Changes Chapter 8: First Move, a tenchi muyo fanfic

Changes: First Move

In the previous chapter, the household of the Masaki shrine began their frantic search for Tenchi. Ryo got a new arm, and Mihoshi isn't quite as clumsy as she used to be. Fueled on by Sasami's dreams, Ayeka and Katsuhito search the history of Jurai for any clues to the four factions that would save Tenchi from himself. Elsewhere, in a place unknown, Tenchi has begun new training and Tsunami won't answer any prayers.

Changes: First Move

Tenchi's room was now an empty shell. It didn't even feel like him anymore. A thin layer of dust had settled over his dresser and desk. Everything had remained untouched for a month and a half now. Sasami never felt right cleaning his room. He had asked her nicely when they first arrived to let that be his duty. It just wouldn't be proper to go against his wishes now. Everything was as it lay, except his pillow. It had been picked up and put down every night. Sunlight gently fell across a pair of feline eyes. Ryoko stirred slowly, then she breathed in deeply. She savored the scent of Tenchi on the pillow. Every day it became fainter and fainter. She looked down from her spot in the air. It was as if she hoped to look down one morning and see him resting there as he always had before. No luck today. She gently put the pillow down and teleported to her perch in the living room. Today was a slow morning. Papers and scrolls littered the tables along with empty coffee and tea cups.

It was almost noon and the house was still. It looked as if the weeks of nonstop working and planning had finally caught up to everyone, even Sasami. Ryoko slowly patrolled the house to make sure. Kagi was sleeping in his room, but not peacefully. He was either fighting a past battle or engaging in one to come. He tossed and turned and every now and then threw a hand out. Ryoko thought it best not to wake him in such a state. Mihoshi and Kiyone must've been plain exhausted. They were both spread out and snoring away. Ryoko chuckled, it would be funny if Kiyone could see just how much they were both alike at times like that. Ayeka looked to be sleeping peacefully, but her pillow told a different story. It was still wet with tears from the previous night. It was unclear as to what Sasami was feeling. She was still, but she was mumbling in her sleep. The long pauses suggested that she was talking with someone. It would be better to let her finish her dream. Ryoko couldn't find Ryo anywhere. She guessed that she might be with Washu in the lab. It would be logical that after fighting for twenty years, she would find it hard to sleep. The only other person in the house that could go with out so much sleep was Washu.

The lights in Washu's lab never dimmed. Countless machines and computers worked a mile a minute without rest. Numbers and calculations were scribbled on papers that were strewn all over the floor. It wasn't hard to find Washu, she was at her desk. An empty pot of coffee was her only companion. The exhaustion had caught even the most tireless mind in the house. Ryoko was about to leave when she heard something very faint. Somebody was crying. It was very soft, but it was definitely in the lab. Ryoko rounded a corner to see a figure hunched over in front of one of Washu's many viewing screens. As she got closer, she could make out the images on the screen to be old records. They held no importance as far as science is concerned. These were some of Washu's personal records. They were made up of old photos and video records, all of family. The one on the screen now was from Tenchi's eighteenth birthday party. What a party that had been, nobody fought, nothing broken, everyone was just happy. Ryoko's concentration lapsed just long enough to let her foot touch the ground. The figure in the chair shot up and spun around. It was none other than Ryo. When she realized who it was she relaxed and wiped the tears from her eyes.

Ryo: "How long have you been there?"

Ryoko: "Long enough."

Ryo: "I was just...that is....damn. That was a great day, wasn't it?"

Ryoko: "Yeah, not a single thing broken."

Ryo: "I had forgotten these memories. All the records were lost when the Dark Emperor destroyed the house. Washu just had enough time to save the essentials."

Ryoko: "Is it all really that bad?"

Ryo: "Sadly so. You know, I could've stopped it once."

Ryoko: "But you said he was too powerful for...."

Ryo: "He wasn't always that strong. The third time we fought, I had him beat. But when it came time to deal the final blow.."

Ryoko: "You couldn't."

Ryo: "Could you? That's when he gave me this beauty mark. Ryo points to the scar coming down over her right eye. The bastard begged for forgiveness. Then, when I offered my hand, BAM! energy blast right to the face. I dodged most of it. It was just the residual heat that did this. He could've blown my head off."

