Cruelty of Fate 2: Future's Spite

Chapter 02: A Day with Kids

The Jurain Palace:

As evening fell upon the capital of Jurai, where great trouble had brewed early in the palace, a lone man stood timidly upon a high balcony overlooking everything that was to one day be his.  His name is Tenchi Masaki, next in line for Jurai's throne, and the only figure alive who can wield the Lighthawk sword on his own, without a ship.  Yet for all his power and prestige a lone woman has laid him flat. Rubbing his beard, which he now saw as a symbol of how much life had changed since his childhood, Tenchi scanned the courtyard below with its wonderful gardens for the woman who had stormed out of the palace that afternoon.  Terror gripped his heart when he thought of leaving the situation between them like this.  You never know what she'll do when she's in a mood like this, he recalled telling his wife once regarding the woman in question long ago. *1   For nearly two hours he had stood there, scanning his kingdom with eyes like a hawk, but he saw no sign of an answer.  "Why did I have to explode like that," he whispered to himself, before realizing a prince should not talk to himself and switched to inner dialogue. It was a question he had asked himself infinite times in the past, and a mere countless times since the argument.  Why is it I always let Ryoko do that with me?  Since she left on my wedding night, no since Minagi left, I've never lost my temper. Ayeka has a few times, but only with other nobles.  Of course, maybe that's why the wedding went so smoothly, Ryoko wasn't there being herself.  Still… I've never lost it with Ayeka, Kanji, Mayuka, mom, dad, Lady Funaho, or even any of the hundreds of delegates I meet everyday…. So why did I have to be such a jerk to Ryoko?  Was I just shocked from the news?  No, that can't be it, can it?  It has to be something else.   Swallowing hard, Tenchi looked up from his scans.  Maybe that darkness Tsunami is warning us about is affecting me.  I suppose it could be possible.

Hearing a light shuffling behind him, the brown-haired prince instinctively knew who was there.  Yet still he turned about and saw his wife standing meekly in the curtains leading to their room. "You should not try to bear all of our worries alone, Lord Tenchi," Ayeka whispered calmly.  However the young man could hear a deep hurt in her voice, one he had learned to sense over the years.  "Ryoko will always be who she is."

Dismissing the conversation politely, he cleared his throat as he stepped forward to hold her tenderly by the shoulders.  "Perhaps, but tell me, are you alright, Ayeka?"  Realizing he was avoiding her words, the red-eyed woman merely nodded before finding her strength again.

"I suppose my news of my brother, and Noboyuki's," she quickly added although it was obvious the intensity of her sorrow did not come from Tenchi's dad's passing, "deaths have struck me harder than I had originally thought."  Pausing she moved closer, now snuggling into his arms.  "Perhaps we should go," Ayeka offered, "to earth that is.  It is only proper that we give them our final respects, and we could both use some time away from Jurai."

"I've thought about that," he sadly sighed.  "But we can't.  With father, mother, and Lady Funaho off on vacation, we're the only ones who can rule in their place.  You know communications seem to be down right now, so we can't even tell them about it yet. Besides, they haven't had a relaxing holiday in a while.  We might as well let them enjoy it while they can.  I know what you're thinking," he added before she could speak. "But Sasami can't rule Jurai, she has too much on her mind with the darkness, and besides she would want to come with us to Earth anyway.  That only leaves us with Kanji and Mayuka, and we both know that Mayuka's been little more than a walking repeat of what we've told her over the years, despite all the professionals we've consulted.  So out only real choice is Kanji…."

"A boy who has never been outside the castle courtyard in his entire life," Ayeka declared as if her son's situation were almost a title. "Are you certain that we were never too protective of him?"

Squeezing his wife closer, Tenchi shook his head.  "We did what we could, and he's a good boy.  A little rough on the edges, I mean what with having his DNA changed so he could have red hair and all, but he's only talking after you*4, and besides got your heart, so I know he'll grow up to be perfect."  Saying nothing more the two stood together under the clear nights sky, sharing each other's strength, as each knew what had to be said next, but still dread it.

Finally, Ayeka could take no more of the silence, and she spoke out.  "I have been assured she has not left the grounds. Sasami has gathered the others and they are out looking for Ryoko as we speak.  

"RYOKO!" Kanji's voice suddenly resonated, "I know dad was a jerk, but don't leave yet!  You just got here!  Come on out, it'll be okay!  I promise!"

"As you just heard," the red-eyed woman growled biting her lip at her son's words. "Kanji is also out there."

