At the battle scene....
Ikaroshi had his arm with the deep blue gem in it, raised in the air. A dark blanket of cloud swirled around his hand and then spread out across the sky.
Everyone was lying on the earth and unable to move because of a previous attack from Ikaroshi. The sky grew more overcast as Ikaroshi readied for the same assault once more. He cupped his hands and cloud began to form inside them. Ikaroshi watched as it gathered into a whirling mass of blackness. He slowly moved his hands apart, the mass growing larger. When it reached a size of about three feet across, the man blasted the cloud to the dark heavens above. It spread out, electricity immediately beginning to build in it.
Ikaroshi lifted his right arm, the one that possessed the gem, and brought it down quickly in the direction of the beings on the ground in front of him. He watched with anticipation as the large amount of static and energy in the vapor above lanced down in multiple bolts, striking each person. Screaming and moaning was heard immediately after and Ikaroshi smiled in pleasure.
Tenchi clenched his teeth and grabbed his injured arm as a bolt hit him. Tears streamed down his face as he tried to withstand the pain. Ayeka's headband slung over Tenchi's left arm unexpectedly began to glow. A beam of light shot from the key and into the sky, spreading out and clearing the blackness.
Ikaroshi's face, which once had a look of pleasure, now showed irritation. He teleported right next to Tenchi and created a beam sword, holding it just inches from the boy's chest.
Tenchi froze and fixed his eyes on the glowing weapon. The last things he saw and heard was Ikaroshi telling someone to stay out of other people's business and then being jabbed in the chest with the sword.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tsunami clenched her teeth as Ikaroshi brought his blade into Tenchi's chest. "You are only making things harder for yourself."
Ikaroshi sneered. "Oh, am I? Tenchi, as I understand, can summon the 'Lighthawk Wings'. In fact, he killed my father with that power. Getting rid of Tenchi would only make things easier, not harder."
Tsunami clasped her hands in front of her. "Tenchi is not dead."
Ikaroshi had a skeptical look on his face as he looked down at his sword, still in Tenchi's flesh. He withdrew the beam and intently watched the body for any sign of life.
Ikaroshi abruptly kicked the listless boy and let out an annoyed yell. "If that isn't dead, I don't know what is! I do not know why I even listen to you, injudicious goddess!" He walked up to Tsunami and spoke with hatred in his voice. "I know you are aware of who you are dealing with. However, I didn't know you were fool enough to try and beat me."
The man swiftly turned and went over to Washu who was trying to stand. He grabbed the scientist by the wrist and yanked her up so she was standing.
Tsunami sighed. "Ikaroshi, you won't---"
"--Silence!" The man barked. He then showed Washu the gem in his wrist. "This gem looks familiar, does it not? It is very similar to your daughter's jewel. In fact, you even know they work the same. Am I right so far, Ms. Washu?"
"Y-yes." She managed.
Ikaroshi glanced at Tsunami for a moment before continuing. "My father went to the same school you did, Washu. He found out about Ryoko that way. Unfortunately, Kagato never discovered the full potential of the gems and was only able to control Ryoko with them and drain energy from her."
Washu had gained most of her strength back, as well as the others, minus Tenchi who showed no signs of recovery. The scientist moved her interest to Mihoshi who was gently shaking the listless boy and saying his name.
Ikaroshi realized Washu was no longer paying attention to him and swiftly slapped her on the cheek. "You best be listening to me, for I believe what I'm going to say will interest you."
Washu rubbed her cheek and looked directly into Ikaroshi's eyes. She froze. His eyes were the exact shape and color of her own....
Ikaroshi had a tiny smirk on his face as he pulled his shoulder length hair away from his neck. "Go ahead my dear. Check. It is there."
The woman gradually moved behind the man and examined near his hairline. She emitted a gasp when she found a mark the size of a nickel. It was in the shape of an eight-pointed star and could only be seen if the hair was pulled away from it.
Washu slowly moved her hand to the back of her own neck and ran her fingers over the same star-shaped emblem Ikaroshi had. It couldn't be.... How could it be?
Ikaroshi faced Washu and smiled a bit softer than usual.
Washu stumbled back a few steps before regaining her balance. "You are my... my son...."
Still smiling, Ikaroshi nodded his head. "The one and only."
Tsunami unexpectedly appeared next to Washu and gave her a stern look. "We warned you of marriage, but you would not listen." She waved her hand, motioning to the destruction. "Now look at what has happened! All because of that one choice."
Washu shook her head, ignoring the goddess, and glanced up at Ikaroshi. " I know you are my son, but how could Kagato be your father if I never...."
Ikaroshi opened his mouth to speak when he received a full force body slam from Ryoko. He had a shocked look on his face as he landed on the ground. "What?!"
Ryoko's eyes still had a reddish cast, but she was apparently fighting to free herself from the man's control.
Ikaroshi stared in disbelief at Ryoko. "I never realized how strong you were. Now I know why my father was so determined to use you." He reached into his cloak and took out the green stone. "I guess you need a bit of shaping up, Ryoko." Ikaroshi tightly gripped the gem and sent hundreds of volts into it, which made the demoness instantly recoil back in pain, then fall to her knees. Ryoko struggled again, but soon realized Ikaroshi still had his strong hold on her. However, she did have her conscious mind back.
Ryoko stared fiercely into Ikaroshi's emerald eyes and wondered how long she had been under his control. She swallowed hard and tried to speak. Her voice was constricted and difficult to understand, but she could talk.
"You killed..." Ryoko took a breath "You killed my Tenchi."
Ikaroshi just laughed at the demoness's effort. "So I did, my lady." He waved his hand outward. "What are you planning to do about it, hmmm?"
Ryoko looked as if she was going to cry. She tried to fight, but found herself completely immobile. Memories of Kagato flooded back to her. She remembered events... events that she had never recalled before. The foggy past became clear and she was taken back by what passed through her mind. Her mother, Washu, and how much she deeply cared for her. The way Kagato forced her to train day and night, Ikaroshi always watching from the shadows. He always observed her every move, her every breath. Then that one night....
