Tenchi Muyo: Honor and Glory Disclaimer: I don't own the Tenchi Muyo, or any of its characters. I do own any characters that are completely made up, and not a part of Tenchi Muyo, or any other Anime, book, or Movie title. So please don't sue me. I have no money, and it would be a complete waste of time anyway. Part 4: Prelude to Conflict Power is a force, a concept, or an essence. It is neither good, nor is it evil. It is all in the user. Good and evil themselves are concepts. What one considers good, another will consider evil. Therefore the concept of good and evil is pointless without a true definition. Hence, a bad analogy. So Tsunami, don't bandy words about good or evil with me. They mean nothing, and I doubt they ever will. -Tokimi- In the cold, eternal darkness of space, a large ship circles a small galaxy. The occupants of the ship are busy. It looks as if it were preparing for war. Knowing the nature of its owner, it would not be surprising. In a room at the heart of the ship, a seemingly young woman waited. She appeared to be about five-nine with a well-developed body. There was a circlet around her forehead. The shadows make any further details difficult to see, but anyone who saw her would know that she was frowning. She radiated an aura that would turn a man's blood cold with fright. This was no ordinary woman. She was, in fact, a goddess. Lady Tokimi was in a pensive mood. D3 hasn't reported any new information on that boy, Tenchi. Her patience, although great, was wearing thin. If her second didn't report soon, she would deal with him personally and harshly. "My lady, D3 has returned." came a voice. There was a presence now in the room. "Send him in Terak." she replied. "Yes, my lady." Terak's presence left and a new one entered. The person who entered was tall, white-haired, with solid blue eyes. His bearing marked him as a powerful being, but even he was not insane enough to let it show in his mistress's presence. "You are late in your report, D3." Tokimi's voice had an uncommon edge to it. "Forgive me, my lady." he replied. "There have been some unforeseen problems that have cropped up. There is good news as well." "Go on." she replied, impatience clear in her voice. "Yes my lady. A new person has joined the Masaki family. The information I have managed to gather on him, well, marks him as your nephew." "What?" there was a note of surprise on her face, as this came through. "Tell me D3, how is this possible?" "He is the son of your sister, Washu. He is also a member of my family, since she only had a son through my cousin, Althair." "I see, continue." "He is capable of wielding the Lighthawk Wings." "I am not surprised. My sisters and I are all capable of that. It would be expected for any of our descendants to be able to as well. Tell me, what about that boy, Tenchi." D3's eyes hardened at the mention of Tenchi, but he made his report. "He seems to have befriended Teran. It seems he has a daughter as well. It is yet unknown whether she has the same abilities as her father, but she is still powerful. "Tenchi has become even more powerful. He has gone to Jurai for training in his abilities, and is currently twice as powerful as before, with him expected to become even more powerful in the near future." "Anything else, D3?" "Yes. Your sister Tsunami has recently died. She has finished assimilating herself with Sasami, but apparently, it was not complete. She has also bonded that youth Teran to the girl. Ryoko and Ayeka are now able to use the Lighthawk Wings." He began to grin. "There is a wedding scheduled for their marriage to Tenchi in three months." "Interesting. You have done well. Now, let's plan out our next move. Tsunami's death has come at a convenient time. Let's not waste it by congratulating ourselves. This is good. Now, what shall I do?" "May I make a suggestion, my lady?" "Go ahead D3" Might as well see what his idea is. She thought to herself. "Well, they have provided a great time for an attack. Tenchi's wedding will provide the perfect opportunity. All we have to do is…" As he went on, Tokimi smiled. Yes, she thought. This is good. It is a simple plan, but it has merit. She decided to congratulate D3 after he was done. "The plan has the advantage of simplicity, but it has merit. Go ahead and do it, but I want them all brought to me alive. I don't care how, but make sure they are all alive and able to talk. If one does die, you and I will have words, and I doubt that you will survive." She smiled at him. "But, you may entertain yourself and your men on the ladies." "As you wish. May I withdraw?" he was obviously shaken. "Yes, you