Life Changes

Chapter 06: Busted!

Okayama Police Station:

It's amazing how fast one's life can change.  One minute everything seems to be going great, following the wonderful pattern you're used to everyday.  The next everything changes, and just when you get used to the new alterations in your life, things change drastically yet again. 

Looking down at his feet Tenchi Masaki sighed in his jail cell.  How could things have gotten this bad?  I was so sure what I saw was real… Feeling his heart wince the young man started to recall recent events while slowly turning to his mortified cellmate; Ayeka Jurai.

The young princess did not cope well with being imprisoned. Her color had faded and now she merely stared in abject terror at the bar doors.  A prim and proper princess like herself thrown in jail on a backwater world on ludicrous charges seemed insane.  If she were still in Jurain space someone would be losing their job right now for this embarrassment to her family's name. 

Closing his eyes Tenchi drifted back in time mentally to an hour ago when all the trouble started. 

One-Hour Prior:

                The trio from the Masaki house, Tenchi, Ayeka, and Sasami, had been busy.  Each openly looked for their dear friend, Ryo-Ohki, while secretly dissecting the small town for Ryoko.  "Where is she?" Sasami said aloud causing both her companions to turn.

                "Do not worry, Sasami. I am sure Ryo-Ohki will appear soon enough." Her sister offered in her usual cool and confident manner.  "We simply must be patient."

                Tenchi also offered his opinion as he started around a corner not watching where he was headed. "Ayeka's right.   She'll turn up soon.  She's probably just playing a game.  You know how much energy she has.  I'm sure we'll bump into her-" 

With those words the Jurain prince collided with someone, causing him and his target to stagger backwards.  "I'm sorry," he stammered turning his head as he spoke. "I wasn't…." then he stopped.  Standing before him was the spitting image of Ryoko save her orange eyes and vibrant colored hair. 

"Wasn't?" the woman echoed as her attention slowly lifted from straightening her wrinkled clothes.  In that moment her breathing stopped.


Tenchi had found Ryoko. 

"Ryoko! It's you! Where have you been?  Why did you leave us?"  Hearing the space pirate's name, Ayeka and Sasami dashed to the corner, shock from their old acquaintance's new appearance filling their faces. The blue-haired princess giggled as she rushed to her friend.  But then the bizarre Ryoko spoke.

                "Ryoko? I'm sorry you have me confused with someone else."  Shaking her head Sylvia seemed as shocked as everyone else.     

                "If you are not Ryoko then who are you, Ryoko?" Ayeka asked thinking the whole set up was a joke.

                "My name is Sylvia, Sylvia Hakubi." The officer echoed. "I'm sorry, but I'm not this Ryoko person."

                "Quit joking, Ryoko," Tenchi said his smile fading as the supposed joke lost its humor.  Timidly he reached forward to pat her shoulder to show he had missed her, yet Sylvia jerked away. 

                With a shake of her head the orange-eyed woman glanced at the young man beside her.  "Let's get out of here." Whirling about she began to head back towards her apartment. 

                "Wait," Tenchi Masaki screamed thrusting one hand out to grab her wrist.

                Twisting her head to one side the Okayama officer's eyes seemed evil and full of murderous rage.  The world melted around her for a split second and once again she was Ryoko seeing not Tenchi before her, but a dying Jurain begging her for mercy.  Thankfully for the young man this memory faded as quickly as it had been born, but the malice still remained. "Release me," she hissed coming down from her emotional high.

"You heard her," Steven added stepping between them.  It was a simple action, one both Sylvia and her partner had done before, but to the woman who was once Ryoko it was also symbolic of how her new life was barred from the old.  It was impossible for her to go back.  She simply was who she was now. Nothing could ever change that. 

With a jerk Tenchi released her wrist.  Joy and sorrow melded in her heart as he did.  The emotions the young prince's touch stirred were not altogether unwelcome, but at the same time also caused her great anxiety and pain.  "You'd better run along now, Tenchi," Sylvia declared pretending to rub a hurt wrist.  "Ryoko's not here and if you keep this up I'll run you in for harassing and assaulting an officer."

It was really a slip of the tongue and the purple-and-pink-haired woman had hoped it had slipped by everyone, but such was not the case.  In her heart she knew it.  Deciding the situation was beyond repair she flipped down her sunglasses and headed off.

