Previously on Continuum T:
Kagato, the eternally most wanted criminal in the galaxy, was defeated by the mysterious Juraian powers wielded by Tenchi. Washu had joined the household, a mysterious young girl with a doubtless complicated past. Now that the Soja was destroyed, Tenchi and the girls set a course for the planet Jurai, flying there in Ryo-Ohki. The journey's going to take a while, so this is going to be an information episode, okay?
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Continuum T, Part VI – Journey
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The impossibly large nothing sparkled in places where the void was broken by large balls of fusing hydrogen. Nearby, a small asteroid of a planet floated in space, simultaneously orbiting and being orbited by another one of half its size. These were the twin planets of Pluto and Charon.
Near to these was a small spiked object, travelling relatively slowly to the former of these planets. Projecting out from a central red core were four large spikes equidistant from each other, pointing up in the upper hemisphere. Pointing down in the middle of the bottom hemisphere was a smaller spike, like a large diamond. Around this were several smaller points, reaching towards the middle one. They were all black. It was the ship Ryo-Ohki.
Tenchi stood and stared out of a viewing portal at the nearby planets. He was fully aware that he was the first Earthling to have come out this far from his home planet, with the exception of his great-grandmother.
Tenchi's great-grandmother, Funaho, had fallen in love with the Emperor of Jurai while he was temporarily on Earth. The Emperor had taken her back with him to Jurai, where she became Empress, along with the Emperor's other wife Misaki. When Funaho's son, Yosho, left to pursue the villain Ryoko when she had attacked the planet Jurai seven hundred years ago, and had crashed his ship onto the planet Earth, creating the crater for the lake now in front of the Masaki household, he adopted the family name Masaki, in remembrance of his past and his mother-in-law. Much later, he met Tenchi's grandmother, and later had a daughter, Tenchi's mother.
Mihoshi walked up behind Tenchi, and rested her hand on his shoulder. Tenchi jumped, before realising who it was, and calmed down.
"How are you doing, Tenchi?" Mihoshi asked.
"Alright, thanks Mihoshi," Tenchi replied. "It's just that I'm the first person from my planet to have seen Pluto with my own eyes. I didn't realise its moon was so big."
"That's no moon," Mihoshi said. "Pluto and Charon are twin planets."
"Really?"
"Uh huh. My Galaxy Police Outpost is actually on the bigger planet Pluto." She pointed it out.
"Oh wow," Tenchi said. He could just make out a small dome and a spaceship on the surface.
"Yukinojo's broken, though, so I can't fly him to Jurai."
"Yukinojo is your spaceship?" Tenchi guessed.
Mihoshi nodded. "I can't sent my report to my grandfather because he's broken, so I have to travel with you to get there."
"Your grandfather?"
"Yes. My grandfather is the Head of the Galaxy Police."
"Really?"
They looked out for a while. Pluto rotated slowly around Charon, and Charon orbited its larger sister planet.
"Hey everyone!" Sasami's voice called out from the speakers around the ship. "Dinner's ready!"
"We'd better go then," Tenchi said. They started to walk off.
A small rumble spread throughout the ship as Ryo-Ohki prepared for the jump to hyper-light speed. Mihoshi slipped and fell. Tenchi grabbed her, and helped her back to her feet.
"Oh, thank you, Tenchi," Mihoshi said.
"You're welcome."
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Ryo-Ohki was a big ship, doubtless because of all the carrots she had been eating. She had a lot of empty space below her control level, so Washu had took it upon herself to redesign it into an exact replica of the house they all lived in. She had used what she called a hyper-dimensional computer to change the layout of the place.
Everyone gathered to eat, and then they went to watch television. There wasn't much on, but there wasn't much to do, floating through space beyond Tenchi's home solar system, and any distractions were welcome.
Nothing of any interest was on any of the channels, so everyone talked while Mihoshi idly scrolled through the stations.
"Hey, wow," Mihoshi exclaimed. "What's this?"
Everyone turned to look. A programme had just started. It looked like a cartoon. It showed space.
"Mihoshi, what is this?" Sasami asked.
They watched it for a minute, until one of the characters was shown. Ryoko shouted. It was her.
Another one appeared. Ayeka.
They continued to watch, as an animé version of the recent fight with Kagato was shown.
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The show finished. It had been remarkably accurate about the events on board the Soja. Not only that, the characters seemed to directly relate to the people they represented.
