Changes Chapter 9: A New Man, a tenchi muyo fanfic

Changes: A New Man

In the previous chapter, Ayeka was about to depart for Jurai in order to investigate the prophecy at its source. However, before she could take off in the Yagami with Kiyone and Mihoshi, there was an interruption. A battered and beaten Tenchi was suddenly before them. Ryoko tried to end any possible threat by killing Tenchi but failed when his gentle nature reached out to her. The group was even more confused when Orchid showed up and Tenchi took Ryoko hostage. Kagi confronted his future father in an attempt to rescue both Ryo and Ryoko. Without warning, Tenchi attacked Orchid and sent her packing with a fairly large wound to her side. Now the household must try to figure out what is going on.

Changes: A New Man

The entire household sat in astonished silence around the dinner table. For once in her life, Washu found herself speechless. Even Mihoshi's eyes were distracted as she slowly chewed her food. Tenchi was attacking his fifth plate of food with no obvious signs of stopping. Even his grandfather's attempts to bring him around with a cough or "ahem" failed as he was seemingly oblivious to the world around him. The only ones not watching the gluttonous display were Kagi and Ryo. Kagi's eyes never left Tenchi ever since he appeared smoldering in an unexplainable crater outside the Masaki residence. Ryo's side was heavily bandaged as the tiny nano-machines Washu had injected her with fixed the broken rib. She was also under strict orders to stay awake due to a couple concussions Orchid had left her with. Ryo had regained her composure after seeing Tenchi again, and her thoughts were back on the mission. Kagi just stared at Tenchi as an animal watches a predator, all the while his hand caressing the pommel of his sword. He was only picking up every other word Ryo said.

Ryo: ".......we........Tenchi.........if........listening?.....KAGI!"

Kagi: "What?!"

Ryo: "You're not listening. Stop messing around with the damn sword. You're making me nervous."

Kagi: "It's him. I just know it. He feels just like the Emperor, power-wise."

Ryo: "But?"

Kagi: "It...just...doesn't feel like the evil back home, you know?"

Ryo: "I know. Listen kiddo, I've made a decision."

Kagi: "About what?"

Ryo: "About the mission. Listen, it's pretty obvious that I still feel something for him. When I see the old him, I become....well, not myself. So anyway, I've decided to put you in control. I will follow your orders."

Kagi: "WHAT?! I can't do that. You've always been my commanding officer. It wouldn't be right for me to start giving you orders. Besides, I'm not ready."

Ryo: "You're the only one here that can do the job. You only met the old Tenchi once. If I get drawn in by him, I won't be able to tell if or when he changes. And one more thing; you are ready. Unfortunately, you've been ready ever since you were 13. Ayeka and I debated whether or not we should give you a command of your own. But we decided that most troops wouldn't be ready to take orders from a kid. Even if that kid did have more experience and was a brilliant tactician."

Kagi: "Fine, I'll do it. Just don't expect me to take to it right away. I'm not comfortable giving orders, especially to you."

Ryo: "I think you'll take to it faster than you think. You've been wanting to tell me what to do ever since I knocked on your ass when you were 8."

Kagi: smiles "I still say that was just a lucky shot."

After a sharing a short chuckle the two of them crossed the room to rejoin the rest of the household. Kagi still kept his distance with a cautious hand on his sword. They hadn't missed anything as everyone watched Tenchi finish downing his seventh plate of food. He finally pushed his plate away and cleaned his mouth. With a very content look on his face, he looked up at his family and was suddenly embarrassed.

Tenchi: "Heh, heh. Sorry, I guess I was a bit hungrier than I thought. It's been so long since I've had a decent meal."

Sasami: "It's alright Tenchi. Would you like some more?"

Tenchi: "No, it's alright. I've had more than my share tonight."

Noboyuki: "I'll say, I've never seen you eat like that before. But that doesn't matter. The only thing that's important is that you're home safe where you belong. I know you're mother's soul will rest easier now that you're safe. I don't know what I would've done if you....if you...didn't..."

Tenchi: "Thanks dad, I missed you too."

Katsuhito: "Ahem, I'm sorry to interrupt the two of you. However, we have some important matters to address now. Agreed?"

