Conversations II

Chapter 5

Late at Night

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Tenchi and his new brides had been gone for about two months now.  Washu was keeping the group informed of where they had been by tapping into her link with Ryoko.  They were all amused by some of the antics that Ryoko and Ayeka had pulled while away and were looking forward to hearing the stories first-hand when the trio returned in a few more weeks.  But Washu was also sensing something from Ryoko about Ayeka.  She focused her perception on the distant princess for a moment.  And then she felt it too; something was awakening within the princess.  And if she could sense it, then others probably could too…

*****

It was after midnight when Tokimi's form appeared over the lake.  With her finger she traced a glowing symbol in the air all the while chanting.  When the symbol was complete, a link was formed to a dimension far from Tokimi's current reality.  She was looking for someone, a very specific someone.  Ah, there he was.  Still watching over that mismatched group of adventurers that he loved so much.  She smiled as she listened to the small, red haired one cast a spell… "Darkness beyond twilight; Crimson beyond the blood that flows…" What then appeared to be a small nuclear detonation vaporized several of the lesser demons that were attacking the group.  A large chunk of the landscape was also missing.  Yes, she was very powerful that one.  And now that she was assimilating with the Lord of Nightmares, she would become even more so, possibly even equaling Ryoko's potential at some point.  Hopefully she would be able to control that power.  That reminded Tokimi of her mission here.

"Cousin," she called through the portal, "I wish to speak with you.  I need your services."

The one she sought glanced up at the portal and smiled as he saw Tokimi's face.  "I'll be right there.  Let me finish up here first.  Ah!  No need.  They seem to have things well in hand on their own."  He disappeared with a dark flicker and reappeared next to Tokimi.  "What do you wish of me, cousin?"

"One who is very dear to both of my sisters and especially to my niece is showing signs of becoming one of your clan, with prime potential.  Although this change cannot be prevented, I wish someone to guide her through the process.  I do not want her to become an enemy of all life and I can think of no one I trust more that you to see that she stays on the right side of her power.  You have been there yourself."

"I understand.  You wish her to help others instead of hurt them.  But you understand that my kind is motivated by self-interest rather than altruism, like you."

"We are not all motivated by altruism, just as you are not entirely motivated by selfishness.  But you must show her how to match her interests to those of the group, as you do.  There are few that can succeed in that as well as you."

"There are few that even try and even fewer that manage it," he acknowledged.  "You know that it'll be difficult for her at first.  Most changelings try to deny their power and when they do accept it they're corrupted by it," the demon stated.

"Yes, but she is joined with two others of power as well.  One of my kind, my niece, who has the potential of a 'goddess prime'; and another of a new type, their husband.  I do not know how to classify him yet.  He seems to transcend god and demon; his power appears to be in perfect balance and may become infinite in the future.  In addition, the other two are able to draw from or focus through him at need."  Tokimi explained.

"Ah!  Interesting.  So it will have to be done in this dimension.  And I'll have help.  It's good that she won't be alone during the time of change.  That'll make it easier.  With your permission, may I bring my group along to observe?  One of mine will face this same challenge soon and it may help her to be involved with what happens here."

"You refer to the small redhead?" Tokimi asked, smiling.

"Yes.  I'd bring her, and probably the others as well.  Except for the dragon.  I doubt she'd come.  But maybe… just maybe."

Tokimi heard the longing in his voice and inwardly laughed, He really does love her, I had heard rumors... Then she warned him.  "That would not be a good idea, I understand that you are having problems controlling them.  They also seem to do a lot of incidental damage and this neither I, nor my sisters will take lightly.  Besides, their powers would be severely muted in this reality, making them vulnerable to its dangers."

"If I can't bring them along I don't know if I can help you."

"Ah, that self-interest motivation again.  Then perhaps by helping me, you can help yourself."

"Explain?"

"I foresee a time in the future when these three could be of great use to you, but only if they are able to work together as a single unit.  In order to do that, the princess must learn to focus her new abilities along with the others."

"And what can they do that my group can't?"

"It is not a question of ability, it is a question of availability."

"What do you mean 'availability'?"

"They have a starship.  In fact, they have two starships, although Ryu-oh is not yet regenerated."  She didn't mention the third ship that was available, Yukinojo; there were still some things about Mihoshi that she didn't quite understand, and this feeling she had about her...

"Ah, I see.  They could provide transportation along with other support."

"Yes.  In her own way, Ryo-ohki is one of the most powerful ships in existence, but she can only be controlled by a select few.  And she does the selecting.  Soon you will be faced with a challenge that will require the ability to travel between physical worlds, not just dimensions.  As I said, I may be able to help you, if you help me."

"I'll take that under consideration."

"There is something else I must tell you; Urd is here in this dimension, as are Verthandi and Skuld," Tokimi said with a smile.

"They are?  In their new incarnations?"  His features brightened.  "I haven't seen them for ages.  It'd be good to talk to them again."

"Mara is here as well."

"That doesn't surprise me, she follows Urd everywhere.  She's in love with her you know, and she's probably still hoping for something to develop between them.  But it never will."  He sighed.  "Mara's not one of my more successful projects, but she's not as bad as she could be.  It would be nice to see her as well."

"Let us hope you are more successful with Ayeka than you were with Mara, the princess is much loved here.  What are your plans?  When and how will you begin?" she asked him.

He gave her a quick smile.  "I haven't agreed to anything yet and anyway, that," he said, holding a finger to his lips, "is a secret!"  He flickered out and the portal closed.

"Xel," Tokimi chuckled to herself, losing her formal tone.  "You always were a most annoying bastard.  I wish you every success though.  And for what it's worth, luck as well.  I don't want to lose Ayeka to the other side."

*****

A short distance away, Tsunami, who had watched the whole exchange in her astral form, frowned.  Oh, sister.  Why did you have to summon him here?

*****

To be continued

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Author's Notes

Well, well, yet another reference to another of my favorite anime series.  But don't worry; those characters won't be putting in any appearances here except for this chapter.  This was actually written before Chapter 4 and I had planned to have Xellos help Ayeka.  But with the way Chapter 4 shook out, I don't think that Ayeka really needs his guidance.  In fact, you can pretty much ignore this chapter; it serves no real point in the plot.  The only reason this short piece continues to exist at all is because of the plot hook that brings Xellos to the Tenchiverse.  I may want to use it again, in a different piece.  And it may be fun to get Naga the Serpent and Ayeka together for a laugh-off some day, to see who's most annoying (my vote goes to Naga).  Who knows?

I'd like to get the three honeymooners to Disney World as well, but I've never been there myself so that'd be difficult since I don't know what it's like.  I have this jpeg on my PC desktop at work of Ayeka and Ryoko standing next to each other smiling, with Ryoko winking and giving the 'V' sign.  And for some reason I keep seeing them in that pose on Main Street, USA wearing Mickey Mouse ears; Xel and Tenchi are in the background, both grinning like idiots and wearing those Goofy hats with the long, floppy ears and big bills; and toddler Ryo-ohki is dancing in her carrot outfit with Pooh.  It's probably not gonna happen though.  Too bad, the image keeps bugging me…

BobR