Chapter 17
-The Return-
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The average sized room appeared normal at first glance, until one noticed the eerie blue light that seemed to infuse everything. This was cause by the blue regeneration field over the small bed that held the unconscious form of a little girl. Her cute, freckled face held a slight grimace whose source nobody knew.
She had been this way since Taliesin had discovered she was showing signs of waking up three days ago, three days after the medical ship had exploded. All the efforts of the family were now focused solely on this young aqua-haired girl. Her coming too was the only bright spot in the gray fog that had settled over the family.
This was why Washu had officially taken over the duties of monitoring the young girl, sharing them only with Laurynas. Taliesin was on board a Jurai ship, limping around doing the best he could to tend to the wounded. Monitoring Sasami was now more of a waiting game than any actual medical work, Washu took the night shift so that she could both monitor and try to speed up the process of removing the subspace interference surrounding the solar system.
This explained why the attractive, spiky red-haired scientist was wide awake in the dead of night typing away on her holographic keyboard. Her lips, highlighted now with lipstick, were pressed into a cuteish frown as she typed with blinding speed and absorbed the data flashing across her two dozen screens.
Her hands suddenly trembled and she stopped, lifting them away from the holographic keyboard, unbidden memories about the family stealing into her mind; Ryoko being more stubborn than expected in her point-blank, and violent, refusal to accept that Tenchi, and by proxy both Mihoshi and Ukyo, were dead.
Then there was Kiyone who had become more than a little lethargic, perking up only in the presence of Laurynas. And Aekea who had resolved to spend nearly all her time either with her sister or Chijiro. The fact that Katsuhito had disappeared without a word or trace, almost as if he had been spirited away.
She felt a warm tear sliding down her cheek and she tensed, concentrating on it as it made its way down her cheek, then her chin before finally falling to her lap. She would not allow herself to cry, just because she was in adult form now didn't mean that she had to behave like one. She refused to cry. She glanced unconsciously at the only other person currently in the room, besides Sasami.
The woman was sound asleep in her seat next to the bed, but even now it was not hard to see the family resemblance in the attractive woman's face. Queen Misaki was almost a constant fixture in the room, she didn't eat any more and refused to sleep until her body forced her too. Such dedication, such love, that almost prompted another tear from Washu.
However the red headed scientist refused to cry and after several tense moments, when she was reasonable sure that no more tears would escape her, she resumed her typing. Washu's attention was suddenly diverted to a new screen where information flashed by at a mind numbing rate. After a moment of careful study she frowned slightly and reached up typing a few quick equations into the screen before banishing it so that she could resume her work concerning Sasami.
After another second of typing Washu stopped and looked up at the unconscious princess, her features softening "Wake up already, you're so close Sasami, so wake up." when the aqua haired girl didn't stir the woman went back to work, her face once more a mask of seriousness.
The house was rather quiet, which was not surprising considering the past seventy-two or so hours. With most of the Juraian soldiers, knights and personnel from the medical ship taken to a battleship for long term care, there was no real source of noise. This was of little comfort to the handsome young intern, still dressed in his lab coat, who was seated alone in the dark kitchen.
His young, careworn face showed just how troubled he was by whatever was on the small PDA type device in his hands. He tilted his head, running his eyes over the data once more then paused, feeling something at the back of his mind tugging at his consciousness. Whatever thoughts were preparing to bubble to the surface were forgotten as a primal feeling of being watched washed over him.
Slowly he lifted his head to stare steadily at the figure standing in the darkened doorway. They stepped out into the pale light, their gray pants and black, long sleeved shirt looking nice on their feminine body. Suddenly the intern recognized her and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, until he saw the frown marring her attractive face.
She seemed to finally realize that he was looking back at her and she dropped her gaze, speaking softly "Sorry, I didn't mean to, I'll leave-"
"No," the young intern said hastily then caught himself as Kiyone looked back up at him, an unfamiliar look in her gaze. "I mean you can star-, stay I mean stay, I don't mind."
The galaxy police detective crossed the kitchen floor and slid onto a stool on the other side of the kitchen island. Without breaking eye contact she crossed her arms and propped them on top of the island, staring into his eyes as if trying to see what was going through Laurynas mind "So, what's so interesting that you need to stay up this late?"
"Nothing," he answered in a hushed voice lost in her gaze "I was working on something for Prince Tenchi." This statement seemed to catch his distracted attention and he lowered his eyes to the device in his hand "I understand that you lost your partner in the..." he trailed off unsure of what he should call the fate of the medical ship.
"Don't be sorry. She's gone. No use crying over that fact." Kiyone responded instantly, seemingly unfazed by the sadness that should have filled the moment "She was my partner and I'm going to miss her, but I don't see any reason to get upset about it."
"Excuse me for saying this," Laurynas said looking up "But that's a bit harsh. What if it had been your husband or boyfriend? I mean Officer Mihoshi was a good person."
Kiyone arched a slender eyebrow "Yes. She was. But its how I was raised and your question is moot since I don't have either, unless you know someone that wants the job." She hesitated after saying that and reached out resting her hand on his "I don't mean to be harsh and...I better get to bed tomorrow's going to be another pain in the ass. We'll talk more later?"
Laurynas nodded and turned his hand over to lift hers up to his lips for a kiss "Of course, it's been a trying day. I should get some sleep too." It was to dark to be sure, but the intern would have sworn she was blushing.
Smiling stupidly she stood "Goodnight Lar," then chuckling she turned and walked out of the kitchen disappearing into the rest of the house. Laurynas remained there for a moment, smiling before he looked back at his Data pad.
Any humor he felt instantly evaporated. What was it about this information that was bothering him? There was no reason to keep it anymore, but something was keeping him from deleting it. Sighing he saved the data and shut it down as he rose and strode out to the kitchen to the living room.
Shaking his head he pulled off his lab coat, then set both it and the data pad onto the coffee table. With one more sigh he eased himself onto the couch, adjusting to the surface. His mind began alternating between thoughts of the data and Kiyone before finally falling asleep. He would never know that Kiyone was laying in her bed, wide awake, and crying softly to herself.
Aekea eased the door to her room open and stopped, looking around at the small bedroom. She still couldn't help but marvel at how well Nobuyuki had converted this mezzanine into an actual bedroom. A moment of melancholy stole over her, she had visited his grave earlier in the day, to pay her private respects yet again. However, thinking about him brought her to thoughts of Tenchi. He was gone, she like Ryoko believed he would come back, but her rational mind told her this was a false hope.
There were something's that not even Tenchi could do. His powers had been getting erratic or so her brother had told her and three days of no sign of him, she doubted he would ever come back to them. Shaking her head she stepped into the room, sliding the door closed as she crossed toward the dresser set against the far wall.
