Tenchi Muyo: The Outcast Of Juari By Jason Allen Part Five: The Last Battle Never Ends Disclaimer: I own NONE of the characters of TENCHI MUYO they belong to some cool people at AIC and Pioneer and who ever is in the ownership of the characters.) Enough of the legal stuff, and on with the cool stuff! (I just love to say that, but I should never use it as a line in real life if I did, well, can you spell ARRESTED?) ^_^ BEFORE YOU READ: There is A LOT of transitions during this story; it was the only way to keep the continuity of the story. I apologize if there is any confusion. What has gone before Tenchi and the gang have been ruthlessly attacked by who they now know was Kagato on Earth. While escaping from Earth, Ayeka is injured by a blow to the head after a fall. Kagato and Kain then confront her. She is told that the group must head to Juari to fight Kagato and Kain for one last time. A newly resurrected Kagato, now manages the impossible, He is now in Tsunami's realm. In a last effort, Tsunami sends a letter to the group that some one buried in Tenchi's past. While on Jauri, Ayeka's Father, finds the reason the group is on Juari, and, as they feared, Ayeka's father takes action with his military power, now, all of Jauri is held under the chance of chaos ruling supreme. That night, someone very, very, very special in Tenchi's heart arrives, someone that has belonged only his memories… Tenchi rubbed his eyes, not because of the glare of light behind Achika, but the fact that his mother was standing before him. As the glare softened, Tenchi looked up into his mother's face; she was still young when it came to her features. Achika's soft and gentle smiled fell upon Tenchi, and his eyes filled with utter amazement. "Is Is Is it really you?" Tenchi asked, his voice quivering in surprise. "Yes, Tenchi." She said. Achika then took focus on Tenchi's friends, two of them she knew all too well. "So, Hello again, my friends." She said, At this, Ayeka bowed and Ryoko gave somewhat of a lazy, lopsided boy-scout salute. "It is an honor of meeting you again, Lady Achika." Ayeka said with royal manner. "The same." Ryoko said. Tenchi grinned, Yeah, just like those two act so politely to mom. Just like last time… Tenchi broke his thoughts silently and then realized who wasn't there. "Boy, is dad going to be happy to see you!" Tenchi exclaimed, grabbing his mothers arm like a happy toddler and dragging her to Noboyuki's room. "I'm sure he will be, Tenchi," She said, smiling all the way to Tenchi's father's room. * * * After all the reacquaints were finished, (which was bit long.) Tenchi and the group all sunk into to seriousness when they realized that the whole reason Achika was here. They all went into the meeting hall, quiet and in thought as to how they were going to beat Kagato and Kain. It was going to be the longest night they had ever experienced… * * * The Juraian Troops had departed. It was time for the attack. Auzua had noticed that there was a strange ship looming over Juari. It wasn't too long before they discovered it was hostile. The ship, a powerful fleet class ship from the likes that no Juraian had ever seen before, fired several shots into the resident areas of Juari, leaving over a thousand square miles of destruction, death, and chaos in it's wake. It had been only half an hour until Auzua and his best fleet of starships launched for the counter attack. I will see to Kagato's death. He will die by my hand. Just as Auzua made his mental promise, a officer reported the status. "We are only 10 kilometers away from Kagato's ship. We await orders." "Attack. All fighters launch. Battle cruisers obtain positions of attack. Range: Close as possible." Several commands in audio filled the command station. Many acknowledgements or reports of action. It wouldn't be long until victory for the planet Jauri. How could they loose? Azuza had managed to collect EVERY ship in the fleet to accompany on the attack. There was no way they would loose… * * * Tsunami's eyes locked on her foe. She could not stand doing nothing for very long. She hoped that Tenchi and the others would prevail. Kagato played with the looks directed at him. "Am I troubling you Tsunami?" He said, knowing full well what the answer was. Tsunami remained silent. "I believe now that you know that I have won. Your silence proves it." Kagato said with confident fashion, "I have taken it upon myself to allow Tenchi here. He will also die before not only my eyes but yours as well." With that Kagato vanished, but Tsunami wouldn't doubt he would return. A Worried thought hit her as he left. If was to die, Sasami would… Tsunami shook her head. No, she must not think of such things. * * * Tenchi focused hard on what he had to listen to. He couldn't believe that Kagato was back, and he was sure no one else accepted the fact. Washu decided to discuss to Kiyone about what she had in mind. They were now in her subspace lab, preparing to give the run through on whatever they were planning. Tenchi's hopes went up just slightly that they now at least, were going to here a plan, whether it worked or not. That was when