I'm losing her again, the brown-haired shrine caretaker panicked.  I can't do that! Not when I was so close!  Reaching into his pocket the young man felt his note.  Remembering his cause Tenchi dashed past Steven in an attempt to reach her.  However seeing Tenchi with one hand in his pocket and a desperate look in his eye reminded Officer Miller of his training and he leapt upon the charging youth quickly yanking both of Tenchi's arms behind his back as he read him his rights. 

Sylvia paused seeing the situation with a mixture of relief and horror.  Maybe… she began, maybe now he'll understand I don't want to go home.  I can't.  Still, he did seem concerned maybe I should just level with everyone and-

It was then the first princess of Jurai spoke out seeming to instantly appear before the pondering woman.  "Miss Ryoko, or whatever it is you are calling yourself, how dare you allow Lord Tenchi to be manhandled in such a fashion?  I will not let you get away with such barbaric treatment of a royal-"

It had been a long time since Sylvia had smiled menacingly at anyone.  "Is that a threat, little princess?  I suppose you two are a prince and his princess.  Well I can admit one thing, both of you are royalty, at least in the pain department."  Without a second thought the orange-eyed woman grabbed Ayeka's slender wrist and cuffed her nullifying the purple-haired princess's voice as Ayeka heard herself being read her rights. 

As the two officer's finished up Sasami began to cry.  "Ryoko why are you being so mean?  Don't you like us anymore?  Ryo-Ohki and I came all the way here to find you.  I even sent her out to look for you."

Ryo-Ohki, Sylvia called to her companion.  Go home, Ryo-Ohki. NOW! A twinge of terror filled her mind stemming from the little cabbit before she felt Ryo-Ohki's presence fade further away.  Kneeling before the younger princess she lifted her shades.  "Little girl, I think I'd better take you home.  Don't worry about your friends.  They'll be okay.  I just think it would be a good idea for them to cool off for a while, before they make this into a situation."

Steven cleared his throat seeing a rather interesting point in her words.  "You know where she lives?"

Sighing Sylvia shook her head.  It's time to tell it all. "Yes.  I know these three.  That guy is Tenchi Masaki, and these two are Ayeka and Sasami Jurai. They are friends, in a fashion, to my sister."  Suddenly all the pieces were coming together.  Steven had found the elusive Tenchi Masaki.  "He's my sister's ex.  He was always confusing the two of us.  I'm not going to be pressing any charges or anything let's just take them downtown to cool off.  I'll tell his dad to come pick him up later.  But for now I better take little Sasami home."  To show her concern the wild-haired woman patted her new companion's head gently.

Steven nodded sensing something bigger than he could understand was happening, and began to escort the two away. 

As Sylvia and Sasami, who pouted like she had just been spanked, left the small town rumors were born behind them.  As well as comments such as: "I always thought Tenchi was such a nice boy.  Who'd have thought he'd attack the police.  What about Lady Ayeka?  She always seemed so reserved.  I didn't know Ryoko had a sister, but then the resemblance is there…."

The Trail Home:

The afternoon sun filled the sky as clouds lazily moved on the breeze.  Birds chirped happily in the trees while squirrels and insects scurried about looking for their next meal.  Along the long staircase nature seemed to have found a balance, and life seemed stable and serene.  Breathing deeply, Sylvia took in the wonders she had been missing.  Home… she smiled faintly.  I never thought I'd see this place again.  Turning her head side to side the wild-haired woman watched everything with awe.  This is better than just home, she amended.  It's heaven. A place a monster like me can't be.  Not anymore at least.  With a sharp jerk of her neck the new officer forced her thoughts to change.  I can't like that.  I'm not Ryoko anymore. I'm me, my own person.  I don't follow Ryoko's path.  I follow mine.

As they walked Sasami remained eerily silent the entire trip, which unsettled Sylvia greatly.  I really wish it didn't have to be this way kiddo, she noted as if the Jurain princess could hear her thoughts.  But I- hey, we're almost to my old Onsen…. Man it would be great to take a dip in there.  The one at the apartments is nice, I guess, but I still feel all coated when I leave there.  It's like it's got too many chemicals in it, probably that lousy Karka's fault.  I wonder if she's a relation to Mihoshi?  Hmm…  Well in any case I don't have time for that.  Noboyuki should be in soon, so I'll just pop in tell him the deal, and then Tenchi and Ayeka will be out of my hair for good.  Mentioning her hair reminded the former space pirate of her landlord whom she cursed mentally once more for good measure.

However just as the duo reached the opening where woods meets lake another wave of dizziness came over Officer Hakubi.  This was fortunate as it was also the time when Sasami chose to stop and voice her protests. "Ryoko!  Why are you doing this?"

