Duty and Conscience
Harvey Bautista - Disgruntled Hamster Media
Prologue- Starry Night v.1.2
'Sasami's Vision"
Sasami gained consciousness and found herself walking down a long wooden hallway bordered by rice-paper paneled doors. Not knowing what to do, she decided to press forward to see what was at the end of her path.
"Hello, is anybody there?"
No one answered her question. Sasami continued to walk, looking from side to side, finding nothing special in the grayscale tone the lack of lighting gave the hallway. In the absolute silence, even creaking of old wooden slats would have been welcome.
"One-san, Tenchi-ni-san, please, someone."
As she neared the end and approached the chamber her path lead to, Sasami picked out some sounds. Her attention drawn, Sasami decided to pick up her pace and started to jog towards the general direction of the source. With her haste, Sasami struggle from falling as her sock-clad feet slid along the polished floor.
What she saw would be forever burned into her memory. There, on his side, her young, long-lost brother Yosho lay still. Underneath him was a puddle of a dark liquid, spreading ever so slowly across the surface. After taking this in for several seconds, realization smashed into Sasami's thoughts. She began to shake, and her knees failed her, as she started to caress Yosho's face, confirming by touch what her mind screamed at her. Is this how you met your end nee-san? Sasami thought to herself. Still warm.
"This-this isn't real . it's just a n-nightmare." Sasami stood up, staggering backwards averting her eyes from the cooling corpse.
As Sasami tried to pull herself together, the vibrant rich ring of metal striking metal caught her attention once more. Looking up she saw three figures in the distance, outside of the chamber and in a sand garden. Against her better judgment, Sasami decided to get a better view of what was going on, no longer able to stand the sight of death before her eyes Sasami stumbled as she rose to run, albeit slower, heeding the lack of traction in the smooth surface.
As she reached the sliding doors, Sasami slid to a stop and kneeled behind one, not wishing to be spotted by the people on the courtyard. As she was making her way to her destination, Sasami made out more details on the figures; two men, and one woman. One of the men was steadily retreating from the other two figures, both men wielded what looked like Katanas, and the woman had a Hoko. The lone man was giving ground, but Sasami could see it wasn't a frantic retreat. Taking a look at the calm waves the man was making as he glided across the sand, it was apparent that it was an intentional fallback, that it was planned. His blade somehow shone in the darkness, while his opponents had highlights of crimson detailing his. Both men were dressed in Hakama and Gi. Both of whom wore black Gi with Hakama that had black wave-crests acting as the trim, the other, although she couldn't tell which one seemed to be a bright shade. How come their dressed like samurai? Sasami asked herself as she decided to move closer. Looking at the pursuing man's back, Sasami's could see an eight-pointed star serving as the Mon.
Sasami crept forward, onto the deck, trying to get a better view of the action. As the pursuing man dashed forward, losing some momentum thanks to the sand, the second swordsman sidestepped and crouched, bracing for the attack. Instead of using his position to absorb the impact of the pursuer's slash, the defender counter-attacked. It was akin to a clumsy adult lunging at a child to whom the sandbox was his domain. The defender sidestepped his momentum and darted forward in one fluid motion; preserving inertia.
Using the shinogi of his own Katana, the defending man met his foe's blade and deflected it to the side. As the aggressor tried to bring his blade back on center, the defender used this added momentum to slide his blade across the other man's in a shallow arc. The high-pitched grim, a metallic scream, pierced Sasami's mind.
The next thing Sasami saw was the reddish bar of light protruding through the first man's back. The light shimmered as the bar twisted and Sasami knew it was the Katana's boshi she saw, the rest of the blade cutting across the man's back, a small mist following the exit. As the obviously aggressor fell, Sasami finally got a clear picture of the victor. What she saw made her gasp out in shock.
"Tenchi-ni-san..?"
The man Sasami saw had Tenchi's face. Yet, he looked different, as she focused she saw little details that made him stick out from the Tenchi she knew. His face was weathered, where there had been soft curves was now a sculpted façade, no longer boyish, but masculine. What hit Sasami hardest was this Tenchi's eyes. They still had the same kindness her Tenchi had, yet they were clouded, as if over the years, the innocence and their brightness were dimmed. It also belied exhaustion, as if they had seen too much, and they were tired. tired of life. the epiphany rocked Sasami to the core.
"TENCHI!"
However this did not get the man's attention. Without any indication of even hearing Sasami's cry, Tenchi shifted his attention from his foe's corpse and shifted it to the woman. She was the epitome of femininity; gracefully gliding across the sand barefoot, leaving petite crescents along her path. The serenity of the woman's actions belied her intent. She was dressed in archer's attire, complete with a leather cuirass across her chest. Like the men, she wore the same colors. Sasami's pulse thundered inside her mind as she waited for Tenchi to do something, anything. Yet all Tenchi did was to stand his ground, resolute in what would happen, whatever the result. It maddened Sasami as Tenchi simply took out a square of rice paper; folding it into a triangle and wiping his Katana clean with it, staining the purity of the pristine white sheet. For some reason, there was no fire or hint of a will to fight behind his eyes, and this frightened Sasami. All she saw was resignation not surrender, but the fires of resolution smoldering in his dark irises, indiscernible from his pupils save for the shine.
"Tenchi, what are you doing!" Sasami cried out in a futile fashion, knowing that whatever it was, Tenchi had made a decision. Even though this Tenchi looked different, in this steadfast devotion, he was still the same.
Sasami then jumped of the veranda onto the ground. She ran along the side of the garden making her way to the edge closest to Tenchi. Frantically Sasami tried to get to him before the lady made contact, even though she knew she could not do anything, she still decided to run to him, anything to get him to react. To do nothing would have driven Sasami mad. So long as the body is busy, the mind is distracted.
The woman stopped in front of Tenchi and held her Hoko at a ready position, a formal posture in a duel. In an action that surprised both females eyeing him, Tenchi simply nodded to the lady and sheathed his sword. As the tsuba plunged home and hit the lip of the saya, the sharp ring it produced cut through the air like the sound of crystal, with the same impact of a tolling bell. Both Sasami and the lady were taken aback, the latter stepping backward, ruining the harmony of her path, raking sand backwards with her toes. She faltered for a moment, knowing she had just exposed herself and the duel was already decided before it had even begun. The woman shook off her astonishment started talking to Tenchi. It was strange, although Sasami could hear everything else with increased clarity; she could not hear their voices.
As if he did not even sincerely listen to any of the lady's arguments, whatever they were, Tenchi had a wistful smile, his eyes going distant, losing their age for but a moment, shrugging loosely. The woman's face contorted in confusion for an instant, then a malevolent mask the next. Not wasting words, the lady took her Hoko and swung it in a crosswise curve.
"Yamete!" Not caring anymore, Sasami dashed onto the sand garden, cursing her footing as the sand itself seemed to prevent her from preventing what she feared, what Sasami knew she could not stop, lest her wishes came true. She fought for her balance, trying not to get mired in the grains of sand, heedless of the chaos she sowed in her terrified wake.
The perpendicular tip of the blade dug into Tenchi's stomach, ending up in a lateral slash, the sickening sound of flesh yielding to forged metal imprinting itself upon Sasami's mind. For Sasami, it was as if time seemed to stop. She saw the spray of blood suspended in mid-air, almost as if she was looking at a still-shot of flying water, ruby water. No, this can't be real, it isn't real, it isn't come on, wake up!, Sasami kept us her frantic mantra, refusing to acknowledge what she saw as being truth, being reality.
However, almost as if to mock her denial, time resumed. Jerking like Tenchi when he was cut down, Sasami dropped to her knees. She began to crawl towards Tenchi, who was calmly lying on the ground. Screaming out in terror, Sasami clumsily clawed her way back onto her feet. Tenchi stared up into the stars, losing himself at the celestial bodies in turn looking down upon him. His left hand went to his waist, and Tenchi brought it up to his face. Sasami saw it covered in crimson, that same infuriating color, the only thing in the visual spectrum besides the grayscale. Tenchi blinked, not knowing how to react, his hand dropping back to the ground, mixing his blood with the particles. As he brought the hand back up, Tenchi viewed both his palm and the starry night. Along with Tenchi, Sasami saw the grim similarity the shimmering mixture had to the night sky.
Again the fact that she could do nothing made itself known in her mind. Helplessly, Sasami slowed and eventually stopped, standing up to get a look at the aftermath. The blood from Tenchi and the anonymous man now stretched out across the sands in a crude caricature of the water it was meant to symbolize. As she watched the scene, going numb, Sasami noticed something about the lady. After pulling her blade out of Tenchi's midsection, the shaft slid from her grasp. The lady began to convulse and it appeared as if she was having a seizure. The lady collapsed onto her knees, clutching at her face and beginning to shriek. As she convulsed in the sands, Tenchi calmly turned to look at her, losing energy consciousness as his head fell back into the sand. As promptly as the fit began, the woman slackened, spent. After a few seconds of lethargy, the woman then looked up and around, alert and confused as to where she was. Upon seeing Tenchi on the sand she recoiled in shock, the lady conquered her fears and went to him.
The woman, in a bizarre act contradicting what she had just done, took slid her knees under as she lifted his head, placing it in her lap. She was shuddering as she began to caress his face, the tenderness she now showed seeming unnatural; a dichotomy. As Sasami watched, two streaks of sparkling light ran down the woman's face, ruining what must have been make- up, and onto Tenchi's, running down his own cheeks. They were macabre companions to the trickling stream of crimson running from the side of Tenchi's mouth. Tenchi once again surprised both females when his right hand came up, albeit shakily, and then began to fondly stroke the woman's face, reciprocating her own actions, trying to soothe the lady. Tenchi attempted to wipe away her seemingly endless river of tears. His hands were shaking, yet they continued diligently performing their task. As his hand went slower, Tenchi gathered the strength to move his lips and although she could not hear it, Sasami read his lips and gasped at what Tenchi said to this woman.
The very words, the very same words that Sasami knew if any of her companions in the household ever heard directed at them, especially in such a manner, would have insured, regardless if they lived only a handful of seconds later or eons, it made no difference. All of them would have died being the happiest women in the Milky Way Galaxy. Sasami knew she would've had the same reaction as the others.
But as she watched the scene unfold, Sasami began to feel something else. It was enough that not only had been ripped away from them, from her, he belonged to another. Ever since the woman began to show kindness to the man she struck down, Sasami began to feel something eating at her from the inside besides grief. Those words just amplified this feeling, inflaming it, torturing Sasami even more. No matter how hard Sasami or any of the other girls tried, they could never succeed. Now, some stranger comes in and takes him away. In mind, in body and in soul. This isn't fair. No, this is not fair! Even though Tenchi treated her like a little sister and she tried to return the sentiment by treating him like an elder brother. most of the time, Sasami wanted more. She would be the last one to deny any such accusation.
Sasami cursed her body for what it was; a prison. Sasami damned her child's form for she was trapped within a vessel that all but ensured Tenchi would never see her in the same light she saw him. He thinks I was asleep the entire time aboard Ryu-oh. that I'm still an 8-year old girl. Whatever love Tenchi would give her, Sasami would gladly receive, but now, even the most farfetched of hopes have been taken away. Hope had been destroyed, now not even denial could distract Sasami.
Tenchi's hand froze and gravity brought it down. His fingers curled, resembling the withering of a fallen autumn leaf. Anyone would have seen it as inevitable, but in no way does such knowledge lessen the impact. His final act was as if he was trying to prevent the lady's tears. But it seemed as if it was too late. As it was futile to close the barn door after the horse had escaped, so was it to seal the leak after all the water had run out.
Instead of collapsing in on herself in an emotional overload as the fierce, serene, and unique fire that burned within Tenchi's eyes finally was extinguished, never to burn again, the woman closed Tenchi's unseeing eyes and tried to bring herself under control, shaking uncontrollably once again. It was this time when the woman looked away from Tenchi that Sasami saw her face in full detail.
She was the epitome of Asian grace and dignity, augmented by her almost extra-terrestrial beauty, as if the lady was a doll, too perfect to be human. However, something in her looked foreign, out of place. Sasami thought she looked like a younger Funaho, if it wasn't for her light shade of hair, which seemed to be gray, even in this world of whites, blacks, and reds. Taking a second glance, Sasami determined that Funaho had nothing on the lady. However, even with her Japanese features, Sasami knew right there that she could not be of this world, rather, this planet to be precise, she emanated a familiar aura, not familiar to Sasami, but to Tsunami instead, Tsunami knows her.. Then it hit her, the lady's face! Ignoring the lady's eye color and coiffure, Sasami knew who she was. She looked just like the 'Lady'. The very same 'Lady' that haunted her dreams was now tormenting her in another way.
Something in Sasami snapped. She may look like a child, but in truth she had been conscious for centuries. In her search aboard Ryu-oh, when she was in stasis, she was aware. Her father anticipated the long amount of time it would take for them to find Yosho, so he insured that Sasami along with Aeka had subliminal learning while she was in stasis. Besides being safe inside a ship that wields the famous Wings of the LightHawk, the heirs could learn the arts of statehood, albeit at the cost of social maturing, which Azusa viewed was not essential to being a good leader, yet Even on this long search, Ryu-oh periodically resuscitated them in order to go on a short vacation
Why did the 'Lady' take this form and subject her to watch this torture? Was this a warning, a vision of what is to come? Sasami began to think of possible reasons why she would have this dream. As to why Tenchi and the others in her dream were dressed in clothing appropriate to people in Feudal Japan. They bore a strong resemblance to some of the characters on the samurai soaps she watched with the other girls. Although she didn't have a chance to enjoy it then, she knew that Tenchi didn't look half-bad in that outfit, now mature, even his queue evolving from his tail.
The thing gnawing away at her inside took control. She finally identified what it was, a sensation that she has never felt before. This was rage, pure hate-filled rage. However, it didn't emanate from just her, it mainly came from the other occupying her body. Tsunami for some reason was fiercely protective of the boy, even if he was her avatar. With a look on her face that matched Ryoko's expression of anger and anguish, Sasami started walking towards the corpse of the anonymous man. For once she was going to fight back, she was not going to let the 'Lady' win this time, no she was not letting 'her' take away Tenchi away from them. Almost as if Sasami was watching herself from afar in the same manner she had observed, her tiny hands reached for the fallen man's sword.
However, it wasn't really Sasami's rage at the helm, it was Tsunami's, her other part, normally dormant now making itself known and very determined to get its way. Although it was another consciousness using her body, Sasami felt as if she and Tsunami were one, synchronized in a sense.
It felt awkward at first in her grasp, Sasami never having handled a Katana before in her life, yet for some reason, she adapted to it very fast, maybe thanks to Tsunami's influence. It felt strange, it both exuded power and security, while at the same time made her feel fear at the capabilities of what is in her hands. What did bother her to an extent was how the sand was bonded onto the blade by her brother's blood and it created a network of sparkles, almost like a path of stars in the sky. It wasn't heavy to her thanks to the strength she inherited from her mother. Marching over to the woman still kneeling in the sand Tsunami made no attempt at stealth, They never noticed me before, so what's the point, Sasami rhetorically thought.
I will not let you win . sister . , Tsunami proceeded to raise the Katana over her head for an earthward slash directed right at the back of the woman's neck. She then tensed her forearms, pumped once, twice, and...
"'E'-ehhhhhh!"
Sasami jolted awake in her futon on the floor. She started to shake, feeling the cold sweat covering her. Her body was throbbing with adrenaline, her heart seeming to want to burst from her chest. Looking around, she saw Ryo-Ohki asleep next to her; Aeka in the futon alongside in the room they shared. Sasami stared up at the ceiling trying to think about what happened just happened in her dream. She tried to calm herself down, and as she listened to the nighttime sounds, she heard Aeka mumbling in her sleep.
"O-oh . you mustn't Tenchi-sama." Aeka mumbled out in an embarrassed, high- pitched voice.
Sasami was taken aback, Is she having a nightmare too? and as she thought this, Aeka continued on uninterrupted, now her face was getting redder.
"No.no. Stop!" Aeka said, now expressing some emotion in her sleepy voice.
It sounds like it, but, why does she sound. happy, Tenchi's getting killed! Sasami wondered, alarmed at the fact that her sister had such an attitude towards Tenchi.
"I don't believe it. Eee!" Aeka now whimpered out loud, beginning to roll around even more, getting brighter than her pink-hued beddings.
What's going on in her dream . Sasami pondered.
"No, don't stop. Keep going!" Aeka was now beginning to buck in her futon, confined only by her heavy quilt, whimpering in joy, just a few octaves higher and she could have shattered glass.
Oh, never mind, it's another one of 'those' dreams . Sasami realized, a sweat drop forming on her head, deciding to go back into her own little world of thoughts.
What did the 'Lady' want with Tenchi? What does this mean? What happened to me in there. I never felt so ... an ... angry before. As she pondered, a sudden fear struck Sasami. Where's Tenchi!. Although it was an irrational fear, what happened in that dream just wouldn't let her kick it out to the side. Naturally, Sasami began to cry, her childish side taking over once more. She decided to get up, and leaving Ryo-Ohki and Aeka in their slumber made her way out of her room and into the hallway. Also, she was frightened by the wrath Tsunami displayed. For better or for worse, she could not remember any of the final details, her recollections ended where Tsunami took the helm in her sleep.
"Oh my! Oh my!" Aeka exclaimed, I thought MY dreams were vivid Sasami thought shaking her head, at seeing Aeka's back arch off of her futon, twisting there, before falling back, writhing, her breathing uneven.
Oh no! Not this again, this is home...this is home...this is home... she was thinking when walking down the hallway. The lack of lighting made it out to be grimly similar to the hall she traversed in that dream. As hard as she tried, Sasami could not keep the tears from coming. At least I wasn't as bad as I used to be. But it's gotten worse too at the same time ...
Sasami knocked on Tenchi's door. After a few seconds Tenchi answered it, thinking along the lines of 'who could it be at this time of night?' As he looked around, Tenchi saw nothing. Before the perplexed boy could look down, a sobbing Sasami tackled him, taking them both into his room as he landed on his back, grunting at the hard impact.
"Sa-Sasami, what happened? Did you have a nightmare again?" No, not again, why her Tenchi thought, struggling up toa sitting position.
"Uh-uh huh Tenchi-ni-chan." Sasami stammered out, unable to coherently speak. Now detaching herself from him, trying to bring herself under control.
"Come in ... tell me what happened Sami-chan." Tenchi beckoned to her, inviting to make herself comfortable.
"Oh-okay," Sasami complied, taking her place in the chair belong to Tenchi's desk.
"Okay, what happened to your sister, don't tell me those two are at it again...I can't believe how irres-" Tenchi asked her, Please don't tell me Aeka and Ryoko must be too busy fighting again to take care of you, Sasami.
"No, no it wasn't like that Tenchi; I just needed to make sure you were safe." Sasami explained, having to resist the temptation to score points against the two, tempting as it was.
Tenchi was set aback by this statement, I expected things like this from Ryoko...but Sasami? Don't tell me my life is about to get more complicated than it already is.
"Sa-Sasami-chan, what do you mean by that?" Tenchi asked her, trying to ascertain the problem.
"Well.well, Yosho-ni-san was dead on the floor and I-I saw you figh- fighting someone in a ga-garden." As hard as she tried, the part of her mind that never quite grew took over again, and once more, Sasami was what she should be, an 8-year old with normal emotions, not someone with the intellect and knowledge worthy of a Galaxy Academy graduate. Not just in politics and diplomacy but in other fields as well. However, being 'asleep' during all this warped her as well; Sasami's mind was too old for her personality.
To add to all this turmoil, Sasami also has to deal with Tsunami's personality. Slowly they were becoming one, and Sasami was still scared by this. She was able to keep Tsunami in check, but she was getting more and more.aggressive, as if like her, Tsunami was learning how to be human. Also, Sasami knew the feelings of affection for Tenchi were not only hers, but Tsunami's as well, just as confused and intense as Sasami's. Sasami has still not endured the hormone surge accompanying puberty. So, Sasami was stuck in an awkward position, child and yet, also an ageless being at the same time. Possessing the persona of a child, and a vast knowledge of the universe around her at the same time. Most people would be envious, however, in Sasami's opinion; she still wished she was by herself. Plain old Jurai Sasami, Second Princess of Jurai, Heir Apparent, Apparent . heh, like I could ever have been normal. Sasami thought, Actually now, Tenchi, being Yosho's descendant, was 2nd in line and I'm shifted over to 4th. Not that it made a big difference.
"Is this another one of those dreams Sasami-chan?" Tenchi asked her, beginning to get worried. Not again, as if things were hectic enough, there's another threat I have to deal with.
"Uh, uh-huh, Tenchi, but . but you died! Some woman who loo-looked like the l-lady killed you!" Sasami stuttered out, her fear still getting the best of her, having Tsunami's influence suddenly missing from her thoughts unbalancing her.
"Is this the same lady in your dreams Sasami-chan?" Tenchi queried, a little anxious at pushing Sasami too far. Oh great.this time she predicts two deaths.first it was just snatchings, now she has corpses.poor girl, Tenchi grimly thought to himself..
Duh Tenchi, how can you can be so dense? Sasami's wits was now beginning to collect itself.
"Yes, Tenchi, at least, it looked like her, she looked like she was from this country, except she had the Lady's face."
"Hmm, tell you what, how 'bout you get some rest and you'll tell me all about it later, along with the rest of the family, is that good?" I'm sorry Sasami that you have to have these dreams, well, I guess we'll talk to Washu about it tomorrow. It was all Tenchi could think of to remedy the current situation. At least its not a lie, Tenchi tried to console himself.
"Yeah, Tenchi-ni-chan, can I umm . " Sasami searched for words to ask permission to sleep next to Tenchi.
"Eh, uh, of course you can stay here till morning.heheh." Tenchi said, and for some reason, he didn't feel too comfortable at seeing the blush Sasami now sported, Stop imagining things Tenchi.
"T-thanks Tenchi-ni-chan!" Sasami replied, all her fears banished for the moment being and enjoying the idea of a sleep over with 'big- brother Tenchi.' As the Tsunami influence was still gone, Sasami was left to her own happy thoughts, even thinking about how she could use this as leverage against Aeka and Ryoko, already imagining the shock on their faces.
Ah, it's so much fun getting those two all worked up! I had so much fun during Valentine's Day with them, and White Day is less than a week away. Score! Perfect prank opportunity, nah, maybe I should get more of ne- chan's jewelry, she does have those cute earrings I've been looking at . Sasami began to muse, the possibilities seemingly boundless in her mind.
"Sami-chan? Anyone there?" Tenchi asked Sasami when she temporarily zoned out and he gently rapped his knuckles on her forehead like it a knocker.
"Huh, oh yeah . say, what do you want to do hmm?" Sasami asked Tenchi, now in a happy mood.
"Oh I don't know.say, it's hot in here-" Tenchi tried to say more but she cut him off.
"Ehh . " Sasami blurted out confused, Wha-what does he mean by that, good thing I'm not Aeka or I would've fainted. Nah, she would've gone into another one of those fantasies of hers . Upon reaching that conjecture, Sasami shuddered.
"I mean we should go outside with some sleeping bags and have a nice night out there with the stars. It's a nice view, and I bet it'll put you to sleep fast than some boring old ceiling." Tenchi said to her. I wonder why she's blushing like that? "The nights aren't cold anymore, so it's a good time to sleep out."
Tenchi you dummy! Why must you be, so, so, so you?! Sasami said to herself, scarcely able to believe that someone could be that dense, Get a hold of yourself Sasami, you have no chance. for now.
Tenchi went off to fetch the sleeping bags out of the closet while Sasami waited. Tenchi then went out onto the balcony to toss them out onto the field and he went back inside to get Sasami.
"C'mon let's go down there Sasami." Tenchi said to her with a slight smile..
"Okay, Tenchi-ni-chan!" Sasami replied, following Tenchi onto the balcony.
"Close your eyes Sasami-chan," Tenchi told her with a playful smirk.
Unknowingly, Sasami blushed as she complied with the demand. Tsunami's invading presence was back, not that it was unwelcome to her, but it felt awkward and Sasami didn't necessarily like the foreign emotions blending in with her own. Why is he doing this .
"Ten-Tenchi-iaaah!" Sasami yelped as Tenchi suddenly picked up and held her like a small child , face to face with him. She knew she was safe in his arms, securing her with a hidden force Tenchi did not know he possessed, but Sasami, or Tsunami felt. "What, what are yo-aiee!" Tenchi vaulted off the balcony and onto the soft grass in a smooth landing, his knees bending to absorb the shock, gently putting Sasami on her feet.
"Are you fine with this Sasami?" Tenchi asked her as he took their beddings and slung it over one shoulder and moved towards the deck. Using his other hand, Tenchi grasped Sasami's own and she clung to him as they walked towards their destination.
"Just don't try that again!" Sasami said, trying to sound angry, but having a hard time hiding the happiness she felt.
