Tenchi Muyo: Honor and Glory Disclaimer: I do not own Tenchi Muyo or any of its characters. They are owned by Pioneer and AIC, and do not give me any of that legal crap, okay. I have no money to give. I do happen to own any characters that I myself have created. Watch the Tenchi OVA's to get an idea who they are. The TV series helps a little as well. Now enough of this legal crap, I proudly present this next installment of my Honor and Glory series Part 8: Loose Ends and Revelations With all the shit that has happened recently, I can't believe what's going on. I'm married to two beautiful women, and to hell with that bullshit about polygamy; I am the most powerful warrior the Jurai Royal family has; and I have a goddess for an enemy. Trust me, I'm still trying to figure that part out. Ah life has been interesting. Now maybe, after all this is over, I can reflect on it. Tenchi Masaki Lady Tokimi was in a pensive mood. With the failure to capture her enemies, she was about to wage a full scale war. She had planned for this possibility, but she was not sure if it was wise. A direct attack on Jurai was difficult at the best of times. She needed a staging area, so that she can prepare. She had an idea where. "D3, come." She said to nothing in particular. A few seconds later, she felt the familiar presence of her second. "What is your bidding, my lady?" he asked. "D3, how are the preparations for the fleet?" "They are proceeding as planned. Why do you ask?" "I want you to take the second fleet to secure a suitable site for a staging area." He looked at her, seeing her unease. "Where, my lady?" "The Sol System." "May I ask why, my lady?" "The asteroids there will be good for concealing a base of operations inside the Juraian Empire. The only inhabited planet there will not be able to warn the Juraians." She smiled. "The non-interference policy that the emperor put into effect will be his undoing. Now go D3, and see that my orders are carried out." The smile left her face as she began thinking about the coming war. D3 left to see to the operation, leaving a brooding Tokimi behind. Neither of them noticed the shadow that seemed to melt away, leaving nothing to say that it was there. Teran teleported himself away from the ship, keeping a close eye or any residual traces that might be left behind. Well, Tokimi, you'll use Sol as a staging area. I wonder if you'd mind if your task force has a welcoming committee waiting for them. He thought to himself, before he teleported to his mother's lab. "You're getting good at that my son" came a voice out of the void. "Too bad I can tell when it's you, even when you are being circumspect about it." A vaguely humanoid shape appeared, shifting from one form, to a different one. "Are you sure this will work?" came a female voice. "Don't worry, Yuzuha," came a male voice from the same location. "although I want to act as well, I have learned that patience is the best course. You will have your revenge." "Don't give me a lecture on patience, Althair. I know how to be patient." The shape began to waver as irritation passed through it. "Don't forget, it took the two of us combined to escape from the void. If you hadn't found me, you would still be trapped there, and I would have passed into the realm of the dead." "Point taken, but don't let your desire to destroy the Jurai royal family get the better of you. I spent twenty thousand years in the void, waiting." "Waiting for what?" "Waiting for a being of sufficient power and drive to aid me in escaping that hellhole. You were the only one with who I believed I had a chance in hell in accomplishing that." "I see, but you are forgetting the one inconvenience that arose." "No, I haven't forgotten. Having you for a roommate inside my head serves as a constant reminder for me." "Don't get flip with me, you ass! If my body hadn't been destroyed, we may not have had this problem! Besides, it took you six months to regenerate you body so that it can be used." "Oh, shut up. At least we are now able to take revenge on our enemies." "Take revenge? You are working with your enemy. Why you…" she was silenced by the anger emanating from Althair. "Listen Yuzuha, the only reason I work with that traitor is because it is easier to stick a knife in an enemy's back when they least expect an attack. Especially when they work with that person. So don't mention that to me again! I could easily banish you to the void, where you'll wait for a person to come and help you leave." "Yes Althair." The irritation showing on the shadowy shape again. Kagato was busy researching some texts in the royal library when the summons came. Although he didn't want to go, he was not stupid. He may be more powerful than most Juraians, but he would not stand a chance if enough guards took it upon themselves to arrest him. So, with an annoyed grunt, he heeded the summons. He was a little surprised at the location. The royal gardens were not normally used for this purpose. It didn't bother him that he had to wait, he knew better than that. It gave him more time to wrap up some research that he had been doing in the library. He took out the book that he had been reading, and was able to learn more on the nature of the lighthawk wings than with the data he gathered alone. "Ever the studious one." Came a voice from behind. He turned to look at his former teacher. She was in her adult form, which she seemed to favor more and more after meeting her son. It was her demeanor that kept him quiet. She looked like a woman ready to kill someone, and she didn't care who it was. She didn't take her meeting with Althair very well. To see her former husband, and the father to her only child, working for Tokimi was not something she could handle. She felt the touch of betrayal very keenly that day. "It helps to pass the time." he said. "Besides, I am still trying to figure out the true nature of the lighthawk wings." "Why?" "Because, I hate an unsolved puzzle. The lighthawk wings are the ultimate defense force, and they can't be duplicated. I hope to create a force polar to it, so that things balance out. Althair managed to do it somehow, but then again, he was trapped in the void for a long time." "Yes, I know." She said. "I believe that it was his stay in the void that corrupted him. He is no longer the man I knew twenty thousand years ago." She turned away, unshed tears in her eyes. "I know, he has changed." came Teran's voice. "I didn't believe it myself, but his desire for revenge has corrupted him." "You are getting good at that, you know." Kagato commented to the young man. "I didn't feel a thing." "It's not hard when you have incentive to be circumspect, Kagato. Besides, spying on Tokimi and D3 gives me a lot of practice." "You actually manage to stay unnoticed?" "Not quite, they don't notice anything, but my father does. He can't place it, but he knows that something is there." "So he can sense you?" "Yes, he can. This last run he probably saw me. He was getting closer to seeing me each time, so I don't think we can get any advantage from this." "Why?" "They are going to setup a staging area near Earth. They won't be picked up by the scanning equipment if