"Tenchi Muyo!" and all characters herein are property of Pioneer and AIC save those created by the author. This is a fanfic and is not for profit.

Chapter Two: The Dye is Cast

On a distant dimensional plain an evil being walks down a marbled hall. He is clad in armor darker than obsidian, accented with the deepest crimson and purple. Engraved into the armor are complex patterns and glyphs, whose meanings have been lost to time. In the center of his breastplate is a large ruby. Halberd against his waist is a scimitar inlaid with the most precious stones and gilded metals.

His pallid flesh stands in stark contrast to his sinister armor and raven hair. His sunken eyes glow a green light, a light so evil that its slightest glimpse could freeze ones soul.

He is the embodiment of evil in its purest form. For untold millennia he reigned as the master of darkness until Lady Tsunami trapped his immortal soul in the deepest reaches of hell, and only her supreme power can contain his darkness.

Now Lady Tokimi has freed his spirit once more. As he walks his dark aura etches itself into the gleaming marble of the halls; his footfalls are seared into the floor. He enters the great hall and approaches the being at its throne. With a wave of his arm he throws back his dark cloak and bows to one knee.

"Lady Tokimi, Shigeru is at thy bidding," he said with an evil, fanged grin.

"Shigeru, Culler of Souls, I have summoned you because my deepest fears are coming to be. The son of the Light Hawk and the Summoner of Spirits has come together. Of the entire multi-verse have these events failed to come to pass but in one dimension. Only their offspring can pose a threat to the future of my supreme reign," said Lady Tokimi. Shigeru smiled as he realized what Lady Tokimi wanted him to do.

"Shigeru, bring me Lady Washu."

"And the others?" he asked.

"Do with them as you please. They are of no concern to me."

Shigeru laughed as he stood up. His thirst for blood would soon be quenched.



The month before Ayeka's leaving earth passed quickly. While everyone packed for the voyage Tenchi was doing chores at the shrine when Katsuhito invited him in for a cup of tea. Tenchi knelt at the table while his grandfather poured him a cup of tea.

"Grandpa, will you go with us tomorrow?"

Katsuhito paused for a second as if Tenchi's question had caught him off guard.

"I have not set foot on my home planet for a long time. I do not know if I would be welcomed since I declined the throne so many years ago," he said as he sipped his tea.

"My return would make my mother happy, but I would only break her heart again as I must return here to the earth." Tenchi did not know how to take this response.

"But seeing as it will make Ayeka happy," continued Katsuhito, "I will return to Jurai with you."

"That's great Grandpa, It just wouldn't be the same without you."

"So tell me Tenchi, how far have you and Ryoko gone yet?" nonchalantly asked Katsuhito. Tenchi spat his tea all across the table. Now it was his turn to be caught off guard.

"G-g-g-g-grandpa? Are you serious?" asked Tenchi in disbelief. He began to fumble his words, trying to find an answer that would not be incriminating.

Katsuhito chuckled. He enjoyed aggravating Tenchi from time to time. "I'm just kidding son. I respect your privacy. I'm just glad you are happy. Ryoko has become a fine young lady, so different from the one controlled by Kagato centuries ago."

"Thank you Grandpa, but I still worry about Ayeka. I feel like I broke her heart."

"She is a strong woman Tenchi. Tsunami has revealed to me that there is someone for her; she will find happiness." Tenchi sighed as a wave of relief spread over him.

"You know Grandpa, I was afraid that Ayeka would be destroyed when," Tenchi stopped as Katsuhito raised his hand.

"You do not have to explain yourself to me my son. I have always felt that Ryoko was right for you. You will do just fine." With that Tenchi stood and nodded. He had work to do before everyone left for Jurai. Katsuhito watched as his grandson left the shrine, but he still could not shake his feeling of apprehension.



"Tell me again Little Washu, just why are we here again?" asked Ayeka. Her and Ryoko were in their underwear (or lack of for Ryoko) connected to one of Washu's machines. Ryoko looked at Ayeka and shrugged while Washu worked furiously at her keypad.