They arrived at the deck where Tenchi set up their sleeping bags and he tucked Sasami in. He saw her now, framed by the moon. Wow, carrot- jammies, how cute .
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. I won't let anything happen to you okay Sami-chan?" Tenchi assured Sasami to keep her from panicking and ruining what he felt would be a great opportunity for Sasami to enjoy the fresh night air. No, as long as I am able to, I will not let harm come to you.
"Thank you Ten-chan!" Sasami said, happiness flooding her from his words, with no small part of it emanating from Tsunami as well. Then she realized what she called him, and she blushed.
Unbeknownst to her, Tenchi had a different underlying meaning to those words. I have a great amount of thinking to do. About myself, the others, and what the future holds in store for us. Now, asides from my current worries, I have to take into account another of Sasami's visions, which never have failed me before. Tenchi began to sag as he felt familiar burdens coming down on him, but resolved not to let it show.
"Ten-chan . has a nice ring to it. Tell you what, let's call each other by those pet names ok?"
Sasami nodded, vigorously affirming her support of Tenchi's idea.
"Good night Sami-chan, pleasant dreams only this time, alright?" Tenchi said, Sasami's own presence lightening his mood, echoing her own situation.
"Alright," she giggled. "I promise. Ten-chan." And Sasami made good on that promise. Tenchi was her prince in shining armor; the same one that sustained him after Ryu-Oh's explosion. That specific form was something which only Sasami saw. Ryoko and Aeka: Eat your hearts out! In her dreams, she envisioned her prince trouncing all the potential suitors her father has lined up for her and Aeka. Sasami giggled in the plush bed she found herself in, "He is a prince, isn't he."
"That he is child, and much, much more."
"Tsunami?" Sasami found it hard to associate a voice she knew would be her own given time with another being, also something she would turn to.
"Yes, Sasami?" Tsunami's tone was the same, yet it sounded motherly.
"Could you turn the lights off?"
Tsunami couldn't help but giggle at Sasami's parting remark. Sasami went to sleep in her own dream, curled up, content and safe in her bed back on Jurai. Quietly the Goddess exited the chamber, now bathed in darkness. In a fashion that would have given Her worshippers cardiac arrest, Tsunami giggled like a schoolgirl, her hands about her face, trying to match her irises' shade. "These emotions. why?" As it always was, while Tsunami had answers to many questions, no one had any for Her own. "Tenchi."
*** 'Reflections of Heaven and Earth' ***
As I took a quick break from watching the twinkling night sky, I notice that Sasami had stopped talking. Hmmm, I guess she must have fallen asleep right after I laid her down and tucked her in. Interesting, when I first saw her on Ryu-oh, she seemed like she was just a normal little girl. But, later to my surprise she revealed herself to be so much more.
What the hell is it with the girls that I meet?
I have to watch her though. Heh, I can't believe she caused so much grief for us when she pulled that prank using my dad's manga collection. Looking back on that I guess I can laugh, although I do wish Ryoko didn't kick me so hard. hnn, did Aeka really wait for me. that was weird, where did that one come from? Eh, at least that time I wasn't the direct target of her mischievous intellect. Then again, the 'Manga Incident' as I call it wasn't exactly lethal for me either.
I should have known Sasami was like that when she asked me to steal her sister's little tiara-crown thing. I don't care how much she would have compensated me; it wasn't worth having two flying logs, trying running me down and kill me! On the bright side, Ryoko and I did get out alive, there's always that. Although I did question her sanity. wasn't it a little excessive to take Aeka down with us? Damn good thing there wasn't anyone on that bridge then.
I look at Sasami's innocent face bathed in the moonlight glow, remembering something that bothered me about her. I used to think those nightmares of hers were just what they were, nightmares, not predictions of what could be. But ever since Zero came. Scary to think what goes on in Sasami's mind. I suppose the ability to see the future is a curse, especially in the way she sees it. Then again, from what she revealed to us all at the onsen, I suppose it shouldn't seem to strange.
I wonder, what must that be like? Knowing that you will be much more than yourself at a certain point, that without it, you would have been dead a long time ago. That's it, I'm going to make it up to her somehow,
During the Kagato crisis, I did have my suspicions. For example, how in the hell did Sasami get from Earth to Shoja? At first I put it over to her just being transported via Tsunami, but from what I've heard from Washu; Tsunami's been missing for a long time, possibly even longer than Sasami has been alive. If the two remaining heirs were sent off-world, probably for their own safety, far away from the dangers at court and the intrigues of politics, wouldn't they have placed them inside Tsunami instead? Being the Genesis treeship, as opposed to Ryu-oh, one of the offspring, wouldn't Tsunami had been the better choice? I saw that she had ten wings as opposed to Ryu-oh's three. I don't want to pry into their pasts, but was Tsunami even assigned to Sasami in the first place?
Also, as she was talking to me, I saw that Tsunami did resemble Sasami. I mean, at the time I thought that was what Sasami would've looked like when she grew up. Strange how things turn out, note to self: don't piss off fate. At first I just thought she was a figment of my imagination, a product of my thinking of the girls, although it did scare me that I would see Sasami in that light, for a second there I thought I was some kind of pervert, and to think I thought my dad was bad. She was. and is. kawaaaaaaaaai, augh what am I thinking? Bad Tenchi, bad Tenchi.I've been a bad boy. heh, guess she's really grown on me.
Hnnn, sort of sad that's she carried around that secret for how many years? If Yosho disappeared 700 years ago and Aeka-hime and Sasami existed then, just how old is Sasami? I find it hard to believe that someone so old could look and act so young. Maybe she's like Washu, nah, it doesn't seem right. I heard Ryoko complaining how Misaki-san mistook her for being Sasami. Hmm, maybe she was in stasis for part of that time, hnn.
It looks like, all this thinking, it's going to be a long night, but for some reason my body just doesn't feel tired, oh well, I guess now's a good a time as any to think. I haven't really had an opportunity to do just that for a long time. Stargazing, I guess that's an appropriate way to meditate, considering my current situation.
Wonder what that must do? Having another being in your body, and thinking one day you will be combined with them. Whatever, at least were there for her when that time does come. Then again, will I be there? I don't know about how Juraian's age, and my mother died young, will the same thing happen to me? Nothing brings out issues of mortality like when you encounter people whose lifespan makes yours look like a mayfly's in comparison.
I used to look forward to living a nice eighty years, now I learn that Aeka's almost eight hundred.
I remember an American song my father used to listen to, "How many years. can most people exist," yeah, how many, "before they're allowed to be free."
Strange, they may spend years here, and yet to them, it may just be the equivalent of a weeklong vacation, till they pack up and move on. I wonder, will they remember me when they leave, if they leave? I don't want to thin about it, but I know that there's a strong chance of them leaving me. Hell, I wonder what the hell is holding any of them back? All of them have such bright futures, so talented, so special, why do they want to be near me?
"How many times must a man turn his head, and pretend he just doesn't see." Yeah, how long can I just ignore it, I'm not blind, but dammit, how do I act?
"The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind." Damn, for some gaijin, Peter, Paul, and Mary sure had an universal point.
The thought of them leaving scares me, more so than when I had to fight Kagato. I fear losing them, I guess I just got too attached to them, more than they know. More than I fear letting them know
What am I supposed to do, condemn them for being so lovable? I admit it, I fear being abandoned. again. I remember all too well when mother left me. As hard as I thought it was then, I wonder how my father felt? From what I hear from his co-workers and his family, he was a very different man when mother was still alive. It's interesting in a sad way to hear how father was then. It frightens and saddens me to see how father turned into a pervert how mother died. Well, at least that's how they view him. He just doesn't seem like it. I know he's just pushing me, hell, I'm amazed he isn't worried to death that I don't show much interest in Ryoko.
Personally, although he does lay it on pretty thick, I think it's all an act. Maybe it's his shell, to show to the world that he has recovered and thrives. I think it's a shield, meant to push other's away, hell if one acted like a pervert, the less women will look at him, in a favorable light that is. Maybe that's his way of being faithful to mother. However, when he drinks with ji-san, I see the true him unwind. Usually he's so lighthearted, but when he touches the sake, he turns all grim and thoughtful. Morose I think is the word. Well, sadly, I never got to know mom as much as I wanted to, but, what's the phrase; 'there's no use crying over spilled milk' was it?
What am I thinking.'as much as I wanted to', what the hell would I know? That sounds so damn cold, but she did take a chunk out of my heart when she left. Is there ever an age that isn't 'too young' for a child to lose their parent, unless that child is no longer a child, hell even then it would be awful, as it should be. Ever since she died, I never felt like I could really reach out to others, except for a handful of acquaintances, I never had a best friend, not if you don't count imaginary playmates I had as small boy, and even then I forget them. Whereas other boys stayed away from girls for silly reasons like they were simply different and they were possessed of some viral entity, I stayed away because I was afraid. Hah, an elementary-schoolboy afraid of getting hurt emotionally, no not like that, I was just afraid to get close to a girl, anybody really, and then have them leave, my pathetic little heart couldn't handle that really. Sure I talked about girls with the boys at school, but that was so they wouldn't pick me out and question me about it. Hell, I just let 'Little Tenchi's' thoughts come out then, not really mine.in a sense.
Fuck, I remember. Mariya; I can't believe how stupid I was then. How could I have believed she would actually-argh, forget it, Tenchi, forget it.
I guess I really lucked out, although they are a bit of a nuisance at times, I wouldn't give up what I had for the whole fucking world. I meant what I said to Kagato that day. Those weren't just words inspired by a testosterone surge or an adrenaline boost. I wasn't trying to be a man, I'm still a boy. It was the truth. I would rather die that forsake any one of them. Whatever they may do, I will always be there for them, until the day I die.
Somehow, I don't think they would like knowing that. Ehh, what they know won't hurt them, I hope.
Ever since they came, I've been. I've been happy! I never knew how lonely I was before I met them. Sure it was a satisfactory life before they came, but that's all it was, nothing really special about it. I care about Father and ji-san a lot, not just because they are my only close family, but since they have both tried their best in raising me.
Ever since Mother died, ji-san has stepped in to help raise me, one of the ways being try to instill some character in me by working at the temple and of course, teaching me budo. Although when I first began, I didn't notice it, it seemed that Father seemed to bear a lot of guilt concerning me. I guess maybe that's why he pushes me towards the girls so much. Not so much friendly teasing, but sort of a means of amends for assumed bad fathering. I suppose that's a reason that he lets them stay here as opposed to letting them stay at the temple. He's really awful, but he's not hentai enough to actually tape the girls in their rooms. If he did.father or not. what am I thinking?
A snort came out of me at the ridiculousness of such a thought. No, not if they get to him first and he wouldn't do that in the first place. But he does want them in close proximity to me, not for romantic purposes; although like most fathers he wants grandchildren to 'continue the line,' but sort of a surrogate family. Even after all this time, my mother still holds a strong presence in his mind. I guess that to have a bunch of sisters and as he keeps on pressing me, a future daughter-in-law, not simply fiancée is one of his solutions to filling up the vacuum.
Damn, I wonder if that kind of dedication to someone is a gift, or a curse. Hell, I think I may have it.
Ji-san I have a lot to thank for. If it wasn't for him needling me on that one day to stay away from the cave, this whole mess probably wouldn't have happened. I've asked myself a lot of things about this. One of them being, did he plan this intentionally? It was almost as if he knew not just what was in the cave, but who. I know he has this image and all everyone expects him to be, but even he should have been surprised by what had happened. I think he took this in stride a little too well. Father was confused at first but he quickly accepted Ryoko's story. I should confront him about this, no need thinking about issues like this, having it gnawing away at me when I can just get it over with and get my answers, and hopefully those answers won't pose even more questions. It's sort of annoying how I've gotten more paranoid lately, but judging from what's happened, I guess it can't really be helped.
What's his real name? Jurai Yosho, sounds so different from Masaki Katsuhito. The lost prince of Jurai, and my grandfather; the Shinto priest. It just doesn't sound right.
Hell, 'lost prince' my ass. From what I heard, it looks like Yosho ran away. Just like what I'm doing. I guess some things do run in the family. I can't help but feel he's just passing off his responsibilities onto me. Great, looking back on it, even though he ran away from the throne, he still did his duty. I was born, so there is an heir.
I know I shouldn't be so bitter, but I can't help but be just a little pissed off, wouldn't anyone? I know he loves me as much as one can love their child, but this is still hard to bear. But, without him, none of this would have happened. Like it or not, everyone here, even Ryoko, owes ji-san something.
He's groomed me to be his heir. I don't want it. But if it helps secure a future for the girls, I guess I have no choice. This is just weird, what is this, some twisted anime fairy tale or something?
What's that sound? That just threw me off my track of thought. I turn to its general direction and I find that it's coming from Sasami. She snores, wow, that's a new one. The sight was sort of cute though, but still, oh well, at least its something I can tease her with, about time for some payback. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. It was a near perfect scene really, too bad I didn't have a camera so I could save it for the scrapbook.
Sasami lies there on her side in the sleeping bag zipped up to her wais , facing me. I savor the peaceful expression on her face and I ask myself why must she suffer these nightmares? I know the answer, yet I must still plead to whatever supreme beings there are out there on her behalf. One thing spoils this picturesque moment.
Nah, screw perfect, this is just adorable. Her mouth was wide open and a glistening trail of. drool. I let out a soft laugh at that was running down her cheek. Oh my, the side of the Juraian Royal Family their followers never see, their human side. At that, I questioned myself again, hmm, or is it Juraian side, heh. My mind going blank I just continue to gaze at her face much in the same way I did the stars. "I wonder what kind of dream are you having little one," I ask her quietly, so I don't wake her. Is it the kind that you should have? Free of worries and things of the sort, filled with the stuff fairy tales are made of, it would be appropriate if you were perhaps, a princess and some prince in shining armor came along and saved you from some mean old witch? It was strange, almost as in response to this, her freckle-streaked cheekbones lit up in a mild pink hue. It couldn't be what I said, could it?
As I look over the early morning fog engulfing the valley, the lavender folds of mist remind me of Aeka. It was weird meeting her for the first time. It wasn't much of a good impression, but after she stopped trying to kill me I'd like to think we hit it off. A lot of work went into loosening that princess up. Even away from the throne she seemed to be bound by her protocol. Sad once you think about it, she put all her chips on her 'Prince Yosho,' and what does he do? Run away to Earth, imprison Ryoko till I free her, and leave Aeka all alone on Jurai.
It must have been harsh; Aeka is the shy type, to put it mildly. Still, it was very nice to see her open up to me in that shed. At first she comes off as a bitch, but once you go through all the formality, she really is a great person. However, out of respect I call her Aeka-hime, but she gets me back by calling me Tenchi-sama. Tenchi-sama. I like the ring of that, I always did want that honorific, although sometimes I swear she makes it sound. kinky.
Whatever, that girl hides her feelings really deep down, but I don't think she has that many secrets, just hidden emotions. Unlike some of the other's she doesn't have a shell, but like the mist, she obscures her emotions from view. I guess that's a result of being royalty. Interesting, seeing as I am somehow a descendant of Yosho, does this mean I am now the crown prince? Strange, no way do I ever see myself being on a par with Aeka, unlike her sister who is so open.
When I look at her, she seems so typical of the tragic princess figure, except she doesn't have a matching prince, I wonder what was Yosho thinking when he chose not to return? As if she wasn't isolated enough, one of the few people she opened up to leaves her behind. However, I can't really complain, seeing as it was my predecessor's actions that led to my encountering the sisters Jurai. I can't help but make her blush sometimes. It's such a beautiful sight when her cheeks redden, and all it takes is a compliment, or simply catching her off guard while she's daydreaming. I suppose it's only a matter of time before she has to leave and continue on with her duties, seeing as she is the oldest heir they know to be alive. except, thanks to Yosho's antics, I'm now the heir.
That's sad, I'm first in line for the throne of an interstellar empire. Me, a country bumpkin among country bumpkins, a Prince of the Universe? Times like this, I really want to beat down ji-san.
When Emperor Azusa came, that was a scare. It was funny seeing Aeka's reaction to her mom, although I still feel phantom pain around my ribs every now and then, that Misaki has a grip most men, no, bears would envy. I don't know why he didn't like me. He didn't even acknowledge me as his descendant, why though? Was it because his prodigal son ran off and started his own line without his personal permission? I don't think it's because I'm Terran, no, if it was, he would never have married Funaho-sama. Whatever, but for some reason, he scares me. He has the power to take them away from here, I don't know why that scares me, am I really so afraid of them leaving me behind here? Ugh, this is really beginning to muddle my thinking.
Once more, I gaze at the stars, hoping to once again clear my thoughts as I tried to lose myself in Polaris. As I tried to once again lost myself in their humble, yet in truth, quite majestic nature, another star came to mind. That star was named Mihoshi. 'Beautiful Star' I muse to myself, such an appropriate name. She seemed to glow with her happy-go- lucky personality, to me, the times she actually did not have a smile on her face, or was in tears at some minor incident or perhaps having a perplexed expression was when I knew something was wrong. There are few things more indicative of something wrong than when Mihoshi has her professional face on. She may seem clumsy, but I've seen how competent she could be. Of all the GP that went after Kagato and actually engaged him, she is probably one of the literal handful who survived to tell the tale.
Really, if she was so damn incompetent, how else could she have gotten into the Galaxy Police. I know Ryoko doesn't think too much of it, but if the Juraians respect it, that has to be something. Plus she's always come through for us, odd as it may look.
While others call her bubble-headed, I call her carefree. Many times I thought it was just animal lust that drew me to her. But no, if I was that petty, I would have jumped on Ryoko and Aeka a long time ago. Of all the girls, I think it's safe to say she is the most like me. Not really that important in the scheme of things. We weren't famous, and in a way, it felt nice having someone whom you don't feel like your in their shadow.
Although half the household seems to think she's an idiot, she's proven otherwise to me. I've went out on the town with her when I felt that it got too hot at the house for me. For example, when I knew that both Aeka and Ryoko were on the warpath, and frankly, there are times that I do not want to put up with it. I know I should be flattered that those two feel like I'm worth competing over, but I feel bad, because, regardless of what I do, if I even choose to do anything chances are, one or the other, maybe even both, will be hurt by my actions.
Its weird too, I've seen Mihoshi look lost, I know I shouldn't pry, but dammit, what the hell is she hiding behind that 'ditz' shell of hers.
I guess most guys would kill to be in my shoes, but frankly, I don't see what it is that they see in me. Sure, I may be Juraian royalty, and I posses the Wings of the LightHawk, but, does that really mean anything? It appalls me to think that in all their years of existence, for some reason, 'I' am the one they chose. Thankfully the conflict is limited to Aeka and Ryoko, but I've seen all of them 'looking' at me. Weird, never thought girls, much less them, would ogle me. Hell, lately Sasami's been quirky. I heard Mihoshi mention something about ji-san saying she would be a great wife. Damn it ji-san, my life is already complicated enough!
I do feel a kinship with her. For one, I don't think she's that much more older than I am. Plus, I'll admit it; I'm a klutz too. I may not as bad as she is, but I'm clumsy nonetheless. Boy, my fingers will never let me live that one down, ever since then I've learned not to tempt fate. Damn those two jokers for egging me on, I guess we looked like the three stooges back then on that roof, all of us nursing our hammered hands. I guess she's the epitome of the 'Inner Child'. I let out a laugh at that one. I'm getting too sentimental I guess.
Hmmm, but on the other side of the coin is Washu. She seems to be the polar opposite of Mihoshi. Whereas Mihoshi is very open, Washu is a. crab in a sense. It's near impossible to get through that damned shell of hers. First off, there's her obsession with being a child, while in truth, she's older than some of Earth's dead civilizations. Immediately after the Kagato crisis, when she decided to stay with us, I just thought she was an eccentric scientist who was a little too dedicated to her work. However, when Taro came over, boy did she prove me wrong. Interesting, what is she, a Renaissance woman? Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe and Damn Good Mother in one, who would've known? Amazing, I'd be lying to myself if I didn't admit that I was jealous of Taro then.
Is that what a mother and child really look like together? Is that really what Mother and I looked like back then? I don't know why, but I sense a great sadness in her. Much as she tries to hide it, the fact that she's like that is an obvious indication that she's hurting inside. Since when did I become so nosy?
My glimpse into the 'Inner' Washu peaked when my aunt and uncle came by to pick little Taro up. That side of Washu was one I had never seen before and it damn near well broke my heart when she handed him over. The pain that I saw in her eyes, it was something that she had to relive. I remembered what she told me of her first child, and it must have opened up an old scar that has never really healed inside her. Before I had a chance to comfort her, she reverts to her scary lecherous woman act. Not that I was complaining of course, far from it on the inside, but it seemed just as she was bringing down all her walls, to save face she decided to pull that stunt. Of course the girls fell for it.
That was an interesting experience, its embarrassing to think how she looked like then. Why does she choose to hide under that child's façade? Is she really so afraid of being an adult, or rather, being near adults, those who can hurt her. How deep down does she keep the 'real' Washu, all she does is isolate herself in her lab all day long and immerse herself in work. Of all the girls, she's the only one that doesn't sleep in the house. unless if its in my room. She is nice to have around as a person, her humor, although sharp, is a welcome addition to our party. Not like I have anything to compare it to before she came along. Although she doesn't seem to admit it, I think she really cares about us. Heh, knowing her, if she ever heard me say that about her she'll probably just drop a statue on my head. Either that, or. run me through another set of. tests. I shudder at the imagery suddenly flying through my mind. Is all those restraints necessary or is she just into S&M? Let me guess, another one of the ways she pushes people away to keep herself from getting hurt.
What is she suffering from? Hedgehog's Dilemma. I guess it could be that. To save yourself from being hurt by betrayal and separation, you push others away. Because getting near others hurts you, it's a vicious circle.
As I continue to juggle issues about Washu and motherhood around in my head, another subject comes into mind. Ryoko, strange, are those two really family? From what I've seen there's bad blood between them, and it doesn't seem like the other is willing to make a move towards the other. Hell, if it wasn't for Washu informing us, there's no way I would have believed those two shared blood, much less were mother and daughter. Well, I have to admit, the irrationality is there. Who knows. maybe they do have a lot in common, outside of the superficial things.
However, Washu did come through for her daughter when that one-eyed octopus came over and tried to abduct Ryoko. The fact that he tried to have me killed did not infuriate me as much as the fact that he made Zero.or is it Ryoko now, I don't know, be my executioner. I know that Ryoko's watched me in my sleep before when her fears grew to great for her to ignore. But to make her commit such an act?
It's only moments when my anger erases all other thoughts from my mind that I can actually access my power. Is this a boon, or a curse. To have such raw power, yet I can only harness it when I see red. Ji-san would have a field day burying me under all his platitudes if I revealed this to him. Strange, when they are in danger, it seems to me that nothing else matters. Maybe that mental toilet flush is what I need in order to summon the wings. Thanks to Aeka, and with some coaching from ji-san strangely enough, I'm able to easily utilize the Tenchi-ken and unleash the abilities my Juraian heritage gives me. But, it's only when one of them is threatened that I can summon those damned wings.
I don't know, but for some reason, I guess being able to summon those wings makes me special to them. Washu claims to only stay on to study them, but that's just her way of saying that she likes it here I guess. For some reason, I sense that Azusa is angry at me for having that ability?
Why, is it jealousy, that someone who has just recently learned of his heritage is so inherently powerful? Maybe it's because Azusa has never had the chance to influence me. Did he want to mold me to fit his agenda, to swear allegiance to him? I guess having the ability to wield the power of the tree-ships is a curse. Times like this I wish Tsunami has never unlocked whatever it is inside me that enables me to use those wings. Or perhaps its fear, fear that I might actually use my power, I don't know why he would fear me. I don't even know how to use it properly, I'm just winging it. Great, I made a pun. I need to talk to Aeka about my Juraian side so I could get some answers, yet I feel that I will only ask more questions.
So long as the ones I love remain safe, if my family remains unharmed, I will not draw upon the LightHawk Wings. However, if they are threatened, I do not know what I will stop at to protect them, even if the price for their happiness comes at the cost of my life, or my humanity.
Just listen to me go on about that in some dull monologue. I should get off that topic, its bad to brood on things like that. By now Ryoko would have glomped onto me and tried to cheer me up. Of course Aeka would have joined in, and Washu would be right there, either squeezing in, or adding fuel to an already raging inferno. I guess Ryoko is the first stage in the 'powder keg', so what does that make me, the detonator?
At the thought of Ryoko, my face lights up. Hmm, for someone with that name, she seems more like an angel to me. I don't know why I'm getting sentimental, I guess it's the air I try to convince myself. Out of all of them, she was the first one I met. No, I don't mean when I unwittingly freed her from that cave, but I've felt that I've known her since I was a child. Weird, I sort of got a feeling of déjà vu after I met her, almost as if it wasn't the first time.
All my life I've been interested in that cave. I even used to play there as a kid. I wonder, how Ryoko would react if she knew that I remembered her later on. We both overreacted on that night.
