Changes Chapter 10: The Journey Begins, a tenchi muyo fanfic

Changes: The Journey Begins

In the previous chapter,

Changes: The Journey Begins

Even during the daylight, the woods offered more than its fair share of hiding places. Ryoko began to notice this as she had spent the past two hours searching through the seemingly endless amount of trees.. The scene that had played out earlier was still unclear to her. All she could remember was Mihoshi lying unconscious in Kiyone's arms. Tenchi had been trembling like leaf in a whirlwind before he ran off. It didn't help that Washu had helped Ryo and Kagi go behind everyone's back. She didn't trust either of them with a detonator. They were both so scared of the future. The thought of another way to save Jurai was just barely hanging on in their minds. But that didn't matter now; all that mattered was finding Tenchi before sundown. Things weren't looking good, she had looked everywhere she could think of. He wasn't at Funaho or the shrine. All of his old childhood hiding places were vacant. Then, a thought came to her. Thinking like Tenchi wasn't working, maybe she should think of where she would go.

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Kagi's search didn't take long at all. Sasami was in the corner of her room crying softly in a corner. Just as Kagi had suspected, she had heard everything. He decided that it would be best to stay with her until her sister arrived. He walked over and knelt down softly in front of her. He wasn't the greatest at being warm, he hadn't had much practice. That didn't mean he couldn't try.

Kagi: "Sasami, are you alright?"

Sasami: crying "Go away!"

Kagi: "What's wrong?"

Sasami: "Ever since you got here you've just been waiting for a chance to kill Tenchi!"

Kagi: "I suppose it wouldn't help to explain my side of the story again?"

Sasami: "Why is all of this happening?! Tenchi is nicest, most kind hearted person there is! He's not a killer! I just know it. Why did all of this happen to him?"

Kagi: "I wish I knew. Sometimes fate deals you a bad hand. It's just up to us to play it out."

Sasami: "It isn't fair. I'm beginning to wish that we had never met Tenchi. Then maybe he wouldn't be in this mess. Maybe he could've just led a normal human life."

Kagi: "Maybe, but maybe not."

Sasami: wiping her eyes "What do you mean?"

Kagi: "Somebody as powerful as Tenchi has to face destiny. Just as you will someday with Tsunami."

Sasami: "I don't even know about that anymore. I haven't felt her for a long time. I'm beginning to think that she isn't there anymore. Why won't she help us."

Kagi: "I don't have an answer for that. I wish I did though. But, I don't think she's abandoned us. If she is away, she must have good reason. We will simply have to remain strong until she returns."

Sasami: "I guess you're right. sniff Is Mihoshi going to be alright?"

Kagi: "I'm not sure. But if anyone can help her, Washu can."

Sasami: "Please don't be mad at Tenchi. He would never hurt any one of us on purpose."

Kagi: "Listen Sasami, I won't make any promises. However, I will try my best to not hurt Tenchi. I'm doing my best to help him."

Sasami: "I know you are. Thank you Kagi. You're more like Tenchi than you think. Please believe me when I say that is a good thing."

Kagi: "I suppose so. Thank you, Lady Sasami."

Slowly, the door to the bedroom slid open. Kagi turned to see Ayeka with a concerned look on her face. A little smile graced her features as she walked over to her little sister. She knelt down and embraced the small girl. Kagi took that as his cue to leave. As he looked back, Ayeka silently mouthed her thanks. Kagi smiled, nodded and then left the room. It was time to get back to more serious matters as he headed for Washu's lab.

It wasn't hard to find Washu's sick bay, even in a lab as enormous as hers. Its lights were always brighter than the others. He opened the door and let himself in quietly. Mihoshi was laid out in a hospital style bed with assorted machines reading her vital signs. Her head was immobilized with a thick neck brace. She was still unconscious, but breathing. Kiyone was at her side as a good partner and friend should be. If she noticed Kagi enter, she didn't show it. Her focus was completely on Mihoshi. Katsuhito and Washu were behind her desk looking at a screen.

Kagi: "How is she Washu?"

Washu: "Well she gave us quite a scare for a minute. I was able to get her breathing again but she hasn't woken up yet."

Katsuhito: "Indeed, she is lucky to be alive after such an ordeal."

Washu: "He almost crushed her windpipe. Another few seconds and it would have been hopeless. She has a concussion and a couple hyper-extended muscles in her neck and back, but other than that, no other injuries."

