Tenchi Muyo: Honor and Glory DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters of Tenchi Muyo. They are the property of Pioneer Entertainment and AIC. I do own any and all characters that I have made up, and If you cannot tell which ones are those, watch the OAVs, TV series, and read the No Need for Tenchi comics, by Viz Comics. This is far better than suing me, since I have no money to give. Now, here goes. Part 2: Homecomings A homecoming reception has different impacts on people. Some are refreshed, while others view them with apprehension. This goes especially for kings and other powerful or influential people. This only reminds them of their power. Such is the price one ends up paying. All because of one little word: Power. Yosho: First Prince of Jurai It is a hot summer day, but Teran ai Ki'Tarel paid it no mind. All his concentration was bent on the sword routines he had been learning for the past three weeks. Should have kept my mouth shut when I said I needed to learn how to use a sword effectively. He thought as he whirled the bokken through the air in a complex weave of slashes, parries, and thrusts. Lady Misaki is the hardest instructor I have had to learn under. And learn he did. Otherwise he would have a place reserved for him in his mother's medical facilities. He already has been there for two broken ribs, a broken arm, a shattered collarbone, and a shattered wrist. Injuries are a matter of course with this woman. "Teran!" Misaki shouted. "That's enough for maneuvers and routines for now. Skill is nothing if you don't know how to use it in combat. I want you to spar with Tenchi. Okay?" "Hai!" he shouted. Tenchi went up to Misaki and received his bokken from her. He went into the makeshift ring that was the training area, bowed to Teran and went into a ready stance. Teran did likewise. He couldn't help but grin at Tenchi, when they warmed up. Tenchi noticed this and grinned in reply. "Begin!" Misaki shouted. Tenchi attacked first with a slash-thrust combination that was easily parried. Teran countered with a triple thrust, followed by a double slash with a kick to the stomach. Tenchi managed to parry each attack sent towards him, but he knew that Teran would do likewise. After ten minutes of sparring, they stopped and bowed to each other. "Well done!" Misaki shouted, giving each a painful bear hug. "Thanks." Teran said, rubbing his ribs. "Yes, thanks." Tenchi said. "Don't mention it." They continued to train for another hour. Mayuka came to watch after her training with Yosho was complete. She ended up training with them once Misaki saw her watching. Teran and Tenchi stood by with big grins on their faces, as Mayuka was put through the rounds. "Your daughter is pretty good." Teran commented as the two women sparred. "Thank you. Grandpa and Ryoko trained her together." He grinned. "Ryoko put Mayuka through hell when the training began, but my daughter can match her fairly easily. Grandpa trained her in sword skills, since she is of the Jurai royal family." "I wonder how Azusa reacted when he found out." Tenchi laughed. "He reacted far better than I thought he would. Meaning, he didn't try to kill her or me." They continued to talk about various topics. Teran made some snide comment after awhile that brought gales of laughter from Tenchi. The commotion caused Misaki to halt her training with Mayuka. Misaki and Mayuka turned to face the still grinning pair. Mayuka was about to speak, but Misaki beat her to it. "May I ask what has you two grinning like that?" she gave a sweet smile that immediately got Teran's attention. "Nothing, Lady Misaki." Teran said. "Oh, really?" her voice was dripping with sarcasm. "I think it's time for dinner." Teran knew that if the discussion went any further, he and Tenchi would be spending the next several days in his mother's medical facilities. Tenchi caught the meaning and agreed with Teran. As if by magic, Sasami appeared and announced that dinner was almost ready. Teran and Tenchi breathed collective sighs of relief and came down to wash up. Teran was the first to reach the baths. He noticed that the door was partially open and came near to listen. "Are you sure this will work, Ryoko?" Ayeka's voice asked. "I'm fairly sure that it will work." Ryoko answered confidently. "That is, if my brother doesn't get here first." "And if he does?" "I'll deal with that when it happens." Teran had a hard time not laughing. Well Tenchi, he thought. Looks like you are going to have an interesting time in the baths. He moved away from the door and headed towards the house. He saw Tenchi open up the door and get dragged in by two sets of arms. He could hear his friend's cries of surprise. Teran could not help it and he burst out laughing. When he entered the house, he had a big grin on his face. "What has you so