Disclaimer: The characters in this fan fic are property of AIC and Pioneer. WARNING: THIS IS A LEMON, NO CHILDREN UNDER 18! THANK YOU. Tenchi Muyo! Undesirable Fate The night was dark and cold as the winter storm blew across the mountains. Snow fell to the white covered ground. The strong winds blew the snow that it felt like needles as it connected with skin. Ryoko continued on with her training. She was freezing, but quitting now would be pointless. She had to keep her training; otherwise, she would lose her sanity to the pain of killing people under Kagato's control. Their faces of horror and their pleas for help still haunt her, and she still killed them. She fired a blast of energy and swatted it into the sky. She instantly teleported above the ball of energy and repeated the pattern. She continued, but she almost fell as all her energy left her. She fell into the cold snow as the energy crashed somewhere behind her. "What is wrong with me?" she asked wearily and fell into a deep sleep. *** Ryoko fluttered her eyes open. She tilted her head to the left. Her lungs felt on fire. Her throat felt like it has been stung by a swarm of bees. She felt cold all over. Her vision was blurry as someone was watching her. "Who's there?" she asked feeling like she was in a deathbed. "Just rest, Ryoko," came Tenchi's concerned voice. "What is wrong with me?" she asked, but grunted as her throat throbbed. "You caught pneumonia. You should be dead after being in that weather asleep for six hours. We didn't know you were gone until this morning," he licked his lips and handed her a glass of water. "I was really worried about you. Drink this. It will give your throat some relief," he smiled as he tilted the glass on her lips and watched the water flow into her mouth. She smiled as the cool liquid brought her some relief. She pulled the cover tightly around her, and closed her eyes. She would consider his caring for her in the morning. She just wanted to get away from this miserable feeling she had. She's never had pneumonia before. Tenchi smiled as she slept. She was sicker than he thought. How could her tell her? Tokimi infected her with a virus. The truth was far from what he told her. They found her in an hour. Ryoko left after the battle and they have been tracking her down since, but he didn't know why she left. It didn't matter. He had to help find a cure. Ryoko only had two weeks to live. He sat back remembering what happened. *** Fire surrounded Tokimi's palace. Ayeka was imprisoned in some sort of electric field. Tenchi was paralyzed from an attack. Ryoko remained fighting the goddess. Washu watched in worry as her daughter struggled against Tokimi's power. "I am going to kill you," she snarled. "Really," Tokimi smiled in amusement. "How about I kill you?" she laughed. "Try it, I'm ready. Are you?" Ryoko returned the smile. "You FOOL!!" Tokimi screamed and a wave of energy flowed over Ryoko's body. The energy was black and turned Ryoko's skin the same color and vanished. Ryoko's skin also returned to its color. "Is that the best you can do?" Ryoko laughed in victory. "NOOOOO!!!!" Washu screamed realizing it was a death spell. She didn't know what type, but it was obviously one that creates a deadly disease. Ryoko turned to Washu in surprise. Tokimi took this as her opportunity to strike. Her dark energy coursed around her body. Tenchi watched the sight in horror. "Ryoko, look out!" he screamed and closed his eyes. He couldn't watch her die. Ryoko moved like the speed of light. She flew around the energy that was coming after her and lowered her sword through the black energy. Slicing down slowly as the energy tried to push her up. "This is my destiny Tokimi. This is what my mother created me for. Now, prepare for your destiny," she yelled over the clashing of her sword with Tokimi's spell. "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" Tokimi screamed as Ryoko's sword sliced through her body. Tenchi opened his eyes to see Ryoko standing over him. He heard a scream, but Tokimi was gone. Did they win? Ryoko shook her head sadly and teleported away. "Tenchi free Ayeka," Washu ordered running up behind him. "Right," he said and crawled to his feet and sliced the light hawk sword through Ayeka's imprisonment. The energy ceased without a trace. "Tenchi!" Ayeka yelled in relief. She ran into his arms and they embraced. "Hurry up, you two. We have to go after her," Washu said impatiently. "What's wrong, Washu?" Tenchi asked turning to face the worried scientist. "Tokimi infected Ryoko with a deadly disease. If we don't find her and let me examine her, she will die," Washu said hurriedly. "Where did she go?" he asked a little confused. "I don't know, but I will give you the reason why later. Let's just go look for her," Washu ordered. "Let's go," Tenchi said seriously. *** Tenchi looked up in surprise. He got up and closed Ryoko's door. "Washu!" he called. "What is it, Tenchi?" came a muffled reply. "Why did Ryoko leave that day?" he asked. Washu's face lit up in anger and surprise. "Men, you are so clueless. What happened with you and Ayeka before she was going to go to Jurai?" she asked leading him to realize it for himself. "We talked, and then she asked me to kiss her," he said realizing something that he thought Ryoko didn't know about. "Go on," Washu said eagerly. "One thing led to another and we.did it," he said hesitantly. "Did what?" Washu asked tauntingly. She wanted him to say it. After all, he was to blame for Ryoko's behavior of wanting to get herself killed. "We had sex," he said shyly and with shame. "Indeed, and Ryoko saw you both naked. You were sticking your dick up her ass when she found you two," Washu said in anger. "You could have told her your feelings, instead of going off to let her catch you fucking Ayeka. Did you even know why she was searching for you?" "No," Tenchi said sadly. "Because you promised her that you would take her to a baseball game," she said trying to hold back her anger. Tenchi gulped at his own stupidity. He did promise her, but instead he lost his virginity for Ayeka. "I'm sorry," he said sympathetically. "I forgave you a long time ago, but she didn't. That is why I am telling you this. Her heart is destroyed. Every purpose of living is gone. You took away the demons that haunted her. She killed millions of innocent