Ryoko visibly shook as she continued reminiscing. She also now knew what awful corruption and destruction she had caused. All the innocent people she killed. "How... how could I have done such things?" She thought. Visions of her literally massacring and blasting people to oblivion passed through her mind.
As she sorted her thoughts, Ikaroshi contently sighed and faced the two sister goddesses. "Now that Ayeka and Tenchi are dead and Ryoko is helpless, I'm off to Jurai. Don't bother trying anything, because you will regret it immediately." He strolled over to Tenchi. "Oh Ryoko?"
Ryoko snapped back to the present and slowly turned towards the man. "What do you want...?" She said, a corner of her lip beginning to quiver in anger.
Ikaroshi, sure that he had the woman's attention, spat right on Tenchi's face.
The demoness could not take any more of the horrible man standing before her. All the anger pent inside her balled up and she let out a deafening scream. The three gems Ryoko possessed shone brightly and her eyes glowed a deep blood red.
Ikaroshi winced and swiftly threw the green stone out from under his cloak. The gem was extremely hot and when it fell to the ground, the grass smoldered around it. The stone then shattered, its pieces just dissolving into nothing.
Ryoko's eyes returned to their normal color and she was finally her own self. She threw her arms out and roared, a blinding flash illuminating the area for a few seconds. As the light dimmed, everyone was amazed to find Ryoko, Tenchi, and a slightly younger looking Tsunami standing before them.
Ryoko and Tenchi were hovering in the air, both wearing the kimonos signature to the power of the Lighthawk wings. Ryoko possessed eight wings, while Tenchi had three.
Ikaroshi was appalled. "What on earth? Tenchi was dead, I am sure of it. No one could have survived an energy blade through the heart!"
Tenchi sneered and grabbed one of his Lighthawk wings, forming a sword, the other two wings acting as shields.
Ikaroshi took a step back, but ended up bumping into Mihoshi who shoved her laser gun to his back. "You are under arrest! Surrender at once!" She ordered.
Tenchi and Ryoko both pointed their Lighthawk swords at the man, waiting for him to chose between a fight or surrender.
Sighing, Ikaroshi took off his black cloak, revealing a light gray kimono underneath. "Tenchi, I think you would like to have this." He tossed the cloak towards the boy and it crumpled to the ground. "It was my father's." Said Ikaroshi.
The Lighthawk wings around Tenchi vanished as he reached down and picked up the cape and shook it out.
Ryoko glanced at the young man, but quickly turned her attention back to Ikaroshi. Her Lighthawk wings were still there, and so was her sword. The demoness didn't trust the man, not after all that he did.
Yosho abruptly ran over to Tenchi and yanked the cloak from his hand. "Tenchi, it is a demon!"
Sure enough, the cape sprouted two slanted yellow eyes and its form changed rapidly into a black, ghost-like figure. Before Tenchi had time to react, the spirit moved over him, engulfing his body within its mass.
Ryoko quickly lunged at the demon and sliced through it with her sword, barely missing Tenchi's chest. The severed halves dropped to the ground, mist rising from them.
Tenchi whirled around to face Ikaroshi. "What was that?!" He demanded.
Ikaroshi smirked and pointed to where the two pieces lay. "Well, it wasn't my father's cloak."
The sliced halves dissolved into a thick, black vapor, then materialized into separate demons identical to each other.
Tenchi cursed, trying to generate the Lighthawk wings again. "Come on!"
Ikaroshi laughed and threw out his hand, making the two spirits advance towards the boy.
Ryoko grabbed Tenchi-ken and tossed it to Tenchi who caught it, the blade immediately igniting. He expertly gouged a hole in one demon then brought the sword out, swinging it across the air and ripping through the other. A black mist was emitted from the wounds and created new spirits, the other two healing themselves.
Tenchi set his jaw. No matter how many times anyone cut the monsters into pieces, they always regenerated, forming more in the process.
Tenchi sliced yet another demon, but it turned into separate creatures like the others. "This isn't working!" He said to Ryoko while dodging a swipe from the enemy. Ryoko furrowed her brow. "Yeah? Well maybe this will!" She grabbed a demon and ripped it apart, then blasted an energy ball at it. This proved to be a really bad idea. The tiny parts morphed into hundreds of monsters, rapidly growing to full size.
Ryoko glared at Ikaroshi. "So you think you are so tough.... Well I don't!" She dashed full speed at him; her sword aimed for his throat. "You will die!"
Ikaroshi had a haughty smile on as Ryoko came within an inch away in two seconds. She was abruptly repelled back into the ground by an unseen force. Ikaroshi hadn't even moved. He shook his head, an ostentatious look still on his face. "Did you really think you could beat me?" His gaze dropped. "After all, don't you know who I am?" He held his hand up and all the demons stopped battling and floated motionless in the air.
Ryoko cautiously sat up and Tenchi stood next to her. Both listened intently as Ikaroshi spoke.
"You all know my mother is Washu, but I was only with her for about 17 months."
Tenchi's jaw dropped. "Y-y-you are Washu's son?!"
"Oh, that's right. You were dead while I mentioned it. Ah, but I never got further than that so you have not missed much."
Tenchi's mouth was still open as he gawked at Washu then at Ikaroshi. "Did... did Washu know?" He asked to no one in particular.
Ikaroshi cleared his throat. "No. Everyone on Jurai thought I was killed just like Washu's husband was."
Mihoshi looked quizzically at Washu. "Are you Juraian, Miss Washu?"
Washu glared at her. "Don't call me 'Miss'!"
"Sorry Washu." Mihoshi sheepishly answered.
Washu's favorite purple cushion appeared behind her and she sat down on it. "To answer your question Mihoshi... no, I'm not Juraian. I lived there with my husband before he was... was taken away from me. I went off to learn science soon afterwards."
Ikaroshi raised an eyebrow. "Why not tell them who you are? Who you really are."
