Changes Chapter 6: It Begins, a tenchi muyo fanfic

Changes: It Begins

In the previous chapter, the stranger that showed up at the lake was revealed as Tenchi's son from the future, Kagi. Kagi brought news with him of a dark future in which Tenchi is the dark emperor. In Kagi's time, several members of the household have already paid the ultimate sacrifice while trying to restore order and peace to the now war-torn universe. Kagi's mission was to kill Tenchi before any of this could happen. Now that he failed, Kagi has told Tenchi that it was only a matter of time until the Ryoko from his time would come to finish the job he started.

Changes: It Begins

Kagi was gently woken by the morning sunlight on his eyelids. For the first time in his life, he had experienced a good night's sleep. The guest bed was much more comfortable than the cots he was used to. At first it was strange not being able to hear the hum of machinery and murmuring of voices in the next room. The day before had many surprises for him that he had always wished for. His father was a kind and gentle soul. His mother and aunts were carefree. Sasami was even a gourmet cook. That was certainly a change from the young general commanded the seventh fleet. Her cooking was a god-send. Kagi couldn't remember a time in his life when he actually had a hot meal with such taste. He had always been under the impression that food was for survival, never enjoyment. Friends that he had lost were alive again. He even had time to soak in the baths. All of this was just a story that his mother had told him about until now.

Kagi was now awake in his bed. He just laid there, listening to the sounds of the morning. He slowly slid his hand behind his pillow. He had not let his guard down completely. His sword was right there where he had left it. He got out of bed and opened the window. The crisp mountain air was invigorating. All of a sudden an shouting rang out in the house below. Kagi dashed over to his bed and grabbed the sword. His heart was racing as his feet ran as fast as they could down the hall. In one swift motion, he jumped down the stairs and landed in a fighting stance, sword at the ready. He was taken back by what he saw. Ayeka and Ryoko were standing toe-to-toe yelling at each other. Tenchi stood by them with his hands to his temples. The rest of the household just sat around the breakfast table looking annoyed. The scene would have played out farther if Sasami hadn't looked up and noticed Kagi standing by the stairs..

Sasami: "Oh, good morning, Kagi."

Kagi: "G-good morning, Sasami."

Sasami: "Would you like some breakfast, there's more than enough to go around."

Kagi: "Sure, I guess so."

Ryoko: "Hey kiddo, what's with the pig-sticker?"

Kagi: "I thought that....I mean....it sounded like...."

Tenchi: "World War 3?"

Kagi: "Yeah, something like that."

Tenchi: "Don't worry about it, this happens every morning. I swear, they fight like two cats in a bag sometimes."

Ryoko: "So you like catfights eh, Tenchi?"

Tenchi and Kagi were both surprised by Ryoko's comment. Ryoko couldn't help but laugh hysterically when she saw that they both had the same embarrassed looks on their faces.

Ayeka: "Honestly, Miss Ryoko. It's comments like those that start the fights. Can't you act civil for once in your life?"

Ryoko: "Well excuse me for having a life princess."

Ayeka: "What was that?!"

Kiyone: "All right ladies, enough! Geeze, let's just try to finish breakfast in peace. Mihoshi! Stop laughing!"

Mihoshi: "Sorry, it was funny the way your face looked."

Kiyone: "sigh Idiot."

Kagi strapped the sword to his back before sitting down at the table. He noticed Katsuhito sitting at the head of the table. It was amazing to see the man in such good health. What was more surprising was the respect that his father showed him. Back in his own time, Tenchi had tortured the old warrior before finally beheading him in battle. It took him a moment to shake the images from his head. The old Shinto priest gave him a small nod of acknowledgement before continuing with his meal. Kagi returned the gesture as Sasami set an extra plate and cup of tea in front of him.

Kagi: "Thank you, Sasami. I just can't get over what a great cook you are. I never had food like this back home."

Sasami: "Silly, you are home."