Sylvia lowered her shades trying to force a smile despite her weariness.  "Doing what?  And why do you keep calling me by that name?  I'm Sylvia, not Ryoko."

"Why are you pretending like we don't know you?  Like you don't know us?  It's not funny.  Everyone missed you! We need you."  Sniffling Sasami lowered her head, placing balled up fists over her eyes.  "I need you.  Life's no fun without you.  I know everyone feels like me.  Please, you have to come back.  I promise I won't ask you to pick up anything anymore.  Really, I won't be a pain anymore."  Feeling her heart drop, Sylvia reached out and placed a hand gently on the Jurain princess's back, soon she continued to escort Sasami along. 

It took a few seconds but soon the officer found her voice.  "You don't need Ryoko.  She had no real purpose.  Sylvia at least keeps the streets safe for you.  Ryoko is just a troublemaker everyone likes to yell at.  Trust me, it's better with me gone."  Sasami smiled catching Sylvia's slip.

"So you are Ryoko."

Swallowing hard Sylvia removed her glasses to look into Sasami's eyes directly.  "Once.  That was my name for a long time.  Not anymore.  Just you remember one thing, kiddo, none of this is your fault." Not entirely anyway, she noted as no one had supported her in her time of need.  It was a pain that still winced her heart. "This is all me.  It's my choice and I have to live with it."

"But why, we always had so much fun together, and-"

Stopping her, the wild haired woman knelt down and placed a lithe finger on Sasami's lips.  "Please, it was hard enough to leave the first time.  But this is something I have to do.  I've done a lot of terrible things in the past, things I shouldn't have. Now it's time for me to try and make up for it.  So I'm asking you Sasami, let me go.  I'll be okay.  But you see I can't be here.  Not anymore.  Tell the other's Ryoko is gone.  Gone for good."

As long streams of tears poured down Sasami's face the little girl sniffed loudly.  "No!" she screamed throwing herself on Ryoko in a vicious hug.  "I won't do it!  You can't leave!  You have to stay!  We need you!  Everyone misses you.  Please!"  Realizing words would be wasted Sylvia gently tugged her tiny friend from her arm by arm.  Then slowly she rose poised to leave.  "At least come in and have some sake, and when everyone's here you can tell them.  Besides you said you'd tell father about Tenchi and Ayeka.  So you have to stay."  Tenchi can make her stay.  I know he can. She hoped. Now that Ryoko's home she has to stay.  She just HAS to.

You do need your gems, a nasal voice called. I can feel it in you.  You're getting worn out without them. All that drinking is messing with your system.  I'd like to hear what you've been doing young lady. You had us all worried sick.  Despite her nagging tone there was relief in the super genius's voice as she beckoned her child home.

For a time Sylvia tried to resist Washu's telepathic link, but soon realized it was useless.  The lure of her gems was also very tempting.  I don't need them.  She answered. I don't need or want anything, or anyone.  So for the last time, Mrs. Hakubi stay out of my head!  Seeing her mother standing one porch, Ryoko knew she had dealt a nearly lethal blow to her mother's heart.  Yet she knew it had to be done.  Clearing her throat the emotional woman looked at Sasami.  "Now little girl, when Tenchi's daddy comes home be sure to have him come to the station.  We wouldn't want those two staying together all night in an enclosed space, would we?"  For a moment a pang of jealousy took over her heart as she thought about Ayeka stealing her Tenchi, before recalling he was no longer her's.

Sniffing once more Sasami nodded, and slowly made her way back to the house as if she were made of freshly cooled glass and could crack at any moment.  Her fun had been ruined and now a good friend was lost, perhaps forever.

Reaching the enclave of the trees Sylvia paused watching the little girl cross the bridge to her home, where Washu waited with open arms.  The last few feet seemed to pass in less than a moment and the two small figures embraced.  Her keen ears could make out their words despite her weariness. 

"Why Washu? Why did it have to be this way?"

"I don't know, Sasami.  I don't-"

Soon their words were lost to tears and the officer from Okayawa began her trek back up the trail more alone now than ever before. 

Later: Okayawa Police Station:

Coming out of his recollection, Tenchi heard one of his fellow prisoners in the cell next to his call out to him. "Hey, you two.  What are you in for?"  Looking away the young man did his best to ignore the unsavory character.  Being imprisoned was bad enough.  He did not want to make the situation worse by associating with real criminals.  "Hey," the thug replied.  "Hey, what are you too good to talk to me?  I try to be all friendly like and you get all uppity?  Well remember you're just like the rest of us, sitting her in a cell."