"Because we aren't talking about me, we are talking about you."
Ikaroshi furrowed his brow. "You said you weren't from Jurai, which I believe is on the subject of yourself."
Washu crossed her arms. "That's only because you started it, Mister."
"Don't you dare show disrespect to me!" He yelled. "And don't call me 'mister' ither!"
A devilish grin appeared on Washu's face. "Okay, Mister. Sorry about calling you 'mister', Mister."
Ikaroshi clenched his fists. "I didn't know you played that way, MISS Washu."
"Mister Mister Mister!"
"Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss!"
Ryoko rolled her eyes and turned to Tenchi. "Yup, that's Washu's son alright."
"M-i-s-t-e-r!" Sang Washu, waving her fingers back and forth.
"Forget it!" Ikaroshi exclaimed throwing his arms up in the air. "Demons, attack the redheaded fool!"
Washu's smug look quickly dissipated as all the spirits' eyes glared at her. "Oops...." In a little more than a second, the creatures engulfed Washu in their bodies.
"Enough!" A voice cried out. All the demons were ripped apart by a wave of light coming from the direction of the voice. The monsters vanished into the air, permanently destroyed, and everybody turned to where the light came from.
Washu gasped. "Tokimi!"
Tokimi bowed then moved aside, revealing Tsunami. "Tsunami found me and told all that has happened."
Tokimi looked Ikaroshi up and down, then moved her gaze to Washu. "So this is yours. Some son he turned out to be."
Washu closed her eyes and clenched her jaw. Why did everyone have to blame her? After all these years she still vividly remembered the pain associated with the day her husband and son were taken away. She didn't know all of this would happen....
Ikaroshi impatiently tapped his fingers. "Who is this newcomer?" He asked Washu.
Washu opened her eyes, moist with tears. "That is Tokimi who---"
"--I know her name!" He interrupted. "I would like to know why she is here and who she is."
Tokimi raised her hand, asking Washu for silence. She walked to Ikaroshi, holding an expressionless gaze. "Are you afraid of me, young one?"
Ikaroshi was taken aback for a moment, but quickly retorted back. "No, I am not afraid of you, whomever you are. And where do you get of calling me 'young one'?!"
"You are many years younger than I."
"But that does not mean you can call me that."
Tokimi glanced at Tsunami, then back at the man. "We are wasting time."
Ikaroshi narrowed his eyes. "I did not start this, mind you."
Tokimi stared at him and said nothing, the same unchanging expression on her face. It never changed, just stayed stone-like, as if it were sculpted.
Ikaroshi could not stand the gaze any longer and turned away.
"I came from my realm." Tokimi finally said.
The man's eyes brightened a bit. Perhaps Tokimi would cooperate now. He turned his head to the woman. "Where is your 'realm'?"
"It isn't anywhere, but it exists just the same."
Facing Tokimi, Ikaroshi exhaled loudly. "You aren't by chance related to that arrogant fool, Tsunami, are you?"
Tokimi did not answer, but motioned to Tsunami, willing him to ask her himself.
Ikaroshi disgustedly left Tokimi and grumbled. "I'm not getting anywhere with this." He threw his hands out. "Tsunami, elaborate! I do not have time for these games."
Tsunami nodded her head. "We are related, if that is what you are asking."
"I see." He rubbed his chin. "I knew you and Washu were sisters, but I didn't know about Tokimi."
Ryoko and Tenchi exchanged a look of surprise. "Washu, Tsunami, and Tokimi are sisters?!" They said in unison.
Ikaroshi nodded his head. "Yes they are. Now then, Tsunami, why did you leave to get Tokimi? And how did you know where to---"
"--You are afraid of us." Interrupted Tokimi.
Ikaroshi clenched his fists and tried to suppress the anger threatening to burst forth. "I am NOT afraid, nor am I going to keep putting up with your disrespect towards me."
Tokimi stood motionless with the same inscrutable face she always wore.
Ikaroshi moved his gaze to the ground. "If you want to know what fear is, I'll show you." He teleported a few feet above everyone and threw his arms back, chest towards the night sky.
The moon's glow doubled in brightness and the skies became clear, rid of the black clouds and mist. The ground began to shake and a pillar of jagged earth shot up from it, nearly taking Tokimi with it. Another pillar came up from the ground, uprooting a large tree. It tottered for a few seconds then fell in the direction of Tokimi. She teleported just far enough away so that the tree would not touch her.
Tokimi looked up at Ikaroshi. "What are you trying to prove?"
Ikaroshi ignored her and made another pillar of earth come up again, this time taking the goddess up with it.
Tokimi gripped the column tightly as it twisted up into the air, then toppled over. She vanished from sight just before the pillar crumpled into the ground. Tokimi reappeared on top of the mound of dust and rock.
Ikaroshi sneered at her. "You are quick." He floated to the ground. "What I am trying to prove is that you are a fool and will die a fool." He turned his face towards the heavens and yelled, slowly bringing his arms up above his head.
Small rocks lifted up from the ground and began pelting Tokimi. She engaged a shield that easily protected her from the pebbles, but larger stones began hitting the shield as well.
Ikaroshi had his hands raised high in the air and was breathing heavily. A blue energy lanced around his body and a few feet from it. This was his true power.
Tokimi kept a solemn face while holding her force field up, but you could see a slight look of worry. How much power did Ikaroshi have?
A boulder hovered above the ground, then slammed against Tokimi's shield. Another hit from behind, sending a small crack through the energy shield. Tokimi knew her force field could last against such attacks for hours, but they were getting stronger.
The same boulders flew up into the air then came down with such force that they shattered upon impact on the force field. This created a deafening sound and several large cracks shot down the shield, but it still held strong.
Ikaroshi hovered motionless, blue energy still visibly moving around his body. He teleported closer to the goddess and maliciously smiled. The ground shook violently, then opened up right beneath Tokimi. In order for her to move away, she had to disengage her shield. The godess knew Ikaroshi would directly attack her once this was done, but she had no choice.