Kagi: "So is she in a....."

Washu: "Coma? Nah, I slipped her a mild neuro-stimulant to keep that from happening. She should come around in a minute or two. She'll have a hell of a headache, but it could've been worse."

Kagi: "This is true. Hopefully, Ryoko can find Tenchi and we'll be able to work this out."

That being said, he walked over to Mihoshi's bedside. Quietly he sat down across from Kiyone. Her eyes were red from tears and her hair was slightly disheveled. She noticed Kagi and took a moment to compose herself before speaking.

Kiyone: "You know, we've been through a lot together. Even before we came to Earth, there were shoot-outs and chases. We even went undercover together a couple times. But, in all that time, I'd never seen that kind of fear in her eyes."

Kagi: "You've been friends for a long time haven't you?"

Kiyone: "Ever since our academy days. We were both outsiders in a way. Everyone thought I was too serious and a complete bitch. And as for Mihoshi, everyone thought she had been given a leg up, since her grandfather was the Grand Marshal of the Galaxy Police. It seemed like fate brought us together. I helped her through training and she became my friend. When we got partnered together I thought it was the greatest thing to happen to me. I wasn't ready for Mihoshi's bad luck holding me back and dragging me down. I started to resent her, I was even glad when she went missing. What kind of an officer is glad when their partner goes missing?"

Kagi: "A string of misfortune can make people think and do things that they normally wouldn't."

Kiyone: "I suppose, but that's no excuse. I guess I've just been taking her for granted. There's no telling what I would've done if she..."

Before she could finish, Mihoshi began stirring. She took a deep breath and tried moving her arms. Her eyes squinted under the bright lights as she searched the room. When she finally found Kiyone, she gave a soft whimper as tears came to her eyes.

Mihoshi: weakly "Kiyone?"

Kiyone: "I'm here. You're going to be alright."

Mihoshi: "Please tell Tenchi that I'm sorry about his hand."

Kiyone: soft chuckle "Nice as always. I'll tell him when I get the chance."

Mihoshi: "I was only asking him if he wanted some more tea. Is that what made him angry? I'm really sorry. I always get in trouble, no matter what I do."

Kiyone: "No, it wasn't you at all. Tenchi's just a little confused right now but don't worry, Ryoko's looking for him right now."

With a quiet smile, Mihoshi closed her eyes and went back to sleep. Kiyone took her hand and resumed her watchful post. To Kagi, it was simply amazing. Amazing that Mihoshi could bear no ill will towards Tenchi even after what he had done. Kiyone had also calmed down considerably. Indeed, if anyone was going to save the universe, it might as well be the lot of them.

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

Darkness, cold darkness, it was something that Ryoko avoided as much as she could. Now, it was the only place left to search. Her old cave was the last place she wanted to look, but it needed to be done. It took all the courage she could muster to enter her old prison. It had been sometime since she smelled the earthy walls and felt the cold wind currents. The constant sound of dripping water was still there as well. Slowly, she approached the familiar glow at the end of the tunnel. The illuminated pool that once held her was still there, the water calm and cold as ever. At first she thought it was another failure, but her instincts told her differently. She scanned the room one more time, but to no avail. She turned to leave when she caught a hint of movement out of the corner of her eye. She spun around and sure enough, Tenchi was there. He was huddled in the darkest corner of the cell. Ryoko sighed with relief and teleported to his side. She sat down next to him and joined in his silence. It seemed as if he hadn't noticed her at all, but after a minute or two, he spoke.

Tenchi: "How did you know where to find me?"

Ryoko: "This is the quietest place there is around here. It's also the one place I wouldn't come near for a while. I'm guessing that's why you chose it."

Tenchi: "No, that was just a little bonus. I needed time to think."

Ryoko: "Yes, I suppose you would need that."

Tenchi: "So, is Mihoshi going to be alright?"

Ryoko: "Washu contacted me with our link. She's alive, a little banged up and shaken, but alive. She said it was nothing major."

Tenchi: "Thank god."

Ryoko: "Everyone's really worried, you know? Come back to the house, please. Washu wants to run some tests."

Tenchi: "Dammit! I'm so tired of tests! They never tell us a damn thing!"

Ryoko: "She's just trying to help the only way she can Tenchi."