Laughing weakly, Tenchi released his wife and stepped over to the ledge, looking down, yet unable to spot his son. "That might be true, son, but I really wish you'd keep it down," he whispered under his breath.   Suddenly a spark sprang into his eyes. "Wait everyone is looking," he gasped turning to look at his wife with great enthusiasm.  "Everyone?"

It didn't take long before Ayeka caught on to the hidden meaning.  "No, she is not looking.  Before I came here, I went to check on her, and she was still in her room.  As a matter of fact, she was sitting in a chair in the dark, wearing a flower crown she had made earlier today, before all of this began, waiting for me too tell her it was time for bed."  Looking down, the purple-haired woman felt tears flow down her silky cheeks in rapid succession.  "Oh… what is the matter with her?  What did we do wrong?  Why is Mayuka always acting so strange?"

"I don't know," he responded as he always did when they discussed his daughter.  "I really don't.  I had hoped her seeing Ryoko might spark something deep inside, but I guess not."  Sighing painfully Tenchi rubbed the ledge absently. "But like we discussed before, if she doesn't grow out of this, then we'll have to make sure there's someone around to take care of her, in case something happens to us."

"Do you think Kanji will be up to that task?" she sniffed, coming forward to take one of his hands in her dainty hand.  "After all that was the real reason we had him, was it not?  To protect Mayuka?"

Looking back at the courtyard, Tenchi felt he heard a hiss of matter being dissipated somewhere far below them.  "I love Kanji, after all he is our son…" he stopped unable to say more.  This had not been the day Tenchi Masaki had thought it would be, when he learned of Ryoko's arrival earlier that day.  Sometimes, he bitterly thought as his wife lead him into their room, and to rest in their bed.  Sometimes it seems fate can be very cruel….

The Courtyard:

The courtyards of Jurai's royal palace are laced with glorious gardens, each possessing some hidden wonder from a secret corner of the universe.  In each one a unique plant grows.  There is even a hedge maze deep within its structure, but to the silver haired woman who stormed about randomly, avoiding the patrols and her former family, they are merely weeds that could get trampled underneath.

Damn Tenchi, Ryoko glowered bitterly.  All I wanted was to tell him about his dad and grandpa, and he had to go and blow up in my face like that… Oh well, I guess I should be used to it by now. Ever since Mayuka showed up, Tenchi hasn't been above making me feel worthless. *2 Hell, she laughed darkly. It goes back further than that.  He even told me to my face that he hated me. *3 Still, the golden-eyed woman thought in depression, clutching her fists so tightly that her fingers drew blood.  No matter what, it still hurts.  This whole thing is my fault.  I don't know what I was thinking, coming here to Jurai.  Did I really think Tenchi would fall for me and leave Ayeka?  Was that it?  Man, I must have been drunk when I hatched this scheme….  At that moment her inner depression was halted as a rustling in the gardens nearby caught her attention.  Relaxing her bloody grip on her palms, the emotionally batter woman did not seem to pay any heed to her fresh self inflicted wounds, either because she did not know of them, or that she did not care.  Barely a second later a man emerged from the brush, and Ryoko's heart skipped a beat, while new tears, these composed of joy, filled her eyes.  I should have known Tenchi would come for me.  He always did come find me whenever we fought.  Maybe he hasn't changed.  I guess I should apologize for being so rough with him. 

Yet after taking one-step forward Ryoko's attitude changed completely as she gained a better look at who had found her. Nearly kicking herself, the silver-haired woman noticed the explorer of Jurai's courtyard was much younger than Tenchi, although his red eyes had the same passionate intensity as the brown-haired prince.  This new figure was clad in a regal silk crimson robe, which complimented his modest tan nicely.  However the feature that instantly made him recognizable was his short spiky hair, that were it brown would have been the mirror image of Tenchi's in his youth. "RYOKO!" Kanji shouted as loud as he could, having emerged from the brush to stand in a path between two areas of the dense courtyard. "I know dad was a jerk, but don't leave yet!  You just got here!  Come on out, it'll be okay!  I promise!"

What good does that do, she groaned, slapping her forehead hard.  Still, I can't let this kid wander around all night, he'll end up getting lost and then Tenchi will blame me for that too.  Later she would wonder why she cared what her lost love would think, but at this moment, Ryoko merely stepped out from her concealment, and shook her head continuing to moan in a low tone.  But why the hell did it have to be this kid?  Why couldn't it have been anybody else?

