Heaven and Eternity by K'thardin Standard Disclaimer: If you don't know what these say by now, you probably never will, but here goes. You will never win! Muhuhahahahah! Sorry. Anyway I don't own Tenchi Muyo! I do own my characters! There! Oh, by the way; feel free to reprint this, just remember to credit me. Authors Forward: In case you are wondering; a modified version of what happened in 'Tenchi Muyo: In Love!' happened a couple of weeks before Cyraqs got to Earth. I can't write one, since someone else already did it; all I can say is that it was much closer to the movie than he made it to be. And the person who took Kiyone's (I will introduce her later) place was Asahi in my continuity. These next few parts will be a little darker; in fact this story deals with what the enemy element has been doing; as well as a few of the other players. Well here is the next installment... Game Pieces "Kill them all. Let God sort them out. And if he don't want to; I'll see you in Hell." -Nolen's book of quotable quotes and observations (revised) The hostages were inside; and unless this was pulled off with extreme precision they would probably all die. Well that would not happen. She and her partner were the best there was at what they did. It had been two weeks since they had heard any comunication from the terrorists or their hostages; approximately 5,000 children and their caretakers in this galactic orphanage. So the go ahead to storm the place had been given. Her eyes narrowed and jaw tightened behind her black mask. Quickly she and her partner gave another once over of their equipment. They could not fail at this. Looking at her partner; they passed a silent communication, a language built over many missions together. Are you ready Kiyone? she asked her black clad companion. Yes. Are you ready Mihoshi? Mihoshi blinked. What was I thinkning, she wondered just as the dust she had been trying to sweep from the shrine was blown back over it by a strong wind. "Waaa! Now I've got to do it again." she wailed. * The old man walked away from the oracle within the temple, and he tried to make sense of what he was shown. His mind was almost infinite, but so was the information he was given. It was taking him awhile to sort it out. He had come here looking for answers about the sisters. What he found was the entire truth of what they were. He also saw why things were happening the way they were. The oracle had shown him many ways it could have been so he could better understand why it was now. In one universe none of them existed and Tenchi was forced to face Tokimi alone. He lost. In another there were others that shared the fate of the universe, but not Cyraqs; and so Tenchi made a lot of bad choices, and the sisters used him for an eternity. He never knew and was in hell for his entire life. In another he actually managed to win against Tokimi. At the cost of everyone else's life. In another Tokimi wasn't all that bad. It was her henchmen they had to worry about. He managed to win, but what happened next, well...best not to think about that one. In another Tenchi left never to be heard from again. Nobody won in this one. Then there was the strange parody of this universe where Ryouko fell to Earth being trailed by GPO Mihoshi and then...well it was kind of weird after that. There were others; some where he married one of the girls. Some where he married certain sets of them, and some where he married all of them (the old man really didn't believe that one). Each led to infinite paths of probability. All those different paths gave him a greater understanding of why it was unfolding like it was here. Definitely can't say they didn't answer my question fully. And the goddesses...well he owed one in particular an apology. The others will be dealt with as necessary. Washuu had no memory, and if it wasn't for Cyraqs; Tsunami would never have been able to plan as effectively as she had for Tokimi's coming. He helped her grow up a lot over the many millennia. And now things would hopefully unfold as they should between them. He had seen many futures where they both did and did not. There was one in particular that really scared him. The one where Cyraqs decided that all the Goddesses must be destroyed, as in that universe they had all caused too much pain and suffering. That was one of the variations of one where the goddesses used Tenchi for an eternity. Until Cyraqs acted that is. That universe did not survive. It was a remote possibility (as he loved two of them more than his own life), but one he was dead certain he would make sure would not happen. He kept walking out of the shrine and into the outside light where the goddess in particular waited for him. Too bad she's in love with some one else; or I'd be sorely tempted to try to win her; he thought for about 398,765th time since he had learned of it. "I'm sorry." he said. She raised an eyebrow in question. "I misjudged your motives. I thought you were just making a weapon against your dark sister. Helping Tsunami along as it were." he chuckled slightly, "It was like that, but not for any selfish reason. I had no idea you did it out of love for your sister. Also, you actually loved both your husband and your son. Enough allow your mortal personage to die, so that Tokimi wouldn't track you down and find the two of them as well. Nor did I realize you didn't want your son to know what was really going on because you wanted to protect him. Not because you were ashamed of some of the things you and sisters had done. Were capable of doing." She looked at him along time; unsure of what to say. So she tried the simplest thing she could think of. "Apology accepted. But you were right about one thing. I can't protect him from his destiny. They need