Tenchi: "I know, I know. I just think that I'm beyond her help now. Maybe I should think about other alternatives."

Ryoko: "Now you're beginning to worry me Tenchi. What alternatives?"

Tenchi: "Maybe it would be best if I just stayed down here. Nobody to hurt, no more nightmares."

Ryoko: "Don't you say that! Don't you ever say that in front of me again! I spent 700 years in this damn hole! Only and idiot would WANT this! You may not be able to hurt anyone but you're not going to escape the nightmares. I didn't. The only thing that saved me was you. If I never met you, I would've just let the darkness swallow me."

Tenchi: "Shit Ryoko! Don't you see?! I almost killed Mihoshi, WHILE I WAS EATING BREAKFAST! There's no telling what might happen. What if I'm doing homework and end up breaking Sasami's neck when she asks me if I want a snack?! Or if I'm in the field and I put a pickaxe through somebody's chest because I was caught off guard?! The risk is just too much!"

Ryoko: "It's a risk that we're all willing to take. Now come on, let's go home."

Tenchi: "I'm willing to bet that Kagi and Ryo are waiting for me. I know about their back up plan."

Ryoko: "What? How did you..."

Tenchi: "I can hear the damn trigger beep every now and again. It's obviously not a tracking device. And, it's the only way to guarantee that I can be stopped if I change."

Ryoko: "So you knew all along?"

Tenchi: "Yes, but I think that's what Washu intended."

Ryoko: "So, what now?"

Tenchi: "Now, we go back. I've calmed down enough, I think. And, I need to speak with Ayeka and grandpa. Would you do the honors?"

Ryoko nodded and stood up. She looked down at Tenchi who in turn looked back at her. He tried his best to give her a reassuring smile. But she could tell that he was scared also. She closed her eyes and focused on the house. There was a slight tingling feeling and then it was over. They were just outside the house and under the watchful eyes of Kagi.

Kagi: "Cutting it close are we?"

Ryoko: "He's back, call her off."

Kagi: "You know if it weren't for Mihoshi..."

Ryoko: "I said call her off! Now!"

Kagi: "A deal's a deal."

Kagi took a small communicator out of his pocket, never taking his eyes off Tenchi.

Kagi: "Ryo, abort. Tenchi's back and under control."

Ryo: "Right, I'll be there in a second."

Just as she said, a second later, she materialized next to Kagi. There was a bit of relief in her features after she saw Tenchi. The four of them stood in silence for a few moments before the glass door to the living-room opened. It was Katsuhito, his eyes took in the scene quickly. It would be best to get them all inside before something happened.

Katsuhito: "Tenchi, come inside. There's somebody that wants to see you. And then, we have some other matters to discuss."

Tenchi: "Right, I'll be right there."

Tenchi turned to walk inside and Ryoko followed. Kagi and Ryo followed, leaving a fair bit of space between themselves and Tenchi. Everyone was equally surprised as they entered the house. Mihoshi had leapt from her seat and embraced Tenchi. She wept on his shoulder as she apologized over and over. His eyes were glazed over as he held in his own tears.

Mihoshi: "Tenchi, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just scared. Please, please, please forgive me."

Tenchi: "Mihoshi, geeze. There's no need for you to apologize, I'm the one that was at fault. I wasn't paying attention. Don't cry. My hand's fine. It doesn't even hurt. I'm the one that needs to be forgiven."

Mihoshi: "Well, let's just both be sorry and forgiven then, okay?"

Tenchi: "That'll work for me. I won't let it happen again."

They both wiped the tears from their eyes and sat down. It was time to discuss more important matters. When everyone was settled, Katsuhito spoke up.

Katsuhito: "Tenchi, I'm sure you know what this is about so I'll get right to the point. This morning's incident has us all scared. Ayeka and I spent the afternoon talking about it and we've come to a decision."

Tenchi: "Let me guess. It's time to go to Jurai and seek help?"

Ayeka: "Well yes, but how..."

Tenchi: "I've felt it also. Staying here won't help me or anyone else. The answers can't be found here on Earth."

Ayeka: "Exactly, that's why we need to leave as soon as possible. The more time we spend here, the greater the danger becomes."

Ryoko: "Wait a damn minute here. Do you know what they'll do once they hear our story or see his scars? They'll lock him up as tight as they can. There's no way I'm going to let him be treated like an A-1 class criminal. He hasn't done anything!"