Tokimi let herself fall for a few moments, then took down her force field. The split-second she did this, she found herself being held by the neck.
Ikaroshi darted out of the ravine with the goddess and the earth closed back up. He tightened his grip around her throat and gracefully landed on the ground.
Ikaroshi held Tokimi up by one arm and watched her begin to struggle for breath. "What's the matter?"
Tokimi shut her eyes and thought to herself. "He is so strong and clever. How could he have learned to avoid then cancel out my powers? He has never known me."
Tsunami and Washu stood watching Tokimi's breath slow. They both wanted to help, but remembered the promise they had both made to their sister many years ago. They swore to never again help her in a battle. The last time this was done, victory was taken away from Tokimi and given to Washu and Tsunami. Tokimi had almost been killed because of their intervention. But perhaps the goddess really did need their help....
Ikaroshi gazed at Tokimi, unconcerned with the fact that she showed little signs of life, and let her drop to the ground. He placed his foot on the goddess's chest and created a beam sword. The man raised it above his head and smiled. "Goodbye." He whispered.
He jabbed the sword down, only to meet Tsunami's Lighthawk wings. The shield pushed Ikaroshi back and Tsunami stepped over to her sister. "I am sorry I broke my oath, Tokimi, but I could not see you die from pride."
"So that is why you did not help her." Ikaroshi said, moving around the Lighthawk wings.
Tsunami frowned and had the Lighthawk wings move in front of Ikaroshi again. "You will stay behind those." She turned to Washu and spoke to her telepathically. "Can you use your powers at all?"
Washu sighed. "I'm afraid I haven't found out how. I can teleport and change my physical appearance, but my other abilities have not been used in so many millenniums."
"We need you. Without all our powers, we cannot create energy strong enough to defeat Ikaroshi."
"I'm sorry, but you and Tokimi must hold him off." Washu teleported to Tokimi and helped her up. "He must have a weakness. Keep Ikaroshi at bay until I figure something out."
Tokimi said nothing as she wiped the dust from her face.
Washu was about to join Tsunami when she felt a strong wind. The scientist looked quizzically at Tokimi and saw the grave look on her face. Tokimi's hair danced back and forth in the gust of wind. All of a sudden everyone but Ikaroshi was teleported into a strange blackness. All who were there could be seen, but everything else was dark.
Tenchi looked around. "Wh-where are we?"
"My realm." Tokimi said.
Mihoshi had an upset look on her face. "But I though you said your realm wasn't anywhere."
"That is correct."
Mihoshi's lip quivered. "So we're all nowhere? Oh no! How do we get back? How will I keep my job? There is no food here!" She cried while running back and forth.
Washu rolled her eyes and grabbed Mihoshi's arm. "Look, we are all fine and we can get back. In Tokimi's realm, time does not pass. When we return, everything will be as we left it, including Ikaroshi. The reason for time not passing here is simple. Due to the lack of a certain atom called Bionyopsisca, the other matter cannot withstand the pressurization of the nothingness. This causes a time lapse and---"
"--Where's Sasami?" Mihoshi interrupted.
"What do you... Sasami! She isn't here!" Washu franticly turned to Tokimi. "You didn't bring her here!"
Tokimi held up her hand. "But I did."
"Here I am!" Sasami exclaimed.
All turned and saw Tsunami standing there with Ryo-ohki on her shoulder.
Ryoko furrowed her brow, noting Tsunami's newfound beauty. "You weren't supposed to join entities until Tenchi and I go married!"
Tenchi stepped back. "Huh?! I never said I'd marry you! And where is Sasami?"
Ryoko whacked him on the head. "Right there! She assimilated with her entity Tsunami, so now they are both Sasami and Tsunami."
Tenchi rubbed his head. "Yeah, I kind of remember Tsunami talking about that. But I thought Sasami had to be older first."
Sighing, Tsunami sat down in mid-air. "That was the way it was supposed to be. We had to join though. Without Sasami, I am not as powerful, for I had giving part of my abilities and strengths to her. Now that we are one, I can better help against our antagonist."
Tenchi slowly nodded. "Ok. But why were we brought here?"
Tokimi's voice echoed through the darkness, but she was nowhere to be seen. "I must show you all something that will help us in the battle. I must first explain something to you humanoids."
A low rumbling sound like thunder was heard, then Tokimi became visible again. "I am the goddess of the past. My powers are all related to what has happened and are most powerful when used to protect the past." She motioned towards Tsunami and Washu. "My sisters and I are all part of a trinity, Tsunami being the goddess of the future, and Washu the goddess of the present. When joined together, as we once were, we make an incredible force. However, many years ago we chose to split apart for various reasons and can never join like that again."
Washu shook her head. "Wait a minute, my studies showed that we could do so at any time. That's why I agreed on our separating. "
"Joining is possible, but not to our original form."
"B-but... my studies...." Washu stammered.
"Washu, we are goddesses. Science cannot explain the supernatural."
Washu stared blankly, mouth agape. "I... I've never been so far off before... I don't understand."
Tokimi stood quietly, her hands in front of her.
Washu dropped her gaze to the floor. "Now what are we supposed to do? I thought---" She looked up at Tokimi. "--I thought this was how we could defeat Ikaroshi! I planned out my whole life, thinking that one day we could reunite when I had finished my life on Earth."
Tokimi placed her hand on Washu's shoulder. "It is alright. From what I understand, you are happy on Earth with your friends." She said, motioning to the people around them. "Even though we cannot go back to what was, we can still make the most of what we can do. There is still hope for us against Ikaroshi."
Tokimi faded into the darkness and only her voice was heard. "Many centuries ago, events took place that led to why Ikaroshi is here."
Suddenly, everyone saw a foggy vision of someone pacing back and forth. The vision became clearer, revealing a gray-haired Juraian. Yosho's eyes filled with surprise as he focused his attention to the man. "I knew him...."