lives, and the only way to get her mind off of it was being with you or training like she was when we found her. She is known as a demon, but instead of taking souls, she fights to keep hers alive," Washu explained. "If you will excuse me, I have to get back to work," she said turning back and continued her research. Tenchi walked back to Ryoko's room and leaned on the wall in disappointment of himself. *** Ryoko squirmed in her sheets as she dreamed. A nightmare that was no nightmare, but a memory that was replaying in her dream. *** In Ryoko's dream. She raced through the woods in delight. The sun shined brightly. She never wore a baseball cap before, but this time she did. Tenchi promised to take her to a professional baseball game. She was so excited. She leaped into a grove and tucked her baseball shirt into her jeans. She tightened her belt and stopped at the sound of something new. She crept over the bushes to see Tenchi kissing Ayeka. His hand was in her robe. Her heart blew into many pieces. This was the least thing she expected to find. Tears crept down her cheek. She almost screamed her shame even more realizing that Tenchi was screwing Ayeka. She turned away as Tenchi unraveled Ayeka's robe. The pain was too much. She ran the other way and teleported into the cave. The cave was dark, but it seemed to bring out her misery. She cried onto her shirt. How could he do this to her? How long has it been going on? And Why? She couldn't understand. This was supposed to be her day, but instead it was the worst day of her life. "I hate myself for ever thinking that he could fall in love with me," she moaned. "And why is that?" asked a cold, but familiar voice. "Tokimi," she hissed and turned to see the dead goddess. "Yes, but no. I am the virus that is plaguing your system. Since I now know you are willing to die, my virus will end your life in one week's time," she smiled. Ryoko sat there in disbelief. "Lies," she cried out. "What you believe Tenchi's pneumonia theory. I assure you that he is lying. For one thing, pneumonia wouldn't make your throat sore as it is now," she explained holding the small, wry grin. "Leave me alone!" Ryoko screamed. "I will. Now that I know, my death will be avenged," she laughed. *** Ryoko woke up in a start. She couldn't breathe. Was the dream real? Was Tokimi telling the truth? She glanced over to see Tenchi looking at he worriedly. "Ryoko, I can't lie to you, as much as Washu says it is for your own good, but you are very sick. It is not pneumonia. We don't know what it is, but it is killing you," he said sadly. Ryoko sunk back in her pillow. She was dying. First, Tenchi and Ayeka fall in love, and now this. Was her fate always cursed? "I know you are upset, but forgive me," he said not looking up at her. "I forgive you," she said through her pacing breath. Tenchi looked at her in disbelief. How could she forgive him so easily? Did he not break her heart? "Then don't die on me," he pleaded. "You would say that," she coughed as blood trickled out of her mouth. Tenchi wiped it up with a damp towel resting at her side. He never thought he would see her like this. He frowned looking into her teary, shiny eyes. "I won't let you die." he stopped and looked deep into her eyes, "at least not alone," he whispered sadly. Ryoko's eyes grew in fear, "No," she gasped weakly. She sat up and pushed him away. "You mustn't, you will get the disease," she spoke in fear of him coming near her. "I don't think so," he said with a small smile. They reason why we can't cure you is because it isn't a disease. It has to be some sort of poison," he explained. "You are convulsing blood, that is evidence." He leaped out of Ryoko's room and shouted for Washu. The sleepy scientist came and looked at him angrily. "What is it?" she snapped. "Ryoko isn't sick; she has been poisoned," he explained happily. "I thought that, but still, there is no cure. I don't know what type of poison it is. The symptoms are no symptoms that I have seen for a type of poison," she said shaking her head sadly. "Tenchi!" Ayeka called. "Be right there," he hollered back. "I have to go. I promised Ayeka I would help with the laundry. Please, let me help, if I can," he said and left when Washu remained silent. "Mom," mumbled the weak words. Washu's heart stopped. Did Ryoko call her mom? A tear dropped down her cheek. That is the only time Ryoko spoke to her was when she needed help. "Yes," she answered sadly. She turned to her daughter's side. "Kill me. I am suffering too much. Don't let me die like this," she whimpered. Her eyes looked like an injured deer that was shot. Washu's eyes grew in surprise. Kill her! That was the last thing she intended to do. "I can't," she said sadly as Ryoko went back into a coma. Washu instantly made a deeper scan over Ryoko's body. Her eyes grew in surprise as something was sighted on the scanner that she never saw before. "Oh my God," she froze and tapped into her daughter's memories. "How could you of had and lost a child? How did I not know," she said in shock. *** Ryoko sat in her room playing with Ryo-Ohki, her only friend. She got to see her mother everyday, but her mother would not talk back. Her master says it is because her mother is being held in there to keep her alive. Ryoko looked up as the door to her room opened. A man in dark robes walked in with an evil grin on his face. "Come here, Ryoko," he said snobbishly. Ryoko did as she was bid, but looked down at the ground. She was afraid to look into her master's eyes. He made her do terrible things, and she couldn't fight against his control. "What is it master?" she asked obediently. The man replied by grabbing her arms. "Leave us, Ryo- Ohki," he ordered. Ryo-Ohki replied hesitantly. "NOW!" he yelled. Ryo-Ohki instantly ran out of the room. He ripped Ryoko's white night gown off. Her milky skinned body glistened from the light in the room. Ryoko shivered covering her naked body with her arms. "I didn't tell you to cover up," he snarled. He grabbed her wrists and leaned over to suck on her young tight breast. Ryoko squirmed in disgust. The man pushed her on to her bed and stepped in between her legs. She couldn't close them. "No," she shuddered in fear, her head shaking furiously. The man smiled and nodded greedily. He opened up his robe and moved to where his skin touched hers. "NO!" she