Washu summoned a translucent laptop computer and begun tapping it, while the others watched the credits scroll past.
"Hey," said Tenchi. "The copyright on that was fifteen years ago. That show was made at least that long ago."
"Got it," Washu said. She tapped something and a large screen appeared, displaying lots of information about the show. "It's called 'Tenchi Muyo!'. It's a Japanese animation about five alien girls who come to live with Tenchi at his house. They fight an evil villain, Kagato, and defeat him. And that's just the first six episodes."
"You mean there's more?" Ayeka asked.
"Oh yes. Another seven episodes of 'Tenchi Muyo!', dealing with a Dr Clay and his creation Zero, and then there's a whole load of episodes as a kind of offshoot of this series."
"But how is this possible?" Tenchi asked. "It was made fifteen years before those things happened."
"It's a coincidence," Washu said. "That's all."
"But how can it be a coincidence?" Ryoko asked. "It's just too accurate."
"Ever heard of unconscious displaced memory?" Washu asked. Everyone shook their heads. "Basically it's a subconscious message to your brain about something that's happened or will happen. It's most commonly called inspiration, but what it really is is an event or series of events that are transmitted as a thought to a person. They just think that they've suddenly come up with an idea, and go on to develop it, but then they're amazed that what they thought comes true or has come true."
The others didn't follow this.
"So what is it?" Mihoshi asked.
"Are you really this stupid?" Washu asked.
"Hey! I'm not stupid," Mihoshi said. "I just take a while to catch on to something."
"Alright," Washu sighed. "I'll try and explain it so you can understand. It's a coincidence. It's a special thing whereby someone thinks of something. They don't know how or why they thought of it, but they have. It's most commonly foresight, seeing things that are going to happen, but they don't realise it. Obviously this person thought of all this about Kagato and us, and turned it into a cartoon, without realising that it would actually happen. However, either he forgot some bits, or didn't think of them, because that show isn't exactly like what has actually happened. You understand?"
"Possibly," Mihoshi mused.
"I don't care, anyway," Washu said. "Tenchi, can I see you for a minute in my lab?"
"Sure, Washu," Tenchi said, getting up.
"That's Little Washu to you," Washu said. "And that goes for all of you, too. You all have to call me Washu-chan from now on, or I'll drop something heavy on you."
"No way," Ryoko said. "You're my mom. I'm not calling you that, Washu."
"To show you what I mean, I'll demonstrate on Ryoko," Washu said. Above Ryoko a stone statue appeared, shaped and sized like a garden gnome. It fell on Ryoko, dazing her.
"Now you all call me Little Washu, or the statues will get bigger."
With that, Washu turned and went through the door under the stairs to her lab. Tenchi shortly followed her. Washu turned to face him.
"I've heard quite a bit about you, Tenchi," she said. "I know more about you than you think I do."
"Like what?" Tenchi asked.
"Well, for one, I know that you fought someone called Sel," Washu said. "I also know how you defeated him."
"What are you talking about?"
"Your Saiyan powers, specifically your ability to do what no-one else can."
"Which is..."
"Your transformation into a Super Saiyan," Washu said. "The gold hair, the green eyes. I know all about what you have achieved."
"How do you know all this?" Tenchi asked. "Wait. Is it because you're a goddess?"
"Excuse me?"
"Are you the goddess Washu, representative of the mind of all living beings?" Tenchi asked.
"Well, I've often been called a goddess, yes," Washu grinned. "But yes. I am the goddess Washu. Or at least, I used to be."
"What does that mean?"
"I renounced my powers, sealing them into three small red gems. Two of those are currently in your sword hilt, Tenchi."
"And Ryoko has the third?"
"That's right," said Washu.
"But why did you renounce your powers?" asked Tenchi.
"Why did you renounce yours?" was the reply.
Tenchi paused. "I couldn't use them any more," he said. "They evoke darkness inside me, and I can't let it control me."
"A sensible choice," Washu said. "And I see you stick by it, even though Kagato could have killed you."
"Well, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell the others. Besides, now that I have my Juraian powers, I don't need to become a Saiyan again."
"Maybe not. Maybe you will. Only the future knows your fate."
Washu turned to one of her floating laptops and started typing in commands. A large metal bed appeared in front of Tenchi. It looked a lot like an operating table.
"Now, if you don't mind, I want to collect some samples," Washu said.
"Samples? What kind of samples?" Tenchi asked nervously.
Washu grinned. "You'll see."
