Title: Tenchi Muyo - Tokimi Strikes!
Author: Rowan Seven
Teaser: Lady Tokimi sets her diabolical plans in motion! Will Washu regain her memories? Will Tenchi grow a spine? Can Tsunami bring herself to stop watching soap operas long enough to help? Can Kagato be a good guy? Will the universe be saved? All this and the identity of Tokimi's avatar, the mysterious 'Z', revealed!
Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo belongs to Pioneer and AIC. Other characters belong to their respective creators. I am not making any money off of this story so please don't sue.
Notes: This story was inspired by snippets that have been released about the 3rd OAV series.
Later and at Tokimi's Sanctuary (Finally!)…
Tenchi: (Standing on a floor that seems to stretch endlessly in all directions. Alien organisms of all shapes and sizes are all over the place as strange monuments constantly change their configuration.) Well, it looks my suggestion was followed up on after all.
Katsuhito: Only because the author didn't have a satisfactory way of ending that scene.
Tenchi: Sure, ruin my illusions of grandeur grandpa.
Katsuhito: (Smiles.) I do what I can.
Kiyone: As touching as all this family bonding is, shouldn't we get started? By the looks of it we have quite a long ways to travel before arriving at Tokimi's Inner Sanctum.
Kagato: What is distance when compared to the mysteries the universe? Distance is merely a derivative of time and effort, while the mysteries of the universe are matters that may never be solved but still yield tantalizing glimpses of an answer, enough to incite men and mortals to struggle towards new heights and depths of power and knowledge. It is-
Washu: Yeah yeah yeah, I've heard this speech plenty of times before, Kagato. No need to repeat yourself.
Kagato: (Sulks.) Be that as it may, I must-
Mihoshi: (Interrupts.) No need to repeat yourself? Is that an episode of the Tenchi Universe series?
Kiyone: (Puts her head in her hands and sighs.) No Mihoshi, it is not.
Aeka: Not that I'm in any hurry to rescue Ryoko since I don't care about her welfare one way or another and I am telling the truth here so stop snickering Tsunami, but shouldn't we be starting this trek now?
Tsunami: Indeed. The longer we delay the greater my dark sister's chances for freedom become.
Kiyone: What I don't understand is why, if this opportunity to escape from her prison is so rare, Tokimi has gone to the trouble of conquering Jurai, kidnapping Ryoko, making us all aware of her presence, and then providing us a trail, though tricky, that leads right to her base? It doesn't even appear to be guarded.
Kagato: Being a former, now reformed, villain myself I could answer that question and explain why Tokimi has made so many mistakes and provided us with the opportunity to stop her plans, but then I'd have to kill you.
Washu: Villain's code?
Kagato: Yes, and I'd appreciate it if you did not speak more on this matter. There's no need to point out the simplistic and childish plot of this story. In a transparent attempt to change the subject, where's Ryo-ohki?
Washu: She's parked outside the temple to pick us up when all of this is over.
Kiyone: But what about the guards?
Mihoshi: Oh, they're over there. (Points at the approaching 12 Shadows.)
Kiyone: And you were planning on telling us this when?
Mihoshi: (Eyes tear up.) I'm sorry Kiyone but-
12 Shadows: (Raise their right hand, effectively stopping Mihoshi's emotional outburst. Begin to make menacing motions.)
Mihoshi: I'm scared!
Tenchi: Er…Grandpa, what should I do?
Katsuhito: Remember your heritage Tenchi. You must fulfill your destiny!
Tenchi: Not the advice I wanted to hear, Grandpa.
Kagato: Interesting. These 12 Shadows appear to be entities of pure darkness. I wonder how they're planning on attacking us.
Washu: Undoubtedly they'll rely on darkforce manipulation tactics, probably to the n-th degree and-
12 Shadows: (Make shadow puppets.)
Heroes: (Sweatdrop.)
12 Shadows: (The shadow puppets look sinister.)
Aeka: Shadow puppets? They plan on attacking us with shadow puppets?! I have never been so insulted! This is not how one is supposed to try to stop a virtuous band of heroes!
Tsunami: It does seem rather…odd.
Kiyone: Besides, just how are those shadow puppets supposed to hurt us?
12 Shadows: (The shadow puppets attack Kiyone.)
Kiyone: AAAARRGGGHHH!!! THE PAIN! THE PAIN! I'M DONE FOR! (Falls down melodramatically.)
Mihoshi: Kiyoneeeee! (Rushes to Kiyone's side. Cries.) I shall avenge your death, my friend!
Kiyone: (Weakly.) I'm not dead.