may." D3 walked through the corridors leading to his quarters, lost in thought. So, my cousin's son is still alive. He thought. Well, Teran, it will be interesting when we meet. I have lived a long life and I am ready to die. Let's see if you are as good as your father. He smiled as he prepared to meet his second cousin in battle. Train hard, boy. It may have been twenty thousand years since your father died, but you will likely want revenge. Tethan was a fool to think that if he found you, you would win and come after me. Enjoy the peace that you have, for it will not last. His laughter echoed throughout the corridors of the ship. All who heard it, shuddered, for the laughter was full of madness. ****** On Jurai, Teran was busy trying to stave off a different problem. This, coming from a sky-blue haired woman/goddess, who was attacking him with all she's got. His sword blocked the attack, but he couldn't block the kick to the stomach that followed after. He grunted in pain as the blow connected. Before she could set herself, he attacked with a slash-thrust-crossover that he developed. Each move was parried, but Sasami was left wide open for any attack that came next. What she got, was not what she expected. She found herself on the receiving end of a kiss. Before she decided enough was enough, she felt his tongue enter her mouth. Her kick was well aimed, and Teran flew back to hit the nearest wall. He had a huge grin on his face that went from mischievous, to smartass in short order. "Now, listen here asshole." Sasami began, "If you do that again, I will make you wish you were never born." Although she looked pissed, her voice said something else entirely. "Oh, would you, please?" he asked eagerly. He was obviously trying very hard not to laugh. "Talk about insatiable." She said, right before she clubbed him upside the head with the flat of her sword. He went flying until he hit the next wall. "More mistress please, make it hurt," he said, smiling. "I have been a very bad boy. Punish me." He then burst out laughing, which Sasami joined in on. Teran crawled over to her and grasped the nearest body part available, in this case, her left leg, and pulled hard. She fell with a shriek to land right next to him. He then grabbed her hip and pulled her close. She was able to reorient herself, after he finished manhandling her, and gave him a kiss that almost made him lose all of his senses. Almost, but not quite. His grip on her tightened as the kiss grew deeper and more intimate. Before they knew it, they were both unclothed and making love. Everyone in that wing of the palace heard the noise they made. Hence, not many. That being, Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, Washu, and the few servants that attended them. All were trying very hard not to laugh or make any snide comments as the noise reached an all time high, and then subsided. "I'm surprised that your sister is not pregnant," Ryoko commented to Ayeka, "considering that they are like this every day." "I know what you mean, Ryoko." Ayeka replied. "My sister is getting more and more aggressive each day." She grinned evilly. " Poor Teran. He has to put up with this each day." "Actually, I believe that my brother is responsible for this bout." She looked in the general direction of the moaning and screaming. "I hope he is enjoying it." "I don't doubt it one bit." Her grin went from evil to vicious. "I think we may as well occupy Tenchi for a few minutes. Since I doubt that those two will be finishing anytime soon." "Why not?" Ryoko replied, mimicking Ayeka's grin perfectly. Both women began to laugh. They both went in search of Tenchi, with looks in their eyes that would put Ataru Moroboshi to shame. Tenchi was busy talking to Washu at the time. They just shook their heads in wonder when they heard Teran and Sasami at it. ""Damn, what are they doing to each other?" Tenchi asked. "Getting rid of any hormonal imbalances in Sasami, I hope." Washu replied. "But, then again, I wonder. Sasami's hormones are stabilizing, but she is just as aggressive in her pursuits as when it started. Not to mention it affects Teran as well." "What do you mean?" "The bond they share is very complex, but also simple." she began to grin, evilly "Emotions are easily felt by each of them. Especially the strong ones." "Such as?" Tenchi was beginning to get interested. "Pain, joy, fear, sadness, and lust, to name a few. Hatred also goes a long way. Teran has not forgotten who is responsible for the destruction of his family. Although, I believe that some have survived. Althair was too clever by far, to have not prepared