Brian Burke Tenchii@hotmail.com =-=-=-=-= Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! is owned by the great Pioneer. I am not making any money off this, and I had no part in its creation. Celestia, Crystal Warriors, Celestia, Claric, Mico, Rica, and Mica are mine. =-=-=-=-= Tenchi Muyo!: Dark Times Part Three: The Search Continues Brian Burke Tenchii@hotmail.com =-=-=-=-= Washu's Search Journal: Day 4 Still no luck on finding that dimension. It may be hidden as well as sealed. And on that, I wouldn't put it past those Juraians. Ryoko is growing in power everday. The gems are quickly interacting with each other, bringing my daughter up to full power. If they brought her to full on contact, they'd probably kill her. Look at me. I make them sound sentient. Ayeka is still in her room. She hasn't come out since Sasami was taken. Although her wailing seems to have stopped (thankfully!). She bawled for two days. Not that I blame her, but with her voice, it was a nightmare stepping out of my lab. Mihoshi and Kiyone are here now. As usual, I have taken the usual precautions. My WBFG, (Washu's Big F---in' Gun!) steel doors, force fields, and a Barney tape if all else fails. Not even Kagato could get past that last one. Tenchi has stopped by a few times to check on me. He seems as concerned for me as the search. After all, I haven't exited the lab in three days. But, it's nice to know he cares. I suppose I should step out for a minute. I haven't eaten anything in days, and haven't slept either. -Washu, The Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe. Saving her log, Washu dissipates her laptop and hops off the cushion. "It's a good thing Sasami isn't the only cook in this house." =-=-=-=-= Stepping out of the lab, Washu sees Ayeka and Ryoko sitting on the couch, speechless. "Who would have guessed that Sasami's disappearance could create peace between you two?" "This is neither the time nor place, Miss Washu," Ayeka says. "We all know that." "I suppose you're right. But, it is nice to see you've left your room, Ayeka." Walking into the kitchen, she sees Tenchi sitting at the table, looking a bit worried. "How are you doing, Tenchi?" "Oh, Little Washu. How's the search coming?" "I still haven't had much luck. I'm sorry." "Well, it is nice to see you out of the lab. You must not've slept since then." "No. I haven't." "Not many of us have. I can hear Dad and Ryoko all night long." "You haven't slept either?" Washu asks. "No. Not much. I probably won't until we get Sasami back." "Don't worry, Tenchi. I'm sure it will be soon." =-=-=-=-= It's been over five months since Sasami was brought here. Most of that time, though, has been in hiding. Mica's home seems to be the best place to hide. Although it's just a series of lighted underground caverns, it still feels safe. Being that she's twelve now, she's changed her hairstyle a little. The lone hair ornament is now at her shoulders. Now, she looks more like Tsunami than before. And, because of the length, her hair needed a little shortening. Not much, but enough as to keep it off the floor. Mica has been looking after her, and keeping her from Claric and the rest. And, above all else, he refuses to be like them. =-=-=-=-= As she watches the events unfold, she can see her friends ahead of her. As she runs to them, they come no closer. In fact, with every step she takes, they move farther and farther away. "Tenchi! Ayeka! Ryoko! Help me!" Awaking in tears, Sasami can see Mica sitting next to her. "They're not coming, are they? They really have abandoned me, haven't they?" "It looks that way, Sasami. But, don't worry. You'll be safe with me. I won't let anyone hurt you." "Thank you, Mica," she says, hugging him. Standing, "Sasami, I have something to show you. Please, don't be afraid." "What is it?" she asks, almost fearfully. In response, he glows for a second. When it fades, Rica and Mico replace him. Mico is on Rica's right. Scrambling backwards and eyes wide, "no no no..." Mico is about to jump forward when Rica grabs her by the throat and hoists her into the air. "Don't move or speak. Otherwise, I'll rip you in half." Looking to Sasami, "I'm sorry you had to hear that, but only the most violent threats register to her." "W-what are you?" "I am Mica. Or at least, I was. Not long ago, I was