Ayeka: "I must agree Lord Tenchi. We need to know where you have been for the past two months."

Tenchi: "Two months? I could've sworn it was longer than that."

Washu: "Tenchi, that is a question we can answer later in my lab. What we don't know is what happened to you."

Tenchi: "Well to be honest, I don't remember."

Ryoko: "You don't remember? How can that be? You spoke with Orchid like you knew her."

Tenchi: "That's the strange part. I did remember her and what they did, but now, it just comes and goes in flashes. I guess when I broke her master's hold, it also erased memories too."

Washu: "Basic security measure. Whoever was controlling you made sure that if you broke away, you wouldn't be able to lead anyone back to them."

Tenchi: "So there's nothing you can do?"

Washu: "Nothing worth trying. I could maybe give you a bit of your memory back, but after so much degradation, it would only be about 3 seconds worth of memory that would be sketchy at best."

Tenchi: "I see...."

Mihoshi: "Maybe you should tell us what you do remember before you forget that too."

Everyone took a moment to look at the usually scatter-brained detective. It wasn't very often that she said anything that made sense.

Tenchi: "Good idea. Washu, you might want to record...."

Washu was already typing on her holo-pad. A small flying camera soon appeared out of a small sub-space pocket of Washu's.

Washu: "Already on it. Go ahead, I'll make sure that we get everything."

Tenchi: "Well, here goes."

Everyone watched as a serious expression came over Tenchi's face. He began to stare off into space as his concentration grew. His body shuddered as he started to dig up painful memories.

Tenchi: "I can remember voices. Lot's of voices. Orchid...and...somebody else. It's hard to make out what they're saying. They want something. The call it.....the...the....The Wings of Darkness. But they didn't know how to get to them. Pain...I remember pain. It felt like my head was about to explode. Whenever I think something I'm supposed to...there's pain. Orchid; she's teaching me. Teaching me to fight. If I don't...if I...don't...they say they'll kill everyone I love. I believe them. Orchid's master is very powerful, I can sense it."

Tears began to form in Tenchi's mind as the next set of memories began to appear. These seemed to be very painful for him to re-live.

Tenchi: "Now, all I hear are screams. Everyday, the same awful screams. And blood, I can hear blood hitting the ground. There's so much blood...I can smell it. I....I'm killing them. Creatures from every part of the galaxy, they all want to kill me. My new skills...they take over. None of them stand a chance. I just keep on fighting until nobody comes anymore. When it's over, Orchid takes me to my bed and tends to my wounds. She's...nice...almost sincere. Now the master says it's time for lessons...but they hurt so much. I can't, I just can't! AAAAHHHHH!!!"

Tenchi fell to the floor clutching his head. Immediately Ryoko was at his side trying to comfort him. Ayeka and Katsuhito exchanged knowing looks and head back to the shrine. Washu went to help Ryoko with Tenchi, but left the camera on. She was going to collect as much information as she could. Sasami led the way up to Tenchi's room so they could lay him down. Ryo had almost gone to his side as well, but was held back by her newly appointed commander.

Kagi: "Just because you might have old feelings for him, it doesn't mean I'm going to let you give in to them."

Ryo: "You're right. I...I don't know. Just when I saw him hurting like that...I just..."

Kagi: "I know. But remember, our first duty is to watch him. At the slightest hint of trouble, we have to take him out. I won't be able to do it alone. No doubt, the rest of them will try to protect him."

Ryo: "You're right. Unfortunately even if we fight together, I think they will be able to keep us away from him. We're going to need reinforcements."

Kagi: "But how? Washu can't leave the machine. We don't even know if she's still alive. Ayeka's pinned down on Omega 7 and Sasami...she's dead."

Ryo: "You don't need to remind me. Don't worry, I have a plan. I just hope that it works in time."

Ryo began scanning communication channels on her new arm provided by Washu. It was taking a while, so she was obviously looking for a very specific source. Finally, her scanner beeped as it found it's target. With a devilish smile on her face, she began typing on a small keypad. When she was done, she held her palm to the sky and pressed the "Transmit" button.

Kagi: "Who did you signal? And why weren't you sure if it would reach them."