Ikaroshi had his arm with the deep blue gem in it, raised in the air. A dark blanket of cloud swirled around his hand and then spread out across the sky.
Everyone was lying on the earth and unable to move because of a previous attack from Ikaroshi. The sky grew more overcast as Ikaroshi readied for the same assault once more. He cupped his hands and cloud began to form inside them. Ikaroshi watched as it gathered into a whirling mass of blackness. He slowly moved his hands apart, the mass growing larger. When it reached a size of about three feet across, the man blasted the cloud to the dark heavens above. It spread out, electricity immediately beginning to build in it.
Ikaroshi lifted his right arm, the one that possessed the gem, and brought it down quickly in the direction of the beings on the ground in front of him. He watched with anticipation as the large amount of static and energy in the vapor above lanced down in multiple bolts, striking each person. Screaming and moaning was heard immediately after and Ikaroshi smiled in pleasure.
Tenchi clenched his teeth and grabbed his injured arm as a bolt hit him. Tears streamed down his face as he tried to withstand the pain. Ayeka's headband slung over Tenchi's left arm unexpectedly began to glow. A beam of light shot from the key and into the sky, spreading out and clearing the blackness.
Ikaroshi's face, which once had a look of pleasure, now showed irritation. He teleported right next to Tenchi and created a beam sword, holding it just inches from the boy's chest.
Tenchi froze and fixed his eyes on the glowing weapon. The last things he saw and heard was Ikaroshi telling someone to stay out of other people's business and then being jabbed in the chest with the sword.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tsunami clenched her teeth as Ikaroshi brought his blade into Tenchi's chest. "You are only making things harder for yourself."
Ikaroshi sneered. "Oh, am I? Tenchi, as I understand, can summon the 'Lighthawk Wings'. In fact, he killed my father with that power. Getting rid of Tenchi would only make things easier, not harder."
Tsunami clasped her hands in front of her. "Tenchi is not dead."
Ikaroshi had a skeptical look on his face as he looked down at his sword, still in Tenchi's flesh. He withdrew the beam and intently watched the body for any sign of life.
Ikaroshi abruptly kicked the listless boy and let out an annoyed yell. "If that isn't dead, I don't know what is! I do not know why I even listen to you, injudicious goddess!" He walked up to Tsunami and spoke with hatred in his voice. "I know you are aware of who you are dealing with. However, I didn't know you were fool enough to try and beat me."
The man swiftly turned and went over to Washu who was trying to stand. He grabbed the scientist by the wrist and yanked her up so she was standing.
Tsunami sighed. "Ikaroshi, you won't---"
"--Silence!" The man barked. He then showed Washu the gem in his wrist. "This gem looks familiar, does it not? It is very similar to your daughter's jewel. In fact, you even know they work the same. Am I right so far, Ms. Washu?"
"Y-yes." She managed.
Ikaroshi glanced at Tsunami for a moment before continuing. "My father went to the same school you did, Washu. He found out about Ryoko that way. Unfortunately, Kagato never discovered the full potential of the gems and was only able to control Ryoko with them and drain energy from her."
Washu had gained most of her strength back, as well as the others, minus Tenchi who showed no signs of recovery. The scientist moved her interest to Mihoshi who was gently shaking the listless boy and saying his name.
Ikaroshi realized Washu was no longer paying attention to him and swiftly slapped her on the cheek. "You best be listening to me, for I believe what I'm going to say will interest you."
Washu rubbed her cheek and looked directly into Ikaroshi's eyes. She froze. His eyes were the exact shape and color of her own....
Ikaroshi had a tiny smirk on his face as he pulled his shoulder length hair away from his neck. "Go ahead my dear. Check. It is there."
The woman gradually moved behind the man and examined near his hairline. She emitted a gasp when she found a mark the size of a nickel. It was in the shape of an eight-pointed star and could only be seen if the hair was pulled away from it.
Washu slowly moved her hand to the back of her own neck and ran her fingers over the same star-shaped emblem Ikaroshi had. It couldn't be.... How could it be?
Ikaroshi faced Washu and smiled a bit softer than usual.
Washu stumbled back a few steps before regaining her balance. "You are my... my son...."
Still smiling, Ikaroshi nodded his head. "The one and only."
Tsunami unexpectedly appeared next to Washu and gave her a stern look. "We warned you of marriage, but you would not listen." She waved her hand, motioning to the destruction. "Now look at what has happened! All because of that one choice."
Washu shook her head, ignoring the goddess, and glanced up at Ikaroshi. " I know you are my son, but how could Kagato be your father if I never...."
Ikaroshi opened his mouth to speak when he received a full force body slam from Ryoko. He had a shocked look on his face as he landed on the ground. "What?!"
Ryoko's eyes still had a reddish cast, but she was apparently fighting to free herself from the man's control.
Ikaroshi stared in disbelief at Ryoko. "I never realized how strong you were. Now I know why my father was so determined to use you." He reached into his cloak and took out the green stone. "I guess you need a bit of shaping up, Ryoko." Ikaroshi tightly gripped the gem and sent hundreds of volts into it, which made the demoness instantly recoil back in pain, then fall to her knees. Ryoko struggled again, but soon realized Ikaroshi still had his strong hold on her. However, she did have her conscious mind back.
Ryoko stared fiercely into Ikaroshi's emerald eyes and wondered how long she had been under his control. She swallowed hard and tried to speak. Her voice was constricted and difficult to understand, but she could talk.
"You killed..." Ryoko took a breath "You killed my Tenchi."
Ikaroshi just laughed at the demoness's effort. "So I did, my lady." He waved his hand outward. "What are you planning to do about it, hmmm?"
Ryoko looked as if she was going to cry. She tried to fight, but found herself completely immobile. Memories of Kagato flooded back to her. She remembered events... events that she had never recalled before. The foggy past became clear and she was taken back by what passed through her mind. Her mother, Washu, and how much she deeply cared for her. The way Kagato forced her to train day and night, Ikaroshi always watching from the shadows. He always observed her every move, her every breath. Then that one night....