screamed as he pushed her up and back. She struggled to get away, but he hit her across the face. "Mommy," she cried. "MOMMY!!" *** One month later. "Take this, Ryoko," ordered her master. Ryoko shook in fear. She had no idea what was wrong with her. She was feeling odd. "It will make you feel better," he smiled. Ryoko took it hesitantly, as she watched him closely. "Go on," he gestured. The cool liquid tasted awful as it slid down her throat. She grasped her stomach as a shot of pain zipped through. She grasped and began to sweat in pain. Then, the pain ceased and the feeling was gone. She felt back to normal, but what did he do to her? *** Washu opened her eyes in sadness and anger. "That bastard, Kagato, he kill his own baby and yours. He didn't even bother to remove it from her body, and above all, he raped my daughter," she cried. She could still hear Ryoko calling her for help, and she wasn't there. Her daughter hasn't even fully developed, because she was only fourteen. "Washu, are you crying?" Tenchi asked in concern. Washu was so hurt by her daughter's pain she was still mumbling what Kagato did to her daughter. "She called for me, and I wasn't there. Kagato ruined my daughter." "Washu, what do you mean?" he said holding the sad scientist. She could only point at the image on the scanner. Tenchi's eyes lit up as he recognized an embryo when he saw one. "My God, she was pregnant," he gasped. "Kagato did this?" he asked grinding his teeth in anger. "Yes," cried Washu. "He then killed it, so he would only have to worry about Ryoko. She never knew." "That bastard," Tenchi snarled. Tenchi comforted Washu, as he tried to seep in the news. *** Tenchi walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. His eyes were glazed as he felt pity for Ryoko. She never had a chance to live her own life. Every possible sin, she faced by someone forcing her into it. "Is Ryoko going to be okay, Tenchi?" asked Sasami wearing her usual Jurai attire. Her face was of worry, and her eyes glazed with tears. "I hope not," he said starring at the blank T.V. "I just learned something that I am probably too young myself to deal with." "What is it?" asked Sasami sincerely, and taking a seat beside him. "I'll tell you when you're older. Not to be mean, but this is something that I am sure Ryoko wouldn't want to go around, if she knew," he said sadly. "Okay," Sasami smiled comfortingly. "She doesn't know?" Sasami asked more confused than before. "No, she didn't know she was pregnant and Kagato killed it, but never took it out of her body," he explained the part he figured he could get away with. "Poor Ryoko! Is Kagato the father?" she asked, almost afraid of the answer. Tenchi could only nod to her question. He couldn't bare the thought of it being true. Another thing that bothered him is that Ryoko never seemed to act like it ever happened. How could she handle the murder movies she watched? "He raped her, didn't he?" Sasami spoke out. "I had a feeling he did, so did Ayeka," she said sadly. "How did you know?" Tenchi asked confused. "Ryoko spoke about it one time, and that was the only time. She wasn't specific, but the way she covered herself as she mentioned his name." Sasami spoke remembering the event. *** Ryoko, Ayeka, and Sasami sat in the onsen. Life was normal, but Ayeka had an unusual glare in her eye. "Tell me, Ryoko," she started insecurely. "What was it like under Kagato's control?" Ryoko's eyes pivoted in surprise. Her face melted into depression as she gripped her arms tightly around her body. She acted as if he was moving toward her. Her lips quivered and she began to shiver violently. One hand lingered down to cover herself up like a chastity belt. "Kagato was.a.nightmare," she mumbled due to her shivering and teleported away. *** Sasami looked at Tenchi, "Ayeka instantly knew. She made me promise not to tell anyone. Ryoko probably would have killed herself if anyone knew. Her emotions were so unstable for what he did to her." Sasami cried on Tenchi's shoulder. "It's okay, Sasami. I don't think Ryoko actually knew what he did. For if she didn't know she was pregnant, then I doubt she ever truly knew what happened to her. She only feels the desire for it, but has no idea what it is," Tenchi explained trying not to use the word. "I think I understand," Sasami sniffed. Realizing Tenchi's embarrassment over the discussion, she decided to play innocent. Royalty or anyone else should not discuss matters of sex, but only by the couple that shares the marriage bed. That is what she was taught. Tenchi nodded, "Where is Ayeka?" he asked. "She is talking to Grandpa," she said, her eyes always shinning with their innocence. "I better talk to her. She is probably feeling rejected with my attention to Ryoko," he sighed. He got up and left Sasami alone on the couch with Ryo-Ohki resting on her lap. *** Tenchi climbed the steps to the shrine to see Ayeka looking into the distant trees. She seemed to be in awe at whatever she saw. "Ayeka?" he asked standing beside her. "What is it?" he paused to let her speak. "I am just enjoying the view," she sighed at its beauty. "Something else is wrong, tell me," he said taking her hand in his. "Why did we make love?" she asked in disappointment and confusion. Tenchi froze at the question. He never thought about why, but how? He wished he could answer her question. "I don't know, but why do you ask?" "I am afraid that I am losing you," she said standing her ground and fighting her emotions. Tenchi could only look at his feet in shame. Why did these women fall in love with him? Every time he made one feel better the other would complain that he loves the other more. This was his fault. "I'm sorry, Ayeka," he said stroking her tear away. "I have caused more pain than I have intended to. Especially you," he commented rubbing her cheek with the palm of his hand. Ryoko didn't matter anymore. He couldn't help, but feel regret. Was her destiny to be in hell for eternity? This was wrong. He couldn't allow her to suffer anymore. What to do? *** This was perfect. Everything went as he anticipated it would. Glorious victory was to be his. Tokimi did as exactly as he suspected, and now Ryoko was his and his alone. He walked over to the table and stroked her soft hair. The touch was the same, just as he remembered it. He kissed her soft, tender