happy, Teran?" asked Sasami. "Oh, nothing." He noticed that Sasami didn't buy it. "Well, it seems that your sister and Ryoko have something going on. They have just gotten a hold of Tenchi." his grin went from amused to evil, "I think that they may be a little late for dinner, Sasami." Sasami got the message and returned his grin. "Do you think we should tell the others?" she asked. "No, I think not. The others will probably figure it out whey they return." Everyone came for dinner, minus Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka. When commented upon, Teran and Sasami just grinned. Everyone saw this and got the point. Oh, the grins the group shared would have frozen a person's blood. When Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka returned, the grins widened. Tenchi was the first to notice. "What's up?" Ryoko and Ayeka then noticed the grins on everyone's faces. They turned bright shades of red. The grins widened even more. "Well now." Teran said. "May I ask why you guys are late? Or must I go and find some hard evidence." The pun was not lost on Tenchi, who immediately began to turn red. Everyone then burst out laughing at the embarrassed expressions on the trio's faces. "You know," remarked Funaho. "This reminds me of the time Misaki and I lured Azusa into a similar position. It was very pleasant for the three of us. I wonder how it was for you guys. Well, how was it?" "It was rather pleasant." Ryoko replied, "At least it was for me. How about you Ayeka?" "Yes, it was pleasant." She grinned. "And I am sure Lord Tenchi enjoyed it as well. Right, Lord Tenchi?" Tenchi's blush deepened as the ladies gave their opinions on the events in the baths. Well, I might as well be honest. It was enjoyable, although they didn't have to use that damn drug on me. So he gave his opinion. "I'll admit that I was startled at first, but it was definitely a pleasant experience." He grinned, "Maybe we can repeat it later in the evening." He got the response he wanted. Ayeka and Ryoko blushed a deep red. They readily agreed. "Oh yes, Lord Tenchi, I would love to do it again tonight." Ayeka replied enthusiastically. "Count me in. I definitely want to repeat that experience again." Ryoko replied. She was just as enthusiastic as Ayeka. "You do realize that we all heard this exchange, right?" Teran asked with a perfectly straight face. "I do believe that they do." Sasami said, "At least now they do." She grinned. Tenchi, Ayeka, and Ryoko blushed furiously at this, and began to stammer out apologies at their rudeness. Everyone said it was all right and began to eat. The grin on Azusa' and Misaki's faces said that Tenchi would be having a discussion with them on this subject. Tenchi started to wonder if he had very long to live. ****** "Hey mom!" Teran shouted into the lab, "I believe that the problem with Ryoko and Ayeka fighting over the right to make love to Tenchi has been solved." "Oh? Who is the lucky girl?" Washu asked. This definitely was something good. "Both of them." He noticed his mothers surprised expression. "They worked together to get a hold of Tenchi. Apparently they both are going to attempt to marry him. I believe that Lady Funaho told Ayeka about certain quaint marriage customs relating to Jurai's royal family. I'm sure you know the ones." "This is interesting. I didn't think that both Ryoko and Ayeka would work together to get Tenchi's attention. I would have given a lot to see the expression on his face." She began to laugh, which Teran joined in on. "He had the look of a man in heaven." "I see. Then Ayeka must have told Ryoko about those marriage customs. That would explain the lack of fighting right there. Oh I bet that Tenchi is not going to get much sleep tonight. Make that, the next several nights." They laughed. "Now mom, tell me something." "What?" "I have been feeling raw power course through me for three weeks now. What I am wondering, is why can't I touch it? I need to learn how to use it and control it, before it gets to the point where I unconsciously tap it, and I unleash a shitload of power that can do extensive property damage. I don't want to hurt someone by accident." "I don't think you have to worry about that. I believe that you will tap it when you need it the most. It is afterwards that you will need training." "That is not the most reassuring explanation I have been given, but I guess it will do." "I see." She gave him a less than satisfied look. "You know, being the son of the greatest scientific mind in the universe means that you may have to follow in my footsteps. Since you have no family, except me, you need to follow some sort of path. I believe that I may teach you some of the basics of Advanced Scientific Principles." She grinned evilly. "I would love to mom, but I have to take that lesson on Jurian