Hearing her, Kanji whirled about, gasping at the blood that painted her face from where her hand had struck.  Adding this information to what he had heard in her groaning, the youngest heir came to the only could say one thing,  "By Tsunami, are you hurt?"  Closing the gap between them almost instantly, he took a hold of her hand tightly, and proceeded to attempt to drag her behind him.  "Come on, Aunt Sasami can use Tsunami's power to heal your head wound.  Were you attacked? Did you trip? Are you feeling okay?  Would you like me to carry you?"  His questions came one after the other, and his concern seemed genuine, yet all Ryoko could do was wince and pull away.

"You asshole!" she snapped, flexing her bloody hand instinctively.  "My hands are what is hurt, not my head."  This new information seemed to take Kanji aback, but only for a second, as he once again sprang into action.  Grabbing his left sleeve, he easily tore it free, and swiftly took the hand he had held in his own.  With expert care he began to wrap her wounded palm, as an intense terror glistened in his eyes. 

Finishing her right hand, he groped for his left sleeve.  "That should hold fro now, but we really need to have someone look at your hands.  What happened?  That looks pretty serious."


Blushing, Ryoko regarded the crude bandage with a twinge of guilt.  I see the kid has his dad's heart, she noted as she looked at him, her eyes becoming misty as the beginning of a smile formed in her eyes.  Seeing him prepared to ruin the other sleeve, Ryoko held up the bandaged hand to stop him, causing a confused expression to cover his face.  "This is why you don't want me to get my claws in you.  I ruin everything I touch, kid, even me.  Now don't ruin that robe anymore.  I know your dad hates that.*3" Crossing her arms in front of her chest she fanned out her fingers as diamonds of energy twinkled about the injured appendages.  A moment later the glimmering stopped, and the wounds were miraculously healed.  Smiling at the stunned look at his face, she nodded. "Take my advice kid, and don't try to get any closer to me than you have to." With that the lissome woman vanished, leaving only two things behind, her trademark hiss of dissipating matter, and a bloody bandage that had fallen free after her regeneration. 

Slowly, Kanji reached down and picked up the discarded sleeve, seeing areas where Ryoko's blood had touched it glistening.  Holding it close he sighed as he turned his attention to the full moon overhead.  For now, he mused darkly.  This will have to be enough.  But I promise I will have everything I'm looking for soon enough.  I'll possess the soul and passion of the universe. However, for right now, this scrap of cloth will be enough.  Dad's been an idiot up until now, but I'm not like him.  From the ashes of his mistakes, I will bring about a new beginning!    

The Next Day: Earth:

The Masaki House:
While the events on Jurai drew to a brief close for the day, on Earth a new day was just beginning.  In the quiet town of Okayawa, a quaint two-story house rests by a lake near a mountain shrine.  It is here that another silver haired space pirate resides with a select few others.

Floating through the Misaki home with perfect practiced agility, Minagi Hakubi scanned each room in what had become her daily quest. With every room she passed the young polite space pirate grew more and more agitated, and finally when she had looked everywhere she landed upon the staircase angrily, doing what any sane minded space pirate would.  She complained to her mommy.  Mom! Ryoko's hiding from me again!  Tell her to stop.  It's her turn to clean the toilet, and I can't sense her anywhere.  Do you know where she is?

What did I tell you about whining Minagi? Washu questioned her youngest, taking a scolding, yet still playful, tone.  Your sister isn't hiding.  But from what I see, she's indisposed right now.  Don't worry, you can take her turn fro her, she won't mind. 

Why? Minagi pouted, folding her arms over her chest.  It's not fair, you never yell at Ryoko for not doing her chores.  Why do I have to do everything? I like having fun, and I'm a space pirate too.  I should be able to go out and play like Ryoko.

I know it seems that way, the red-haired mom answered, but you know your sister didn't take Tenchi's leaving us very well.  But don't worry, I don't think she'll be like this much longer.  You're a good girl to help me take care of her.   So don't worry, things will be different once she gets back, I'm pretty sure of that. 

Okay, the scar-faced woman agreed, still sulking as she unconsciously checked the stair railing for dust.  If you say so… how long is she gonna be gone this time?  Looking up with terror, dread filled her eyes.  I'm not gonna have to bail her out of jail again am I?  That's so embarrassing.

No, Washu answered with a laugh.  Not this time, but she will be gone for a while so you can relax.  Your mean old sister isn't going to be around to bully or tease you for a while.  So now maybe mommy can get some work done on this strange energy she's been trying to locate for so long. 