Ryoko visibly shook as she continued reminiscing. She also now knew what awful corruption and destruction she had caused. All the innocent people she killed. "How... how could I have done such things?" She thought. Visions of her literally massacring and blasting people to oblivion passed through her mind.
As she sorted her thoughts, Ikaroshi contently sighed and faced the two sister goddesses. "Now that Ayeka and Tenchi are dead and Ryoko is helpless, I'm off to Jurai. Don't bother trying anything, because you will regret it immediately." He strolled over to Tenchi. "Oh Ryoko?"
Ryoko snapped back to the present and slowly turned towards the man. "What do you want...?" She said, a corner of her lip beginning to quiver in anger.
Ikaroshi, sure that he had the woman's attention, spat right on Tenchi's face.
The demoness could not take any more of the horrible man standing before her. All the anger pent inside her balled up and she let out a deafening scream. The three gems Ryoko possessed shone brightly and her eyes glowed a deep blood red.
Ikaroshi winced and swiftly threw the green stone out from under his cloak. The gem was extremely hot and when it fell to the ground, the grass smoldered around it. The stone then shattered, its pieces just dissolving into nothing.
Ryoko's eyes returned to their normal color and she was finally her own self. She threw her arms out and roared, a blinding flash illuminating the area for a few seconds. As the light dimmed, everyone was amazed to find Ryoko, Tenchi, and a slightly younger looking Tsunami standing before them.
Ryoko and Tenchi were hovering in the air, both wearing the kimonos signature to the power of the Lighthawk wings. Ryoko possessed eight wings, while Tenchi had three.
Ikaroshi was appalled. "What on earth? Tenchi was dead, I am sure of it. No one could have survived an energy blade through the heart!"
Tenchi sneered and grabbed one of his Lighthawk wings, forming a sword, the other two wings acting as shields.
Ikaroshi took a step back, but ended up bumping into Mihoshi who shoved her laser gun to his back. "You are under arrest! Surrender at once!" She ordered.
Tenchi and Ryoko both pointed their Lighthawk swords at the man, waiting for him to chose between a fight or surrender.
Sighing, Ikaroshi took off his black cloak, revealing a light gray kimono underneath. "Tenchi, I think you would like to have this." He tossed the cloak towards the boy and it crumpled to the ground. "It was my father's." Said Ikaroshi.
The Lighthawk wings around Tenchi vanished as he reached down and picked up the cape and shook it out.
Ryoko glanced at the young man, but quickly turned her attention back to Ikaroshi. Her Lighthawk wings were still there, and so was her sword. The demoness didn't trust the man, not after all that he did.
Yosho abruptly ran over to Tenchi and yanked the cloak from his hand. "Tenchi, it is a demon!"
Sure enough, the cape sprouted two slanted yellow eyes and its form changed rapidly into a black, ghost-like figure. Before Tenchi had time to react, the spirit moved over him, engulfing his body within its mass.
Ryoko quickly lunged at the demon and sliced through it with her sword, barely missing Tenchi's chest. The severed halves dropped to the ground, mist rising from them.
Tenchi whirled around to face Ikaroshi. "What was that?!" He demanded.
Ikaroshi smirked and pointed to where the two pieces lay. "Well, it wasn't my father's cloak."
The sliced halves dissolved into a thick, black vapor, then materialized into separate demons identical to each other.
Tenchi cursed, trying to generate the Lighthawk wings again. "Come on!"
Ikaroshi laughed and threw out his hand, making the two spirits advance towards the boy.
Ryoko grabbed Tenchi-ken and tossed it to Tenchi who caught it, the blade immediately igniting. He expertly gouged a hole in one demon then brought the sword out, swinging it across the air and ripping through the other. A black mist was emitted from the wounds and created new spirits, the other two healing themselves.
Tenchi set his jaw. No matter how many times anyone cut the monsters into pieces, they always regenerated, forming more in the process.
Tenchi sliced yet another demon, but it turned into separate creatures like the others. "This isn't working!" He said to Ryoko while dodging a swipe from the enemy. Ryoko furrowed her brow. "Yeah? Well maybe this will!" She grabbed a demon and ripped it apart, then blasted an energy ball at it. This proved to be a really bad idea. The tiny parts morphed into hundreds of monsters, rapidly growing to full size.
Ryoko glared at Ikaroshi. "So you think you are so tough.... Well I don't!" She dashed full speed at him; her sword aimed for his throat. "You will die!"
Ikaroshi had a haughty smile on as Ryoko came within an inch away in two seconds. She was abruptly repelled back into the ground by an unseen force. Ikaroshi hadn't even moved. He shook his head, an ostentatious look still on his face. "Did you really think you could beat me?" His gaze dropped. "After all, don't you know who I am?" He held his hand up and all the demons stopped battling and floated motionless in the air.
Ryoko cautiously sat up and Tenchi stood next to her. Both listened intently as Ikaroshi spoke.
"You all know my mother is Washu, but I was only with her for about 17 months."
Tenchi's jaw dropped. "Y-y-you are Washu's son?!"
"Oh, that's right. You were dead while I mentioned it. Ah, but I never got further than that so you have not missed much."
Tenchi's mouth was still open as he gawked at Washu then at Ikaroshi. "Did... did Washu know?" He asked to no one in particular.
Ikaroshi cleared his throat. "No. Everyone on Jurai thought I was killed just like Washu's husband was."
Mihoshi looked quizzically at Washu. "Are you Juraian, Miss Washu?"
Washu glared at her. "Don't call me 'Miss'!"
"Sorry Washu." Mihoshi sheepishly answered.
Washu's favorite purple cushion appeared behind her and she sat down on it. "To answer your question Mihoshi... no, I'm not Juraian. I lived there with my husband before he was... was taken away from me. I went off to learn science soon afterwards."
Ikaroshi raised an eyebrow. "Why not tell them who you are? Who you really are."