forehead. The milky skin warmed his lips to the touch. "Who's there?" called a familiar voice. His eyes flinched in anger. It was her, Washu. She did this to his precious Ryoko. It was only fair he gave her what she deserved a long time ago. Ryoko was never meant to be hers. She belonged to him. He hid behind the corridor. This was perfect than he thought, but the others would know. No matter. Washu would not be able to talk when he was finished with her. *** Washu peeked into Ryoko's room. Ryoko was a sleep in her medical bed. "Odd! I could have sworn I heard something," she said to her self and stepped in. She took a few steps and screamed as pain beyond her imagination surrounded her body. *** Tenchi hugged Ayeka in his arms. He looked at the house and saw a bright light flash around it. "Hurry, Ayeka!" he hollered and ran toward the house. He watched as the rest of the family ran inside the house. What was going on? *** He threw Washu into the wall and watched as blood dripped down the wall. Washu slid to the floor leaving crimson blood to paint down the wall. That should be enough to suffice his deed. "You!" she mumbled in pain. Her lips shook as she felt cold and weak. The sight of the ghostly figure vanished as darkness cover her eyes. He cradled Ryoko in his arms. A smile appeared on his face. Ryoko began to shiver uncontrollably in his arms. "Careful, Ryoko," he said cautiously. "You are safe with me," he smiled and vanished in the darkness of the lab with Ryoko in his arms. *** Mihoshi staggered over the limp body of Washu. Washu's blood leaked all around her. She grabbed Washu's hand professionally, and carried her to the medical bed. She instantly began to rip Washu's shirt open. With her free hand, she started to clean the wound. "Mihoshi, what's going on?" Tenchi's voice hollered from the entrance. She ignored him as she continued cleaning the wound. She jumped as Tenchi shrieked in worry as he saw the blood on the wall. "Tenchi, don't just stand there, hand me the bandages resting over there. Also, get needle and thread," she ordered sternly. Tenchi did as ordered, but asked him self is this Mihoshi? He handed her the needle and thread and stood beside her silently holding the bandages. He watched patiently, as she began to sew over Washu's wound. "Bandages," she called holding out her hand. She took them from Tenchi's free hand and wrapped it around Washu's chest and back. She pinned the bandages, and began connecting life systems on Washu. Turning on the monitor, she watched as Washu's life signs highlighted the screen. She was alive, but barely. She sat back in a chair in relief. She looked back at Tenchi in confusion. "What's wrong?" she asked talking like her usual clumsy self. Tenchi shook his head, and said, "Never mind. What happened?" "You know as much as I do," she answered looking around Washu's lab. "You're the detective, figure it out!" he almost yelled. Mihoshi's eyes grew cold as she looked at him. She gave a small smile as he gave her that face of being awestruck. "What's the matter?" she teased, sounding more like a mature woman, but with a soldier's tone. "Not as dumb as I sound and act?" she smiled. Tenchi could only nod in confusion. "Sorry, I was undercover, but an idiot wouldn't know how to do what I just did, so the gig was up. I played dumb to confuse my enemies. They would underestimate me, and I could bring them in with ease. Until you caught me," she explained. "As for what is going on? Here is what I know," she stood up and gave another smile noticing the now awestruck group of Ayeka, Sasami, Katsuhito, and Nobuyoki. "Someone came in here, tried to kill Washu and took Ryoko alive and unharmed." "How do you know?" Tenchi asked. "There are no signs of a struggle on Ryoko's bed. The only struggle is right by that wall where I found Washu," she said pointing to the bed. "What do we do?" Ayeka spoke out. "The obvious," Katsuhito spoke tenderly as usual. His eyes squinted at Washu's limp form. "We wait for our witness to speak." Mihoshi nodded her head like he was correct and turned watching the monitor of Washu's life signs. *** He pulled gently on her cyan hair. Rubbing it in between his fingers, as he kissed her. Her breath was warm, and skin soft. He pulled away slowly. She was so beautiful. "Rest, Ryoko, you will be home soon enough," he said tenderly and left her alone. *** "I think she is coming too," Tenchi announced. Washu opened her eyes slowly and looked around. She felt pain, but she should be dead. "How?" the words escaped her lips in a whisper. "Mihoshi saved you," Tenchi smiled rubbing her hand. "Long story," Mihoshi spoke out. Washu lifted an eyebrow in admiration. "Mihoshi," she said in confusion. "You sound like a normal person," she said and rested back down into her pillow. "I must be dead," she cackled. "Far from it," Ayeka said. "Now, Washu who took Ryoko?" Tenchi asked impatiently. Her weak expression changed into fear and darkness. "I will never forget what I saw, but Tenchi, I saw him," she whispered. "I saw him. He is not after you, but her now. I hate him so much," she snarled. "Who, Washu? Tell me," he insisted. She looked into his dark brown eyes, her face expressed hatred and worry. "It was Kagato," she spoke like death. *** Tenchi sat in his room. It was late, but he couldn't sleep. He hasn't said a word since Washu told him about Kagato. He couldn't understand. How could Kagato be alive? He killed him, and now he is alive and holding Ryoko, but for what? Washu said that Kagato wasn't after him. This was too complicated. Tenchi grabbed his head in frustration, and looked up to see Ayeka standing in front of the door. She was still in her usual Jurian attire. Her hair was just loose resting down her back. "You're going after him, aren't you?" she asked, worry gleaming in her eyes. Tenchi could only stare and then drop his eyes to his feet. She was right, but he knew she was hurting. "I would, but I don't know where he is. I could never find them," he said fighting his emotions. The emotions that has been plaguing him for years, asking him, whom did he love? "What if I tell you it is possible?" Ayeka mumbled sadly. "What?" Tenchi gasped. "How?" "I know where Kagato is going," Mihoshi spoke out from behind of Ayeka. "If you knew where he was going, then why hesitate to go after him," he yelled in