Great! The silver-haired duplicate smiled, floating slowly back up the stairs.  Then I know just what I'm doing first.

Minagi… you know your sister hates it when you clean her room.

But mom, it reeks of sake and it doesn't look right, after all it was Tenchi's old room, and he always kept it clean before Ryoko….

I know, Washu replied.  I'll be there in a few minutes and then we'll look through her things. 

Jurai:

Ah… A golden-eyed woman sighed as she lay by one of the hidden lakes in the Jurain courtyard.  Finally!  Some peace and quiet for once!  With no one to bother me at all….  Closing her eyes, she smiled weakly. Relaxing she breathed out slowly enjoying the morning sun.  I'll just rest here for a few more minutes, before I get Ryo-Ohki.   Then it's back home where I'm appreciated and I can at least get a descent drink….

"Hello," a sweet voice called, as Ryoko opened her eyes.

"Ah!" Ryoko shouted, "damn it, do you know how annoying it is when you just keep popping in and out around me Sasami?  If you're going to be Tsunami at least ring a bell or something before you pop in on me.  People don't like shocks like that!"

Placing one hand over her mouth, the fused goddess giggled closing her eyes with delight.  "Do they?  I would never have noticed when you did it to Tenchi."

"That was different," she grumbled hating to be caught like that.  "I did it out of love and necessity."

"What about the time you-"

"Hey, someone had to make sure Tenchi washed everywhere, didn't they?"   Ryoko grinned, folding her arms behind her head as she lay back down on the soft grass.  "Oh, and by the way," she uttered under her breath, "sorry about last night and all.  None of it was your fault.  It was between my Ten-… the prince and me."

Nodding Sasami stepped over to the lakeside, and peered into its crystal surface.  "We always had fun together, didn't we Ryoko?  I mean all of us, not just you and me. Tenchi, Ayeka, Mihoshi, Kiyone, everybody…." Saying nothing the golden-eyed woman merely glared out at the horizon.  "But when Tenchi married Ayeka it all changed.  Even mom didn't like the idea," seeing Ryoko look up, the fused Tsunami held up her hands daintily, "don't get me wrong mom loves Tenchi, but she never really approved.  She told me once, when she got emotional, how sad she was for you."

"Misaki get emotional, really?" Ryoko grinned, knowing that such a thing always happened. "How weird.  Oh, and from what I've heard, Tenchi and Ayeka stopped having any fun when they got married."

"You mean…" unable to mention the primal act aloud, Sasami merely tapped her index fingers together.  "Still?"

"Twenty years now," the reclined space pirate grinned. "And barely a descent kiss to show for it."

"Wow," the blue-haired girl mused sitting down beside her old friend. It was truly a sight for anyone to behold, the most vicious space pirate and number one enemy of all Jurain's, Ryoko, chatting leisurely by the lakeside with the goddess of Jurai, Tsunami.  " Do you think they'll ever…?"  Saying nothing, Ryoko jutted out her lowered lip and shook her head 'no.' 

"Not until they leave the fantasy world they live in, and I don't see that happening any time soon."

"Ryoko!" a loud voice called, seconds before a young man burst onto the scene. "I've been looking all over for you.  Have you been out here all night?"

"Good morning Kanji," Sasami coughed, annoyed at having her conversation interrupted. "Is something wrong?"

Shaking his head no, the young prince didn't seem to catch on that he was interrupting something.  "Not really, we just thought we'd keep Ryoko company."

"We," the lithe woman asked propping herself up on her elbows, her back still towards him.  "Is there two of you now?"  God I hope not….

"No," he laughed waving her comment off as if it had meant to be a joke. "Mayuka's with me," turning he looked back down the way he had come. "Come on sis, hurry it up.  Mom says you were supposed to stay with me."

Whining a closed mouth protest, the orange-eyed girl stepped forth, a single wild flower in her hands.  "Mommy said to come talk to Ryoko while her and daddy go to work." Mayuka declared.  

Smiling, Ryoko stood up slowly and looked solely at the dark blue-haired young woman. "Come here, Mayuka," she said softly.  For a moment, the mentally off girl merely looked at her summoner questioningly.

Hurt laced the space pirate's face as she saw Mayuka's hesitation.  "It's okay," Sasami suddenly offered, placing a hand on Ryoko's shoulder.  "Mayuka, this is Ryoko.  No, she's not a prisoner, so you can talk to her."  Nodding the infant minded woman stepped forward, answering this stranger's summons. 