Ryo: "Don't worry, I just sent a message to an old friend. And let's just say that this friend travels a lot. However, I think the offer I just sent will be more than enticing."

Kagi: "Somehow, I get the feeling that I don't wanna know."

Ryo: "Good guess."

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Across the universe in Tokimi's realm, the mood was equally somber. Orchid was back on her feet and ready for revenge after Tokimi had actually taken the time to heal her. Orchid's role would be pivotal in the next phase of her plan. The goddess simply watched the stars with a content smile on her face. An uneasy Orchid came into the chamber and kneeled.

Orchid: "You sent for me milady?"

Tokimi: "Yes, how is the cultivation proceeding?"

Orchid: "All sectors are on schedule. We will be more than ready for the second phase in one week."

Tokimi: "I see, so the time is almost at hand."

Orchid: "But how...I thought..."

Tokimi: "What? What did you...think?" condescending tone

Orchid: "Well milady, I thought that you needed the boy to complete your plan."

Tokimi: "Oh, is that all that's bothering you. There's no need to worry. His little defiance was expected."

Orchid: "I don't understand, then you knew he would turn on us."

Tokimi: "I was counting on it. They'll play right into our hands."

Orchid: "Was that wise milady? He almost killed me."

Tokimi: "Nonsense, you know as well as I do that he would've taken your head if he wished to kill you. That little scratch was a message. He was trying to tell us to leave him alone because he was willing to kill. How far from that truth that is...hahahaha."

Orchid: "But milady, they will be on guard now. Won't it be harder to regain control over him now?"

Tokimi: "Don't worry about it. We can count on Jurai's emperor to take care of that. And while Tsunami is off trying to prepare, there will be nothing to stop me. Now, go see to the rest of the preparations. There will be no question when the mighty Jurian Empire falls."

===========================

The morning sunlight crept over the mountain and slowly began to warm the Masaki house. The familiar warmth on her face slowly began to awaken Ryoko. As soon as her eyes adjusted she looked down from her usual spot over Tenchi's bed. Finally, it was no longer an empty pillow. For that moment, everything seemed right in the world. Everything was as it should be. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Tenchi's scent was back, and it was wonderful. She opened her eyes again just to make sure it wasn't a dream. Then it finally clicked, it was familiar, but not the same. True, he was asleep, but he was far from resting. He was stiff as a board, he had hardly moved from where he had been laid the night before. A mannequin would have looked more relaxed than he did. Every muscle in his body was tensed and ready for action at the drop of a pin. Ryoko decided that it would be a good idea to leave his room as quietly as possible. She glided softly to the door and phased through it. When she was sure that he hadn't heard him, she allowed herself to touch down on the floor and stopped holding her breath. She looked towards his door and softly caressed it. If she could only find a way to know what was going on inside his head, maybe she could help him. Her moment of contemplation was interrupted by a familiar voice.

Kagi: "You know, that's a dangerous little hobby of yours these days."

Ryoko, taken by surprise, turned to see Kagi. He had stationed himself in an old chair outside Tenchi's room. Beside him, a thermos that smelled of coffee and a GP issue blaster. He had obviously borrowed or lifted it off Kiyone or Mihoshi. He was leaning on his sword with a serious look on his face.

Ryoko: "You wanna tell me what you're doing."

Kagi: "I decided to take the first watch. I still don't trust him."

Ryoko: "On watch for what?"

Kagi: "If I see that he starts to become the Dark Emperor or the Destroyer again. I'll take him out. Hopefully I'll be able to catch him off guard."

Ryoko: "Oh come on! Washu's monitoring him; plus she implanted the inhibitor chip while he was asleep."

Kagi: "That's supposed to comfort me? It may take a load off your mind, but I've seen what he can do."

Ryoko: "Well don't forget, Washu is..."

Kagi: "...the greatest scientific mind in the universe. I know, I know. I live with her also, remember?"

Ryoko: "So what's the problem?"

Kagi: "Dammit, don't you see? This goes beyond science. The Washu I know learned a hell of lesson in humility. Who do you think planned the palace assault?!"

Ryoko: "You mean..."

Kagi: "Yes! She took everything into account. She spent weeks running simulations and devising a battle plan for Ryo and the princesses. In the end, it didn't matter. We still got the crap kicked out of us."

