Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo is the creative and distributive property of Masaki Kajishima, AIC and Pioneer. I own nothing of this and write only out of respect for a cool anime show. You will gain nothing by suing me so why doncha just kick back and enjoy the story instead! =D

For anyone interested in offering reviews of this story, you can post your comments up at Fanfiction.net or send stuff to me at mccpcorn@hotmail.com

A QUICK RECAP:

Washu's latest scheme to extract a 'sample' from Tenchi has gone haywire thanks to a last minute intervention by Ryoko. The result has been everyone in the house having their personality transplanted into someone else's body:

Ryoko is now in Sasami's body. (Usually called Ryoko/Sasami in the story)

Sasami is in Kiyone's body. (Sasami/Kiyone)

Kiyone's stuck in Tenchi's body. (Kiyone/Tenchi)

Tenchi now occupies Mihoshe's body. (Tenchi/Mihoshe)

Mihoshe is in Ryoko's body. (Mihoshe/Ryoko)

Washu has swapped bodies with Ayeka. (Washu/Ayeka & Ayeka/Washu)

Noboyuki was - rather fortunately - out of town after driving Katsuhito to a conference, and Ryo-Ohki was out in the Carrot Field raiding the harvest.

The Story so Far: As Ryoko desperately awaits rescue Washu finds an unexpected 'culprit' behind the situation...

Tenchi Muyo: Changing Faces
---------------------------

By Mccpcorn

Chapter 12: GAMES OF A GODDESS
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Washu's collapse was as shocking as it was unexpected. One moment she had been marching, strong with purpose and determination; the next she simply folded in on herself. Only Sasami's grip stopped the scientist from falling face down in the muddy earth. 'Washu!' she cried in alarm.

'Damn!' Tenchi swore under his breath as he grabbed hold of Washu and hauled her limp form to its feet. She was white as a sheet and sweat beaded her face as if from a fever. She was mumbling incoherently. 'What's wrong, Washu?' Tenchi demanded, only then realising how foolish the question was; Washu was hardly in a position to give a reply.

Tenchi lurched in surprise as he found himself and Washu bathed in an eerie red glow; a beam of light was emanating from Azaka's single electronic eye. It was joined by a blue one from Kamadake. 'I am reading a major surge in brain activity,' Azaka commented.

'Higher brain functions have become rapid, violent and disorganised,' Kamadake added.

'Translation: her mind's all over the place,' Tenchi grunted as he struggled to keep both himself and Washu standing.

'Tenchi, what does it mean?' Sasami sounded a lot more than half terrified.

'It means something's happened in Washu's head,' Tenchi replied. 'I'm no genius, but I'd say Ayeka's brain is rejecting Washu's personality.'

'But why Washu?' Sasami's voice was helpless frustration. 'I mean, she knows better than anyone what's going on and how to deal with it. I'd expect her to have the strongest mind of all of us.'

'And that may be the problem,' Tenchi replied softly. Looking about he found a patch of wet grass, which was at least better than wet mud. Carefully, he lowered himself and Washu to a kneeling position on the ground. 'Maybe the great strength of Washu's will is far more closely bound to her body, making it more vulnerable to something like this. Add to that all the distractions - worrying about Ryoko - and maybe Washu just wasn't able to hold onto herself.' Tenchi looked up at the tree tops in frustration.

'Dammit! Now we need to find Ryoko AND Ayeka, and Washu is too ill to go any further.' Tenchi looked at Sasami. 'I need you to go with Washu. Take Azaka and get back to the house.'

'But Tenchi -!'

'Me and Kamadake will look for Ayeka, but Washu needs help NOW.' Tenchi smiled. 'Don't worry about the others; I'll find them. I promise.'

Tenchi's heart ached as Sasami gave a sweet but sad smile. 'Okay,' she replied. 'But remember: you promised.'

Tenchi nodded.

In a few moments, Azaka was drifting back into the sky and off in the direction of the house.

'Good luck,' he whispered softly to himself. He turned to Kamadake. 'Let's go.'

As Tenchi set out to keep his promise, he had no way of knowing that Sasami had whispered exactly the same thing to him as he had to her.

But he knew all the same.

* * *

It was rather like viewing a tank that contained a collection of those little Mass creatures. Only from the inside.

Washu had no idea where she was. There was nothing to see but a shapeless, formless ether, neither space nor matter. Nor could she hear anything; not as much as a breath of wind. It wasn't even just silence or emptiness. There was nothing to touch, nothing to taste; Washu wasn't even sure if she was breathing.