surveying the surface of this world. Since the environment is so raw out there, one can only be out for two minutes. On one such venture, I found this crystal." Holding up his left hand, he emphasises the point. "But, something bad happened. When I picked it up, the thing split me into two beings. Mico, and Rica." "So, how did you change back to Mica?" "After I learned about my new powers, I found that I could combine or separate at will. My will, not hers. But, there's a problem. The two of us are complete opposites, but both have attributes of the whole. She has my long hair, while I have the color. She has a violent temper. I am abnormally calm. She is evil. I am not." Mico becomes transparent and disappears. Rica changes into Mica shortly afterward. "So, you're more Rica than Mico?" "Right. But, this form has advantages. I have my Jurai power, unlike when I'm Rica." "She has your power? That's awful!" Moving closer, "your power will be coming about soon. When that happens, I will train you in using it." Blushing at his proximity, "uh, thank you." "I will do everything I can to ensure your safety. Think of my as your bodyguard." Sasami smiles at that, which is something she hasn't done in months. "Now, why don't you get dressed, and we'll start your training." "Training?" she asks, confused. Holding up a bokken, "training." After a second of confusion, "nobody trained me on Earth. I know you're supposed to start at an early age, but they said nothing about it." "Don't worry about it. I'll teach you." "Thank you," she says. "Sasami? Is something wrong?" "I was just thinking that you're way better than those other people I used to be with." =-=-=-=-= Washu's Search Journal: Day 11 I finally found Celestia. She has agreed to help us break through the barrier. But, I gotta find the damn thing first. She's been staying here the past two days. I thought it necessary, because I want to get Sasami back as soon as I can. Ryoko and Ayeka went to Jurai yesterday. After realizing that it would be awhile in finding Sasami, Ayeka found it necessary to contact her parents. I can just guess how that's going to go. Azusa: 'If you had returned to Jurai, Sasami wouldn't be missing!' Personally, I'd tell him to stuff it. Mihoshi and Kiyone were called away today. It seems that the Galaxy Police thinks some speeders are more important than the second princess of Jurai. On that note, I think Sasami's more deserving as the role of FIRST princess of Jurai. Ayeka seems more like number 2. That leaves me and Tenchi. Tenchi has finally been able to sleep. With my help, of course. I gave him a major sedative. He'll be out for a few days, at least. He needs it. We all do. Maybe I should give Ayeka a bigger one. One that would keep her out until Sasami returns. Ryoko hasn't had trouble sleeping these past few days. Of course, with sake involved, Ryoko never has trouble sleeping. -Washu, The Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe. The red-head saves her log and vaporizes her laptop. "It's time I got some sleep." Walking over to the side of her lab, a square door appears. Washu opens it and disappears behind it. A second later, the door itself disappears. =-=-=-=-= On Jurai, Ryo-Ohki touches down and transports her crew to the landing pad. Then, she shrinks to her cabbit form and hops onto Ryoko's shoulder. "Let's get this over with," Ryoko states. "Do not be in such a rush. I haven't seen my family in months." "Then, maybe you should stay here." "Why you-" "MEOW!" Ryo-Ohki shouts, interupting angrily. "I'm sorry Ryo-Ohki," Ryoko apologizes. "You're right. This isn't the time." Appearing from the door, Azusa, Misaki, and Funaho greet the travellers. "We weren't expecting you," Funaho states. "Is there anything wrong?" Ayeka almost starts to cry again. "Oh, no! Not again!" Ryoko shouts, covering her ears. "Quiet, you. Mother, Father, Sasami is missing." "WHAT?!" they all shout. Azusa looks about ready to kill. "How did this happen?" "Claric returned. He took her." "How is that possible?" Funaho asks. "They've been sealed away. Yosho and Celestia did it themselves." "If you had returned to Jurai, Sasami wouldn't be missing!" Azusa shouts. Ryoko hears her mother shout "stuff it!" through the mind link. Although she would like to say it herself, she says