Night:
Planet Jurai:
Deep within the halls of the great Jurain castle, where the royal family slept peacefully, a shadow crept. Its directions seemed random, and its expression lost in the blackness that swirled about it, yet the monster's motive was the only obvious feature, destruction. After twisting its way through the seemingly endless corridor, it reached a console and with lithe fingers began to access the central files of Jurai's first family. At that moment a loud beep resonated from the computer showing that the files it was accessing were secure. Without missing a beat, the black phantom typed faster just as a noise sounded behind it.
"All right," a young guard snapped turning the corner. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" Slowly the figure turned showing its face to the one who intruded on its privacy. "Oh it's just you. You really should be more careful. Tsunami has told us that it isn't safe for you to wander around, even in the castle and-"
With a cry the Jurian guard fell to his knees after a bolt of emerald power cascaded from the intruder's outstretched hand and the dark figure smiled. "This is even better than I originally planned," the darkness hissed. "Ryoko…" it chuckled grimly. "They think that Ryoko, the space pirate, came to Jurai and trouble started…but this is just the beginning…." Moving away from its latest victim the figure vanished into the shadows, showing that darkness had come to Jurai.
The Next Day:
Earth:
In the peaceful morning sunrise, a slender woman with silver hair groaned heavily as she pulled two bags behind her. Throwing the bulging sacks into a bin, Minagi wiped her brow. "Phew…" she breathed loudly. "Who would have thought that Ryoko had so many Sake bottles in Tenchi's old room?" Looking around, the golden-eyed woman sighed. Who am I talking to? I'm the only one here. Turning her attention to the stars, the scar bearing space pirate shook her head slowly. As mean and bossy as she is, I really wish sis would come back. Mom said she'd be back soon, but she won't tell me what she's doing. Her and Ryoko are always talking about stuff and not telling me. It's not fair, she pouted, stomping a foot on the ground as she closed the lid on their recycle bin. I hope something happens soon so I can have some fun and adventure. I like helping out here, and taking care of Ryoko and all, but I don't wanna do it forever…
Minagi… what did I tell you about whining? Washu's voice suddenly rang out. Keep it up and you'll be just like your big sister.
But mom… the silver-haired duplicate commented in a nasal mental tone.
No buts, Minagi, the red-haired woman commented. OH WOW! Come and check out what I found. I knew Ryoko had one of these. Although if she had of asked I'm sure I could have made a better model. I mean really don't approve of the design. It's much too basic.
This isn't something gross, is it? Minagi
swallowed leery of going back into the household.
Just come here, you'll enjoy this. Besides, you might be wanting me to make you one of these one day, Washu smiled. At least what with the way things have been going and all….
Shaking her head, the golden-eyed space pirate caved in and decided to see what it was her mother had found. Floating with expert ease, she paused a moment to look back out into space, as if she felt something. That's odd. I suddenly got the feeling that something big is about to happen to sis, but what could it be? Where is she?
Jurai:
The Courtyard:
Terror gripped the Masaki household on Jurai as the fallen guard's condition was reported to Prince Tenchi, who was currently the head of state while the king and his wives were away. No one in the palace could fathom what had happened, or who could have done such a thing, even Tsunami was unable to detect the source of this assault, but all were in agreement on one issue, evil was near.
While everyone inside the palace tried to make sense of the near assassination plot, two women with a history of war between them tried their best to reconcile their differences, at least to ease the pain of their latest scuffle. Ayeka Jurai waltzed about her private flower garden in her favorite pink kimono trimming the leaves with precise cuts; her graceful steps and beaming features matching the wondrous rose petals about her perfectly. Sitting upon a stone bench only a few feet away, a silver-haired woman watched her former rival with a bemused smile. "So princess, did you ask me out here to watch you work? I got to do that enough back at Tenchi's old place. It's really no different than before."
"No…" the red-eyed woman said cutting her words, "I simply thought that you and I should…. Talk."
Opening her mouth, it seemed the golden-eyed space pirate easily caught on to what was being said. "I getcha, you need some advice on how to mount yourself on Tenchi, huh? Well then let's start with the basics. How far have you gotten," Ryoko grinned evilly looking at her former rival with anticipation.
"Must you always drag up sex?" Ayeka uttered bitterly. "I mean really… is it any wonder that lord Tenchi chose me over…"
"Uh... that's great," the golden-eyed woman yawned putting her hands behind her head. "So how far."