It was weird though, it scared me at first after seeing Ryoko like that. As if it wasn't bad enough she went after me at school. But, on the bright side, I do have her to thank for that 'extended' vacation. Its strange how someone can go homicidal to manipulating and then finally to affectionate in such a short period of time. At first I thought she was just a joker, but later I saw more of her inner self. How could anyone like her commit the crimes she has been accused of is beyond me. Sure she's super-powerful, but she's harmless in her own way. Then Kagato came, that pretty much explained a lot of my questions. That surprised the hell out of me when he took control of Ryoko.
For all the 'joie de vive' she displays, she's just a little girl inside. I've seen it when she loses control. Not control of her anger, but control of her mask. I wonder how many nights have I spent sleeping in my bed with her hovering just feet away, having to be there to assure that I was still there, that HER Tenchi was still there for her. I should act, but I'm too much of a coward to do anything, because to choose one would be to hurt the others.
This is sad, I conquer the fear of challenging like Kagato, but its already been half a year and more and I still pretend that the issue doesn't exist.
I know I love them all, but I don't know exactly what kind of love it is, for someone who can't even drive yet, I'm talking about bonding myself to those who live for millennia? I think it's just a familial love, but they seem to want more from me. I know I am dense, but I can only go for so long before reality gives me a kick in the ass. I pray that I find a solution to my problem, before I wake up one day to find the carnival has gone, having packed up and departed during the night.
My eyes once again go skyward, this time tracing the path of a falling star. I remember something in English my mother once taught me, one of the few things I remember.
"Twinkle twinkle little star How I wonder what you are."
However, before I can continue on with the next line the star seems to get closer and closer, and soon I see a spheroid glow. It was at this point that I recognize what that star was. It was the Yukinojo, and sure enough, it was inbound at a steep approach angle. I wonder if Mihoshi forgot to engage the autopilot again. Once again, I give a small laugh at the irony. Well, who knows, the engines look like they're idle. Hopefully Yukinojo takes some initiative and try to land safely.
"Great, doesn't she usually just hyperspace the ship to just above the lake," I groaned, figuring it out. "Looks like she rode that thing all the way from orbit"
However as it was almost to its favorite 'landing' site at the lake the ship reoriented itself and fired up its sleeping engines. I held my breath, would she make it this time? I could see the beeline path it was on slowly change into a curved trajectory. As she came in closer, I would have expected her to angle her nose into a shallow angle of attack. Instead however, she was still at a -15* angle, what was she doing? Then it hit me, I remember Mihoshi talking to me about flying one day, and she indulged me. If she simply tried to pull up, her inertia would still carry her downwards. However, if one built up enough momentum, she could harness that and use it to her advantage. It was only a couple of seconds later but I could see Mihoshi was going to impact on the other side of the lake at this rate. I noticed that even so, she would still skid onto the surface at high speeds.
Then Mihoshi, or maybe Yukinojo did something I didn't expect. She went into a half-roll and I saw the engines flare into overdrive. Instead of overshooting the lake and crashing into the forest, Yukinojo slashed into the lake, still in the process of completing its roll. Wow, I never knew Mihoshi knew how pull a Split-S. However, she had so much inertial force that instead of flipping, she plowed through slowly righting herself in a tight spiral before settling down to a shaky level approach. As she came barreling along the lake at water level, I noticed that the pressure wave she created parted the lake like the Red Sea.
At this point I started to clap lightly in appreciation of her feat. She finally pulled a Pugochev's Cobra to kill speed and she fired her braking thrusters to come to a stop. However, her engine cluster slammed onto the shore in front of the house before she came to a complete stop. Fortunately she was only going a few hundred kilometers and the water finally caught up to Yukinojo. Still however, the poor ship ended up rolling. and rolling, tumbling up and down, until it's port wing finally embedded itself onto the ground and after tilling the earth for several yards, the ship came to a stop, the groan of overstressed metal could be heard, almost as if Yukinojo was alive. and in a great deal of pain.
Taking a quick look at Sasami to see that she was still as she was just moments ago, and the slight commotion the 'landing' caused didn't wake her up, I dashed towards Mihoshi's ship. If it wasn't so dangerous in nature, I would have appreciated the water show provided by this. But, at the moment, I was concerned about Mihoshi, the shore looked like some 4x4s with blades for wheels went hog-wild on it. I ran past the gate trying to reach Yukinojo as fast as I could. I saw that our resident logs, Azaka and Kamidake were ahead of me, hovering towards the crash site.
As I closed, I noticed something that sent another shard of fear into my heart, Yukinojo was inverted. What amazed me was that seeing as much damage as it took, nothing on the ship seemed warped, much less destroyed. Yet even with all this, Kagato was able to turn an entire fleet of them into their base elements within seconds of engagement. The memory of that combat footage Mihoshi showed me frightened me even more than I already was now. As the logs and I reached Yukinojo, we tried to figure out a way to upright it. Before common sense took over and I went back into the house to summon the girls for help, Azaka and Kamidake went into action. They used their forcefields to shift Yukinojo. However, the ship stubbornly remained embedded in the earth.
I focused my mind and I drew upon my Juraian heritage. With the help of the ring Aeka gave me, I transformed into what I call 'battle-mode', a throwback to all the mecha shows, both animated and live-action, that I saw as a child, and I admit, they still hold a special place in my mind. Trying to throw off the seriousness of the situation, I decided to clown around. As I proceeded to help the two logs trying to lift Yukinojo up, I pulled a triangle shape with my arms with the vertex at the top of my head. With a 'SU-WATCH!' I used my augmented abilities to raise Yukinojo and upright it. As I settled her down gently onto the ground, I once again lost my jovial attitude.
Still garbed in brown and skin tinted gray with my markings, I practically ripped the hatch off and I bounded into the ship. I saw Mihoshi slumped back against her pilot couch, and she looked like she was on the verge of unconsciousness. I hurried to her, going over her, trying to find any injuries that should have happened. I felt a great weight come off my back as I saw that there was nothing wrong with her, and Yukinojo popped out of his niche like a broken jack-in-the-box to assure me that she was alright. As I slipped my hands under her petite form to get her out of the ship, she mumbles something. I lean in close to hear what she's saying.
".my prince." Mihoshi drowsily got out before she succumbed to the call of slumber.
I decided to take her back with me to the deck. As I walked towards the house, cradling Mihoshi in my arms Azaka and Kamidake offered their assistance. I waved them off, thanking them for their earlier help and I continued on to the house.
I look down on her face, into her carefree slumber. What are you dreaming about Mihoshi? 'My Prince'. I just hope you have a 'happily ever after, the end.' too in there. Although I should no better, sometimes I think as if you are still a child. So innocent, so carefree, but how much of that is an act, and how much of it is really you?
. Heh, nice to know those logs here have a place in this family besides as gateposts or 'intercom' systems. The Juraian fascination for arboreal things is something. It was interesting to see Aeka and Sasami's storage system. I suppose if we ever needed money we can make our own little business out of producing those kinds of storage units. It is kind of cute if you ask me, maybe those naturalist freaks will love those hollow logs. Well, if I ever need an idea for a get-rich-quick product, I know what I'm going to pitch.
As I laid her down in my sleeping bag next to Sasami, I noticed some things again. For one, how close the two looked. Like Sasami, Mihoshi had the kid-like charm, packed into an adult body. Lying there, snoring in synchronization with Sasami, I couldn't help but laugh, albeit gently, at what I saw and heard. Looking down on her elfin features, even more so than Ryoko, I snuck a quick kiss on Mihoshi's exposed cheek, and to my surprise, I head her giggle in her sleep and say 'Tenchi'. I was still thrown off from earlier, and this sent me further off-track. I even forgot that I was still 'enhanced'.
Looking back on tonight I think to myself that maybe insomnia isn't such a bad thing after all. There still is a few hours before dawn arrives. I have more time to think on things, on the past, the present, and the future. There's never a dull moment in this household, and even in the dead of night, things happen. Yet, I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't believe it, I'm not even old enough to drink, and I'm already sentimental.
I chuckle at another memory that popped into my head. It was when I was playing with an imaginary friend I ended up hurting myself because I forgot that imaginary friends couldn't catch you. Stupid things one does as a child, then again, thinking about my companions, again I remember that I am an infant to them. You still have a long way to go Tenchi, a long way to go.
*** Ryoko's Nightmare ***
In Kagato's chamber aboard Shoja, Ryoko regained awareness. As she tried to recover from her drunken stupor, more and more of her surroundings' details became apparent. Then, Ryoko saw...herself! What the hell...
Off to the side, the a battle-worn Ryoko was slumped over to one side, trying to ignore her injuries and instead, focusing on something else. While Ryoko was still gathering her wits about her, she did what most people would've done, followed her doppelganger's gaze. The sight that greeted her forced a gasp out of Ryoko.
Out on the chamber's floor was Kagato himself, the bastard who was responsible for so much of her pain, and the pain of so many others. Ryoko's eyes blazed with fury, her cat-like eyes lighting up, pronouncing their amber glow. Instinctively she summoned her 'armor,' and with a battle-cry went into action. Following the transformation, Ryoko extended her arm, and fired a crimson bolt of energy she summoned from another plane. As Ryoko began to teleport to begin her assault, she noticed her projectile had gone through Kagato and dissipated harmlessly onto the floor, causing no apparent damage. Ryoko noticed that it hadn't elicited a single bit of attention from Kagato.
Why... unh... that's right, dream Ryoko, it's a dream! Ryoko discovered her current situation. and she rapped her forehead with her knuckles as she thought it through.
As she tried to calm herself down and at least try to figure out what to do, Ryoko saw the third of the other occupants in the chamber.
Tenchi! There was no mistaking his presence. From his bearing, to his aura, and even his scent, it all radiated 'Tenchi.'
The flames of rage burning inside was instantly doused when she this boy. Whereas Kagato has inflicted only pain upon her, Tenchi was different. As he stood there, with his face set in a stoic glare at his opponent, Ryoko could not help but be elated. Standing there on the floor, in full battle regalia, was her version of the knight in shining armor.
Someone, finally Ryoko had someone who cared about her as a person, not as a tool, not as a monster. It was Tenchi, who willingly went after her, when he could have easily forsaken her and went on with his life. He went on, knowing that he was heading into a trap. Never in her two millennia of existence has she met anyone so kind. Finally, there was someone who was willing to sacrifice himself to save her. Even in sparing her life, Yosho had damned her to an uncertain future as a prisoner of that foul cavern, locked in eternal limbo. Then, Tenchi came and freed her from centuries of the dormant hell she endured, trapped in purgatory. Even after Ryoko 'tested' him, he accepted her into his life, albeit reluctantly at first, but she liked to think she grew on him...
With Tenchi never expecting anything of her, Ryoko was content, strange, for all that she was capable of, she was satisfied of the quiet life she enjoyed on Earth, simply existing, not having to worry about fighting, or killing, or anything else for that matter, no problems more serious than how to avoid doing chores and no confrontation more threatening than her regular bouts with Aeka. Heh, for a princess, I guess she's not so bad, damned if she'll ever hear that from me though.
Her main conflict in life was now to joust for the affection of the boy she whole-heartedly loved, not trying to stay alive, or destroying a target, or enduring Kagato.
While Ryoko was thinking, the characters in her dream came to life. Kagato began to talk to Tenchi, gloating, trying to provoke the Terran into action. Her doppelganger was pleading to Kagato, Ryoko remembered doing that, to spare Tenchi's life...
Before Ryoko could do anymore, signs of increased activity froze her into simply spectating, as she believed that it would be a repeat of the actual event.
Come on Tenchi, nail his ass! Ryoko didn't bother to voice her thoughts, seeing as no one but her could hear them anyway. She had all too much experience with these kind of lucid dreams.
Both swordsmen nodded at each other and went into their own stances. They were still for a few seconds, which Ryoko thought to be minutes instead, waiting for the calm to be broken by the savagery of the final clash of the two combatants.
Tenchi was the first to lose his cool. However, instead of performing a battle cry, he began to jog towards his opponent in a lazy jog. He placed his right hand immediately under the guard of the LightHawk Sword as he ran. It looked like he would wait until the final few seconds until he shifted into an offensive grip so as to maintain some surprise. Although as he began to close he point his sword across him, with the edge facing Kagato, as he continued to run Tenchi kept rotating his forearm, so as to provide a faster strike when he engages Kagato.
Kagato on the other hand simply stood his ground. He placed one foot ahead of the other when he twisted off to the side and shifted his weight to the back as if to absorb and the impact or to provide a launch platform for a counterattack.
Tenchi finally placed his left hand under his right yet he still kept the sword pointing in at Kagato's face, lateral to his shoulders. He wasn't aiming for an uncertain slash, he was going simply for a thrust, or a cut, depending on how he finds a way into Kagato's defense.
However, Kagato would not play Tenchi's game. As the boy inexorably closed in on him, Kagato extended his other arm and a hail of jade shards flew at the boy. Instead of dodging, the boy simply plowed through, the barrage seeming to have no effect on him. Kagato then shifted his aim onto Tenchi's path instead. Tenchi began to lose his momentum as he struggled to deal with an unseen and changing path.
At this point Ryoko started to get nervous.
Hey! This wasn't how it happened.
Other things increased her fear. Her memories, those of Kagato. How he fought, no matter if he's outclassed, let him control the length of the battle and he will always win. Ryoko has seen firsthand what Kagato was capable of when he fought his own battles. The first match with Tenchi and Yosho was a probe, to analyze his enemies, and he pulled out and waited for them to come to him. That was his strategy, don't fight a battle you can't win, wait for another opportunity and that time let your enemy do the work for you. Her revelations smashed into her, she herself had used the same tactics when she was still under his control. Ryoko's blood went cold and as she tried to close her eyes and convince herself to wake up, yet, even in the dark, in her mind's eye she could still see the seen in absolute clarity, Tenchi was now only a handful of seconds away.
Kagato's change of targets also had another effect. While seemingly random, Kagato placed them in a way so as to make Tenchi follow a predetermined path. Also, the clouds of debris caused by the explosion prevented Tenchi from seeing his quarry, so he was forced to slow his speed.
As Ryoko's horror grew, the scene that should have been akin to the cliché fly-bys in the samurai soaps she watched at home changed into an act of chaos. Kagato took this opportunity to move over to a position right next to the route he predicted Tenchi would take. By now, Kagato had stopped firing, so as to not give away his position.
Kagato then swung his sword into the cloud and she was surprised to see him frown, then curse momentarily later as he phased into another spot. Her heart, which was in her throat at this point returned to its niche as relief flooded her system. As Kagato phased however, a lock of gray her fell away. Looking to see what caused it, Ryoko's heart almost leapt out again, this time for another reason.
Glowing through the haze of marble dust was HER Tenchi. The same Tenchi that risked everything and returned from death to save her. She figured that Tenchi, when confronted with the loss of vision, had decided to hop over it and try to find his bearings. I guess some of Yosho rubbed off on him.hnn, never thought I'd thank him for anything.
As Tenchi landed and sidestepped into a clear area, Kagato disappeared again. Tenchi immediately rotated his grip on the LightHawk Sword so it was now held like a dagger offset to the side and he backpedaled into a clockwise spiral, cleaving the air around his flank, the aura of the sword leaving a crescent trail that burned in the air, sending a wave of what could only be ki as its wake. Ryoko was grateful for whatever Tenchi had learned in fighting her that night at his school. The boy, although he did not look it, was indeed a warrior. He anticipated Kagato.meaning.
Her thoughts cut off as she saw a 2-meter long slab of emerald light materialize in the arc of Tenchi's slash. Kagato, who was dealing what Tenchi thought the final strike was forced on the defensive by Tenchi's pre- emptive reaction. Kagato pivoted his blade up so as to have the best coverage area in blocking the boy's sword. Whereas the Sword of the LightHawk would have severed Kagato's smirking head from his body, it bit into Kagato's sword instead.
Unlike the Tenchi-ken, the LightHawk Sword had a solid blade, something Tenchi was familiar with, as he was now reunited with the strangely comforting weight of the blade tugging down. Instead of 2 different sources of energy deflecting off each other had Tenchi wielded the sword that bore his name, or rather whose name he bore. As they met, Kagato's blade was diffused by the crystalline blade much like how light passing into a prism is. However, instead of the spectrum appearing, the energy released by this action created a blast that blew the combatants back away from each other.
Hnn, stalemate. Ryoko thought, while she was relieved that Tenchi was doing well, she was also wary of the length of the battle. 'The more time Kagato has, the less time Tenchi has to live.' Ryoko knew that Kagato did not fight in the moment, like in the game 'Go' that Tenchi taught her, planned his moves well ahead of time, even to the point of anticipating his opponents move, and compensating accordingly. Personally, Chinese checkers suits it better, much simpler, yet just as complex. heh, I gotta play Sasami more often, Tenchi and Aeka are just too easy to psych-out.
The two were once again at a deadlock, calmly collecting their energy while again waiting for one of them to break the silence and continue their duel. At this rate, Tenchi will win, but. Kagato doesn't even seem worried in the least. It's almost as if he's. enjoying this.
For a moment this struck fear into Ryoko's heart, knowing Kagato for so long, she knew that he enjoyed toying with is opponents, especially those who could be a threat to him, those who were a worthy challenge. But Kagato wasn't smiling anymore, he was pissed. Heheh Tenchi! Nail the bastard! In another drop in what seemed to be a roller coaster of emotions, Ryoko took note of Kagato's anger. In the time I've spent with him, I've never seen him so furious, no one lived long enough to do that to him. until Tenchi and Yosho at least. She wondered at how that will affect Kagato's anger. Will it force him into being sloppy, or will he focus his rage at Tenchi and use it as a weapon instead.
Whilst Ryoko was wholly absorbed in the battle, resigning to the fact that she was unable to do anything in this disturbingly realistic nightmare of hers, trying to convince herself that it wasn't real, even if all her senses, including her sixth, were telling her otherwise. Mind over matter Ryoko.or some crap like that. Ryoko tried to tell herself that it was just like the programs she watched on television along with the other girls of the house. In retrospect, Ryoko would muse, television time was one of the few times everyone, rather everyfemale was together that there was no conflict.strange, heh, sorry Tenchi, even for you I won't leave my soaps behind!
This time, it was Kagato who severed the tension between them, breaking the silence. He began by unleashing yet another barrage of his jade bolts which once again showered the area all around Tenchi. While his opponent was still obscured by the debris cloud, Kagato took to the air and shifted some of his fire into the ceiling. While Tenchi was still unseen, layers of the ceiling began falling, the tektite plates raining down. As the large plate of ceiling crashed onto the devastated floor, the wind caused by this scattered the dust and it was showed that Tenchi was nowhere to be seen. To Ryoko, it seemed that yet again, HER Tenchi beat Kagato at his own game again. Using the very same thing meant to hobble him, Tenchi used it as a smokescreen for his movement. Instead of aiming for Kagato this time, Tenchi aimed for his weapon.
Ryoko tried to figure out what Tenchi was thinking, then it came to her. ".Kagato's blade can still harm him, but if he destroyed it again, Kagato would be open, oh yeah.how come I didn't think of that?" Ryoko said to herself as she smacked her palm against her forehead. Using the side of her that she acquired from years on the battlefield, she realized that by disarming Kagato, Tenchi would be removing any threat to himself, but Tenchi needs to finish off Kagato. Although the LightHawk Armor effectively neutralized any projectiles and beams lobbed at him, Kagato's primary weapon might be of some harm to him. Something else popped into mind. Shit! Tenchi doesn't know what the wings can handle! Ryoko remembered Kagato's extensive obsession on the wings of the Light Hawk and their capabilities. Thanks to that, she ended up getting defeated by one Juraian prince who used her as his method of escaping his responsibilities and condemning to a silent hell for an undetermined period of time before being freed by HER Tenchi.
As Tenchi was once again about to crash into Kagato, his opponent broke off and started phasing to random spots. Kagato constantly harassed Tenchi with his non-stop flurry of projectiles, never inflicting damage, but the distraction was just as lethal as actually contact. Tenchi seemed to be taking the barrage in stride, using it just as Kagato was. With his armor's augmentative abilities, Tenchi scaled into the air after Kagato. Like Aeka, he had limited flying abilities when he was in battle-mode. Unlike Aeka, Tenchi was did not know how to properly utilize them. Yet, the LightHawk Armor helped enhance his abilities. However, Tenchi was still forced to land every now and then. Not as much as to recharge, but to have better leverage and not be caught in mid-air.
This immediately sent warning bells into Ryoko's mind. Dammit, no, you have no leverage in the air, force him onto the ground! Tenchi was playing right into Kagato's hands at this point. Come on you sonovabitch, make a mistake, make a mistake!
As the battle rages on, Tenchi dashing through the air, trying to intercept an eluding Kagato, the third person in the room makes herself known. As Kagato was busy playing 'warp tag' with Tenchi, the dream Ryoko was recovering from her injuries. Tenchi continued to use his augmented strength to leap up the ceiling, inverting himself so he landed feet first, crouching, before rocketing back down.
Ryoko once again looked at her counterpart, 'how close did I come to death then..?' Ryoko asked herself, shaken at seeing how mangled she was that day aboard Shoja.
Of all the defeats she had suffered, Ryoko feared this one the most. The others all that she had to lose was her life, a life empty, serving as a puppet. Reflecting back on it, Ryoko would have considered it a mercy to be dispatched then, a quick death, rather than the purgatory she experienced. But, now, Ryoko had something to look forward to. Its name was Tenchi, Masaki Tenchi-now Jurai. At her final role in the battle, Ryoko begged for Tenchi's life. begging for a mercy she had never asked for nor received in battle before.
This Ryoko, the defeated Ryoko, had been watching the two all along tried to help Tenchi. Gathering all her remaining strength, the battered Ryoko outstretched her arm, immediately, she had to brace it with her other hand, tears were running down her face not from fear, nor joy, but from the agony caused by her face-off with Kagato. Blood trickled from the edges of her mouth; Ryoko had bitten the insides of her cheek. As she saw 'herself' try to help, Ryoko could not help but wince in sympathy at her counterpart's efforts. C'mon Ryoko, force Kagato onto the ground where Tenchi can finish him off!
As every crimson bolt fired from Ryoko's hand jerked her arm back, as if they actually had recoil, so did they attract Kagato's attention. Fortunately for Tenchi, Kagato was unknowingly phasing ever so closer to the ground, so Tenchi exposed himself less and less on his seemingly impotent aerial assaults. However, Ryoko's double was unable to defend herself should Kagato shift his attention to her, luckily Tenchi was still forcing him on the defensive, although Kagato kept on trying to go on the offensive, he and his blade had to evade the LightHawk Sword.
"Shit, he doesn't look pissed anymore, what's he going to do." Ryoko muttered as she hovered in between the duelers and her dream-counterpart.
Suddenly, her memories once again made themselves known. No.
As if reading her mind, Kagato did something that Ryoko should've seen before. It was a card that Kagato had already played, but had found its way back into his hand.
Above and slightly behind her dream-counterpart, Kagato's shadow re- appeared. Although it would've been useless against either opponent in a stand-up fight, this worn-down Ryoko was in no shape for combat. Ryoko's dream-counterpart kept on firing, oblivious to the grinning Kagato behind her, blade drawn, about to run her through in the next moment.
However, Tenchi saw this all this unfold. His face contorted, and for a moment, Ryoko saw Kagato in Tenchi. It was a sight she would try to forget, something she would bury. Two things that were mutually exclusive cannot be the same, Ryoko would not acknowledge it.
"No, Tenchi, don't! I'm not worth it!" Ryoko impotently yelled at Tenchi, the fact that she could not interact with the characters forgotten in the heat of the moment. Somewhere along the line, Ryoko had forgotten that it was not real, and had fully immersed herself in the playground of her subconscious.
Alas, almost as if he heard her, yet being Tenchi, he still reacted. Instantly the flowing robes of the LightHawk covering him reverted back into two wings. The one on his sword arm shot through towards the doppelganger through Kagato.
Although to most Kagato would seem foolish for putting himself in a position where Tenchi could see what he was doing, Ryoko knew the truth. All along, Kagato had used her, always a tool. First to find Tsunami, second to lure Tenchi and the rest to his Shoja, and now, the tool for 'disarming' Tenchi. He already had Tsunami in his grasp, now to tie up any loose ends.
Kagato easily dodged this and phased out of sight, Tenchi now transformed his second wing on his left arm into an elliptical shield. It was an offensive weapon all the same. With it, being molded past and in front of the curve of his forearm, Tenchi could strike just as well as defend. However, now he had no body armor. Unbeknownst to Ryoko, Tenchi had no experience in shields, except that now he was forced to rely on them as both offensive and defensive tools. In other words, for some reason, the Tenchi in her dreams was learning on the fly.
First Tenchi had to adapt to the non-linear and immaterial nature of energy weapons, now he had to apply what knowledge he had into using them as a defensive measure as well. Kenjutsu, for all its potency, is a limited art.