Ryoko: "It doesn't have to be that way."

Kagi: "Listen I'm not discussing anything. You do what you have to, and I'll do the same. Either way, the future is going to change."

After a couple tense moments of silence, Ryoko went downstairs. Sasami was cooking a mild breakfast for Mihoshi and Kiyone. The both of them were still a little banged up from Orchid's attack. Mihoshi looked up with a small smile and greeted Ryoko. Kiyone looked half asleep and groggily mumbled a greeting from her coffee cup. Ryoko, just smiled and nodded. She didn't feel like small talk, instead she just continued on her way to Washu's lab.

The lab was in it's normal state of operation. After looking over and around her various machines, Ryoko finally found the diminutive scientist. However she wasn't alone. Ryo was sitting on a lab table while Washu was working on her prosthetic arm. Ryoko thought it was odd, she didn't remember it being damaged in the fight. Ryo gave a simple nod of acknowledgement when she saw Ryoko. Ryoko returned the gesture and walked up behind Washu.

Ryoko: "What's going on Washu?"

Washu: ".......grrr......."

Ryoko: "Fine, Washu-chan."

Washu: "......grrr......."

Ryoko: "sigh Fine, alright, MOM."

Washu: "Oh, hello little Ryoko. What did you say?"

Ryoko: "Well MOM, I was just asking what you were doing."

Washu: "I really don't think you want to know."

Ryoko: "What the hell?! It has something to do with Tenchi doesn't it?"

Ryo: "Just tell her. She won't be able to do anything about it anyway."

Washu: "Fine, you really want to know? It's another fail-safe."

Ryoko: "Well, what does that mean?"

Washu: "It means that I've just installed a detonator in Ryo's arm."

Ryoko: "A detonator for what?"

Washu: "The inhibitor I implanted at the base of Tenchi's skull. If it comes down to it, I've loaded the implant with a sufficient amount of silver-nitrate explosive. I'll remove it once I'm convinced the danger has passed."

Ryoko: "Are you insane?!! I'm not going to let you give something like this to this trigger-happy maniac! Take them out! Both the detonator and the explosive!"

Ryo: "Nothing doing. I'm not going to make the same mistakes twice. If those eyes go red again, lights out!"

Ryoko: "So what if I just destroy your brand new little detonator and trash this lab?"

Ryo: "Then you kill him even faster."

Ryoko: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ryo: "It means that Kagi also has a detonator. He's a lot more willing than I am to use it. Both detonators are connected if one goes down the other knows. He'll press the button a whole lot faster that I would. What do you say? It's your move."

Ryoko: "You bitch, how can you do this?"

Ryo: "I do what needs to be done. Thank you Washu, I'll be going now."

Ryoko: "Washu, how could you....

Upstairs, Tenchi had finally gotten out of bed. Before leaving his room, he methodically made his bed and straightened out a little bit. He then got dressed and proceeded to the bathroom to finish cleaning up. He exchanged glances with Kagi as he left. He watched from the bathroom door as his future son got up and went to his room. When he was done in the bathroom, he proceeded downstairs. Both the living room and the kitchen were empty. He went into the kitchen and began to pull food out of the refrigerator. It was all very basic: a couple eggs, some cheese, an apple, and a loaf of bread. He poured himself a cup of tea and sat down at the table. He knelt down at the table and set his food down. He started by breaking the eggs into a glass. He swirled them a couple times and then drank them down like a glass of water. He then proceeded to eat the rest of his meal. As he had made his room, he did all of this in a very methodical and rehearsed manner. All the while, he ate in silence, stiff and rigid.

His mind had completely zoned out as he operated mechanically. Suddenly, he was snapped back to reality by the feeling of a hand on his shoulder. Quick as a shot, he was on his feet. Everything was a blur as his fingers flew out and clamped down on a throat. He slammed his enemy as hard as he could against the support beam, almost breaking it in half. He drew back his free hand as far as he could to deliver the final blow. A garbled scream caught his attention and he stopped short. His vision began to clear, his mind began to think again. His senses were slowly coming back to him one by one. His eyes followed his arm from the shoulder to his fingers. He was shocked to see a terrified Mihoshi at the end of his grip. Tears were pouring from her eyes down her face and onto his hand. Frantically, her nails dug into his hand drawing blood. He never felt it. He simply stared in shock as her body struggled and kicked against his grip. It didn't even feel like she was moving. Her screams were finally beginning to become audible to him. The final one pierced his trance just as Kiyone burst into the room.