Tenchi: "Ryoko, in light of recent events, it may be best. At least until we can find an answer. I can't even trust myself after this morning. I am still a danger to all of you."

Ayeka: "Tenchi doesn't have to be locked up necessarily. As long as the inhibitor works, we should have less to worry about. Our family should be able to help us find what we need."

Kagi: "It doesn't look like there's that much of an alternative. The prophecy came from Jurai. It only stands to reason that the solution should be there as well."

Kiyone: "I have to agree. We need to pursue this problem from the source. If Emperor Azusa is informed, we may be able to gain access into the Jurai network and find some answers."

Ryoko: "I still don't like it. It just doesn't feel right."

Tenchi: "This isn't about what feels right anymore. I don't like it either but it needs to be done."

Tenchi looked around the room. It was quite clear to him by the looks on everyone's face that they agreed. The answers they needed were on Jurai and they needed to be found. With a quiet sigh, he looked towards Kiyone.

Tenchi: "Kiyone how long until we can get underway?"

Kiyone: "Well, we have to get clearance from HQ, then we need to stock supplies, then..."

Mihoshi: "Two hours if we can get about half an hour's help from Washu."

Kiyone: "Err yeah, that sounds about right. Could you spare the time Washu?"

Washu: "Sure, whatever you need. My preparations won't take long."

Katsuhito: "That will give the rest of us enough time to gather our things as well."

That was the end of the meeting. Everyone went their separate ways to prepare for the long journey. Washu accompanied Mihoshi and Kiyone to the Yagami, while everyone else went about making their own preparations. Ryoko went with Tenchi to his room leaving Kagi and Ryo in the living room. The trip to Jurai would guarantee nothing, rather it was just another piece in the puzzle.

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Preparations were being made in Tokimi's realm as well. Orchid was constantly rushed as she made sure everything was ready for the coming of her master. Soon, the mighty house of Jurai would be sniveling scum under their feet. Finally, it seemed that all her years of training and service were going to pay off. Even as she worked, she couldn't hold back the devilish smile that danced all over her face.

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

Back on Earth, everyone was just about ready to leave. Kiyone and Mihoshi didn't have to worry about packing since they kept extra sets of clothes onboard the Yagami. Ryo and Kagi didn't have anything to pack since they were quite used to having to go months at a time without a change of clothes. Washu simply created a small pocket in subspace to keep her belongings. Ryoko came out of the house with a small duffle bag thrown over her shoulder and one of Sasami's bags in the other. Ayeka and Sasami packed a little more than everyone else. Their mothers would be furious if they showed up after so long in anything less than formalwear. Katsuhito was simply taking a couple extra changes of clothes and a bedroll. Even if he was the rightful heir to the throne, he would still live by the simple way of life he had chosen. Everyone had put away their luggage and were waiting outside the Yagami for Tenchi. Oddly, he was taking the longest out of the entire group.

Sasami: "What's taking Tenchi so long. He's the one that wanted to leave as soon as possible."

Mihoshi: "I know, especially since he wears practically the same thing every day."

Everyone gave Mihoshi a mix of annoyed and quizzical looks.

Mihoshi: "Well he does!"

Ryoko: "Anyway, I'm sure he won't be much longer. He must just be taking his time. He said that we had to leave for Jurai; not that he wanted to."

Ayeka: "I suppose so. He's just changed so much. It's hard to believe sometimes that he's the same person."

Washu: "That's because he's not."

Ayeka: "Pardon?"

Washu: "Even if we can get through this and get life back into a daily routine, Tenchi will never be the same. He's no longer the innocent young boy we all knew. The sooner you all realize that the better. Nothing is going back to the way it used to be."

Everyone stood in silence as they took Washu's last statement in to think about. As they were thinking. Tenchi finally emerged from the house. He wasn't dressed like he usually did. He still wore blue jeans, but now he was wearing a navy blue muscle shirt and his black work boots. The sleeveless shirt showed just how much his training had changed him. His arms were no longer slender and firm looking. Now, they bulged as his every movement slid the muscles neatly against each other. Despite the seriousness of the situation, all of the girls found themselves admiring Tenchi's new physique. He had a small duffle bag strewn over his right shoulder and a small box in his left hand. He took no notice of the girls' reactions as he walked over to Katsuhito.

