Hello all,
I know that is technically not a new chapter, but I wanted to do something more than the usual end of story notes. So I figured a letter from me to all of you would be the thing to do. So here I go at this lost art of ours.
This story came to me in December of 2001. I had already written a few Tenchi stories, but was currently in a rut. My current idea at the time called "The Trilogy of Light," was going nowhere. My notes for the first chapter, 'Walks by Moonlight' were also hopeless. It looked like my Tenchi fanfic days were numbered. Then that rare bolt of inspiration hit. Knowing my luck, if I had been standing a foot to the left or right, a nearby brick would have had a thought it just quite could not comprehend. But as the fates would have it, the idea came to me.
While listening to a CD, the idea hit me. The CD in question was the KISS album, Music From the Elder. I had just purchased a new copy and was listening to the misguided rock opera for the first time in several years. The premise is simple enough. A young boy is chosen by the Elder, an ancient and mysterious race, to be a champion and fight the evil in the world. And as he undertakes his quest he grows from a frightened youth to the fiery-hearted champion.
Sound familiar?
Then the question of how to make it work in the Tenchi-verse comes to be. How to transform a misguided rock opera into a viable Tenchi story? 'Simple!' I thought. 'Have the Elder take Tenchi's love as a Sacrifice and he has to under go some sort of trial to get her back!' This would provide the premise of the story and eliminate the part I hate writing most in these stories: the choice. So, by the end of chapter one the choice would be made and the trial would begin. If I had only known what I had gotten my self into…
But what to call this little idea? (It was originally planned to be only about five or six chapters…)
Once again the aforementioned album stepped in. The premise track is called; you guessed it, 'Odyssey.'
So I had a title and an idea. What I needed next was some original characters. The name Ignatius Baltus came to me for the emissary, since he would appear first. Actually, I was at a loss at that moment, until I heard the name 'Baltus van Tassle' while watching 'Sleepy Hollow'. So here's Baltus.
Next came Marnot, everyone's favorite shape-shifting, wise cracking, guardian spirit. I his name came from a minor character I remember reading in a comic book once years ago. I wish I could remember which book it was, but alas, I cannot. Originally Marnot was only going to be at the water temple story arc. But then I decided to keep around as a guide of sorts, and originally as a general pain in Ayeka's side. Creating a new guardian for each temple would have too much of a headache. The Spirits within were rough enough at times. Now I have to give credit to all of you. You spotted the Ayeka/Marnot relationship before I even realized I was doing it. So from pain in the rear to love interest Marnot evolved. The other name for him, Raphael, was created on the spur of the moment. I'm not sure if it is his first or last name, or if it was his name before coming guardian eons ago. That's fodder for another story.
The Spirits of the Temples were based on the temples nature. The only one I gaffed on was the Water Temple. I had no idea what to call the fellow, so he was just the 'Darkness.' Ooh, real original on my part… His inspiration was the 'Shadow Link' from the Legend of Zelda franchise. Zelda also provided inspiration for aspects of some of the temples. As did Indiana Jones, D&D, Exalted, and so many fantasy and scifi books that I cannot begin to recall them all. Odyssey was the idea of my Tenchi fantasy story, combining all my favorite things.
The fellow in the Earth Temple was supposed to be the stoic old philosopher, wise beyond his years. So he became Kolor, with his pet T-rex: Gotha. The next spirit was based off the Muses of Greek mythology. Even the name fit the part, Daphne. But most rememberable character from the Air story arc was Commander Ksnis of the Tyran race. Look out for more of him the future…
On to the Fire story arc. I borrowed the name of the villain from my first Tenchi story, We Are One, Shigeru, for this one. But whereas his predecessor was the demon spawned from hell, this one was a skilled and wise swordsman who wanted to duel the champion for the honor of the moment.
The Temple of Light. This arc garnered more favorable words than any other. But what you read there at the end was the third incarnation. All the previous big fight/ monster versions just did not set well with me. Then the idea of using Achika as the Spirit came to me one night. The rest is history.
Now comes the villain. I hope I had been building the tension all throughout the story for his big entrance. So right after Tenchi wakes Ryoko in true fairytale fashion, Aescheron enters. From the get-go I wanted him to be one bad mamma-jamma. I hope I succeeded. Honestly, the sword fight between him and Tenchi was the most difficult part of this story to write. I wanted it to be believable and vivid, without it being a bore to read. So I tried to make it where you could envision in your imagination each and every move, using lively and descriptive wording.
On the ending: don't flame me for having them lose their powers. I just want them to have a normal life. They deserve it, even if it is just some silly kids fanfic.
The day was saved, and our little tale comes to an end. I thank each and every one of you for reading this and corresponding with me over the course of this story. It has spanned over a semester of my college life, but every second spent writing this story has been worth it. A thank you goes out to each and every one of you who have read and reviewed this story. Those early reviews are what fueled this story when I was unsure of not only my writing but whether or not anyone liked the story or not. To those who have pre-read chapters for me, thank you. I cannot say that simple phrase enough. 'Thank you' does not seem like enough to me, but it will have to do.
Remember, the Odyssey never really ends. From the very depths of my heart: Thank you once again.
Until the next chapter,
William 'Thundergod' NicholsMay 18, 2002