Blushing the purple-haired princess merely looked away for a time, her breathing coming in short ragged nips. "I meant for us to talk about the situation in Lord Tenchi and my room, where you delivered such harsh news in the most uncouth manner… but since you are so obliged to such vile talk…. As you know, Lord Tenchi is a very kind-hearted and noble man," she foretold sounding as if she were introducing him for the first time. "He is always sensitive to the welfare of others whom are in his care."
"Yeah, I know," Ryoko said, leaning so that her and Ayeka's face were only inches away. "Problems in the bedroom and sensitive areas are what I'm talking about."
Turning her eyes sideways, Ayeka finally blurted out what her rival wanted. "The furthest we went was our wedding night, when he kissed me deeply while caressing my hip. I panicked and moaned. Feeling concern for me, as any good man would, he relented."
"And then…" the silver-haired woman said, rolling one hand to spur her comrade
on.
"That is all, Ryoko." The proper woman declared.
"That's it!" The seductress shouted angrily. "You've had Tenchi twenty years and not only are you both virgins, but you're both barely able to get to second base! I bet you were both still fully dressed when that happened."
"Not all of us are masters of undressing," Ayeka snapped. "Lord Tenchi and I have many pressing matters we must attend to daily, we do not spend all our leisure time on our backs like you do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have important business to attend to."
"That's fine," the golden-eyed woman laughed. "There are a few things I need to look into as well, namely what that slow-witted, under-sexed, loser son of yours is doing."
"Kanji is not slow-witted," she growled back. "He is one of the smartest young men upon Planet Jurai and you would be wise to treat him accordingly."
"Well, I see you have no qualms about the loser part," Ryoko nodded, eyeing Ayeka as if she were a piece of meat, while the princess quaked with fury. "And I think I'll just go take care of the under-sexed part…" Without another word she vanished, leaving her former-rival alone in the garden's fuming over her insults.
Storming out of the gardens, the pink-kimono wearing princess cast icy glares at everyone who stood in her way, muttering curses eternally about, "that damn monster woman."
Kanji's Room:
With a hiss, Ryoko appeared outside the young man's room, quietly phasing through the wall where it met the ceiling. For some reason she did not trust the young son of Tenchi Masaki, and as she saw what going on in his room, she understood why.
"Soon the universe will have a new name to utter in fear," Kanji laughed as he placed a strange black eye-patch with a red 'x' on it over his left eye. He stood before a mirror adorned in a strange costume, one with large black boots trimmed in yellow, a full-breasted suit shirt, large white gloves and a long cape, which she assumed was supposed to be black with red underlining, but was actually a deep purple with red. "The name of Kanji, the greatest explorer, space pirate, prince, and dashing hero of all time!" Throwing his head back, the red-haired youth made his best attempt at a maniacal laugh, but only succeeding in making himself sound like the fool he was dressed up as. "Tonight's the night, I can feel it." He smiled, clenching his fists tightly before him. "Everything will be different soon enough, and I will roam free. I can't wait! My day is soon coming."
"Oh really," Ryoko said with a laugh, as she floated down from the ceiling. "And just what is your day?"
Whirling about, the red-eyed youth panicked, throwing off his gloves, kicking off his boots, and generally stripping himself of all his strange garb as quickly as he can. "Nothing! Nothing I swear!" he uttered in a panic. "Please Ryoko, don't tell anyone about this! It has to be a secret."
"I don't know…" she sighed looking at his heap of clothing with amusement now that the young man stood once again in his formal Jurain robes. "This would make an interesting story. Especially what with all that's been going on lately…."
"No!" he pleaded. "This is my big chance! If you tell on me now it'll ruin everything. Dad will post more guards at my door, then I'll never be able to unleash…it."
"It?" the golden-eyed woman skeptically announced. "And that would be…?"
Realizing he had been caught, Kanji showed that he was indeed a quick thinker, and did his best to change the subject. "Hey, y'know, Ryoko, we don't have to talk about that right now." He smiled putting a hand to his mouth to shield his words from any spies and to make him seem more seductive. "I'll tell you all about it later if you want, but for right now, I know this secret place in the gardens that even dad doesn't know about. We could go there if you want. It would be nice and quiet, and we'd be alone. We could… talk there."