Mihoshi: Oh, well then, I shall avenge your fatal injuries!
Kiyone: (Stronger.) I'm getting better…
Mihoshi: Nonsense! You're mortally wounded and shall be avenged! You just lie there and make yourself comfortable while I take care of the rest. (Stands up bravely, her face hardened with determination. Eyes the 12 Shadows harshly.) I am Kurimitsu Mihoshi. You hurt my partner. Prepare to die! (Brings her hands together and, ever so slowly, makes a shadow bunny puppet.)
12 Shadows: (Step back in fear for a moment, collect themselves, and reform their shadow puppets.)
Shadow Puppets and Shadow Bunny Puppet: (Fight.)
Mihoshi: Tenchi, all of you go on ahead! I'll hold these wraiths off!
Tenchi: Mihoshi, I don't know what to say…
Mihoshi: Don't worry about me Tenchi! The fate of the universe is at stake! That's more important than two Galaxy Police officers! Now go!
Tenchi: (Stares at Mihoshi hesitantly, eyes the forward direction, looks back at her sadly, and finally follows her command and runs forward.)
Washu: This might actually be sad if I could take it seriously. Shadow puppets. Ha! (Follows Tenchi along with the rest of the 'gang'.)
Shadow Puppets and Shadow Bunny Puppet: (Continue fighting, extremely viciously and fiercely.)
A few minutes later…
Tsunami: Can we (Wheeze.) stop running (Pant.) now?
Washu: Tsunami, what are you complaining about? You're a goddess, and your power is legendary! How could this simple run tire you out?
Tsunami: (Glares at Washu.) For your information, as the (Pant.) Goddess of Jurai (Wheeze.) I usually exist as an (Gasp.) immobile tree! Even when I (Wheeze.) assume humanoid form I rarely have to do more than (Pant.) smile, stop the current crisis, and (Gasp.) say something profound!
Kagato: (Frowns and shakes his head.) This is the power I sought for over 5,000 years?
Mysterious voice: Worry not, for soon such petty concerns as exhaustion will be behind you! (A powerful green energy blast stops them in their tracks.) Mwhahaha!
Aeka: Oh dear, some mysterious and powerful agent of Tokimi lies before us! Whatever shall we do?
Katsuhito: Whatever our decision, we must be cautious. I sense a great and dark power ahead!
Kagato: Oh come on! As if it's not blatantly obvious whom we'll be confronting next!
Washu: Quiet, former assistant of mine. No need to spoil the plot point.
Tsunami: Indeed. Tenchi is supposed to make a speech now.
Mysterious voice: (Steps out from the shadows until only his face is still obscured.) Actually, I'm supposed to reveal my identity first. (5 light hawk wings appear in front of him, dispelling the last of the shadows. It's Ryouga. He sighs.) Now hurry up and make your heroic speeches. The sooner that's out of the way the sooner I can make my villainous speech, fight a dramatic and sensational battle against your combined powers, and win or lose finally be out of this story for good! At least until the epilogue, at any rate…
Tenchi: (Poses dramatically.) Hibiki Ryouga, Avatar of Tokimi, I demand that you stand aside! I shall do whatever it takes to be with the woman I love! There is no mountain that I won't climb, no bridge that I won't cross, no gap too insurmountable, no obstacle too large, and no challenge too difficult to keep me from Ryoko! (Sadly.) I have wasted so much time wallowing in indecision and worry, time that I could've spent with Ryoko. I don't want to squander another moment. I love her so much it hurts, and now that I've finally worked up the courage to admit it to myself and others there is nothing that I won't do for her. Please, let me pass. Should you try to stop me I'll be forced to fight you, and for Ryoko's sake I would win. (Summons his three light hawk wings and light hawk sword.)
Kagato: Hmm, since I too possess light hawk wings I guess it is only appropriate that I make a speech as well. Very well then. Desist in your attempts to delay us, Avatar. I have done many things…that I am not proud of, my treatment of my daughter paramount amongst them. It might be impossible for me to ever truly make amends, but for the sake of my family, I will try. I will do everything in my power to rescue my daughter and let her find the happiness she deserves. Anything obstructing this path that I have chosen shall be annihilated. (Summons his energy sword and three light hawk wings.) Hmm, not bad if I do say so myself.
Aeka: (Sadly.)…Remove yourself, Hibiki. Though I'm loathe to admit it, Tenchi loves Ryoko, and if being with her will make him happy I'll do everything in my power to help them. Such is my responsibility, as their friend and a princess. (Miniature logs surround her as her forcefield goes up.)