they're careful, at first, but Earth will become aware of things before long. There is no way Tokimi will be able to hide her forces there." "I find that hard to believe." "Kagato, you were probably picked up by the satellites the moment you got near to Earth. They are not as primitive as some would like to believe." He was about to say more, but two others entered. It was Sasami and Mayuka. They were having a spirited discussion. "Listen, my personal life is my business Sasami, so don't interfere." Mayuka said hotly. "Have you ever considered the fact that once he knows your true nature, he'll forsake you?" came Sasami's question. "He already knows, goddammit!" she looked at Sasami's surprised expression. "He figured it out when those soldiers attacked during Tenchi's wedding. Besides, he is kind of cute, unlike that piece of shit noble who spoke up during the ceremony. Why do people speak so highly of his good looks?" "I'll agree with you on that. Seriyou is a piece of shit. I'm still trying to figure out how he is still alive. I thought Mihoshi wasted him. Although that scar on his face is a definite improvement." Mayuka couldn't help but laugh at that. "Ladies, please kill the shouting," Teran said. "It's hard on ears that have been in silence for a while. Besides, you two argue as if you were married." Sasami's face flushed as she realized that the last part of her conversation with Mayuka was overheard. Mayuka's reaction was to glare at Teran an give him the finger. "I would love to oblige, Mayuka, but I am currently engaged to Sasami." Teran said with a hint of a smile. Kagato laughed. "Oh shut up." was all she said. "Calm down children." Washu said. "Well, she did offer mom." Teran offered as an explanation. "I had to tell her that, although she is beautiful, I am engaged." Mayuka charged in and threw a punch at him. It was stopped when he grabbed her wrist, and with a simple pivot-twist combination, sent her flying, right into Kagato. Kagato for his part, caught the girl as she came near. His arms were wrapped around her as if they were embracing each other. The look in the scientist's eyes spoke volumes. They were full of surprise and another emotion. Mayuka had a similar look in her eyes. She also seemed to have forgotten the reasons she was in the man's arms. "Now this is interesting," came a woman's voice. "My great-great-granddaughter in the arms of the man that tried to kill her father." "Indeed Funaho, very interesting." came another woman's voice. "Now I hope that Tenchi never sees you two like this. If he's anything like the people in this family, he may go up in flames." "Lady Misaki, I didn't know you cared." Kagato said. Misaki was about to reply when a voice spoke out. "All right, that will be enough." it seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. "What the hell?" they all said as one. "Why do people always say those three words? Of all the things I hear, I can always expect to hear three words. What do you think, Daughter of Darkness?" "Excuse me?" Mayuka asked. "Now my connection to Yuzuha allows me a little understanding of things, but who are you? And how do you know about that?" "I know more than anything in existence. In the beginning, I created all, and almost lost it to chaos. I split myself into two beings, one to represent light and order; the other to represent darkness and chaos. I am the essence of entropy, the one above all." "God." Teran said simply. "That is the name many have given me, yes." "What brings you here?" Sasami asked. "Tokimi brings me here. I would have hoped that she would have learned her lesson after the war, but her lust for power did not abate. If she is not stopped, everything will be destroyed." "Can you at least make it so that we can see you? You know, a personification?" Teran asked. "Yes, that would be nice." Came a voice from behind. All turned to look at a man. He was unremarkable in appearance, but he radiated power like uranium does radiation. The only mark on him were his pitch black eyes. "Let me guess, you're his counterpart." Mayuka stated. "Yes I am. Just call me Lucifer for the sake of convenience." "This is definitely something that doesn't happen every day." Teran muttered. "No, it isn't" Lucifer replied. "So why are you two here?" Sasami asked. "As my counterpart has stated earlier, Tokimi is the reason we are here. She has become a threat to a delicate balance that has been in place since the beginning. We are here to choose our champions to restore that balance." "Meaning, you two are here to choose those who will fight Tokimi and maintain that balance?" Teran asked. "Yes" God replied. They all saw that he had assumed a human form. Like Lucifer, he was unremarkable in appearance; save for his eyes, which were a luminescent white. "Who are they?" "You, Sasami, Mayuka, and Kagato." Teran did a double take at this, but he quickly understood the reasons behind the decisions. "Two for light, two for darkness." He said to himself. "What does that mean?" Sasami asked him. "They both chose those who will fight in the final battle. You and I were chosen, because of our relationships to those who had originally fought Tokimi. Kagato and Mayuka were chosen for their connections to darkness." "I can understand about Mayuka, but Kagato?" "Kagato is called the Lost. He originally did things for good, but his methods changed to evil. The greatest harm had come from those with the best intentions for years. They were chosen by Lucifer to balance us." "True, I chose them to be a balance between you two." Lucifer said. "Light and Darkness have to work together to maintain the balance. Besides, Darkness is not evil. It's just that the majority that is of that nature. The same goes for Light. The majority of those that support it may be good, but it does have its evil aspects." "True, but you are forgetting that each attracts those that relate more to it." God replied. "It's all academic anyway. All of you are good, mostly. That's why we chose who we did. You four have what it takes to defeat Tokimi, all you need to do is trust yourselves. Your power is second to your determination, remember that." "You know, I can't believe what I just heard." Kagato commented. "Lucifer, you're a fraud, you know that? You represent Darkness and chaos, but you are the exact opposite. You have underlined the entire reason for balance and support it. Of all people, you should be the one trying to disturb it." "Now I know why I chose you, Kagato" Lucifer praised. "You see through many things." "I try my best." "Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but my counterpart and I must leave. We both honor certain terms of office, so we have to leave. The rest is up to you." With that said, Lucifer vanished. "Yes, the rest is up to you. Fight with your hearts and protect which you love. Thus, no force in existence can defeat you." And God vanished as well. They all stood there, silent. The looks on all of their faces were of surprise, to say the least. Misaki and Funaho, who were silent throughout the exchange, began to talk quietly to each other. It was as if the silence was not to be broken. Sasami looked at the area where