Silently she began undoing her violet kimono, then folding it neatly placed it in the top most drawer. Now, dressed in only her simple robe slip she turned heading to the bed. Kneeling she quietly folded back the blankets and studied the bed quietly, it was so odd to be back in this house.
It was here that she had found that she did not have to be Princess every waking moment. It was in this house that she had first tasted love. She had loved Yosho, but it had been the simplistic love of a child. What she had felt for Tenchi had been a love so full of emotions that even now she couldn't describe it. Sighing she reached up to smooth out a strand of her purple hair.
With Tenchi gone she was feeling an ache in heart. It was a dull ache, too much damage had been done to her emotions to feel full sadness anymore. It was just one more hurt for her, one more loss. Quickly she turned her thoughts away from Tenchi and focused on the door sliding open once more.
Heavy footsteps filled the air briefly before the door slid shut once more. Aekea remained silent, waiting for her visitor to speak ""Aekea, are you alright?""
The purple haired princess finally turned toward the voice staring into the kind eyes of the silver haired lord. He seemed nervous ""I am fine Chijiro, I have just been reflecting on my family.""
The handsome noble nodded quietly and approached her not bothering to change out of his white and silver robes. Aekea knew this was for her modesty and to make her feel more at ease, something that she nearly appreciated. Quietly Chijiro knelt on the other side of the bed and flashed her a comforting smile ""Tsunami will protect them and bless those lost.""
Aekea returned the smile, then climbed into bed as did Chijiro pulling the covers over them. They laid there awkwardly for a moment, each on the edge of the small futon and then slowly they inched in closer together. Without a word Chijiro rolled over and slipped an arm around her waist to hold her close. Aekea closed her eyes and buried her face into his chest, laying there quietly, still adjusting to having someone hold her at night.
Normally she slept with her back to him, but now she felt safe, secure, protected. Tenchi had made her feel like that, but in Chijiro's arms it was different. She couldn't describe how it was different, just that it was as different as her love for Yosho had been from her love for Tenchi. She decided she didn't care if it was different because she liked it, he was holding her tightly, like he was declaring in some silent manner that she belonged to him.
It was in the instant that he planted a soft kiss on the top of her forehead that she realized that yes, she belonged to him and that he belonged to her. The same way that Ryoko belonged to Tenchi and Tenchi to Ryoko. Chijiro loved her and Aekea, in turn, loved him.
Her breath caught at that admittance, that understanding. It was shocking, unexpected and for one brief moment she tried to undo the startling thought, erase it. Finding that she couldn't, she examined her thought and the feelings attached to it. No matter what angle she attacked them from they remained firm and unchanging.
Yes, for whatever reason her heart, her love, belonged to Chijiro. Tenchi had finally been regulated to a part of her heart that was only for her closets and most dear of family members. She almost opened her mouth to say something to Chijiro, to admit her feelings and then paused a new, startling thought forming in her mind.
She loved Chijiro, but was that only because Tenchi was gone? If Tenchi was still around, would she love Chijiro or would she still have feelings for Tenchi? She shivered, what if Ryoko was right and Tenchi was still alive and he came back and she suddenly found that her love for Chijiro was dulled.
It scared her, but Chijiro didn't seem to share her fears, his soft snores filled the nighttime air of the room. Closing her eyes she willed away her thoughts and fell asleep slowly, hoping that in the morning everything would be clearer and beginning to understand some of the fears that had clutched at Tenchi's heart when he had been attempting to make his choice. Eventually her own snores filled the air to mix with Chijiro's.
Sasami screamed, it was a long drawn out affair and her lungs burned from the time it took. Once the scream died away, she collapsed to her knees and hands head swimming from a pain that came from somewhere beyond her consciousness. She still resided in this strange nexus, but now she was getting physical sensations.
She screamed again, her throat sore from attempting to keep it inside. She collapsed completely as the scream tapered off, soft pink eyes shining with unshed tears. The pain was so great, but it was dulled now, almost as if it was coming to her from an unstable connection. Coughing the young girl managed to pull herself into a tight ball, allowing the pain to wash over her.
Then the pain went away.
It was so sudden that she had no clue what happened, one minute she had been in untold pain and in the next she wasn't. However, she still didn't move from her position for fear of it being a trick. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up into the kind and beautiful face of Tsunami.
The aqua haired goddess smiled softly and knelt, helping Sasami to stand. Once the tiny princess had done so the matron goddess of Jurai sighed softly taking the girl's hands speaking in a voice that was a mixture of power and helplessness ""He's here...""
Sasami opened her mouth to say something when the darkness of the nexus shattered like cheap glass to reveal the realm where Tsunami resided. The stones and water, the trees, the mystical glow that emanated from the very landscape. Just like it had been seven hundred years ago when Tsunami had brought her here to save her life.
"He cannot be held for long, his power is too unstable." Tsunami continued softly glancing at a ghost like figure that was fading in and out, one that Sasami recognized. The princess opened her mouth to say something when Tsunami continued "Yes. It is his pain you feel. He will return home soon and so must you."
""Why now?""
"Because," Tsunami responded turning back to her physical manifestation on Earth "Things are going out of control. Tenchi's powers are too wild and he suffers from a horrible affliction. You must go back now to force them to listen, they must come to Jurai as your father and Funaho ordered."
Sasami nodded then whimpered prompting Tsunami to squeeze the small princess hands "I've cut off his feelings to you the best I could."
""Why can I even feel it?"" Sasami asked alternating her gaze between the goddess and the ghost image of Tenchi.
"Because of his wings. Through them, like the trees of Jurai, he is connected to me. Since you are connected with me as well, you are connected to him. No thoughts may pass between you, but pain and various other powerful emotions can, but only when the wings, and other considerations are happening, now sleep. The pain will fade."
""Sleep? Here? Now?""
Tsunami nodded frowning "Yes, here. When you awaken you will be home. Now sleep and rest..." Then before Sasami could respond the two green marks of power on her forehead glowed and she slowly collapsed into the arms of the goddess. Gently Tsunami laid the girl down and stood, then looked back at the ghost Tenchi before fading from view. However, this time Tsunami's realm in its entirety remained, which was little comfort to Sasami.
Pale early morning sunlight filtered in through the window, dancing across the room. It mixed with the blue glow infusing the room, making things less sinister. Birds chirping in the distance drifted faintly into the room causing the dozing red headed woman to jerk awake.
The air around her came to alive with holographic monitors flashing data at alarming rates of speed. Shaking her head Washu frowned, she was getting tired. That wasn't good, not good at all. Meant she might make a mistake soon. Cursing herself she crossed her arms over her ample chest and studied the data silently.