"Good girl," Ryoko smiled, a proud look in her eyes.  I didn't get to see your first steps, but still seeing you walk to me makes me happy.

"Are you okay, Ryoko?"  Sasami asked with a smile that showed she wasn't sure what to make of her friends behavior. 

"I'm fine," the golden-eyed woman replied.  "But could you do me a favor, and make us some sandwiches?  I feel like having a picnic."  Shaking her head, the pink-eyed goddess giggled before teleporting away to carry out her friend's request. 

"So," Kanji said in his most seductive tone.  "It's just you, me, and Mayuka…" he grinned. 

"Well I agree Mayuka and I are here," Ryoko answered, holding Mayuka's hands lightly in hers as she swayed them back and forth.  Taking a moment to tap her head, she grinned.  "I'm not sure about you." 

Later:

Having had their fill of sandwiches, the four figures sat together by the shore of the little lake.  Ryoko seemed genuinely happy as she fretted over Mayuka, who absent mindedly fiddled with some wild flowers doing the only thing it seemed she could on her own, making a crown. 

"Ryoko…" the blue-haired woman said blinking as if coming out of a daze, catching Sasami and Ryoko's immediate attention.  "Ryoko is the one… Ryoko left Mayuka."  The orange-eyed princess finished bluntly.  "Mom says only bad people abandon people," she added with a head nod before returning to her crown making.  "Ryoko is a stranger, so Ryoko is bad…."

Hearing this, the failed seductress shrank down as she sighed, appearing to lose three sizes.  The only thing she remember about me, she thought fighting back tears, yet one still managed to slip out, is that I left her.

Standing up she swallowed hard, clenching her fists tightly.  Then she slowly backed away, allowing herself a moment to calm down.  Seeing the seductress's reaction, Kanji grinned as he swallowed the remains of his latest sandwich eying her as if she were on the menu. 

Quietly he stepped up behind her, "one day I want to be just like you."

"Really," she answered with a bemused smirk, walking away to sit by the lake, trying to find a moments peace.  "Well I've got bad news for you, I'm a woman.  And I can only think of one way for you to be one, and from what I hear, you wouldn't like it."

"Not like that," Kanji blushed.  "I mean I want to be a space pirate.  The excitement, the adventure, and of course, you're a space pirate!"

"Kid, the last thing you want is to be like me.  I mean look at me," pausing the golden-eyed woman realized he had been the entire conversation.  "My life is hell and it only gets worse.  I've lost everything, I get nightmares every time I sleep about the terrible things I did, and I even was imprisoned by your great-grandfather for 700 years!"

"So?" he asked.  "Think of the power. I mean wherever you go, no one dares speak back to you.  You are in charge of your own life.  Not like me.  I'm stuck in these damn castle courtyards.  I've never seen the outside world.  At least you have.  But I won't be stuck here much longer," he proclaimed.   "Pretty soon no one will tell me what to do ever again," stopping his voice had seemed to take a darker tone, until he looked at Ryoko and his tone softened.  "Unless of course it's you….  By the way, do you have a room for the night? Because if you want… you can stay in my room.  I promise I don't bite, that is…."

"Save it," Ryoko interrupted him, holding up one hand in protest to his comment. "I've used that one before, it doesn't work." Blushing, Kanji rose to his feet. 

"Fine, but don't come to me if things get weird," the red-haired man snapped, before storming off back into the courtyard. 

Get weird, she thought skeptically. How could this family get more messed up?

Looking up instantly, Mayuka looked lost.  "Mommy says to stay with Kanji," she uttered beginning to stand up.

"Young lady you'll stay right here," Sasami ordered, grabbing her niece by the sleeve and pulling her down to the ground again.  "Your brother is being very, very rude to Ryoko.  You mom would not be happy with me if I let you do the same thing."

"Mommy not happy?" the orange-eyed princess echoed weakly tears in her eyes. 