A millennia of having a permanent set of weapons lead to a solid, rigid form of using those weapons.
In other words, the ferality and barbarity of fighting. had been civilized. It had become stylized. This would hobble Tenchi, who was now trying to tap into his primal instincts, where savagery and ferocity, and pure practicality took precedence over style and form.
The doppelganger was dumbstruck as she saw Tenchi dissipate his armor and one wing come flying at her. Before she knew it the wing flew past her...
Instinctively dream-Ryoko twisted and followed the path of the wing, to see what caused Tenchi to do such a thing. When she saw just exactly 'what' the reason one, her look of shock matched that on Ryoko's face upon seeing the shadow of Kagato annihilated by sphere-turned wing that Tenchi propelled towards her, his sword so close to her body now that she could feel the heat emanating from the emerald blade. Even as he 'died', he had the bastard smirk on his face that confirmed Ryoko's fears.
As the battered Ryoko whirled around to see what she missed in those precious moments, she saw the effects of Kagato's ploy. Tenchi was now on the ground kneeling, the curved LightHawk Shield raised above him, pivoting to meet the ever-shifting approach vector of Kagato's jade rain, Tenchi shuffling and moving in short bursts.
Tenchi tried to summon his wing back towards him, but Kagato would not have it. As the ball of energy collected itself into the familiar elliptical shape, this time some of the remaining automated sentries dropped down from hatches in the ravaged ceiling and engaged Ryoko. However, this time she was prepared, she painfully rose up and began to dodge their attacks, occasionally returning fire whenever she got the energy.
Although given enough time, even in her current state, this weary Ryoko could've won. But, Kagato's shadow once again rematerialized. She was forced into an increasingly defensive battle. Having no other option Tenchi tried to make his way over to her to help her. Kagato himself then decided to direct his fire towards her. Finally losing what little calm remained, Tenchi let out a snarl of frustration, breaking free of all that he had been taught about contrl. He immediately redirected his efforts into engaging Kagato and manipulated the separate wing into protecting Ryoko.
Several of the dozen sentries were down by this point, but the rest were still grinding down on Ryoko. Although the Shadow Kagato was just a weak projection of the true Kagato, at Ryoko's current state, the Shadow was a dangerous threat to her. At this point however the wing stopped blocking Kagato's barrage and went in close to protect her.
In a move that surprised Ryoko it fused into her right forearm, extending into a 4 meter long slice of light. It extended from the top of her wrist a good three meters while the rest provided a good shield. Regaining her feral smile, Ryoko curved in on her opponent. It was like Tenchi's shield, except much narrower, yet radiating an aura.
Having lost the full body protection that helped sustain him in vacuum, Tenchi reluctantly went on the defensive. Trying to imitate Aeka once again, Tenchi used his new shield to project a pulse wave directed onto the floor. The result was a shockwave that raised all the debris that had settled onto the floor, blanketing the entire chamber as if volcanic debris spewed in. Cursing, Kagato phased over to his losing Shadow and concentrated on Ryoko instead.
Silently, Tenchi blew through the air making a beeline for Kagato. He anticipated this and the old game of hit and run started anew. Except Tenchi was now more reckless, constantly adapting, constantly changing, the only thing Ryoko could see predictable was his rapid cycling of evolutionary tactics.
The last of the sentries had fallen and the Shadow was finally bisected by a rapidly weakening dream-Ryoko, the temporary adrenaline boost she experienced suddenly dying down. The wing grafted onto her arm began to transfer energy back to her, but this Ryoko was weary of it.
The debris had once again diffused, dust still in the air. Now Ryoko and Tenchi had linked-up and began to move in on Kagato. together.
Finally, Kagato decided to stop. This startled the observing Ryoko. What is that bastard planning? Oh no, he's going to pull something. Ryoko stared into Tenchi's face again, seeing his eyes flicker to her double, at her arm and back at himself. Good, take back your wing Tenchi! But, as if to spite her, Tenchi shook his head, almost as if he could see her, but actually raging against himself.
It hit the spectating Ryoko. Tenchi let her double keep the wing. for it would protect her. Never mind that it might be over faster if he took down the worn-down Kagato now, Tenchi would not risk Ryoko being exposed again, Kagato's earlier strikes at her still burning in his mind's eye.
Therein lied Kagato's strategy. The scheming bastard has struck again. Ryoko shook her head, not wanting to believe what all her battle- savvy told her.
Ryoko and Tenchi now dove in at Kagato, hoping to finish him off, thinking that he was finally spent of energy. Tenchi drove at Kagato head- on, while Ryoko would be sideswiping Kagato with both her slice-wing and ruby rod.
As Ryoko came in, Kagato fired a blast he had charged up into the floor before her path. The impact sent her off course, both from the physical force and the debris once again thrown into the air. It was harmless, but Ryoko instinctively evaded rather than block w/ her loaned wing.
Kagato lined his hilt up parallel to his forearm and surged forward, almost as if the two were on a joust. Tenchi, having too much inertia to break off, simply lowered his head and continued on, the shield now angled away from his body, ready to shift positions to counter anything Kagato does, rotating in lazy circles, a half-moment from transferring its momentum and potential energy into a parry. or a strike.
Two more meters before contact, Kagato places his left hand under his blade to provide stability.
A single pace now, Tenchi tenses.
As Kagato plunges his emerald blade in a lateral motion, Tenchi leaps into the air and following his grandfather's example proceeds to run down Kagato's blade.
As The LightHawk comes slashing down in a diagonal arc going to the left, Kagato put his left hand into action and raised it in front of him.
Another emerald bar of light makes an appearance. However Ryoko doesn't notice this immediately from her position just behind and above Tenchi as she finally gained enough control to follow him and see it through to the end, what she saw was a crescent. After that she saw the blade's handiwork. It ran through Kagato and exited as if Tenchi had swiped at air.
The curving thrust cut across Kagato's left bicep, chest, and ending at his right torso. Both Ryoko's for some reason still held their breath. This was because instead of landing 20 feet away as he should have in her samurai soaps, Tenchi jerked into Kagato's left fist.
At first they simply thought he had the wind knocked out of him.
Tenchi fell back and staggered. All three wings dissipated into the surrounding air, the calming presence that throbbed from her right wrist was gone.
Kagato simply stood still, and then he smiled, a benevolent smile, no, a patronizing one.
"Stupid boy...." After those words, Kagato dissipated onto a non-existent breeze, turning into dust from the slash.
Tenchi stood dumbstruck for a few moments, then looked around, as if he was disoriented. The Ryokos however looked at something they haven't noticed yet, and jerked as another wave of horror hit them.
Through his right chest, was a smoldering hole, one that was 6 centimeters in diameter. Almost as one the dream-Ryoko and the dreaming- Ryoko both had the same expression on their face: the shock of realization. Looking at him, they saw a field of stars against the void. through the cauterized wound.
Ryoko knew all too well the smell of burnt flesh. She also knew Tenchi's scent. Sweaty, clean, freshly awakened it made no difference. Tenchi had his unique aroma. Now the two were fused in a way that made Ryoko wish that she had never even thought up of, much less remarked about her desires to 'Cook Tenchi and eat him all up.'
As the battered Ryoko ran towards Tenchi, now hyperventilating, he turned to face her. He greeted her with a sheepish smile, the one loved so much, this time it was because of what Tenchi must feel. The sheer irony of the words Kagato had spoken to him were the same as the ones Yosho had.
She halted in shock. Tenchi was confused and followed her gaze, then realization struck him as well. Looking down and after facing her again forcing a smile onto his face, Tenchi walked up to her dream-counterpart, now pain was apparent in his features, numbly the observing Ryoko noted that the shock must've worn off. Grasping her by the waist, he leaned forward, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and said, "Shigata ga nai, neh?" With those words, his eyes went dull, and he collapsed onto a petrified dream-Ryoko.
Ryoko was struck by irony, at. at le. least, I.. I g-got t. him. first? Even her thoughts were incoherent.
As the dream-Ryoko laid Tenchi onto what was left of what was once a pristine marble-like floor, she began to sob. Tenchi was now out of 'battle-mode', back in the simple tunic and pants he almost always wore. As everyone else was freed from the mirror dimension of Shoja, the Ryoko in the dream ignored them, simply kneeling on the floor, resting Tenchi's head in her lap and stroking his cheek affectionately, her face now an emotionless mask.
As everyone else flooded in to see Tenchi, the dream suddenly froze. Everything was transformed into shades of black and white, the flashes of horror apparent in the rest of the 'gang.'
Although it was too late to do Ryoko any good, it still stopped.
Still holding her breath she hovered over to where Tenchi lay. As she approached, a series of colors appeared. That of brown's, blacks, and blues. She gasped at what she saw.
The prone body of the 5-year old Tenchi who had played with her in the past hovered above it all. Ryoko drifted over to look at him. His face was a mask of peace, a state of calm found only in slumber. Then she looked at his knee, it was raw, like he had tripped and skinned it.
Her mind flashed back to the days where she played with Tenchi as a child. Times that had brought her respite from the hell of the void, giving her hope again. One day he was scrambling up the rocks on the mouth of her cave and he slipped. His knee had been skinned and he was in extreme pain. How she wished that her astral form could, for just once, have the ability to touch the boy physically, to look after him, to comfort him, anything but just float there and observe his pain, unable to ease it somehow. Instead, she opted to simply lay down by Tenchi, and she began to stroke his face. Although his pain was still great, it was almost as if, Ryoko's touch calmed him. She knew that she could see him, but he surprised her when he look straight into her eyes, deep brown meeting amber, thanking her right before he lost consciousness. Later, Tenchi's grandmother found him sleeping, looking so peaceful for someone with such a great injury.
As the vividness of the memory flashed through her, something snapped inside Ryoko. She looked down on her dream-counterpart and the similarity made itself apparent. Now quaking, she picked up the hovering boy and clutched him to her chest. Savoring his warmth as if it was the only source of sanity in her mental hell, Ryoko softly hummed a tune to him, a tune she remembered some woman singing to her when she herself had been a child. Later, she learned that that woman had been her mother, Washu. However, halfway through Washu's Lullaby, little Tenchi disappeared, and Ryoko suddenly felt her hands going through the air and ending up clutching only herself.
This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Millennia of abuse did not break her, nor did her bitter failures, even purgatory hasn't stopped her. But the destruction of the one thing that meant something to her did. Inhaling in a long ragged gasp, she choked, and righting herself, she screamed her rage to the universe.
The force of her scream shattered her surroundings.and thankfully, destroyed that sadistic world.
Ryoko jerked upright in her rafter-turned bed. She was quaking with so many feelings, some of them being fear, loss, and worry. She was surprised to see herself still in battle-armor and in her right hand was clasped her ruby sword. She could now smell the odor of burned oak.
Looking around she saw that she had cut through part of the beams in the ceiling. Deactivating her sword, she tried to calm herself. Before finally stopping her quaking, one word flashed into her mind.
Tenchi
Fear lighting up her eyes, reason was thrown out of the window, and Ryoko phased into his room, seeking his presence, his warmth. his smell.
What she saw almost made her repeat her roar of sorrow.
Tenchi's bed was empty.
***
Even if she wanted to, I don't think Ryoko could have moved. As I went back to the room after seeing her rafter empty, I saw her there. frozen, looking at my bed. Oh no. please no.
"Ryoko..? What are you doing here?" I said to her, curious as to why she was in her battle-armor. I was still unaware that I was in mine. It worried me. she looked, she looked so lost.
I think that got her attention. She turned towards me.
"Ryoko, daijo-" 'bu' I was going to ask.
But I could not finish as I was glomped by Ryoko. who started sobbing onto my shoulder. her arms quaked, hands roaming all over me.
This wasn't the flirting and practical sexual harassment she often committed without knowing it. This was fear. pure unadulterated fear. It confirmed my theories. that I have barely scratched the tip of the iceberg in the personality of what should be one of the simplest people I know. Her fingers roamed over me, shaking, as if not believing I was real, that she was afraid to believe I was real.
Although I didn't mean to, I scooped her up in my arms, nuzzling the wrist of her probing hands, returning her touch, proving to her that I was there. I rocked her as I would a small child frightened by a monster in her dream, thinking that her parents were gone. I remember a tune my father used to hum to me. and it felt appropriate for Ryoko.
She still could not say words, but she calmed down. I found myself nearly in tears as I looked down upon her, cursing myself for taking her for granted. Why. why did you go through so much Ryoko? You deserve more. yes you do. Much much more than I can ever hope to give you.
I sniffed, looking back up at the moon, the same moon I stared at as I looked back at recent events.
It wasn't time to ask questions, it was time to fix things. As I had done with Sasami, I vaulted the balcony, landed, and took her to the deck, where Sasami and Mihoshi still lay in their sleeping bags. Before I got out of my room, I fetched beddings for her.
Although I couldn't really tell, she seemed content.
***
All is right with the world. Ryoko thought to herself. He's here. he's here! Tenchi had never returned her affection like this. She knew this wasn't the kind of love she wanted from him. But, although it was not what she expected, it was much much more than that. He loved her like he would his own child, surpassing the affection one would have for their mate. Tenchi had not only delivered, he had surpassed.
In his arms, weak as they might be physically, although for a Terran, his years of budo and now farmwork hardened him, another power lay hidden, radiating its presence. To most it would be terrible, to Ryoko it was comforting, knowing that he was there for her.
***
As I laid her down and tried to say something to her, I noticed her asleep. with a lone tear streaking down her cheek. Don't tell me you're having these dreams too, who's next, Aeka?
I then reclined next to her and tried to once again compose my thoughts. Ryoko rolled so that her head was now on my chest and her noggin rested on my neck. I blew gently down on her baby hairs, seeing her smile in her sleep my heart was soothed.
"Sleep well, Ryoko, don't worry, whatever it is, I would rather die than forsake any one of you," I whispered to her, yes, I will make sure that you feel no more of your pain, you've already been through so much my Ryoko, rest now, for I will protect you, no matter the cost. "How could I be so stupid. They don't deserve this."
With that I resumed to staring at the reddish horizon in the east, knowing that sleep will not find me until I get my thoughts in order and I make a decision. I've been running. I've been running too damn long. If I have to leave them to protect them from me. I'll pay that price.
I swept my finger across her cheek to wipe away glistening tears. At that Ryoko purred in her sleep, hmm, if you were awake Ryoko you'd be enjoying this more wouldn't you? I queried in my mind, before shoving that though away, scolding myself for being so shallow.
Gently, I laid her up down onto the floor, it was a little hard setting up her beddings with her cradled in my arms. As I tucked her in just as I had done with Sasami and Mihoshi before her, I laid my lips lightly on her eyelids. For some reason, after I did this, she reverted to her normal clothes and the fierce markings she sported now disappeared. At this point I discovered my own state and I reverted to my normal self. Hnn, I guess that's how I sensed her in the first place.
"I'm sorry Ryoko, I'm too much of a coward to do this while you're awake." It would cause too much trouble anyway. it would be nice if I had all your help, but.
*** 'Making the Rounds' ***
Figuring that I might as well check the rest of the 'gang,' I decided to visit Washu first. Beforehand, I grabbed some more pillows and blankets from the closet and set them up on the deck. Ryoko was now snoozing happily, and with a final glance at her face, exposing all her vulnerabilities, I went back inside to fetch the rest.
What the hell am I thinking? Well, since I actually feel like reaching out. why not?
Boy, this has turned into a slumber party. I slipped into Washu's laboratory, careful of the crab-bell mounted on the door. At first I thought she was awake, seeing her on her cushion with her holographic laptop busy, scrolling with changing displays of data.
As I closed in however, I noticed that she was slumped over, dozing. The digits and symbols flashed off of her face.
"Washu, you of all people should know that's bad for your back." I mock-lectured her with a smile on my face, grinning at the sight before me. "Hnn, what's this. The Masaki Project." I read from one of the window before another popped up and took its place. What could she be doing now? I asked myself, curious as to what Washu is studying.
Great, she's showing interest in me again. I wonder how she would react if I. nah.
I'm noticing a theme here I muse to myself as I lift up her form. Once again, I had another of the girls in my arms. not that I am complaining of course.
I've never seen where Washu slept. I knew better than to wander around her laboratory unescorted. I put her against me as if I was burping a child, her chest against my shoulder, my left hand just under her hips. I felt moisture on the back of my shirt. I forced myself not to laugh.
She was different from the others I held. With Sasami I held a small petite body. With Ryoko, it was more mature. With Washu. it was both. Caught in the middle, not an adult, yet not a child. is 'dichotomy' a major theme in my life, or is it 'irony?'
I knew it reflected her inner conflicts, about how she tries to evade her past, her rashness trying to scare us away, yet it seems as if she is just as afraid of losing us. "Yes. you and Ryoko have a lot in common," I cooed. "How much hell did he put you through?" More than I could ever comprehend I suppose.
"Tenchi." Washu whispered.
"Yes Washu. chan?" I replied, but alas, she was still asleep.
Do you bury yourself in your work too to escape from reality Washu?
Its ironic. someone as brilliant as her is running from the truth. I don't know anything about science, but its obviously a safety blanket for her. Breathing in the scented air of the alternate dimension, I knew it to be a farce as well. She is a crab, I concurred with her crustacean mascot. You have much more in common besides the hairstyle. it's a shell, it's a fucking shell!
You try to get closer to me. but you still have that wall there, all of you have something like that don't you?
I stared disdainfully at my surroundings. No. you shouldn't stay here. You should be with us Washu-chan. Shifting grip, I made my way from the lab. As I stepped into the hall, I heard a moan from upstairs. I looked down at Washu's back, unconsciously massaging it with my callused fingertips, feeling her smooth skin under her satin jammies. At least you're dressed for the occasion.
I might as well.
I head up the stairs, continuing to rock Washu gently, making sure her back is straight. Sasami had left the door open. I crept in, wary of the precious cargo in my arms.
Aeka makes some more noise, but I can't tell if they were words or not. Seeing as Sasami and Ryoko had nightmares, I decided to see if Aeka was also a victim.
I kneeled down, still carrying a sleeping Washu and leaned in to hear.
"No Tenchi-sama, you mustn't, no. no. NO! Stop, pl-please. stop! Tenchi-sama, please...!" Aeka moaned, beginning to shift in her sleep. I noticed that the covers were moist with sweat and Aeka herself was damp, her breathing uneven and rapid.
"Aeka-hime..?" I asked puzzled, that is until she shuddered as she moaned, finally I got the clue and wisely I decided to get up. On the. bright side, it doesn't look like a nightmare.
". no, not in the kitchen. Tenchi-sama. what ab-about. th-the. c- children?" She continued on delirious, so immersed was she in her dreams.
The way she phrased it made me think she didn't want dream-Tenchi to stop. Well, it is nice to feel. appreciated. I suppose. I bent down to kiss her on the lips, which made her face even redder than before. I then stood up to walk out of the room. As I was closing her door.
All's well in there. I think.
"You mustn't! Eeeee! Keep going. Eeeee! Tenchi-sa-" At that I heard a high pitched moan that worked its way up my spine.
Definitely all well. I don't think I want to 'ruin' her dreams. no, best to leave her alone.
"Maybe it is a good thing that you can't hear anything over your snoring Sasami-chan." I said as I thought about the little Juraian princess. Shaking my head, I padded down the stairs, carefully so as to not disturb the little bundle of eagle feathers that I clutched to myself.
As I finally reached the deck, before I put Washu down so she can join the others lying side by side, I decided to be a bit. pre-emptive. Hey, it's only fair to her. I tried to convince myself as I bent over to give Washu a present.
"Und vat are 'you' doing, mein little Guinea Pig?" Washu said slyly, a foxy look on her face. I couldn't help but notice the Germanic accent she used. Sure its creepy. but. but, argh!
I was caught in the act of kissing her and I knew there was no denying it. All the resolve I built up that night temporarily dissolved, turning me back into the dopey farm-boy I had to evolve from. If it wasn't for the fact that I already went to the bathroom while taking a break from my thinking, I knew I would have relieved myself, seeing as my bowels instantly clenched. My face was the color of a tomato, I am so embarrassed. Quick Tenchi. go back to oblivious idiot mode!
"I. I, I'm s-sorr-" I began
"For what, I wanted to!" Washu exclaimed, sounding a little disappointed, yet amused as well.
Not the first time. am I such a failure?
This left me speechless, so, she feels that way too. Before I knew it, I felt an increase in weight in my arms, and they spread out involuntarily, but I did not lose my grip. I was surprised I didn't drop her, not from the weight, but from the shock. Looking down once more, I saw that Washu had shifted to her. adult form.
"Okay Ten-chi, try it again." Washu beckoned to me, purring and using her right hand to draw circles on my chest.
I don't know which is scarier. if she's teasing me. or if she means it.
It was at this point that I collapsed, not from her physical weight, but the effect of her words. Somehow as I stumbled, I managed to make it into the living room before I finally toppled over. Washu fell onto my arms and landed on the couch. With her arms around me, I fell with her. I was now in the compromising position of being on top of her. My arms were now braced around her, holding me up. The shock of our fall froze us. Although I was dying of embarrassment, part of me was savoring the moment as well.
"Mon dieu, Ten-cherie, how you say. stru-ong!" Washu purred out seductively, now switching into a french accent. I couldn't tell if the 'look' in her eyes were real, or were a joke. For some reason, I felt cold.
It was when she sighed that my eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Thankfully, for some reason, my blood vessels didn't burst, or I would've sprayed Washu with a liter of blood. Finally regaining enough control of myself, I jumped off of her and I once again tried to apologize.
Before I could get any further, Washu rose, and cut me off. She met my eyes and she put her fingers to my lips.
"It's okay Tenchi. if anything I wish you would've continued." At that she gave me a wink and she walked out into the deck.
I wish too. but its wrong. You know it, and I know it. I just wish you'd come out with it though.
I followed her outside, a little confused. As I got close to her, she whirled around to face me yet again.
"Washu. chan, t-thank you." I stammered. before she could reply I added more, "how. h-how long w-were you awake?"
She grinned at me mischievously, her adult form enhancing her smile. 'and everything else' added my hentai side.
"Oh. ever since I heard our proper little Aeka-hime's. testament!" Washu giggled after this, which may I add sounded heavenly. "Well Tenchi, you know what they say. it's always the quiet ones."
Quiet. Aeka is practically the loudest one here. then again, it's because of Ryoko.
Washu, do you even know what that innuendo stands for?
By now, most of my embarrassment was past me, and Washu set up her blankets adjacent to a post, beckoning me to come over to her. I complied and sat down next to her. She surprised me by holding onto me.
It wasn't a glomp like Ryoko's. But it did have some disturbing parallels; I could feel the desperation through her arms that encircled me. As I looked at her, I saw not a mischievous glance that she sported so much, but the maternal one, only Ryoko and I ever saw. This brought me back again to our discussion that night with Taro. I was now feeling what it's like to be held in a mother's arms, warm, safe, and secure. I felt myself growing sleepier. I noticed that Washu has now lain the two of us together, clutching me to her as she started to sob onto my back. This got my attention.
Again, like your daughter you have a façade. You may not want to admit it, but you two are closer than you might think. I rubbed her back, trying to calm her, and her fingertips dug into me. gently.
"Wa-Washu-chan. what's wrong?" I asked her.
That would be impossible for me to understand. But, that doesn't mean I can't try to fix it.
"I. I'm s-sorry, Tenchi. but I c-can't help it." It was now Washu's turn to stutter.
I turned around without breaking her grip on me. By now Washu has reverted to her child form, and she started to get control of herself. So this is why you lock yourself away Washu. I thought sadly, figuring out even more about this little woman. I now switched positions with her, now being the one to comfort her in her time of need.
Even mothers need to be mothered sometimes.
"Tenchi. thank you. for caring." She said to me, I could feel the emotions in each and every syllable that came out of her mouth. I struck me how hard and lonely a life she must have had that my act of putting her to bed would seem so profound.
Why do you thank me? For saving you. why? Sometimes I think you actually enjoyed that kind of limbo, frozen there. free from thought. Thoughts about your past. But no, that would be the coward's way out. Not like I can talk.
Before I could reply to her, I noticed that she had fallen asleep. I laid the blanket on top of her, and I removed the trail of tears marring her face with my lips. I took a moment to rest my forehead upon hers, my emblem temporarily flaring to life.
You're all enigmas you know that. But, even with all this chaos. would any of us have it any other way?
"Your welcome Washu-chan. and thank you as well. for everything." I whispered to her before getting up and putting my back against the post. I took a moment to look at all the girls around me, minus Aeka. Looking at how at peace they are, yet knowing that they have their own demons lurking within them, I am once again reminded of those words I had said to Kagato. and how much I meant them.
I'm so tired, I have a long way to go. but exactly how long?