Kiyone: "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!!! LET GO OF HER YOU BASTARD!!!"

Tenchi: "But I....I didn't.... it was an accident....I didn't mean..."

Tenchi looked at his hand and finally let go. Five red marks began to form on Mihoshi's neck as she fell into the arms of her partner. Kiyone frantically called for help. Kagi raced down the stairs sword drawn and ready. At the same time, Ryo flew out of the lab and activated her blade and shield.

Kagi: "I KNEW IT!"

Ryo: "KIYONE! IS SHE OKAY?!"

Kiyone: "I DON'T KNOW! OH GOD! SHE ISN'T BREATHING!"

Kagi: "Ryo, go get Washu and send Ryoko out here! Now!"

Ryo: "Got it!"

Ryo phased out of sight and soon after, she and Ryoko both teleported out to the living room.

Ryoko: "What's going on?"

Ryo: "Why don't you ask Kiyone?"

Kiyone: "He attacked Mihoshi!"

Tenchi: "I didn't mean too! Shit! It was an accident!"

Ryoko: "Tenchi, calm down! Come on, breath."

Tenchi: "I...I can't...I gotta get outta here! Now!"

Kagi: "You're not going anywhere buddy! We're all going to wait right here for Washu."

Tenchi bolted for the door. Quick as a flash, Kagi leapt over the couch to block his escape. He grabbed Tenchi by the collar and tried to hold him back. Before anyone could act, Tenchi lifted Kagi off his feet and hurled him across the room. With tears in his eyes, he ran straight though the glass door and into the woods. Washu came out of the lab and immediately teleported Mihoshi to the medical bay. Kagi slowly picked himself off the floor and searched though his pockets.

Kagi: "Shit! I knew I shouldn't have let him out of my sight! I guess, this is it. I'm not risking it."

He pulled out his detonator and prepared to trigger it when Ryoko swiped it from his hand."

Kagi: "What do you think you're doing?!"

Ryoko: "Don't you see that's he's scared? He's not going berserk dammit! He's terrified out of his wits!"

Kagi: "Listen, I have a mission. If he lives, we die. Ryo! Do it!"

Ryo: "Right. God, I'm so sorry Tenchi."

Ryoko: "No don't! Listen, let me find him. Let talk to him. I'll bring him back here and we can figure out what happened together. Please, just give me a chance."

Kagi: "..................Fine. But I'm warning you, if he isn't back by sundown, I'm blowing it. Got that?"

Ryoko: "Fine, sundown. In the meantime, go tell Ayeka and Katsuhito what's happened. They'll need to be here also."

Without another word, Ryoko teleported off into the wood to search for Tenchi. Kagi however wasn't done planning.

Kagi: "Ryo, listen. This might be it right now. I want you to find a place to hide, someplace new. If you don't hear from me by sundown. I want you to detonate the explosive. That way, you won't have to see it. When it's done, deactivate your time shield and hope for the best."

Ryo: ".....fine...."

Kagi: "I'm sorry, I know that I'm no good at this."

Ryo: "That's not the problem. The problem is that you're perfect for this, and you're right. I'll be waiting."

With that, Ryo teleported off. Kagi decided to find Sasami and make sure she was alright. She might have been scared by all the yelling. He sighed as he looked that the broken support beam. The burden of command was certainly proving to be a heavy one.

==============================

A ship was slowly approaching Earth. It's cloaked passenger simply stared out of the viewport as the vessel neared it's destination. It had been a long journey, but it was worth it. The hunt would be renewed once again. The dark figure then spoke.

"It's been a long time hasn't it? Well, you know what they say, anything worth as much as this deserves the wait. It won't be long now. Aren't you excited?"

"Chaaooouuuuu!"

Yes, the most feared bounty hunter in the universe, Nagi, was back.