nothing. "Father, please! This isn't the time for this." Misaki looks to Ayeka seriously for once. "You will find her, won't you?" "Washu's on the case," Ryoko says. "If anyone can find her, she can." "Meow!" Ryo-Ohki agrees. "Come inside," Funaho offers, "and we'll talk about this." The entire assembly walks for the door, seriousness on all their faces. =-=-=-=-= As Sasami is thinking, she is knocked to her butt again. "Sasami, how many times do I gotta tell you: clear your mind." Putting the bokken on his shoulder, he pulls the teenager to her feet. "If you want to learn how to use a sword, you have to forget about them for awhile. Forget them like they forgot you." Putting her wooden sword ahead of her, "I'm sorry." "You have a lot to learn, Sasami." "Mica," Sasami says, "I've had enough for today." "It seems you can't concentrate. So what's the point?" Taking her towel, she exits the dark room. Entering the hall, she walks back towards her room. "This is starting to be a pain." Rubbing her sore rear, "speaking of pains, I must've hit the floor five times today. I really need to clear my mind. But, how can I? I've been left behind! Even Washu could find me by now." "Sasami!" Mica yells from behind her. Turning, "I said I've had enough!" she shouts. "I know. That's not it, though. I need to show you something." The pair enter his room, and he pulls out a handle identical to Sword Tenchi. Motioning it over to Sasami, "it's a key similar to Sword Tenchi. If I'm right, you should be able to activate it by now." Sasami takes it, and it immediately forms a blade. "Wow. I didn't think there was another one." "It hasn't been used in millenia. Now, I want you to have it." "But, what about you?" she asks. His black crystal distorts and becomes a black sword in his hand. "I can make my own sword." Looking down at the sword, she deactivates it. Looking back at Mica, "thank you." =-=-=-=-= Washu's Search Log: Day 52 Azusa, Misaki, and Funaho are still buzzing around the house. I doubt they'll leave until Sasami is in Misaki's ever loving embrace. Celestia has left for the U.S. again. I'm sure she'll be back soon. She usually is. I guess being a Crystal Warrior takes more responsibility than I originally thought. Ryo-Ohki's been keeping me company this entire month. She's worried about Sasami like the rest of us. Then again, she's also worried about me. I haven't left the lab in a week. How can I? I miss Sasami. I want her back. Things are getting strained around here. Especially me. Damn! Where is she?! -Washu, The Greatest Scientific Genius in the Univ Before she finishes, Washu falls asleep. Ryo-Ohki hops up and curls into her lap, falling asleep as well. =-=-=-=-= Although Mica can create things with his armbands, it sometimes isn't enough. After all, he can't really cook with them. As Sasami is filling this task, he notices that her friend has returned. "Welcome back, Mica!" she greets. "Is everything alright?" "Yes, everything's fine. I just had to get out for a bit." Mica looks over Sasami's shoulder at her latest masterpiece. "Looks good!" "It should!" she responds. "After all, I got a lot of practice on Earth." "Really? Nobody else could cook?" "As a matter of fact, Washu can cook really well, maybe even better than me. And, Tenchi's father can cook." "Three people could cook? Then, why did you have to do it?" "I'm beginning to realize the answer to that." "Yeah, but look now! You don't have to cook all the time! I can cook, and I do, too. You don't have to feed everyone yourself." "Yeah, but that's because you care about me." Stepping back a step, "something's wrong," she says, almost fearfully. "What? What is it?" Mica asks, deeply concerned. "I feel...strange." Slowly, light shines from behind her. It then coalesces into two familiar forms in front of her. "Amazing!" Mica says. "The Light Hawk Wings!" Sasami looks at the two wings shockingly. "It's incredible!" Thinking back, she remembers Tenchi using them. Grabbing the one on the left of her, it transforms into a broadsword. "The Light Hawk Sword! It's true then!" Taking the one on the right, it turns into a round shield with a wing extending from each side. On the front of it is a large "V" that takes up most of the front, and ends in the extensions. As Sasami is looking at the new armaments, "whoa!" "Sasami, do