"Come on mom, just why the hell are we here?" demanded Ryoko. Her patience was beginning to wear thin. She was tired, hungry, and nearly naked save the strategically placed sensors by Washu.

"I just want to analyze the two of you together one last time. With Ayeka returning to Jurai, this may be my last time to examine the Jurai power for a while, since Tenchi still won't give me my final sample."

Ayeka and Ryoko looked at each other in disbelief. Some things never change.

"Lets see, Ayeka seems to be just fine, all patterns are in check. Now Ryoko, you have a problem. I've checked the patterns over and over, and there is just no denying it."

"What is it?" she asked a little worried.

"Your breast are still sagging," replied Washu with a wicked grin.

"Damn it Washu, let me go!" demanded Ryoko angrily.

"Now, now LADY Ryoko, mind your temper," giggled Ayeka.

"Stay out of this Princess," growled Ryoko. "Come on MOM, please?" she begged. "Pretty please?" All three of them laughed as Washu finished her work.



That night after dinner Tenchi found Ayeka outside by the pond. She was staring at the sky, wandering if this would be the last time she would see the stars from the earth. She jumped slightly as Tenchi walked up behind her.

"Lord Tenchi, you startled me," she said sitting down beside her.

"I brought us some sake," he said pouring her a small cup. "Ryoko's already passed out. Her and Grandpa had a contest, and he drank her under the table." Ayeka laughed taking the cup of the sake.

"Someone out drinking Ryoko! That is unusual," she paused as she looked at Tenchi. Memories came back to her of the boy she had first met so many years ago. Now they were about to part each other's company, and it was almost unbearable for her.

"Ayeka, you are welcome at my home any time you like. Just because you are returning to Jurai doesn't mean that this family is breaking up. You may be on Jurai, Kiyone and Mihoshi may be in space, and I may be at school, but we are still a family and no one can take that from us." Ayeka could see the sincerity in his eyes. She sipped her sake and smiled.

"I appreciate that Lord Tenchi. You and Ryoko shall always have a place at my court." The two of them chatted for a short time after that before they headed back to the house. Tomorrow would be a big day for everyone.



Everyone gathered by the pond as the Juraian ship loomed over the mountains. 'Oh wow,' thought Tenchi as the battleship came into view. It was of typical Juraian design: flowing curves accentuated by sharp angles. As it hovered overhead a robed man materialized from a beam of light.

"Princess' Ayeka, Sasami, The Empress' Ascension is at your disposal."

"We are honored," said Ayeka. Kiyone and Mihoshi stepped forward giving crisp salutes; both were dressed in the Galaxy Polices finest uniforms.

"As representatives of the Galaxy Police we formally offer to escort the Princess' to Jurai."

"The offer is accepted," replied Ayeka. With that the two parties set out for Jurai: Kiyone and Mihoshi in the Yagami, and the rest in the Empress' Ascension.



"This is impressive," said Nobeyugi as the group entered the ship.

The same robed Juraian from earlier stepped forward and addressed the group.

"There will be a banquet in honor of our guests at nineteen hundred sharp. Ensign!" he barked. "Show our guests to their quarters."

A young ensign led the group down the corridor to the guest accommodations.

"The Princess' will have this room, and Lords Katsuhito and Nobeyugi shall share these quarters. Lady Washu, you shall have these quarters, while Lord Tenchi and Lady Ryoko shall share this room."

With that he gave a crisp Juraian salute and marched away. Tenchi turned pale as he heard he would be rooming with Ryoko. Nobeyugi elbowed him in the ribs and chuckled.

"Got her all alone son!" Tenchi turned red as his dad continued to tease him.

"Dad, you're embarrassing me!" he said through gritted teeth. At that moment Katsuhito slapped the back of his son-in-laws head.

"Owe dad," said Nobeyugi, rubbing his head.

"Come, let us prepare for dinner," said Katsuhito dragging Nobeyugi behind him.