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Tenchi came running out of the lab about two minutes later, carrying his shirt and footwear as he went. He wouldn't go back into Washu's lab in a hurry.
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The journey to Jurai was now well underway. Since the planet was pretty much on the opposite side of the galaxy, Ryo-Ohki would have to fly non-stop for several days to get there. Currently they had been going for a day, with an estimated three days still to go.
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A couple more episodes of 'Tenchi Muyo!' had been on, and at the moment they were watching another one. It featured around Tenchi having to take care of his aunt's baby for a while. Near the end, the animé Washu revealed a bit about her past, about how she had had a baby herself, but it was taken away from her.
While they were watching this, Tenchi looked over at Washu. Washu was sitting rigidly, a slight frown on her face. As soon as the episode finished, Washu went straight to her lab.
Tenchi was concerned for her, so cautiously went up to the door and knocked on it. Washu called from inside that it was open, so Tenchi went in.
"Oh, hi Tenchi," Washu said. "What can I do for you?"
"Actually, I came to see if there was anything I could do for you," Tenchi replied.
"What do you mean? Are you talking about a sample?"
"No, not that," Tenchi said hastily. "I mean about the 'Tenchi Muyo!' that was just on."
"That? I told you before, it's just a coincidence. Come back when you're ready for that sample retrieval."
"Washu, I'm serious."
A small stone statue fell on Tenchi's head, dazing him slightly.
"Washu, stop that."
A larger statue fell on his head. If it wasn't for Tenchi's strength, he would probably have been knocked out.
"Stop it now, Washu."
Tenchi raised an arm and hit the large statue above him away, something impossible for a normal person.
"You did have a baby, didn't you, Washu?" Tenchi asked.
No statue fell this time.
"Yes, I did." Washu walked up to a chair and sat down. "It was about a thousand years ago, before I created Ryoko or the Soja, before I was kidnapped by Kagato. I was doing well. I had a great husband, handsome, intelligent. I had an older body to this one, my adult form. Since I had renounced my powers a couple of millennia previously, I was human. I had a child with my husband. She was the most beautiful little thing."
"Yes?" Tenchi said. He sat down on the desk next to Washu.
"Shortly after she was born, I told my husband who I was. He didn't take it well. He took the baby and divorced me. I was thrown off the planet, and told never to return. I was shunned wherever I went, and my only escape was in here, my lab. I concentrated more on science, almost entirely, and changed my physical form. I figured that if adults had to cope with this kind of thing all the time, then I might as well not be one."
"So that's why you only look twelve?" Tenchi asked.
"Yes."
"What happened to your baby?"
Washu sagged her head. A tear fell onto her dress.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."
"That's alright," Washu replied. She took a deep breath and sat up. "My baby was taken away and put into an orphanage. My ex-husband didn't want anything to do with me or my child. A month later, my baby died. Her carer had locked her away and didn't feed her. She starved to death."
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry," Tenchi whispered.
"The carer was charged with murder, and was put into a correctional institute for the rest of his life. He killed himself shortly after the trial."
"Washu, I'm sorry."
Washu reached forwards and opened a drawer on her desk. She pulled out a picture.
"This is the only picture I have of her." She gave it to Tenchi. It was an adult Washu, looking very beautiful, holding a baby.
"She's very beautiful," Tenchi said. "And so are you."
"I know," Washu whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. She started to cry.
Tenchi stood up and hugged her, comforting her. Washu sobbed into his chest. After five minutes, Washu pulled away from him.
"It's silly, really," she said, drying her eyes. "It all happened so long ago. I should have gotten over it by now."
"It's not silly at all. It shows that you really cared for them, to be sad for so long afterwards. He must have been a really great guy."
"He was."
"Look, don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened, okay?"
Washu smiled. "I guess so. You know, I've kept to myself ever since what happened. I've just been waiting for the right guy. And now I think I've found you."
In the animé series, Tenchi would have probably turned to stone, or had his eyes grow really big, but Tenchi made do with just standing there.
"Tenchi, I know my daughter and Ayeka are after you as well. Just think about it, okay?"
Tenchi nodded dumbly.
"I don't know. Maybe it's because you're so sensitive and caring, coming down here, especially after last time. Or maybe it's something else. Whatever it is, I wouldn't mind at all spending my time with you."
"Does this mean that you're going to give up trying for those samples?" Tenchi asked hopefully, trying to turn this in his favour.