"Because we aren't talking about me, we are talking about you."
Ikaroshi furrowed his brow. "You said you weren't from Jurai, which I believe is on the subject of yourself."
Washu crossed her arms. "That's only because you started it, Mister."
"Don't you dare show disrespect to me!" He yelled. "And don't call me 'mister' ither!"
A devilish grin appeared on Washu's face. "Okay, Mister. Sorry about calling you 'mister', Mister."
Ikaroshi clenched his fists. "I didn't know you played that way, MISS Washu."
"Mister Mister Mister!"
"Miss Miss Miss Miss Miss!"
Ryoko rolled her eyes and turned to Tenchi. "Yup, that's Washu's son alright."
"M-i-s-t-e-r!" Sang Washu, waving her fingers back and forth.
"Forget it!" Ikaroshi exclaimed throwing his arms up in the air. "Demons, attack the redheaded fool!"
Washu's smug look quickly dissipated as all the spirits' eyes glared at her. "Oops...." In a little more than a second, the creatures engulfed Washu in their bodies.
"Enough!" A voice cried out. All the demons were ripped apart by a wave of light coming from the direction of the voice. The monsters vanished into the air, permanently destroyed, and everybody turned to where the light came from.
Washu gasped. "Tokimi!"
Tokimi bowed then moved aside, revealing Tsunami. "Tsunami found me and told all that has happened."
Tokimi looked Ikaroshi up and down, then moved her gaze to Washu. "So this is yours. Some son he turned out to be."
Washu closed her eyes and clenched her jaw. Why did everyone have to blame her? After all these years she still vividly remembered the pain associated with the day her husband and son were taken away. She didn't know all of this would happen....
Ikaroshi impatiently tapped his fingers. "Who is this newcomer?" He asked Washu.
Washu opened her eyes, moist with tears. "That is Tokimi who---"
"--I know her name!" He interrupted. "I would like to know why she is here and who she is."
Tokimi raised her hand, asking Washu for silence. She walked to Ikaroshi, holding an expressionless gaze. "Are you afraid of me, young one?"
Ikaroshi was taken aback for a moment, but quickly retorted back. "No, I am not afraid of you, whomever you are. And where do you get of calling me 'young one'?!"
"You are many years younger than I."
"But that does not mean you can call me that."
Tokimi glanced at Tsunami, then back at the man. "We are wasting time."
Ikaroshi narrowed his eyes. "I did not start this, mind you."
Tokimi stared at him and said nothing, the same unchanging expression on her face. It never changed, just stayed stone-like, as if it were sculpted.
Ikaroshi could not stand the gaze any longer and turned away.
"I came from my realm." Tokimi finally said.
The man's eyes brightened a bit. Perhaps Tokimi would cooperate now. He turned his head to the woman. "Where is your 'realm'?"
"It isn't anywhere, but it exists just the same."
Facing Tokimi, Ikaroshi exhaled loudly. "You aren't by chance related to that arrogant fool, Tsunami, are you?"
Tokimi did not answer, but motioned to Tsunami, willing him to ask her himself.
Ikaroshi disgustedly left Tokimi and grumbled. "I'm not getting anywhere with this." He threw his hands out. "Tsunami, elaborate! I do not have time for these games."
Tsunami nodded her head. "We are related, if that is what you are asking."
"I see." He rubbed his chin. "I knew you and Washu were sisters, but I didn't know about Tokimi."
Ryoko and Tenchi exchanged a look of surprise. "Washu, Tsunami, and Tokimi are sisters?!" They said in unison.
Ikaroshi nodded his head. "Yes they are. Now then, Tsunami, why did you leave to get Tokimi? And how did you know where to---"
"--You are afraid of us." Interrupted Tokimi.
Ikaroshi clenched his fists and tried to suppress the anger threatening to burst forth. "I am NOT afraid, nor am I going to keep putting up with your disrespect towards me."
Tokimi stood motionless with the same inscrutable face she always wore.
Ikaroshi moved his gaze to the ground. "If you want to know what fear is, I'll show you." He teleported a few feet above everyone and threw his arms back, chest towards the night sky.
The moon's glow doubled in brightness and the skies became clear, rid of the black clouds and mist. The ground began to shake and a pillar of jagged earth shot up from it, nearly taking Tokimi with it. Another pillar came up from the ground, uprooting a large tree. It tottered for a few seconds then fell in the direction of Tokimi. She teleported just far enough away so that the tree would not touch her.
Tokimi looked up at Ikaroshi. "What are you trying to prove?"
Ikaroshi ignored her and made another pillar of earth come up again, this time taking the goddess up with it.
Tokimi gripped the column tightly as it twisted up into the air, then toppled over. She vanished from sight just before the pillar crumpled into the ground. Tokimi reappeared on top of the mound of dust and rock.
Ikaroshi sneered at her. "You are quick." He floated to the ground. "What I am trying to prove is that you are a fool and will die a fool." He turned his face towards the heavens and yelled, slowly bringing his arms up above his head.
Small rocks lifted up from the ground and began pelting Tokimi. She engaged a shield that easily protected her from the pebbles, but larger stones began hitting the shield as well.
Ikaroshi had his hands raised high in the air and was breathing heavily. A blue energy lanced around his body and a few feet from it. This was his true power.
Tokimi kept a solemn face while holding her force field up, but you could see a slight look of worry. How much power did Ikaroshi have?
A boulder hovered above the ground, then slammed against Tokimi's shield. Another hit from behind, sending a small crack through the energy shield. Tokimi knew her force field could last against such attacks for hours, but they were getting stronger.
The same boulders flew up into the air then came down with such force that they shattered upon impact on the force field. This created a deafening sound and several large cracks shot down the shield, but it still held strong.
Ikaroshi hovered motionless, blue energy still visibly moving around his body. He teleported closer to the goddess and maliciously smiled. The ground shook violently, then opened up right beneath Tokimi. In order for her to move away, she had to disengage her shield. The godess knew Ikaroshi would directly attack her once this was done, but she had no choice.