to know; both of them need to know. It will be that final bit of knowledge that will set things right. Assuming we win." "Yes. Something we must begin to plan now." Too bad I can't use the knowledge I gained in there for this, but the futures I saw didn't say which one will happen, so I can't adequately plan for it. Still some of it will be useful; I hope. * The young looking man was sitting on a beach on a remote planet; so far away that the light of it's sun will never reach our galaxy. He was a plain looking humanoid with long bluish colored hair. He was well muscled and clad only in beach shorts and sunglasses, and was quite obviously enjoying the suntan he was receiving. Three beings suddenly appeared before him. One was a strange looking man with white hair and beard, and jet blue eyes; no iris' or pupils. The second was an amorphous mass of red and white energy; which had something you could vaguely call a head; and appendages that could be called arms. The third was coweled in a dirty brown robe; nothing of his flesh (if he had any) could be seen. It didn't even phase the man. The white haired one stepped forward and addressed the young man. "We have been looking for you for months." "Oh? Why is that?" he asked in a bored tone. "We have run into a situation that you could quite possibly help us with." Suddenly he looked at the group a highly amused look on his face. "What can't the most powerful of lady Tokimi's followers figure it out? You need someone like me to help you?" The white haired one looked about ready to lash out at the younger one, but he stopped himself. Barely. "Yes. We need you for this." He rose from his chair on the sand and adjusted his sunglasses. "Well then D3 you only needed to ask." he grinned; "Tell me what can this humble personage do for you." Think Starscreem here folks. D3 waved his hand and a field of stars spread out before him. Slowly it shifted to the system Sol and it's third planet, but went no further. "A little while ago we found both Washuu and Tsunami." "'Bout time." he said sarcastically. D3 ignored him. "Anyway when we did we found this as well." The scene shifts to Tenchi using his power to free himself, Ayeka, and Mihoshi from a black hole. "So Tsunami has created a weapon against us. One who can use the lighthawk wings." Though he can do more. So he was the one I felt those months ago. "That alone wouldn't do her very much good. Even as powerful as he seems to be." But he will now. Which is what I bet they want to talk to me about. D3 was not convinced by the younger mans pronouncement; and it showed in his gaze. Still he continued. "Lady Tokimi believes otherwise." So she's not as stupid as she sometimes puts out. "That is not what this is about." "Then what is it about?" he asked. "This." the scene shifts back to Earth, but he still can't get any closer to seeing it. OH HO! the young man exclaimed to himself. "This is the boy's homeworld. Do you know anything about this? Asmodeus here said you might have some information on the subject." The young man grinned at the coweled being. "You suspect don't you? But you need me to confirm it." he shrugged, "Very well. I shall. What you are seeing D3 is a dampening field." "I gathered that." "I gathered that you gathered that." he grinned even wider, "But you can't even analyze it can you?" D3 looked away when he said this. "It appears that you have been seriously compromised D3." D3 started at this pronouncement. "My brethren have found you. In fact one of them if not more have probably been listening in on you every now and then." "Impossible. No one can get in there." D3 said adamantly. "And I suppose you didn't know I was behind you either?" All of them turned to see the young man standing behind them. They turned to look back and saw the image of the young man vanish. None of them had felt anything. "We are masters of subtlety. We can be completely invisible if we wish." He walked up next to them and assumed his original place around the image of the Earth. "I even know this one. We go way back." He laughed again, but it was dark and promised murder. "I did warn you to take precautions against this, but you didn't listen did you?" He sighed. "Now they know about you and will stop at nothing to take you down." "So why not attack us? I assume they have the numbers." Abel asked. "Let me tell you something; if all of them knew I'd feel it, and so would you. So those that know, won't tell those that don't until absolutely sure of victory. They are not stupid. They don't want you, they want Tokimi herself. And they will destroy her if they can." D3 stiffened a little; causing the young man to smile. "But as long as she stays where she is she is safe. So they will try to make life hell for her until she comes to where they have the advantage. Then she is dead." He lost his smile, but the humor was still there, "Classic Cyraqs, very classic. Too bad I know how you operate and this operation has your name written all over it." Azmodeus asked him if he had any suggestions. "Suggestions?" he smiled, "One or two." * "Do you know anything about this Raiden?" a voice asked. The man known as Raiden frowned puzzled. "No." "Others have felt it in the Ether. Something is going on. Something is amassing itself against the realm." "I know." Raiden said. The voice gave the impression of thinking deeply. "Have you heard from the old man?" "No. He knows something about this." "I know. We all know he knows." said the voice in an annoyed tone. "Too bad we can't find him." Raiden's frown increased when he was reminded the old man could not be found. Then he remembered something. "Perhaps Cyraqs might know. I feel he is somehow central to all this." "Yes. He might." the voice conceded, "But he's still