Still no change in Sasami's various mental patterns. It was enough to make Washu for one brief moment consider the possibility that Sasami was waiting for someone. She quickly rejected such a thought, chalking that up to her daughters overwhelming thoughts of Tenchi.
The sound of the door sliding open drew her attention, but she didn't turn around already aware of who it was that had entered the room. "Oh, Miss...er...Washu-chan..."
Washu restrained her sigh of exasperation as she answered without looking away from her screens "Good morning Aekea. I trust you had a good night, I'm sure Chijiro did." Without looking she knew that Aekea was blushing, which of course was exactly what Washu wanted.
"Ah, yes...so, any changes?" Aekea stammered, trying to change the topic.
Washu, relenting turned to look at the purple haired princess "Not really, which I admit is rather frustrating."
"But Taliesin said that..."
"I am perfectly aware of what he said. But the fact is, Sasami is bonded to a goddess, which last time I checked is outside the physics and medical laws that govern our universe." Washu snapped without thinking, the stress of various things getting to her.
Seeing the startled look on the purple haired princess' face Washu sighed "I'm sorry Aekea. I'm just frustrated and tired."
"Miss...er-" Aekea began then was cut off immediately by an irritated Washu.
"Washu alright? Just Washu, I'm in no mood. I have a daughter that's so emotionally erratic that she can't even remember to block out her thoughts and feelings. I have a ship that's going on and on about Sasami and I have you and your mother bugging me every second about Sasami's condition." Washu rose to stare at the rather startled princess "I know I shouldn't be blowing up like this but even I have my limits. Laurynas will be here soon to check on the readi-"
Suddenly her eyes grew wide and she spun back around to a new holographic computer screen that had just appeared. She studied the data flashing across it and then reached up tapping a few keys, beginning to type at a maddening pace. She was dimly aware of Aekea cautiously approaching her side to stare at the screen.
"What is that Miss Washu-chan?"
Washu narrowed her eyes, not responding immediately. Slowly but surely chunks of data were disappearing and she began to smile wider. Suddenly she let out a triumphant sound staring at a single set of numbers, then turned to look at a worried Aekea "Subspace Echo, caused by magnetic geothermic reactions! It's so obvious, I should have seen it sooner, but the destructive interference combined with the negative thermal induction..."
"What?"
"Don't you see? It was just-" Washu began then stopped as a new voice spoke up.
"What is it?" A depressed Ryoko asked as she teleported into the room. She was dressed in a dark set of her standard blue and gold dress, minus tail.
Washu smiled triumphantly at her daughter "There was a brief surge of Juraian power just befor-" before she could finish it Ryoko had faded from view and a minute later a loud boom filled the air.
"Y-you mean Tenchi's...you found...how?" Aekea asked confusedly drawing the scientists attention back to her.
"I told you it was subspace echoes caused by magnetic geo-" Washu hesitated seeing the blank look on the girls face and sighed rubbing her eyes with the palms of her hands "The explosion and the magnetic field surrounding the Earth masked the power surge..."
"Oh." Aekea said then her eyes widened "Miss Washu-chan, you didn't tell Ryoko where to go!"
"Oh come on Aekea, remember who I am." Washu said simply, and seeing the look of understanding filling the princess' face the red head genius smiled "Our whole family might just be coming back now."
Aekea lowered her eyes "I must apologize..."
"Oh don't bother," Washu said simply, then hesitated glancing away from the other girl "I'm sorry for...everything."
Aekea in response to this graced Washu with a smile and turned heading to the bed side of her sister. Washu watched the two for a moment until Laurynas entered. She exchanged a few words with the young intern and then Washu studied the three gathered females; Aekea standing reservedly near Sasami's bed, Misaki still sleeping and Sasami unchanged. A smile tugged at her lips and shaking her head Washu walked out of the room deciding that family was definitely nice to have.
Mihoshi adjusted herself slightly on the rocky floor of the cave, her hand straying to Ukyo's. He was sleeping next to her, propped up against the wall of the cave. He'd been passing in and out of sleep since they'd been here, it was a fitful rest but it was better than nothing.
The blond however couldn't bring herself to sleep. She was too worried, even if they did have air they had no water or food. Ukyo had insisted that they would be fine, that he'd been through worse, but Mihoshi found it hard to believe that. Still, she had nothing else she could do.
Quietly she picked up a handful of pebbles and began adding them to the small stack she'd already made, it was her way of staying calm. She was so intent on stacking them that she barely noticed when the knight squeezed her hand. Mihoshi, smiling despite herself turned her head in his direction. "Awake?"
"Yes, unfortunately. I was having a rather nice dream..." Ukyo's disembodied voice said.
Mihoshi grinned "Tell me about it?"
"I'd rather not. I fear that I might just get my face slapped." His tone revealed however that he was merely teasing her.
Mihoshi squeezed his hand "Then I won't be telling you about the ones I've had..."
"Shame."
"Yup."
Silenced settled over the two and then Mihoshi spoke up, voicing the one question she answered above all others. "Do you like me?"
"Wha?"
"Do you like me?" she repeated "I think you do-" the blond hesitated holding his hand tighter "Please tell me. We may never get out of here..."
"Mihoshi we will get out of here," His voice sounded so sure that Mihoshi couldn't doubt him "and I don't like you." Mihoshi tried to pull her hand away, but he refused to let it ago as he continued "I don't like you, I love you."
This pronouncement brought an absolute hush the cave. Mihoshi held her breath, her ears were pounding. Her mind was now kareening around in a million different directions, his admission playing havoc with her emotions. Dimly in her memories she remembered another man saying that he loved her, emotions that had been buried and locked away were suddenly forcing themselves to the forefront.
Finally she found the only words that she could say "You love me?" Before she could add or Ukyo could responded the cave exploded with light. It was so bright, and they'd been in the darkness for so long that both had to shield her eyes.
Pain raced through Mihoshi's mind, multicolored dots danced painfully before her eyes. She tried to blink them away, not that she had much success.
"Mihoshi." The blond cautiously dropped her arm and despite the pain of the light she stared in amazement at Ryoko. The cyan haired woman was standing there, hand held out holding a bright orange ball of energy.
Without thinking the Galaxy Police officer bolted from the ground and glomped onto Ryoko, which caused the former pirate to loose the energy ball and plunge the cave back into darkness "Gettoff," Ryoko chocked out struggling with the woman to get free.
Mihoshi however seemed both unwilling to let go and immune to Ryoko's greater strength "Come on, let me go, I don't-urk!" Ryoko said before suddenly choking as Mihoshi tightened her hug.
Finally, after several failed attempts to extricate Mihoshi from her, Ryoko phased backwards allowing Mihoshi to over balance and fall face first to the ground. The blond shook her head, dazed while Ryoko reformed her orange ball of energy and started looking around anxiously "So where's Tenchi?"