"Don't worry," started Ryoko wrapping her arms around Tenchi. "We'll behave ourselves."

'Could this get any worse,' thought Tenchi. Ayeka shot them a menacing look as they entered their quarters. She may have given them her blessing, but she didn't have to like it.



"I can't believe my dad," said Tenchi adjusting his tie. It was almost time for dinner and he was hoping his dad could keep his mind out of the gutter.

"Well Tenchi," he heard from behind him, "How do I look?"" Tenchi turned around and his jaw dropped. There stood Ryoko in a simple, yet elegant black evening gown. Her hair was fixed in a long ponytail that reached the middle of her back. Tenchi had never seen anything as beautiful before in his life.

"Ryoko," he began, "you look beautiful." She phased out of sight only to reappear at is side.

"Thank you," she whispered in his ear. Tenchi began to sweat as Ryoko swung around him. As she stopped in front of him she kissed his cheek and fixed his tie for him. "Shall we join the others?" she asked. Tenchi nodded as they headed for the dinning hall.



Dark clouds began to form around the Masaki Shrine. From a bolt of lightening a dark figure appeared in front of Funahoe, the holy tree of the shrine. He grinned and waited his time.



The banquet honoring the Masaki family was a grand affair. The finest foods from both earth and Jurai were served. Kiyone and Mihoshi arrived a little late, thanks to Mihoshi.

Sasami drank for the first time at the dinner, and as all teenagers do, she overdid it. "Ayeka," she trembled right before she ruined her sister's dress.

"My poor Sasami," said Ayeka as she helped Sasami from the table.

"Everyone please excuse us," she said politely as they made their way back to their room.

"So tell me Tenchi," began Nobeyugi, "What were you two doing alone in there?" Immediately Katsuhito slapped his son-in-law again as Tenchi dropped his head to the table.

'Why me,' thought Tenchi.

"Sorry son," said Nobeyugi as Katsuhito scowled over him. Ayeka returned in a new dress along with Sasami who was obviously feeling better. The princess' rejoined dinner (minus the alcohol for Sasami) and things continued as normal. After dessert everyone moved on to the ships lounge, chatting idly for hours.

Around midnight Sasami began to fall asleep on Ayeka's shoulder. "I do believe that we shall call it a night," said Ayeka as she led Sasami down the hall.

"We'd better get going too," said Kiyone as she noticed Mihoshi was dozing off and on. Katsuhito and Washu began to discuss philosophy over a light drink while everyone else retired for the night. Nobeyugi joined them, figuring that he needed to give Tenchi some space after embarrassing him at dinner.

'A little enlightenment never hurts,' he thought.



The dark figure raised his scimitar above his head and breathed deeply. Lightening flashed again casting the shadow of death upon Funahoe. His time was almost here.



Tenchi sat on the edge of the bed and loosened his tie. Ryoko was in the bathroom and he had a moment to himself. I love you dad, he thought, but could you please not embarrass me so often. Dinner had gone well and Ayeka and Ryoko had exchanged terse words only once, but no blows came of it. He rubbed the back of his neck as he began to feel the affects of the sake he had drunk and the Juraian liquor that the steward brought.

"Tenchi," cooed Ryoko as she emerged from the bathroom. Tenchi looked up and blushed as he saw Ryoko standing there in a sheer black nightgown. His already rosy cheeks became even more flushed as she paraded towards him.

"Do you like?" she asked. Tenchi nodded. He had never seen such a beautiful sight before in his life. She placed her hands on his shoulders and straddled him playfully.

"Ryoko," he whispered. Before he could protest she kissed him and turned off the lights.



With a scream Shigeru drove his scimitar into Funahoe. Energy crackled around him as he drained the mighty tree of its life force. The large ruby on his breastplate glowed brightly as it absorbed the power of Funahoe. Shigeru felt his might increase by tenfold as he pulled the sword free from the ancient tree.

"That should do it," he said vanishing in a flash of light, leaving Funahoe a withered shell.