"I don't mind, but the kid's a little off," Ryoko said laying with her back to them, hurt to see Mayuka fearful upsetting Ayeka.  "Although there's something strange about him.  Like he's up to something, in a bad way…"

Nodding her agreement, the blue-haired goddess understood what her friend was referring to.  Things had changed in her life over the past years, she had watched her sister and Tenchi continue to struggle in their romance, while Mayuka became nearly catatonic, and their son was always up to something.  Despite all her power, neither Tsunami nor Sasami could do a thing about it.   As she prepared to say something comforting to he friend, the Tsunami side within her felt something, like a calling form far away.  No, not now, she thought shaking her head solemnly.  We really don't have time for this.  Not with that darkness moving around.  Sighing,  the mighty goddess realized she had no choice.  Standing slowly the pink-eyed goddess cleared her throat.  "I am sorry, Ryoko but I must be going.   Mayuka, do not leave Ryoko's side until either me or your mommy tells you otherwise, and do whatever she says."

Looking up at her aunt, the orange-eyed woman looked like a deer caught in headlights as she responded.  "Mommy says listen to Tsunami and Sasami."  Feeling tension in her chest at the calloused response she always received, Sasami cast her a tense smile as she patted the blue-haired woman's head, who took the treatment like a statue.  A second later she was gone, leaving Ryoko and her former charge alone.

The Database:

It is a place where everything in the universe is known, but not always comprehended. It is known as the Database. At the current time, this place of knowledge adrift in the endless darkness of space is so much more than it appears. It is also the home of gods, goddesses, and their minions.   It defies all known laws of physics.   Yet beyond all the wonders that fortunate mortals might one day see, a temple rested.

Inside the great temple:

It is a beautiful place, intricately carved and wondrous, like some ancient shrine to an awesome god.  But events about to occur within were greater than any structure as goddesses prepared to engage one another.  It was here a blue-haired woman suddenly appeared, her attention focused angrily on the ceiling for a time, as if waiting for something to happen. 

"So you've finally come," a powerful voice boomed as the roof vanished, replaced by the night sky filled with black shadows, the shadows of gods. These were all but splinters of the grand vision Sasami had seen numerous times before. A woman, who seemed to be composed of the universe, with short brown hair which looked more like a helmet with a plume of orange hairs in the front stood looking down at her with contempt. Her deep blue eyes, with dark red pupils showed no emotion, yet held a tremendous power all their own. Green markings came up from her jaw, and a ring of metal floated about her like a collar, holding her white royal cloak which somehow whipped in the void of space. At the center of her chest rested a red jewel unfathomably big. Her clothes were a deep brown, with intricate designs in a lighter color.

Looking up at the looming figure, Tsunami's face contorted into a frown.  "Tokimi," she coolly said. "Don't try to impress me with size.  That only works on your underlings.  You and are equals sister, remember?"

"Of course," the huge goddess uttered, a smile cracking her nearly emotionless face.  "I forget myself sometimes, sister." With a head nod, the powerful figure began to shrink, and soon she was the same size as her sibling and the pentathlon behind her vanished replaced by the granite ceiling once again. "I see you still favor to walk among them.  How is your search going?"

"What do you know about my search?" the blue-haired woman asked, not liking her sister to prod into her affairs.

"Only that you've been seeking something that should be rather obvious for the last two decades." Tokimi replied shrugging her shoulders. "I could sense you feeling for this thing.  I must admit that I too can not find its source and that troubles me."

"I see," Tsunami responded briefly, not liking another goddess's interference in her people's affairs. 

"Do not take offense," the brown-haired woman said trying to smile, which seemed impossible for her.  "I merely wanted to show my concern for your charges."

"Don't," the pink-eyed goddess said with finality.  "It isn't in your nature.  Now why did you want to talk to me?"

"You still haven't forgiven me for Clay?" Tokimi answered in a matter-of-fact fashion.  "I want to know what you think of my offer.  Is it acceptable?"


"I don't know…" Tsunami uttered skeptically. "I don't think anyone will agree to it.  Especially not… her."

"I see." The goddess nodded, turning from her sister.  "Well, she is the only choice.  So I leave it to you to make the preparations.  You know we need her.  Make sure she gives you the answer we need."  With that the cold-eyed figure vanished,  Swallowing Sasami turned. 

This isn't good.  But it has to be done.   Walking away slowly, the pink-eyed woman wiped away her tears.  I hope she'll forgive me for this.  Taking someone's life from them is never easy to do, but this time, it has to be done….

Next Time: Is Ryoko correct in her assumption of Kanji, is he truly up to no good?  What or who is the darkness, and what are the goddesses up to?  Chapter 03: The Darkness Revealed

1: Tenchi Muyo OVA episode 3

2: Tenchi Muyo: Daughter of Darkness

3: Tenchi Muyo OVA episode 10

4: No Need for Tenchi Vol. 10