the darkness filled the meeting hall. An odd cold wind filled the room and chilled everyone. Every one grew frightened. He turned to his mother, who had also a grim look on her face. "It's Him." She said faintly. "That is correct, Lady Achika." A voice all to familiar answered. Tenchi stood. "Show yourself, Kagato." Tenchi said into the darkness. With that, Kagato appeared before them, as well as a portal. "Ah, good to see you my young friend, And I see Tsunami has sent you someone to help." Kagato Put a hand to Achika's now narrow chin, she didn't move, she stared angrily into the old foe's inhuman eyes. "Don't you touch my mom!" Tenchi yelled in anger. "It's okay Tenchi, I will be okay." Achika said motioning to Tenchi that she was okay. Anger was the only thing that was seen in all of the group's eyes, matching Tenchi's only in that way. "I would kill you now, but I am with only one intention right now," "And what would that be!" Ayeka yelled to Kagato. He turned to look at her. "Simple. I come to invite you to Tsunami's realm to take up on your chance of killing me, however it is not that simple. I have gained much power since before and Yosho's power will not help. The lighthawk powers are just mere magic tricks in this realm also. So come, all of you if you wish, I will be waiting to destroy you all." Kagato laughed and vanished, leaving only the portal and the group there. After a dead moment of silence, Tenchi spoke. "I don't care wait any of you choose, but I am going in there." He said, with boldness, expected protests from the others but bought only more silence. Achika stood by Tenchi. "I as well are going." Tenchi looked back at his mother. "But-" "Tenchi, I sent here to help you. Whether I die or not is not important right now, you should know that." "I understand." Turning to the group, now noticing that Washu and Kiyone now were standing there, Tenchi addressed the group one last time. "I think Washu will need you all to stay and work out her plan." Washu Nodded, knowing what was about to happen. A series of farewells, come back soons, and good lucks met with Tenchi and he acknowledged every one of them, and with that, Achika and Tenchi walked into the portal. The fate of the Masaki bloodline was again on the line. * * * Auzua gathered all his strength after being his flagship rattled in response to the bombardment of lasers from Kagato's ship. He settled into his command chair and took a straight face among the flames surrounding him. "Report…Anyone." He called out, knowing that there were casualties. "Sir, Our forces are defeated. 86% of our fleet has been destroyed. Only a few ships in this sector have avoided the fire without major casualties." A voice some where answered weakly. "Damn it." Auzua muttered, "We can't let this notorious mad man win. Some how he's managed to force his powers into that battle ship." Auzua paused and looked up to the ship in utter shame. "We have no choice but to surrender for now. Tell any ships that are into critical damage and are paralyzed to hold their position… and fight until they can't." Many voices of surprised sounded, many gasps and moans, no one dared to speak for the fallen. Deep down, anger once again arose into Auzua; he clenched a fist at the battle ship that was his foe. "I'm not finished yet, Not yet." He whispered to himself. * * * "Okay. I'm sure you are all ready to get this over with, so I'll be quick with the run through." Washu addressed to the eager group; "An attack is being placed against Kagato's ship. The Juari fleet is suffering. Kyione and Mihoshi are gathering the galaxy police forces to help. Now, Kyione and I are going to take Yagami and help attack that battle ship. We need someone to go into the past and stop Kagato from his repeated up-rise." "Ayeka and I will go." Ryoko said, while looking back at Ayeka for her nod of approval that she was going. Washu turned to Ryoko. "Remember that your actions must be thought through. Any wrong moves and you could alter history into even more peril." "I understand." Ryoko said, "well, it looks like we better go now." Ryoko and Ayeka went with Washu to her sub-space lab. While there, Ayeka thought of something. "Ryoko," Ayeka said quietly, "Yeah?" "We must be careful. Not only are we dealing with Kagato, we might also have to face Kain." "Yeah, I thought about that too." Ryoko agreed, "Kain is also capable of traveling back into time too. Well, what ever we have to deal with I'm sure we will be able to pull through." "I sure hope so Ryoko," Ayeka said before entering the lab, "I sure hope so." Washu prepared the time machine and went to a consul behind it. Ryoko and Ayeka stepped into the machine and strap themselves into one of the seats. "Wow. I never thought that I'd see this thing again." Ryoko said, also remembering the dizzy ride that the machine flung them and made them quite sick. "Me either." Ayeka agreed, "But once again it's for the better." She said, making her voice sound extremely serious. Wow. She really sounds firm right now. Probably because she never thought I would take this much of a situation into my hands instead