protocol with Tenchi. Lady Funaho has gotten it into her head that I may need the knowledge when I visit Jurai with Tenchi." he sighed "It can get pretty boring at times, but then, it is like that with classes." "Yes, it may be a good idea for you to take those lessons. Anyway, I am going to accompany you on the trip." She saw his expression. "Don't worry. Funaho and Misaki agree with me on this." She grinned evilly. "Besides, I don't want to spend all my free time worrying about you." "Mom, who's not going on this trip?" "Well, I believe that Yosho and Noboyuki are staying here. Then you have Mihoshi and Kiyone, who are staying here as resident officers. That about covers it up." They spent the next several minutes discussing other various topics, when a red light began to flash. "Let me guess," Teran said. "That would be an alarm to warn you of the arrival of any unwanted visitors." "Unfortunately, yes." "Well, let's go see who our guests are." He grinned. "Maybe, they have a good reason to be here. Otherwise…" he left it hanging. Washu could only grin. ****** The "guests" were a about a twenty armed men and women. Each had a dragon in front of a flaring sun emblazoned on what appeared to be a type of body armor. Teran noted that each one was armed with a sword not unlike his own. The man that he assumed to be the leader spoke. "I am looking for this young man." He held out a computer pad. On it was a face that bore a strong resemblance to Teran's "This looks like Teran." Tenchi said. "Teran?" the man asked, "Boy, this is Althair ai Ki'Tarel en Orlain. I have been ordered to find him and take him into custody." "And what, may I ask, did my father do to warrant such an escort?" came a voice from behind. "What?" the man looked at Teran, "Boy, who are you?" "I am Teran ai Ki'Tarel en Habuki, son of Althair ai Ki'Tarel en Orlain and Washu Habuki. And you are?" "I am Tetrel ai Te'Marel en Haltha. If you are Althair's son, then prove it." "How?" Tetrel smiled. "By trial by arms." "I have no quarrel with you, Tetrel ai Te'Marel en Haltha. And I have no wish to spill blood if I can avoid it." "Spoken like a true warrior, I see." Tetrel said, "You have no love for bloodshed, and by the look in your eyes, you have taken a life before." Teran did not try to disguise the pain on his face as he spoke. "Yes, I have taken a life. The man died with honor, although he did not allow himself to feel it. He told me of my family, and my true name. My mother, Washu, later confirmed this. The man's name was Tethan." "Tethan?" Tetrel could not hide the surprise on his face. "So, you are the one who defeated him. Well then. He got the honorable death he desired. As for you, boy, prepare to die!" "Why?" Teran immediately knew what the answer would be. "I have been ordered to kill your father and anyone associated with him or his blood." He turned to his men. "Kill them all!" "Yes sir!" they shouted as they began to spread out, Teran assessed the situation in front of him. It was not good. He and his friends were outnumbered two to one, and only he, Ryoko, and Tenchi were armed. His worries were rendered unnecessary, when Azusa, Ayeka, and Misaki changed into their Jurian battle garb. Washu created a protective field around Funaho, Sasami, and herself. Still, the battle would not be going well if something wasn't done. Tenchi met his first opponent head on. The Tenchi-ken sprang to life as he did a double slash with a triple thrust. His opponent could only grin as the attack was easily parried. She countered with a triple slash with a thrust. She rounded the attack off with a series of cuts that would leave Tenchi wide open for attack. Right before she could complete the attack, Tenchi activated the Lighthawk Wings effectively stopping the attack. He then pressed an attack of his own. Ryoko and Ayeka faced off three soldiers. One male, two female. Ayeka used her shield to hold one off, while she faced another. Ryoko was busy fighting the other. Both women were faring fairly well and finished off the trio with relative ease. Misaki faced off a young woman of about equal build and height. As they attacked each other, it became obvious on who was going to win. Misaki pressed her strength and skill advantage and disabled her opponent with a strike to the Achilles Tendon. Azusa did not fare as well as the others. He faced off a male-female pair that was working remarkably well together. They attacked in unison and it was taking all of Azusa's skills to keep them at bay. After about ten minutes, one of the pair made a mistake. It came in an overextension of the arm, which allowed Azusa to strike the man in the heart. Unfortunately, this left him wide open for an attack by the woman. It didn't come. Azusa turned around to see Mayuka in battle gear fighting the woman with a skill