There was just nothing.

With an effort the scientist fought down the queasy feeling that rolled around in her stomach. There wasn't even a sensation of falling or floating, which left her innards absolutely no clue which way was up. All she knew for sure was that -

First: A complete absence of all forms of sensory perception was an extremely not good thing, and -

Second: That she was not alone and had no intention of puking up until whoever it was revealed themselves.

Greetings, sister Washu.

The words flowed through Washu's thoughts like warm water; subtle, beautiful, powerful. It was a startling, yet oddly soothing sensation that calmed her nerves and eased her discomfort. Presently a faint blue glow appeared in front of her, shaping itself into the form of a young woman.

And Washu knew it was she.

Tsunami floated before the scientist, wearing her usual serene expression. That can only mean...

Yes, sister. You are home.

Washu flushed. The words were straightforward enough, but there was no denying the playful amusement behind the casual intrusion into Washu's thoughts. You never did have much of a sense of privacy, did you? she grumbled.

This time there was no mistaking the giggle. I had a good teacher, sister.

Washu grunted under her breath, looking around as she did so. Here in the void between one reality and another three sisters had made their home. It had been a happy home, but to all things came an end, and even siblings moved on... Not exactly how I remember it, she said conversationally.

Indeed not, her sister replied, her expression sombre. We both chose paths away from this place. In doing so we lost a part of our home. Whilst here you are free of your mortal body, and so your essence has assumed the form that it always knew.

On impulse Washu looked at herself to discover that she was in her true form, one even her family on Earth had not seen. It was her consciousness alone, it seemed. A subliminal impression?

Yes. Even so, your mortal senses are too primitive to make sense of it, and so your home is denied to you.

It was a curious, if somewhat useless nugget of information, but one the scientist was glad to have. So I was right. It WAS you who put your oar into things.

In that dearest sister, I can confess only to taking advantage of anthers ploy; someone infinitely more skilled and mischievous than I am. Tsunami's words carried humour and chastisement in equal measure, and Washu could offer nothing in response except an embarrassed silence.

Tsunami spoke into the gap in the conversation: I had to bring you here. You discovered what I had done, and so I wished to explain my motives. Tsunami sighed, as if bracing herself.

This is very difficult for me, she began. I did not interfere lightly, but at the time I felt I had no choice...

As Tsunami continued, a light seemed to fill Washu's mind. It coalesced into images stretching back hours, months, and years...

* * *

It had all begun with Washu's mischievous little scheme.

Tsunami had known about it of course, as she was always aware of her sisters' games. She'd had no part in waking Ryoko, but Tsunami had been quietly impressed at how quickly the pirate had grasped the situation, and also deeply touched by her devotion to Tenchi.

Tsunami had watched with amusement as Ryoko pulled Washu's experiment apart, but when the pirate began gathering that photon blast in her hand it stopped being a game. Tsunami was fully aware of the potential for disaster, and the goddess had realised she had only a fraction of a second to intervene.

It had taken all Tsunami's skill to see Ryoko's shot was well aimed, and in doing so had probably saved everyone. But even as Washu's invention overloaded, an odd realisation occurred to the goddess.

Tenchi's family had great love and compassion, and from that they drew great strength at times of dire need. But the rest of the time they were locked tightly together, like the frozen wheels of some intricate mechanism. Something beautiful to look upon, but erratic and unpredictable in its function.

And as the personality transfer was going to happen anyway...

The personalities had needed love and care to preserve them in their traumatic transition, but the destinations Tsunami herself had chosen.

You see, the whole was greater than the sum of its parts, but the parts didn't really have a clue how they fitted together. And Tsunami had reasoned that the best way for them to understand their own place was if they understood everyone else's. That would surely lead to a greater insight into themselves, and a deeper compassion for their loved ones.

It was never going to pleasant, but the impromptu opportunity provided by Washu had finally led to true hope.

A hope of healing.

A hope of renewal.

A hope for a new beginning.

Because as part of Sasami, Tsunami was Ayeka's sister. And because she was a goddess, Tsunami was also Washu's sister.

And now, with Ryoko's mind within Sasami's body, Tsunami was also a part of her.

In that sense, Tsunami was just as much a part of the family as anyone else, and the desire to heal them of hurt was only natural. It was the perfect time for her family to stop fighting.

And it was up to her to see that it was so.

* * *

The light faded, and the images in Washu's mind gently dissolved back into the ether. I see, she said after a moment's contemplation.