"Don't be an idiot all your life," Washu laughed. "Of course the collections are still going to go on. I need all this data for research."
"Researching what?"
"Just in general. Now are you going to cooperate, or do I have to tie you up again?"
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Tenchi came running out of the lab about two minutes later, carrying his shirt and footwear as he went, as he had done the previous day. That was the last time he would go in there at all.
He bumped into Mihoshi on his way to his room.
"Oh, sorry Tenchi," Mihoshi said. "Tenchi, why have you taken some of your clothes off?"
"Uh, I felt hot," Tenchi said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to get to my room."
He dashed off.
Mihoshi went downstairs, to find Ryoko and Ayeka arguing as usual.
"What are you fighting about now, you guys?" she asked.
"Never you mind," Ayeka and Ryoko growled.
"Well, as long as it's not Tenchi. I just saw him coming out of Little Washu's lab wearing hardly anything. Boy, that would really be awkward if you were fighting over him, now, wouldn't it?"
It would.
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Two days later, and Tenchi had kept true to his word. He hadn't gone anywhere near Washu's lab. He was too busy trying to explain away the last time he went in there.
As it happened, they were approaching the core of Juraian territory, a sphere about a thousand light years across, with Jurai at the centre. Direct communications were now possible with the planet, and also with the Galaxy Police Headquarters.
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Mihoshi went to the control room of Ryo-Ohki. She was going to ask if she could report in to the Galaxy Police and tell them what happened concerning Kagato. She appeared in the middle of the room. Ryoko was wandering around, pressing the odd panel. She wasn't really doing much.
"Umm, Ryoko?" Mihoshi asked.
"What is it?" Ryoko replied.
"I was wondering if it would be possible for me to talk to the Galaxy Police, so I can give them my report."
"What?" Ryoko exclaimed. "The Galaxy Police? Both Ryo-Ohki and I are wanted criminals. It wouldn't be a good idea to start talking to the GXP Headquarters, now would it?"
"But it'll be all right if I explain everything," Mihoshi said. "Please?"
"Oh, go on then. Use this control crystal." Ryoko pointed towards one. It drifted over towards Mihoshi.
"Oh, thank you Ryoko. Now how do I use this?"
"My mom designed and created Ryo-Ohki to be foolproof. In fact, she designed it for me." Ryoko hesitated. "Just use it. I'm going for a little talk with Washu. Chan," She added, just before a garden ornament landed on her head. It disappeared. Ryoko phased away.
Mihoshi turned to the crystal. She tapped it, and it started glowing in places, like a control station. She pressed a button at random.
Ryo-Ohki gave an angry "Myah!", and a screen appeared, with 'Don't press that again!' printed on it.
"Oh, okay then," Mihoshi said. "But can you open a communications channel with the Galaxy Police Headquarters, please? Ryoko said it was okay."
"Myah."
A large screen appeared. A man was on it, wearing a Galaxy Police uniform. He was just a call director, and asked whom he should put Mihoshi through to.
"Can you let me talk to the Head of the GXP, please?" Mihoshi asked. She wanted to speak to her grandfather.
"I'm sorry, but the Marshall is unavailable at the moment. I'll direct you to the acting Marshall instead."
The scene changed and showed another man. Or at least, he should be a man. He was actually a humanoid creature, not a human. He looked kind of like a bear or a sloth, if either of these was ever crossed with a human and stuck into a GXP uniform. He was drinking coffee.
"Hi sir," Mihoshi said. She saluted. "This is Detective First Class Mihoshi reporting in on behalf of planetary system 485526."
The acting Marshall choked on his coffee and spat it out across the desk.
"Mihoshi, it's you," he said, wiping his mouth with the nearest piece of paper, which just so happened to be a bill. "What are you doing?"
"I'm reporting in, sir," Mihoshi replied, still smiling. "I'm sorry it's overdue, but Yukinojo kind of crashed a bit."
"Crashed a bit?" The acting Marshall was dubious. He knew all about Mihoshi's tendency to mangle nearly everything she touched. In fact, the soggy bill he was holding was for a piece of equipment Mihoshi had broken.
"There I was, just cruising around, when this planet appeared right in front of me. Luckily I missed the Outpost, but Yukinojo's communications array was broken in the collision."
"So how are you talking to me, then?"
"Oh, I'm using Ryo-Ohki to send this message."
"You mean, the criminal space battle cruiser Ryo-Ohki? Wanted for countless acts of destruction against Juraian territory Ryo-Ohki?"