for any eventuality." "I never learned the circumstances surrounding that incident. Who, why, and how." "It is no secret. His cousin, Delthar, betrayed Althair. The motive was thought to be ambition, but the evidence just didn't point in that direction. Not to mention Delthar's disappearance about seventeen thousand years ago. No one knows where he is, but I believe that he will appear." She looked grim. "If only to tie up loose ends. Meaning, he will try to kill Teran." "I see." He looked thoughtful for a second. "Those soldiers that attacked us on Earth. Do you think that they are associated with Delthar?" "Possibly, but then again, I doubt it. Althair had enemies; it could have been one of them who sent Tetrel and his men to Earth. But, if it was Delthar, Teran will likely kill him, or get killed trying." She went from grim, to cold. "I know my son well enough to be certain of that. He is very much like his father." It was at that moment that Ayeka and Ryoko came in. When they saw Washu, they went cold. Washu saw them enter and got ready to leave. She knew what was coming next, and she knew that they were on the verge of throwing her out, if she didn't move. Not that they could. She was a goddess, after all. She smiled as she began to walk to the room she designated as her own. Everything was going as planned. It wasn't what her sister had planned out, but it would work. She reached out to Sasami, without letting the woman know she checked for certain signs of life. She was not disappointed. Sasami would give birth to a child in nine months. Excuse me, came an annoyed voice. I don't look inside of you, so don't look inside of me. Sorry Sasami. She replied. I am just making sure things are okay. Well do it some other place and not inside me. All right. Oh, congratulations, by the way. What do you mean? She asked, obviously confused. You are about to become a mother. All the signs are there, and I know what to look for. Bye. Bye, Washu. Oh God, I am pregnant. Now it is done. Tsunami, the line is secure. Washu was confused at that last part before she left, but she figured that Tsunami wanted an heir in case something happened to Sasami. She entered her room and headed straight for bed. In this form, she was still had certain needs that occasionally plagued mortals. Meaning, she needed to eat, sleep, and drink lots of fluids. Not that she minded one bit. Well now, she thought. You have thought this out very thoroughly, didn't you Tsunami. Tenchi, Ayeka, and Ryoko are inseparable; Teran and Sasami love each other to distraction; and Sasami will have a successor in nine months. Yes, you planned this out very carefully. She quickly lost thought as she drifted off to sleep. An hour or so later, Teran and Sasami were walking through the halls and gardens that made up the palace. They were an odd pair. Teran was dressed in a dark brocade shirt with black dress pants; while Sasami was dressed in a light green gown, which was daringly cut at the bodice. Both were armed with those energy swords that are a Juraians trademark. They were walking with, as it seemed no apparent destination in mind. This was not idle wandering, however. They had a specific destination in mind, but they decided to take a roundabout route there. They really liked the gardens. Here was at least one place where there was peace and quiet. They were talking as they walked, keeping a sharp eye out for any assassins and spies that may be following them. "So, Teran," Sasami asked. "what are we going to tell my parents?" "The truth, if we can help it." he replied. "They may not take very well, but they will take it better now, than if they find out later." He smiled, but there was no humor behind it. "I know parents well enough to know that is often the best course." "I see." She delicately let the subject drop. She knew his past, so she knew what he was thinking about. Most of what he called his family was dead, killed in various accidents, or killed by diseases. There was still some loyalty for them, but he loved her too much, to leave her and go see them. This was beginning to tear her heart to pieces, because she knew that he wanted to go and tell them that he was all right. She decided that it would not be a bad idea, so she decided to talk to Washu about it later. "You do know, that my father might press you into marrying me." She told him as they neared the throne room. "Oh great, just what I need, a shotgun wedding. Although I will admit this. Being married to you would not be so bad. And your parents know that we love each other." "True, but I doubt they know how far it has gone." "Sasami, I