the two beings stood, unsure if she could trust herself. She saw Teran make a motion for her to follow him out of the corner of her eye. Wondering what was up, she followed him out of the gardens. Washu watched Sasami leave the gardens with Teran. She noticed that her son looked uneasy after his meeting with God and Lucifer. She could not blame him, she herself was unsure of what to make of it. They rarely showed themselves to anyone, and when they did, more questions than before were left unanswered. She knew them, of course. But it has been eons since then. It was a good thing that they didn't notice her. Tokimi was bad enough, without having them on her case again. Wait a second, she thought. On my case? The more she thought about it, the more she realized that God and Lucifer were often watching her. For some reason, her obsession over science troubled them. True, she did shirk her duties when she was a higher level dimensional life form, but when the war broke out against Tokimi, her research helped them win without destroying the balance that kept the universe from flying apart. She always admired knowledge, but she pursued only one part of it, science. She continued to remain on that track as she recalled more and more of her purpose. To encourage and support knowledge. To be well versed in everything. She had been shirking her duty. As she realized this, she realized that he had a lot to catch up on. She knew much about science, but her knowledge in the arts was much to be desired. Her pursuits of science did broaden her horizons in many things, as it is hidden in literature, mythology, and other forms. "So, you are realizing your purpose again." Came a man's voice. "I knew you would eventually remember, but I didn't think it would take this long." "Helar, what are you doing here?" she asked. She turned to look at a middle aged man, who had silver hair and piercing gray eyes. "Just stopping by to pay my respects to Tsunami." He saw the expression on Washu's face. "Something wrong?" "Helar, Tsunami died three months ago. I should know, as I was there to see her at peace." "Another casualty of war. I'm sorry. She was a sister to us all." "She left a successor." She looked at her brother's face. " About seven hundred years ago, my daughter attacked this world. She was under Kagato's control, but that's beside the point. During the fighting, a tree ship crashed into the Royal Gardens. Princess Sasami was in there at that time, and the shock sent her plummeting down. She was nearly dead when Tsunami woke. Seeing something that none of us will ever know, our sister assimilated with the girl. Three months ago, she completed the process. It was only then that I realized that she saw her death coming, and accepted it. Sasami is the heir to Tsunami's power." "Actually mom, she isn't." came Teran's voice. "Teran, what do you mean?" she asked her son, who appeared right next to her. Sasami appeared in front of her. "Before her death, Tsunami talked to me. It was the day after I killed Tetrel and the others. She told me that with the assimilation, she will be able to produce an heir to her power. Sasami may have Tsunami's power, but she is not the true heir to it. Our child is." Washu remained silent. "Mom, I know that you are aware that Sasami is pregnant. In fact, you were the one to tell her. Now she and I have just talked about what has happened recently, and we realize that a war is inevitable. As it is, we are getting ready for at least one more happy occasion before the storm breaks." "Meaning, you are stepping up the wedding preparations, I see." "Yes, now I know this seems to be selfish and inconsistent, but as it is, we want this to happen while everyone is still alive. To remember them before the war, as we may lose loved ones during it." "I see." "Excuse me, Washu, but I didn't know you had a son." Came Helar's voice. "Sorry Helar." She replied in way of apology. "Teran, I'd like you to meet my brother, Helar." "Nice to meet you." Teran said offering his hand. "The pleasure's all mine." Helar replied, taking the hand. "So you're Washu's son." "Yes. She was a student at Royal Space Academy on Todain. She had no recollection of her past at the time, but hey, things happen." "I believe that we have been cordial enough don't you?" Helar asked. "We can always lie about how polite we were to each other if we haven't." Teran replied. Both of them laughed at this. "Damn, you definitely take after her. You have her personality and her sense of humor." "Helar, in the twenty thousand years that she has been mortal, she has changed. Her sense of humor didn't though, it just got more perverse as she grew more skilled. She was notorious for practical jokes for her class." He grinned. "Hell, she even gave Sasami's mother a concoction to get back at my sense of humor." "How did you know about that?" Washu asked. "Mom, I'm not stupid." "I know that, but how did you find out?" "Simple, I listened in on the conversations that Misaki and Funaho had for the next week. I knew that they would try to get even, so I bugged their rooms and possessions." Sasami began to grin. "Oh my, they will have a fit when they find out." "They have already found out." Came an angry voice from behind. Teran, Washu, and Helar turned to see a very pissed off Misaki and Funaho glaring at them. Actually glaring at Teran in particular. "Oh shit." is all Teran managed to get out before they attacked him. Ayeka ran as she headed for the restroom. Without breaking stride, she ran in and vomited into the toilet. She stayed there for a good five minutes, as she emptied her stomach of its contents. "Ayeka, are you all right?" called Tenchi's voice from downstairs. "I'm fine, Tenchi." she replied. "It's just morning sickness." "Again? Ayeka, I would have thought that it would have blown over by now." "Tenchi, it will last for some time yet." She left the restroom and walked to Tenchi. "Besides, pregnancies should not be rushed." She smiled as she heard a crash and running as Ryoko ran to the restroom. "You should be happy, it took my father over fifty years before Yosho was born. And here you are, with both of your wives pregnant on our honeymoon." "I know, but I worry sometimes. You two have been out of sorts for a month now. From what I hear, this will continue for at least a month, and your tempers are going to go downhill shortly after." "And where did you learn this?" came Ryoko's voice. "I learned it in school, Ryoko. They teach us a little about this, unless you take classes in child care. Then you get even more information." "I see." Without waiting for a reply, she teleported outside and headed for the baths. They had come to Earth to celebrate their honeymoon. It was for enough away from Jurai, and the rest of the galaxy to be peaceful. Add the fact that the planet has no means of interstellar communication, it was free of interruption. "Tenchi," Ayeka said. "I'm heading to the baths. Ryoko is already there, so why don't you come along and join us?" "Why not, if only for relaxation. Something's up, I can feel it." he turned toward the door as if he heard something. He was staring out at nothing. Ayeka, wondering what