Such words of wisdom from a person so young. Kagi took a moment to think about it and then nodded in agreement. Breakfast turned out to be an interesting time of day to watch everyone. Washu was busy typing on here holographic keyboard. Kiyone and Katsuhito were having a conversation about politics or something. Mihoshi was doing some major chowing down. Sasami was trying to talk to her between helpings. Then there were Ayeka and Ryoko, the both of them sat on either side of Tenchi. Every couple minutes or so, the would exchanges insults. It was probably Tenchi's annoyed looks that kept them from doing anything more. It was plain to see that Ryoko was having fun antagonizing the princess. When breakfast was over, he and Tenchi helped Sasami clear the table. Kiyone and Mihoshi went out on patrol like they always did. Ayeka and Sasami went out to tend the flower garden. And Ryoko decided to, well, be Ryoko and just find someplace comfortable to nap. Kagi decided to just follow his father around. He didn't want to leave him alone at a dangerous time like this. It took him a while to convince Tenchi to carry tenchi-ken with him. He helped Tenchi clean around the shrine. Then he watched as Tenchi trained with Katsuhito. It was already plain to see why Tenchi was such an extraordinary swordsman when Katsuhito asked him to join in as well. To make a long story short, about half an hour later, they were both coming down the stairs a bit more bruised than they were in the morning.

Kagi: "Hey Tenchi, can I ask you something?"

Tenchi: "Sure, what's up?"

Kagi: "Why were you holding back during your training up there?"

Tenchi: "I don't know what you mean."

Kagi: "Yes you do. When you fought me, you moved much faster, your strikes were also harder. It was like you were trying to leave openings in your defense."

Tenchi: "Well, a real fight is a lot different than training. You see, when I'm training there's nothing really to fight for. No one should fight without a reason."

Kagi: "I see, sorry about that. I didn't want to accuse you of anything."

Tenchi: "It's ok, let's go tend the fields a bit before heading in for lunch."

Kagi: "Sounds good to me."

Working the fields was a lot harder than Kagi thought it would be. The work was back-breaking, but Tenchi never missed a beat. He just kept working and working. Kagi took a moment to rest on his shovel. That's when he spotted something. It was almost hidden by the sun but he could just make out what it was. It was a portal; a time portal. Ryoko had finally arrived.

Kagi: "Tenchi! Heads up!"

Tenchi: "What!"

Kagi: "Ryoko has arrived."

The Ryoko Tenchi knew phased in right next to him.

Ryoko: "Tenchi, are you alright? I just sensed something weird."

Kagi: "Perfect timing, we may need your help."

Ryoko: "Why's that, I don't see anyone."

Tenchi: "Your future self is here."

Ryoko: "Really wow, I wonder if I still have my looks."

Kagi: "See for yourself, here she comes."

Tenchi and Ryoko shielded their eyes as the looked towards the sun. They could make out a vague silhouette coming out of the light. It was floating down slowly. It took a minute, but the figure finally touched down on the grass in front of them. It was definitely Ryoko, but she had changed a lot. Her red and black battle suit looked as if it had been repaired many times. Her hair was tied back, and there was a very noticeable scar that came down over her right eye. True to what Kagi had said, it looked as if she had lost her right arm, it had obviously been replaced by a cybernetic prosthetic. Her eyes were cold, silent, full of anger. They reflected nothing of the Ryoko Tenchi knew. She, gave Tenchi and her younger self the once over before turning to Kagi.

Future Ryoko: "Kagi. What happened? Why isn't he dead?"

Kagi: "I-I couldn't defeat him. He is the one who defeated me."

Future Ryoko: "So what? They obviously let you in the house. You should have done it while he slept."

Kagi: "But I..."

Future Ryoko: "..Got comfortable and made friends. Well, while you were doing that, the entire seventh fleet was destroyed. Not to mention that Ayeka's forces on Omega 7 are pinned down. We are losing this war."

Kagi: "But there's another way! We don't have to kill him to save everyone."