As I slump down to a sitting position as fatigue catches up with me, I see the reddish hue that heralds the arrival of dawn. Before I passed out, I noticed a glow, I look up and I see Tsunami, benevolently watching me, but before I could making anything out it-
End Starry Night
Prologue- Starry Night v.1.2
'Sasami's Vision"
Sasami gained consciousness and found herself walking down a long wooden hallway bordered by rice-paper paneled doors. Not knowing what to do, she decided to press forward to see what was at the end of her path.
"Hello, is anybody there?"
No one answered her question. Sasami continued to walk, looking from side to side, finding nothing special in the grayscale tone the lack of lighting gave the hallway. In the absolute silence, even creaking of old wooden slats would have been welcome.
"One-san, Tenchi-ni-san, please, someone."
As she neared the end and approached the chamber her path lead to, Sasami picked out some sounds. Her attention drawn, Sasami decided to pick up her pace and started to jog towards the general direction of the source. With her haste, Sasami struggle from falling as her sock-clad feet slid along the polished floor.
What she saw would be forever burned into her memory. There, on his side, her young, long-lost brother Yosho lay still. Underneath him was a puddle of a dark liquid, spreading ever so slowly across the surface. After taking this in for several seconds, realization smashed into Sasami's thoughts. She began to shake, and her knees failed her, as she started to caress Yosho's face, confirming by touch what her mind screamed at her. Is this how you met your end nee-san? Sasami thought to herself. Still warm.
"This-this isn't real . it's just a n-nightmare." Sasami stood up, staggering backwards averting her eyes from the cooling corpse.
As Sasami tried to pull herself together, the vibrant rich ring of metal striking metal caught her attention once more. Looking up she saw three figures in the distance, outside of the chamber and in a sand garden. Against her better judgment, Sasami decided to get a better view of what was going on, no longer able to stand the sight of death before her eyes Sasami stumbled as she rose to run, albeit slower, heeding the lack of traction in the smooth surface.
As she reached the sliding doors, Sasami slid to a stop and kneeled behind one, not wishing to be spotted by the people on the courtyard. As she was making her way to her destination, Sasami made out more details on the figures; two men, and one woman. One of the men was steadily retreating from the other two figures, both men wielded what looked like Katanas, and the woman had a Hoko. The lone man was giving ground, but Sasami could see it wasn't a frantic retreat. Taking a look at the calm waves the man was making as he glided across the sand, it was apparent that it was an intentional fallback, that it was planned. His blade somehow shone in the darkness, while his opponents had highlights of crimson detailing his. Both men were dressed in Hakama and Gi. Both of whom wore black Gi with Hakama that had black wave-crests acting as the trim, the other, although she couldn't tell which one seemed to be a bright shade. How come their dressed like samurai? Sasami asked herself as she decided to move closer. Looking at the pursuing man's back, Sasami's could see an eight-pointed star serving as the Mon.
Sasami crept forward, onto the deck, trying to get a better view of the action. As the pursuing man dashed forward, losing some momentum thanks to the sand, the second swordsman sidestepped and crouched, bracing for the attack. Instead of using his position to absorb the impact of the pursuer's slash, the defender counter-attacked. It was akin to a clumsy adult lunging at a child to whom the sandbox was his domain. The defender sidestepped his momentum and darted forward in one fluid motion; preserving inertia.
Using the shinogi of his own Katana, the defending man met his foe's blade and deflected it to the side. As the aggressor tried to bring his blade back on center, the defender used this added momentum to slide his blade across the other man's in a shallow arc. The high-pitched grim, a metallic scream, pierced Sasami's mind.
The next thing Sasami saw was the reddish bar of light protruding through the first man's back. The light shimmered as the bar twisted and Sasami knew it was the Katana's boshi she saw, the rest of the blade cutting across the man's back, a small mist following the exit. As the obviously aggressor fell, Sasami finally got a clear picture of the victor. What she saw made her gasp out in shock.
"Tenchi-ni-san..?"
The man Sasami saw had Tenchi's face. Yet, he looked different, as she focused she saw little details that made him stick out from the Tenchi she knew. His face was weathered, where there had been soft curves was now a sculpted façade, no longer boyish, but masculine. What hit Sasami hardest was this Tenchi's eyes. They still had the same kindness her Tenchi had, yet they were clouded, as if over the years, the innocence and their brightness were dimmed. It also belied exhaustion, as if they had seen too much, and they were tired. tired of life. the epiphany rocked Sasami to the core.
"TENCHI!"
However this did not get the man's attention. Without any indication of even hearing Sasami's cry, Tenchi shifted his attention from his foe's corpse and shifted it to the woman. She was the epitome of femininity; gracefully gliding across the sand barefoot, leaving petite crescents along her path. The serenity of the woman's actions belied her intent. She was dressed in archer's attire, complete with a leather cuirass across her chest. Like the men, she wore the same colors. Sasami's pulse thundered inside her mind as she waited for Tenchi to do something, anything. Yet all Tenchi did was to stand his ground, resolute in what would happen, whatever the result. It maddened Sasami as Tenchi simply took out a square of rice paper; folding it into a triangle and wiping his Katana clean with it, staining the purity of the pristine white sheet. For some reason, there was no fire or hint of a will to fight behind his eyes, and this frightened Sasami. All she saw was resignation not surrender, but the fires of resolution smoldering in his dark irises, indiscernible from his pupils save for the shine.
"Tenchi, what are you doing!" Sasami cried out in a futile fashion, knowing that whatever it was, Tenchi had made a decision. Even though this Tenchi looked different, in this steadfast devotion, he was still the same.
Sasami then jumped of the veranda onto the ground. She ran along the side of the garden making her way to the edge closest to Tenchi. Frantically Sasami tried to get to him before the lady made contact, even though she knew she could not do anything, she still decided to run to him, anything to get him to react. To do nothing would have driven Sasami mad. So long as the body is busy, the mind is distracted.
The woman stopped in front of Tenchi and held her Hoko at a ready position, a formal posture in a duel. In an action that surprised both females eyeing him, Tenchi simply nodded to the lady and sheathed his sword. As the tsuba plunged home and hit the lip of the saya, the sharp ring it produced cut through the air like the sound of crystal, with the same impact of a tolling bell. Both Sasami and the lady were taken aback, the latter stepping backward, ruining the harmony of her path, raking sand backwards with her toes. She faltered for a moment, knowing she had just exposed herself and the duel was already decided before it had even begun. The woman shook off her astonishment started talking to Tenchi. It was strange, although Sasami could hear everything else with increased clarity; she could not hear their voices.
As if he did not even sincerely listen to any of the lady's arguments, whatever they were, Tenchi had a wistful smile, his eyes going distant, losing their age for but a moment, shrugging loosely. The woman's face contorted in confusion for an instant, then a malevolent mask the next. Not wasting words, the lady took her Hoko and swung it in a crosswise curve.
"Yamete!" Not caring anymore, Sasami dashed onto the sand garden, cursing her footing as the sand itself seemed to prevent her from preventing what she feared, what Sasami knew she could not stop, lest her wishes came true. She fought for her balance, trying not to get mired in the grains of sand, heedless of the chaos she sowed in her terrified wake.
The perpendicular tip of the blade dug into Tenchi's stomach, ending up in a lateral slash, the sickening sound of flesh yielding to forged metal imprinting itself upon Sasami's mind. For Sasami, it was as if time seemed to stop. She saw the spray of blood suspended in mid-air, almost as if she was looking at a still-shot of flying water, ruby water. No, this can't be real, it isn't real, it isn't come on, wake up!, Sasami kept us her frantic mantra, refusing to acknowledge what she saw as being truth, being reality.
However, almost as if to mock her denial, time resumed. Jerking like Tenchi when he was cut down, Sasami dropped to her knees. She began to crawl towards Tenchi, who was calmly lying on the ground. Screaming out in terror, Sasami clumsily clawed her way back onto her feet. Tenchi stared up into the stars, losing himself at the celestial bodies in turn looking down upon him. His left hand went to his waist, and Tenchi brought it up to his face. Sasami saw it covered in crimson, that same infuriating color, the only thing in the visual spectrum besides the grayscale. Tenchi blinked, not knowing how to react, his hand dropping back to the ground, mixing his blood with the particles. As he brought the hand back up, Tenchi viewed both his palm and the starry night. Along with Tenchi, Sasami saw the grim similarity the shimmering mixture had to the night sky.
Again the fact that she could do nothing made itself known in her mind. Helplessly, Sasami slowed and eventually stopped, standing up to get a look at the aftermath. The blood from Tenchi and the anonymous man now stretched out across the sands in a crude caricature of the water it was meant to symbolize. As she watched the scene, going numb, Sasami noticed something about the lady. After pulling her blade out of Tenchi's midsection, the shaft slid from her grasp. The lady began to convulse and it appeared as if she was having a seizure. The lady collapsed onto her knees, clutching at her face and beginning to shriek. As she convulsed in the sands, Tenchi calmly turned to look at her, losing energy consciousness as his head fell back into the sand. As promptly as the fit began, the woman slackened, spent. After a few seconds of lethargy, the woman then looked up and around, alert and confused as to where she was. Upon seeing Tenchi on the sand she recoiled in shock, the lady conquered her fears and went to him.
The woman, in a bizarre act contradicting what she had just done, took slid her knees under as she lifted his head, placing it in her lap. She was shuddering as she began to caress his face, the tenderness she now showed seeming unnatural; a dichotomy. As Sasami watched, two streaks of sparkling light ran down the woman's face, ruining what must have been make- up, and onto Tenchi's, running down his own cheeks. They were macabre companions to the trickling stream of crimson running from the side of Tenchi's mouth. Tenchi once again surprised both females when his right hand came up, albeit shakily, and then began to fondly stroke the woman's face, reciprocating her own actions, trying to soothe the lady. Tenchi attempted to wipe away her seemingly endless river of tears. His hands were shaking, yet they continued diligently performing their task. As his hand went slower, Tenchi gathered the strength to move his lips and although she could not hear it, Sasami read his lips and gasped at what Tenchi said to this woman.
The very words, the very same words that Sasami knew if any of her companions in the household ever heard directed at them, especially in such a manner, would have insured, regardless if they lived only a handful of seconds later or eons, it made no difference. All of them would have died being the happiest women in the Milky Way Galaxy. Sasami knew she would've had the same reaction as the others.
But as she watched the scene unfold, Sasami began to feel something else. It was enough that not only had been ripped away from them, from her, he belonged to another. Ever since the woman began to show kindness to the man she struck down, Sasami began to feel something eating at her from the inside besides grief. Those words just amplified this feeling, inflaming it, torturing Sasami even more. No matter how hard Sasami or any of the other girls tried, they could never succeed. Now, some stranger comes in and takes him away. In mind, in body and in soul. This isn't fair. No, this is not fair! Even though Tenchi treated her like a little sister and she tried to return the sentiment by treating him like an elder brother. most of the time, Sasami wanted more. She would be the last one to deny any such accusation.
Sasami cursed her body for what it was; a prison. Sasami damned her child's form for she was trapped within a vessel that all but ensured Tenchi would never see her in the same light she saw him. He thinks I was asleep the entire time aboard Ryu-oh. that I'm still an 8-year old girl. Whatever love Tenchi would give her, Sasami would gladly receive, but now, even the most farfetched of hopes have been taken away. Hope had been destroyed, now not even denial could distract Sasami.
Tenchi's hand froze and gravity brought it down. His fingers curled, resembling the withering of a fallen autumn leaf. Anyone would have seen it as inevitable, but in no way does such knowledge lessen the impact. His final act was as if he was trying to prevent the lady's tears. But it seemed as if it was too late. As it was futile to close the barn door after the horse had escaped, so was it to seal the leak after all the water had run out.
Instead of collapsing in on herself in an emotional overload as the fierce, serene, and unique fire that burned within Tenchi's eyes finally was extinguished, never to burn again, the woman closed Tenchi's unseeing eyes and tried to bring herself under control, shaking uncontrollably once again. It was this time when the woman looked away from Tenchi that Sasami saw her face in full detail.
She was the epitome of Asian grace and dignity, augmented by her almost extra-terrestrial beauty, as if the lady was a doll, too perfect to be human. However, something in her looked foreign, out of place. Sasami thought she looked like a younger Funaho, if it wasn't for her light shade of hair, which seemed to be gray, even in this world of whites, blacks, and reds. Taking a second glance, Sasami determined that Funaho had nothing on the lady. However, even with her Japanese features, Sasami knew right there that she could not be of this world, rather, this planet to be precise, she emanated a familiar aura, not familiar to Sasami, but to Tsunami instead, Tsunami knows her.. Then it hit her, the lady's face! Ignoring the lady's eye color and coiffure, Sasami knew who she was. She looked just like the 'Lady'. The very same 'Lady' that haunted her dreams was now tormenting her in another way.
Something in Sasami snapped. She may look like a child, but in truth she had been conscious for centuries. In her search aboard Ryu-oh, when she was in stasis, she was aware. Her father anticipated the long amount of time it would take for them to find Yosho, so he insured that Sasami along with Aeka had subliminal learning while she was in stasis. Besides being safe inside a ship that wields the famous Wings of the LightHawk, the heirs could learn the arts of statehood, albeit at the cost of social maturing, which Azusa viewed was not essential to being a good leader, yet Even on this long search, Ryu-oh periodically resuscitated them in order to go on a short vacation
Why did the 'Lady' take this form and subject her to watch this torture? Was this a warning, a vision of what is to come? Sasami began to think of possible reasons why she would have this dream. As to why Tenchi and the others in her dream were dressed in clothing appropriate to people in Feudal Japan. They bore a strong resemblance to some of the characters on the samurai soaps she watched with the other girls. Although she didn't have a chance to enjoy it then, she knew that Tenchi didn't look half-bad in that outfit, now mature, even his queue evolving from his tail.
The thing gnawing away at her inside took control. She finally identified what it was, a sensation that she has never felt before. This was rage, pure hate-filled rage. However, it didn't emanate from just her, it mainly came from the other occupying her body. Tsunami for some reason was fiercely protective of the boy, even if he was her avatar. With a look on her face that matched Ryoko's expression of anger and anguish, Sasami started walking towards the corpse of the anonymous man. For once she was going to fight back, she was not going to let the 'Lady' win this time, no she was not letting 'her' take away Tenchi away from them. Almost as if Sasami was watching herself from afar in the same manner she had observed, her tiny hands reached for the fallen man's sword.
However, it wasn't really Sasami's rage at the helm, it was Tsunami's, her other part, normally dormant now making itself known and very determined to get its way. Although it was another consciousness using her body, Sasami felt as if she and Tsunami were one, synchronized in a sense.
It felt awkward at first in her grasp, Sasami never having handled a Katana before in her life, yet for some reason, she adapted to it very fast, maybe thanks to Tsunami's influence. It felt strange, it both exuded power and security, while at the same time made her feel fear at the capabilities of what is in her hands. What did bother her to an extent was how the sand was bonded onto the blade by her brother's blood and it created a network of sparkles, almost like a path of stars in the sky. It wasn't heavy to her thanks to the strength she inherited from her mother. Marching over to the woman still kneeling in the sand Tsunami made no attempt at stealth, They never noticed me before, so what's the point, Sasami rhetorically thought.
I will not let you win . sister . , Tsunami proceeded to raise the Katana over her head for an earthward slash directed right at the back of the woman's neck. She then tensed her forearms, pumped once, twice, and...
"'E'-ehhhhhh!"
Sasami jolted awake in her futon on the floor. She started to shake, feeling the cold sweat covering her. Her body was throbbing with adrenaline, her heart seeming to want to burst from her chest. Looking around, she saw Ryo-Ohki asleep next to her; Aeka in the futon alongside in the room they shared. Sasami stared up at the ceiling trying to think about what happened just happened in her dream. She tried to calm herself down, and as she listened to the nighttime sounds, she heard Aeka mumbling in her sleep.
"O-oh . you mustn't Tenchi-sama." Aeka mumbled out in an embarrassed, high- pitched voice.
Sasami was taken aback, Is she having a nightmare too? and as she thought this, Aeka continued on uninterrupted, now her face was getting redder.
"No.no. Stop!" Aeka said, now expressing some emotion in her sleepy voice.
It sounds like it, but, why does she sound. happy, Tenchi's getting killed! Sasami wondered, alarmed at the fact that her sister had such an attitude towards Tenchi.
"I don't believe it. Eee!" Aeka now whimpered out loud, beginning to roll around even more, getting brighter than her pink-hued beddings.
What's going on in her dream . Sasami pondered.
"No, don't stop. Keep going!" Aeka was now beginning to buck in her futon, confined only by her heavy quilt, whimpering in joy, just a few octaves higher and she could have shattered glass.
Oh, never mind, it's another one of 'those' dreams . Sasami realized, a sweat drop forming on her head, deciding to go back into her own little world of thoughts.
What did the 'Lady' want with Tenchi? What does this mean? What happened to me in there. I never felt so ... an ... angry before. As she pondered, a sudden fear struck Sasami. Where's Tenchi!. Although it was an irrational fear, what happened in that dream just wouldn't let her kick it out to the side. Naturally, Sasami began to cry, her childish side taking over once more. She decided to get up, and leaving Ryo-Ohki and Aeka in their slumber made her way out of her room and into the hallway. Also, she was frightened by the wrath Tsunami displayed. For better or for worse, she could not remember any of the final details, her recollections ended where Tsunami took the helm in her sleep.
"Oh my! Oh my!" Aeka exclaimed, I thought MY dreams were vivid Sasami thought shaking her head, at seeing Aeka's back arch off of her futon, twisting there, before falling back, writhing, her breathing uneven.
Oh no! Not this again, this is home...this is home...this is home... she was thinking when walking down the hallway. The lack of lighting made it out to be grimly similar to the hall she traversed in that dream. As hard as she tried, Sasami could not keep the tears from coming. At least I wasn't as bad as I used to be. But it's gotten worse too at the same time ...
Sasami knocked on Tenchi's door. After a few seconds Tenchi answered it, thinking along the lines of 'who could it be at this time of night?' As he looked around, Tenchi saw nothing. Before the perplexed boy could look down, a sobbing Sasami tackled him, taking them both into his room as he landed on his back, grunting at the hard impact.
"Sa-Sasami, what happened? Did you have a nightmare again?" No, not again, why her Tenchi thought, struggling up toa sitting position.
"Uh-uh huh Tenchi-ni-chan." Sasami stammered out, unable to coherently speak. Now detaching herself from him, trying to bring herself under control.
"Come in ... tell me what happened Sami-chan." Tenchi beckoned to her, inviting to make herself comfortable.
"Oh-okay," Sasami complied, taking her place in the chair belong to Tenchi's desk.
"Okay, what happened to your sister, don't tell me those two are at it again...I can't believe how irres-" Tenchi asked her, Please don't tell me Aeka and Ryoko must be too busy fighting again to take care of you, Sasami.
"No, no it wasn't like that Tenchi; I just needed to make sure you were safe." Sasami explained, having to resist the temptation to score points against the two, tempting as it was.
Tenchi was set aback by this statement, I expected things like this from Ryoko...but Sasami? Don't tell me my life is about to get more complicated than it already is.
"Sa-Sasami-chan, what do you mean by that?" Tenchi asked her, trying to ascertain the problem.
"Well.well, Yosho-ni-san was dead on the floor and I-I saw you figh- fighting someone in a ga-garden." As hard as she tried, the part of her mind that never quite grew took over again, and once more, Sasami was what she should be, an 8-year old with normal emotions, not someone with the intellect and knowledge worthy of a Galaxy Academy graduate. Not just in politics and diplomacy but in other fields as well. However, being 'asleep' during all this warped her as well; Sasami's mind was too old for her personality.
To add to all this turmoil, Sasami also has to deal with Tsunami's personality. Slowly they were becoming one, and Sasami was still scared by this. She was able to keep Tsunami in check, but she was getting more and more.aggressive, as if like her, Tsunami was learning how to be human. Also, Sasami knew the feelings of affection for Tenchi were not only hers, but Tsunami's as well, just as confused and intense as Sasami's. Sasami has still not endured the hormone surge accompanying puberty. So, Sasami was stuck in an awkward position, child and yet, also an ageless being at the same time. Possessing the persona of a child, and a vast knowledge of the universe around her at the same time. Most people would be envious, however, in Sasami's opinion; she still wished she was by herself. Plain old Jurai Sasami, Second Princess of Jurai, Heir Apparent, Apparent . heh, like I could ever have been normal. Sasami thought, Actually now, Tenchi, being Yosho's descendant, was 2nd in line and I'm shifted over to 4th. Not that it made a big difference.
"Is this another one of those dreams Sasami-chan?" Tenchi asked her, beginning to get worried. Not again, as if things were hectic enough, there's another threat I have to deal with.
"Uh, uh-huh, Tenchi, but . but you died! Some woman who loo-looked like the l-lady killed you!" Sasami stuttered out, her fear still getting the best of her, having Tsunami's influence suddenly missing from her thoughts unbalancing her.
"Is this the same lady in your dreams Sasami-chan?" Tenchi queried, a little anxious at pushing Sasami too far. Oh great.this time she predicts two deaths.first it was just snatchings, now she has corpses.poor girl, Tenchi grimly thought to himself..
Duh Tenchi, how can you can be so dense? Sasami's wits was now beginning to collect itself.
"Yes, Tenchi, at least, it looked like her, she looked like she was from this country, except she had the Lady's face."
"Hmm, tell you what, how 'bout you get some rest and you'll tell me all about it later, along with the rest of the family, is that good?" I'm sorry Sasami that you have to have these dreams, well, I guess we'll talk to Washu about it tomorrow. It was all Tenchi could think of to remedy the current situation. At least its not a lie, Tenchi tried to console himself.
"Yeah, Tenchi-ni-chan, can I umm . " Sasami searched for words to ask permission to sleep next to Tenchi.
"Eh, uh, of course you can stay here till morning.heheh." Tenchi said, and for some reason, he didn't feel too comfortable at seeing the blush Sasami now sported, Stop imagining things Tenchi.
"T-thanks Tenchi-ni-chan!" Sasami replied, all her fears banished for the moment being and enjoying the idea of a sleep over with 'big- brother Tenchi.' As the Tsunami influence was still gone, Sasami was left to her own happy thoughts, even thinking about how she could use this as leverage against Aeka and Ryoko, already imagining the shock on their faces.
Ah, it's so much fun getting those two all worked up! I had so much fun during Valentine's Day with them, and White Day is less than a week away. Score! Perfect prank opportunity, nah, maybe I should get more of ne- chan's jewelry, she does have those cute earrings I've been looking at . Sasami began to muse, the possibilities seemingly boundless in her mind.
"Sami-chan? Anyone there?" Tenchi asked Sasami when she temporarily zoned out and he gently rapped his knuckles on her forehead like it a knocker.
"Huh, oh yeah . say, what do you want to do hmm?" Sasami asked Tenchi, now in a happy mood.
"Oh I don't know.say, it's hot in here-" Tenchi tried to say more but she cut him off.
"Ehh . " Sasami blurted out confused, Wha-what does he mean by that, good thing I'm not Aeka or I would've fainted. Nah, she would've gone into another one of those fantasies of hers . Upon reaching that conjecture, Sasami shuddered.
"I mean we should go outside with some sleeping bags and have a nice night out there with the stars. It's a nice view, and I bet it'll put you to sleep fast than some boring old ceiling." Tenchi said to her. I wonder why she's blushing like that? "The nights aren't cold anymore, so it's a good time to sleep out."
Tenchi you dummy! Why must you be, so, so, so you?! Sasami said to herself, scarcely able to believe that someone could be that dense, Get a hold of yourself Sasami, you have no chance. for now.
Tenchi went off to fetch the sleeping bags out of the closet while Sasami waited. Tenchi then went out onto the balcony to toss them out onto the field and he went back inside to get Sasami.
"C'mon let's go down there Sasami." Tenchi said to her with a slight smile..
"Okay, Tenchi-ni-chan!" Sasami replied, following Tenchi onto the balcony.
"Close your eyes Sasami-chan," Tenchi told her with a playful smirk.
Unknowingly, Sasami blushed as she complied with the demand. Tsunami's invading presence was back, not that it was unwelcome to her, but it felt awkward and Sasami didn't necessarily like the foreign emotions blending in with her own. Why is he doing this .
"Ten-Tenchi-iaaah!" Sasami yelped as Tenchi suddenly picked up and held her like a small child , face to face with him. She knew she was safe in his arms, securing her with a hidden force Tenchi did not know he possessed, but Sasami, or Tsunami felt. "What, what are yo-aiee!" Tenchi vaulted off the balcony and onto the soft grass in a smooth landing, his knees bending to absorb the shock, gently putting Sasami on her feet.
"Are you fine with this Sasami?" Tenchi asked her as he took their beddings and slung it over one shoulder and moved towards the deck. Using his other hand, Tenchi grasped Sasami's own and she clung to him as they walked towards their destination.
"Just don't try that again!" Sasami said, trying to sound angry, but having a hard time hiding the happiness she felt.