Tokimi let herself fall for a few moments, then took down her force field. The split-second she did this, she found herself being held by the neck.
Ikaroshi darted out of the ravine with the goddess and the earth closed back up. He tightened his grip around her throat and gracefully landed on the ground.
Ikaroshi held Tokimi up by one arm and watched her begin to struggle for breath. "What's the matter?"
Tokimi shut her eyes and thought to herself. "He is so strong and clever. How could he have learned to avoid then cancel out my powers? He has never known me."
Tsunami and Washu stood watching Tokimi's breath slow. They both wanted to help, but remembered the promise they had both made to their sister many years ago. They swore to never again help her in a battle. The last time this was done, victory was taken away from Tokimi and given to Washu and Tsunami. Tokimi had almost been killed because of their intervention. But perhaps the goddess really did need their help....
Ikaroshi gazed at Tokimi, unconcerned with the fact that she showed little signs of life, and let her drop to the ground. He placed his foot on the goddess's chest and created a beam sword. The man raised it above his head and smiled. "Goodbye." He whispered.
He jabbed the sword down, only to meet Tsunami's Lighthawk wings. The shield pushed Ikaroshi back and Tsunami stepped over to her sister. "I am sorry I broke my oath, Tokimi, but I could not see you die from pride."
"So that is why you did not help her." Ikaroshi said, moving around the Lighthawk wings.
Tsunami frowned and had the Lighthawk wings move in front of Ikaroshi again. "You will stay behind those." She turned to Washu and spoke to her telepathically. "Can you use your powers at all?"
Washu sighed. "I'm afraid I haven't found out how. I can teleport and change my physical appearance, but my other abilities have not been used in so many millenniums."
"We need you. Without all our powers, we cannot create energy strong enough to defeat Ikaroshi."
"I'm sorry, but you and Tokimi must hold him off." Washu teleported to Tokimi and helped her up. "He must have a weakness. Keep Ikaroshi at bay until I figure something out."
Tokimi said nothing as she wiped the dust from her face.
Washu was about to join Tsunami when she felt a strong wind. The scientist looked quizzically at Tokimi and saw the grave look on her face. Tokimi's hair danced back and forth in the gust of wind. All of a sudden everyone but Ikaroshi was teleported into a strange blackness. All who were there could be seen, but everything else was dark.
Tenchi looked around. "Wh-where are we?"
"My realm." Tokimi said.
Mihoshi had an upset look on her face. "But I though you said your realm wasn't anywhere."
"That is correct."
Mihoshi's lip quivered. "So we're all nowhere? Oh no! How do we get back? How will I keep my job? There is no food here!" She cried while running back and forth.
Washu rolled her eyes and grabbed Mihoshi's arm. "Look, we are all fine and we can get back. In Tokimi's realm, time does not pass. When we return, everything will be as we left it, including Ikaroshi. The reason for time not passing here is simple. Due to the lack of a certain atom called Bionyopsisca, the other matter cannot withstand the pressurization of the nothingness. This causes a time lapse and---"
"--Where's Sasami?" Mihoshi interrupted.
"What do you... Sasami! She isn't here!" Washu franticly turned to Tokimi. "You didn't bring her here!"
Tokimi held up her hand. "But I did."
"Here I am!" Sasami exclaimed.
All turned and saw Tsunami standing there with Ryo-ohki on her shoulder.
Ryoko furrowed her brow, noting Tsunami's newfound beauty. "You weren't supposed to join entities until Tenchi and I go married!"
Tenchi stepped back. "Huh?! I never said I'd marry you! And where is Sasami?"
Ryoko whacked him on the head. "Right there! She assimilated with her entity Tsunami, so now they are both Sasami and Tsunami."
Tenchi rubbed his head. "Yeah, I kind of remember Tsunami talking about that. But I thought Sasami had to be older first."
Sighing, Tsunami sat down in mid-air. "That was the way it was supposed to be. We had to join though. Without Sasami, I am not as powerful, for I had giving part of my abilities and strengths to her. Now that we are one, I can better help against our antagonist."
Tenchi slowly nodded. "Ok. But why were we brought here?"
Tokimi's voice echoed through the darkness, but she was nowhere to be seen. "I must show you all something that will help us in the battle. I must first explain something to you humanoids."
A low rumbling sound like thunder was heard, then Tokimi became visible again. "I am the goddess of the past. My powers are all related to what has happened and are most powerful when used to protect the past." She motioned towards Tsunami and Washu. "My sisters and I are all part of a trinity, Tsunami being the goddess of the future, and Washu the goddess of the present. When joined together, as we once were, we make an incredible force. However, many years ago we chose to split apart for various reasons and can never join like that again."
Washu shook her head. "Wait a minute, my studies showed that we could do so at any time. That's why I agreed on our separating. "
"Joining is possible, but not to our original form."
"B-but... my studies...." Washu stammered.
"Washu, we are goddesses. Science cannot explain the supernatural."
Washu stared blankly, mouth agape. "I... I've never been so far off before... I don't understand."
Tokimi stood quietly, her hands in front of her.
Washu dropped her gaze to the floor. "Now what are we supposed to do? I thought---" She looked up at Tokimi. "--I thought this was how we could defeat Ikaroshi! I planned out my whole life, thinking that one day we could reunite when I had finished my life on Earth."
Tokimi placed her hand on Washu's shoulder. "It is alright. From what I understand, you are happy on Earth with your friends." She said, motioning to the people around them. "Even though we cannot go back to what was, we can still make the most of what we can do. There is still hope for us against Ikaroshi."
Tokimi faded into the darkness and only her voice was heard. "Many centuries ago, events took place that led to why Ikaroshi is here."
Suddenly, everyone saw a foggy vision of someone pacing back and forth. The vision became clearer, revealing a gray-haired Juraian. Yosho's eyes filled with surprise as he focused his attention to the man. "I knew him...."