Future Ryoko: "Dammit, I knew that I should have come through first. Tenchi always did have a way of de-clawing his enemies. You went soft on me kiddo. I guess that means I'll have to finish the job you were sent for."

The Future Ryoko held up the prosthetic arm in front of her. She made a fist and a long purple energy blade extended from the middle of the forearm. Before she could make a move, Ryoko phased in front of Tenchi. She clenched her fist and created her own energy blade. Her eyes blazed with determination as she confronted herself (literally).

Ryoko: "If you want him you'll have to go through me."

Future Ryoko: "It's been so long since I've heard those words. I was so naive. It was that kind of attitude that got everyone killed in the first place. Stand aside, you can't stop me."

Tenchi: "Please Ryoko, listen to me. We can work this out. We've gone through so much already. Remember the time we..."

Future Ryoko: "Stop it! You're not going to talk your way out of this. You always could manipulate me; make me bend to your ways. I gave up so much for you. Now I spend all my time running from you.

Ryoko: "NO! He never has never made me bend. What I do for him comes from my heart. He's not like that awful emperor from your time. There must've been something else to change him. Something we don't know about."

Future Ryoko: "I'll tell you what I do know about. An empire that spreads like a virus. An emperor that hunts down his family like dogs. Try watching everyone you hold dear suffer everyday in the vain hope that there is still some good in his black heart. I've had enough. If Kagi can't finish the job, I'll have to."

Ryoko: "Don't come any closer. I don't want to hurt you."

Future Ryoko: "Well, if you're not up to suicide, I am. The cycle must be broken."

Without another word, she disappeared from sight. Ryoko finished her transformation into her battle attire. Hesitantly, Tenchi turned the ring on his finger and also transformed. Kagi looked uncertain, he moved his had towards his sword but stopped.

Kagi: "I'm sorry, I just can't...

Ryoko: "Don't worry about it kiddo, this is kind of personal."

Ryoko had answered without dropping her guard. A change in the wind alerted her, she teleported behind Tenchi and stopped the blade of her other self from skewering him. She tossed her future self off like a rag doll. Future Ryoko crashed through the branches of the nearby trees. She looked up and wiped the blood from her lip. She then doubled herself and disappeared again. Tenchi and Ryoko nodded to each other and then backed into each other to avoid another surprise attack.

Tenchi: "Oh man. Ryoko, I don't want to hurt you."

Ryoko: "Don't worry about it, that's not me. Besides, when I'm split the damage done is only half of what it would normally be."

Tenchi: "I guess....if you put it that way."

Ryoko: "Tenchi look out!"

The Future Ryoko doubles phased right in front of both of them. Ryoko's slashes and swipes kept her counterpart on the run. Every time her blade met her future self's, her double was knocked back. Tenchi on the other hand, was not having such an easy time. This Future Ryoko didn't seem as strong but her technique was much better. It was obvious that twenty years of fighting had honed her skills to a fine point. She was using styles that he had never seen before. She might have picked them up during the war. Either way, she was a handful. Every time he blocked her blade, she struck him with a fist or knee. Gradually, his breathing was becoming shorter and shorter. Fire burned in his lungs. No matter how much she might have changed, she was still faster than him. He had never really fought Ryoko before. It was an experience that he wished he could have lived without. Every time he tried to reason with her between strikes, she would either kick him in the gut or elbow him in the mouth. Tenchi was beginning to become a little aggravated with her. He could feel the burning anger welling up in his gut. He fought hard to push it down and focus.

Meanwhile, Ryoko was having a much easier time with her opponent. Their battle had taken them deep into the forest that surrounded the lake. Her energy blasts were powerful but always seemed to miss their mark. Again, Future Ryoko tried to take up her attack with the blade. She phased in front of her younger self and swung with all her might. The purple blade barely skimmed Ryoko's throat. The attack had come close, too close. It was clear to Ryoko that she would have to end this quickly. Before her double could disappear again, she grabbed her by the collar and brought her close. Future Ryoko was taken by surprise. This was not the way she remembered fighting when she was younger. Her younger self should have teleported away to a safe distance. Ryoko pulled her future self into a stiff knee to the gut and a double sledgehammer blow to the back of the neck. She caught Future Ryoko again and crushed the sword generator on her arm. She then threw her to the ground like a broken toy. She floated down slowly to interrogate herself.