"Where are we?" Ukyo asked as he struggled to his feet, careful not to upset his wounds.
Ryoko snorted not glancing at him as she strode through the cave "Washu said somewhere in the States. I think the Superstition Mountains or something like that." She paused looking back the knight "Now where's Tenchi?"
Mihoshi, who had regained her feet answered in a hushed tone "He's not here." The stony look that came over Ryoko's face scared Mihoshi. For one brief moment an image of the pirate blasting them to bits flashed through her mind, but it passed as the cyan haired woman let a soft sigh escape her.
Ryoko reached out her energy ball fading away, taking with it the light, and grabbed both Ukyo and Mihoshi's shoulders. Without a word she teleported them out of the cave and back to the house.
""The knights report a clear sweep of the surrounding area Lord Chijiro."" Bakio reported from his position just behind his lord ""They found no trace of the rouge knight however. Prince Tenchi's grandfather is still missing in the forest and Lady Ryoko left an hour ago.""
The silver haired lord remained quiet, studying the landscape before him from the vantage point that Aekea had told him about that morning. Finally he spoke ""Anything else Bakio?""
""Only one other thing,"" the knight said quietly "Princess Aekea is on her way.""
""Hmmm, keep the search on for the rouge knight, send another search party out to see if we can't find this Katsuhito. Also Check with Miss Washu about the subspace interference and then with Laurynas on how things are progressing with the wounded and Princess Sasami."
Bakio bowed uttering a 'yes sir' before he turned and hurried off to see to his lord's orders. Chijiro remained motionless, watching the late mornings dance through the trees creating a show of great beauty for him. The sunrise, while not as impressive as one on Jurai, was breathtaking.
Chijiro was pulled from his silent thoughts as a hand brushed his lightly. He looked over smiling softly at his future bride. The purple haired princess returned the smile.""Good morning Chijiro.""
The silver haired noble chuckled ""Good morning.""
Aekea smiled softly, then looked out at the beauty of the morning ""Can you see why the Earth captured my heart?""
""Yes, I can. Though it can not steal mine, you've already taken it."" He hesitated then added "The Earth is very beautiful, I have been here only a short time and yet I wish to remain with you here forever.""
They allowed a moment of silence to steal over them, neither having any other words to say. Then silently Aekea turned, hands folded in front of her, and starting toward the house. Chijiro was at her side the entire time, hands held behind his back absently, both enjoying the wildness that surrounded them and the early morning light.
Aekea took the winding path through the forest, passing into the clearing surrounding the lake where the great space tree Funaho still resided. It was here the princess stopped and stared up a the out stretched limbs of the ancient tree. Finally she spoke ""I am going to speak plainly, so please do not interrupt me.""
Chijiro looked at her and nodded his agreement. Aekea took a deep breath, unsure of if she should continue this course of action or not. Seeing his interest and attention focused solely on her she decided, yes she had to. He had to understand.
""I know you love me, that much I have no doubts about. However you must understand, I have loved two men."" She hesitated for a moment before continuing ""I have also suffered greatly because I have loved them. I fear that I am falling in love once more and I fear it will bring me great pain.""
Chijiro nodded slightly and Aekea closed her eyes ""I have loved both Lord Tenchi and Lord Yosho just as deeply as you love me. That is the fact that you must know, that I have loved before you and that I might always, in some way, love them.""
Chijiro was quiet for a moment, his face serious then he nodded slowly ""I understand. However, you've told me nothing I didn't already know and accept. It is a tad bitter, but I accept it and I still love you."" That said he silently he cupped her chin with his curled fingers and lifted her head up ""As for falling in love with me, I will catch you if you do fall.""
Aekea felt her face flush staring intently into his eyes, there was a warmth in them, a kindness, there was love. Suddenly her hands held his arms and she stood on her tiptoes to share a tentative kiss. Aekea felt her pulse quicken while his lips lingered against hers.
Then as suddenly as it had happened they both broke the kiss and shared another look before Aekea, blushing turned and started for the house once more, Chijiro at her side.
They exited the forest quietly and passed through the well worn yard, then up to the entrance. Chijiro opened the door for Aekea and the princess entered, pausing to remove her shoes. She turned to see Chijiro removing his own shoes, then both stepped into the house proper heading past the library and the living room.
""I am going to visit my sister,"" Aekea said softly ""Will you becoming with me?""
Chijiro nodded smiling slightly ""Yes.""
Both royals were just at the foot of the stairs that would lead upstairs when they came to an abrupt halt. This was due to the fact that Ryoko had just appeared at the foot of the stairs. Her blue and gold striped dress was now black and gold and her countenance was dark. She eyed the two darkly before speaking "Mihoshi and Ukyo are fine."
"Lady Ryoko-" Chijiro began before quelling under her dark gaze. Her golden feline eyes narrowed. It was obvious from her body language that she had a great deal of anger that was just barely restrained.
Aekea took a step toward the other woman, knowing the reason for her anger. Yes, Ryoko had found Mihoshi and Ukyo, yes they were fine but Tenchi was still gone. It was now obvious that he had to be dead. Aekea was about to reach out and touch Ryoko's shoulder when those golden eyes fell upon her and she froze.
Aekea was startled to realize that there was a lack of warmth in that gaze. It was empty and cold, never had Aekea seen such a look save for the when Ryoko had re-boarded Ryo-ohki after Kagato had destroyed Ryou-oh. Ryoko didn't blink, didn't save a word, then suddenly the cyan haired pirate disappeared into thin air.
""Was it something I said?"" Chijiro asked finally after several minutes, still staring at where Ryoko had been.
""No,"" Aekea answered quietly looking toward the stairs ""Tenchi's gone and she's refusing to accept the loss.""
""Perhaps Lord Katsuhito should..."" Chijiro began but trailed off when Aekea shook her head.
""He has disappeared into the forest remember? Nobody other than Lord Tenchi has a chance of finding him."" That said she nodded decisively and squared her shoulders ""I shall have to speak with her myself. Prince Tenchi is gone and she must accept that. Even if no one else is willing to force her too.""
""Is that wise?"" The silver haired lord asked starring at his future wife with concern ""She seems rather volatile and violent now.""
""Oh this? It's nothing. You should have seen her when we thought Tenchi was blown up by Kagato."" Aekea gave a weak laugh ""She's not really dangerous."" That said she touched Chijiro's hand lightly and started up the stairs quietly.
Aekea ascended the stairs with a confidence that she didn't really feel, she was fully aware that what she was about to do might just bring her death. The princess had no doubts that if Ryoko truly wanted to she could remove Aekea from the land of the living. Aekea was also aware that Ryoko would be more than willing to she hadn't forgotten her last conversation with Ryoko.