Tenchi: "Grandfather, I'm ready to leave."

Katsuhito: "I see. What is in the box?"

Tenchi: "It's for you."

Tenchi handed the box to Katsuhito. The old man opened the boxed and looked inside. A sad look came to his eyes as he closed it. He looked Tenchi straight in the eye and held the box out for him.

Katsuhito: "I can't take Tenchi-ken. It's your sword now. You are it's master, not I."

Tenchi: "I understand how you feel grandfather but I must insist. It's much to dangerous for me to wield such a powerful weapon. We both know the consequences that could ensue if I keep it. Tenchi-ken must not have it's power perverted by darkness. Maybe I will be able to reclaim it one day. Until then, there is no safer hand than yours for it."

Katsuhito: "The sword chooses it's master. It will no longer obey me."

Tenchi: "Then guard it. Just don't let me get a hold of it until the danger passes."

Katsuhito: "As you wish. No one shall touch it until the time is right."

Tenchi: "Thanks Grandpa. Kiyone, are we ready to leave?"

Kiyone: "As ready as ever. We can take off as soon as everyone is aboard."

Just then, Ryo stepped forward with an announcement of her own.

Ryo: "Hold it! We can't leave just yet. I'm still waiting for somebody."

Mihoshi: "But everyone's here. Who could you possibly be waiting for?"

Ryo: "Well, Kagi and I aren't quite enough to take on Tenchi in his altered state. So I invited somebody to accompany us as a little extra muscle. Besides, it would help to have another that has no real personal feelings in the matter."

Ryoko: gritting her teeth "Who did you call?"

Ryo: "Just an old acquaintance."

On cue, the clouds darkened and the wind picked up. A strange tension filled the air. Instantly, everyone was on guard. Then just as suddenly as the phenomenon started, it was over. Everyone save Ryo and Ryoko were confused.

Ryoko: "You wouldn't..."

Ryo: "Oh yes, I would."

Tenchi: "Ryoko, what's going on."

Ryoko: "Well it seems that our friend here has enlisted the help of a professional. The only person that is truly a match for me."

Ayeka: "You mean..."

"YES!"

Everyone spun around to see a cloaked figure perched on top of the Yagami. It soon became clear to everyone, the identity of their mysterious new visitor. It was the only other person they knew to be accompanied by a cabbit. It was none other than Nagi.

Ryoko: "Dammit! Why did you have to show up now?!"

Nagi: "Because I'm going to be paid very well. I don't have all the details yet, but I assume that I'm here to finish our business."

Kiyone: "What do you mean?"

Nagi: "I was only told to come back to this backwater planet and await further instructions. Since my client remained anonymous, I can only assume that it is somebody who doesn't approve of your royal pardon. Nobles can be very stubborn you know."

Ryo finally came into Nagi's view with Kagi close behind.

Ryo: "Sorry to disappoint you. But that's not what I had in mind."

Nagi: With an annoyed look on her face "I know your stupid tricks Ryoko. Don't think I'll be fooled that easily."

Ryo: "This is no trick! I am your contact! I believe you were instructed to ask for a password?"

Nagi: "Lucky guess, you know that's standard for anonymous jobs. Fine, I'll play along. I Live For the Hunt."

Ryo: "And I to Protect."

Nagi: astonished "It really was you. If you're not Ryoko, who the hell are you."

Ryo: "Come down here and take a load off. I'll explain everything."

Nagi complied and followed Ryo and Kagi into the house. All the while, Kagi's eyes were glued to her every move. He offered her tea with a smile that never left. Nagi accepted with a somewhat annoyed look on her face. Nagi sat and listened as Ryo brought her up to speed. There were of course small interjections by all the others in the family. It took about half an hour for Ryo to finish."

Ryo: ".....and that brings us here."

Nagi: "I see. I thought Tenchi looked a little different. He was sizing me up earlier."

Tenchi: "Sorry about that, it's kind of like a habit now."

Nagi: "Yes, it's a soldier's habit. Whoever stole you away trained you very well."

Ryoko: "Whatever. I still want to know why you were brought into this."

Nagi: "As do I. I don't like taking jobs without getting the details."

Ryo: "Well, to be honest, we need her."

Ayeka: "With all due respect, I don't think we..."