"That's right. Ryoko said I could."
"Ryoko's back as well?"
"Don't worry. It's all in my report."
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And it was. The report was very thorough indeed, almost down to each individual event.
The acting Marshall sighed as he finished the report. He looked up at the screen. Mihoshi was waiting patiently for a response, smiling unnervingly.
"Yes, well, it all seems to be here," he said. "You can go now, Mihoshi. I'll take care of the Royal Family. I'll see to it that they're freed."
"Before I go, can I ask a question?"
"Sure, go ahead," the Marshall sighed.
"Where is my grandfather? I wanted to talk to him."
The Marshal went even more silent than before. He glanced around the desk, trying to think of how he could phrase this.
"Is he away on business? When is he coming back?" Mihoshi asked.
"Mihoshi, I don't know how to tell you this, but I'll try. I know this will be hard on you, but..." He tailed off.
"But what?"
"Mihoshi, your grandfather is dead," the acting Marshall said quietly. "He passed two days ago. I'm sorry."
"He's dead?" Mihoshi asked in disbelief.
"I'm afraid so. We tried to contact you, but as you said, Yukinojo is broken. We didn't know where you were until now."
Mihoshi started to shudder.
"Mihoshi, I'm so sorry."
The detective collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath.
Tenchi appeared in the middle of the room.
"Mihoshi, I've been looking for... Mihoshi, are you alright?" Tenchi hurried towards her. He looked up at the man on screen.
"You must be Tenchi, right?" the Marshall said.
"What happened to Mihoshi?" Tenchi demanded.
"She's just found out that her grandfather is dead," the man said. "I'm sorry. Please tell her to meet me when you get to Jurai."
The screen disappeared.
Tenchi clutched Mihoshi tightly.
"Mihoshi, I'm sorry," he whispered.
Mihoshi said nothing. She just cried into his shoulder.
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Mihoshi sniffed. Tenchi had taken her to her room, and had taken care of her. She was lying on her bed, Tenchi sitting next to her. She had been crying for the best part of an hour.
Mihoshi stirred and sat up. She looked at Tenchi.
"Thanks Tenchi," she whispered.
"Anything for you, Mihoshi," Tenchi smiled. "It's no trouble."
"Tenchi, promise me you won't let anything bad happen to me." Mihoshi was obviously face to face with her own mortality at the moment.
"I'll protect you with my life," Tenchi replied. "I promise."
Mihoshi moved forwards and lay on his lap.
"I trust you," she said quietly. "Please, hold me."
Tenchi did so, lifting her up so they were staring at each other. After a moment Mihoshi moved forwards to kiss him. Tenchi just stayed still as he watched Mihoshi approach. The woman came nearer, her eyes closing, and sagged onto Tenchi's shoulder, sound asleep.
Tenchi hugged her, then gently lay her down on her bed and pulled a sheet over her.
"Sleep well, Mihoshi," Tenchi whispered, before leaving.
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They arrived at the planet Jurai early the next day. The blue and green globe floated in space, orbited by two bands of rock, each crossing the other at two points. They floated perpendicular to each other, crossed above the equator on opposite sides.
Ryo-Ohki orbited the dark side of the planet. Below was a circle of blackness surrounded by a thin ring of light. Occasional glints of light flashed from the ice rocks in orbit around the sides.
The circle of light faded around one side, as the opposite side grew brighter. The sun was rising on the darkness. The haziness of the light diminished as the atmosphere thinned, and suddenly a bright spark appeared as the sun moved into direct line of sight. The rest of the ring of light instantly faded, as the spark grew bigger, surrounded by the twinkling of refracted light through the ice.
As the light spread across the land, it also caught a large structure floating in space. It seemed a rather haphazard display of rings around a long pole, intermeshed with webbing of development. It was the Galaxy Police Headquarters.
Ryo-Ohki moved into the docking bay and connected to the station. Everyone disembarked, and the airlock was shut. Ryo-Ohki shrunk and transformed back into her cabbit form. Ryoko appeared next to her and grabbed her, before disappearing again.
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"Welcome to the Galaxy Police Headquarters, Lady Ayeka," the Marshall said, bowing deeply. "And Lady Sasami too, welcome. It has been a long time since you left."
Ayeka nodded her head. Sasami just waved. The others, including the recently returned Ryoko, just stood there, not sure of what to do.
