Disclaimer
Tenchi and all associated characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC. I don't own any rights to them. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
*****
The Great Cabbit Search
Chapter 14
Here We Are Again
Part 5
*****
The small fleet approached Planet Jurai. The journey had been oddly uneventful; they hadn't seen any other ships at all. Not even a patrol ship as they crossed the border.
"All right, here's what we're gonna do," Washu was connected by comm link to the other ships. Two sets of Ryoko's and Tenchi's and a pair of Ayeka's were visible on separate screens in Yagami's control room. "Ryoko and Tenchi," she indicated the all-female pair, "you stay in orbit and keep an eye out for any trouble. Ayeka, you guys follow us down to the surface. As for you," she turned to the male/female Tenchi & Ryoko, "You two stay out of sight, but within Ryo-ohki's sensor range. No one suspects that we have an ace in the hole with you guys."
The ships split up, each following Washu's instructions. One Ryo-ohki entered orbit while Ay-ohki and Yagami started down. The other cabbit-ship had vanished.
*****
A light started flashing on Mihoshi's sensor panel. "Washu, I'm getting multiple signals coming from low orbit. It looks like we've found the fleet."
"Any Tree ships?"
The blonde checked the readings, "Nope, just mechanicals. Looks like Ayeka was right and the Trees won't function for the rebels."
Washu breathed a sigh of relief. Mechanical ships were run by computer link from a command ship, not like the sentient Trees of the Royal fleet, which needed a crew. And computers were easy to beat.
"Ok, you can open fire when we're within range. But try not to do too much damage, we may need those ships if we win."
Mihoshi brought Yagami's weapons to full power from stand-by and activated her targeting computer. The targeting screen began to list targets by threat value. It estimated that the entire engagement would take less than 45 seconds at their current speed with a 70% loss rate on the Juraian side. As the ranged closed, the icons of six Juraian ships turned from yellow to red and Yagami fired. The red icons turned blue, indicating that the ships were no longer a threat.
"Good shooting Mihoshi," said Kiyone.
A dozen more icons turned red and Mihoshi went to work.
*****
Aboard Ay-ohki, Princess Ayeka was busy as well. She'd never fought her ship before and this was all new to her. Luckily her ship's instincts were working.
Ay-ohki shook as another energy stream hit him. Still no damage, Ayeka. Am I good or what? came the ship's thoughts into her head.
"Yes, dear. But you haven't killed anything yet. I think its time we did something about that. Target the closest ship and destroy it." Ayeka replied.
As you wish, Princess. Ay-ohki charged his main weapon and fired. Three ships that were in his line of fire simply disappeared.
"Again!" Ayeka commanded, "Kill them all." Her forehead began to burn with a red light.
*****
Mihoshi looked up from her targeting array, "Kiyone, something's happening over the north polar region. It looks like another ship just emerged from hyperspace. It's much bigger than the others."
Washu scrambled to the screen. "Let me see… Oh crap. It's Soja. I should've known that he was behind this. I've had this feeling all along."
When Washu said the ship's name, Mihoshi's face went pale. Kiyone looked at her partner then at the scientist. "Who's behind this? What's going on?"
"It's Kagato," Washu said in a low tone, "We've got to warn the others."
*****
Washu wasn't the only one to spot Soja as the ship entered realspace. Ryoko's heart fell to her stomach. Oh no, not him, not now! She turned to Tenchi. The girl was watching the battle on another screen. "Tenchi, get ready. We're about to join the fight."
"What do you mean Ryoko?" the girl asked.
Ryoko pointed to Soja, which was closing on them fast. "He's after me, and it's too late to avoid him. We have to fight. Ryo-ohki, attack!" she commanded.
"Miiyyyyaaarrrooow!" the cabbit replied and accelerated toward Soja.
*****
Other eyes were on the battle too. Tenchi turned to his Ryoko, "Ready dear? I think that's our cue."
Ryoko grinned at him, already wearing her battlesuit. "I can hardly wait."
*****
"Ayeka!" Washu's face appeared on one of Ay-ohki's screens. "We have it under control here, go help Tenchi and Ryoko; Soja's appeared and they're by themselves. But for Tsunami's sake, be careful. We can't afford to lose either of you." Washu clicked off.