Looking down, the golden-eyed woman saw a strange bulge in the youth's robes, one that should not be there. Reaching forward she gripped it, and received the shock of her life. Falling to her knees, Ryoko felt lightning arch through her body. Releasing it quickly, the golden-eyed woman instantly knew what it was he possessed. The Tenchi-ken… she whimpered as he curiously removed the hilt from his robes.
"So it is true," he gasped, looking at the old blade with fascination as if he had never seen it before. "What dad said is true! Only those with Royal blood can touch it. Oh man this thing's better than I thought!"
"Why do you have it," Ryoko said shaking her head, as she stood up weary of receiving another shock.
"Why?" Kanji laughed. "Well that should be easy, I'm the prince. I deserve it. Dad won't miss it anyway; he never uses it. It just sits in his dresser hidden away."
Glaring at the golden sword pommel, the silver-haired space pirate swallowed hard at his words. Hidden away… just like I was. But unlike his grandfather, Tenchi didn't hide the sword to protect anyone; I'd bet he did it to forget. After all, the sword is a symbol of us….
"So…" the red-eyed youth grinned maliciously. "What do we do now?" For a moment Ryoko merely looked at him, with a glance that showed she saw the Jurain heir in a new light. With a smirk that showed her cunning mind had thought up a new and playful idea she stretched herself to her limit, arching her ample chest in his direction.
"Well, there are a lot of things…" she cooed. "But what if someone interrupts us? Besides, I don't like the idea of you sneaking off after we… you know… talk. Some of the things I need you might run from…."
With a smile like a madman, Kanji pulled a small device from his pocket. "Not a problem," he laughed pressing a button on the small instrument, which was followed by a loud clanging noise rumbled form the doorway. "Now no one can get in, and you don't need to worry about me leaving. That door could withstand anything! It's impossible for anyone on Jurai to get to us."
"Really," Ryoko giggled giddily, "can I see that thing?" she asked pointing to his control. Ruled by his hormones, Kanji saw no reason not to trust the seducing woman who was currently in his private chambers. Handing it over, a look of horror dread came over him as she crushed the device. "Oops…" she added with an almost drunken laugh, "guess I better go get help."
"Go?" he fumed his breath coming in pants as he looked at his ruined security seal. "Go where? We're trapped in here!"
"Correction," the lithe woman said slowly walking towards the door, and proceeding through it. "You're trapped in here. Now be a good boy while I go talk with your daddy."
Damn! Kanji mentally growled, reaching for the stolen Tenchi-ken. This wasn't supposed to happen! It's a good thing I made other arrangements. I'm tired of these games; it's time for the real fun to begin….
The Throne Room:
In the pristine room where the king of Jurai normally reigned, Tenchi Masaki sat in deep misery. Before the young prince his wife, Lady Ayeka, ranted endlessly upset about a very obvious situation. "And after all we've done for her that blasted monster woman had the gall to ask me how far we had gone," Ayeka fumed pacing back and for the before her husband furiously. "Can you imagine anyone saying such things to me? As if I were a simple country girl of loose morals! Why if I-"
"Isn't that the problem, Ayeka," Ryoko's voice called out
seconds before she appeared. "You and Tenchi… can't?"
"Ryoko…" Tenchi groaned, rubbing his face and absently tugging his beard as he saw the slender woman appear. "Do you always have to cause so much trouble?"
"Well," she replied with a smirk, "this time it isn't me who's causing all the trouble. I found your darkness."
"What?" the purple-haired princess said in frustration. "Where is it? How did it get in the castle?"
"Relax," the golden-eyed woman said folding her arms over her chest after shooing her former rival's comments aside. "It's trapped for now. You'll find the problem in Kanji's room."
"I don't get it," the young prince responded, "if it's in his room, then where is Kanji."
"Kanji is your darkness. I saw him in what I think he thought was a space pirate get up, personally I think even the little princess here has better taste than him…" pausing Ryoko eyed her rival up and down. "Well…."
"He always dresses like that," Tenchi shrugged. "It's a little weird, but it is his hobby."
"Oh, and does his hobby also include plotting against you? Ever since I've showed up he's always been muttering about some big plans of his." Taken aback by Ryoko's comments, the two royals weighed her information heavily. Yet just when they prepared to answer her accusation, Tsunami appeared a terrified look in her eyes as she teleported before them all.