frustration. "Because I didn't know for sure if he was alive," Mihoshi yelled in defense. "If I went there, and it wasn't him, then we would surly lose Ryoko," she said sternly. "I am sorry," he apologized. "I am just tired and have had a lot on my mind. Forgive me," he bowed. "I will, but we leave in two hours. Be ready," she announced and left Tenchi and Ayeka alone. *** Ryoko opened her eyes. She felt horrible, but the room was different. Where was she? She didn't recognize this place at all. "You're awake," came the cold voice of fear itself. She forced herself to look toward the owner of the voice. She knew the owner, but could he really be alive? She looked to see the same man that controlled her those years ago, the same man that took everything away from her. "I see Washu removed it," he gestured. "Removed what?" she muttered in fear. She felt the sweat pour down her skin. Her raced for escape. "Our dead child, my dear, sweet Ryoko," he smiled. Ryoko froze. Child? She was pregnant, but how? She would have given birth to it by now. She was a mother and never knew it. She knew very well what was the cause of her pregnancy and instantly wrapped her arms around herself in defense. "Don't worry, I killed the child. You were too young to have a child. I left it in your body, so you would never know, buy that bitch, Washu, took it out of you," he cursed. Ryoko felt her head spin. She felt weak and darkness took over and her mixed emotions of hate and fear collided. "Don't worry. Tenchi will pay for his crimes as well. In fact, I shall see to that now," he whispered and left the room. *** "Tell me, what will happen to us?" Ayeka asked. Her hands were clasped around his. "What do you mean?" Tenchi asked nervously. "Tenchi, we made love," she scolded. "You can't just do that and leave me like I am some whore," she said angrily. Her arms tensed at the thought of being a noble, but yet a whore. Tenchi pulled her closer. He didn't know what to do, but it seemed right. He kissed her. They remained in suspense. He pulled away. Her eyes were filled with tears. "I have caused you more pain, than was necessary. I don't know why it happened when we did." he froze trying to say the words and continued, "what we did. I do know that I do care for you and everyone else, and I am sorry for what I have done. I will make it up to you, somehow, someway. I promise," he said rubbing her cheek with the back of his hand. He stopped as a bright light surrounded them. The red light vanished and they reappeared in a dark room with an old enemy standing before them. "Welcome to my lab, Tenchi," he greeted with excitement. "Kagato," he gasped in fright. It was Kagato. He was supposed to be dead. "Ho." "How did I survive?" he interrupted. "Simple," he cried in joy and took a step forward. A smile grew on his face. "I didn't," he laughed in amusement. "But." Tenchi started. "But I am here, right?" He turned away with his back to his enemies. "Yes, I suppose that does make it more difficult. How could I be here if you killed me?" He turned around at incredible speed, and the smile intensified. "Simple, I mastered the perfection in cloning," he yelled at them and began to laugh uncontrollably. "You should see yourselves. You all look surprised, as you should be. For I am the real Kagato, you killed my clone," he said sounding a little frustrated. "The damn thing was supposed to go after Tsunami, but my copy self decided to go after Ryoko, as well. That was my mission, but it doesn't matter, now. I have her with me forever," he spoke like a god. "NO!" Tenchi yelled. Kagato's eyes glowed from their golden color to pure crimson. He brought his fist to his chest. "What did you just say to me?" he snarled in anger. "I said she will never be yours," Tenchi said almost yelling. "What are you going to do about it?" Kagato taunted. "Kill me, I have done nothing to you, that was my clone. All I want is what is mine, and that is Ryoko," he said calmly. "Then, I would rather die," Ryoko said weakly from behind. Kagato's eyes lit up in surprise. He turned slowly to see Ryoko leaning weakly against the wall. His eyes were of fear. How dare she insult him? After all the love and care he has given her, she insults him. How could she not return it? His face turned red and fear was replaced with anger, "Then, that can be arranged," he screamed. "I was going to get the virus out of you, but since you don't want it." he pulled out a vile, "I will destroy it," he smiled eagerly. "I will just make another you." Ryoko teleported and grabbed the vile from his hand. He screamed in rage and turned to find a fist in his face. He leaped back pressing his hand to his jaw. He looked to see Tenchi with his fists ready. "You dare strike me, when my back is turned. How dishonorable!" he said grinding his teeth in rage. "You don't fight with honor, so neither will I," Tenchi snarled. "Very well," he smiled and held out his hand. A red light glowed in front of him, and then Ryoko appeared. He grabbed her and took the vile out of her hand. "Then, I shall toss this thing away." Ryoko moved her arm up and knocked his into the air. The vile dropped to the ground, but did not break. It rolled to the wall on the far side of the room. Kagato pushed her forward and fired a blast of energy into her back. She screamed and flew towards the ground in a loud thud. "RYOKO!" Tenchi screamed and jumped over her. He landed on top of her as more of Kagato's energy attacked. The energy burned as it touched Tenchi, but he would not allow it to touch Ryoko. Ryoko weakly pushed him to the side and grasped his shoulders. "Tenchi!" she whispered, but his eyes remained closed. She shook him gently. "Tenchi!" she called worriedly. "TENCHI!" she screamed and tears dropped onto his black shirt that was painted in his fresh blood. "Step aside," Kagato hissed pulling her to her feet by her hair. She leaped to her feet as he dragged her into his arms and moved back from Ayeka. Ayeka kneeled to Tenchi's side. She has been crying, since he was hit by Kagato's energy. She rested his head in her lap. "Tenchi, stay with me," she cried. She looked up to see Kagato dragging Ryoko toward some blue light. She rested his head on the tiled floor and stood up. "Rest here, I will do what you got hurt trying," she spoke in determination. She ran toward Kagato. "STOP!" she