"Tenchi, wake up! Tenchi please!" yelled Sasami as she banged on the door, desperately trying to wake him. The door slid open part way as Tenchi held his arm up to block the light.

"What is it Sasami?" he asked.

"Its Grandfather, he's, he's..." she stopped as tears filled her eyes.

"What's going on?" asked Ryoko as she phased in behind Tenchi.

"Its Grandfather," continued Sasami. "He's sick."

"Lets go," said Tenchi as he and Ryoko followed Sasami to the infirmary.

Tenchi barged into the infirmary to find every one else their standing around Katsuhito. "What," he began as he saw his Grandfather in one of Washu's stasis fields. Ayeka was in tears and Nobeyugi was in no shape to talk either.

"We were discussing the finer points of philosophy over a brandy," started Washu, never looking up from her sub-space keypad. "When he turned pale, mumbled something and fell over. I've, managed to stabilize him, but we must get him to Jurai or he will die." Tenchi did not know what to say. He just stood there in disbelief.

"Something must have happened to Funahoe," chimed in Ayeka.

"If something has happened to Funahoe," began Washu, "then this is worse than I thought. We have to get him to Jur..." She was cut short as the ship was rocked by a shock wave.



Outside the Yagami a dark figure appears in the vacuum of space. With one swift motion he drives his sword into the starboard engine. Orange streams of plasma begin to lash out from the rupture sending Yagami into its death throws.

"Mihoshi!" screamed Kiyone. "What happened?"

"The right engine has been ruptured! We're loosing containment," she cried. "Kiyone, we're gonna blow up!" Kiyone checked the readings for herself.

"Damn it," she cursed. "Head for the escape pod!" Mihoshi nodded and followed Kiyone as they hotfooted it to the escape deck.

"All systems check and go," reported Mihoshi.

"Affirmative," replied Kiyone. "Distress beacon active and launch!" The acceleration of the launch pinned them to their seats as they watched the Yagami devolve into a new sun. They shielded their eyes from the flash, only the find a dark figure standing in front of them.

"Who the hell are you?" demanded Kiyone as Shigeru drove his sword through her chest. Mihoshi screamed frantically as the demon turned towards her.

"Please, please no, please, please no!" were her final words. His work finished and their souls claimed Shigeru departed as quickly as he came.



"What the hell!" said Ryoko as she caught Tenchi.

"Are we under attack?" asked Ayeka.

"No that was a shock wave," said Washu. Right then a screen popped into view with the ships commander reporting.

"The Yagami has exploded," said the commander. Everyone was dumbfounded at this news. "We have a tractor beam on the escape module and we are bringing it into bay five."

"Dad, you and Sasami, stay here with Grandpa," ordered Tenchi. "Everyone else follow me."

Washu, Ryoko, and Ayeka followed him as they raced for bay five. They got there just as the bay was pressurized.

"It seems to have survived intact," said Washu as the modules hatch opened, but Kiyone and Mihoshi were not inside. "What the..." she mumbled taking a closer look. All that was left of the two GP officers were bloodstains and deep gashes in the seat back.

"Washu, what happened?" inquired Tenchi. Washu stepped back trembling.

"It can't be; he's dead." Her recent nightmare flashed through her mind.

"Whose dead? What happened to Kiyone and Mihoshi?" demanded Ryoko. Washu back peddled realizing what a fool she had been.

"I can't believe I was so foolish! We have to get back to the infirmary now!" she said dashing out the door. Tenchi and Ayeka followed closely as possibly. What could be happening, thought Ayeka. As they rounded the corner to the infirmary a flash of light blinded them.



"How nice of you to join us," said Shigeru. He had an arm around

Sasami's neck and there was no sign of Katsuhito or Nobeyugi.

"Ayeka," cried Sasami as Shigeru held a dagger to her throat.

"What did you do to Kiyone and Mihoshi?" howled Tenchi. "And where's my grandpa and dad?"