Washu: Drat, the good lines have already been taken. At the probable risk of reiterating what has already been stated, surrender Hibiki Ryouga! I failed my daughter once, and I'm not about to do so again! (Takes a fighting stance.)
Katsuhito: Everything that needs to be said as already been said. I will support my grandson in this endeavor of his. Your odds of succeeding aren't good, Hibiki. (Takes out a sword.)
Ryouga: Finally, it's my turn to speak. (Takes out a piece of paper and reads from it.) Misguided allies of Tsunami, know this. I am Hibiki Ryouga, Avatar of Lady Tokimi, and I shall do everything in my power to fulfill my responsibilities to my dark goddess. Knock me down a hundred times and I shall get up one hundred and one times. I shall use every ounce of my skill, every degree of my power, and every scrap of my conviction to win this fight. Though outnumbered, I shall battle on. The forces of light and order have had their chance. Now it's time for chaos and darkness to rule supreme. Retreat or surrender, it matters not. For soon Lady Tokimi shall rule all. Mwhahahahahaha!!! (Puts paper away.) (Mutters.) I hope you're happy Lady Tokimi. We all sound like something out of a B movie. (Summons his light hawk umbrella and assumes a fighting stance.)
Tsunami: (Smiles cheerfully.) Good luck Tenchi! I shall pray for your success.
Tenchi: (Confused.) But…aren't you going to fight with us?
Tsunami: (False frown.) Unfortunately, no. I am forbidden from aiding you in this trial. Defeating my sister's avatar shall prove whether or not you are worthy of proceeding farther, and helping you would constitute an unfair advantage. You're on your own. Terribly sorry. I can cheer you on, though. (Morphs into a cheerleading uniform.) Go Tenchi! (Waves pompoms.)
Katsuhito: Methinks this is just a tad convenient.
Ryouga: (Blinks and shudders.) Like mothers, like daughter. (Faces Tenchi.) Ready?
Tenchi: As I'll ever be.
Ryouga: (Smiles sinisterly.) Then…PREPARE TO DIE! ShiShiHoukoudan Rapid Fire! (Fires a volley of ki blasts which the heroes barely manage to dodge.) Hmm, not bad! But I can do much more than just fire ki blasts. (Attacks physically at lightning speeds.)
Tenchi: (Barely holding Ryouga off.) Kagato, Grandpa, Washu, I could really use some help here!
Kagato: If you insist… (Joins the fray.)
Katsuhito: Shall we Washu?
Washu: But of course! (They both attack Ryouga.)
Aeka: I'll try my best to protect all of you! (Summons her forcefields.)
Ryouga: (Two of his light hawk wings are defending against Katsuhito and Washu while he's using his other three to protect against Kagato and Tenchi's attacks as he tries to hit them with his light hawk umbrella. Aeka is using her shielding powers to defend her allies, shooting the occasional energy blast as well.) Bah! Is this all you've got? (Mutters.) Even my vernacular is incorrect…
Tsunami: Go Tenchi! Go Kagato! Go Yosho! Go sis! You can do it! I believe in you! (Does a cartwheel.)
Kagato: (Sarcastically.) I feel so motivated…
Ryouga: Enough of this prattling! It's time that I got serious. Feel my true power! And just for the sake of it, mwhahaha too. (Powers up Dragonball Z style.) AAAAARRRGGHHHHH!!!
Katsuhito: Oh dear, I can feel his power growing at a phenomenal rate!
Tenchi: Aura so strong…can barely remain standing…
Washu: If we survive this I think I'll use this Ryouga as a new lab specimen!
Kagato: If the author had a better understanding of my character I'd undoubtedly say something appropriate right now…
Aeka: TENCHIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!
Ryouga: (Surrounded by a enormous brilliant green aura and with his light hawk wings extended. The heroes are scattered all across the room from the force of it.) Aaaaaarrrgggghhh!!!
Tenchi: (Gets back on his feet and notices that Ryouga is done powering up. Ryouga's now emitting a green glow, his entire body pulsating and suffused with sheer power.) This could be trouble.
Ryouga: That all depends on your standpoint. I happen to think it's good. Let's finish this. (His five light hawk wings straighten out in front of him and begin to spin in a circle. He cups his hands and begins to charge up for an energy blast.) Shi…
Tenchi: Quickly everyone, lend me your power! (Tenchi's light hawk wings begin to spin similarly as a sphere of energy appears in the center.)
Kagato: Let me guess: this is one of those scenes where the heroes combine their powers into one gigantic attack and hope for the best, right? How predictable… (Stands behind Tenchi and adds his power to Tenchi's.)
Washu: Oh, quit complaining Kagato. This is traditional and is supposed to teach the audience the importance and value of friendship! (Stands next to Tenchi and adds her power to his.)