yelled. Kagato laughed as he saw Ayeka struggling to catch after them. He was almost to exit of his lab, once he stepped through the light, he will lose his pursuers. "Huh?" he froze as something was pressed into his spine. The object was cylinder like. His instinct told him that it was a gun. "Going somewhere?" Mihoshi's voice taunted from behind. "How did you get here detective?" he asked calmly. "Simple, I always knew where the lab was, but I never knew if you were still alive," she spoke coldly. "Now, let the girl go, and you and I will take a nice little walk," she said a grin rising on her face. "Oh, still upset?" he taunted. He smiled feeling the gun shake against his back. He waited for it to relax, and spoke again, "Your sisterrrr?" he slurred the word to let it roll in her mind of what he did. "You won't get away with what you did," she said shakily. "She surrendered, and you killed her, you bastard," he teeth collided as her anger was reaching it peak. "Now, I am going to free Ryoko and myself from your torture," she hissed. "Well, I guess I am at your mercy," he grinned. "Mihoshi don't!" Ryoko cried. She struggled to escape Kagato's hold, but he was too strong. Kagato leaped into the air and Mihoshi fired. The shot breezed toward Ayeka and pushed back. She fell to the ground unconscious. Mihoshi turned around to shoot from behind herself, but Kagato kicked the gun out of her hand and pulled the trigger. Mihoshi had no time to react as the blast knocked her into a wall. Ryoko screamed as he dragged her toward the light. "It is all over, Ryoko," he said with a smile. "At least, I know I will die with them," she sobbed. Kagato stopped. He looked back into the room were Tenchi lay. "You're right, I have to go get the formula. He split into two beings and the one on the left flew into the room, while the other continued his hold on Ryoko. The other Kagato saw the vile resting on the floor toward the far wall. He kneeled and picked up the vile with the ice blue liquid. He teleported to where his other self was standing. They melded into the original Kagato. "Well, shall we be on our way," he smiled. Ryoko shivered. "Don't worry, it won't be that bad, I promise." "NOOOOOOOOOO!" she screamed. "KAGATO!" a man's voice yelled. Ryoko opened her watering eyes. He was a live. Tenchi stood in front of them. His armor was of traditional Jurai armor. It's elegant sea blue colors flowed around him. The mark of Tsunami braced his forehead and in his hands was the legendary light hawk sword. "Tenchi," she called. "This time you won't win," Kagato said annoyed with the intrusion. "And why is that?" Tenchi spoke up. "This is how Mihoshi's sister, which you probably never heard about, was when I held Mihoshi like I have Ryoko here. I will never forget her skill; it was magnificent. She could challenge you and win, but I played it smart. All I had to do was raise my left hand like this," he raised his hand into the air with his palm opened to the ceiling. A small light emitted from his hand. "NOOOOOOO!" Mihoshi screamed leaning up from her resting spot against the wall. She rolled to her feet and felt the heat of the trap. She ran toward Tenchi. Raising her arms to grab him, she leaped toward him. "Not again," she cried out. Tenchi changed before her. He looked like her older sister. She would never forget that day. Her sister gave her a warm smile as Kagato raised his hand those years ago. The sad thing that bothered Mihoshi the most was that her sister knew she was going to die. She grasped the memory of her sister's smile and corners of the smile stretched to each cheek. A smile that said goodbye as a tear rolled down the corner of both eyes. She didn't say anything as the ceiling of fire fell on her, killing her instantly. She shook her head as she crashed into Tenchi pushing him to the opposite side of the wall. The fire dropped down from the ceiling and fell to the ground. "Impossible," Kagato hissed in rage. "Tenchi," Mihoshi said losing her strength. She was so tired. "Thank you," he smiled. He hugged her tenderly and stood up to challenge Kagato. He walked back into his position and prepared his sword to fight. "Are you going to fight?" he roared. "Very well," he snapped dropping Ryoko to the ground. She fell collapsing as all of her strength vanished. She was so weak, but she watched as Kagato summoned his sword. Kagato stood in fighting position and waited. "I am not like my clone. I am more skilled and powerful than that garbage you killed," he smiled. "I don't care," Tenchi snapped. "I just want you to leave us alone, but you won't until you get Ryoko. Well, that isn't going to happen," he yelled. "Enough," he Kagato screamed and stabbed his sword for Tenchi. Tenchi blocked and swung his blade for Kagato's head. Kagato vanished, leaving a bewildered Tenchi. "What? Where did he go?" Tenchi turned cautiously. "Right here," Kagato cried as he pounced his foot into Tenchi's skull. Tenchi fell back into the wall grasping his head with his left hand. "Now, you die," Kagato battle, cried. He charged again his sword ready to finish Tenchi off, but it vanished from his hands and he threw his fist into Tenchi's jaw. Tenchi's head hit the wall. He dropped his blade as Kagato's knee collided into his chest. Tenchi cried in pain as he could hear his own ribs break from the kick. He spit out blood as Kagato rammed his fists into Tenchi nose. He continued connecting his fists and knees into Tenchi bodied. He could only laugh and kick harder and faster as Tenchi's bodied became weakened and battered through every blow. Tenchi's vision was blurry. He couldn't see Kagato clearly or Ryoko. He couldn't even scream as he felt his warm blood cover his entire face. His vision was highlighted in red as he fell to his knees. Kagato grinned and threw his knee into Tenchi's face knocking his head into the wall. He slowly released his knee from Tenchi's face smiled as Tenchi got back to sitting up straight. Tenchi looked where he guessed Ryoko was and collapsed on to his gut. Ryoko watched in horror as he fell to the ground his lips moving as if he was sorry. "Now, it ends," Kagato bellowed and summoned his sword again. He flipped it to where the blade pointed at Tenchi's spine. "Goodbye, Tenchi," he slurred the name, as he giggled in triumph. Ryoko felt unbelievable power reside