"We are not like you," Ayeka snapped furiously rising to her feet, her first motion in well over an hour. "We are here unjustly.  Because that… that… woman refuses to listen to reason."

"Woman?" another prisoner asked. "You don't mean Hakubi do you?"

 "Yes, we are here for harassment and assault on her person if you must know."  The young princess responded harshly.  With that a hush fell over the prison, leaving the two Jurain's to share a curious look as each wondered what exactly Ryoko had done to earn such a reputation. 

Outskirts of Town:

Walking back through the dense forested area, Sylvia kicked angrily at the stones lying there.  Normally she would have teleported home, or flew at least, but weariness, now more emotional than physical, weighed on her heart.  Besides, how longs it been since I've been here? She asked herself as she trudged along.  Stopping she scanned the area, taking in the wonderful simplicity of the forest.  The air was cool and refreshing, seeming to fill one's lungs with the very essence of life.  Noticing that no one was around Sylvia split in two.  Her duplicate stood staring her squarely in the face. Each was a perfect mirror image of the other.  "I really need to talk to someone who can understand me," the original said simply.  "I want to talk to Ryoko, face to face."

"Okay," the double answered with a smirk.  "See you at home… sis." Without another word her twin vanished to prepare, and the orange-eyed woman shook her head.  Suddenly, without warning, a wave of dizziness came over her and Sylvia braced herself on a nearby tree. 

Damn, I should have had her walk home with me… no.  Then everyone would see how she's dressed like me.  But did she have to use that much power?  She knows the situation as well as I do.  I have to be careful doing stuff like that.  Without my gems that could kill me…  Finally catching her breath, and shaking off the dizzy spell, the officer of Okayawa straightened herself and slowly edged her way home.

Much Later: Sylvia's Apartment:

The sun had gone down when Sylvia returned to her new home.  Throwing open the door halfway the purple and pink haired woman dripped with sweat.  It had taken a lot out of her to reach her home.  Yet as she looked into her apartment her problems seemed to lessen.  There she sat, her original self complete with golden eyes, the tartan and blue striped dress, and long wild spiky silver hair.  In one hand rested a bottle of sake, and her counterpart looked to have drunk more than half the bottle already.  "You idiot," Sylvia kindly added in her own way.  "How am I supposed to unload my problems on you when you're plastered before I get home?"


                "Sorry, but we," stopping Ryoko hiccupped, a red line under her eyes. "We gots company and it's not good to be inhos… inhospit… ab…ulllllll."   Bending over it seemed the clone was about to puke, but suddenly threw her head back and laughed. 

Company…? Sylvia thought opening the door the rest of the way.  There sat a sober Steven, who watched the drunken sister to make sure she didn't infect him, were such a thing possible, with her odd behavior.  "What the hell?  Do you live here?  Why is it whenever I come home you're here?"

"Sorry.  I was worried about you," the male officer replied.  "You never came back to the station, and seeing you now… did something happen?"

"You look like hell," Ryoko laughed thrusting a bottle out towards her supposed sister.  "Here's some medi- medicine."

"Well I took the long way home, and went for a jog.  So you can leave now.  Sis and I have some talking to do."

Nervously the young man cleared his throat.  "Well I would, but I just got a call. Seems there was an anonymous tip of some weapons smugglers in an abandon warehouse nearby.  The chief wants us to check it out and call in the situation."

"Right," Sylvia nodded.  Action, just what I need to work out the kinks. "Give me the directions, I want to talk to sis for am minute and I'll be on my way. Don't make a move without me."  A few words later Steven was out the door, leaving the siblings alone. 

"He seems nice," Ryoko said with a grin.  "But he's no Tenchi."

"No one is," Sylvia smiled weakly as the two of them merged once more.  "Alright, time to bust some heads." Rising to her feet the former space pirate rushed outward, as her adrenaline allowed her to forget her current agony.  A quick job of busting some heads, and I'll be home to drink with me. Still, this whole thing did waste a lot of power… ah, it's just some punk kids.  I'll be fine.

The Warehouse:

Like a thief in the night Steven slipped through the shadows.  Trash blew around his feet as he paced.  The only light seemed to come from an old light hanging over one of the warehouse bay doors and it barely cut the ominous darkness.   Odd.  If there was a weapons smuggling going on, should there be some motion, or even muffled sounds.  This must have been a prank call.  But if it was, why does my gut tell me it's real. 