Ryouga: Shi…
Aeka: I agree with Washu. Sure, this is something you'd more likely expect to find in a Sailor Moon story rather than a Tenchi Muyo one, but the significance of friendship is not to be understressed nor underestimated! (Confused expression.) …Whoa, I think I was just channeling Amelia Wil Tesla Seryuun. (Stands next to Tenchi and adds her power to his.)
Katsuhito: Tenchi, know this. Whatever happens next, I am proud of you. (Also stands next to Tenchi and adds his power to his grandsons.)
Tenchi: For Ryoko! (His light hawk wings fire.)
Ryouga: Houkoudan! (His light hawk wings also fire.)
The two blasts meet in the center of the room, Tenchi's an ocean blue and Ryouga's an acidic green. The two vie for supremacy as both Ryouga and the heroes assembled against him struggle, both wearing looks of intense concentration on their faces. The focus of these two opposing energies shifts back and forth as the balance of power changes. Slowly but surely it heads towards Ryouga.
Tenchi: Haha! Keep it up everyone! We're winning!
Ryouga: (Sweating.) No! I will not permit myself to lose again! This battle is too important, too vital to the future! I must…win! Aaaaarrrggghhh! (With a sudden burst of additional power from Ryouga, the focus of the energy blasts changes direction and heads towards Tenchi at a rapid speed.)
BOOM!!!
Everyone except Tenchi and Ryouga are now collapsed on the ground and unconscious.
Tenchi: (With his light hawk wings shattered, on his knees, singed, and with a look of disbelief on his face.) (Weakly.) We…lost? How…Ryoko…I'm…sorry…(Falls unconscious.)
Ryouga: (Incredulously.) I…won? That wasn't supposed to happen. According to the script the heroes were supposed to defeat me after I put up a long and valiant fight, move on and confront Lady Tokimi, rescue Ryoko, and save the universe. Curse you Ranma! Somehow this must all be your fault! Now Lady Tokimi will break free unopposed, conquer the universe, and have an ecstatic job spreading chaos and strife throughout this dimension. How could the heroes lose? Have they no respect for storyline and plot flow? What am I supposed to do now?
Gohgei: (Appears.) Fear not, for it is I, Gohgei, wandering monk and champion of justice! Wherever there is villainy a hero shall emerge to combat the sinister threat! For the sake of the universe I shall defeat you Ryouga!
Asahi: (Also appears.) Be careful, my dearest Gohgei! I don't want to lose you!
Gohgei: Sweet Asahi, I shall do everything in my power to return safely to your arms, but with so much at stake I have no choice but to fight. I can't let Lady Tokimi win!
Ryouga: Hmm, you may be a manga character, but right now I can't be choosy. Very well then, Gohgei. We shall fight. Now, prepare yourself! (Ryouga punches Gohgei, knocking him through a wall.)
Asahi: (Worried.) Gohgei!
Gohgei: (Stands back up.) I'm alright! (Studies Ryouga.) You're stronger than I thought, but fortunately I've been holding back. TRANSFORM!!! (Transforms into his Gagution form.)
Ryouga: …Well, at least he's not wearing a fuku. (Attacks.)
Gohgei: (Blocks.)
Ryouga: (Attacks.)
Gohgei: (Blocks.)
Ryouga: (Attacks.)
Gohgei: (Blocks.)
Ryouga: (Attacks.) What are you doing?!! Why are you only blocking?
Gohgei: (Blocks.) It's not just any block. It's the Legendary Peek-O-Boo Block!!!
Ryouga: (Attacks.) Point being? You're still blocking! How are we supposed to have a dramatic battle that will stun the audience if all you do is block?
Gohgei: (Blocks.) Ah, but my blocking has a purpose! (Begins to glow.) See, I've got an ultimate technique that's similar to bending a bow almost to the breaking point and then releasing it. With ki, however, it releases one giant and powerful supercharged blast of energy. (Performs his ultimate technique.)
Ryouga: The power…it's enormous…AAARRRGGGHHH!!! (Gets blown away.)
Gohgei: Love and justice triumphs! Hurray!
Asahi: You did it Gohgei! I'm so proud!
Ryouga: (Looking very beaten up, bruised and bleeding slightly from several locations, he still stands back up. His five light hawk wings flicker in and out of existence for a few moments before completely resolidifying. Gohgei and Asahi watch him with shocked expressions on their faces.) Im…Impressive, Gohgei. You are truly a worthy opponent. However, against the power of Lady Tokimi you shall fail. Prepare yourself for round 2! (Assumes a fighting stance.) You know, I think I'm finally getting the hang of this dramatic speechmaking requirement.