"It is here," she whispered in horror, a sign of Sasami showing as she clutched her hands tenderly before her. "The darkness has finally shown itself."
It was at that moment when the doors to the great hall swung open, and a being beyond mortal standards came into their view. Yet the figure that stood before them was not illuminated by glorious light, instead she appeared to be riding a tide of darkness. Just ahead of her steps, the inky blackness flowed, consuming everything in its path and leaving only bleak twisted reality behind. "A party for me? You shouldn't have… still; it's nice to see everyone is together. Now and forever, Yazuha will be Yazuha…" the tall woman sneered as she walked in. Clearing the doorway the room's fading light showed a faint outline of her shape. The darkness stood revealed as a woman, covered in purple fur, with cold emotionless orange eyes, razor sharp claws, markings that was a mockery of Jurian battle armor, and dark blue hair tied in two small ponytails. However, Tenchi and his gathered friends knew the darkness under another name.
"Mayuka!" Tsunami said before the others. "Why are you doing this?"
"There's no Mayuka here," the possessed child laughed, holding up one hand as she summoned power before her. "Just darkness." With that she fired, a powerful bolt of black energy that soared forward towards her target as if it were a ravenous beast descending on its first meal in months.
"Tenchi!" Ryoko shouted as she leapt nimbly into the way, her force field absorbing the brunt of the impact. The result of such a collision of powers was obvious from the start, and the golden-eyed woman knew what would happen when she tried to stop a blast of that magnitude without giving it any ground. It was in that shot that Ryoko Hakubi fell to the ground in a heap.
For all the evil and bitterness she boasted Mayuka's jaw dropped. "Ryoko!" she screamed in a bloodcurdling manner. "No! You weren't supposed to do that!" Staggering forward, her robe of living night seemed to reside as she moved closer to her old friend. "You weren't supposed to save daddy… I've spent years getting things ready for this. I've been intercepting your messages, hiding everything from him. Keeping daddy here and getting everyone else to leave so that all I'd have to deal with is my mommy and daddy."
Groaning, the silver-haired woman sat up slowly her head killing her. "What is the meaning of this," Ayeka responded stepping down from beside her husband. "He is your own father. Mayuka I will not have this sort of behavior from you young lady! It is unbecoming of a princess of Jurai, and especially from the daughter of Lord Tenchi!"
Tenchi groaned, realizing his wife's utterance was not going to do much of anything, at least not with his daughter in her present state. Hearing her surrogate mother, the mad woman seemed to be taken aback as if her words really had struck home, and her mood was slowly lightening when she saw Ryoko prop herself up on her elbows to speak.
"Mayuka," Ryoko called faintly still a little dizzy from the impact. "Listen to your mother, and stop this."
Breathing tensely the lifeless void returned to Mayuka's eyes as she bristled under Ryoko's advice. "NO! I remember what happened," she growled. "Ryoko left me. She hated me 'cause daddy left her. No fair…! I won't do it! I won't! Daddy has to pay for this!"
"Well, if you want to get to Tenchi, you'll have to go through me." The golden-eyed woman winced standing up once again, readying herself for battle.
"Fine then," Mayuka said coolly holding up her claws quickly, while licking her long nails sadistically. "I'll just have to get rid of Ryoko before I can get to my daddy." Leaning forward it seemed Tenchi's daughter was ready to pounce, but then the inky blackness that flowed about her picked up in speed, and soon consumed the blue-haired girl. Slowly it shrank the circle about her, and in an instant was gone, taking her with it.
"Where is she?" Ayeka said in horror, unnerved by what she had seen. "What has happened to Mayuka?"
"She is no where on Jurai…" Tsunami answered her eyes closed as she concentrated. "I do not know what happened to her, but I think that from her appearance and attitude her own angst has provided the foundation for Yazuha's return. As Yuzuha was the tree of darkness, and Mayuka originally bore some of her DNA, it might be possible that she's attempting to regrow her biological mother."
"But Miss Washu," the purple haired woman began.
"Little Washu," Ryoko laughed more to annoy Ayeka than anything else.
"Ryoko," Tenchi said seriously. "This isn't funny. Washu was supposed to filter out all the evil in Mayuka when she regrew her."
"I know it's not funny," the golden-eyed space pirate replied her smile fading away completely. "You really screwed this one up."