Ryoko: "I guess he changed a lot more than I thought."

Ryo: "Why do you say that?"

Ryoko: "Tenchi would've gone for his blade first. And if he did use an energy blast, he would've aimed for the body. It would be a larger target. Tenchi was effective when he fought, not fancy."

Ryo: "Guess you got a point there. But we really can't assume anything. Ever since Kagi and I arrived, the timeline has already begun to shift."

Ryoko: "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Ryo: "So, where's everyone else? It's pretty quiet."

Ryoko: "Everyone looked so tired, I decided to let them sleep. But I don't know if I should wake Kagi or not. He's having some pretty intense dreams."

Ryo: "Yeah, they started when he was 12. That's when he first met his father. The nightmares come and go. Sometimes they last one night. Sometimes they can go on for months."

Ryoko: "Must've been hard on his mother."

Ryo: "Nice try, I'm still not telling."

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Elsewhere in a remote part of the galaxy, the wheels of destiny had already begun to turn. The innocent boy that was once Tenchi was now dead. All he lived for an knew was destruction. He stood before a doorway, one that would take him back to the place he once called home. He slowly removed his armor and kneeled. The voice of his master soon came.

Tokimi: "You are finally ready. Very soon you will be among those that tried to kill you. No matter how much they try to trick you, just remember why you are there."

Tenchi: "To bring back the last gem."

Tokimi: "That's right, with that gem we will have to power we need to overthrow the House of Jurai."

Orchid: "Are we ready master?"

Tokimi: "Yes. Tenchi prepare yourself. This is your most important mission and some sacrifices must be made."

Tenchi: "Yes, of course master."

Orchid. "Now just close your eyes handsome. It will all be over soon. Remember, this is gonna hurt me a lot more that it will you."

With that, Orchid picked up a training bokken. She flexed her fists and then walked in front of Tenchi. He was kneeling with his eyes closed in deep meditation. A cruel smile crawled across her face. Slowly, she raised the wooden sword and prepared to strike.

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Back on Earth, preparations were being made. Ayeka had grown tired of waiting. She decided that it would be in everyone's best interest if she go back to Jurai to search for the four factions that the prophecy said could stop the Darkness from enveloping everything.. Kiyone and Mihoshi agreed to take her on the Yagami. Katsuhito was still not certain that she was making the right decision. Somehow, the idea of ruling houses from Jurai being the key didn't sit right with him. Still, it was the only lead they could come up with and it had to be followed. Sasami was to be left behind. If anything happened, she would be safer in the company of Katsuhito and Ryoko. Mihoshi was already aboard the ship. She had prepped all the systems and configured the navigational computer for extended travel. The normally helpless GP officer had become much more quiet and focused. Ayeka and Kiyone were just saying their good-byes before they began their trip.

Kiyone: "Alright princess, we're all set whenever you're ready."

Ayeka: "Thank-you Kiyone. This will only take a minute."

Katsuhito: "I still don't think this is the right way to go. Just be careful."

Ayeka: "Thank you Yosho, I will. You just worry about keeping Sasami safe. Whispers And don't let those two leave a bad impression on her.glances to Ryoko and Ryo"

Ryo & Ryoko: "We heard that!"

Kagi: "Are you sure you don't want me to come along? I'm sure I could help."

Ayeka: "I'm know you could, but your presence would raise to many questions. If the Holy Council hears of this, they would be in a position to administer martial law over all territories and colonies. Tensions are high these days, such actions could trigger wars. We have to handle this as quietly as possible."

Kagi nodded in agreement although mixed feelings were quite evident in his eyes and posture. Ayeka's hand on his shoulder offered little comfort. In an unsure manner, he gave a Jurain salute. Ayeka smiled and gave a slight bow in acknowledgement. She turned to board the Yagami and then suddenly stopped. The wind picked up suddenly and the once clear day was shrouded in black storm clouds. Both Ryo and Ryoko instinctively ignited their weapons and Kagi drew the sword from his back. An uneasy silence fell over the group as they took a defensive formation away from the ship. A rolling thunder sounded in the distance. Kagi's head whipped around as he sensed something. As he came around, a huge thunderclap sounded and a bolt of lightning slammed into the ground about fifty yards away from the group. The dust slowly began to settle, revealing a shadowy figure huddled on the ground. All eyes remained focused on the figure and muscles tensed as they readied themselves for anything. The figure shifted and lifted it's head. Ryoko and Ayeka's breaths stopped in their throats. The battered and weary face belonged to non other than Tenchi. Before anyone could stop her Ayeka teleported over to his side.