Shigeru tapped the ruby on his breastplate. "There here, with me," he grinned. "We have not been introduced yet. I am Shigeru, Culler of Souls. I am here at Lady Tokimi's bidding."

"So it was Tokimi who freed you from hell," stated Washu. "What does she want with us?"

"You, she wants alive. As for the rest of you," he paused to grin evilly and chuckle. "You are all mine!" With that he slashed Sasami's throat. Ayeka screamed as her little sister fell lifelessly to the floor. Shigeru laughed loudly as her body began to vaporize. With a flash of light it was drawn into his ruby.

"That was fun!" he said walking toward Washu. Ayeka lunged toward Shigeru only to be knocked against the wall.

"Your time will come Princess, but not now. Washu, come with me or I shall destroy this ship, and none of you shall survive."

"Don't do it Washu!" screamed Ryoko just as Shigeru fired off an energy bolt. It slammed into her knocking her to the bulkhead. Tenchi was about to attack when Washu stopped him.

"I will go; just leave them be."

Shigeru grinned as he grabbed Washu. "If you want your friends back, come to Hells Point." With that he and Washu vanished.

Ayeka fell to her knees as Tenchi tried to console her. "He killed her," she cried. "He killed Sasami!" Ryoko rubbed her head as she kneeled by Tenchi and Ayeka.

"With Washu gone, how do we fight this person?" asked Tenchi. Just then a subspace portal opened. Tenchi and Ryoko took a defensive stance, fearing the worst. To their disbelief Washu walked out of the portal instead of Shigeru.

"Little Washu?" inquired an incredulous Tenchi.

"How?" began Ryoko as Washu took her adult form.

"I was hoping that this would never happen again," sighed Washu as she comforted Ayeka. "I have dealt with Shigeru once before."

"How do you know him Washu?" asked Tenchi. "Who is he?"

"I have not told you everything about my past, have I?"

"No," was the general consensus.

"Only the highest members of the Holy Council know this. Over twenty millennia ago a divine trinity ruled the Juraian faith. Tsunami, whom you all know, was the goddess of compassion and light. Another goddess, Tokimi, was the goddess of desire and change. And I was the goddess of wisdom and creation."

"You were a goddess?" asked a stunned Ryoko. Tenchi and Ayeka just watched her with incredulous stares.

"I was and I am still a goddess," continued Washu. "Shigeru was created to serve a purpose, but Tokimi distorted him. And for that Tsunami and myself trapped him in hell and confronted Tokimi. Tokimi was furious and the trinity fell."

"I thought that was just a legend miss Washu," said Ayeka wiping her eyes.

"It is true Ayeka. After the fall we went ore separate ways. Tsunami decided to watch over Jurai as her own. Tokimi remained in the eternal realm, watching over all dimensions. And I left the heavens to pursue a new life."

"That's when you began at the Science Academy," concluded Tenchi.

"Yes. I had all but forgotten about Shigeru. Near as I can figure now Tokimi wants us dead so that she can reign supreme."

"What can we do?" asked a trembling Ayeka.

"You have to kill Shigeru and shatter the ruby on his breastplate. He may have killed our friends and family physically, but their souls live in the ruby. Destroy it and I will be able to return them to us."

Everyone nodded. They understood the task before them.

"Be careful," she continued. "His power grows as he captures souls. I have given Ryo-ohki all the information I have on Shigeru and Hells Point. She will take you there. Now I have to go to Tsunami."

"Just one more thing," asked Ryoko. "How did you escape?"

"I didn't. I switched myself with Mecha-Washu when that flash of light blinded everyone. I figured he wouldn't notice." With that she vanished into subspace.

A long moment of silence passed before anyone dared to speak. Finally Ryoko broke the deafening silence.

"Lets get this bastard!" said Ryoko, phasing into her red and black battle gear. Ayeka and Tenchi followed suit as their Juraian battle gear replaced their clothes.

"Yes," seconded Ayeka. "He shall pay most dearly."



To be continued in "A Princess Falls."