that was Yosho's trademark. It was Washu, who was the hardest pressed of the group. She had to maintain her shield against repeated attacks by the seven warriors she confronted. They were attacking with some kind of psionic force that was wreaking havoc on her shield. I can't hold them at bay forever. This shield can't hold out for much longer. Were her thoughts as she struggled to maintain the only thing that was protecting Sasami, Funaho, and herself. Teran faced off Tetrel. They didn't even test each other. They attacked with such ferocity; it made D-Day seem like a schoolyard brawl. There was no form to it. Tetrel used any and all methods of attack that he had at his disposal. Teran couldn't compete with this and was quickly subdued. "Foolish boy," Tetrel sneered. "You really think you could have taken me on?" he laughed. "For that, you will be the last one to die. You will watch as you mother and friends are killed one by one in battle." "You leave them alone!" Teran shouted. Suddenly, his mind cleared. He could see the power flow through him as a white pulse. He quickly surrendered to it, and felt it flow through him as never before. Tetrel noticed the calm look on his face before a blast of raw energy threw him backwards. When his vision cleared, he saw Teran surrounded by seven Lighthawk Wings. "Oh, shit." was all he could say before Teran spoke. "You have threatened my family. You have attacked my friends" His expression went from pissed, to downright rage, "I will give you one chance Tetrel. Take all of you surviving soldiers and leave! Otherwise, I cannot guarantee that you will survive much longer." "I cannot do that Teran. My soldiers can leave if they wish, but they face the same fate if they return. The only difference, is that they can die with honor here." "Honor is a concept Tetrel. It does not discriminate on what your views are." His expression was sad. "But if you want to die in battle, then so be it." "Thank you, Teran." He turned to the surviving soldiers. "Men! Form up in attack squad positions!" "Yes, sir!" "Use your powers Teran. We will all fight you at once." "Why must it always end like this?" Teran asked to no one in particular. "Because it is how we are. We wish to die in battle. Thus is our honor is intact." Tetrel said, "It is how it has been for over three hundred-thousand years. To die in battle, is the greatest honor there can be." "I understand. Hail and farewell Tetrel ai Te'Marel en Haltha." Teran let the Lighthawk Wings flow through him as they created a carmine colored plate mail. The sword looked like a four-foot broad sword that knights used in the middle ages. Teran faced off Tetrel. The fight was short, as Teran blocked Tetrel's attack and countered with his own. His attack struck true as the sword entered Tetrel's heart. He was dead before he hit the ground. Then the soldiers came up. One-by-one they challenged Teran and died at his hands. He learned each of their names before each battle. Each name was burned into his mind at each death. Thirteen names; thirteen faces. The only one left alive was the one wounded by Misaki. Teran came up to her and asked what her decision was. "I am wounded, and unable to fight," she said simply. "I surrender. Now my honor is no more." "Why?" he asked. "My cowardice in the face of death. I chose not to fight you due to my injury." "It is not cowardice to surrender when you cannot fight. Cowardice, is when someone uses another as a shield, so they can live. "Don't bandy those words with me." She snapped. Her expression was one of total loss. "You have no idea what it is to lose your honor." "Is it honor that matters so much to you?" Teran was having a hard time keeping control of his anger. "You accepted defeat from an opponent you could not even fight! It would have been dishonorable for you if you didn't surrender. It would have been dishonorable for us both if I fought you! There is no honor in fighting and killing a wounded person!" "Spoken like a true warrior, I see. But I cannot accept that." She pulled out a knife and stabbed herself in the heart. Teran could only hold her as the spark of life left her eyes. He was the only one who heard her last words. "My name is Tashel ei Ki'Tarma el Kishar." She died in his arms. Her expression was one of peace. Teran held the dead woman for another minute before he picked her up, and laid her by her fellow soldiers. He came to each body and spoke his or her name. Tetrel ai Te'Marel en Haltha, Ershar ai De'Alar en Kira, Tenna ei El'Emar el Kintar, Haral ai Ki'Tarma en Kolar, and so on. The ones not killed by Teran were given similar last rights by the ones who killed them. Two hours later, a solemn group returned from the graves that were set up for the dead soldiers. Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka agreed that they would wait for another night, before repeating the experience in the baths. They then went somewhere, where they could cope with what happened that day. Azusa, Misaki, and Funaho went to their room. Mayuka went with Sasami to find Ryo-ohki. Teran was left alone with his mother. "Would you like to discuss it?" asked Washu. "No." he said, "I just want to be left alone." He went to the kitchen, where he got out a bottle of sake, and began to get drunk. He was not taking this very well. "My son," she said to herself. "you are more than I ever could have hoped for. It is unfortunate that you are forced into these situations." With that, she headed to her lab. There she began to do what Teran was doing. ****** It was late at night. Sasami was having a hard time sleeping after all the death that she saw today. She noticed that everyone was affected to some degree. She decided that she might as well get something to help her sleep. In the kitchen, she saw Teran, still drinking. She came over to him. When he saw her, he got a bottle and handed it to her. "It is really fucked up to drink alone." He said, "Especially, with what happened today." Sasami could not believe that this was the young man who came to the house three weeks earlier. Thinking that she had nothing better to do, she downed the bottle of sake. She was about to leave when she saw Teran again. He appeared to be laughing. Upon closer examination, she saw that he was crying. His emotions have finally broken his willpower. She came to him and held him. He took the offer and began to cry into her shoulder. He stayed there for ten minutes, before exhaustion claimed him. She knew that he was going to feel like shit the next morning. She has seen Ryoko and her sister drunk often enough to know that. She went over to the cabinet and took out several more bottles. She downed them all in less than five minutes. She then dragged Teran over to the couch and lay him on it. Going to the smaller one, she stretched and began to lay down. She figured that if he was going to fell terrible the next day, then she might as well join him. With that thought still in her head, she fell asleep. ****** Tenchi was busy getting drunk as well. He kept a bottle of some well-aged sake hidden in case a situation like what happened earlier came up. If it weren't for the fact that he killed Kagato, he would probably be crying. That was the only other time he took a life. He didn't want to repeat the depression he went through shortly after that. The saying was true. It is always hardest to kill the first time around. Ryoko and Ayeka joined him sometime past midnight and commenced drinking the sake they brought. "I can't believe that Teran could kill so many people like that," he said. "Tenchi," Ryoko replied. "I saw the look on his face. He did not want to do so, but his own sense of honor compelled him to allow them to fight him." "Besides," Ayeka commented. "I saw him busy downing several bottles of sake earlier. He does not like killing, and he doesn't know hoe to deal with his guilt." They sat, drank, and talked until dawn. Finally exhaustion overcame each one of them, and they fell asleep. ****** Teran woke to a sore head, an upset as hell stomach, and a mouth that tasted like rancid meat. In other words, he felt like shit. "Goddamn hangovers," he said to himself. "always an inconvenience." He noticed that Sasami was stirring on the smaller couch. "Ohhhhh, ow." She groaned. "Damn, what's causing me to feel like this." "How do you feel?" he smiled. "Be honest." "Well, to be honest, I feel like shit." "Strong words for one so young. But hangovers do that I guess." "You seem to be in good humor. Considering what happened yesterday, I thought you'd be feeling terrible right now." "Please, don't remind me." He shuddered, "That's why I got drunk. There were better ways of dealing with it, but that seemed like the best idea at the time. Twenty dead. Thirteen at my hands." His expression saddened, "Another committed suicide, because she could not live with the shame in her heart. That is not something I want to dwell on for very long." "I understand." She looked thoughtful for a second, "There is one problem." "What?" "How do you get rid of this damn hangover." "I have always preferred to drink a lot of water. Besides, we are both going to need a bath before long. Alcohol has a tendency to make you stink after awhile." "I've noticed." She said, wrinkling her nose. They both headed for the baths, being careful not to wake any of the others. Sasami noticed a metallic glint outside near the baths. She stopped to see what it was. It was a syringe, full of that blue aphrodisiac that Washu made. Now things seem to happen by chance at times. As it was, she pricked her finger on the needle. She ended up injecting half of the drug