Washu: "Ryoko! Wait! It's dangerous!"

Kiyone: "Stop! You don't know what he'll do!"

Mihoshi: "Please be careful Miss Ryoko!"

Ayeka: ".....Tenchi......."

Katsuhito: "Watch him carefully."

Kagi: "We should just end it now, while he's hurt."

Ryo: "Now you want to finish the job? Well, good luck. I'm sure Ryoko will do everything in her power to protect him now that she has him back."

Kagi: What makes you say that?"

Ryo: "It's what I would do."

Ryoko approached the smoking form very cautiously. Her right hand was ready to strike at a moment's notice. Her left slowly neared Tenchi. She rolled him over and gave him the once over. She nearly jumped out of her skin when his hand shot up and grabbed her wrist. Her breath stopped and an energy dagger formed in her hand. With all her might, she brought it down, aiming at his heart.

Tenchi: "No...please...Ryoko"

Sasami quickly covered her eyes and waited for the impending hiss of energy carving flesh. It never came. She slowly opened her eyes to see Ryoko's blade only a centimeter away from Tenchi's chest. Her eyes were wide with bewilderment. She shivered as Tenchi's left hand came up to her face. His rough and bleeding palm caressed her skin. Tears slowly trickled down her cheek and mixed with his warm blood. He said something that nobody could hear. After what seemed like an eternity, Ryoko dispersed her dagger and hugged the broken form close to her. Everyone was taken in by scene, all save one.

Kagi: "I don't like it. Something's not right here. Ryo please finish him while they're both distracted."

Ryo: "I...I can't. I may have been naive when I was younger but I could always tell my Tenchi apart from somebody else."

Kagi: "But you did the same thing in our time!"

Ryo: "No I didn't! I could always tell it wasn't the Tenchi I knew. I never held him like that after he changed."

Kagi: "Damn it! Listen to me! I don't like the smell of it. It's too god-damn easy!"

As if on cue, a second bolt of lightning struck in the opposite direction. Everyone spun around only to find Orchid hovering a few meters off the ground. Kiyone was about to speak to her when she noticed a devilish smirk on her face. She'd seen that look many times, it was the look a criminal gives you when he knows that he's drawn you in. Then there sounded a muffled shriek. The group turned once more to see a very strong looking Tenchi choking Ryoko with one arm from behind and his left hand clamped onto the jewel on her left wrist. Orchid's venomous laugh filled the air as she teleported above the two of them.

Orchid: "How sweet, a truly moving performance Tenchi. I almost busted a gut. I didn't know we had recruited a poet."

Kagi: " I knew it! Damn you Tenchi! If anything happens to her, I swear I'll...."

Tenchi: "Die a glorious and pointless death. Know this, there's no reason for anyone to die today. All we want is the gem."

Washu: "Do you really think we would let you leave with that kind of power? There's no telling what you would use it for."

Kiyone: "Exactly! As a GP officer, I can't let you leave this planet!"

Ayeka: "Lord Tenchi, as much as I despise the demon woman, I would trust her more than you with that gem."

Sasami: tears in her eyes "Tenchi, please remember who you are. Ryoko is your friend, we're all your friends."

Orchid: "Enough with this blubbering! Tenchi, you work the gem away from the pirate bitch while I keep the others busy."

After getting simple nod from Tenchi, she was off. She flew into the middle of the group causing havoc. A flurry of quick kicks and strikes put both Kiyone and Mihoshi out of commission. She nimbly avoided a swipe from Katsuhito's bokken. As she flew backward, she unleashed a barrage of energy bursts. Ayeka extended her shield to protect Katsuhito, Washu, and Sasami. Ryo powered up her forearm blade and flew towards the giggling Orchid.

Ryo: "Kagi, back me up!"

Kagi: "Right!"