"How is this our fault," Ayeka demanded. "We raised her well, with all the best things the universe had to offer."
"Really, the best huh?" the lithe woman commented skeptically.
Trying to reign in the warring duo, Tenchi stepped between them, holding up one hand to Ryoko and another, slightly lowered, to his wife. "Look, arguing won't do us any good. We have to-"
"I think you've done enough," the lithe woman flatly replied, using one hand to brushing off some dirt from her dress, and the other to bat his blocking hand aside. "Well, this has been less fun than I had thought it would be. I'm leaving."
"Leaving?" Tenchi coughed out, "but aren't you going to help us find Mayuka?"
"Sure, I'll find your daughter, Tenchi." Ryoko smiled. "But there'll be a price."
"A price!" Ayeka growled. "How could you be so cruel, Ryoko! Lord Tenchi is asking for your help, and you demand money? Need I remind you how much Mayuka means to all of us, including you?"
"And do I have to remind you that I'm a space pirate?" She answered, continuing to walk to the door. "Ryo-Ohki is waiting for me as it is. So will you agree to pay my price?"
"Fine," the brown-haired man replied. "How much?"
"Who said it was about money?" she cooed with her hands on her hips as she turned. "Just give me your word that you'll pay me what I want."
"Done," he nodded.
"Say it."
"I, Tenchi Masaki," he loudly began. "Do solemnly swear to you, Ryoko Hakubi," pausing he gestured to her with one hand. "To pay whatever sum you desire should you save Mayuka."
Grabbing his hand, Ryoko shook it firmly. "Good, then I'll be seeing you." Turning to Tsunami, the golden-eyed woman smiled. "Any leads?"
"I'm afraid I can no longer sense the darkness, it seems to be hiding itself from me," the light blue-haired goddess remarked sadly.
"No problem," the silver-haired space pirate nodded. "That would have been too
easy anyway. Well, I guess I better be
off."
"Ryoko wait!" the goddess called in a voice sounding more like the voice she had used in her youth as Sasami than as the Jurain deity, Tsunami. Closing the gap she hugged her friend tightly. "I am sorry things had to go this way. I wish I could change it…."
Feeling a little awkward, Ryoko merely grinned, slowly prying her old friends arms off her. "Hey, you don't have to apologize kid; it's not your fault. So quit apologizing." Laughing, she rubbed the hair off of Tsunami's forehead so she could look into her eyes. "You're the only one who hasn't changed kid, keep it up."
Releasing her pink-eyed companion, the golden-eyed space pirate floated upward. "Well I'll be seeing you. I've got places to go, daughter's to catch, and mad nutcases to bother. But don't worry... I'll be back. I won't trade my price for anything…. "
Flying off, the silver-haired woman seemed almost excited to be leaving the palace. She left so quickly in fact she did not see her former beloved trying to stop her, until they had made it a good distance from the throne room, far enough to be out of earshot, but not eyesight of their friends.
"Ryoko," Tenchi said finally catching up with her. "Ryoko wait!"
Stopping the floating woman's face seemed to show her as being rather annoyed when she saw him, yet her eyes smiled upon seeing him. "Yes, Tenchi?"
"Just what is it you want," he asked bluntly. "I mean I know you, you're not the kind that loves money. You've always preferred to take stuff instead of paying."
Shaking her head, she laughed at his comment and he joined her. "Well I am a space pirate. It's what we do. But there was one thing I never could steal…"
Looking at her sadly, he shook his head. "You know you'll always have a place in my heart, Ryoko."
"I know," the golden-eyed woman whispered tears in her eyes as she floated behind him, her back now to the throne room. Landing with expert ease she folded her arms in front of her appearing to be in a form of supplication.
"Ryoko…" Tenchi sighed. "I've been thinking a king of Jurai is allowed to take a second wife. If you want I could…"
With a motion even she felt may have seemed to planned out in advance, Ryoko struck her young love in the face hard. "No. You made the choice between us long ago. There is no sharing, Tenchi. You see for me that would never be enough, I can't share your heart. I don't work like that. It's all or nothing with me, so it looks like I'm left with nothing." Sniffing, her shoulder sank, and the brown-eyed king saw two tears, sparkling like pieces of the sun fall from behind her mane of silver hair. As it always did, Tenchi's heart forced him to react the way he did, stepping forward to embrace her warmly for the first time ever, as he realized the woman he hugged on his wedding day had not been his former love. Feeling a bit choked up himself the bearded prince fought hard to suppress his tears as Ryoko buried her face in his chest for a moment. "I'm sorry I didn't go to your wedding," she whimpered. "I know you must hate me for that."