he saw, turned to look at where he was staring. At first, she saw nothing, but she soon made out a variation in the air. There were places where the light bent, as if it was trying to hide something. She realized whet she was looking at: Optic Camouflage. "Tenchi, let's get moving." She said, worry evident in her voice. "They don't know that we are aware of them, so we can probable take a couple out before they realize this." "Wait here." was all he said in reply. "Tenchi, be careful." Tenchi walked out and let his power flow through him. Immediately, seven lighthawk wings surrounded him. He willed six of them to form his armor, as the remaining wing materialized into his sword. Before any of the camouflaged shapes could react, he tore into them like he was the wind. He cut three down before he saw what they were. His blood went cold at the revelation. Ayeka watched as Tenchi began to fight the cloaked shapes that emerged from, as it seemed, nowhere. She recognized them as the same type of soldiers that attacked during the wedding. They were appearing all over the place. She soon saw that even with the lighthawk wings, Tenchi will be overrun by the sheer numbers of soldiers appearing. Seeing her love in danger, her mind exploded in anger. She was about to summon her powers and join him, when a voice cried out in her mind. "Wait!" "What was that?" she asked to the air. "It was I." Came a voice from behind. Ayeka turned and saw the vague image of a woman. It became clearer, and Ayeka had the feeling that she saw this woman before. "Who are you," she asked the woman.. "and why do you ask me to wait?" "I am Achika, Tenchi's mother." She replied. "This is not your fight, Princess Ayeka. It is my son's." She gave the appearance of taking a deep breath before continuing. "He carries a lot of guilt inside of him, which is tearing him apart. He may not show it, but it is there. And it does not always show itself as sadness. "When Washu revealed a part of her past, he wanted to comfort her. He knew what it was like to lose a loved one. He also exhibited a part of it when Mayuka arrived. His pain is there, buried deep inside of him. Now, he fights it." "What?" Ayeka asked incredulously. "What you are seeing, is a manifestation of that pain. It has grown inside of him, and with his increased powers, it has manifested itself. You are seeing what you expect to see, but not what he sees. He sees the truth behind what's attacking him." "Then what's attacking him?" Ayeka was beginning to worry. Achika looked at the princess with a grim expression. "His pain, anger, and fear." The way she said it, sent a chill down Ayeka's spine. Tenchi was fighting for his life. He lost count of how many times he killed himself, Ayeka, Ryoko, and all the others that meant a lot to him. He was even forced to kill his mother a couple of times. Each time he killed, they vanished as if they were never there. "Who are you?" he asked them. "We are you." the beings said at once. "Your anger, fear, hatred, your pain. We are what has built up in you over the years. Fight us, and heal us. It is time to reconcile yourself." With that said, they fell silent, and continued the attack. Tenchi knew how to win. As he continued to fight, he used his most powerful weapon: his mind.. He danced with his memories, and defeated each one. He called on his memories as he fought, seeing, feeling, acting. He defeated his memories, with memories. As he continued, he heard a voice. It was a voice he knew all too well. It was his mother's. He let it calm him, soothe him. He was one with the voice. In an instant, the fight was over. Tenchi stared at the area that was his battlefield, unable to fully comprehend what has truly transpired. All he remembered of it was vague impressions of his memories, and reaching an inner calm that he never achieved. He turned to see Ayeka talking with a woman that was somehow concealed in a way that prevented him from making out any details. He let his power fade, as he walked to the two women. As he neared them, he was able to pick out more details about the woman next to Ayeka. Dark hair that when the light was right, seemed to have a silver cast to it; brown eyes, which seemed to have a reddish cast if looked at in a certain angle; and the hint of a smile of such warmth, that made the sun seem cold. She was wearing a white kimono, with a blue belt. It was all coming together, but Tenchi could still not identify her. Then it dawned on him. He put all of the characteristics that he currently saw, along with a little reasoning, and was struck dumb by the revelation. There stood his mother, talking with one of his wives. As he neared, he was able to pick up the conversation. "… can see, Ayeka, things are beginning to heat up. Tokimi is about to wage a full scale war to accomplish her goals." "Those being?" asked his wife. Achika gave the princess a look that was empty of emotion, as were the words that left her mouth. "Domination." Ayeka was about to reply, when she saw Tenchi. "Lady Achika," she said as calmly as she could. "I think you should turn around." Achika caught the tone of Ayeka's voice, and did as she was told. She turned to look her son in the eye, which she did not expect. She remained there, silent, for several seconds, before she spoke. "Tenchi, I-" she was silenced when he raised his finger. "Don't talk," he said. "Please, don't talk." He walked toward her, and embraced her. They both had looks of surprise, as their bodies contacted each other. "What? How?" Achika began to search for the right words, but a man's voice interrupted. "Maybe I can help." They all turned to see a man, with pitch black eyes, but an otherwise unremarkable appearance standing only ten feet from where they were. "Lucifer, what are you doing here?" Achika asked, with barely concealed fear. "I see that you know who I am." He replied. "I'd be a fool not to, but you didn't answer my question." "Achika, I am not entitled to answer anything, but you have a right to know. I am here, because my counterpart and I have agreed that Tokimi is a threat that must be taken care of. We have already talked to Teran and the others, but I decided to come here to talk to you all." he looked around. "I see that we are missing a few people, so I'll come back when you are all here." he then looked at Tenchi. "Make sure your grandfather is here as well. He is tied into this as well, you know." With that said, he vanished. "What's going on here?" Tenchi asked. "D3, we are nearing our objective." Called a uniformed man. "Keep scanning Earth, Shi'kal. The inhabitants on that world may be primitive, but it's better to be cautious." "I agree, they may surprise us." He looked at the screen, noticing something new. "D3, I detect Juraian lifeforms on Earth. I'm also reading several Juraian ships entering the system." D3 looked at the screen, and saw what got Shi'kal's attention. "Shi'kal, take twenty men to Earth and make an attempt to capture the Juraians there. Don't take unnecessary risks, if you can't capture them in one hour, get out and return here." "Twenty men?" Shi'kal looked a little surprised at that. "D3, there are only four there, and