"You heard the woman, cabbit; let's go!" Ayeka grinned at the thought of more destruction. Her counterpart, seated beside her, looked at her askance and wondered just what kind of madwoman she'd been hooked up with.
*****
"Ryoko, Tenchi. I don't want you to go charging in blindly. It's already too late to help the others, but he won't kill them, at least not right away. He wants the gems, remember? He doesn't know about you two yet, so while he's distracted with your counterparts you can sneak aboard. The Princesses are on their way as well. As soon as the two Sasami's and I can get on the ground, I'll send the GP up too, but I have a special mission for them. Be careful."
Ryoko gave her mother her best smirk, "Yes mom. Don't worry; Tenchi and I can take care of ourselves."
Washu smirked back, "I know. That's why I'm worried." She waggled a finger at her daughter, "And I want Soja intact this time if possible."
"We'll do our best, Washu," Tenchi said.
*****
Ryo-ohki's blasts had little effect on Soja's defenses. On his command deck, Kagato smiled as he watched the cabbit-ship come closer. He had something special in store for his errant servant. He brought his hand down on a control and Soja fired once. Ryo-ohki went dead in space, badly injured. All too easy, he thought and teleported over to the other ship. He found Ryoko unconscious, but not injured. The human female on the other hand had been tossed around violently. Although not seriously injured, she was badly banged up. He smiled as he saw the Master Key tucked into her belt. Yes, too easy. I expected more out of you Ryoko. He gathered them both up and retuned to Soja, leaving Ryo-ohki to drift in space. Whether she lived or not was no concern of his.
Back on Soja's command deck he sealed Ryoko and the girl away for the moment. The Tenchi-ken he left hanging in the air in front of the female's prison. Her torment in seeing him draw the power from it would be exquisite. Extending his senses through Soja he found that the Juraian fleet had been defeated. That didn't bother him as now that he had all of Ryoko's gems he no longer needed them. The two ships that had been descending to the surface had disappeared. No matter, he could deal with them later. He sat down at his organ to await Ryoko's awakening.
*****
Yagami had come through the battle with little damage. One of the engines had received a direct hit, but Kiyone had managed to shut it down before it tore itself apart. There was some minor hull scoring from near misses and the two Sasami's had been shaken up a bit, but otherwise they had made it to the surface in one piece. The two GP officers landed their ship on a platform adjacent to the Royal Palace, oddly enough the same one they had landed at on that other Jurai…
Washu stood up and walked to the hatch, "Mihoshi, you take Kiyone back to Soja and into the mirror world and free this reality's Washu. I'll take the Sasami's and try to get to the Emperor and Empress' where they're being held, then to check on Tsunami. I don't want the other Washu to know about me until Kagato's been defeated, but it doesn't matter if she knows about the others."
The blonde nodded. "Right Washu. Come on Kiyone, let's go… Uh Washu? How do we get to the mirror world?"
Washu sighed and grabbed Mihoshi's control cube. A few deft twists and she handed it back to her. "Here, when you get to the entrance chamber, just drop it like you did before. I've keyed it to transfer both you and Kiyone. Now move. We don't have much time!"
Washu and Sasami watched Yagami, trailing smoke from the damaged engine, take off into the grey sky, then turned and headed into the now undefended palace.
*****
The two Ayeka's, Tenchi and Ryoko peered into Kagato's cathedral. The galaxy's Most Wanted was playing his pipe organ while this reality's Ryoko and Tenchi were trapped in two of his hourglass prison cells. Tenchi appeared to be badly bruised and blood was slowly seeping from the corner of her mouth. The trapped Ryoko just stood watching her former master.
Kagato finished his piece. "So Ryoko, you thought that you and this puny Terran could challenge me. Your mistake, you always were defective. Now that I have all the jewels, I can use this marvelous power to force the Royal Nursery open and take the Tsunami unit. Even in rebellion you have given me what I wanted."
Purple haired Ayeka started forward only to be held back by her other self. "No, if you go out there you'll only be in the way. We've been here before, let us handle this."
Kagato pointed a finger at Tenchi, "You care for this girl, eh, Ryoko? I don't know how you did it, but I can't directly control you anymore. However, there are other methods of control…" A beam of energy shot from his hand and hit Tenchi in the abdomen. She screamed like a tortured soul.