busy with Tenchi." "True. I wish I had more information." Raiden said regretfully. "As do we all. It look like this has turned into a waiting game." "I hate those kind of games." "You and me both." * "That's your suggestion?" asked Abel. The young looking man gave him a 'What the hell do you think?' look. "Have you perhaps gone slightly insane?" The man smiled. "Some might think so. But that is unimportant I think." "You realize that might cause the destruction of the two we wish to capture; as well as the being Tsunami has created." D3 told him. "Possibly." He answered. "But the way things stand now; if we don't do something; they will eventually make you make a mistake. Then we're all dead." Azmodeus told him it sounded like a bullshit plan from a person whose loyalty has always been questionable. "Loyalty? Well then let's talk about loyalty shall we?" He didn't wait for an answer before continuing. Not that an answer either way would have mattered. "You, Azmodeus, are loyal to Tokimi for saving your life. You, the last of your race. It is fortunate she did; otherwise those of my bretheren would have tracked you down and destroyed you. At least they would have before Lady Tokimi not found you wandering the realms first. Can't say as I really blame them seeing as how your race was a bunch of maniacal tyrants that used to consume the life's energies of the realms you came to. Never even bothered to find an alternate food source; you guys just enjoyed all the pain and death." Nothing could be seen of the coweled figure's demeanor, but it gave the impression of stiffening, before reluctantly agreeing with the young looking man's statement. "And you Abel...Oh by the way, where is your twin Kain?" He slapped his head as if something just occurred to him. "That's right he was recently destroyed when he went back into time wasn't he?" The mass of energy's started roiling uncontrollably, "Too bad it was in subspace so we couldn't see what it was that killed him. Not that it matters; easy enough to figure out in any case." He chuckled, "'Go scout this universe, and report your findings to me.' She told him a century ago. So what does he do? Goes on a rampage of death and destruction 'till he's bottled up by Tsunami and the GP." He sighed and shook his head. "Then again, he never was very stable was he?" he asked Abel evilly. Abel mass was beginning to grow. "I mean what was he thinking; violating the sacred time stream like that? Then he gets whacked. So tell me, Abel; did you feel it? Feel it as the energies that destroyed him; ripped into him and shredded his energy form into an amorphous purple goo? Did you, huh?" He bared his teeth in a predatory smile. Abel's mass was still growing. "Anyway we were talking about loyalty; and you and Kain were loyal because she raised you from the time you were spawned. That's why you are loyal. A loyal dog that is!" Abel had finally had enough and he tried to strike at the younger looking man. He found he couldn't move; that guy had already grasped him by the throat (or at least that's what our minds would register) and was crushing it cruelly. "Not even on your best day." His eyes flashed behind his glasses. "THAT'S ENOUGH!" D3 yelled as he held a broad sword at the man's throat. "Release him!" he commanded. The man appeared to consider it, before finally tossing the amorphous energy form aside. D3 lowered his weapon. "And now on to you D3." He grinned. "You have always served Tokimi faithfully. But why is that?" He smiled, "Because you love her don't you?" the others started at D3 who himself could not meet any of their gazes. "And I don't mean as a priest loves his goddess. I mean as a man loves a woman." A slight tightening around D3's jaw was the only reaction he registered at this qualification. Nothing could be told of Azmodeus' reaction, but Abel, his anger at the man momentarily forgotten, could only stare at D3. "It must anger you in a way that I could never imagine." He lost his smile, and it almost seemed there was a slight amount of pity in his voice; maybe even compassion. "To only be treated as a servant; even her chief servant, nothing more. Now, though, if what you told me of this boy 'Tenchi' is true; she wants him. I don't even want to know the thoughts running through your head now." D3's grip on his sword tightened but he didn't move. "And you're just going to continue to do what she says. Because you love her so much. Even though she's going to go off and FUCK some other guy." He rolled his eyes. "'Do not try to fight him.' Heh." "You've made your point Tetran." D3 said through gritted teeth. "No, I don't think I have. I know all your motivations, but now you seem to need to know mine." Azmodeus asked him what his motivations were then. "Revenge!" His eyes flashed red behind his glasses and all traces of the cruel playfulness were gone. "Revenge against those of my former 'brethren' that said I had overstepped my bounds in MY empire. Soon Tokimi will conquer all, and I will be a god again. Any that could stop me; will be destroyed." Yes, Cyraqs, you are going to regret not killing me when you had the chance. I'm going to enjoy making you in particular suffer. His mind conjured up an image of what he would do with Tsunami after Tokimi had her way with her; while Cyraqs could only helplessly watch. Assuming, of course, he was still alive. That thought made him laugh; causing the others to stare at him. Then back away...slowly. * Somewhere in deep space, within a starship of unknown configuration, a long cylindrical chamber opened. It looked a lot like the kind used in Star Wars when they revived Luke (Note: Bacta Tank). Only you couldn't see through this one. Steam poured forth from the opening; or maybe some other kind of