they're in an isolated area. Ten could easily capture them." "Shi'kal, those four are members of the royal family. Trust me, they are very skilled fighters. And I'm sure of who they are." "Who?" "Prince Tenchi, his wives, and his grandfather, Yosho. They are all skilled fighters, and three of them can wield the lighthawk wings. Take twenty men and get going." "Yes, my lord." Shi'kal's use of 'my lord' told D3 that the man was not happy with the circumstances. He pushed those thoughts away as he thought of how to deal with those Juraian ships. Shi'kal materialized with twenty men near the tree, Funaho. He looked around and admired the scenery. He decided that if everything turned out as planned, he would like to stay in this area. He got off the train of thought, and began to deploy his men. "Shi'mal, Tetta, Tessei, you three guard the entrance. Ti'kel, take your squad and secure the building at the top of those stairs. The rest of you, follow me." "Yes sir." They all said as one. They all split up into the three groups, and moved to their objectives. "Damn Shi'kal," spat Tessei. "We always get the stupid and pointless jobs." "Don't gripe, Tessei." Came Tetta's sour comment. "Both of you, shut up!" hissed Shi'mal. "We're getting near to the entrance, and I just saw something you are not going to like." "Like what?" The way Tetta said that, hinted at whole volumes of sarcasm. "Juraian guardians, but-" Was all Shi'mal could get out, before Tessei started to spit out one vile ephiet after another. "Shut up, dammit!" Shi'mal hissed. "Do you want them to hear us?" "Too late." Boomed a voice from behind. "Hey Azaka," boomed another. "get a load of this crowd. Three intruders, and they aren't tourists." "No, really?" asked Azaka sarcastically. "Kamidake, I wouldn't have known." Tetta, feeling that with these two blockheads were not paying attention, bolted to the left, while Tessei bolted to the right. They were both nearly taken out by the lasers that emitted from the gems on the guardians. Shi'mal was not as fortunate. "Azaka," commanded Kamidake. "go after the one, what's his mane? Oh yeah, Tetta! I'll handle Tessei!" as he finished talking, his form seemed to shift. "Kamidake, are you sure that is a good idea? We aren't even sure if it's time yet." "Now is about as good a time as any. But before you do that, contact Sasami, there are likely more than these two." "Right." They both moved in the general direction of their individual quarry and began to track them. Sasami was watching her mother and Funaho fight Teran, when the call came. "Stop!" she shouted to the two women, who were busy twisting Teran around into painful positions. They stopped. "What's wrong, Sasami?" asked Washu. "Tenchi, Ayeka, and Ryoko are being attacked!" "Shit!" cursed Washu. "I've underestimated her. Helar!" "Yes, Washu?" "Go tell the others that Tokimi is beginning her conquest. Tell them to stay out of it, unless they have to get involved." "Okay." He immediately teleported away from Jurai. "Teran, you and Sasami, come with me to Earth. They may need some help. Kagato, you and Mayuka notify the captain of the guards at once. I don't want them having a fit at our disappearance." "Hold it!" Misaki shouted. "I'm going too" "Count me in as well." Funaho added. "Listen you two, this is not something you can handle. If I'm right, these attackers are as strong or stronger than the ones that attacked during the wedding." "Washu, don't give me that crap about danger. I led the guards against those men, and Funaho is skilled in the medical arts, as well as politics. We are coming, and that's that." "Very well, Misaki, you and Funaho are coming. Just don't get killed." "What do you think I am?" Misaki scoffed. "A novice at this kind of stuff?" "Teran, teleport us all there." "I got you, mom." He concentrated for a moment, before he teleported all, except Kagato and Mayuka, to Earth. Kagato looked at the spot where they were all sanding a moment before. "Well," he said. "we might as well notify the guards." "When?" asked Mayuka. "I'll give them a few minutes, before we go." He smiled. "Besides, it won't hurt for the guards to sweat a little." Mayuka laughed. Kiyone watched the battle that was taking place near her position. About five Juraian battlecruisers were engaged in a firefight with ten unknown ships. They were not faring as well as they should. She was glad that Mihoshi was sleeping right then, for this was something she didn't want her bubblehead partner to see, or to get involved in. "Damn, Mihoshi, what happened to you all those years ago?" she asked herself. She knew that her partner showed flashes of near brilliance, that would give them the edge to accomplish their missions. She also knew that her partner would be the one to screw up and cause them to fail that same mission. Alone, Mihoshi was a loose cannon, but when teamed up with someone, she was a disaster waiting to happen. That was why she was stationed out here. To avoid getting into danger, and to avoid hurting others. Still, the Kagato incident would have made her career, had she accepted the promotion and returned to the central office. Mihoshi, even now, would make a great administrator. "Kiyone, what's up?" came a voice from behind. Kiyone jumped out of her seat in surprise, and turned to see her partner, in a robe that she bought on Earth. "Mihoshi, please don't do that." She admonished her partner. "Sorry, but what's up?" "There's a battle going on out there. I'm keeping us out of it, since it's not our fight." "Who's fighting?" "There are five Juraian ships engaging those ten unknown ships." "Let's head back to Earth, I worried about Tenchi, and the others." "Good idea." With that said, Kiyone hit the throttle, and sped back to Earth. Teran materialized them all in the shrine's courtyard. He looked around and saw four bodies lying on the ground. Three of them were already dead, and the other was seriously wounded. He looked at the wounded one, and had the nagging feeling that he saw that man before. "Yosho!" Funaho cried, running to the injured man. Teran could not believe what he heard. This man was Tenchi's grandfather? Then he remembered when he first met him. He noticed the illusion, but he thought it to be inconsequential at the time. Now he realized what it was, and its purpose. "Yosho, speak to me!" Funaho kept shouting. "Dammit, speak to me!" "Mother, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Making sure you stay alive." she shot him a withering look. "After you recover, you and I will have a long talk about your appearance as 'Katsuhito'." By the way he winced, Teran saw that the man was considering if recovery would be a great idea for him. I don't envy your position, Yosho. Teran thought as he scanned the area. He saw three blood trails, and adding that to the footprints he saw, Teran was able to estimate that at least seven people attacked. "Yosho," he said. "how many attacked?" "Seven." Came the reply. "I nailed one pretty good, he'll be dead within the hour. The other three that got away, were marked as well." "I see. Funaho, you stay here and tend to his wounds." "But" she protested. "No buts, we may need your help in