She allowed her violet eyes to scan the third floor of the house, wondering absently how many times she had strode this hallway when she had lived here. There to the right was the room that she had shared with Sasami, there on the left was Mihoshi's, and at the far end...Tenchi's.
She reached the closed door and hesitated for a second before knocking. There was no answer, knowing perfectly well that the room had an occupant Aekea eased the door open easily. What was revealed was a darkened room, clothes hanging out of drawers and the bed ill made. No doubt everything was just as Tenchi had left it.
Aekea took in the room briefly before spotting her target, Ryoko. The ex-pirate was seated on the futon, knees pulled into her chest and arms wrapped them. It was a disheartening thing to see, such a head strong and vibrant woman now reduced to sitting there cutting herself off from everybody.
Taking a steadying breath Aekea stepped across the threshold and into the room. The instant she did Ryoko spoke up "Go away."
Aekea paused, then slid the door shut behind her "No Ryoko. We must talk about this, I know that you did not find him. I know what this means as well as you do, Tenchi truly is lost to us forever."
"You're wrong princess," Ryoko answered "He's alive and he's coming back. I can feel it in my heart."
"Ryoko, I want him to come back too. My heart is telling me he has to be alive, but I know better. He wasn't with Mihoshi and Ukyo, he's dead." Aekea took a step towards her former rival then stopped as Ryoko rose slowly and turned to stare coldly at her.
"Get out, I told you were not welcomed in this room." The former pirate said with enough venom in her voice to kill a planet full of people.
Aekea knew though, how she knew she wasn't sure, Ryoko was already in mourning. But Ryoko still needed to consciously accept that Tenchi really was dead. Squaring her shoulders and she narrowed her eyes just as she had every time in the past that she had battled with Ryoko "I will not leave. Nobody else is apparently willing to force this issue, but you need to accept the fact that Tenchi is de-"
"Shut up."
"No!" Aekea said forcefully "The sooner you accept it, the sooner-" The rest of Aekea's statement was cut off as Ryoko grabbed her by the throat and slammed her backwards into the wall with enough force to snap the spine. The only thing that prevented such an even happening was Aekea's Jurai power bursting to life to cushion the blow.
Ryoko squeezed the purple haired girls neck, leveling her other hand point blank in Aekea's face as a swirling mass of orange energy formed. The purple haired princess however stared into the cold, hard gaze of the pirate, seemingly unfazed by the violence.
"Did you think I was joking earlier Aekea? I will kill you." Ryoko hissed, eyes narrowed Aekea's gaze agitating her "Because without Tenchi I have nothing. Understand? The only thing keeping alive is that I believe he is alive!"
"You're not a killer," Aekea gasped as best she could "Kagato made you-" her sentence was cut off as Ryoko tightened her grip on her throat.
"You don't have a clue Aekea. Do you really know what Kagato did to me? Yes, he forced me to kill in the beginning but once you've killed a few hundred times you become indifferent. After a thousand you just quit caring." Ryoko narrowed her eyes "He broke me Aekea, I don't care. Taking a life is nothing to me now. All I want is to be left alone with whatever happiness I can manage."
"T-Tenchi-" Aekea managed to choke, tears in the corners of her eyes. That single choked word caused Ryoko to release Aekea's throat.
"Tenchi loves me Aekea. More than anything and he's the only thing I really care about." Ryoko said softly "Do you know the real reason why he took so long to decide between us? It wasn't just because he didn't want to hurt us, it was because he didn't think he was worthy of love. He couldn't believe we really loved him because of what he believed he was..."
"Why would he, how could he think such things?" Aekea managed after a moment, tentatively touching her throat.
"Because taking a life changes you." Ryoko answered softly "Killing someone changes everything you are."
Aekea's eyes widened, a sudden insight blossoming in her mind. It was so obvious, so plain. How could any of them have not thought of or realized that about Tenchi. Of course he would have been changed because of his decision to kill, he had to have been. It meant that at their cores Ryoko and Tenchi were almost the same person.
He would have considered himself a monster and only now did Aekea realize that every time she had called Ryoko that she had been indirectly calling Tenchi that as well. The knowledge must have been obvious on her face because Ryoko took a step away from Aekea.
"He was wrong. I'm the monster, he took only one life, I took thousands. I took innocent lives, he took one that needed to be taken. But he couldn't see that, he told me 'that all life is sacred'. He never pretended to understand what I felt from my actions, but he healed me." Ryoko stopped "I watched him grow up and now...Aekea, Tenchi and me are guilty but at night when we hold each other we're innocent."
Aekea shifted uneasily, unable to think of anything to say. None of this made sense, Ryoko was just spilling her guts. She wasn't even staying on any one track...no, she was staying on the single tract that Aekea knew nothing about Ryoko's relationship with Tenchi.
"Aekea, that's what I lose if Tenchi's really gone. I can't give up because I don't want to lose the innocence he gave me or the love. It's all I have, I don't want to lose it." Ryoko lowered her gaze to the ground and silence filled the room.
Aekea knew that her words had to be carefully said, there was no telling how Ryoko would react. The only words that she felt safe with was the truth, Ryoko needed that. Because as much as it hurt her to realize that Ryoko didn't really care about the rest of the family, the ex-pirate was still family "Tenchi loved you and he'll never leave you. Even in death."
Ryoko lifted her head to stare at the princess "I'm entitled to my happiness now, and I refuse to let anything take it away. Tenchi is alive and he will come back." Ryoko said this with such absolute certainty, that Aekea had no doubt that if force of will was enough Ryoko would force Tenchi to come back. "Now get out or our room before I kill you."
Aekea watched as Ryoko lifted her arm and the orange ball of energy reformed. She darted her lavender eyes to Ryoko's then back to the energy blast, then back to Ryoko's eyes. Yes, there was the hatred and the despair and the willingness, Aekea had no doubts that Ryoko would kill her.
Aekea braced herself, summoning her Jurai power, her circlet glowing with power. If Ryoko really wanted to kill her there was nothing she could to stop it all she could hope was that Ryoko would remember Tenchi. Face set and prepared for her death Aekea closed her eyes and waited.
After several long minutes she opened her lavender eyes and stared at a now empty room. She waited another minute then released her Juraian energy. Her hands shaking slightly as she stood there in the now empty room. She had gambled that Tenchi's memory would stay Ryoko's hand and she had won, but she knew just how close she had come to death.
She felt tears rolling down her cheeks and she wiped them away, slipping easily into her role as the First Crown Princess once more. Face set she moved back to the door and stepped out into the hallway. Her heart was racing. Slowly as she approached her sisters room she forced herself to consider the understanding of why Tenchi had picked Ryoko.
Love, she decided as she slid the door to her sisters room open to reveal her mother and Chijiro, is a very strange and mysterious creature. Aekea slid the door shut behind her.