through her body as she struggled to her feet. The power of her desires, her will, and her love collided to give her strength. She stood up straight and tightened her fists. "You will fight me," she said coldly. "What?" he gasped in surprise. "This is new," he laughed. "Very well, I will teach you an important lesson." He stepped off of Tenchi and deactivated his sword. He signaled her to attack with his hand. Ryoko smiled in eagerness. She flew into his chest colliding her fists into his gut. Kagato tossed his foot out, but she leaped over him and caught his other leg that was kicking back. She twirled around and caught his hand. She leaped into the air dropping her foot into his face. He leaped back in shock. He smiled, but the smile vanished as he placed his hand on a spot that felt warm on the corner of his bottom lip. He pulled it away to see the red, warm blood smeared on his index finger. He looked back at her in fury and charged releasing a yell of rage. He kicked her in the stomach sending her flying into the ceiling and teleported above her. He punched his fist into her back, as he admired the blood that convulsed out of her mouth. He grabbed her by the throat and with his free hand continued punching her in the face. Ryoko began to cough as his blows connected. Black blood spewed out of her mouth. Kagato grinded his teeth in rage and kicked his knee as hard as he could into her rib cage. He smiled uncontrollably as he heard each bone break from the kick. He gazed at her battered body as the black blood began to flow out of her mouth. Ryoko raised her tightened fist to her chest and squared it with Kagato's heart. She gave him a wink, and while he starred at her in confusion she knocked the fist deep into his chest. Kagato let her go grasping his hand over his heart. Ryoko slid her knee into his jaw knocking him back. Kagato opened his hand and an energy blast collided into Ryoko. She screamed a deathly cry as she fell to the ground. She convulsed as more black blood left her body. Kagato floated toward her and stepped up. This was exactly what he had dreamed of. She was his for sure now. She would never challenge his authority again. He took another step, as an evil grin grew on his face with each step. A sound alerted him. "NO!" he cried turning around, but could only grumble in pain as a sword slid into his heart right after he turned to meet it. Kagato started to convulse his own blood as his hand gripped the blade of the sword that rested in his heart. He watched as blood began to drip from the hand. He slowly looked up at the owner of the sword with admiration. He felt his anger rise as the features of Tenchi appeared before his eyes. "How?" he whispered weakly. "You never hurt my family," he scolded coldly. Kagato's eyebrow lifted in surprise. He faltered to the ground as he felt his strength leaving his body. "I was so close to victory, and now it is all gone," he spoke in disbelief. He looked at Tenchi again with a huge smile on his face. "But, I will have the last laugh," he said greedily. He reached into his black robe and pulled out a blue vile. He squeezed his hand around the vile and the vile broke releasing its contents onto the floor. It evaporated instantly as it was released from the vile. Kagato laughed maniacally as he starred into Tenchi's eyes. He watched as Tenchi became angrier. Tenchi pulled the sword out of Kagato's body. He raised it above his head, not moving his eyes from Kagato. He sliced down cutting the head from his shoulders. Kagato's head flew toward Tenchi's feet and the body fell away to the ground. Tenchi stepped over the head and ran to where Ryoko lay. He leaned beside her and rested her head on his lap. "Ryoko," he called worriedly. He returned to his normal clothing as the power of the light hawk left him. "You came," she whispered weakly. "I would never leave you to die," he said sadly. "I lost the cure," he whined. Ryoko placed her hand weakly against his cheek. "Don't cry. I hate people who cry," she said with a small smile. She almost laughed as he tried to straighten himself up. "I failed you," he said stroking her hair. "I failed to protect you, I failed to be your friend, and above all, I failed to love you," he said feeling the weight of loss drop as wet tears down his face. "I don't want you to die," he cried. "I will be a live," she gulped trying not cry herself. She looked up in disbelief. "Tenchi," she called slowly. He leaned toward her. "I wish I could have gone to that baseball game with you," she said starring up into the ceiling. "You will, just hang on," he encouraged. "I see your mother and grandmother," she whispered. "They're beautiful," she said in admiration. "Tenchi," she called more worriedly. "Tenchi," came the call more eagerly. "I don't want to die," she cried. Tenchi hugged her instantly. "You won't," he cried. "Tenchi," she called again. "Place flowers by my grave on my birthday, and don't put me in that cave. My mom will know when I was born." She seemed to panic as her eyes fluttered as if she was falling asleep. "Tenchi," she screamed grasping his hand weakly. "I am here," he said holding on to her. "I just want you to remember meeeeeee." she said and fell into his lap. She ceased to breathe and seemed peaceful in his lap. "I won't Ryoko," he cried. "I won't," and he cried on to her chest. She was so afraid, and he let her down. The carnival ended, and he never took her to that baseball game. "RYOKO!!" he called toward the heavens. "RYOKO!!" *** Two days later. Tenchi sat on the roof alone. Today was Ryoko's unknown birthday. It was also the day that Washu gave up trying to revive her daughter. It was hard on her. Washu cried out that now she lost two children. Tenchi hasn't seen her all day. Ryoko was to be buried in a little meadow by the shrine. Tenchi smiled as he remembered her always sitting on that old tree. It was her favorite place to be when the sun rose. She showed it to him once, and she was right the sun was beautiful where the watched it rise. He shook his head in bitterness, but those days were gone for good. He was glad everyone else was okay. Mihoshi has recovered through most of her injuries, and Ayeka was just shaken up, but okay. Sasami and Ryo-Ohki are in the kitchen crying. He could still hear her cry, as she would cut the carrots to make Ryoko's favorite