"STOP! I'll do anything you say. Please Kagato, stop," Ryoko wept.
Blue haired Ayeka had seen enough; she stepped out into the open. "If you want Tsunami, you'll have to go through me to get her, villain."
"Ah, the beautiful Princess Ayeka. I was wondering when you'd show up," Kagato said in a mocking tone without even turning around. "Welcome to my humble home. See, Ryoko? You're friend is going to save you both." He turned and faced the princess. "My compliments on your new hair style. You will now tell me how to open the Nursery without damaging any of the Trees and you will tell me how to control the power of Tsunami."
"Over my dead body," Ayeka hissed.
Kagato smiled at her, "If that's how you wish it. You could have prevented much by just agreeing to my demands, but I suppose that was always out of the question." He shot an energy bolt at the princess. Ayeka casually batted it aside with her open hand.
"Wh… Where did you get that power? It's not of Jurai…"
Ayeka ripped the tiara off her head, showing her markings, now glowing bright crimson. "This… This is where it comes from," she snarled at him. Clenching her fist, she formed a purple energy sword, which she brought to a ready position.
"I didn't know she could do that," Ryoko whispered to Tenchi.
"Me either," he whispered back.
"Does she know how to use it?" Ryoko wondered
"I don't think so. She's going to need help."
Ryoko nodded and energized her own sword. She moved forward to stand next to the princess.
Kagato smiled, "Ryoko. Escaped so soon? I'll have to try harder next time."
Ryoko pointed her blade toward the hourglass prison where her counterpart was still contained. "I guess you'll have to try doubly hard."
Kagato smiled evilly, "You know splitting yourself lessens your power. I'm more than a match for you now."
"I think not." The air in front of Ryoko began to form into the three blades of her Lighthawk Wings. She called back over her shoulder, "Tenchi, you and the other Princess free Ryoko and the other Tenchi. This is their battle too."
"This boy is Tenchi? But Tenchi's a female. How can this be? Where is all this power coming from? The Jurai power is completely cut off. This can't be happening!"
Ryoko chuckled, "We've heard all this before, the last time you died."
"The last time I…?" he noticed the three jewels on Ryoko. "Who are you people?" he screamed.
"Your worst nightmare," growled Ayeka, showing a small fang, "two demons with an attitude."
Funny, I never noticed those before… thought Ryoko. Then she shrugged mentally, Makes her look kinda sexy though…
As Tenchi and Ayeka ran across the floor to help the other two, Ryoko and her princess engaged Kagato. It was soon obvious that the princess knew nothing about swords other than a few very basic moves. Obvious to everyone but her anyway. But what she lacked in skill she more than made up for in persistence. Kagato was finding it difficult to fend off Ryoko's skillful attacks while watching out for Ayeka's clumsy attempts.
*****
Kiyone and Mihoshi had reached the room in which Washu was trapped. Mihoshi pointed out the giant stone snakes to her partner. "Watch out for those guys, Kiyone. They like to resist arrest." The teal haired GP wondered just what her partner was talking about.
"Ok, now how do we release Washu?" Kiyone asked, keeping an eye on the snakes, which had yet to show any signs of life.
"Well gee, I dunno," answered Mihoshi, tapping her cheek with a finger.
"Well, what did you do last time?"
Mihoshi pulled out her cube. "Well, I twisted this like this and this and…"
The snake's eyes lit up. With a hiss one went after Kiyone while the other struck at Mihoshi. Kiyone used her body's marvelous agility to leap out of the way, a move echoed by her partner. I never knew she was so flexible, Kiyone thought.
"Ok, we've got their attention, now what?" Kiyone called to Mihoshi.
"I keep twisting until Washu comes to the rescue," the blonde called back.
"This is no way to run an operation…" Kiyone moaned to herself.
*****
Upon reaching the trapped Ryoko, Tenchi took a swipe at the enclosure with his Tenchi-ken. It barely left a scratch. He cried out to the pirate, "Come on Ryoko, you can break this. I know you can, you did it before…"
Ryoko concentrated, her hair flying about as if in a great wind. Suddenly the material shattered. Still radiating power she flew to her Tenchi. One hit with her fist shattered that enclosure as well. The girl collapsed into her arms, barely conscious. "Ayeka, take Tenchi and find someplace safe. It's my turn at him now."