think that they know about our amusements. They are not that dense, and they have likely gotten word of it by now." He smiled. "In fact, your mother and Lady Funaho share secret smiles when they see us together. They either know what's going on, or they have a good idea. So don't be surprised if they catch on before Azusa does." "You mean, they know?" she saw his nod. "Oh shit. If they know about our lovemaking, then they won't be surprised if I'm pregnant. All I know is that they will try to kill us." "I'm not sure. Ayeka is the next in line for the throne after Tenchi, then it goes to you. I have done my research on Juraian succession. It goes down the line of male heirs. Then it goes down the line of female heirs. Anyway, the family line will continue. So, I think your parents may take it with a grain of salt. At least for starters. Then they will likely press us into a marriage. With your father holding the proverbial shotgun at my back." "I hope you are right on this. Otherwise, we're fucked." "No shit." They reached the throne room a few minutes later. The guards, as usual, gave them a little trouble since word of recent events hasn't been made general knowledge yet. Fortunately, the Captain of the Guards came by at that moment. "Lord Teran, Princess Sasami, what seems to be the matter?" he asked politely. The guards paled visibly at the mention of their names. "Captain Makira." Teran said. "Nothing really. I thought that all of the guards were made aware of recent events, but it seems that a few were missed." "I'm sorry about that my Lord, everyone knows about you, but not all have accurate descriptions yet. The paperwork probably got caught up in some mess." Teran chuckled, "That's okay Captain. I know very well the problems that always seem to crop up when paperwork is involved. That is one thing you have in common with your kin on Earth. Then again, that problem is universal, especially when it is applied to any military or law enforcement agency." Captain Makira laughed at this. "This makes us like Earthlings?" he asked, feigning shock. "Oh, no! We are now howling barbarians!" Everyone joined in on the laughing, and without further ado, entered the throne room. The two guards were vastly relieved that they didn't receive a major ass-chewing session because of their mistake. "Damn," one of them remarked. "That was close." "Yes," the other replied. "That was close. Well, at least we won't make that mistake again. And at least we weren't chewed out for it." "Amen to that." Teran noticed that there were fewer people in the throne room than there usually was. He thanked any gods who might be listening for that. This made it a lot easier to tell Azusa that there was a private matter to be discussed. Before he could say anything, some new visitors were announced. For a moment, Teran wanted to strangle the announcer. "The delegation from Kiral asks for an audience." He shouted. Teran groaned. He was one-third Kirallian, and he knew that once they knew whom he was, he would be asked to return to Kiral for training. Fortunately, he knew how to get around that. The only problem was, they could simply force him to go along if he lost the trial by arms. He noted that there were twenty of them. Nineteen guards and one noble. "I greet the Kirallian delegation." Azusa said. "We thank you, Emperor Azusa, for inviting us." A man said. Teran took a good look at the man. There was something about that man that nagged at the back of his mind. He then remembered what Tethan said, and his blood went cold. Tall, dark-haired, with blue eyes, and an olive-tinged complexion. The man's name is Tershar ai Ki'Sharel en Harell. He is the one who raped and murdered your sister, Shara. He was so deep in thought, that he nearly missed the man's name. "I am Tershar ai Ki'Sharel en Harell." He said. "I have come here, because there is one of Kirallian blood in your court. I am ordered to bring him to Kiral by any means necessary." "You don't have to look far, Tershar." Teran said. "I am right here." "What is your name boy?" "I am Teran ai Ki'Tarel en Habuki, son of Althair ai Ki'Tarel en Orlain and Washu Habuki." He watched as the blood drained from Tershar's face. "It has been twenty thousand years since my family was destroyed. Now, it is time for retribution." Those last words were said in such cold, controlled anger that Tershar and his guards backed away in fear. "It was with great effort, that Tershar was able to finally contain his fear. When he finally spoke, it was to say, "Then so be it, Teran. Prepare to die." He then changed from his robes to that armorlike suit, that all