dish. She did this in Ryoko's memory. His dad and grandfather were at his mother's grave. They were praying for his mom to take care of Ryoko. They weren't themselves either. Both remained quiet since it happened. They miss her too. Even Ayeka misses her. Ayeka has constantly looked up at the beam that Ryoko always relaxed on. Then, she would go to her room, and probably cry. "Her smile is gone," he said sadly to himself. "She won't come from behind me anymore and give me a hug," he sniffed as the tears fell. "She.won't flirt with me.and beg me.to kiss her," he cried. "I miss you," he yelled into the sky. "Do you?" came a woman's voice from behind. Tenchi turned back slowly. His heart paced in excitement, but stopped as he saw the incredible. "Ryoko," he whispered in disbelief. She floated above the roof. Her white robes blew around her body. She was beautiful. He watched as her bare feet landed without a sound on to the roof, and she sat beside him. Her smile pressed sincerely across her face. She looked at him like an innocent kitten. "Are you real?" he asked wearily. "Kind of," she replied. "I can't stay long, but I want you to know that it will not be the end," she said as a tear dropped down her cheek. Tenchi tried to catch it, but it fell through his hand like it was a hologram. Her smile vanished when she knew he understood. "You're not coming back," he said sadly. "I can't," she said in the same tone. "I can't live without you," he cried. "But you can," she argued. "Remember me, and I will be in your dreams. We can still do the game, but through your dreams," she explained sincerely. She leaned toward him wanting to feel him, but she knew she couldn't. "Ryoko, I can't," he complained. "You have to," she said pretending to snuggle up to his shoulder. "Take care of Ayeka, you have always loved her." "No," he said shaking his head. "I love you," he spoke trying to grab her hand. "Don't," she began to cry. "You are making it hard. I lost you a long time ago," she whimpered. "You never did," he said eagerly. "I went astray, but I know I love you, now," he cried. "I just want to feel you again." Ryoko looked up into the sky as the tears fell. "I have to go," she said sadly. "They are calling me back. I will see you in your dreams," she smiled placing her finger to his lips. "Just remember me," she said and vanished in a golden light. "Ryoko," he cried as she vanished. He tried to grab the light, but it was gone. He pulled out a dagger that was resting in his pocket. This was the only way. He couldn't take it any longer. "Tenchi!" scolded another woman's voice. One that was familiar, but not. He turned to see another woman standing before him. "What are you doing?" she said angrily. "I miss her. You don't understand," he said ignorantly. "I do because you did the same when I died. Praise your father for being there," she said. Tenchi's eyes lit up in surprise. "Mother," he spoke. He leaped and ran to her. "Mother," he yelled in joy. "You're here." "Yes, to stop you from making a grave mistake. Do you think Ryoko would want you to do this?" she asked worriedly. "I don't care. Everyone I loved is there, and I want to be with them," he said determinedly. "And what about the loved ones here?" she asked. "Will they not miss you?" Tenchi dropped the dagger in realization. "What am I to do?" he cried falling to his knees. "Wait," she advised with a tender smile. "Your journey has not ended, yet," she said. "I am here to warn you of a threat much worse than Kagato," she explained. "What do you mean?" he asked taking a step toward her. "Kagato is the messenger, and now it has begun," she said shakily looking up into the clouds of an incoming storm. Lightning flashed as the clouds rolled across the sky. "You're not making sense," he said trying to maintain his patience. "Everything was written about what has occurred today. Now, you have been chosen to protect the Sanctus Redemptor," she spoke with a smile on her face as she said the strange words. "What is this Sanctus Redemptor?" he asked. "That I can't say. I can only tell you that two of them will appear, one of darkness and the other of light. I will return to guide you, but for now praise for your lost friends soul to be at peace. She will miss you a lot, my son," Achika hugged him. "Don't go mother," he jumped up. "What is going on?" he almost shouted. "Keep the people you love close. You will need their support, and fill your heart with purity for the darkness will take you in if you are not of pure heart," she spoke as the golden light began to consume her body. "You are chosen to save the world from the Armageddon," she whispered and vanished. *** This was all to perfect. It last the time has come. His people have waited for thousands of years for this moment and he is now chosen to lead them. He smiled at the fiery pit that rested in front of him. He kneeled before the pit. "When will the Sanctus Eversor arrive, my lord?" he asked. He couldn't hear his master speak, but he could feel what his master wanted. He rubbed a tress of his long black hair in between his fingers. This was perfect; he knew where it was all to begin. Now, he had to find and destroy the Patronus, and his master's wishes will be fulfilled. "Now, I just have to find this Tenchi Masaki," he grinned and left the pit. "Natrillus," he roared. "Yes," replied a tall man from behind him. The man was as big as an ox, but he was also quite good looking for his size. His nose was perfect, and his chin was square. His dark eyes could seduce man or woman a like to do his bidding. "Prepare to leave," he ordered. "Where to?" the man called Natrillus asked. "To this planet called Earth," he grinned and watched his faithful servant leave him alone with the pit in the dark room. "At last, I, Malum Dominus, will be the one that controls the fate of mankind. Prepare Tenchi Masaki, fate has claimed your life," he bellowed in pure delight. *** TO BE CONTINUED. That was an interesting story, but it has a lot of mystery to it. This is going to be a small set of short stories instead of chapters, so try to stay with me in the making of this series. Tenchi has a new task, given to him by his mother. Also, a mysterious figure appears, but what does this Malum Dominus have in store for Tenchi? Keep reading the next short story, The Quest for the Sanctus Redemptor.