Tenchi looked up at her in great pain. "No," she said. "I've got to defeat him myself or this timeline won't be restored."
"But…"
"She's right Ryoko, she has to be the one." Tenchi pulled off the ring Tsunami had given him and gave it to the girl. "Here, this will form Juraian battle armor. Use it until you master your own."
She smiled at him and put the ring on her finger. Immediately the armor formed around her. It looks just like mine, he thought, except it looks better on her. He smacked himself in the head.
Get your mind out of the gutter husband! She's you! came Ryoko's thoughts in his head.
He hadn't been paying attention to the fight and was glad to hear his wife. Ryoko! Tenchi's gotta finish this herself; tell her how to form the Lighthawk Wings!
Are you sure? Why can't you tell her? Ryoko asked.
Because I've never actually learned how, Tsunami implanted the knowledge in me. I can only do it under extreme stress, like an instinct. And besides, Tsunami's not here to tell her herself. he explained.
Ryoko concentrated for a moment, leaving Kagato to fend off another awkward attack by the princess. Ok, I've unlocked the part of her mind that can use the energy, but I can't tell her how to use it; she has to learn that by herself. It's probably exactly what Tsunami did to you.
It'll have to be enough… he thought.
*****
Kiyone, Mihoshi and Little Washu watched the battle from the other side. Some of the comments the blonde made, such as something about Ryoko and stone made the little scientist wonder just what was going on. When she saw that there was two of everyone except Kagato she became even more confused. She vowed to herself that she'd get to the bottom of this one way or another.
*****
Tenchi stood unsteadily next to Ryoko. She knew somehow that she had to be the one to finish this. She held out her hand and her Tenchi-ken flew to it. Igniting the blade, she joined the fray.
Kagato was now being pressed on three sides. But the demon princess and strange Ryoko seemed to be backing off, allowing the Terran female a chance at him. He grinned to himself. This should be easy… The female Tenchi blocked a blow from his sword. He brought up his other hand and sent another energy blast into her body. She went flying backwards into a pillar, cracking it in two. Yes, too easy… He turned his attention back to the other two females. Ryoko was grinning from ear-to-ear, she pointed her sword to something behind him. He whirled around to find the Terran emerging from a cloud of dust, obviously injured but still alive. The air shimmered before her as a set of three Lighthawk Wings formed.
Tenchi looked at the sword hilt in her hand, then tossed it away. She knew she wouldn't need it with the power she felt flowing through her. Holding out her arms, two of the energy blades merged with her, forming a new type of armor; the remaining blade floated in the air in front of her. Something in her mind told her exactly what to do next…
Kagato turned away from the girl, this was too much for him to handle. Ryoko stood in front of him shaking her head, her own Lighthawk Wings glowing bright. She gestured back to Tenchi. Kagato now realized she'd just been toying with him, waiting until the girl found her own power. With a sigh of resignation he turned back around. He could still win this, but his chances were looking slimmer and slimmer. He saw that the girl was now holding a glowing blade in her grip. A glance to the side showed him that it wasn't the relatively weak blade generated by the Master Key.
"Let's end this now, girl," he said in a raspy voice.
Tenchi nodded and assumed a ready position. With a yell the two charged each other. Both blades connected with their targets, but Tenchi's armor healed itself and her almost immediately. Kagato wasn't so lucky. He turned and smiled at her. "And so it ends; it's been a wild ride. You've won girl, for now…" With a hiss his body split in two and disappeared.
A small version of Washu and the two GP officers suddenly appeared on the deck.
Ryoko ran to Washu. "Mom!"
The diminutive scientist looked startled, "Ryoko? You called me mom!" Tears formed in her eyes. She noticed the second Ryoko, grinning like an idiot. "And you are?"
Still grinning, Ryoko replied, "I guess you might say I'm your niece. I'll let my mom do all the explaining."
Washu walked up to the female Tenchi, "Hello, my name is Washu. Do you want to be my guinea pig?"
Ryoko began to laugh. Yep, things were coming along nicely. And this time they hadn't destroyed Soja either. Ryoko, bring everyone down to the throne room please, we've got Ayeka's parents there. came a sending from her mother. "Hey, everybody! Mom says she has the Royal Family in the throne room. We're to meet her there."