Ryo: "I meant Kagi and I."

Ryoko: "What does that mean?"

Ryo: "It means that if Tenchi changes, I wanted to have somebody else around that wouldn't hesitate to act. And somebody that could hold their own against the lot of you. It's pretty obvious that you'll do everything you can to keep him alive. Three to six odds are better that two to six."

Nagi: "I see, then answer me one more thing."

Ryo: "Shoot."

Nagi "Why the HELL does this kid keep staring at me for?!"

Ryoko: mischievously "I knew that swimsuit contest would come back to haunt you."

Kagi: "Oh no, no. It's nothing like that. It's just always been a dream of mine to meet you."

Nagi: "You're Tenchi's kid aren't you? Why would you want to meet me?"

Kagi: "Well, I don't know if I should tell you. It kind of involves your future. You may not want to hear it."

Nagi: "You've already told me enough. Couldn't hurt to hear a little more. So tell me kid."

Mihoshi: "Yeah, now you've got us interested to!"

Kagi: "Well, it happened before my time maybe...looks towards Ryo."

Ryo: "Nah, you tell it. You're better at it than I am. Besides I get choked up."

Nagi: "What? You?"

Ryo: "Just listen."

Kagi: "This is going to sound very strange. Hesitates You see...in our time Nagi is a...well...a hero."

All (including Nagi): "WHAT!!!"

Kagi: "I told you. Anyway, back to my story. Two years into the Great War, the rebel forces were still struggling. You see although they were all fighting a common enemy, they were each fighting their own battles. One faction was made up of the remnants from the Galaxy Police. Another was made up of soldiers from Jurai's military that were loyal to the emperor and queens. The final faction was made up of freedom fighters from various planets and systems. It was two years into the war. The dark emperor's power continued to grow despite fierce opposition from rebel forces. You see, the problem wasn't a lack of people willing to stand up to the New Jurian Empire; it was a lack of cooperation among them. There were three different factions fighting their own wars. The remnants of the Galaxy Police made up the most organized faction of rebels. Several armies loyal to the true emperor of Jurai had broken away from the Empire and were by far the most armed. The final faction was made up of independent fighters and merchants that fought to protect their home worlds. For two years, the fighting was one sided. At every engagement, the rebel forces were crushed. It wasn't until the Battle of Tears that things began to change. Purely by chance all three factions engaged the empire at the same time and place. It was in the Ozahn System. All three forces sought to cut off the supply lines to the empire's front line forces. The one thing none of them were ready for was that the Empire knew about their plans."

Kiyone: "That couldn't have been good."

Kagi: "No, it wasn't; instead of sending a supply convoy, the empire dispatched three fully loaded dreadnoughts, a heavy carrier, two destroyers and their most powerful standard battleship, Nova. The first rebel force to realize that something was wrong were the remnants of the GP. Their warning however, was much too late. Within a matter of minutes nearly the entire Independent Fleet was destroyed The Jurian flag ship was taking heavy damage and the rest of the fleet was scattered in disarray. It was only a matter of time until the imperial forces slaughtered the survivors. But that's how Nagi came into play."

Ayeka: "How so?"

Kagi: "At the last possible moment, she appeared. She wasn't alone. She had gathered the toughest ensemble of bounty hunters and pirates she could find. I guess she was finally able to convince them that they had just as much to lose. Immediately, she took command of all the remaining rebel forces. Within a matter of minutes they were on the attack. Under her guidance the Imperial ships began to fall one by one. That's when the emperor's flagship arrived with him aboard. Kagi handed command over to the crew of the Yagami. Mihoshi and Kiyone look at each other That's right, Kiyone finally got her chance for a command position. Anyway, her ship took heavy damage fighting it's way through the armada. It lived long enough to get her to the ship's hangar. She fought her way to the command center and challenged Tenchi. That damn egomaniac decided it would be interesting if he broadcast his bout with Nagi across the universe. They were both masters and the fighting was fast and furious. How it soon became apparent just how completely on sided it was. But Nagi refused to give up. Every time she was injured, she just pushed through the pain and attacked again. Through the course of the battle, she lost her left hand and took a nasty cut to her side. She struggled to her feet one last time and yelled a single word, "FIGHT!!!" That's when the emperor ended it by beheading her."