into her. The results were, as the saying goes, predictable. She felt a warmth enter and flow through her body as the drug started to take effect. Her thoughts began to center on only one thing: pleasure. She took the partially full syringe and caught up with Teran. Before he knew what happened, Sasami injected the rest of the aphrodisiac into him. Teran felt warm fire spread through him. He noticed that his mind was quickly shifting to one major thought process: procreation. Oh shit. He thought, She has injected that aphrodisiac into me. Judging by the looks of her, she's under the influence of it too. Great, if I can't resist this, I will be in deep shit! She's the equivalent of a thirteen-year-old! But she does look good. Whoa! What am I thinking? I am not a pedophile! Man this must be some strong shit to affect me like this. They reached the baths, and Teran opened the door to the men's baths. He entered, but before he could shut the door, Sasami came in and kissed him. Electric fire spread out through his body as the drug took full effect, and his resolve melted away from the sensation. When she finished the kiss, he returned the favor. They soon found themselves divested of all clothing and making love to each other. Sasami was lying on her back, moaning in pleasure. Teran was working her body to its limit. Somehow, he was keeping her just on the edge of orgasm. The sensation was driving her mad. Finally, Teran pushed her over the edge and into orgasm. Her body quite buckled under the massive overdrive her hormones went through. The scream of ecstasy that left her mouth would have likely been heard on the other side of Japan if it weren't for the dimensional barrier enclosing the bath. She was nearly exhausted, but she resolved to share a part of herself with him, as he had shared a part of himself with her. She reached up and pulled him closer to her. She gave Teran a passionate kiss and turned him over onto his back. She set herself over him and gave him another kiss. Letting up, she mounted him and set herself. She tentatively flexed her hips, noting the look in his eyes as she did so. They were in that euphoric state of pleasure that immediately told her that she chose her actions well. She brought her mouth to his a second time and held that kiss there as the rest of her began to rise and fall like waves on the sea. She kept him like that for about half an hour, when after one last flexing of her hips, his seed shot into her. It wasn't over for her though. One last orgasm rocked her body before she finally let up and quite calmly, fell asleep. ****** Tsunami was having some strange feelings come through her link with Sasami. Passion, pleasure, and a budding love towards an unknown person. This piqued her curiosity, as she sent her mind through the link to see what was going on. To say she was surprised would have been an understatement. She was downright shocked. Sasami was making love to a young, green-eyed youth of about Tenchi's age. Tsunami found the rational part of her mind, after noticing the fog on her young prodigy's mind. What are you doing? She silently asked it. Sasami's mind was about to answer, when wave, after wave of pleasure coursed through her body. She couldn't hold back, as a scream of ecstasy came from her mouth. Tsunami was nearly bowled over by the sensation. She had better get things taken care of, before this went any further. Her body was beginning to show adverse effects. It was driving her hormones to unprecedented levels! That was making it difficult for her to get a full explanation. Ten minutes later, she had all she needed. She left Sasami to her entertainment as she went to give a certain youth a rude surprise. When she encountered Teran's mind, she noticed that it was not as fogged up as Sasami's was. It was still a mess, though. There were many strong emotions present. She finally found his rational center amid the chaos. When she got its attention, it did the mental equivalent of a twenty-foot jump. She waited as he got his bearings. When he seemed rational enough, she addressed him a second time. To his credit, he did not start. Teran ai Ki'Tarel en Habuki, I presume. She said silently. I am he. He found the experience of silent communication to be interesting. Who are you? I am Tsunami. I came to ask you a favor. But first, let me tell you the truth behind it first. I'm listening. Tsunami related the truth about the events surrounding Sasami. Teran found it to be quite understandable. Tsunami was planning to fully assimilate herself with Sasami in hopes of being able to carry a child. She needed an heir to her power. Why? He asked after the story was finished. Because, in my current form, I am dying. Aren't you immortal? At one time, I was. But twenty thousand years ago, I lost most of my power and