As the young man passed some old crates, a hiss appeared behind him. Starting he calmed himself thinking it was only a cat.  Only what he heard next proved he was completely wrong. "Who are you?" a man's voice asked. "I was assuming Hakubi would be sent."


                "Well today isn't your lucky day," Steven said turning to face the voice.  It was not what he expected.  Standing before him was a tall man with pale skin; a green cloak covered his form, save for one hand that extended from the shade's form.  "What the hell are you-" In a flash of emerald light his question was lost, as a concussive blast surged from the flying man's hand and knocked the officer out cold. 

"Pest." The crime lord sighed examining the down officer.  Interesting, brown hair, blue eyes, young earthling, he could almost pass for him….  "Perhaps I don't need to kill you, boy.  Not just yet anyway.  Ryoko will surely come to me once she sees you."  Hefting up Steven with ease the pasty-colored man glided through the air towards the warehouse.

Moments later:

Sylvia walked slowly up to the abandoned warehouse, her motions rushed as she scanned the area for anything even remotely hostile.  Where is that damn Steven?  Doesn't he know he could get hurt?   It isn't like he's me or anything.  Damn it! Why didn't I have him wait for me?  Prowling like a jungle cat in her urban jungle, Sylvia searched the outer perimeter quickly and found only scant traces of her partner.  Despite her weakened state the lithe woman's senses were still sharp, allowing her to navigate through the darkness much more easily than any other human could.  Finally she stopped by some old wooden crates, as her keen nose picked up numerous familiar scents.  Rubbing the ground with two fingers she sniffed deeply then appeared very puzzled.  Steven was here all right… but is that a disrupter blast?  Who on this backwater third-rate world could build something that powerful?  Only Washu is that smart.  A pang of guilt went through Ryoko's heart as she remembered how she had treated her mother earlier.  But it only lasted a moment before she realized the potential danger such a weapon could have on Earth.  Taking a deeper whiff of the soil the former space pirate smelled fresh blood.  Steven's hurt, she knew instantly.  As she moved away a pain in her stomach told her something else.  One of those smells was very familiar, too familiar.  Yet despite this she tried to ignore the nagging notion in her head.  It can't be she told herself.  The last time I saw him was the last time he'd ever be seen.  So it can't be him.  The dead don't walk and he's dead.

Reaching the bay doors Sylvia gasped.  There rested Steven groaning under the only flickering light.  A large black mark covered his chest, showing he had taken a disrupter shot full force.  "Steven!" She screamed rushing to his side.  "Are you alright?"

"Huh…" he moaned looking at her through glassy eyes. "Syl-via.  He got me.  Shot me with… some weird ray."

Her fingers would not respond to her rational orders as she tried to examine the wound.  Instead of seconds it took nearly a full minute to move the tattered remains of his uniform from the blast.  Sighing, Sylvia seemed to take some joy from what she saw.  "Don't worry, it wasn't a lethal hit.  You'll be fine."  Having did what she could to comfort him; Sylvia rose looking into the warehouse with a furious expression. "Don't worry.  I'll take this bastard down.  You just rest."

Gripping the door with both hands, Sylvia threw open the port opening and prowled inside into the darkness.   As soon as she entered the door slammed shut behind her and a familiar evil laugh resounded all around her. 

"Well Ryoko," the sophisticated dark voice said. "We meet again.  But this time you don't have that boy to protect you."  Sylvia panicked; she had sensed it was a trap, but chose to ignore that notion.  Whirling about she watched everywhere for the appearance of her adversary, but found none.  Glaring back at the door, a hiss of dissipating matter resounded behind her.  Spinning as fast as she could the former space pirate now stood face to face with her notorious enemy.   

Swallowing her horror the multicolored haired woman quaked with hate as she uttered a name fouler to her than any in Hell.  "Kagato."

Smiling Washu's former apprentice examined her for a moment before shaking his head.  His smirk seemed even more vicious than usual as he paced in circles around her moonlight occasionally revealing his features.  "I'm afraid I don't like the new you, Ryoko.  It's nothing like I had in mind initially."

"What are you doing here?  Why are you alive?  You should have died with the Soja!"