Ryoko: "What the hell is wrong with you? I should never be this weak, even without the gems."

Future Ryoko: "I guess, I never did have a mind for cough strategy. Think about it Ryoko. Am I using all my strength in this half of my being? Or is it being used somewhere else? cough You know, the lake must be a couple of miles away by now. Even you can't cough teleport that far. I wonder how Tenchi is faring. I think you let your overconfidence get the best of you."

Ryoko: "DAMN YOU! Why are you doing this. If you really are me, then you know that you love him with everything in your heart and soul. How can you come back here and kill him when you feel like I do."

Future Ryoko: "I was such a foolish child. I'm doing this because I love him that much. We both know that ever since he discovered his power, he's been afraid of becoming that dark emperor from my time. Well, I've seen his fear. It took my arm and stole my gems. Now it kills everything that does not bow before it's every whim."

Ryoko: "But we have something you didn't. We can be prepared."

Future Ryoko: "No you can't. We always did have a habit of dropping our guard around Tenchi. His gentle soul is to blame for that."

Ryoko: "Enough of this. You aren't listening. I have to go find my Tenchi. Then we can both finish you off."

Future Ryoko: "You can try, but our little fight has left your powers weakened. I don't think you'll be able to teleport in time to save him. Fly fast little birdie."

The Future Ryoko disappeared. Now all of her power was concentrated on Tenchi and he was beginning to notice it. Her speed doubled and her strikes were beginning to numb his hands. FR thrust her sword at his stomach. As nimbly as he could, he spun around and swung his blade around at her neck. All he found was empty space. She reappeared above him, prepared for an overhand slice. He barely had time to jump clear of the attack. He could hear the ground he had been standing on break and crumble behind him. As the dust cleared, FR was nowhere to be found. Tenchi's eyes scanned he area around him for any sign of her. Then, from behind he heard a faint noise. It was a breath; no, the barely audible intake of a breath. Tenchi tried to whip around to face his attacker but he was too late. The purple blade passed though is chest with ease. He could hear the faint hum and feel he vibrations of the energy generator in FR's arm. He tried to yell, but nothing escaped his throat but a weak gasp. His vision blurred, the world around him started to spin out of control, then it all went black.

Ryoko cleared the trees just in time to see Tenchi hit the ground. Her rage was pushed aside by overwhelming despair. All of the strength in her body, drained out through her feet and into the ground. Her love was gone. She looked up from her tears to see her future self and Kagi standing over his body. She found new strength and ran over to them. She pushed them away and took Tenchi up into her arms.

Ryoko: "YOU GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM! sob"

Kagi: "I-I'm sorry. It had to be done."

Ryoko: "You may be Tenchi's son but you're nothing like him. Tenchi would have come to your aid without a second thought to his own life. You just stood by and watch this, this mockery of me murder him."

Future Ryoko: "He's right. It was this or live in a universal hell."

Ryoko: "I would gladly take hell over a life without Tenchi. I hope the both of you are prepared to die."

Ryoko laid Tenchi's lifeless body on the ground. She then took the gem from her ear and took it into her wrist. Future Ryoko readied her blade again and Kagi took the sword from his back. The only sound to be heard was the rustle of the wind through the leaves. Ryoko's glare could have burned a hole through a planet. She no longer cared if she died. All that mattered was making sure that she took her love's killers with her. She took a deep a breath and took a step to attack. Then she stopped. Her ears had picked up a faint grunt. She slowly turned around. The sight before her was astonishing. Slowly Tenchi was pushing himself up to his knees, then to his feet. Ryoko's joy was short lived. Tenchi's head raised up to reveal blood red eyes. Tenchi-ken's hilt was black and blade a deep crimson. Ryoko backed away in terror as the wound in Tenchi's chest closed right in front of her.