tending the wounded." He shot her an admonishing glare. "I don't want you to be one of them." "Very well." "Good. Misaki, you and mom check the gates. Don't attack, unless you see a clear advantage, but keep an eye out for anyone. Get back here if you don't see anyone." "Got it." Misaki replied. " Sasami, follow me. The rest of the soldiers will likely be at the house." "Right." Replied Sasami. "Funaho, how skilled are you at swordplay?" "Misaki trained me, so I'd say that I'm fairly competent. Why?" He took out his energy sword, and with a little concentration, nullified the genetic bond. "Take this." He handed the sword to her. "Umm, Teran?" She asked. "What?" "I'm not Juraian, so I can't use this." She said matter of factly. "I can correct that." Sasami threw in. She walked over and touched Funaho's temples. A blue light surrounded them for a moment, and the sword activated in Funaho's hand. Everyone, except Teran and Washu had surprised looks on their faces. "Now, you can use that sword, and heal injuries with your mind. And don't worry, I'll explain later." "Just a second, Sasami." Funaho bent over and put her hands on her son's temples. She concentrated a little and reached her calm center. She saw the power Sasami bestowed upon her and grasped it. She let it flow through her and into her son. Yosho's wounds closed and his strength returned. "Mom," he said. "next time, just let me die. That was the most painful type of healing I have ever felt." "That's what you get for staying away for seven hundred years, and deceiving us about it." she said crossly. "That's enough you two." They gave him sheepish looks. "All right, Yosho, do you think you can fight?" "Yes." "Good. You, your mother, and Misaki will go down to the tree. There, take a roundabout route to the house…" "Teran?" Sasami asked. "Yes?" "Let's just do a head on attack." A hint of a smile played on her face. Teran grinned. "Why not. Everyone, scratch that plan, we'll do a head on attack." The answering grins almost made Teran back up a step. Tenchi was having a hard time. He was fighting three soldiers, and he was losing ground. Two bodies lay near his position. They were soldiers that didn't react fast enough, and subsequently died. "Damn, where's help when you need it?" he asked, not really caring if an answer came. "It's never there." The man in the middle replied. "Then I guess that I'll have to help myself." "Do that." said the one on the left. "You can't fight us, unless you are committed to it." said the one on the right. Tenchi did not reply. He simply closed his eyes and looked deep within himself, finding the calm center of his soul. He let the peace wash over him. When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his armor, but in a different armor, that seemed to be made of pure light. He lifted his sword, which looked more ornate that the previous one, and charged. Three more bodies joined their comrades in death. "Know that I don't blame you for your actions." He said over the corpses. Ayeka slashed at the soldier on the right. She barely managed to parry the strike from the one on her left. She backed up and prepared for another attack. "Even if you kill me, I will still kill you." she spat at the two, who gave a slight nod each in reply. She charged forward one last time, shrieking at the top of her lungs. As she neared them, she remembered certain words that she once heard from her brother: Forgiveness has the greatest power to heal, as it lifts the burdens of ones actions. She never understood what they meant; until now. She felt power flare around her as her armor changed. It now resembled a blue kimono, with violet streamers going down it. The inside had a white body suit covering her. Her sword had changed to a rapier, which she used to dispatch her opponents. "May you rest in peace, under the light of forgiveness." She said to each one as the spark of life left his eyes. Ryoko was furious. She was busy fighting this group of soldiers, who had the gall to intrude on her while she was bathing. They were giving ground to her, but their attacks were getting harder to block. One finally managed to get under her defenses, and gave her a painful cut on the leg. "You are going to pay for that!" she hissed. Her charge forced them back, as the wound seemed not to register on her. She was about to finish them when memories came to her. Death, destruction, sadness. She saw the results of an attack on a distant world when she was controlled by Kagato. She never knew love or kindness. She only knew death and hatred. She realized that she had no right to kill without reason. She succumbed to her mind and power flared through her. Her armor was no more. She was in a white robe, which covered a green body suit. Instead of a sword, she now wielded a staff that shined with a light of its own. She flew in and struck her opponents down. When she finished, they were laying there unconscious. "It is not my place to arbitrarily take your lives." She said to them, implanting it into their minds. "I am giving you all a second chance." Shi'kal watched as an unknown woman struck down two of his men. She was wielding a broadsword, although he noticed that she seemed to be more accustomed to using a lighter weapon. Still, she was tearing into his men like an angry fury. She spotted him, and walked toward him with deceptive slowness. He drew his sword and nodded to her. A smile played across his face as he parried her strike. She gave him her own smile, as they danced across the battlefield. Neither one of them gave ground, nor did they let up. "Who are you?" he asked her. "I am Achika Masaki, Tenchi's mother." She replied. "And you are?" "I am General Shi'kal, commander of Lady Tokimi's reconnaissance and special forces units. Hail and well met Achika Masaki." "Hail and well met, General Shi'kal." She delivered a series of cuts and slashes, that broke through his guard and she cut him across the face. Teran watched Achika slash Shi'kal across the face. He turned and saw a surprised look on Yosho's face. He wasn't the only one though. "Yosho, you look like you have seen a ghost." Funaho commented. "Why?" "That woman." he said. "What about her?" "She's my daughter, but she died fifteen years ago. How can she be there?" Teran turned to look at her a second time. He saw that she was at the point of Shi'kal's sword. He drew out a knife that he always kept hidden, and threw it. Achika stared at the blade pointed between he eyes. After her strike, he pressed the attack, and disarmed her. She knew that the fate of her renewed life was at his mercy. She saw him prepare to strike, but his sword did not touch her. She saw him reverse the swing and block a knife. "I hope that you don't mind some extra company, Shi'kal" came a man's voice. Achika looked up to see a young man, a little older than Tenchi, with dark hair, green eyes, and a grim expression on his face. "Teran, I killed you!" Shi'kal shouted. Kiyone applied the reverse brakes shortly after entering Earth's atmosphere. Her scanners picked up numerous lifeforms in the vicinity of the Masaki shrine. When she was in range, the visual scanners picked up combat situations all