of running off. Ryoko thought. Ayeka looked at Ryoko. In deed, Ryoko was closer to the truth than ever. I'd never thought she would yet return to something as serious and costly as this…Well, She's helping all the same and that's exactly what we need. Maybe Ryoko is serious for once… "OKAY! LET'S KICK KAGATO BUTT WHILE HE'S STILL DOWN!" Ryoko cheered. Ayeka made a sour face. Never mind. The machine whirred to life and the seats and the machine began its circular motion. Nausea hit Ryoko and Ayeka instantly as sparks of lightening filled the room. They could both hear Washu last words of "Good Luck" as they zipped into the space/time void. * * * It wasn't too long before Tenchi was in Tsunami's realm. He saw the tree Tsunami standed in front of, but Tsunami wasn't there. Achika noticed too. "Tsunami?" Tenchi called out. "Tsunami is here." Kagato appeared, and so did Tsunami, in some sort of a quiet trance, tied to the tree, weak, and powerless. "What have you done to her?" Achika cried out to Kagato. "Nothing more than drain her powers." Kagato said to them, smiling and giving the hint that there was more harm involved than what was said. "Now I do believe it is time we resolved matters." Kagato said. "Yes," Tenchi said activating his lighthawk sword and handing his mother sword Tenchi, "It is time." Kagato opened his hand a sprayed lightening bolts in Tenchi and Achika's direction. Barely missing them. Tenchi swung his sword into the air and jumped towards Kagato, Kagato, in response, activated his sword, a black energy sword with massive Jurai power and countered Tenchi's jump attack. "It's useless boy." Kagato whispered to Tenchi during the tangle, "Even if you defeat me here, you have to destroy my servant, who wants your death just as much as I." Tenchi threw off Kagato's sword. "I've defeated both of you before, I will be sure to do it again." Tenchi swung his sword low, hoping to cut Kagato down from the knees, but as quick as Kagato is, there was no prevail. "Mom! I can handle Kagato, You take Tsunami out of here." Achika leapt instantly into action. "Okay." Tenchi, hoping to keep Kagato off his mother's path, swung his sword into a blow that if Kagato did not block, he could surely kill him. Taking the chance, Kagato swung his sword in reply defense, and left Achika to run towards the tree. In surprise, Kagato raised his open hand and casted a spell to send Tenchi soaring into the air and soon into the ground, after this was done, HE quickly turned to Achika and Tsunami and casted Juari's Needle, sending Tsunami and Achika into the air with cuts and bloodshed. "I'm afraid it's not that simple." He said, turning back to block another attack by Tenchi. Tenchi hit the ground on his bottom. Standing on one knee, Tenchi blocked Kagato, and clenching his teeth, put all his strength to block an even more powerful Kagato. He's even harder than I thought. Even If I do loose… Mother would be my only hope from now on. "Mom! Are you okay?" Achika slowly got up, wiping a cut on her face. "…I'm ok. But Tsunami can't take anymore…" "She might be already dead! Her power was all that was left of her." Kagato interrupted, satisfied that he had done an act only a mad man would commit. "NO!" Tenchi yelled, sending him into a series of rage slashes with his blade. "Mom get out of here!" Tenchi yelled as Kagato returned his slashes with his very own. Achika quickly grabbed a crippled Tsunami and went through the vortex. "Well, Tenchi, it looks like after I defeat you that I will have to kill your mother as well." "If you get that far." Tenchi said, angry at the threat. It was now up to Tenchi and Tenchi alone. Yet another showdown must be fought… * * * "Sir! I have good news; Professor Washu and the others have gathered some ships that appear to galaxy police. They've come to help!" An overly happy officer exclaimed. Auzua looked up into the screens to see a massive number of G.P fighters and cruisers. A COM buzzed. "This is Washu, is everything ok here?" "Not until now, Miss Washu." "Well then, shall we start?" Washu asked. "Yes," Auzua turned to the officer. "Officer, how long until this ship is fully operational?" The officer turned to his station. "All and all we are operational to fight, sir." "Good." Auzua turned back to the com. "Begin the attack. All vessels, attack!" There was a fury of lasers and maneuvers, and the battle condition for Auzua looked a whole lot brighter now that they had the help. After a few minutes that to most seemed like a long time, The battle cruiser exploded. Erupting just like the explosion, Many voices cheered at the marvelous explosion. Washu and Kyione were still in bitter seriousness. "Kagato was not on that ship." Washu said coldly. "It was his shadow, I should've known." Mihoshi lightened up. "At least Juari is safe for now." "Yes Mishoshi, we have done all we can do. It's all up to Tenchi, Achika, Ayeka and Ryoko." Washu still had a look of hope in her eyes. This was indeed a task that she wished she could make vanish with a wave of her hand. "Let's help with the wounded." Kyione said, reading over all the damage on her Yagami's