They arrived at the deck where Tenchi set up their sleeping bags and he tucked Sasami in. He saw her now, framed by the moon. Wow, carrot- jammies, how cute .
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. I won't let anything happen to you okay Sami-chan?" Tenchi assured Sasami to keep her from panicking and ruining what he felt would be a great opportunity for Sasami to enjoy the fresh night air. No, as long as I am able to, I will not let harm come to you.
"Thank you Ten-chan!" Sasami said, happiness flooding her from his words, with no small part of it emanating from Tsunami as well. Then she realized what she called him, and she blushed.
Unbeknownst to her, Tenchi had a different underlying meaning to those words. I have a great amount of thinking to do. About myself, the others, and what the future holds in store for us. Now, asides from my current worries, I have to take into account another of Sasami's visions, which never have failed me before. Tenchi began to sag as he felt familiar burdens coming down on him, but resolved not to let it show.
"Ten-chan . has a nice ring to it. Tell you what, let's call each other by those pet names ok?"
Sasami nodded, vigorously affirming her support of Tenchi's idea.
"Good night Sami-chan, pleasant dreams only this time, alright?" Tenchi said, Sasami's own presence lightening his mood, echoing her own situation.
"Alright," she giggled. "I promise. Ten-chan." And Sasami made good on that promise. Tenchi was her prince in shining armor; the same one that sustained him after Ryu-Oh's explosion. That specific form was something which only Sasami saw. Ryoko and Aeka: Eat your hearts out! In her dreams, she envisioned her prince trouncing all the potential suitors her father has lined up for her and Aeka. Sasami giggled in the plush bed she found herself in, "He is a prince, isn't he."
"That he is child, and much, much more."
"Tsunami?" Sasami found it hard to associate a voice she knew would be her own given time with another being, also something she would turn to.
"Yes, Sasami?" Tsunami's tone was the same, yet it sounded motherly.
"Could you turn the lights off?"
Tsunami couldn't help but giggle at Sasami's parting remark. Sasami went to sleep in her own dream, curled up, content and safe in her bed back on Jurai. Quietly the Goddess exited the chamber, now bathed in darkness. In a fashion that would have given Her worshippers cardiac arrest, Tsunami giggled like a schoolgirl, her hands about her face, trying to match her irises' shade. "These emotions. why?" As it always was, while Tsunami had answers to many questions, no one had any for Her own. "Tenchi."
*** 'Reflections of Heaven and Earth' ***
As I took a quick break from watching the twinkling night sky, I notice that Sasami had stopped talking. Hmmm, I guess she must have fallen asleep right after I laid her down and tucked her in. Interesting, when I first saw her on Ryu-oh, she seemed like she was just a normal little girl. But, later to my surprise she revealed herself to be so much more.
What the hell is it with the girls that I meet?
I have to watch her though. Heh, I can't believe she caused so much grief for us when she pulled that prank using my dad's manga collection. Looking back on that I guess I can laugh, although I do wish Ryoko didn't kick me so hard. hnn, did Aeka really wait for me. that was weird, where did that one come from? Eh, at least that time I wasn't the direct target of her mischievous intellect. Then again, the 'Manga Incident' as I call it wasn't exactly lethal for me either.
I should have known Sasami was like that when she asked me to steal her sister's little tiara-crown thing. I don't care how much she would have compensated me; it wasn't worth having two flying logs, trying running me down and kill me! On the bright side, Ryoko and I did get out alive, there's always that. Although I did question her sanity. wasn't it a little excessive to take Aeka down with us? Damn good thing there wasn't anyone on that bridge then.
I look at Sasami's innocent face bathed in the moonlight glow, remembering something that bothered me about her. I used to think those nightmares of hers were just what they were, nightmares, not predictions of what could be. But ever since Zero came. Scary to think what goes on in Sasami's mind. I suppose the ability to see the future is a curse, especially in the way she sees it. Then again, from what she revealed to us all at the onsen, I suppose it shouldn't seem to strange.
I wonder, what must that be like? Knowing that you will be much more than yourself at a certain point, that without it, you would have been dead a long time ago. That's it, I'm going to make it up to her somehow,
During the Kagato crisis, I did have my suspicions. For example, how in the hell did Sasami get from Earth to Shoja? At first I put it over to her just being transported via Tsunami, but from what I've heard from Washu; Tsunami's been missing for a long time, possibly even longer than Sasami has been alive. If the two remaining heirs were sent off-world, probably for their own safety, far away from the dangers at court and the intrigues of politics, wouldn't they have placed them inside Tsunami instead? Being the Genesis treeship, as opposed to Ryu-oh, one of the offspring, wouldn't Tsunami had been the better choice? I saw that she had ten wings as opposed to Ryu-oh's three. I don't want to pry into their pasts, but was Tsunami even assigned to Sasami in the first place?
Also, as she was talking to me, I saw that Tsunami did resemble Sasami. I mean, at the time I thought that was what Sasami would've looked like when she grew up. Strange how things turn out, note to self: don't piss off fate. At first I just thought she was a figment of my imagination, a product of my thinking of the girls, although it did scare me that I would see Sasami in that light, for a second there I thought I was some kind of pervert, and to think I thought my dad was bad. She was. and is. kawaaaaaaaaai, augh what am I thinking? Bad Tenchi, bad Tenchi.I've been a bad boy. heh, guess she's really grown on me.
Hnnn, sort of sad that's she carried around that secret for how many years? If Yosho disappeared 700 years ago and Aeka-hime and Sasami existed then, just how old is Sasami? I find it hard to believe that someone so old could look and act so young. Maybe she's like Washu, nah, it doesn't seem right. I heard Ryoko complaining how Misaki-san mistook her for being Sasami. Hmm, maybe she was in stasis for part of that time, hnn.
It looks like, all this thinking, it's going to be a long night, but for some reason my body just doesn't feel tired, oh well, I guess now's a good a time as any to think. I haven't really had an opportunity to do just that for a long time. Stargazing, I guess that's an appropriate way to meditate, considering my current situation.
Wonder what that must do? Having another being in your body, and thinking one day you will be combined with them. Whatever, at least were there for her when that time does come. Then again, will I be there? I don't know about how Juraian's age, and my mother died young, will the same thing happen to me? Nothing brings out issues of mortality like when you encounter people whose lifespan makes yours look like a mayfly's in comparison.
I used to look forward to living a nice eighty years, now I learn that Aeka's almost eight hundred.
I remember an American song my father used to listen to, "How many years. can most people exist," yeah, how many, "before they're allowed to be free."
Strange, they may spend years here, and yet to them, it may just be the equivalent of a weeklong vacation, till they pack up and move on. I wonder, will they remember me when they leave, if they leave? I don't want to thin about it, but I know that there's a strong chance of them leaving me. Hell, I wonder what the hell is holding any of them back? All of them have such bright futures, so talented, so special, why do they want to be near me?
"How many times must a man turn his head, and pretend he just doesn't see." Yeah, how long can I just ignore it, I'm not blind, but dammit, how do I act?
"The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind." Damn, for some gaijin, Peter, Paul, and Mary sure had an universal point.
The thought of them leaving scares me, more so than when I had to fight Kagato. I fear losing them, I guess I just got too attached to them, more than they know. More than I fear letting them know
What am I supposed to do, condemn them for being so lovable? I admit it, I fear being abandoned. again. I remember all too well when mother left me. As hard as I thought it was then, I wonder how my father felt? From what I hear from his co-workers and his family, he was a very different man when mother was still alive. It's interesting in a sad way to hear how father was then. It frightens and saddens me to see how father turned into a pervert how mother died. Well, at least that's how they view him. He just doesn't seem like it. I know he's just pushing me, hell, I'm amazed he isn't worried to death that I don't show much interest in Ryoko.
Personally, although he does lay it on pretty thick, I think it's all an act. Maybe it's his shell, to show to the world that he has recovered and thrives. I think it's a shield, meant to push other's away, hell if one acted like a pervert, the less women will look at him, in a favorable light that is. Maybe that's his way of being faithful to mother. However, when he drinks with ji-san, I see the true him unwind. Usually he's so lighthearted, but when he touches the sake, he turns all grim and thoughtful. Morose I think is the word. Well, sadly, I never got to know mom as much as I wanted to, but, what's the phrase; 'there's no use crying over spilled milk' was it?
What am I thinking.'as much as I wanted to', what the hell would I know? That sounds so damn cold, but she did take a chunk out of my heart when she left. Is there ever an age that isn't 'too young' for a child to lose their parent, unless that child is no longer a child, hell even then it would be awful, as it should be. Ever since she died, I never felt like I could really reach out to others, except for a handful of acquaintances, I never had a best friend, not if you don't count imaginary playmates I had as small boy, and even then I forget them. Whereas other boys stayed away from girls for silly reasons like they were simply different and they were possessed of some viral entity, I stayed away because I was afraid. Hah, an elementary-schoolboy afraid of getting hurt emotionally, no not like that, I was just afraid to get close to a girl, anybody really, and then have them leave, my pathetic little heart couldn't handle that really. Sure I talked about girls with the boys at school, but that was so they wouldn't pick me out and question me about it. Hell, I just let 'Little Tenchi's' thoughts come out then, not really mine.in a sense.
Fuck, I remember. Mariya; I can't believe how stupid I was then. How could I have believed she would actually-argh, forget it, Tenchi, forget it.
I guess I really lucked out, although they are a bit of a nuisance at times, I wouldn't give up what I had for the whole fucking world. I meant what I said to Kagato that day. Those weren't just words inspired by a testosterone surge or an adrenaline boost. I wasn't trying to be a man, I'm still a boy. It was the truth. I would rather die that forsake any one of them. Whatever they may do, I will always be there for them, until the day I die.
Somehow, I don't think they would like knowing that. Ehh, what they know won't hurt them, I hope.
Ever since they came, I've been. I've been happy! I never knew how lonely I was before I met them. Sure it was a satisfactory life before they came, but that's all it was, nothing really special about it. I care about Father and ji-san a lot, not just because they are my only close family, but since they have both tried their best in raising me.
Ever since Mother died, ji-san has stepped in to help raise me, one of the ways being try to instill some character in me by working at the temple and of course, teaching me budo. Although when I first began, I didn't notice it, it seemed that Father seemed to bear a lot of guilt concerning me. I guess maybe that's why he pushes me towards the girls so much. Not so much friendly teasing, but sort of a means of amends for assumed bad fathering. I suppose that's a reason that he lets them stay here as opposed to letting them stay at the temple. He's really awful, but he's not hentai enough to actually tape the girls in their rooms. If he did.father or not. what am I thinking?
A snort came out of me at the ridiculousness of such a thought. No, not if they get to him first and he wouldn't do that in the first place. But he does want them in close proximity to me, not for romantic purposes; although like most fathers he wants grandchildren to 'continue the line,' but sort of a surrogate family. Even after all this time, my mother still holds a strong presence in his mind. I guess that to have a bunch of sisters and as he keeps on pressing me, a future daughter-in-law, not simply fiancée is one of his solutions to filling up the vacuum.
Damn, I wonder if that kind of dedication to someone is a gift, or a curse. Hell, I think I may have it.
Ji-san I have a lot to thank for. If it wasn't for him needling me on that one day to stay away from the cave, this whole mess probably wouldn't have happened. I've asked myself a lot of things about this. One of them being, did he plan this intentionally? It was almost as if he knew not just what was in the cave, but who. I know he has this image and all everyone expects him to be, but even he should have been surprised by what had happened. I think he took this in stride a little too well. Father was confused at first but he quickly accepted Ryoko's story. I should confront him about this, no need thinking about issues like this, having it gnawing away at me when I can just get it over with and get my answers, and hopefully those answers won't pose even more questions. It's sort of annoying how I've gotten more paranoid lately, but judging from what's happened, I guess it can't really be helped.
What's his real name? Jurai Yosho, sounds so different from Masaki Katsuhito. The lost prince of Jurai, and my grandfather; the Shinto priest. It just doesn't sound right.
Hell, 'lost prince' my ass. From what I heard, it looks like Yosho ran away. Just like what I'm doing. I guess some things do run in the family. I can't help but feel he's just passing off his responsibilities onto me. Great, looking back on it, even though he ran away from the throne, he still did his duty. I was born, so there is an heir.
I know I shouldn't be so bitter, but I can't help but be just a little pissed off, wouldn't anyone? I know he loves me as much as one can love their child, but this is still hard to bear. But, without him, none of this would have happened. Like it or not, everyone here, even Ryoko, owes ji-san something.
He's groomed me to be his heir. I don't want it. But if it helps secure a future for the girls, I guess I have no choice. This is just weird, what is this, some twisted anime fairy tale or something?
What's that sound? That just threw me off my track of thought. I turn to its general direction and I find that it's coming from Sasami. She snores, wow, that's a new one. The sight was sort of cute though, but still, oh well, at least its something I can tease her with, about time for some payback. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. It was a near perfect scene really, too bad I didn't have a camera so I could save it for the scrapbook.
Sasami lies there on her side in the sleeping bag zipped up to her wais , facing me. I savor the peaceful expression on her face and I ask myself why must she suffer these nightmares? I know the answer, yet I must still plead to whatever supreme beings there are out there on her behalf. One thing spoils this picturesque moment.
Nah, screw perfect, this is just adorable. Her mouth was wide open and a glistening trail of. drool. I let out a soft laugh at that was running down her cheek. Oh my, the side of the Juraian Royal Family their followers never see, their human side. At that, I questioned myself again, hmm, or is it Juraian side, heh. My mind going blank I just continue to gaze at her face much in the same way I did the stars. "I wonder what kind of dream are you having little one," I ask her quietly, so I don't wake her. Is it the kind that you should have? Free of worries and things of the sort, filled with the stuff fairy tales are made of, it would be appropriate if you were perhaps, a princess and some prince in shining armor came along and saved you from some mean old witch? It was strange, almost as in response to this, her freckle-streaked cheekbones lit up in a mild pink hue. It couldn't be what I said, could it?
As I look over the early morning fog engulfing the valley, the lavender folds of mist remind me of Aeka. It was weird meeting her for the first time. It wasn't much of a good impression, but after she stopped trying to kill me I'd like to think we hit it off. A lot of work went into loosening that princess up. Even away from the throne she seemed to be bound by her protocol. Sad once you think about it, she put all her chips on her 'Prince Yosho,' and what does he do? Run away to Earth, imprison Ryoko till I free her, and leave Aeka all alone on Jurai.
It must have been harsh; Aeka is the shy type, to put it mildly. Still, it was very nice to see her open up to me in that shed. At first she comes off as a bitch, but once you go through all the formality, she really is a great person. However, out of respect I call her Aeka-hime, but she gets me back by calling me Tenchi-sama. Tenchi-sama. I like the ring of that, I always did want that honorific, although sometimes I swear she makes it sound. kinky.
Whatever, that girl hides her feelings really deep down, but I don't think she has that many secrets, just hidden emotions. Unlike some of the other's she doesn't have a shell, but like the mist, she obscures her emotions from view. I guess that's a result of being royalty. Interesting, seeing as I am somehow a descendant of Yosho, does this mean I am now the crown prince? Strange, no way do I ever see myself being on a par with Aeka, unlike her sister who is so open.
When I look at her, she seems so typical of the tragic princess figure, except she doesn't have a matching prince, I wonder what was Yosho thinking when he chose not to return? As if she wasn't isolated enough, one of the few people she opened up to leaves her behind. However, I can't really complain, seeing as it was my predecessor's actions that led to my encountering the sisters Jurai. I can't help but make her blush sometimes. It's such a beautiful sight when her cheeks redden, and all it takes is a compliment, or simply catching her off guard while she's daydreaming. I suppose it's only a matter of time before she has to leave and continue on with her duties, seeing as she is the oldest heir they know to be alive. except, thanks to Yosho's antics, I'm now the heir.
That's sad, I'm first in line for the throne of an interstellar empire. Me, a country bumpkin among country bumpkins, a Prince of the Universe? Times like this, I really want to beat down ji-san.
When Emperor Azusa came, that was a scare. It was funny seeing Aeka's reaction to her mom, although I still feel phantom pain around my ribs every now and then, that Misaki has a grip most men, no, bears would envy. I don't know why he didn't like me. He didn't even acknowledge me as his descendant, why though? Was it because his prodigal son ran off and started his own line without his personal permission? I don't think it's because I'm Terran, no, if it was, he would never have married Funaho-sama. Whatever, but for some reason, he scares me. He has the power to take them away from here, I don't know why that scares me, am I really so afraid of them leaving me behind here? Ugh, this is really beginning to muddle my thinking.
Once more, I gaze at the stars, hoping to once again clear my thoughts as I tried to lose myself in Polaris. As I tried to once again lost myself in their humble, yet in truth, quite majestic nature, another star came to mind. That star was named Mihoshi. 'Beautiful Star' I muse to myself, such an appropriate name. She seemed to glow with her happy-go- lucky personality, to me, the times she actually did not have a smile on her face, or was in tears at some minor incident or perhaps having a perplexed expression was when I knew something was wrong. There are few things more indicative of something wrong than when Mihoshi has her professional face on. She may seem clumsy, but I've seen how competent she could be. Of all the GP that went after Kagato and actually engaged him, she is probably one of the literal handful who survived to tell the tale.
Really, if she was so damn incompetent, how else could she have gotten into the Galaxy Police. I know Ryoko doesn't think too much of it, but if the Juraians respect it, that has to be something. Plus she's always come through for us, odd as it may look.
While others call her bubble-headed, I call her carefree. Many times I thought it was just animal lust that drew me to her. But no, if I was that petty, I would have jumped on Ryoko and Aeka a long time ago. Of all the girls, I think it's safe to say she is the most like me. Not really that important in the scheme of things. We weren't famous, and in a way, it felt nice having someone whom you don't feel like your in their shadow.
Although half the household seems to think she's an idiot, she's proven otherwise to me. I've went out on the town with her when I felt that it got too hot at the house for me. For example, when I knew that both Aeka and Ryoko were on the warpath, and frankly, there are times that I do not want to put up with it. I know I should be flattered that those two feel like I'm worth competing over, but I feel bad, because, regardless of what I do, if I even choose to do anything chances are, one or the other, maybe even both, will be hurt by my actions.
Its weird too, I've seen Mihoshi look lost, I know I shouldn't pry, but dammit, what the hell is she hiding behind that 'ditz' shell of hers.
I guess most guys would kill to be in my shoes, but frankly, I don't see what it is that they see in me. Sure, I may be Juraian royalty, and I posses the Wings of the LightHawk, but, does that really mean anything? It appalls me to think that in all their years of existence, for some reason, 'I' am the one they chose. Thankfully the conflict is limited to Aeka and Ryoko, but I've seen all of them 'looking' at me. Weird, never thought girls, much less them, would ogle me. Hell, lately Sasami's been quirky. I heard Mihoshi mention something about ji-san saying she would be a great wife. Damn it ji-san, my life is already complicated enough!
I do feel a kinship with her. For one, I don't think she's that much more older than I am. Plus, I'll admit it; I'm a klutz too. I may not as bad as she is, but I'm clumsy nonetheless. Boy, my fingers will never let me live that one down, ever since then I've learned not to tempt fate. Damn those two jokers for egging me on, I guess we looked like the three stooges back then on that roof, all of us nursing our hammered hands. I guess she's the epitome of the 'Inner Child'. I let out a laugh at that one. I'm getting too sentimental I guess.
Hmmm, but on the other side of the coin is Washu. She seems to be the polar opposite of Mihoshi. Whereas Mihoshi is very open, Washu is a. crab in a sense. It's near impossible to get through that damned shell of hers. First off, there's her obsession with being a child, while in truth, she's older than some of Earth's dead civilizations. Immediately after the Kagato crisis, when she decided to stay with us, I just thought she was an eccentric scientist who was a little too dedicated to her work. However, when Taro came over, boy did she prove me wrong. Interesting, what is she, a Renaissance woman? Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe and Damn Good Mother in one, who would've known? Amazing, I'd be lying to myself if I didn't admit that I was jealous of Taro then.
Is that what a mother and child really look like together? Is that really what Mother and I looked like back then? I don't know why, but I sense a great sadness in her. Much as she tries to hide it, the fact that she's like that is an obvious indication that she's hurting inside. Since when did I become so nosy?
My glimpse into the 'Inner' Washu peaked when my aunt and uncle came by to pick little Taro up. That side of Washu was one I had never seen before and it damn near well broke my heart when she handed him over. The pain that I saw in her eyes, it was something that she had to relive. I remembered what she told me of her first child, and it must have opened up an old scar that has never really healed inside her. Before I had a chance to comfort her, she reverts to her scary lecherous woman act. Not that I was complaining of course, far from it on the inside, but it seemed just as she was bringing down all her walls, to save face she decided to pull that stunt. Of course the girls fell for it.
That was an interesting experience, its embarrassing to think how she looked like then. Why does she choose to hide under that child's façade? Is she really so afraid of being an adult, or rather, being near adults, those who can hurt her. How deep down does she keep the 'real' Washu, all she does is isolate herself in her lab all day long and immerse herself in work. Of all the girls, she's the only one that doesn't sleep in the house. unless if its in my room. She is nice to have around as a person, her humor, although sharp, is a welcome addition to our party. Not like I have anything to compare it to before she came along. Although she doesn't seem to admit it, I think she really cares about us. Heh, knowing her, if she ever heard me say that about her she'll probably just drop a statue on my head. Either that, or. run me through another set of. tests. I shudder at the imagery suddenly flying through my mind. Is all those restraints necessary or is she just into S&M? Let me guess, another one of the ways she pushes people away to keep herself from getting hurt.
What is she suffering from? Hedgehog's Dilemma. I guess it could be that. To save yourself from being hurt by betrayal and separation, you push others away. Because getting near others hurts you, it's a vicious circle.
As I continue to juggle issues about Washu and motherhood around in my head, another subject comes into mind. Ryoko, strange, are those two really family? From what I've seen there's bad blood between them, and it doesn't seem like the other is willing to make a move towards the other. Hell, if it wasn't for Washu informing us, there's no way I would have believed those two shared blood, much less were mother and daughter. Well, I have to admit, the irrationality is there. Who knows. maybe they do have a lot in common, outside of the superficial things.
However, Washu did come through for her daughter when that one-eyed octopus came over and tried to abduct Ryoko. The fact that he tried to have me killed did not infuriate me as much as the fact that he made Zero.or is it Ryoko now, I don't know, be my executioner. I know that Ryoko's watched me in my sleep before when her fears grew to great for her to ignore. But to make her commit such an act?
It's only moments when my anger erases all other thoughts from my mind that I can actually access my power. Is this a boon, or a curse. To have such raw power, yet I can only harness it when I see red. Ji-san would have a field day burying me under all his platitudes if I revealed this to him. Strange, when they are in danger, it seems to me that nothing else matters. Maybe that mental toilet flush is what I need in order to summon the wings. Thanks to Aeka, and with some coaching from ji-san strangely enough, I'm able to easily utilize the Tenchi-ken and unleash the abilities my Juraian heritage gives me. But, it's only when one of them is threatened that I can summon those damned wings.
I don't know, but for some reason, I guess being able to summon those wings makes me special to them. Washu claims to only stay on to study them, but that's just her way of saying that she likes it here I guess. For some reason, I sense that Azusa is angry at me for having that ability?
Why, is it jealousy, that someone who has just recently learned of his heritage is so inherently powerful? Maybe it's because Azusa has never had the chance to influence me. Did he want to mold me to fit his agenda, to swear allegiance to him? I guess having the ability to wield the power of the tree-ships is a curse. Times like this I wish Tsunami has never unlocked whatever it is inside me that enables me to use those wings. Or perhaps its fear, fear that I might actually use my power, I don't know why he would fear me. I don't even know how to use it properly, I'm just winging it. Great, I made a pun. I need to talk to Aeka about my Juraian side so I could get some answers, yet I feel that I will only ask more questions.
So long as the ones I love remain safe, if my family remains unharmed, I will not draw upon the LightHawk Wings. However, if they are threatened, I do not know what I will stop at to protect them, even if the price for their happiness comes at the cost of my life, or my humanity.
Just listen to me go on about that in some dull monologue. I should get off that topic, its bad to brood on things like that. By now Ryoko would have glomped onto me and tried to cheer me up. Of course Aeka would have joined in, and Washu would be right there, either squeezing in, or adding fuel to an already raging inferno. I guess Ryoko is the first stage in the 'powder keg', so what does that make me, the detonator?
At the thought of Ryoko, my face lights up. Hmm, for someone with that name, she seems more like an angel to me. I don't know why I'm getting sentimental, I guess it's the air I try to convince myself. Out of all of them, she was the first one I met. No, I don't mean when I unwittingly freed her from that cave, but I've felt that I've known her since I was a child. Weird, I sort of got a feeling of déjà vu after I met her, almost as if it wasn't the first time.
All my life I've been interested in that cave. I even used to play there as a kid. I wonder, how Ryoko would react if she knew that I remembered her later on. We both overreacted on that night.