Purple haired Ayeka grabbed Tenchi and headed for the exit. "Well, what's everyone waiting for?"
Tenchi snatched at Ryoko as she flew past the pirate, but missed. The other Ryoko was still smiling; yes, normal was good.
*****
The group had gathered in the Royal throne room where both Sasami's and the purple haired Ayeka greeted their parents with unrestrained joy. The Royal trio looked thinner than the others remembered, but appeared to be unharmed. Ayeka introduced Tenchi and described how Ryoko had helped defeat Kagato. Everyone got hugs from Misaki.
The other Ryoko and Tenchi took their Ayeka aside.
"Where did you learn to make a sword like that," Tenchi asked.
Ayeka clenched and unclenched her fist several times, forming and reforming the purple blade. "I don't know. Something Washu said a while back about all of us complementing each other made me wonder…"
"Well, you'll have to start training with Grandpa now. Can you form Lighthawk Wings too?" her husband asked.
"I think so, but I'm too afraid to try yet. I came close this time though, I was so angry."
"Hey Ayeka!" Ryoko smiled, showing her fangs. She tapped one with the tip of her finger.
Ayeka's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes got wide. "What's happening to me," she wailed.
The cry drew the attention of Big Washu who wandered over to see what was going on. She examined the princess' teeth and forehead markings. "Hmm. It seems that each time you use your power, you take on more demon characteristics."
"Am I going to grow a tail?" Ayeka asked, starting to cry. Ryoko got a sparkle in her eye.
Washu laughed. "Does Mara have a tail? No. That's only in fairy tales. But seriously, you have to learn how to control that power. Take it easy, let it flow and grow naturally, don't try to force it." She handed a tiara to the princess. "Here, I believe you dropped this."
*****
"We have to destroy Soja now, you know. It's too powerful to let any one person or government control. We'd just have another Kagato on our hands," Little Washu told the others.
Big Washu spoke up, "I agree. Kagato made too many changes from the original design. It needs to go, it's too dangerous."
"How do we do it?" asked Tenchi.
"Well, as my counterpart and I see it, we need to move Soja to Earth's system and do the deed there," Big Washu explained. "The energy discharge should attract the attention of the GP and this reality's Mihoshi should appear, correcting another inconsistency. And then we go home."
"But what about the cabbits Washu?" asked one of the Sasami's
"Kagato kept extensive data on everything. I tapped into Soja's databanks; the cabbits didn't originate here either," Big Washu answered
"That's right, the only one that's original to here is my Ryo-ohki," piped up Little Washu.
"But," continued Big Washu, "he did discover what appears to be the point of origin for them. We'll go home for a few weeks R&R then try there. It's almost at the end of the Reality Hopper's range though. This may be my last chance to find out what happened."
"That's one of the reasons he wanted Tsunami's power. As good as he was, he couldn't create a machine to take him across the realities. He just couldn't compete with me," cackled Little Washu.
"We are the Greatest Scientific Geniuses in all the Universes!" both Washu's said at once.
Tenchi put his head down in his hands and began to weep, the only thing missing were the little Washu puppets that other Washu had had. And he guessed it wouldn't be long before they appeared too.
*****
To be continued
*****
Author's Notes
Ok, that's it for this reality. One more to go. This was supposed to be two chapters, but I really got into writing it and couldn't find a good place for a break. As far as a relationship between this reality's Tenchi and Ryoko, I think Katsuhito and Washu were jumping to conclusions. They've actually seen no evidence that they'll be anything but good friends like Ayeka and Tenchi. Remember, one of the things OAV Tenchi always wanted was a return to a normal life, and life with Ryoko is anything but normal as the other Tenchi is discovering. But who knows? There are always infinite possibilities, these stories pretty much write themselves as I go; perhaps I'll revisit this reality sometime in the future to see what's happening with them. What do you think?
Review Responses
DennisuD – Sorry, I thought your first name was Dennis, I hope I didn't offend you. I'll get it right next time, I promise. I've read fics by all of the authors on your list except Michael Haney. The name's sorta familiar, but I don't recall ever reading anything by him. I'll check his stuff out though. I'll get you my lists as soon as I can get them done. There are just so many wonderful authors out there…
Agent_86 – Absolutely correct. Too bad there's no prize.
BobR
12/26/2001