gas. Nothing could be seen of what was inside. A humanoid leg stepped from the tank; quickly followed by the rest of him. Nothing more could be seen of his features in the darkness, but it could be seen he was examining himself. Well now, it's been awhile since I had a complete physical form. It feels good. He walked over to the main terminal next to the tank, and instantly many and varied holoscreens sprang up around him. The man sat back and considered them; seeming completely unconcerned about his lack of clothing. It appears to have worked successfully. Didn't think I would ever have to use this, but it is always a good idea to plan for any contingency. And now, things have become...interesting. His mouth twisted into a cruel smile as he watched the information scroll before him. Especially when he got to what appeared to be Dr. Clay's police record. Fucking idiot! he laughed to himself. He finally finished; and now his smile had turned maniacal. Let's see what we can do now. At least I was able to analyze the attack that destroyed my energy body. And though I cannot duplicate the Light Hawk Wings; a sword, blacker than the shadows, appeared in his hand; I was able to find a power polar to it. A power I was able to incorporate into my new body. This will definately make things interesting in the future. Then he frowned slightly. I will have to abandon my original plan; there is no telling what the outcome of another fight against the boy will be. I must find another. He let the sword go; and looked at himself again. A holoscreen appeared in front of him; reflecting his face. Damn. No matter what I do my green hair is still turning grey, he thought running his hand through his hair. It was green, but had a couple of streaks of grey through it. Still, you do good work old friend. Without your little trick of repeating yourself; I would be very dead. But I am sorry you never managed to create a sword equal to the Light Hawk Wings. He frowned a little sadly; though with your research and my analysis I was able. I thank you. A slight growl startled him from his reverie. Forgot that physical bodies need things. His smile returned to one of maliciousness. It's a good thing you don't want me anymore Washuu. I don't think you could handle a being of my passions. Then again considering what you really are, you just might. Kagato got up from his seat and proceeded to another part of his ship. I think the best thing to do now is watch the Earth and surprise everyone when they least expect it. I may have to destroy the Earth, but it is expendable in the grand scheme of things. * Kenji of the Royal Jurai navy aboard his ship; the Dan-Gai-oh and the GP ship the Guyver both had heard the distress call of a Juraian Deep space out post at the border of Juraian space. Both were a little shocked at what they were seeing. "What could do this?" asked the captain of the Guyver. Yes. What in deed? wondered Kenji. The entire station was destroyed. An entire Juraian space station completely wiped out. What could possibly do this to the most powerful and technologically advanced star kingdom in known space? "Whatever it was; our sensors can find no trace of it." Kenji said. "Nor can ours. Have you found any surviving recordings?" Kenji looked at one of his bridge officers who nodded a negative. "No. So we can't find..." "Something's coming out of hyperspace at a seventy degree vector from our ship!" yelled the officer in front of the tactical station. "Go to red alert! Give me a visual!" A holographic screen appeared beside the image of the GP captain, showing the area of space in question. A ship that looked like a giant X appeared from hyperspace. "No match in the galactic databanks. Nor in the Historical database." reported one of the officers. The ship's X wings opened and around a hundred humanoid figures poured forth. "What the?!" they both intoned together. Strange lights appeared in their hands. "Those are LIGHT HAWK WINGS!" exclaimed Kenji. "Shields!" The ship extended four light-hawk wings. "Try to protect..." "Too late!" A beam of energy; concentrated between about half the figures lanced out and destroyed the shields of the Guyver; vaporizing it in a microsecond. "Fuck! Target and fire!" he yelled. The Dan-Gai-Oh's cannons were extended and proceeded to open fire. To no avail the targets were to fast and agile to be adequately targeted. Those that were hit where protected by bubbles of light hawk energy, but only for one or two shots; eventually they fell. But still they had the massive numbers; battering at the ship's shields with their own weapons of energy, and while theirs was much weaker even this ship couldn't take this constant pounding. "Prepare to retreat!" Kenji ordered. "Can't sir! They've destroyed our hyperdrive capability!" Damnit! "Prepare to transmit message: This is the Juraian star cruiser Dan-Gai-Oh! We are under attack by unknown force! Request any and all ass..." His transmission was cut off, as his ship was destroyed. * "...We are under attack by unknown force! Request any and all ass..." the viewing globe suddenly turned bright for a moment, and when it cleared only pieces of the ship remained. An ancient and malevolent presence watched the globe as this all occurred. And then...she smiled. * In a ship (that looked like a miniature version of the Ranger) located outside Tokimi's stronghold; two small furry rodents converse on what they had seen so far. "Gee Brain; what do you want to do tonight?" The large headed one turned to look at his demented companion. "Tonight Pinky we sit back and see which one of these idiots manages to take over the universe first." End 10 Afterward: Didn't see that one coming did you? Well C&C are welcome. I'm at nolendr@boxer.navy.mil