over the place. She landed the shuttle and got out of her seat. She ran to the entrance, meeting Mihoshi there. She nodded to her partner, and opened the hatch. She drew her sidearm and walked out slowly. She turned and signaled Mihoshi to follow and sighed when her partner tripped on the way out, landing unceremoniously at her feet. "Mihoshi, don't screw up this time, okay?" she asked with weary patience. "Don't worry Kiyone, I won't let you down." replied her partner. "I'll believe it when it happens." She muttered under her breath. Fortunately, the plan was simple. They would split up and search the area. Kiyone would check the house, while Mihoshi checked the shrine. Kiyone had no illusions about this. If things went well, nothing would be necessary. If not, well, she has no regrets about dying. Teran stared hard at the man who claims to have killed him. He knew from Tethan, that this man was responsible for the murder of several members of his family, but his as well? "Shi'kal, I don't know what you are talking about. I am very much alive." "Teran, you clever bastard." He said. "The Genall Project was a success after all." "What are you talking about?" "Listen here, boy. You are a clone of Teran. The same person, but not so at the same time. Apparently your predecessor and Shara have managed to copy themselves, and hide them to be raised with no prior knowledge of their heritage. They managed to place their son into the care of a well off Katzikan family." "Wait a second Shi'kal. From what Tethan told me, Tershar raped and murdered Shara. Not to mention the fact that she was my sister." "Tethan?" Shi'kal laughed. "Boy, Tethan was mad when you killed him. Much of the information was garbled, but he was right on one account. Tershar did kill Shara, but she was your wife, not your sister. Still, you two were raised as brother and sister, but she was of common birth. Althair took her off the streets, and raised hers his own daughter. You two married a year after you learned the truth, but it meant little to you. Only that you two were together. When you became a war hero on this world, did I suspect that the Genall project was a success, but I could not prove it. You were living under the name of John Carlen if I am correct." "Still, Shi'kal Tethan was right about one thing when he described my heritage to me. I did see another world, and I live in it." he smiled. "I am no longer confined to the limits of Earth, and you may be right. I may be a clone of the original Teran, but that changes nothing. I am still Teran, and I will always be. The only difference if the nature of my 'birth'." "The 'other world', as you describe it is an illusion, Teran." "We see many worlds Shi'kal. We see one as infants, and we see different ones as we mature. Now leave this place, you know I have no love of killing. Since you know of John Carlen, you must have lived on this world at one time. Or did you pick up the broadcast? Either way, you were close enough." "I can't leave right yet, Teran. There is one more thing for me to do. Kill you." he picked up his sword. "Then let's begin, Shi'kal." Teran picked up the sword he used against Tethan, which was laying near Achika, who was backing away from the immediate area. They looked at each other an charged. Both of them shouting battlecries as they neared. The sounds their swords made as they struck was deafening. Teran fed power into his sword until it glowed a golden hue. He saw Shi'kal's sword turn black as night. They fought and parried, neither getting a hit, and neither letting up. Kiyone heard the sounds of fighting long before she saw it. As she neared the source, two sets of hands grabbed her. She struggled as they held her down. "Calm down, Kiyone!" came a harsh whisper. "Easy Azaka, she's not aware of this aspect of us." Came another whisper. The hands let her go. She looked up to see two men. "Azaka? Kamidake? How?" she was stumbling for the proper words, when the sounds of fighting drew near. She saw Teran in a savage fight with what must be the leader of the soldiers she saw. They were both fighting with every last iota of strength they had. Finally, the man Teran was fighting, landed a blow. It was minor, but it momentarily stunned him. The man was preparing for the killing strike, when something snapped in Kiyone's brain. Without knowing why, she shook off the restraining arms and charged the man. She barreled into him with enough force to send them both flying several feet. She rolled with the landing and stood up near a fallen soldier. She picked up the sword near the body and went into a ready stance. "Well ,well, well, Shara, so nice of you to join us." The man said, a smile playing across his face. "My name is Kiyone Makibi, Detective First Class of the Galaxy Police." "Whatever name you go under here, you are who you are. You are Shara ei Ki'Tarel, el Kilar, wife of Teran ai Ki'Tarel en Habuki. You have been married to him for over twenty thousand years. Maybe if you had your mind fully open, you would see the truth." At the last word, he hurled an energy bolt in her direction. Teran saw this and knew what was coming next. He began running toward Kiyone as soon as it left Shi'kal's hand. Kiyone screamed in pain as the bolt hit. It felt as if her entire body was stripped of its flesh and beaten with a barbed mace. Fire spread through her body, while her mind opened up. She began to remember and to understand. Under all this, she felt power flow through her body. She felt strong arms wrap around her and looked up into Teran's eyes. She saw in them understanding, as he knew what she just went through. She mentally thanked him for holding her, as she would have fallen to her knees. "I will leave you all for now, Teran, but know this. We will meet again." Shi'kal vanished, leaving the echo of his words in the air. Those soldiers still able to, followed him. Teran looked all over the area. He saw several dead bodies, and a group of unconscious ones. He released Kiyone, who had recovered enough to stand on her own, and walked toward Ryoko. "Your handiwork I believe." He said, glancing at the soldiers. "I decided to give them a second chance at life." She replied. "Maybe, they can find something useful to do, other than kill." "Maybe." Teran agreed. "Remember that it's their decision." "Yes, it is." Mihoshi watched the two men she was following. They were having a very spirited discussion about how things turned out. "Damn them!" spat the one on the right. "Those two guardians have hounded us all day." "Calm down, Tessei. We finally lost them In a few days, we will come back and destroy them." "Easy for you to say. Tetta, they are at least as skilled as we are, and they nearly killed us." "You worry too much. They- who's there?" Tetta spun around and looked right where Mihoshi was waiting. Damn! She thought, they know where I am. Better back up and hope they don't find me. She backed up slowly, and as soundlessly as she could. Somehow, she managed. She headed in the general direction of the house, and suddenly found herself there. She saw Teran talking with Sasami and Kiyone, while everyone else was in the house. Seeing nothing better to