"Shouldn't we all have?  But remember Ryoko; I was tied into its system.  I knew there was a chance one of you might kill me.  So I set up an emergency teleportation sequence.  Sadly the boy was a bit stronger than anticipated and my escape vehicle was not in range, thus the Soja's gems and I were teleported to a default safe location: this planet.  I don' think you quiet understand how annoying it was, at first I'd forgotten everything about who or what I was.  I lived for weeks in the gutters begging, but with the gems I had I was able to rise in rank to become the man you see today.  It wasn't until I seen your picture in the newspaper that everything suddenly returned to me.  I suppose I owe you my thanks.  After all, now I can get revenge.  Seeing you alive means the boy lives too.  So now I can kill you, him, Washu, and claim the Tsunami unit as I originally planned."

"Well that picture didn't capture my good side," she answered staggering forward. "Besides I don't see you carrying around any weapons, and even with the gems you were no match for me.  I can waste you in no time flat."

"Maybe," Kagato remarked, rolling up his silk undershirt as he passed in front of her.  Upon his forearm rested 6 green gems.  "As you recall the Soja had many gems.  I was able to save a few of them, and used your philosophy to augment myself.  It was rather painful, and to be honest it's amazing now that I would recall implanting gems into my body.  It really is a strange practice, but since I've done it I've never felt so alive.  So you see, Ryoko, I hardly think you stand a chance. Especially since from what I can see you have no gems and I have so many."  Pausing he held out one hand and fired a blast at his adversary. 

Instinct took over as the orange-eyed woman threw up a shield to absorb the brunt of the blast.  However lack of sleep, over drinking, and no gems meant this defense would come at a hefty price.  After one blast Sylvia fell to one knee, and sweat began to pour from her forehead.   Things were not going her way and the fight had just started.  "What's this?  The mighty Ryoko falling in battle after one shot?  You've really let yourself go.  Has that boy really tainted you so much?"  Coming up to her, Kagato pinched her chin forcing her to meet his gaze as he picked her up.  "I suppose this is more of a mercy killing than revenge then.  You were so perfect when we were together, the ultimate weapon of destruction.  But look at you now, weak, dying, helpless.   You've truly become pathetic, Ryoko.  Well don't worry.  I won't let your death be a lonely one.  I'll be killing that boy soon enough.  If you go quietly I might even bury the two of you together.  Would you like that," he asked with an evil laugh.  "Would you?"

Tenchi... she gasped.  Images of his smiling face and all the good times she'd had filled her mind.  So this is what death is like.  I've heard of your life passing before your eyes, but I never believed it.  Tenchi… the last image in her mind was her beloved whom laughed happily as they walked together. 

From that memory the failing officer found her last vestiges of strength, the same primal hatred that Kagato had praised now surged upwards eating all her reserves.  Freeing herself with one hand, Ryoko fired a crimson bolt from her opposite palm. Crimson power arched outward rocketing the large man across the warehouse through the far wall.  "No one hurts… my Tenchi." She coughed, spitting out blood, which soon trickled from her mouth, a side effect of her exhaustion and strain.  "I won't let you touch him." Once again she called forth her power, this time not merely her reserves, but the very life force.  This is it, she thought. I'm going to die. But at least I was able to protect you this time… Tenchi.   With that she fired everything she had in an explosive power bolt that ignited the wood around her and melted metal beams.

Kagato had just righted himself when he seen the lethal blast.  Holding his arms before his face, he willed up his shield just as the energy reached him.  The blast shattered his shield, knocking him back into the wall, but also threw strands of power everywhere igniting the building and shattering support beams. 

As the world around her burned Sylvia smiled and started to collapse.  Yet just then Kagato's body moved and he pulled free once more.  I knew it, she thought as everything went black. He is the devil.  He can't be killed…  I'm sorry… I failed everybody… one more time… at least… I can't fail…anymore…

Moving in agony the pale scientist felt sore all over. If I didn't have my shield I'd be dead right now.  Quickly locating his enemy he nodded with satisfaction.  You were still as stupid as ever Ryoko. Expending so much energy over such a worthless whelp.  It's too bad; if you'd shown proper respect I might have let you live.  Who knows, I might have even let you keep the boy as a pet. But now…now you're dead.  Shaking his head, Kagato smiled, "She was a failed experiment, Professor, and failures are thrown into the incinerator." Without another thought he teleported away content that phase one of his plan was complete.  Soon he would begin phase two, and the Masaki household would never be the same.  It wouldn't be long now and everyone would remember his name, and then, and only then would his plan be complete. 

Unconscious and dying on the warehouse floor Sylvia Hakubi was destined to die in mere moments.  But just then a figure broke through the flames.  A man she would have never expected to see again.

Next Time: That would be telling.  You'll just have to wait and see.

Chapter 07: Remember Me