only one enemy, and I will destroy them.

Reaching into a pouch on his side, the mysterious man pulled out a large ruby, equally the size of his emerald.  Now it is time, it is finally time.  After all you and our dear brother have done, Blackshire, it shall be up to me to set things right.  I watched you mess with time for so long, but now that time has righted itself, you can't interfere any longer.  You would probably hate me, more than usual, if you knew you had a part in my victory.  The end is nigh; the true purpose for the Ebon Knights is at hand.  Soon all will be set right, the heavens will tremble, and the goddess's will fall.  All before the power we bear, all before the calculating, omnipotent power of Jerthose.  It is not pride or ego.  It is simply the truth. 

Next Time: Things that had gone wrong have once again been set right, yet new adventures and threats loom on the horizon for both Universes.  

What will happen between Ryoko, Tenchi, and Ayeka now?  Does Ryoko really have what it takes to be Mayuka's mom, or will it all end in sorrow?  Will Kiyone ever get that promotion she so longs for, and escape the clutches of Mihoshi?  What about Yosho, is there happiness in his future?  And when did Tenchi (Torment) propose to Ryoko, since the Blackshire Interval, Vegeta Muyo 2, Ryoko's Birthday (Part 4) and The Waking Nightmare never occurred?  How was Yosho born? 

Who is this Jerthose, and what are The Ebon Knights?  What purpose do they serve? How can he be Blackshire's brother? Who is the third brother and what happened to him?  Not to mention the whole Yuzuha being his daughter thing? 

So many questions, but now we are out of time. 

However be watching, for this is far from the end of the story.  Indeed The Final Saga is finally over, but the ultimate war is brewing.  Keep watching my stories, for there are many new ones on the horizon.  Including the one to conclude this epic, entitled: Tenchi Muyo: The Celestial Wars

Well this ends my tale, thanks for reading it, all 535 pages. 

Remember chapter 2?  This scene was taken from there, lazy I know, but it fit so well. Remember chapter 4?  This scene was taken from there, lazy I know, but it fit so well. Plus this is the way things were meant to be.