do, she walked into the house and took a seat on the couch. She saw a woman enter. She was around thirty years old, with black hair and brown eyes. Mihoshi looked at her and could have sworn that she saw that woman before, but couldn't remember where. The woman entered Washu's lab, right before Noboyuki walked in the door. "Whew, these long days at work are really getting to me." He said tiredly. He walked into the kitchen and gave a startled yelp of surprise. Mihoshi, wondering what was up, walked to the entrance, and saw why. Ayeka and Ryoko were cooking. She knew that these two in the kitchen, were a biological hazard. "Oh, hi Noboyuki." Ayeka said. "Uh, Ayeka?" he asked. "Yes?" "Why are you and Ryoko cooking?" "Because we have been cooking the meals for the last month." "Oh." He said. He looked slightly green as he walked out. Ayeka and Ryoko cooking? That was new for her. She followed Noboyuki out into the living room, when she stopped dead in her tracks. She walked in to see Noboyuki, pale as a bedsheet, stare at the woman she saw earlier. Washu had a teary eyed look on her face. "Achika." Was all he said. Achika ran to him and gripped him in an embrace that would have done Misaki proud. Noboyuki was trying to reciprocate the embrace, but his arms were locked in place. She was about to turn her back, when she saw Tenchi walk in. Tenchi walked in to see his parents in a rough embrace. More like his mother holding his father, but the idea was apparent. He let a smile play across his face as he said. "Welcome home, mom." "Um, excuse me, but can you two wait until bedtime for this." Came Teran's voice. Tenchi turned to see a smile play across the face of his friend. "Teran, why don't you go find someone to fight." Tenchi said sourly. Teran's smile widened. Achika shot them a venomous look. "Boys, why don't you help with the cooking?" she asked sweetly, although there was a hint of steel in the voice. "Yes ma'am." They both said at once and fled. Sasami walked with Kiyone. They had just finished talking to Teran, and they needed time to talk among themselves. She also needed time to sort out her thoughts. Teran and Kiyone were married. Kiyone is the clone of his wife, but then again, he is also a clone. They had a son, who was raised by a different family. "Sasami, what's wrong?" Kiyone asked. "I'm just trying to sort out my thoughts." She replied. "I am not sure what's up, but it involves him." "I know, but you shouldn't let it bother you. Shi'kal may have said those things to throw him off." "Yes, but I know how he thinks. He will search for answers, which means he will go to Kiral. If he does, you will go with him." "Sasami, why do you say that?" "Kiyone, you must go with him. This involves the both of you, and you also need answers." "Sasami, what has gotten into you?" "Kiyone, he and I will be married soon, but you two may also be already married." She took a deep breath. "Oh hell, what am I thinking? Even if he is, I can still marry him. He is marrying into the royal family, which means he can take an extra wife." She laughed maniacally. "I wouldn't mind sharing him." Kiyone saw the slip in Sasami. Seeing that her friend was about to go into hysterics, she sized up the young woman and slapped her sharply across the face. "Sasami, snap out of it!" she yelled. Sasami touched the area where she was slapped. "Thank you, Kiyone, I needed that. Still, I am serious about sharing him. If things turn out like that, he may end up marrying the two of us." She began to laugh. "To the coming confusion." Kiyone laughed with her. "Teran, are you sure?" Tenchi asked his friend. They were both sitting on the steps leading to the shrine. "No," he replied. "but I must know. I am afraid that he might be right, so I must go to Kiral." "What about Kiyone?" "If she wants to come, she can. It is her decision." Teran got up and walked off into the darkness. Tenchi stared in the direction his friend walked. He could not believe that Teran could be troubled by something, but he knew that Teran wanted to learn about his past. He was about to leave when he saw Sasami and Kiyone walk toward him. They stopped nearby and stood there facing him. "Tenchi," Sasami began. "do you know where Teran is?" "No, but I think I know where he may be." He replied. "Where?" Kiyone asked. "He will probably be at the graves of Tethan, Tetrel, and the other soldiers who died when they came for him." "I know where that is," Sasami commented. "Thanks Tenchi." "You're welcome, Sasami." "Come, Kiyone, we have to find him." They both turned and walked into the darkness, leaving Tenchi to his thoughts. Tokimi looked at Althair with a puzzled frown. "Why are you going to Kiral?" she asked. "My son is about to, or has learned of a few things that will need answers." He replied. "And they can only be found on Kiral?" "Yes." She smiled. If she was lucky, one of them would kill the other, saving her the trouble. "Go then." "Yes, my lady." he disappeared, heading for Kiral. D3 watched the surviving Juraian ship pull out. Out of the five that came, only one remained. He only lost five ships. He smiled as this proved that these ships were at least as powerful as the Juraian ones. Unless they changed their tactics, they will be ground into dogmeat. "D3, I have returned." came Shi'kal's voice. "How did it go?" he asked. "Not too well. Somehow, Teran and them found out about it. Another thing, Tenchi's mother is there. If I'm not mistaken, she's been dead for years. Something's up, and I don't want to know what." "Don't worry about it, Shi'kal. Things will become apparent before long. I suspect that Tsunami is involved in this one, and it doesn't matter that she's dead. She doesn't consider the possible and the impossible. She just does it. She brought Tenchi back after Kagato killed him. Just keep an eye on her." "Good idea." He seemed uneasy. "By the way, her name is Achika." D3 listened to this. He heard that name before, but he couldn't place it. "I see," he said. "I will have to notify our queen. Shi'kal, gather the remaining ships of the fleet and begin the construction." "Yes, my lord." D3 bristled at that. "Shi'kal," he said evenly. "we have known each other for twenty-three thousand years. You don't have to address me like that. And usually, you don't." "I know, but it helps to say that when ordered, old friend." "I see." With that said, he teleported away from the ship. Author's note: I have a few more things to do and it's off to the finale. The next part entails the trip that Teran and Kiyone take to Kiral, in their search for answers. I'll also throw in a few more things for the hell of it. Sorry about the inconsistencies in places, but I was running out of ideas. Oh well, that happens. Well, see 'ya. Oh, one more thing. I will throw in a few unexpected surprises that will make this as confusing as ever, but perversely hilarious. No it will not be full of lemon scenes. I had enough flames because of them. Still, I will have a few scenes of lovemaking, but without the gross detail that fill the lemons that we have come to know and love. It will still warrant the term 'lemon' though. Hell, you'll see it when you read it, so bye.