my immortality. I cannot recover that, but with the assimilation, Sasami may have the chance at life she deserves. Without her link to me, she will die. I understand. Good. Does Sasami know? Yes, she knows. Then, tell me. What should I do? You will know when it happens. With that, she left. Teran's mind pondered her words as the drug wore off. He and Sasami were both exhausted. She was currently asleep on his chest. He gently shook her awake. He realized that the entire exchange took less than a minute, but he was still astounded by what he had learned. As both he and Sasami finished bathing, they both agreed that no one was to know what happened here. They left and began to prepare breakfast for anyone who cared. ****** Tsunami still had one more thing to do before she returned to her ship. She found Azusa talking with his wives, so she decided to tell all three of them. They took it well, to their credit. When she was done talking to those three, she returned to her ship. She was tired, but she did not allow herself time to rest. Several thousand years of planning were nearing their conclusion. Now she had to return to Jurai before the others and prepare for things there. She hoped that nothing went wrong. She could not afford to make any mistakes now. Not when she was nearing death. It will all be over soon. Now, Tokimi, it will all end. For better, or for worse. ****** Three days later, some new guests arrived. Mihoshi and Kiyone were tired after a long patrol, and were looking for some time in the baths. They were first greeted by Ryo-ohki, who saw the ship first. After hearing the ecstatic myaaing and the shuttle's engines, everyone came out to see who was arriving. They were quite surprised to see that the entire royal family of Jurai was present. Teran got a pleasant greeting from them. The rest greeted the duo with great enthusiasm. After cleaning up, Mihoshi headed toward the kitchen where she helped Sasami, Misaki, and Mayuka, make dinner. Kiyone talked with Ayeka and Ryoko. She was pleasantly surprised that they have ceased fighting over Tenchi. She was even more surprised to find out that both girls were agreeing to marry Tenchi together. Teran was busy talking with Tenchi about the trip to Jurai in a couple of days. They were aware of all the protocol needed from them. This way, they didn't go around insulting too many people. At least Funaho told them to be themselves. That was something. Azusa was busy talking to his son and Noboyuki, who arrived an hour earlier. They were discussing the events that have surrounded the last few days. It mainly centered on Teran's ability to summon the Lighthawk Wings. It was obvious that Teran would be trained alongside Tenchi. Funaho was talking with Washu on a similar topic. "Listen Washu, I don't want any chicanery when you are on Jurai." Funaho said. "Don't worry, Funaho. I won't cause trouble." Washu replied, "Besides, I want to know how Teran can summon the Lighthawk Wings like Tenchi." "Yes, that is a mystery. I wonder if it is because of his family. The Ki'Tarel's were known for their power. And his grandmother was Juraian." "And how do you know that?" "His grandmother was from the Orlain family. They are one of the most powerful noble families on Jurai. Sometime ago, a young woman married into the Ki'Tarel family. This was when they were the most powerful in the galaxy." "You mean, before the Juraians had ambitions of an empire?" "Yes, now that is a long story. One which I will not bore you with. It's in the archives if you ever want to research it." "I think I will." They left for Jurai two days later. Tenchi and Teran packed the usual traveling necessities. More out of something to do, than necessity. They would be provided clothing on Jurai, but they brought some things from Earth anyway. Mayuka was not coming. It took a lot of persuasion on Tenchi's part to make her stay, but he managed. She needed to keep up with her training and keep her grandfathers out of trouble. Both Noboyuki and Yosho. Ryoko packed light. She had the usual clothing, plus some other things for entertainment. Her mother, however, made up for the light packing. She somehow managed to transport her entire lab on board the ship. With the dimensional gateway added for space limitations. Figures. The trip was, for lack of a better term, uneventful and boring. They quickly tired of the music brought from Earth. Make that; they destroyed Ryoko's CD player. Fortunately, Tenchi brought one as well. He, wisely as it turned out, did not play it. ****** The reception when they arrived was not what they expected. They were greeted with ecstatic cheering from the people. Teran did a quick count and estimated that there were at least fifty thousand people present. A bit overdone. He thought. They welcome the royal family home. I