Kiyone Makibi sat quietly on her futon, dressed in gray sweats and an orange headband to hold her teal hair back out of her face. Her eyes were a light pink from all the crying she'd done last night. She'd fallen asleep just before sunrise and had upon waking spent the whole day in her room.
She silently looked up her galaxy police uniform folded neatly over the back of her chair. She knew she should probably get dressed and go on patrol, get back into a routine even if there was no reason to. Silently she made the commitment to get up and change and go patrol, but her body refused to move. Sighing she looked back at the foot of her futon, her mind turning back to the foremost though in her mind.
How was she going to tell Mihoshi's grandfather about what had happened? He would need to know soon, he was both Mihoshi's boss and her family. There was just no way for her to tell him easily and she knew that it would have to be in person. Such information would not be safe even at their highest levels of encryption.
Sighing she turned to her next most thought about situation Laurynas. She had no clue what kind of relationship they had, she'd never really even met someone like him before. He was an enigma and she wondered why even now she was thinking about him and had this powerful urge to find him and talk. Was it just a physical attraction or was it something more?
Who could she ask? No body on Earth that was for sure, this was too personal and she didn't really feel close to any body here. If Tenchi was still around she might consider him, but he wasn't and neither was Mihoshi and Kiyone tore herself from the path that she was starting down once more.
Kiyone was so wrapped up in her thoughts and feelings that she barely even heard the door to her room sliding open. It wasn't until whoever had entered spoke up that she even knew she was no longer alone.
"Kiyone?"
That voice. The teal-haired woman looked up hesitantly, almost as if she couldn't believe her ears. There standing in front of an open doorway, looking a little battered and dirty, was Mihoshi. Her blonde hair looked less than fluffy and her blue eyes looked slightly bloodshot.
"Mihoshi?"
The blonde nodded and before either realized it they had glomped onto each other and begun crying. Kiyone didn't care that they were squeezing the life out of each other and bawling their eyes out. Mihoshi was back, Kiyone had a friend again. Finally after several long minutes Kiyone finally got control of her emotions and extracted herself from the blondes embrace.
"I thought you were dead." The teal-haired woman said reservedly moving over to the desk to study her blaster.
"Oh Kiyone! It was horrible, I was trapped in this cave and... and... and...Ukyo Loves Me!" Mihoshi said causing Kiyone to jerk in surprise and spin to stare at her partner in amazement.
"What!"
Mihoshi, smiling ear to ear like fool nodded, cheeks flushed "He loves me. He said it. He loves me, Ukyo loves me." At this Mihoshi giggled "He loves me. Me! Oh my, I don't know what to...oh Kiyone, should I tell him I love him back? I bet you do, I should shouldn't I...Kiyone?"
The teal haired woman stared at the blond flabbergasted, a million thought racing through her mind. Ukyo loved Mihoshi, this meant...Ukyo might marry Mihoshi and...take over worrying about the blonde. Kiyone's career would be free to flourish.
However instead of concentrating on her feelings about those thoughts she looked at her friend asking the only question that needed to be asked "Do you love him?"
Mihoshi blushed and giggled in response to the question and Kiyone crossed her arms "Tell him Mihoshi. If you love him tell him."
"Oh Kiyone!" Mihoshi cried and ran across the room to hug her partner tightly "I never thought he'd love me, never ever. I thought he'd be like my other boyfriends...but he loves me! He actually loves me."
Kiyone nodded smiling slightly as she eased her partner back "Yes, he does." She hesitated looking around the room then back at Mihoshi "I think you should go tell him now, while you have the chance."
Mihoshi nodded quickly and biting her lower lip looked down. She spoke slowly as if cautiously working something out "Kiyone, what if he's only saying it? I've dated guys like that before...I don't want...I had a crush on Tenchi you know. He's the only one that's ever been nice to me and not because he wanted to...ya know. Ukyo's been the same, but I'm afraid."
Kiyone squeezed her partners shoulders nodding decisively "Then we'll just have to talk this all through." Now she hesitated "Mihoshi, don't take this personally but you stink. Come on, we'll go take our baths and we'll talk this over."
"Really? Don't you have other things to do?"
Kiyone shook her head smiling "Nah, besides what kind of friend am I if I don't help you out?" she immediately regretted saying this as Mihoshi glomped onto her in such a manner that she actually turned blue in the face.
Washu walked out through the sliding doors to the back porch, she hesitated for a moment looking around at the afternoon-lit landscape. She frowned, looking out at the lake and forest, seeing the knights and common Juraian soldiers roaming around.
There was a lot to do, the subspace interference caused by the medical ships explosion was finally clearing up. She had no doubt that those battleships that were far enough away had probably reported what happened already, though they probably lacked exact details.
Still this was the furthest thing from her mind. Instead it was her daughter, Washu didn't know exactly what happened between Ryoko and Aekea in that room but she knew it was bad. Frowning she closed her eyes, focusing on the telepathic link between them. It was over run with dark feelings and thoughts, so much that unless she concentrated she couldn't use it to find her daughter.
A frown creased her beautiful face, then her eyes opened. She remained there a moment longer then reached out as a subspace door opened in front of her. Without a word she stepped through one end and reappeared on the roof. There seated on the blue tile, knees pulled to her chest was Ryoko staring blankly out at the landscape.
The red head scientist walked over and quietly took a seat next to her daughter, neither saying a word. They just stared out at the forest and lost themselves in their thoughts. After several long minutes Ryoko spoke up "Do you think he's really gone?"
Washu frowned "Do you think he is?"
Ryoko shook her head, resting her chin on her knees "No. I know him, he wouldn't just leave me." she cut her eyes towards Washu "But I asked what you thought."
Washu sighed "Given the statistics and the variable quantum mechanics involved in determining such a situation...I'd say I think he's..." she hesitated then rested her chin in her hand "It doesn't matter what I think Ryoko, not to you."
Ryoko looked away and back out across the forest and Washu fell silent, settling into the quietness that stole over them.
Chijiro popped his neck, eyes closed in satisfaction. He paused looking around the modest looking house, he could see why Prince Tenchi had enjoyed living here. It was just small enough to be cozy, maybe the royal family could build such a place on Jurai. Shaking his head he walked out of the entrance and headed directly for the kitchen.
He entered the kitchen intent on finding something to eat, he had nothing against Washu or Kiyone's efforts but he was not used to eating such food as they prepared. Sandwiches, miso soup, noodles. They were just not what he preferred to eat. However his efforts to find food were stopped when he found a young knight wolfing down several bowls of left over miso soup and sandwiches.
The knight was so intent on his food that he didn't even notice the young nobles presence. Not that Chijiro cared, he was too shocked or surprised at this knights impertinence, eating in such a manner while others worked? He would not stand for it.