Both Kagi's and Ryo's moves seemed choreographed. He shimmied up a tree and leapt at Orchid. She blocked his strike and sent him crashing into the branches below. Her triumphant smile was soon wiped off her face as Ryo appeared in the exact spot Kagi had been only moments ago. Orchid barely blocked the strike from Ryo's forearm blade but took a sharp kick to her ribcage. It wasn't enough to stop her though. In a rage, Orchid ripped Ryo's prosthesis from it's coupling and then proceeded to pummel the former space pirate. Ryo tried her hardest to teleport away but she couldn't concentrate with the constant thumping against her skull. It took all she could muster to attempt blocking the oncoming strikes but with little success. Her entire body was on fire. Then she heard it, a wet snap. Her whole side flared up as she realized that it was a rib that had gone under the constant punishment. Nearly senseless, there was little Ryo could do. She simply hung limp as Orchid gripped her by the neck.

Orchid: "That was pretty good girlie. Not many people have been able to land a solid blow like that. I think you will be the perfect sacrifice to inaugurate the new emperor of the universe."

Kagi: "Drop her right now!"

Orchid: "Oh come on! We don't have time for your idle threats boy! Tenchi, do you have it yet?"

Tenchi: "Almost, she's got quite a mental grip on this thing."

Orchid: "Then just take her hand off. I don't know if I'll be able to hand both the princess and the old man."

Kagi: "Tenchi! Have you become such a coward that you must hide behind a woman?! FACE ME! I CHALLENGE YOU!"

Orchid: "We don't have time for this Tenchi."

Tenchi: "NO! I never back down from a challenge!"

Kagi slowly approached Tenchi and Ryoko. His blade was held steadily in front of him. His keen eyes noticed Orchid teleport and hover right over the pair. There was obvious annoyance in her eyes. He figured that she would stay out of this one and keep a good hold on Ryo. He just focused and began to concentrate on Tenchi. Kagi's blood boiled as he saw Tenchi lean closer to Ryoko. His tongue slowly caressed her ear and then he whispered something to her. Her eyes shot open and looked towards Tenchi. Kagi was caught off guard when Tenchi's eyes met his. The kindness was back. Tenchi winked and gave a faint smile to Kagi. Kagi stopped dead in his tracks, not sure what to make of what he had just witnessed.

Orchid: "Just make it quick ok? Our master is waiting."

Tenchi: "Oh I'll make it quick, don't you worry about that. I know just the technique to use. I'll just...NOW RYOKO!!!"

Tenchi threw Ryoko to the right and leapt with all his might into the air. Tenchi-ken ignited its familiar blue blade. Orchid looked down in horror as Tenchi came rocketing towards her. She dropped Ryo, who was caught by Ryoko, and drew two short swords from her back. She deflected the first strike, but the second sent her into the ground like a meteor. She recovered quickly and scurried out of the crater she had just formed.

Orchid: "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!"

Tenchi: "I was just biding my time. Did you really think I was on your side? I just had to wait for you to let me back home. And now, I'm not going anywhere."

Orchid: "Just wait till the master hears of your treachery."

Tenchi: "And just what makes you think that you'll be able to report?"

Orchid's eyes shot open with realization as Tenchi charged her again. His strikes were lightning fast and felt like sledgehammers. She kicked and punched in desperation only to be blocked every time. Tenchi sidestepped one of her punches and put a rock solid knee into her stomach. Orchid hacked and coughed as she stumbled backwards.

Orchid: "This is impossible, nobody can break the master's hold."

Tenchi: "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not 'nobody'."

With a blood-curdling shriek, she charged him again. Calmly, Tenchi blocked her swords and ducked below her defenses. Time seemed to slow down as Tenchi-ken sliced a neat gash in Orchid's side. Orchid screamed and took to the air. A vortex formed behind her as she clutched her flowing wound.

Orchid: "This isn't over by a long shot. You picked the wrong fucking fight Juraian! Our plans will just have to go one without you! Don't expect the numbers to be in your favor either next time!"

She flew into the vortex and in a flash of light both it and her were gone. Tenchi's muscles relaxed and he fell to his knees. Nobody was sure about what to do. After a few moments, Tenchi rose to his feet. A familiar smile crawled across his face. That boyish innocence that everyone remembered was in full view. In a very un-warrior like manner, he put his hand behind his head and chuckled.

Tenchi: "Sorry I scared everyone. I guess this must be a bit confusing."

Ryoko: "You can say that again. Are you sure that you're...you know...you?"