"I'm sure you'll be glad to know that we have located the rest of your family," the Marshall continued. "They are doing well. However..."
"They're still trapped, aren't they?" Tenchi asked.
The Marshall and the others were taken aback by his remark. The Marshall cleared his throat.
"Well, yes, that is correct, Mr Masaki," the Marshall said. "Unfortunately there are several tens of forcefields barricading them in. We have our finest technicians at work, but Kagato designed them very well."
"Kagato?" Washu said. "Kagato couldn't design a paper bag. Let me have a go with them. I'm sure I can break them all and be back in time for dinner."
"You are Washu, yes?" the Marshall said, shouting when a small stone statue fell on his head.
"That's Little Washu to you," the red haired maniac said. "Everyone else calls me that."
"Everyone else has to call you that," Ryoko muttered.
"What was that, daughter?"
"Nothing, mom."
The Marshall looked on at this conversation in bewilderment. Mihoshi spoke up.
"Sir, about my grandfather," she said, maintaining her stance.
"Oh, yes, of course." The Marshall looked around and called over three people. "You lot take care of these people," he told them. He turned to Mihoshi. "Mihoshi, please come to my office."
Mihoshi moved to follow, but her hand was caught on something. She turned to see Tenchi holding it.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to come with you," he said.
Mihoshi nodded, and they walked off, still holding hands.
The others hadn't been told about the recent death, although that wouldn't have mattered anyway. It took the three guides and several bystanders to restrain the first princess and the space pirate as they tried desperately to get to Tenchi, and to get him away from Mihoshi. They were politely but firmly pushed towards a transport to the planet.
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Preparations had been made for the late Marshall's funeral. It was to be held the next day on board the station, where his body would be jettisoned into orbit.
Mihoshi and Tenchi were on Jurai, walking down a road towards the Imperial Palace, home of the Royal Family.
"Are you alright, Mihoshi?" Tenchi asked.
"I'm fine," she replied. "I'm sorry about last night."
"What?"
"About the kiss. I shouldn't have asked. I'm sorry."
"No, that's alright. You were just lonely, I expect. It's only natural to want to be close to someone when a relative dies."
"How do you know?"
"You know my father and grampa. They're my only living relatives. Well, not including Ayeka and the Royal Family of Jurai. My other grandparents died when I was very young. I never knew them. My mother died about three months before you showed up on Earth. I know what it's like to lose someone you love."
"I'm sorry, Tenchi."
"Me too. I guess everyone's sorry then."
Mihoshi giggled. "There's a lot of that going around at the moment."
Tenchi smiled. "See, I knew I could get you to laugh."
Mihoshi giggled again.
"Come on," Tenchi said. "Let's go find the others."
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They found the others in the Throne Room of the Imperial Palace. It was a huge room, the ceiling receding into darkness, despite the enormously long windows around the walls. Where there wasn't a window, there was a painting. They were of previous Emperors and Empresses of Jurai, each one dressed in the most formal clothing of the time.
At the far end of the room were three big thrones, five times as high as a person. A person sat on each one. On the left was a gentle looking woman with green hair and two green round gems on her forehead. She was Misaki, mother of Ayeka and Sasami. In the middle was the Emperor. He had a beard, purple hair and a serious look on his face. On the right was another woman, this one with black hair. She was Funaho, Yosho's mother and Tenchi's great-grandmother. They all wore formal Juraian robes.
Ryoko, Ayeka, Sasami and Washu stood in front on the thrones. The Emperor was talking to them. Tenchi and Mihoshi approached them.
"Who are you to interrupt a private conversation between myself and my daughters?" the Emperor asked them.
"I am Detective First Class Mihoshi, sir," the blonde said, saluting him.
"I'm Tenchi Masaki," Tenchi said. "I would be your great-grandson."
"Oh. Well, on behalf of Jurai, I thank you for destroying Kagato," the Emperor said.
"And for taking care of your daughters for the past few months, I assume," Tenchi replied.
"Tenchi!" Ayeka hissed.
"You shouldn't speak to daddy like that," Sasami whispered.
"Sorry," Tenchi apologised. "I'm just not used to being around royalty."
First impressions are always very important. And Tenchi's first impression of the Emperor was not a good one. He thought him to be obnoxious and rude, all but corrupted by the power he had, making him arrogant and feel superior.
"Anyway," the Emperor continued, "you're just in time to hear my decisions. Firstly, because of her bravery and reformation, I have removed all charges from Ryoko, and destroyed her criminal status. She is now a normal citizen of the galaxy."