Kirallian warriors wore. There was a phoenix emblazoned on his chest. His sword was unremarkable in appearance, but it shone with a hidden power. Teran let his power course through him, but he didn't summon the Lighthawk Wings. Instead, he used a combination of his Kirallian and Juraian powers. He was in a lightweight body suit, with his broad sword in hand. His face had five leaves on it. Two above and below the eyes, and one going between them. He felt Sasami gathering her energy, waiting to see if he needed help. "Sasami, stay out of this unless absolutely necessary." He told her. The note of finality caused her to hesitate. "If necessary, keep the guards off my back, but Tershar is mine." "All right." She replied. Teran looked at Tershar, who returned his gaze. They nodded to each other, and then began the attack. It was no duel, nor was it a fight. It was savage brutality. They attacked each other with blind fury. They fought each other for ten minutes, their blows ringing across the throne room as people moved out of the way of the two fighters. It was clear that Tershar, although more skilled and stronger, was losing. Shortly into the fight, Teran's face became an unreadable mask. There was no emotion, no expression present. Tershar, in a desperate moment, lunges at Teran. The attack is blocked, and Teran's counter struck Tershar. The wound was minor, but the message was clear. Teran was going to win. Tershar shouted one command, which was directed at his guards. "Kill him!" As one, they drew their swords and advanced on Teran. Letting the façade go, he embraced his full power. In a flash of light, his armor appeared. Unlike his former armor, which was rather dark, this one glowed with power. Then, moving at near the speed of light, he attacked. Four of the guards were dead before they knew what was happening. The remaining fifteen fought bravely. Teran's speed made it clear on one thing. They didn't stand a snowball's chance in hell against him. Tershar watched as his guards were systematically butchered in front of his eyes. He began to run before Teran was finished, but he was quickly overtaken. The only thing he saw in Teran's eyes was death. "This is for my sister. This is for Shara." Those were the last words he heard before he was run through. Teran stood over the dead man. Part of his revenge was complete, but all he felt was emptiness. There was no satisfaction, no pride. Only a yawning pit where his emotions should be. So, this is what it feels like to take revenge. He thought. He could only shudder in fear and loathing. He would not seek revenge, it would seek him. He looked up to see Sasami, her face white with horror. She knew that as soon as he could, he would kill those responsible for his family's destruction. He looked her in the eye and nodded. He would not seek them out. They will seek him out. He got to his feet and walked to Sasami. "It is done." He told her. "I will not seek them out. If they want me dead, they will have to come to me." He walked away, heading towards the room he shared with her. "Teran, wait." She said, following him. Azusa looked at the people before him. They judiciously avoided looking at the dead bodies, but they all felt one thing: fear. ****** Near the entrance to the throne room, D3 watched as the bodies were dragged out and the blood was cleaned up. His face showed no emotion, but anyone could tell that he was disturbed. You are more dangerous that I have previously thought Teran, He thought. You are indeed a fine warrior. Soon we will see if you can defeat me. You will have your chance at revenge. The question is: Will you be the one who defeats me. He left the throne room, lost in thought. He didn't see the shadow that followed him, as he teleported to make his report to Tokimi. The shadow stayed there and looked in the direction of Teran's room. There was a sense of pride coming from it. As if it was somehow connected to Teran. You are becoming a great warrior Teran, It thought. You are far greater than I hoped you would be. Soon, my son we will meet, but I must remain hidden until the right time. The light from the now setting sun reaches the shadow. It reveals a blue-eyed man, with dark hair and a muscular build. The light vanishes as Althair ai Ki'Tarel en Orlain teleported to some unknown location. Authors Note: Things are starting to get interesting here, aren't they? As usual things didn't quite go as I had originally planned, but this is a lot better. The next part deals with the Tenchi's wedding and Teran's proposal to Sasami. Stay tuned for Tenchi Muyo: Honor and Glory, Part 5: Wedding Night.