Tenchi: "As far as I can tell. I know I can't ask you all to trust me, at least not now. Where is Miss Washu?"

Washu: humph

Tenchi: "What's wrong?"

Washu: "You know perfectly well what's wrong."

Tenchi: "Nooooo, what are you talking about?"

Washu: "I'm not speaking to you until you call me LITTLE WASHU!!!"

Tenchi: "Oh yeah! I'm sorry. Please excuse me little Washu."

Washu: "Eh, no biggie. You've been through a lot. What did you need?"

Tenchi: "Can you make a device that can suppress my powers?"

Washu: "Sure I can, but why?"

Tenchi: "I'm still a threat. I don't know if Orchid and her master might have done something else to me."

Washu: "Sounds like a good enough reason. I'm going to need you to come down to my lab later on so I can make sure the equipment will work ok?"

Tenchi: "Of course, little Washu. Thank-you."

At last, the rest of the group began to settle down. Sasami was the first to tenetively approach Tenchi. As she neared, he knelt down to one knee and offered his hand. She looked at it, it was covered in old and new scars. There were even some fresh stitches along his index finger. She looked back up to his face and she began to feel at ease. His gentle smile was back, tears were beginning to well up in his eyes and his lip began to quiver. She forgot about his outstretched hand and rushed to embrace him. Her hands clasped behind his neck and she began to sob. Stifled tears came from Tenchi as well.

Sasami: sobbing "Oh Tenchi! I missed you so much, we never thought we'd see you again. Please don't leave us like that again."

Tenchi: soft crying "Don't worry. I'll never leave you all again. That's a promise Tsu-Sasami."

Sasami: wipes the tears from her eyes and pulls back a little " *sniff* Why did you almost call me Tsunami?"

Tenchi: "I'm sorry. When I was away, she was the only one that kept me company at night. She said that it took a lot of her power to reach a place so far. She wanted me to tell you that she had not abandoned any of you but she would need to rest after I came back. Does that make any sense at all to you?"

Sasami: "Oh yes, I was beginning to worry since I hadn't worried from her in so long. I guess I know where she was now."

Ryo: "I don't *cough* want to break up such a heart warming scene but *cough* do you think we could take this *cough,cough* inside? I need a drink. And *cough* somebody to set this rib for me. *cough* At least then we can eat *cough* while Tenchi tells us what the *cough* bloody hell has been going on for the last *cough* two months. *cough, cough........*

Katsuhito: "She's right, we all need our rest. Ayeka, help me with Kiyone and Mishoshi, they will also need to see to their injuries."

With a small nod, Ayeka roused Kiyone and helped her to her feet. She looked at Tenchi, it was still uncertain what she should do. In the meantime, she decided to enjoy his arrival home, however short that joy might be. She smiled at Tenchi and began helping Kiyone hobble back to the house. The entire group moved off to the house with Ryoko and Tenchi trailing behind. After an uncomfortable silence, Ryoko spoke up.

Ryoko: "So, you made it back alive?"

Tenchi: "Heh, yeah looks like it?"

Ryoko: "I really missed you, it was almost unbearable."

Tenchi: "I know, I felt the same way..."

Ryoko: "....about all of us. I know.

Tenchi: "I was going to say 'you'."

Ryoko: blushes Oh? You really have changed a little in the last month."

Tenchi: "What makes you say that?"

Ryoko: caresses the ear Tenchi licked "You've become a great actor."

Tenchi: "Sorry about that. I needed a reason to get close to you. It just seemed like an action both sides would believe."

Ryoko: "Don't apologize, I'll just have to give you more reasons to get close if that's what you learned over the past couple months."

Tenchi: "Maybe you will...heh, heh, heh."

Ryoko laughed, on the inside she was watching him like a hawk. He didn't blush once during the entire conversation, and that made her uncomfortable. Did he just mature, or change more than he was letting on? Ryoko wasn't the only one watching. Kagi stood on the porch and followed their every movement. His muscles tensed as he watched Tenchi. Something about the way Tenchi carried himself was familiar, to familiar.

I know it's been a while. Please bear with me, these things aren't easy to write from scratch. If you write me and tell me what you think, it does help motivate me to sit down and type. Let me know what you think. Drop me a line at: slayerwolf@slayerwolf.com