"Great," Ryoko said, not too enthusiastically.
"Congratulations Ryoko," Tenchi said.
"Secondly, although he has learnt things which he should never know, such as our existence, I shall let Tenchi Masaki retain his memories, and offer him residence here for as long as he deems suitable."
"It's rude to refer to someone in the third person," Tenchi muttered under his breath. "Thank you, sir," he said, bowing slightly.
"And lastly, Galaxy Police officer Mihoshi will be promoted to Detective Inspector First Class, for her outstanding work in helping to defeat Kagato."
"Well done, Mihoshi," Sasami said.
"Yes, congratulations," Tenchi said.
"Oh wow, thank you Emperor," Mihoshi said, bowing deeply.
"Now, if that is all, Ayeka and I have things to discuss," the Emperor said.
"Excuse me, but what kind of things?" Tenchi asked. "She's just come back. I think she deserves a rest."
"Well, if it's any of your business, which it isn't, Ayeka and I are going to discuss her suitors. And as for rest, she's been on a holiday for the past several months. She needs to choose a husband I have selected for her soon, in preparation for her succession to the throne."
"Sorry, but fighting Kagato was hardly a picnic," Tenchi said. "And why should she have to choose from some people you pick out for her?"
"You are a very arrogant person, Tenchi," the Emperor said. "You come here with no understanding of our ways, the ways which have kept our Empire stable for thousands of years, and you question everything we do. You are a very small minded individual."
"Maybe so, but if Ayeka's going to marry this person, then maybe she should marry someone she truly likes?"
"It is her duty to help retain the stability of the galaxy," the Emperor said, now visibly becoming very angry. "She will do as she is told."
"Then that isn't fair. You're treating her as if she's just an object to be given to someone like a donation, just to satisfy your will."
"Life is not fair, Mr Masaki," the Emperor said slowly. "That is one of the things you must learn, if you want to stay here. You should accept our way of living, instead of doubting our traditions."
The Emperor was near boiling point, and everyone knew it. They could tell from his tone and the way he addressed Tenchi as 'Mr Masaki'. Tenchi carried on anyway.
"Respect for something and acceptance of something are two completely different things," he argued. "I respect your way of life, but I cannot accept it. I will not allow you to do this to Ayeka." He moved in front of the princess and spread his arms.
The room went even more silent, as everyone but Tenchi and the Emperor watched the events happening in astonishment. They simply could not believe that someone was standing up to the ruler of the galaxy.
The Emperor gazed coldly into Tenchi's solemn eyes.
"So be it," he said quietly. "You have defied me for the last time, Tenchi Masaki. Your manner suggests you want a fight, so I will give you one. Seriyo!" he called.
A man entered through a side door. He was quite handsome, if not for the irregular pink hair on his head. He lifted his arm from his cloak. He was holding a sword hilt, like Tenchi's.
"This is Seriyo," the Emperor introduced. "He will be your opponent. He is one of the strongest warriors on this planet, and he will not go easy on you." He glared at Tenchi. "You may concede now, if you want, provided you cease insulting my kingdom."
"I will not back down as long as you continue to treat Ayeka like this," Tenchi said, pulling out his sword, the Master Key.
"So you are Tenchi," Seriyo said. "A pleasure to meet you. This is nothing personal, but Lady Ayeka's honour must be defended."
"Tenchi, don't," Ayeka said, grabbing his arm. "Don't do anything foolish because of me. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Would you rather marry this guy?" Tenchi asked.
Ayeka remained silent.
"Alright then." Tenchi removed his arm from the princess and walked towards the middle of the room, along with Seriyo.
"Bring it."
"Don't you worry. Soon you won't be doing anything any more," Seriyo said.
"This is a duel to the death," the Emperor said.
"What?" Tenchi exclaimed. "But I'm your great-grandson!"
Seriyo lunged forwards while Tenchi was distracted. A large yellow blade appeared on his sword. Tenchi stepped back and activated his sword, a thin blue blade.
"If that's the best you can do," Seriyo called, "better just to give up now."
Seriyo swung. Tenchi blocked his attack, causing green sparks to appear between the swords. The force of the attack sent Tenchi stumbling backwards several metres. He regained his posture and held his sword down by his side. The red gems on the hilt started to glow, and the blade changed colour to purple.