Shushing her quietly Tenchi patted the back of Ryoko's head softly. "Don't worry," he said tenderly, "I understand…."
"Just as long as you were happy. That's all I've ever wanted was to see you happy." At that instant she gazed passionately into his eyes. "Are you happy?" Saying nothing he merely nodded. For a long moment the two merely stared deeply into each other's eyes, feeling the world fall away from them. Slowly like the sun across the sky, their heads tilted and it seemed their lips were destined to meet, but just before Tenchi could conclude the kiss, Ryoko spoke. "I want to have your children," she whispered, instantly getting a reaction as Tenchi's eyes shot open to full alert. "Oh, and your wife seen you try to kiss me. I'm sure when you go back in there she'll dismiss it, but I know it'll eat her up inside. Hey, isn't that a nice way to start my fee? Now if you ever need a mistress, be sure to come to Earth. I'll make sure I have time to help you forget all about that little princess. But until then, make no mistake. I will be having your kids soon enough, Tenchi dear…" with that her trademark hiss of matter being rearranged filled the air, and Ryoko Hakubi, the dread space pirate and demon of the Masaki shrine was gone.
Watching her leave, Tenchi felt a tug at his heart, as if part of him were leaving with her. However upon turning and seeing his wife distraught not only by what nearly happened between him and Ryoko, but by the recent revelations about Mayuka, the Jurain prince's heart steadied itself as he prepared to return to reality. Standing with his family in silence for a time, Tenchi broke the endless void of silence that had fallen over the room when he sniffed loudly, which seemed to open the door for the others to allowed their emotions to show. Putting his arm around his wife, the brown haired youth did his best to console her, feeling massive regret for his near adulterous situation.
"Lord Tenchi…" she began, looking up at him with eyes scarred with grief. "Do you… do you ever regret marrying me." Although his response was only a second after, to Tenchi it felt like he weighed the idea for hours.
Finally he shook his head, "of course not Ayeka, you're the one I love."
"But… Mayuka," the red-eyed woman sobbed. "What did we do wrong, she-?"
Sighing, Tenchi simply held her close as she cried. Words were never his strong point, but the young prince knew how to one thing well, and that was to be there for those who needed him. Thinking such a thing, his heart winced again as visions of Ryoko came to the front of his mind, and he recalled all the years she had spent wallowing in sorrow and Sake because of him. Perhaps I'm not quiet as good as I thought… he realized, his heart hurting as it had long ago, before he made his choice.
"Lord Tenchi," a guard shouted running to the throne room swiftly with a note in his hands. "Lord Tenchi, I have terrible news!" Handing his king the paper, the young knight in training was perplexed by what had happened that would make the trio so unhappy. After all, surely they didn't know what he did, at least not yet.
Reading the paper slowly, the brown-eyed man seemed to tense before sighing. "It's from Ryoko," he said shaking his head. "She's taken Kanji."
"Yes sir," the young man said shamefully saluting his superior. "His room was in maximum security mood, and his key was found destroyed. We found this note outside, and no one is responding to our calls, so we don't think it's a hoax."
Gently Ayeka dried her eyes before taking the note from her beloved and scanned its words carefully. Looking up, her eyes were full of disgust. "Such atrocious grammar," the red-eyed woman noted. "It is even worse than Kanji's! When she mentions damaged goods, and deflowering his naivety, you don't think she means…."
Saying nothing, Tenchi merely nodded, already realizing it was too late to stop her. Once again Jurai had lost a prince, and a princess, to Ryoko's invasion. *1
Next Time: Ryoko, Kanji, Mayuka, Minagi, Washu, and so many others! Sigh… chapters four and on will be difficult to write. To be precise, they will be painful to put down, at least for me they will be. I shall endeavor to post them only once the rest of this story is finished, so you won't be kept in too much suspense. Still, what is to come brings a tear to my eye, and so for now…
THE END….
*1: if you recall Sasami 'died' in the OVA when Ryoko had attacked the palace, and Yosho left after her forsaking his post.