It was weird though, it scared me at first after seeing Ryoko like that. As if it wasn't bad enough she went after me at school. But, on the bright side, I do have her to thank for that 'extended' vacation. Its strange how someone can go homicidal to manipulating and then finally to affectionate in such a short period of time. At first I thought she was just a joker, but later I saw more of her inner self. How could anyone like her commit the crimes she has been accused of is beyond me. Sure she's super-powerful, but she's harmless in her own way. Then Kagato came, that pretty much explained a lot of my questions. That surprised the hell out of me when he took control of Ryoko.
For all the 'joie de vive' she displays, she's just a little girl inside. I've seen it when she loses control. Not control of her anger, but control of her mask. I wonder how many nights have I spent sleeping in my bed with her hovering just feet away, having to be there to assure that I was still there, that HER Tenchi was still there for her. I should act, but I'm too much of a coward to do anything, because to choose one would be to hurt the others.
This is sad, I conquer the fear of challenging like Kagato, but its already been half a year and more and I still pretend that the issue doesn't exist.
I know I love them all, but I don't know exactly what kind of love it is, for someone who can't even drive yet, I'm talking about bonding myself to those who live for millennia? I think it's just a familial love, but they seem to want more from me. I know I am dense, but I can only go for so long before reality gives me a kick in the ass. I pray that I find a solution to my problem, before I wake up one day to find the carnival has gone, having packed up and departed during the night.
My eyes once again go skyward, this time tracing the path of a falling star. I remember something in English my mother once taught me, one of the few things I remember.
"Twinkle twinkle little star How I wonder what you are."
However, before I can continue on with the next line the star seems to get closer and closer, and soon I see a spheroid glow. It was at this point that I recognize what that star was. It was the Yukinojo, and sure enough, it was inbound at a steep approach angle. I wonder if Mihoshi forgot to engage the autopilot again. Once again, I give a small laugh at the irony. Well, who knows, the engines look like they're idle. Hopefully Yukinojo takes some initiative and try to land safely.
"Great, doesn't she usually just hyperspace the ship to just above the lake," I groaned, figuring it out. "Looks like she rode that thing all the way from orbit"
However as it was almost to its favorite 'landing' site at the lake the ship reoriented itself and fired up its sleeping engines. I held my breath, would she make it this time? I could see the beeline path it was on slowly change into a curved trajectory. As she came in closer, I would have expected her to angle her nose into a shallow angle of attack. Instead however, she was still at a -15* angle, what was she doing? Then it hit me, I remember Mihoshi talking to me about flying one day, and she indulged me. If she simply tried to pull up, her inertia would still carry her downwards. However, if one built up enough momentum, she could harness that and use it to her advantage. It was only a couple of seconds later but I could see Mihoshi was going to impact on the other side of the lake at this rate. I noticed that even so, she would still skid onto the surface at high speeds.
Then Mihoshi, or maybe Yukinojo did something I didn't expect. She went into a half-roll and I saw the engines flare into overdrive. Instead of overshooting the lake and crashing into the forest, Yukinojo slashed into the lake, still in the process of completing its roll. Wow, I never knew Mihoshi knew how pull a Split-S. However, she had so much inertial force that instead of flipping, she plowed through slowly righting herself in a tight spiral before settling down to a shaky level approach. As she came barreling along the lake at water level, I noticed that the pressure wave she created parted the lake like the Red Sea.
At this point I started to clap lightly in appreciation of her feat. She finally pulled a Pugochev's Cobra to kill speed and she fired her braking thrusters to come to a stop. However, her engine cluster slammed onto the shore in front of the house before she came to a complete stop. Fortunately she was only going a few hundred kilometers and the water finally caught up to Yukinojo. Still however, the poor ship ended up rolling. and rolling, tumbling up and down, until it's port wing finally embedded itself onto the ground and after tilling the earth for several yards, the ship came to a stop, the groan of overstressed metal could be heard, almost as if Yukinojo was alive. and in a great deal of pain.
Taking a quick look at Sasami to see that she was still as she was just moments ago, and the slight commotion the 'landing' caused didn't wake her up, I dashed towards Mihoshi's ship. If it wasn't so dangerous in nature, I would have appreciated the water show provided by this. But, at the moment, I was concerned about Mihoshi, the shore looked like some 4x4s with blades for wheels went hog-wild on it. I ran past the gate trying to reach Yukinojo as fast as I could. I saw that our resident logs, Azaka and Kamidake were ahead of me, hovering towards the crash site.
As I closed, I noticed something that sent another shard of fear into my heart, Yukinojo was inverted. What amazed me was that seeing as much damage as it took, nothing on the ship seemed warped, much less destroyed. Yet even with all this, Kagato was able to turn an entire fleet of them into their base elements within seconds of engagement. The memory of that combat footage Mihoshi showed me frightened me even more than I already was now. As the logs and I reached Yukinojo, we tried to figure out a way to upright it. Before common sense took over and I went back into the house to summon the girls for help, Azaka and Kamidake went into action. They used their forcefields to shift Yukinojo. However, the ship stubbornly remained embedded in the earth.
I focused my mind and I drew upon my Juraian heritage. With the help of the ring Aeka gave me, I transformed into what I call 'battle-mode', a throwback to all the mecha shows, both animated and live-action, that I saw as a child, and I admit, they still hold a special place in my mind. Trying to throw off the seriousness of the situation, I decided to clown around. As I proceeded to help the two logs trying to lift Yukinojo up, I pulled a triangle shape with my arms with the vertex at the top of my head. With a 'SU-WATCH!' I used my augmented abilities to raise Yukinojo and upright it. As I settled her down gently onto the ground, I once again lost my jovial attitude.
Still garbed in brown and skin tinted gray with my markings, I practically ripped the hatch off and I bounded into the ship. I saw Mihoshi slumped back against her pilot couch, and she looked like she was on the verge of unconsciousness. I hurried to her, going over her, trying to find any injuries that should have happened. I felt a great weight come off my back as I saw that there was nothing wrong with her, and Yukinojo popped out of his niche like a broken jack-in-the-box to assure me that she was alright. As I slipped my hands under her petite form to get her out of the ship, she mumbles something. I lean in close to hear what she's saying.
".my prince." Mihoshi drowsily got out before she succumbed to the call of slumber.
I decided to take her back with me to the deck. As I walked towards the house, cradling Mihoshi in my arms Azaka and Kamidake offered their assistance. I waved them off, thanking them for their earlier help and I continued on to the house.
I look down on her face, into her carefree slumber. What are you dreaming about Mihoshi? 'My Prince'. I just hope you have a 'happily ever after, the end.' too in there. Although I should no better, sometimes I think as if you are still a child. So innocent, so carefree, but how much of that is an act, and how much of it is really you?
. Heh, nice to know those logs here have a place in this family besides as gateposts or 'intercom' systems. The Juraian fascination for arboreal things is something. It was interesting to see Aeka and Sasami's storage system. I suppose if we ever needed money we can make our own little business out of producing those kinds of storage units. It is kind of cute if you ask me, maybe those naturalist freaks will love those hollow logs. Well, if I ever need an idea for a get-rich-quick product, I know what I'm going to pitch.
As I laid her down in my sleeping bag next to Sasami, I noticed some things again. For one, how close the two looked. Like Sasami, Mihoshi had the kid-like charm, packed into an adult body. Lying there, snoring in synchronization with Sasami, I couldn't help but laugh, albeit gently, at what I saw and heard. Looking down on her elfin features, even more so than Ryoko, I snuck a quick kiss on Mihoshi's exposed cheek, and to my surprise, I head her giggle in her sleep and say 'Tenchi'. I was still thrown off from earlier, and this sent me further off-track. I even forgot that I was still 'enhanced'.
Looking back on tonight I think to myself that maybe insomnia isn't such a bad thing after all. There still is a few hours before dawn arrives. I have more time to think on things, on the past, the present, and the future. There's never a dull moment in this household, and even in the dead of night, things happen. Yet, I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't believe it, I'm not even old enough to drink, and I'm already sentimental.
I chuckle at another memory that popped into my head. It was when I was playing with an imaginary friend I ended up hurting myself because I forgot that imaginary friends couldn't catch you. Stupid things one does as a child, then again, thinking about my companions, again I remember that I am an infant to them. You still have a long way to go Tenchi, a long way to go.
*** Ryoko's Nightmare ***
In Kagato's chamber aboard Shoja, Ryoko regained awareness. As she tried to recover from her drunken stupor, more and more of her surroundings' details became apparent. Then, Ryoko saw...herself! What the hell...
Off to the side, the a battle-worn Ryoko was slumped over to one side, trying to ignore her injuries and instead, focusing on something else. While Ryoko was still gathering her wits about her, she did what most people would've done, followed her doppelganger's gaze. The sight that greeted her forced a gasp out of Ryoko.
Out on the chamber's floor was Kagato himself, the bastard who was responsible for so much of her pain, and the pain of so many others. Ryoko's eyes blazed with fury, her cat-like eyes lighting up, pronouncing their amber glow. Instinctively she summoned her 'armor,' and with a battle-cry went into action. Following the transformation, Ryoko extended her arm, and fired a crimson bolt of energy she summoned from another plane. As Ryoko began to teleport to begin her assault, she noticed her projectile had gone through Kagato and dissipated harmlessly onto the floor, causing no apparent damage. Ryoko noticed that it hadn't elicited a single bit of attention from Kagato.
Why... unh... that's right, dream Ryoko, it's a dream! Ryoko discovered her current situation. and she rapped her forehead with her knuckles as she thought it through.
As she tried to calm herself down and at least try to figure out what to do, Ryoko saw the third of the other occupants in the chamber.
Tenchi! There was no mistaking his presence. From his bearing, to his aura, and even his scent, it all radiated 'Tenchi.'
The flames of rage burning inside was instantly doused when she this boy. Whereas Kagato has inflicted only pain upon her, Tenchi was different. As he stood there, with his face set in a stoic glare at his opponent, Ryoko could not help but be elated. Standing there on the floor, in full battle regalia, was her version of the knight in shining armor.
Someone, finally Ryoko had someone who cared about her as a person, not as a tool, not as a monster. It was Tenchi, who willingly went after her, when he could have easily forsaken her and went on with his life. He went on, knowing that he was heading into a trap. Never in her two millennia of existence has she met anyone so kind. Finally, there was someone who was willing to sacrifice himself to save her. Even in sparing her life, Yosho had damned her to an uncertain future as a prisoner of that foul cavern, locked in eternal limbo. Then, Tenchi came and freed her from centuries of the dormant hell she endured, trapped in purgatory. Even after Ryoko 'tested' him, he accepted her into his life, albeit reluctantly at first, but she liked to think she grew on him...
With Tenchi never expecting anything of her, Ryoko was content, strange, for all that she was capable of, she was satisfied of the quiet life she enjoyed on Earth, simply existing, not having to worry about fighting, or killing, or anything else for that matter, no problems more serious than how to avoid doing chores and no confrontation more threatening than her regular bouts with Aeka. Heh, for a princess, I guess she's not so bad, damned if she'll ever hear that from me though.
Her main conflict in life was now to joust for the affection of the boy she whole-heartedly loved, not trying to stay alive, or destroying a target, or enduring Kagato.
While Ryoko was thinking, the characters in her dream came to life. Kagato began to talk to Tenchi, gloating, trying to provoke the Terran into action. Her doppelganger was pleading to Kagato, Ryoko remembered doing that, to spare Tenchi's life...
Before Ryoko could do anymore, signs of increased activity froze her into simply spectating, as she believed that it would be a repeat of the actual event.
Come on Tenchi, nail his ass! Ryoko didn't bother to voice her thoughts, seeing as no one but her could hear them anyway. She had all too much experience with these kind of lucid dreams.
Both swordsmen nodded at each other and went into their own stances. They were still for a few seconds, which Ryoko thought to be minutes instead, waiting for the calm to be broken by the savagery of the final clash of the two combatants.
Tenchi was the first to lose his cool. However, instead of performing a battle cry, he began to jog towards his opponent in a lazy jog. He placed his right hand immediately under the guard of the LightHawk Sword as he ran. It looked like he would wait until the final few seconds until he shifted into an offensive grip so as to maintain some surprise. Although as he began to close he point his sword across him, with the edge facing Kagato, as he continued to run Tenchi kept rotating his forearm, so as to provide a faster strike when he engages Kagato.
Kagato on the other hand simply stood his ground. He placed one foot ahead of the other when he twisted off to the side and shifted his weight to the back as if to absorb and the impact or to provide a launch platform for a counterattack.
Tenchi finally placed his left hand under his right yet he still kept the sword pointing in at Kagato's face, lateral to his shoulders. He wasn't aiming for an uncertain slash, he was going simply for a thrust, or a cut, depending on how he finds a way into Kagato's defense.
However, Kagato would not play Tenchi's game. As the boy inexorably closed in on him, Kagato extended his other arm and a hail of jade shards flew at the boy. Instead of dodging, the boy simply plowed through, the barrage seeming to have no effect on him. Kagato then shifted his aim onto Tenchi's path instead. Tenchi began to lose his momentum as he struggled to deal with an unseen and changing path.
At this point Ryoko started to get nervous.
Hey! This wasn't how it happened.
Other things increased her fear. Her memories, those of Kagato. How he fought, no matter if he's outclassed, let him control the length of the battle and he will always win. Ryoko has seen firsthand what Kagato was capable of when he fought his own battles. The first match with Tenchi and Yosho was a probe, to analyze his enemies, and he pulled out and waited for them to come to him. That was his strategy, don't fight a battle you can't win, wait for another opportunity and that time let your enemy do the work for you. Her revelations smashed into her, she herself had used the same tactics when she was still under his control. Ryoko's blood went cold and as she tried to close her eyes and convince herself to wake up, yet, even in the dark, in her mind's eye she could still see the seen in absolute clarity, Tenchi was now only a handful of seconds away.
Kagato's change of targets also had another effect. While seemingly random, Kagato placed them in a way so as to make Tenchi follow a predetermined path. Also, the clouds of debris caused by the explosion prevented Tenchi from seeing his quarry, so he was forced to slow his speed.
As Ryoko's horror grew, the scene that should have been akin to the cliché fly-bys in the samurai soaps she watched at home changed into an act of chaos. Kagato took this opportunity to move over to a position right next to the route he predicted Tenchi would take. By now, Kagato had stopped firing, so as to not give away his position.
Kagato then swung his sword into the cloud and she was surprised to see him frown, then curse momentarily later as he phased into another spot. Her heart, which was in her throat at this point returned to its niche as relief flooded her system. As Kagato phased however, a lock of gray her fell away. Looking to see what caused it, Ryoko's heart almost leapt out again, this time for another reason.
Glowing through the haze of marble dust was HER Tenchi. The same Tenchi that risked everything and returned from death to save her. She figured that Tenchi, when confronted with the loss of vision, had decided to hop over it and try to find his bearings. I guess some of Yosho rubbed off on him.hnn, never thought I'd thank him for anything.
As Tenchi landed and sidestepped into a clear area, Kagato disappeared again. Tenchi immediately rotated his grip on the LightHawk Sword so it was now held like a dagger offset to the side and he backpedaled into a clockwise spiral, cleaving the air around his flank, the aura of the sword leaving a crescent trail that burned in the air, sending a wave of what could only be ki as its wake. Ryoko was grateful for whatever Tenchi had learned in fighting her that night at his school. The boy, although he did not look it, was indeed a warrior. He anticipated Kagato.meaning.
Her thoughts cut off as she saw a 2-meter long slab of emerald light materialize in the arc of Tenchi's slash. Kagato, who was dealing what Tenchi thought the final strike was forced on the defensive by Tenchi's pre- emptive reaction. Kagato pivoted his blade up so as to have the best coverage area in blocking the boy's sword. Whereas the Sword of the LightHawk would have severed Kagato's smirking head from his body, it bit into Kagato's sword instead.
Unlike the Tenchi-ken, the LightHawk Sword had a solid blade, something Tenchi was familiar with, as he was now reunited with the strangely comforting weight of the blade tugging down. Instead of 2 different sources of energy deflecting off each other had Tenchi wielded the sword that bore his name, or rather whose name he bore. As they met, Kagato's blade was diffused by the crystalline blade much like how light passing into a prism is. However, instead of the spectrum appearing, the energy released by this action created a blast that blew the combatants back away from each other.
Hnn, stalemate. Ryoko thought, while she was relieved that Tenchi was doing well, she was also wary of the length of the battle. 'The more time Kagato has, the less time Tenchi has to live.' Ryoko knew that Kagato did not fight in the moment, like in the game 'Go' that Tenchi taught her, planned his moves well ahead of time, even to the point of anticipating his opponents move, and compensating accordingly. Personally, Chinese checkers suits it better, much simpler, yet just as complex. heh, I gotta play Sasami more often, Tenchi and Aeka are just too easy to psych-out.
The two were once again at a deadlock, calmly collecting their energy while again waiting for one of them to break the silence and continue their duel. At this rate, Tenchi will win, but. Kagato doesn't even seem worried in the least. It's almost as if he's. enjoying this.
For a moment this struck fear into Ryoko's heart, knowing Kagato for so long, she knew that he enjoyed toying with is opponents, especially those who could be a threat to him, those who were a worthy challenge. But Kagato wasn't smiling anymore, he was pissed. Heheh Tenchi! Nail the bastard! In another drop in what seemed to be a roller coaster of emotions, Ryoko took note of Kagato's anger. In the time I've spent with him, I've never seen him so furious, no one lived long enough to do that to him. until Tenchi and Yosho at least. She wondered at how that will affect Kagato's anger. Will it force him into being sloppy, or will he focus his rage at Tenchi and use it as a weapon instead.
Whilst Ryoko was wholly absorbed in the battle, resigning to the fact that she was unable to do anything in this disturbingly realistic nightmare of hers, trying to convince herself that it wasn't real, even if all her senses, including her sixth, were telling her otherwise. Mind over matter Ryoko.or some crap like that. Ryoko tried to tell herself that it was just like the programs she watched on television along with the other girls of the house. In retrospect, Ryoko would muse, television time was one of the few times everyone, rather everyfemale was together that there was no conflict.strange, heh, sorry Tenchi, even for you I won't leave my soaps behind!
This time, it was Kagato who severed the tension between them, breaking the silence. He began by unleashing yet another barrage of his jade bolts which once again showered the area all around Tenchi. While his opponent was still obscured by the debris cloud, Kagato took to the air and shifted some of his fire into the ceiling. While Tenchi was still unseen, layers of the ceiling began falling, the tektite plates raining down. As the large plate of ceiling crashed onto the devastated floor, the wind caused by this scattered the dust and it was showed that Tenchi was nowhere to be seen. To Ryoko, it seemed that yet again, HER Tenchi beat Kagato at his own game again. Using the very same thing meant to hobble him, Tenchi used it as a smokescreen for his movement. Instead of aiming for Kagato this time, Tenchi aimed for his weapon.
Ryoko tried to figure out what Tenchi was thinking, then it came to her. ".Kagato's blade can still harm him, but if he destroyed it again, Kagato would be open, oh yeah.how come I didn't think of that?" Ryoko said to herself as she smacked her palm against her forehead. Using the side of her that she acquired from years on the battlefield, she realized that by disarming Kagato, Tenchi would be removing any threat to himself, but Tenchi needs to finish off Kagato. Although the LightHawk Armor effectively neutralized any projectiles and beams lobbed at him, Kagato's primary weapon might be of some harm to him. Something else popped into mind. Shit! Tenchi doesn't know what the wings can handle! Ryoko remembered Kagato's extensive obsession on the wings of the Light Hawk and their capabilities. Thanks to that, she ended up getting defeated by one Juraian prince who used her as his method of escaping his responsibilities and condemning to a silent hell for an undetermined period of time before being freed by HER Tenchi.
As Tenchi was once again about to crash into Kagato, his opponent broke off and started phasing to random spots. Kagato constantly harassed Tenchi with his non-stop flurry of projectiles, never inflicting damage, but the distraction was just as lethal as actually contact. Tenchi seemed to be taking the barrage in stride, using it just as Kagato was. With his armor's augmentative abilities, Tenchi scaled into the air after Kagato. Like Aeka, he had limited flying abilities when he was in battle-mode. Unlike Aeka, Tenchi was did not know how to properly utilize them. Yet, the LightHawk Armor helped enhance his abilities. However, Tenchi was still forced to land every now and then. Not as much as to recharge, but to have better leverage and not be caught in mid-air.
This immediately sent warning bells into Ryoko's mind. Dammit, no, you have no leverage in the air, force him onto the ground! Tenchi was playing right into Kagato's hands at this point. Come on you sonovabitch, make a mistake, make a mistake!
As the battle rages on, Tenchi dashing through the air, trying to intercept an eluding Kagato, the third person in the room makes herself known. As Kagato was busy playing 'warp tag' with Tenchi, the dream Ryoko was recovering from her injuries. Tenchi continued to use his augmented strength to leap up the ceiling, inverting himself so he landed feet first, crouching, before rocketing back down.
Ryoko once again looked at her counterpart, 'how close did I come to death then..?' Ryoko asked herself, shaken at seeing how mangled she was that day aboard Shoja.
Of all the defeats she had suffered, Ryoko feared this one the most. The others all that she had to lose was her life, a life empty, serving as a puppet. Reflecting back on it, Ryoko would have considered it a mercy to be dispatched then, a quick death, rather than the purgatory she experienced. But, now, Ryoko had something to look forward to. Its name was Tenchi, Masaki Tenchi-now Jurai. At her final role in the battle, Ryoko begged for Tenchi's life. begging for a mercy she had never asked for nor received in battle before.
This Ryoko, the defeated Ryoko, had been watching the two all along tried to help Tenchi. Gathering all her remaining strength, the battered Ryoko outstretched her arm, immediately, she had to brace it with her other hand, tears were running down her face not from fear, nor joy, but from the agony caused by her face-off with Kagato. Blood trickled from the edges of her mouth; Ryoko had bitten the insides of her cheek. As she saw 'herself' try to help, Ryoko could not help but wince in sympathy at her counterpart's efforts. C'mon Ryoko, force Kagato onto the ground where Tenchi can finish him off!
As every crimson bolt fired from Ryoko's hand jerked her arm back, as if they actually had recoil, so did they attract Kagato's attention. Fortunately for Tenchi, Kagato was unknowingly phasing ever so closer to the ground, so Tenchi exposed himself less and less on his seemingly impotent aerial assaults. However, Ryoko's double was unable to defend herself should Kagato shift his attention to her, luckily Tenchi was still forcing him on the defensive, although Kagato kept on trying to go on the offensive, he and his blade had to evade the LightHawk Sword.
"Shit, he doesn't look pissed anymore, what's he going to do." Ryoko muttered as she hovered in between the duelers and her dream-counterpart.
Suddenly, her memories once again made themselves known. No.
As if reading her mind, Kagato did something that Ryoko should've seen before. It was a card that Kagato had already played, but had found its way back into his hand.
Above and slightly behind her dream-counterpart, Kagato's shadow re- appeared. Although it would've been useless against either opponent in a stand-up fight, this worn-down Ryoko was in no shape for combat. Ryoko's dream-counterpart kept on firing, oblivious to the grinning Kagato behind her, blade drawn, about to run her through in the next moment.
However, Tenchi saw this all this unfold. His face contorted, and for a moment, Ryoko saw Kagato in Tenchi. It was a sight she would try to forget, something she would bury. Two things that were mutually exclusive cannot be the same, Ryoko would not acknowledge it.
"No, Tenchi, don't! I'm not worth it!" Ryoko impotently yelled at Tenchi, the fact that she could not interact with the characters forgotten in the heat of the moment. Somewhere along the line, Ryoko had forgotten that it was not real, and had fully immersed herself in the playground of her subconscious.
Alas, almost as if he heard her, yet being Tenchi, he still reacted. Instantly the flowing robes of the LightHawk covering him reverted back into two wings. The one on his sword arm shot through towards the doppelganger through Kagato.
Although to most Kagato would seem foolish for putting himself in a position where Tenchi could see what he was doing, Ryoko knew the truth. All along, Kagato had used her, always a tool. First to find Tsunami, second to lure Tenchi and the rest to his Shoja, and now, the tool for 'disarming' Tenchi. He already had Tsunami in his grasp, now to tie up any loose ends.
Kagato easily dodged this and phased out of sight, Tenchi now transformed his second wing on his left arm into an elliptical shield. It was an offensive weapon all the same. With it, being molded past and in front of the curve of his forearm, Tenchi could strike just as well as defend. However, now he had no body armor. Unbeknownst to Ryoko, Tenchi had no experience in shields, except that now he was forced to rely on them as both offensive and defensive tools. In other words, for some reason, the Tenchi in her dreams was learning on the fly.
First Tenchi had to adapt to the non-linear and immaterial nature of energy weapons, now he had to apply what knowledge he had into using them as a defensive measure as well. Kenjutsu, for all its potency, is a limited art.