"Even with the Master Key you won't be able to defeat me," Seriyo laughed. "I have far more battle experience than you."
"Pinkie, you have no idea," Tenchi said quietly. He held his sword backwards with his right hand, pointing it down behind him, and raised his left hand into a fighting position, fingers clawed slightly towards Seriyo. He rotated his hand so his palm was face up, and gestured for him to attack.
Seriyo leapt towards Tenchi from his position, swinging his sword from above his head. Tenchi maintained his stance. The yellow blade struck a small energy barrier above Tenchi's head. Tenchi whipped his sword round and swung it straight through the hilt. Seriyo's hilt broke in two, the blade instantly dissipating, and the two halves clattered on the floor. Tenchi raised his sword above his head, pointing it at Seriyo. His left arm followed the blade's direction.
Seriyo just stood there, staring at his sword lying broken on the floor, whimpering slightly. The others were also staring, even the Emperor. The Emperor could not believe that the best warrior on the planet had been beaten so easily, especially by a boy from some far-flung planet on the other side of the galaxy.
"Do you want to continue, or do you just want to give up now?" Tenchi asked. "Oh, sorry about your sword, by the way."
"This is a duel to the death," Seriyo said shakily. "I have lost fairly, and I am ready to accept the end." He stood upright and closed his eyes.
Tenchi held his sword against Seriyo's neck, only just missing it. He held it there for a moment. Seriyo opened his eyes slightly, to see why he wasn't dead yet. The blade on Tenchi's sword dissipated, and Tenchi put his sword away.
"I don't kill," Tenchi said. "Not any more."
He turned and walked towards the Emperor.
"I've effectively defeated your strongest warrior," Tenchi said to him. "Your Seriyo guy can get himself a new sword, right?"
"My, that was over fast," Ayeka said.
"That was most impressive, Tenchi," the Emperor said.
"Because if he wants he can have this sword," Tenchi offered.
"No, that won't be necessary," the Emperor said. "But I see that you do care a lot for my daughter."
"Both of them," Tenchi said. "And all my other friends."
"Right. You have proven yourself to be an honourable member of the Royal Family of Jurai, and owing to this recent occurrence, I have decided to change my mind. Instead of resuming my daughter's training, I have decided to allow her an extended holiday. She has one year, to do with as she pleases, but at the end of that time she must be back here on Jurai, ready to marry her suitor."
"Oh, thank you daddy!" Ayeka said, hugging him tightly.
"On one condition," the Emperor said. "You take good care of my daughter, my son."
"Actually, I think Sasami wants to come back too," Tenchi said. Sasami was nodding eagerly. "Don't worry, great-grampa. I'll take care of them. I promise."
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They stayed on Jurai for a few days, at Tenchi's request. On the third day of their visit, Tenchi and Mihoshi went to her grandfather's funeral. It was a sad occasion, but Tenchi was there to help Mihoshi through it, and for that she was truly grateful. She had actually started to love Tenchi back on Earth, and the way he was helping her encouraged this love a lot. She actually said so as they were walking back to the Imperial Palace. Tenchi actually took it surprisingly well, despite his very unique situation.
"Mihoshi, I don't want to upset you, but at least three other girls also feel the same way about me as you do," Tenchi said. "At the moment I'm not ready for anything like that. Maybe all I need is time, but before that we can still be friends, right?"
Mihoshi was disappointed, but understood. "Sure thing, Tenchi!" she said, masking her sadness.
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They left very shortly after Tenchi and Mihoshi got back. Ryo-Ohki, now fully revitalised with carrots, lifted up into the air and left Jurai. She passed the outermost planet and accelerated towards Earth.
It would be a complete lie to say that the trip back to Earth passed uneventfully, but nothing out of the relatively normal happened.
Tenchi's mind was a labyrinth of pitfalls and forks in the road, each with a face of one of the girls above it. If Tenchi's hadn't stopped thinking about all this shortly after, he would have become seriously confused, and possibly insane. Thank Kame for all the work that needed to be done in the carrot fields.
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In the next episode of Continuum T:
Tragedy sweeps over the Masaki household, as something bad happens to Tenchi. Uncertain of his survival, Tenchi reveals something very personal to the girls in "Heart Attack". Will Tenchi survive this ominous title? What is this very personal information Tenchi has to tell? And will the events in 'Tenchi Muyo!' still be accurate, now that the plot has taken an irregular turn from the animé series? Find out in the next episode of Continuum T.