You understand? Tsunami's voice echoed through Washu's mind, a mixture of embarrassment and pleading.

I understand that you stepped in to safeguard everyone, Washu answered, but that instead of allowing our personalities to settle randomly YOU decided the destinations.

Tsunami sighed. Yes. It began with Sasami. As she is a part of me, I am a part of her. As you discovered with Ryoko, the bond flows both ways; it is the same with I. Let's say I was... influenced. Tsunami actually looked embarrassed.

Washu nodded, a knowing look on her face. You saw an opportunity and acted on it, without thinking?

Yes. Tsunami lowered her head again. You must understand: Sasami can't bear to see everyone she loves fight. I knew it was... questionable, but I rationalised it away because I felt I was helping. I convinced myself it was necessary.

Washu sighed to herself. One moment's weakness... she muttered under her breath. Inwardly she was fuming. She didn't know quite where to put her gaze, but most certainly not on her sister. All this time I thought it was MY scheme that backfired when it was YOURS! I mean why didn't you just ASK me? she demanded, looking up at her Tsunami. We could've worked something out together!

Because you had issues of your own to address, Tsunami replied in a quiet, subdued voice. And there would never be a better time for you to address them.

And who gave you the right to make that kind of decision on our behalf? Washu pressed, angry without exactly knowing why.

Tsunami's face became a mask of sterness. Who gave you the right to try and take Tenchi in the way you did? the Goddess countered. Who gave you the right to create Ryoko? Who gave her the right to harm Jurai? Who gave Ayeka the right to hate her for it? Who gave me the right to assimilate with Sasami and save her life? Who gives ANYONE the right to make a decision on behalf of another? Or to act in control of another person's life?

Washu faltered. I - I'm not sure I know what you mean...

Tsunami's expression softened. Our very existence gives us the right to act, dear sister, she said gently. Whoever we may be, and wherever we are. And only wisdom, hope, and time can tell if we make the right choices. Am I not also a part of this family? Am I not allowed to get as tired of all the bickering and infighting as anyone else? This was never intended, but I can help to resolve it.

Well we'll have to work quickly, Washu warned her sister. Time's running out for Ryoko.

Tsunami smiled slightly. It is already done.

It took a moment for Washu to catch on. Ayeka?

Tsunami nodded. Washu gave a wry look in response. You think you have it all planned out doncha?

Tsunami grew sombre again. In that I have learned my lesson, she replied. The lives of my loved ones are too precious to me, no matter how honourable the intentions.

Washu nodded gravely. So what's the plan?

Tsunami gave another slight smile and told her.

* * *

Washu's eyes snapped open.

With a motion so swift it almost startled Sasami/Kiyone off Azaka, the scientist jerked upright. 'Where am I?' she demanded.

Sasami gasped for breath. 'You're with me and Azaka,' she explained. 'We're going back to the house.' Even as Sasami finished, the lights of the Masaki house came into view. Azaka, as if sensing the urgency within Washu, picked up speed.

'Good,' Washu stated. 'I need to get back to work on fixing the machine. If all goes well it should be ready by the time Ayeka brings Ryoko back.'

Sasami floundered a moment, her face carrying a look that was a mixture of wonder and disbelief. 'Ayeka's found Ryoko?? How?'

'No, not yet,' Washu replied. 'But she will soon. As for how I know, I'll tell you sometime. Right now I need your help to fix this thing. You up to it?'

Sasami/Kiyone looked surprised. 'Me?? How can I help?'

Washu smiled. 'By doing EXACTLY what I tell you. Can you do that?'

Sasami/Kiyone's face became determined. 'Yes.'

Azaka slowed as they reached the ground, allowing Washu/Ayeka to dismount nimbly. Sasami/Kiyone followed suit. 'Go get Kiyone and Mihoshe,' Washu ordered the guardian. 'They're probably wondering what the hell's going on.'

'At once, Mistress Washu,' Azaka responded at once.

'That's LITTLE Washu!' the scientist barked - or at least as well as she could using Ayeka's voice.

If a Guardian could sweatdrop, the Azaka would have done. Instead he gave a diplomatic 'Affirmative' and rose back into the sky.

Washu watched him for half a second before shooting a look at Sasami. 'Let's go.'

The two of them darted back into the house.

END OF CHAPTER 12

Endnote: Sorry if this chapter doesn't quite seem as up to scratch as some of the others. I've had real problems ironing out some of the kinks and sometimes you just have to go with what you have. I'll understand if anyone wants to moan about the quality though. ^^;;;