Future Ryoko: "No it can't be! I just killed him!"

Kagi: "It's him! The Destroyer has awakened!"

Ryoko: "NO! WAIT! He snapped out of it last time. Let me try to talk to him."

Future Ryoko: "I hope you're right. If not, we might as well run ourselves through."

Ryoko: "Tenchi, calm down. Remember who you are. You're at home, with family. We all love you. Please Tenchi, it's me Ryoko."

Tenchi seemed to hear her words. His sword drooped a little and his head cocked to side. His muscles were slowly beginning to loosen. The look of hatred was starting to leave his eyes. Tenchi-ken's hilt changed from black to a pale gray. His eyes changed from a deep crimson to a pinkish color. Ryoko was getting through to him. Then from nowhere a mysterious voice began to laugh. There was an enormous thunder clap and a huge bolt of black lighting struck Tenchi. It lifted him off his feet and dropped him to his knees. The crimson eyes and blade of the Destroyer returned.

Voice: "Aaaahahahahahaha! Thank-you for the present Ryokos. I could have never caught him this easily. That pleading was truly heartwarming, you should consider acting over pirating."

Kagi: "Who are you?! Show yourself coward."

Voice: "Of course child. I have nothing to fear now that I have the most powerful warrior in the universe under the control of master."

A woman in a black cloak appeared behind Tenchi. She twirled a menacing dagger in her hand. Her jet-black hair ran down the length of her back and flowed in the breeze. Her eyes were a deep emerald color. She wore an arrogant smirk on her face as she leaned on Tenchi's shoulder. Tenchi never budged. His murderous gaze was fixed on the three in front of him. The woman stepped forward and slipped the dagger into a sheath on her belt.

Future Ryoko: "Who the hell are you? I don't recall your face."

Voice: "You can call me Orchid, the name given to me by my master."

Ryoko: "Yeah? And just who is your master."

Orchid: "For the time being, that will remain a secret. Now, I have to prepare your darling Tenchi for his mission."

Ryoko: "What mission?!"

Orchid: "Alas, another secret."

Kagi: "You won't get away with this. You can't possibly think you can defeat all of us now that we know you're involved."

Orchid: "All of us? You mean those saps in the house and the old man at the shrine? They didn't put up much a fight. Even the great Washu never noticed me sneak into her lab. And I thought it was supposed to be the most secure lab in all of existence. Oh well."

Ryoko: "You didn't..."

Orchid: "No I didn't. They'll just wake up with a headache once the effects of my stun darts wear off. I was under strict orders. My master wants to have some fun with all of you first. Oh, would you look at the time. Come Tenchi, it's time to begin your lessons."

Tenchi turned to join her. Both Ryoko and the Future Ryoko had the same idea in mind. Ryoko fired an energy blast at the back of Orchid's head. At the same time Future Ryoko unloaded the clip of her blaster at the middle of her back. Quick as lightning, Tenchi whipped around; in a flurry of swipes and slashes, he deflected every round and energy blast. Orchid never turned around or blinked an eye. She had one last snide comment as she and Tenchi disappeared into thin air.

Orchid: "I wouldn't try that again. Our control on him is still developing, you could easily leave him as a brainless killing machine if you're not careful."

In a blink of the eye, they were gone. Ryoko fell to her knees and began to shake uncontrollably with tears. Kagi could only stare in disbelief at where Tenchi had been standing. Future Ryoko buried her fist in a nearby boulder that jutted out of the lake. Despite efforts from the future and present alike, the prophecy was beginning to fulfill itself. Earth and Heaven, Tenchi, had become hell. It was the last wheel to be set into motion. There would be no denying destiny. The fight for life itself had begun. However, many things had changed. The future still remained to be written.