A millennia of having a permanent set of weapons lead to a solid, rigid form of using those weapons.
In other words, the ferality and barbarity of fighting. had been civilized. It had become stylized. This would hobble Tenchi, who was now trying to tap into his primal instincts, where savagery and ferocity, and pure practicality took precedence over style and form.
The doppelganger was dumbstruck as she saw Tenchi dissipate his armor and one wing come flying at her. Before she knew it the wing flew past her...
Instinctively dream-Ryoko twisted and followed the path of the wing, to see what caused Tenchi to do such a thing. When she saw just exactly 'what' the reason one, her look of shock matched that on Ryoko's face upon seeing the shadow of Kagato annihilated by sphere-turned wing that Tenchi propelled towards her, his sword so close to her body now that she could feel the heat emanating from the emerald blade. Even as he 'died', he had the bastard smirk on his face that confirmed Ryoko's fears.
As the battered Ryoko whirled around to see what she missed in those precious moments, she saw the effects of Kagato's ploy. Tenchi was now on the ground kneeling, the curved LightHawk Shield raised above him, pivoting to meet the ever-shifting approach vector of Kagato's jade rain, Tenchi shuffling and moving in short bursts.
Tenchi tried to summon his wing back towards him, but Kagato would not have it. As the ball of energy collected itself into the familiar elliptical shape, this time some of the remaining automated sentries dropped down from hatches in the ravaged ceiling and engaged Ryoko. However, this time she was prepared, she painfully rose up and began to dodge their attacks, occasionally returning fire whenever she got the energy.
Although given enough time, even in her current state, this weary Ryoko could've won. But, Kagato's shadow once again rematerialized. She was forced into an increasingly defensive battle. Having no other option Tenchi tried to make his way over to her to help her. Kagato himself then decided to direct his fire towards her. Finally losing what little calm remained, Tenchi let out a snarl of frustration, breaking free of all that he had been taught about contrl. He immediately redirected his efforts into engaging Kagato and manipulated the separate wing into protecting Ryoko.
Several of the dozen sentries were down by this point, but the rest were still grinding down on Ryoko. Although the Shadow Kagato was just a weak projection of the true Kagato, at Ryoko's current state, the Shadow was a dangerous threat to her. At this point however the wing stopped blocking Kagato's barrage and went in close to protect her.
In a move that surprised Ryoko it fused into her right forearm, extending into a 4 meter long slice of light. It extended from the top of her wrist a good three meters while the rest provided a good shield. Regaining her feral smile, Ryoko curved in on her opponent. It was like Tenchi's shield, except much narrower, yet radiating an aura.
Having lost the full body protection that helped sustain him in vacuum, Tenchi reluctantly went on the defensive. Trying to imitate Aeka once again, Tenchi used his new shield to project a pulse wave directed onto the floor. The result was a shockwave that raised all the debris that had settled onto the floor, blanketing the entire chamber as if volcanic debris spewed in. Cursing, Kagato phased over to his losing Shadow and concentrated on Ryoko instead.
Silently, Tenchi blew through the air making a beeline for Kagato. He anticipated this and the old game of hit and run started anew. Except Tenchi was now more reckless, constantly adapting, constantly changing, the only thing Ryoko could see predictable was his rapid cycling of evolutionary tactics.
The last of the sentries had fallen and the Shadow was finally bisected by a rapidly weakening dream-Ryoko, the temporary adrenaline boost she experienced suddenly dying down. The wing grafted onto her arm began to transfer energy back to her, but this Ryoko was weary of it.
The debris had once again diffused, dust still in the air. Now Ryoko and Tenchi had linked-up and began to move in on Kagato. together.
Finally, Kagato decided to stop. This startled the observing Ryoko. What is that bastard planning? Oh no, he's going to pull something. Ryoko stared into Tenchi's face again, seeing his eyes flicker to her double, at her arm and back at himself. Good, take back your wing Tenchi! But, as if to spite her, Tenchi shook his head, almost as if he could see her, but actually raging against himself.
It hit the spectating Ryoko. Tenchi let her double keep the wing. for it would protect her. Never mind that it might be over faster if he took down the worn-down Kagato now, Tenchi would not risk Ryoko being exposed again, Kagato's earlier strikes at her still burning in his mind's eye.
Therein lied Kagato's strategy. The scheming bastard has struck again. Ryoko shook her head, not wanting to believe what all her battle- savvy told her.
Ryoko and Tenchi now dove in at Kagato, hoping to finish him off, thinking that he was finally spent of energy. Tenchi drove at Kagato head- on, while Ryoko would be sideswiping Kagato with both her slice-wing and ruby rod.
As Ryoko came in, Kagato fired a blast he had charged up into the floor before her path. The impact sent her off course, both from the physical force and the debris once again thrown into the air. It was harmless, but Ryoko instinctively evaded rather than block w/ her loaned wing.
Kagato lined his hilt up parallel to his forearm and surged forward, almost as if the two were on a joust. Tenchi, having too much inertia to break off, simply lowered his head and continued on, the shield now angled away from his body, ready to shift positions to counter anything Kagato does, rotating in lazy circles, a half-moment from transferring its momentum and potential energy into a parry. or a strike.
Two more meters before contact, Kagato places his left hand under his blade to provide stability.
A single pace now, Tenchi tenses.
As Kagato plunges his emerald blade in a lateral motion, Tenchi leaps into the air and following his grandfather's example proceeds to run down Kagato's blade.
As The LightHawk comes slashing down in a diagonal arc going to the left, Kagato put his left hand into action and raised it in front of him.
Another emerald bar of light makes an appearance. However Ryoko doesn't notice this immediately from her position just behind and above Tenchi as she finally gained enough control to follow him and see it through to the end, what she saw was a crescent. After that she saw the blade's handiwork. It ran through Kagato and exited as if Tenchi had swiped at air.
The curving thrust cut across Kagato's left bicep, chest, and ending at his right torso. Both Ryoko's for some reason still held their breath. This was because instead of landing 20 feet away as he should have in her samurai soaps, Tenchi jerked into Kagato's left fist.
At first they simply thought he had the wind knocked out of him.
Tenchi fell back and staggered. All three wings dissipated into the surrounding air, the calming presence that throbbed from her right wrist was gone.
Kagato simply stood still, and then he smiled, a benevolent smile, no, a patronizing one.
"Stupid boy...." After those words, Kagato dissipated onto a non-existent breeze, turning into dust from the slash.
Tenchi stood dumbstruck for a few moments, then looked around, as if he was disoriented. The Ryokos however looked at something they haven't noticed yet, and jerked as another wave of horror hit them.
Through his right chest, was a smoldering hole, one that was 6 centimeters in diameter. Almost as one the dream-Ryoko and the dreaming- Ryoko both had the same expression on their face: the shock of realization. Looking at him, they saw a field of stars against the void. through the cauterized wound.
Ryoko knew all too well the smell of burnt flesh. She also knew Tenchi's scent. Sweaty, clean, freshly awakened it made no difference. Tenchi had his unique aroma. Now the two were fused in a way that made Ryoko wish that she had never even thought up of, much less remarked about her desires to 'Cook Tenchi and eat him all up.'
As the battered Ryoko ran towards Tenchi, now hyperventilating, he turned to face her. He greeted her with a sheepish smile, the one loved so much, this time it was because of what Tenchi must feel. The sheer irony of the words Kagato had spoken to him were the same as the ones Yosho had.
She halted in shock. Tenchi was confused and followed her gaze, then realization struck him as well. Looking down and after facing her again forcing a smile onto his face, Tenchi walked up to her dream-counterpart, now pain was apparent in his features, numbly the observing Ryoko noted that the shock must've worn off. Grasping her by the waist, he leaned forward, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and said, "Shigata ga nai, neh?" With those words, his eyes went dull, and he collapsed onto a petrified dream-Ryoko.
Ryoko was struck by irony, at. at le. least, I.. I g-got t. him. first? Even her thoughts were incoherent.
As the dream-Ryoko laid Tenchi onto what was left of what was once a pristine marble-like floor, she began to sob. Tenchi was now out of 'battle-mode', back in the simple tunic and pants he almost always wore. As everyone else was freed from the mirror dimension of Shoja, the Ryoko in the dream ignored them, simply kneeling on the floor, resting Tenchi's head in her lap and stroking his cheek affectionately, her face now an emotionless mask.
As everyone else flooded in to see Tenchi, the dream suddenly froze. Everything was transformed into shades of black and white, the flashes of horror apparent in the rest of the 'gang.'
Although it was too late to do Ryoko any good, it still stopped.
Still holding her breath she hovered over to where Tenchi lay. As she approached, a series of colors appeared. That of brown's, blacks, and blues. She gasped at what she saw.
The prone body of the 5-year old Tenchi who had played with her in the past hovered above it all. Ryoko drifted over to look at him. His face was a mask of peace, a state of calm found only in slumber. Then she looked at his knee, it was raw, like he had tripped and skinned it.
Her mind flashed back to the days where she played with Tenchi as a child. Times that had brought her respite from the hell of the void, giving her hope again. One day he was scrambling up the rocks on the mouth of her cave and he slipped. His knee had been skinned and he was in extreme pain. How she wished that her astral form could, for just once, have the ability to touch the boy physically, to look after him, to comfort him, anything but just float there and observe his pain, unable to ease it somehow. Instead, she opted to simply lay down by Tenchi, and she began to stroke his face. Although his pain was still great, it was almost as if, Ryoko's touch calmed him. She knew that she could see him, but he surprised her when he look straight into her eyes, deep brown meeting amber, thanking her right before he lost consciousness. Later, Tenchi's grandmother found him sleeping, looking so peaceful for someone with such a great injury.
As the vividness of the memory flashed through her, something snapped inside Ryoko. She looked down on her dream-counterpart and the similarity made itself apparent. Now quaking, she picked up the hovering boy and clutched him to her chest. Savoring his warmth as if it was the only source of sanity in her mental hell, Ryoko softly hummed a tune to him, a tune she remembered some woman singing to her when she herself had been a child. Later, she learned that that woman had been her mother, Washu. However, halfway through Washu's Lullaby, little Tenchi disappeared, and Ryoko suddenly felt her hands going through the air and ending up clutching only herself.
This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Millennia of abuse did not break her, nor did her bitter failures, even purgatory hasn't stopped her. But the destruction of the one thing that meant something to her did. Inhaling in a long ragged gasp, she choked, and righting herself, she screamed her rage to the universe.
The force of her scream shattered her surroundings.and thankfully, destroyed that sadistic world.
Ryoko jerked upright in her rafter-turned bed. She was quaking with so many feelings, some of them being fear, loss, and worry. She was surprised to see herself still in battle-armor and in her right hand was clasped her ruby sword. She could now smell the odor of burned oak.
Looking around she saw that she had cut through part of the beams in the ceiling. Deactivating her sword, she tried to calm herself. Before finally stopping her quaking, one word flashed into her mind.
Tenchi
Fear lighting up her eyes, reason was thrown out of the window, and Ryoko phased into his room, seeking his presence, his warmth. his smell.
What she saw almost made her repeat her roar of sorrow.
Tenchi's bed was empty.
***
Even if she wanted to, I don't think Ryoko could have moved. As I went back to the room after seeing her rafter empty, I saw her there. frozen, looking at my bed. Oh no. please no.
"Ryoko..? What are you doing here?" I said to her, curious as to why she was in her battle-armor. I was still unaware that I was in mine. It worried me. she looked, she looked so lost.
I think that got her attention. She turned towards me.
"Ryoko, daijo-" 'bu' I was going to ask.
But I could not finish as I was glomped by Ryoko. who started sobbing onto my shoulder. her arms quaked, hands roaming all over me.
This wasn't the flirting and practical sexual harassment she often committed without knowing it. This was fear. pure unadulterated fear. It confirmed my theories. that I have barely scratched the tip of the iceberg in the personality of what should be one of the simplest people I know. Her fingers roamed over me, shaking, as if not believing I was real, that she was afraid to believe I was real.
Although I didn't mean to, I scooped her up in my arms, nuzzling the wrist of her probing hands, returning her touch, proving to her that I was there. I rocked her as I would a small child frightened by a monster in her dream, thinking that her parents were gone. I remember a tune my father used to hum to me. and it felt appropriate for Ryoko.
She still could not say words, but she calmed down. I found myself nearly in tears as I looked down upon her, cursing myself for taking her for granted. Why. why did you go through so much Ryoko? You deserve more. yes you do. Much much more than I can ever hope to give you.
I sniffed, looking back up at the moon, the same moon I stared at as I looked back at recent events.
It wasn't time to ask questions, it was time to fix things. As I had done with Sasami, I vaulted the balcony, landed, and took her to the deck, where Sasami and Mihoshi still lay in their sleeping bags. Before I got out of my room, I fetched beddings for her.
Although I couldn't really tell, she seemed content.
***
All is right with the world. Ryoko thought to herself. He's here. he's here! Tenchi had never returned her affection like this. She knew this wasn't the kind of love she wanted from him. But, although it was not what she expected, it was much much more than that. He loved her like he would his own child, surpassing the affection one would have for their mate. Tenchi had not only delivered, he had surpassed.
In his arms, weak as they might be physically, although for a Terran, his years of budo and now farmwork hardened him, another power lay hidden, radiating its presence. To most it would be terrible, to Ryoko it was comforting, knowing that he was there for her.
***
As I laid her down and tried to say something to her, I noticed her asleep. with a lone tear streaking down her cheek. Don't tell me you're having these dreams too, who's next, Aeka?
I then reclined next to her and tried to once again compose my thoughts. Ryoko rolled so that her head was now on my chest and her noggin rested on my neck. I blew gently down on her baby hairs, seeing her smile in her sleep my heart was soothed.
"Sleep well, Ryoko, don't worry, whatever it is, I would rather die than forsake any one of you," I whispered to her, yes, I will make sure that you feel no more of your pain, you've already been through so much my Ryoko, rest now, for I will protect you, no matter the cost. "How could I be so stupid. They don't deserve this."
With that I resumed to staring at the reddish horizon in the east, knowing that sleep will not find me until I get my thoughts in order and I make a decision. I've been running. I've been running too damn long. If I have to leave them to protect them from me. I'll pay that price.
I swept my finger across her cheek to wipe away glistening tears. At that Ryoko purred in her sleep, hmm, if you were awake Ryoko you'd be enjoying this more wouldn't you? I queried in my mind, before shoving that though away, scolding myself for being so shallow.
Gently, I laid her up down onto the floor, it was a little hard setting up her beddings with her cradled in my arms. As I tucked her in just as I had done with Sasami and Mihoshi before her, I laid my lips lightly on her eyelids. For some reason, after I did this, she reverted to her normal clothes and the fierce markings she sported now disappeared. At this point I discovered my own state and I reverted to my normal self. Hnn, I guess that's how I sensed her in the first place.
"I'm sorry Ryoko, I'm too much of a coward to do this while you're awake." It would cause too much trouble anyway. it would be nice if I had all your help, but.
*** 'Making the Rounds' ***
Figuring that I might as well check the rest of the 'gang,' I decided to visit Washu first. Beforehand, I grabbed some more pillows and blankets from the closet and set them up on the deck. Ryoko was now snoozing happily, and with a final glance at her face, exposing all her vulnerabilities, I went back inside to fetch the rest.
What the hell am I thinking? Well, since I actually feel like reaching out. why not?
Boy, this has turned into a slumber party. I slipped into Washu's laboratory, careful of the crab-bell mounted on the door. At first I thought she was awake, seeing her on her cushion with her holographic laptop busy, scrolling with changing displays of data.
As I closed in however, I noticed that she was slumped over, dozing. The digits and symbols flashed off of her face.
"Washu, you of all people should know that's bad for your back." I mock-lectured her with a smile on my face, grinning at the sight before me. "Hnn, what's this. The Masaki Project." I read from one of the window before another popped up and took its place. What could she be doing now? I asked myself, curious as to what Washu is studying.
Great, she's showing interest in me again. I wonder how she would react if I. nah.
I'm noticing a theme here I muse to myself as I lift up her form. Once again, I had another of the girls in my arms. not that I am complaining of course.
I've never seen where Washu slept. I knew better than to wander around her laboratory unescorted. I put her against me as if I was burping a child, her chest against my shoulder, my left hand just under her hips. I felt moisture on the back of my shirt. I forced myself not to laugh.
She was different from the others I held. With Sasami I held a small petite body. With Ryoko, it was more mature. With Washu. it was both. Caught in the middle, not an adult, yet not a child. is 'dichotomy' a major theme in my life, or is it 'irony?'
I knew it reflected her inner conflicts, about how she tries to evade her past, her rashness trying to scare us away, yet it seems as if she is just as afraid of losing us. "Yes. you and Ryoko have a lot in common," I cooed. "How much hell did he put you through?" More than I could ever comprehend I suppose.
"Tenchi." Washu whispered.
"Yes Washu. chan?" I replied, but alas, she was still asleep.
Do you bury yourself in your work too to escape from reality Washu?
Its ironic. someone as brilliant as her is running from the truth. I don't know anything about science, but its obviously a safety blanket for her. Breathing in the scented air of the alternate dimension, I knew it to be a farce as well. She is a crab, I concurred with her crustacean mascot. You have much more in common besides the hairstyle. it's a shell, it's a fucking shell!
You try to get closer to me. but you still have that wall there, all of you have something like that don't you?
I stared disdainfully at my surroundings. No. you shouldn't stay here. You should be with us Washu-chan. Shifting grip, I made my way from the lab. As I stepped into the hall, I heard a moan from upstairs. I looked down at Washu's back, unconsciously massaging it with my callused fingertips, feeling her smooth skin under her satin jammies. At least you're dressed for the occasion.
I might as well.
I head up the stairs, continuing to rock Washu gently, making sure her back is straight. Sasami had left the door open. I crept in, wary of the precious cargo in my arms.
Aeka makes some more noise, but I can't tell if they were words or not. Seeing as Sasami and Ryoko had nightmares, I decided to see if Aeka was also a victim.
I kneeled down, still carrying a sleeping Washu and leaned in to hear.
"No Tenchi-sama, you mustn't, no. no. NO! Stop, pl-please. stop! Tenchi-sama, please...!" Aeka moaned, beginning to shift in her sleep. I noticed that the covers were moist with sweat and Aeka herself was damp, her breathing uneven and rapid.
"Aeka-hime..?" I asked puzzled, that is until she shuddered as she moaned, finally I got the clue and wisely I decided to get up. On the. bright side, it doesn't look like a nightmare.
". no, not in the kitchen. Tenchi-sama. what ab-about. th-the. c- children?" She continued on delirious, so immersed was she in her dreams.
The way she phrased it made me think she didn't want dream-Tenchi to stop. Well, it is nice to feel. appreciated. I suppose. I bent down to kiss her on the lips, which made her face even redder than before. I then stood up to walk out of the room. As I was closing her door.
All's well in there. I think.
"You mustn't! Eeeee! Keep going. Eeeee! Tenchi-sa-" At that I heard a high pitched moan that worked its way up my spine.
Definitely all well. I don't think I want to 'ruin' her dreams. no, best to leave her alone.
"Maybe it is a good thing that you can't hear anything over your snoring Sasami-chan." I said as I thought about the little Juraian princess. Shaking my head, I padded down the stairs, carefully so as to not disturb the little bundle of eagle feathers that I clutched to myself.
As I finally reached the deck, before I put Washu down so she can join the others lying side by side, I decided to be a bit. pre-emptive. Hey, it's only fair to her. I tried to convince myself as I bent over to give Washu a present.
"Und vat are 'you' doing, mein little Guinea Pig?" Washu said slyly, a foxy look on her face. I couldn't help but notice the Germanic accent she used. Sure its creepy. but. but, argh!
I was caught in the act of kissing her and I knew there was no denying it. All the resolve I built up that night temporarily dissolved, turning me back into the dopey farm-boy I had to evolve from. If it wasn't for the fact that I already went to the bathroom while taking a break from my thinking, I knew I would have relieved myself, seeing as my bowels instantly clenched. My face was the color of a tomato, I am so embarrassed. Quick Tenchi. go back to oblivious idiot mode!
"I. I, I'm s-sorr-" I began
"For what, I wanted to!" Washu exclaimed, sounding a little disappointed, yet amused as well.
Not the first time. am I such a failure?
This left me speechless, so, she feels that way too. Before I knew it, I felt an increase in weight in my arms, and they spread out involuntarily, but I did not lose my grip. I was surprised I didn't drop her, not from the weight, but from the shock. Looking down once more, I saw that Washu had shifted to her. adult form.
"Okay Ten-chi, try it again." Washu beckoned to me, purring and using her right hand to draw circles on my chest.
I don't know which is scarier. if she's teasing me. or if she means it.
It was at this point that I collapsed, not from her physical weight, but the effect of her words. Somehow as I stumbled, I managed to make it into the living room before I finally toppled over. Washu fell onto my arms and landed on the couch. With her arms around me, I fell with her. I was now in the compromising position of being on top of her. My arms were now braced around her, holding me up. The shock of our fall froze us. Although I was dying of embarrassment, part of me was savoring the moment as well.
"Mon dieu, Ten-cherie, how you say. stru-ong!" Washu purred out seductively, now switching into a french accent. I couldn't tell if the 'look' in her eyes were real, or were a joke. For some reason, I felt cold.
It was when she sighed that my eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Thankfully, for some reason, my blood vessels didn't burst, or I would've sprayed Washu with a liter of blood. Finally regaining enough control of myself, I jumped off of her and I once again tried to apologize.
Before I could get any further, Washu rose, and cut me off. She met my eyes and she put her fingers to my lips.
"It's okay Tenchi. if anything I wish you would've continued." At that she gave me a wink and she walked out into the deck.
I wish too. but its wrong. You know it, and I know it. I just wish you'd come out with it though.
I followed her outside, a little confused. As I got close to her, she whirled around to face me yet again.
"Washu. chan, t-thank you." I stammered. before she could reply I added more, "how. h-how long w-were you awake?"
She grinned at me mischievously, her adult form enhancing her smile. 'and everything else' added my hentai side.
"Oh. ever since I heard our proper little Aeka-hime's. testament!" Washu giggled after this, which may I add sounded heavenly. "Well Tenchi, you know what they say. it's always the quiet ones."
Quiet. Aeka is practically the loudest one here. then again, it's because of Ryoko.
Washu, do you even know what that innuendo stands for?
By now, most of my embarrassment was past me, and Washu set up her blankets adjacent to a post, beckoning me to come over to her. I complied and sat down next to her. She surprised me by holding onto me.
It wasn't a glomp like Ryoko's. But it did have some disturbing parallels; I could feel the desperation through her arms that encircled me. As I looked at her, I saw not a mischievous glance that she sported so much, but the maternal one, only Ryoko and I ever saw. This brought me back again to our discussion that night with Taro. I was now feeling what it's like to be held in a mother's arms, warm, safe, and secure. I felt myself growing sleepier. I noticed that Washu has now lain the two of us together, clutching me to her as she started to sob onto my back. This got my attention.
Again, like your daughter you have a façade. You may not want to admit it, but you two are closer than you might think. I rubbed her back, trying to calm her, and her fingertips dug into me. gently.
"Wa-Washu-chan. what's wrong?" I asked her.
That would be impossible for me to understand. But, that doesn't mean I can't try to fix it.
"I. I'm s-sorry, Tenchi. but I c-can't help it." It was now Washu's turn to stutter.
I turned around without breaking her grip on me. By now Washu has reverted to her child form, and she started to get control of herself. So this is why you lock yourself away Washu. I thought sadly, figuring out even more about this little woman. I now switched positions with her, now being the one to comfort her in her time of need.
Even mothers need to be mothered sometimes.
"Tenchi. thank you. for caring." She said to me, I could feel the emotions in each and every syllable that came out of her mouth. I struck me how hard and lonely a life she must have had that my act of putting her to bed would seem so profound.
Why do you thank me? For saving you. why? Sometimes I think you actually enjoyed that kind of limbo, frozen there. free from thought. Thoughts about your past. But no, that would be the coward's way out. Not like I can talk.
Before I could reply to her, I noticed that she had fallen asleep. I laid the blanket on top of her, and I removed the trail of tears marring her face with my lips. I took a moment to rest my forehead upon hers, my emblem temporarily flaring to life.
You're all enigmas you know that. But, even with all this chaos. would any of us have it any other way?
"Your welcome Washu-chan. and thank you as well. for everything." I whispered to her before getting up and putting my back against the post. I took a moment to look at all the girls around me, minus Aeka. Looking at how at peace they are, yet knowing that they have their own demons lurking within them, I am once again reminded of those words I had said to Kagato. and how much I meant them.
I'm so tired, I have a long way to go. but exactly how long?
As I slump down to a sitting position as fatigue catches up with me, I see the reddish hue that heralds the arrival of dawn. Before I passed out, I noticed a glow, I look up and I see Tsunami, benevolently watching me, but before I could making anything out it-
End Starry Night