""Attention!"" Chijiro barked and the knight immediately jerked upright from his food, standing rigidly before the young lord. Chijiro gave the knight an appraising look before speaking ""Name? Rank?""
The knight placed his hand to his chest lowering his head ""First lieutenant Ihara Ukyo, assigned to the First Crown Prince Masaki Tenchi and Lady Ryoko.""
Chijiro let the readied rebuke die on his lips. This was Prince Tenchi's knight? The one that had been presumed dead...""Where have you been?""
""I-I am not sure m'lord...I was on board the medical ship one minute and then...I woke up in a cave with Officer Mihoshi. Lady Washu explained a theory to me, but all I really know is I was halfway around the world in a hidden cave."" Ukyo responded not looking up from his salute.
Chijiro blinked slowly, trying to remember what he had read in the reports and conversations with Aekea. He couldn't very well punish this knight now, Prince Tenchi would have probably told him to eat as needed, just as Chijiro himself had told Bakio. The silver haired lord shook his head ""Very well...has a doctor given you a check over?""
The knight nodded lifting his head to stare at the lord ""Lady Washu herself..."" he hesitated ""How is Princess Sasami?""
Chijiro shrugged relaxing his posture ""Stable, it appears she's ready to wake up any time now."" he sighed reaching up to rub the bridge of his nose ""She should have been up by now, but something is keeping her asleep.""
""I see...M'lord, I ask permission to return to my duties watching over her until Prince Tenchi returns.""
Chijiro raised an eyebrow ""Permission granted...but you do know that the Prince will not be returning correct?""
Ukyo quickly returned all of his food to the fridge and then the empty dishes to the sink before answering ""Lady Ryoko says he will return, he will return. Both Mihoshi and myself were gone as well but we returned. Why not him?""
""I,"" Chijiro began then stopped shaking his head ""Return to your duties."" This statement earned him quick salute and then the young black haired knight rushed past him and out of the kitchen. The young lord remained motionless thinking about what the knight had said, could it be that Prince Tenchi would return? He doubted it...
Shaking his head he strode over to the cabinet and retrieved a glass filling it with water. It was all wish-fulfillment, there was no way that Prince Tenchi could come back from the dead. It was impossible, it had probably been a freak scientific occurrence that had saved Mihoshi and Ukyo. Finishing off his water Chijiro set the glass in the sink and walked out the back door into the yard to check in with Bakio.
The capital of Jurai was an extremely beautiful place, there was a grandeur and majesty to be found there that no other city or empire could hope to match. From the fantastic architecture, to he impossibly clean streets and space trees dotting the roads. It was a city of dreams, massive, sprawling and completely beautiful. Dominating this city as the Royal palace, housed inside an ancient massive space tree whose branches continuously stretched forth into the sky.
One of the better vantage points of the palace and the city itself was to the right of the palace, on the balcony of a mansion built on a small hill. It was designed and built partially out of an ancient space tree and belonged to the house of Tatsuki, one of the four noble families of Jurai.
Not that the young noble leaning against the railing of the mansion cared. His orange eyes were narrowed and his long lime-colored hair swayed in the breeze. He absently reached up adjusting the color on his green and yellow robes, uncomfortable in such trappings. He had spent the last three hundred years in space, seeking to become stronger so that he might become emperor one day.
He smiled thinly, with any luck that wouldn't be long now. He was the last of his family, his father and mother had died in Ryoko's attack and his two younger siblings had been killed in a tragic 'accident'. Yes, with any luck he would be seated on that throne and he would have a Juraian wife and the laws would be changed back. 'Close our bloodlines to outsider and become strong once more' that had been his father's number one goal.
He listened to the inner door of his chambers open and a set of light footsteps filled the air. He spoke softly once they had reached the doorway to the balcony "It's good to be home...I wonder who Lady Seto has decided I should marry."
Chuckling he pushed himself off of the railing and turned to face his visitor. The figure was tall, but covered in a hooded cloak. Once the young lord had turned the figure bowed ""Lord Isei, it is good to see you again.""
""Thank you,"" the noble said walking across the balcony ""It is good to be back on Jurai. Now tell me, are the rumors true?""
""Yes lord, every word of them."" The figure said ""What do you believe will happen?""
Isei smiled thinly ""A civil war. Elder Meikan will not listen to anything, no matter how much he pretends to and Emperor Azusa will not back down. Civil War is inevitable, and the four houses will have to pick a side.""
""A civil war? Are your sure lord? We have not had one since early in the empires founding...""
Isei turned to glance at the balance and then back at the figure before him ""I am quite certain. However, you shouldn't concern yourself with such things. There are matters you must attend to and I have guests wishing to welcome me back.""
""Yes, of course."" The figure said bowing as the young noble brushed past him and into his room. Isei hesitated at the doorway to his room and turned to see that the balcony was deserted. A smile crept onto his face and turned back walking out into the hallway, heading for the room where he would receive his guests.
The house was quiet, the various family members preparing to settle in for another long night. Washu had retreated to her lab, leaving the young intern Laurynas in charge of monitoring Sasami's status. Ukyo had resumed his spot in the corner of the room, arms crossed and seated with back against the wall ever watchful.
Kiyone and Mihoshi were in their room holding a hushed conversation about a matter so personal that nobody bothered to ask. Aekea was with Chijiro taking one last walk in the twilight of the day while Ryoko remained locked in the room she shared with Tenchi. Nobody was quite sure what she was doing in there, to be honest only Aekea and Washu had been brave enough to speak with her today.
All of this information was the last thing on the mind of the woman currently walking up the stairs leading to the second floor of the modest house. She was slender, and despite the fact that her figure was hidden beneath the blue, red and white clothes she wore, she was very attractive. She carried herself with a regal bearing found in only a handful of other women in the universe, it proclaimed proudly that she was above everybody, though her kind face showed that she did not think such a thing was actually true.
Her long, aqua-colored hair that was pulled back into a ponytail that nearly reached the floor swayed behind her as she ascended the stairs. She reached the landing of the second floor and hesitated taking a sharp steadying breath. She had been doing better, though she was still apt to break down if asked about Sasami.
Resolve finding its way onto her face she strode down the hallway to the door leading into her daughters room. Without hesitation she slid the door open and entered the semi-dark room quietly, she ignored the intern monitoring the data. If it was not Taliesin or Washu she had nothing to say to them, she moved into the room toward the chair near the window and her daughter's bed ignoring the knight as well.
This was not because she couldn't have thought of anything to say to him, but more that she didn't really notice him. She quietly took her seat and focused all her attention on her still unconscious daughter. Sasami's face was so calm, it looked almost as if Misaki could just shake her awake. Not that the queen could do such a thing, the field was still in place and it removed the chance of physical contact with her daughter.