Ryoko: "I don't mean to sound cruel but that hardly seems like an inspiring story. In fact, it sounds kind of pointless."

Ayeka: "I would have to agree with Ryoko. Just how..."

Kagi: "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! After seeing Nagi fall, the rebel forces banded together. For the first time ever they were fighting as one. They rallied to destroy two dreadnoughts and the Nova before they retreated. Her sacrifice also influenced once neutral systems to fight. It was the stepping stone to forming a unified rebel alliance. It wasn't long after that the council my mother serves was formed. Nagi became a symbol against the New Jurian Empire. In fact, in Empire controlled areas, pictures and the mere mention of her name are outlawed. There are even songs that praise her courage. Needless to say, she is somewhat of a legend in my time. She's also my namesake. It was my mother's way of honoring her memory."

Nagi: "Wow, I don't know what to say. I can't say that's the way I imagined punching out. All this time, I thought it would be either Ryoko or old age. Turns out it's the same kid I used as bait years ago."

Tenchi: "You know I would never...."

Nagi: "Relax kid, it comes with the business. It's just a matter of when and who."

Katsuhito: "I don't mean to interrupt, but are you going to continue your trip or should I put some tea on?"

Tenchi: "Grandpa's right. We should be leaving."

Ryo: "Well Nagi, will you accept the job?"

Nagi: "Like I have a choice. You had just better be ready to make with the payment when this is over."

Ryoko: "Hey, that reminds me. Nagi doesn't come cheap especially on private jobs. Just how are you going to pay her?"

Ryo: "Well, I can remember a couple of big stashes that I left in the Jemiha system....."

Ryoko: "WHAT!!! Don't you dare, those are for me and Tenchi to retire on!"

Ayeka: "I guess dogs really do bury bones for rainy days. chuckles"

Ryoko and Ryo: "HEY!"

Washu: "All right, that's enough. Let's get going already."

Kagi: "Ms. Nagi, If you don't mind, would it be alright if Ryo and I travel with you?"

Nagi: "I suppose. It would do Ken-Ohki and I some good to have guests for a change. Just don't be treating me like some sort of celebrity. It makes me nervous."

Kagi: "Yes ma'am."

Ryo: "Oh sure, she gets to all the respect, I get the smart-ass comebacks."

After a slight chuckle, the group boarded their ships. Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, Sasami, Ryo-Ohki, and Washu joined Kiyone and Mihoshi on the Yagami. Nagi, Ryo and Nagi took off in Ken-Ohki. It would take them a few days to reach Jurai. Everyone of them knew that it would be the most vulnerable time for them all. Should something happen they would light years away from any help. That night, they all settled into their rooms and had a peaceful meal on board the Yagami. However, those aboard the Ken-Ohki did not join them. Kagi had decided it would be best to keep an eye on Tenchi from a distance. Instead of one of Sasami's lavish and elegant meals, Kagi opted for instant noodles and soda. It was much more comfortable than sitting at the table with a five course meal. After a little prodding he was able to get Nagi to share some of her stories with him. It was odd at first, Nagi wasn't used to having company for dinner. Soon she relaxed and began entertaining the boy with tales of hunts and fights. Much to her surprise, she even found herself involved in a pleasant conversation with an wiser and calmer version of Ryoko. They were all fighters and they were all involved in the biggest fight of their lives.

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Across the stretches of space Tokimi watched the approaching party from Earth. They were indeed a force to be reckoned with but she was confident in the abilities of her servant and her fast growing army. She chuckled as Orchid entered her chamber.

Orchid: "Milady, I have news from one of our scouting stations. It seems that now a bounty hunter named..."

Tokimi: "Nagi. I already know. It is of no concern. Her bravery and fighting ability will soon be considered trivial. As soon as all three weapons are combined, the Destroyer will be born and my power will reign absolute."

With that, Orchid bowed and left her master's chamber. The confidence Tokimi was showing both reassured and scared her. Soon, it would happen. Jurai would fall and Orchid would be granted a seat alongside her master and the new emperor. It was almost too much to bear. She giggled like a child whenever she thought of it. The last pieces were finally sliding into place.

To be continued......

Sorry this chapter took so long. I'm going to school now. and it's taking a bit longer to write. I'm still working on the story. Don't worry, I intend on seeing this one through to the end. Just stay with me.

slayerwolf@slayerwolf.com

-Slayerwolf