Gohgei: …Darn it! That makes two people who have recovered from my ultimate technique, Hishima and Ryouga. Unfortunately, that attack has drained me of most of my energy. I shan't be able to remain fighting for much longer…
Asahi: Gohgei, please don't continue! I need you! I'm…I'm…pregnant!
Gohgei: (Amazed expression.) Pregnant?!! Hold on, time out! I lose!
Ryouga: You're giving up just when the universe needs you the most? Why?
Gohgei: I must follow my teachings which state that I must order my life for the sake of the one I love. I must protect Asahi and her unborn child. I love her and my future offspring stronger than words alone can express. For them I will suffer any indignity.
Ryouga: …Sounds sensible. However, where am I supposed to find a hero to fight now and on such short notice? I don't want Lady Tokimi to win any more than you do, but as her avatar I'm not allowed to raise my hand against her.
Gohgei: Good question. Hmmm, how about the Sailor Senshi?
Ryouga: Sailor Venus is currently in a cat-fight with Pixy Misa, and the others are otherwise occupied fighting a survivor of the Black Moon Family in Neo-Crystal Tokyo.
Asahi: Lina Inverse and the Slayers?
Ryouga: Not if you still want a universe leftover when the battle's done.
Gohgei: Saotome Ranma?
Ryouga: Much as I would enjoy knocking him senseless and finally proving to him who the better martial artist is, I don't think he's suited to dealing with cosmic threats.
Asahi: OAV Ifurita?
Ryouga: In suspended animation and awaiting Makoto. Besides, she doesn't have the energy to spare against me.
Gohgei: Superman?
Ryouga: A Superman/Tenchi Muyo crossover has already been done, and the author doesn't want to risk coming across as an idea thief.
Asahi: He's concerned about originality now?
Ryouga: So it would seem.
Gohgei: How about the Gundam Pilots?
Ryouga: One well-placed and timed Bakusai Tenketsu rapid fire and it would be over.
Asahi: The Evangelion pilots?
Ryouga: They'd only last for 5 or so minutes up here. Besides, I don't feel like adding double meanings to everything I say and religious and philosophical overtones to my actions.
Gohgei: Kumui Shirou?
Ryouga: I don't think he's recovered mentally from slashing Fuma's head off yet.
Tsunami: Magical Girl Pretty Sammy?
Ryouga: …Wrong continuity. Besides, shouldn't you be unconscious right now?
Tsunami: Oh yeah. Thanks for reminding me. (Falls down unconscious again.)
Asahi: The Sorcerer Hunters?
Ryouga: Do I look like an evil spellcaster to you?
Asahi: Well, how about the Cardcaptors?
Ryouga: I don't want to be accused of child abuse. Besides, I don't think they have any means of getting here.
Gohgei: Well, it would appear that this problem is more difficult than any of us thought! Without a hero to defeat Ryouga and confront Lady Tokimi the universe shall fall to her dark power! Will a hero show up? Will Ryouga emerge triumphant the one time he doesn't want to? Will Lady Tokimi prevail?
Ryouga: How should I know? And for crying out loud, stop talking like that! You sound like the narrator of a children's cartoon!
Gohgei: Eh eh, sorry.
Asahi: Alas, what shall we do? Where is the single brilliant ray of light amidst the darkness when we need it most? Where is the noble hero who shall save the universe?
Mihoshi: (Enters with her clothes in shreds and panting heavily, dragging Kiyone behind her.) Hey guys, you'll never guess what happened to me! My shadow bunny puppet had the 12 Shadows on the run, but then they combined their powers and formed the Evil King Shadow Puppet and-
Ryouga: (Faces Mihoshi and, seeing her practically unclad form, does what he normally does when faced with the flesh of a beautiful woman.) Urk! (Faints with a nosebleed.)
Asahi: …That works. Good job Mihoshi! Your beauty has given the universe the chance it needs!
Mihoshi: (Stars appear in her eyes.) Wow! Really?!! I'm so…flattered! Just wait till I tell Grandpa and Kiyone and Yukinojo and-
Gohgei: I'm sure they'll love to hear your story, Mihoshi, but first we must rouse your fallen allies! The final test lies ahead of you, and only the strength of your united friendship stands a chance of stopping the coming evil!
Asahi: Wow, that sounded so profound Gohgei!
Gohgei: Well, I _am_ a monk! Come, now that our role in this story is done let us return to Ryuten and celebrate our good fortune! (They leave.)
Mihoshi: (Waves.) Bye-bye!