wonder if the people know that Tenchi is also a member. Ryoko and Washu stayed out of sight for the most part. Washu may not be recognized, but Ryoko would. Juraians have long memories. Those that noticed them kept quiet. The escort was, at least for Teran, overdone. They did not need a regiment of guards to accompany them. He gave his opinions and Funaho replied. "I'll admit, it is a bit overdone, but the people expect it." "Lady Funaho, I believe that the people are aware of our abilities, somewhat. They are fairly sure we can defend ourselves." "True, but enough assassination attempts happen to make an escort prudent." "I see, but don't trust your guards too much. Those that were supposed to prevent that have brought down enough powerful people. History is full of such betrayals." "I hate to say it, but you're right. Being from Earth, I have had enough problems here. Still, this place is more my home that Earth ever was, or will be." "That is the risk of power." "Teran, tell me something." "What?" "You can summon the Lighthawk Wings. Now Tenchi is the only other person I know, who can do so. I want to know why." "I can't answer that. But you are wrong in one respect. Tenchi and I are not the only ones. Sasami can, and I believe that Ryoko may be able to also." He smiled. "I think that things will straighten themselves out." Funaho could not reply. She was too busy trying to get things straight. Sasami and Ryoko, able to summon the Lighthawk Wings? It just didn't seem possible. She would have to be careful around him. He knew more than he let on at times. ****** They arrived at the palace. Any who hadn't been there before, was awed by the splendor of its construction. Even Ryoko was impressed, since she is partly responsible for its remodeling. "Nice architecture." Teran said, obviously impressed. "I'll say." Tenchi said in awe. The palace spread out over an wide area. It was perfectly in harmony with nature. Gardens were everywhere, whole rivers ran through it. It was not an intrusion of nature. It was a part of it. And, in the center, stood the Holy Tree. There stood, Tsunami. They all stood there, perfectly content. For a short time, they forgot about the events of the past few weeks. They all stood there, looking at the ancient, dying tree. They were at peace. Sasami was the first to come out of her reverie. She noticed that Teran was also becoming aware. Suddenly, a bright light began to emanate from the tree. All became aware of a presence that wasn't there before. When the light cleared, Tsunami stood in front of them. Welcome, all. She said telepathically. I have been waiting for you to arrive. "Tsunami, why are we here?" Sasami asked. Sasami, There was a note of love in the voice. You are here to finish what was set into motion seven hundred years ago. "The assimilation? But I thought that it would occur after I finished growing up." It was, but things have changed. You see, I am dying. It has to be finished, or all that I have done, will be for naught. She turned to Teran. Teran, you are here to be her protector. You will be her guide, her love, and her defender. You are the most fit for this task. But, you have to confront your past. Only then, will you be ready for this task. "I understand." He looked grim. "There are parts that I have not been able to face yet. Now seems to be as good a time as any to relive those nightmares. Good. She tuned to Tenchi, Ayeka, and Ryoko. You three have already begun your task. Ayeka, you and Ryoko have been able to put aside your rivalry for Tenchi's heart. You are now able to aid him. Tenchi, it will be their love for you that will allow you to prevail. It will be your love for them that will strengthen them. Remember that. Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka, could only nod at this. They were stunned to know that their love could amount to so much. Tsunami then turned to Azusa. He learned that his purpose was completed with the birth of his children. Misaki and Funaho beamed at the thought that their children would be so important. Washu, was nowhere to be seen. Now, it is time. Teran, go with Sasami to my tree. Your paths join there. Tenchi, you, along with Ayeka and Ryoko, will accompany them. There, you three will reach your true power. I will tell you more at the tree. With that, Tsunami vanished. Author's Note: Well that turned out to be entirely different than what I planned. But I have to say, it turned out a lot better, since it sets up part of the plot that will develop over the next few parts/chapters. It provides a little insight into Teran's mind and his dislike of killing. The next part ties up a few loose ends from this part, and adds a few more. You also get a full understanding on Teran's past. Stay tuned for: Tenchi Muyo: Honor and Glory, Part 3: Strengthened Bonds.