you know what this means?" "Not entirely. But, it will help later on!" Sasami loosens her grips and the Light Hawk Wings return to their original forms. Then, they disappear as quickly as they came. Shrugging it off, "I'll have to think about this," she says, returning to her cooking project. =-=-=-=-= Washu awakes with a start. Her dream was of Sasami returning, only as a very old woman. "That wasn't good," she moans. "Meow?" the cabbit asks from her lap. "That is NOT going to happen!" Looking at her holo-laptop, she sees how much time has passed. "Three days. So that's how long I was out." =-=-=-=-= While cooking breakfast, Misaki sees that Ryo-Ohki has hopped up to the counter. "Hello, Ryo-Ohki!" she coos. "Is Washu out, then?" The cabbit simply nods. She then points to the deck. "Still nothing?" Ryo-Ohki just shakes her head. Funaho walks in from the side. "I saw Washu out there. She looks a bit shaken." "I wonder what happened?" Misaki asks. "Meow!" Both Funaho and Misaki watch as Ryo-Ohki flops over sideways on the counter. Misaki looks at Funaho, "nightmare?" Ryo-Ohki hops to her feet and nods a few times. "I wonder what happened?" Funaho asks. "I don't think I want to know," Misaki adds. Ryo-Ohki shakes her head violently. =-=-=-=-= Sitting on the deck, "where could she have gone? I've searched everywhere! Everywhere, except one place. Damn! Not there!" Ayeka walks out to the deck to see Washu screaming. "Little Washu? What is it? What's the matter?" "I may know where to find Sasami." "You've found her? That's great! Where is she?" "It's a place called the Necraverse. Not a very hospitable place to be in. There's only a few planets there, but they don't have distinct courses. So, finding them could take a couple more months. There's something else..." she says, trailing off. "What is it? Tell me!" Ayeka shouts. "There's a massive time differential. For every minute here, Sasami experiences 40. For every day, she grows over a month older." "So, how old would she be now?" "Based on my calculations, 17." "WHAT?!" Ayeka screams. The rest of the family rushes out at the outburst. "What happened?" Misaki asks. "Washu," Ayeka says, "find her. Quickly!" =-=-=-=-= As Celestia explores the vast expanse of the Masaki estate, she can't help but feel a bit more at peace than usual. "It's so nice out here," she comments. her crystal entity asks. "Yeah," she sighs. "But, nothing could make me forget that day." Not more than six months ago, Roberta "Bobbi" Lee received the power of the crystal she now wears on her right hand. It gave her tremendous power, and she used it to help those she could. However, one tragic incident, days after, stripped the girl of her life. As she was finishing up one night, someone made a strike against her. While she was in her powered-down form, a lone man put a metal pointed pole through her body. She considered her options, while bleeding helplessly on the ground. Raising her crystal, she transformed into her alternate form. The spear disappeared, and she was saved. However, if she returns to her regular form, she will die instantly. Fogetting further reminice, she lies back on the hillside and relaxes. "So peaceful," she moans. =-=-=-=-= In just a few short years, Sasami has become quite good with a sword. After six years, she can now keep up with Mica for an extended period of time. As for Mica himself... While sparring with her friend, she realizes they've been fighting for well over an hour. This is actually the longest she's been able to last against him. "You're not going soft on me, are you?" she asks. "And why would I do that? Such a thing would dull your abilities. But, be warned, Claric is a much stronger opponent. If you should fight him at this point, you would lose." "Maybe. But fighting Claric won't be half as gratifying as kicking the crap out of Tenchi. Then Ryoko. Then Ayeka. Then Washu. Then the GP detectives." Blocking a strike to her body, she knocks away the sword and trips him. "You beat me! That's a first for you." he thinks to himself. "And what will you do to them once you disable them?" "Maybe I'll just throw them in here for awhile. Then I'll abandon them like they did for me." "And what about me? What is your plan for me?" Bending down, "What do you think, my love?" -To be continued!-