She let out a soft sigh and closed her eyes offering a silent prayer to Tsunami. It was a standard prayer she'd developed since finding out that Sasami was hurt 'Tsunami let her be alright. Tsunami bring her back to me. Please.' The Queen wasn't sure if the prayer had any effect, but yet she continued to pray and hope. It was all she could really do, everything was out of her hands.
It was a hard truth to accept, nothing had ever really been out of her control before. Even when Azusa had married Funaho, Misaki had become queen. Funaho's balking at sharing Azusa was even overcome eventually, though it had taken some great persuasion. Misaki had always had some control over the situation, it simply how things worked. But now her daughter was in a coma and the second queen of Jurai could do nothing about it.
She felt so helpless, she wanted her daughter to just wake up. It was enough that she began to cry once more, it was a soft cry. Her tears rolling down her smooth cheeks, and her sobs barely made any noise.
""What have you decide,"" Chijiro said softly as he climbed into bed next to Aekea ""Concerning Prince Tenchi's funeral I mean, surly we must do something soon."" He pulled the blankets over himself and his so far silent bed partner.
""I can not decide that, not without talking with Ryoko and Katsuhito. They are his family as well," Aekea responded, her violet eyes staring up at the semi-dark ceiling ""For that matter I will have to discuss it with the entire family. They may refuse, he could still be alive after all.""
""Aekea, don't tell me that you believe Lady Ryoko. He is gone, I understand that he has survived death before-""
""No, not survived it. He's cheated it,"" Aekea said cutting the noble off ""And yes I do think that he might have managed it again. However, I am not blinded to the fact that the odds are not in his favor.""
""Of course,"" Chijiro said softly then sighed ""How is your mother? I have not spoken to her today.""
Aekea remained quiet for a moment then closed her eyes ""She is, not well. She's not been eating... and has now refused to sleep till Sasami wakes up. I fear that she is becoming more unstable than ever.""
""I am sorry to hear that, can't Washu do something for her?""
Aekea shook her head, rolling over to press her face into Chijiro's chest. The young noble's arms encircled her and she let out a soft breath ""No. Washu is under an extremely great amount of stress. I provoked her earlier and I think it best to leave her be for the moment.""
""I understand, still I am worried about your mother. I will have to inform your father of what's happening soon...he will undoubtedly order us to leave the Earth."" Chijiro said softly, resting his chin on top of her head.
Aekea clutched Chijiro tightly ""I know. Ryoko will not leave...she will stay and wait for Tenchi.""
""She is that sure of his return?"" Chijiro asked softly, to which the only response he got was Aekea nodding. He remained silent then closed his eyes ""Get some sleep my princess, tomorrow will be another grueling day...""
His statement was greeted by slow, even breathing. He slowly matched his own breathing to hers and drifted off to sleep himself. In the darkness of the newly fallen night the house groaned settling as all but two of those inside drifted off to sleep.
The ancient forest belonging to the Masaki Shrine seemed magical in the night, the way the grass and trees glowed white with the moons silver light. The sky over head sparkled with thousands of distant stars, each unique and bright. Slowly, as if a slow moving hand was reaching out, tendrils of pure darkness stretched out over the sky engulfing the lights.
It took mere seconds before the entire section of sky was pure black, removing any trace of light. Small bolts of lightening appeared after moments, arching out to dance along the underside of the darkness and strike the ground, splitting trees in half. Yet, there was an eerie lack of sound accompanying these events.
A harsh breeze blew across the land suddenly, while a patch of the darkness began to swirl as if giving birth to a tornado. Slowly the swirling took the shape of a black hole which was soon streaked with purple and blue bolts of energy. This lasted for a moment longer before a blinding bright beam of pure white energy appeared, racing down to crash into the ground forming a depression in the earth.
Trees swayed violently, leaves and other loose debris taking flight to circle around the energy beam, each splintering into millions of pieces before being incinerated. The energy pulsed three times before it's circumference quickly shrunk to nothingness. Nothing else happened for several long minutes before the black hole vomited forth a male figure dressed in tattered clothes.
His black hair was mattered and he bore cuts on his arms and cheeks, the limp figure hung in the air for a moment longer as if supported by an invisible hand. Then, with limbs akimbo, he dropped toward the ground twisting as he did so. For one horrible instant it looked as if he was going to hit with a sickening thud when three white wings burst into being, along with a blue energy shield.
The displays of power slowed his decent and he twisted in the air one last time before landing with bone jarring force. The blue energy faded away and the white wings disappeared, though three glowing green runes remained on his forehead.
Once he was on the ground the black hole disappeared instantly, while the darkness engulfing the stars and moon abruptly broke apart and faded away. The entire event had taken only three minutes, barely enough to even register on any instruments.
The males breathing resumed, coming in irregular short stabs. Whatever dreams or nightmares that raced through his mind were lost to any but him. He did not move as a small fox cautiously approached, seemingly aware of the power that filled the air and surrounded this figure.
The animal's ears twitched before it darted away as a new figure walked out of the surrounding forest, quiet as a forest spirit. The man that had appeared was old, his face lined with wrinkles and dressed in the blue and white robes of a Shinto priest. He stopped on the border of the crater impassively studying the figure from behind his square glasses.
Silently he strode across the ground and knelt, getting a better look at the young man's face. Then with a strength the belied his age he scooped up the older teen easily and stood. Without a word he turned and walked away from the spot, cradling the boys limp body easily, and making not a noise.
All Reviewers: THANK YOU!
AN:
No fanfare, nor pomp and circumstance. I've simple returned, the magic I feared and felt slipping away has returned. I'm sorry for the long delay, that's all I have to say on that.
Now then, a few notes before I let you go:
1) I have been keeping up with the new Tenchi episodes, but since HTW was started five years ago I will not change the plot I had laid out...btw, if your waiting for the new OVA to be released into the Us/International market the earliest estimates say late 2005.
2) I ask that you forgive me if mess up in minor details with this fic. It's five years old, over 100,000 words and its been a full year since I've even thought about this story. Most of my notes have been lost (though I have recovered a few) and my encyclopedic knowledge of Tenchi Muyo has become rusty and unreliable...if you notice a mistake I made and didn't earlier just point it out politely.
3)There is a sequel planned, if it appears or not is something up for debate. Once this story is finished I'm doing one last edit to fix all the problems that I've left behind and then I'm hitting semi-retirement.
All of that being said, I'm going to tackle the next chapter and see if I can keep the magic going till the end. If you feel like talking or ranting...then just IM or email me, I'm not hard to find. Now then smile brightly and lets see how this all ends shall we?
Sincerely,
Geor-sama
A Nekoshipper till the last.