computers, "They really need the help." * * * They were in the throne room again. The battle was already over and all that was left was a past time where Ayeka hugged Tenchi and cried in his embrace. The present Ayeka and Ryoko watched as this went on behind the throne room door. Ryoko could see the warm look on Ayeka as she remembered that time. Ayeka swore that she would have to fight back a rude comment from Ryoko because she was jealous this happened. But to her surprise, Ryoko said nothing, peering into the crack in between the doors, watching intently. As Tenchi and Ayeka headed to the door, Ryoko uttered a hurried "Crap! Hide." And the two of them hid behind the large pillars of the castle. They remained quiet until Tenchi and Ayeka were gone, then the knights, Azaka and Kamadke followed. Ryoko then leapt out and pulled both guards behind a pillar. "What are you doing, Ryoko?" Ayeka whispered in surprise. "Ryoko! I thought that…" Azaka yelled. "Shh…" Ryoko whispered to the two surprised knights, "I'll explain everything. Just be quiet." "Ryoko…" Ayeka protested. "We need all the help we can get! If we use them, Kagato and Kain will be outnumbered. Just try to understand." Ryoko said. "Okay but…" "Listen Azaka and Kamadke, we are from the future. We've come back here because time has changed so drastically in the future that it changes the past enough that Kagato returns after being killed by Lord Tenchi and we need your help. Got that?" Ryoko asked. "I do not understand but, yes, I will help." Azaka exclaimed. "I the same." Kamadke said. "Also, you can not tell anyone that we were here. If you do you could possibly alter time." Ayeka added to the situation the guards were getting in to. "Okay. We have to hurry." Ryoko said opening the door, she grinned and said, "Let's not waste time." * * * "Will she be okay?" Achika asked Yosho. Yosho examined Tsunami's condition he bowed his head and replied. "No…she's…" Sasami, who had one the boldest looks on her face, soon interrupted Yosho. "She will be okay. I have an idea." Sasami handed Mayuka to Achika and motioned Yosho to stay clear. She bent down to Tsunami and touched her forehead. Sasami closed her eyes and recited a chant silently. A light rushed between the two, blinding Yosho and Achika, soon, the light disappeared, with Sasami gone as well. "Where did she go?" Achika asked Yosho. "I don't know." Yosho said, "But I think she just joined with Tsunami's power collective." As to answer to Yosho, Tsunami awoke, weakly, she spoke. "You…saved me. Thank you." "No. Sasami did, she joined with you. Will she be okay?" Achika asked Tsunami while helping her up. "Sasami helped me?" Achika nodded. "I believe Sasami will be okay. I'm sure of it." Tsunami arose and broke away from Achika's help when she felt her own power return. "We must return to the battle. We must help Tenchi." "Right." Achika said, and the two (again) vanished into Kagato's vortex. * * * Ryoko, Ayeka and the Jurian Knights stepped out into the throne room of the royal palace of Juari. It was quiet and peaceful, but to Ayeka and Ryoko, it would not last. "There he is." Ayeka said, pointing to the corpse of Kagato. "We must wait until he arises." Ryoko said. That's when a rumbling below the surface of the floor started. It shook the group to the ground not only in violent impulse, but shock as well. The ground broke free and a black figure appeared from the ground, a figure known all to well to Ayeka and Ryoko. The wraith creature faced the four heroes, and laughed. "You have come to stop me?" Kain sneered. "Oh, yes, and we have also come to destroy your master as well." Ryoko said, answering the creature with all her bitterness. "I wouldn't think it as that easy, Your quick deaths will prove it!" And with that, Kain Launched at the four with his fast and deadly comet attack. In response to the attack, Ayeka formed her Jurai shield as did the knights, Ryoko went under Ayeka's shield and changed into her attack suit, saber in hand. "Impressive. Try this!" Ryoko flew into the air and fired several laser blasts toward Kain, They met the target, and went right through Kain, and hit the marble pillars behind him. Kain merely laughed and waved his now massive arm into Ryoko, sending her flying. Azaka and Kamadke ran forward, knowing whom to attack. They used their staffs and threw them in sync at Kain, once they hit; the staffs glowed with power and burnt Kain. Kain screeched in pain. He then winced and casted his lightening powers on the group. They all hit the floor in pain. Ryoko trembled as the power traveled through her body. She was on the verge of passing out when… Tenchi appeared, in surprise, looking from Kain to the group. "TENCHI!" Ryoko yelled, "Help…Us." Ryoko went into a faint, and passed out. "Ryoko? Ayeka?" Tenchi was very confused. Of course, this is the Tenchi from the past…Ayeka thought, also in pain, grasping out for him. But this could destroy his future, couldn't it? It didn't matter now, She thought, and yelled her plea of help. "Tenchi help us! We need you! Hurry!" Tenchi nodded. "I don't know who you are." He said to Kain, "But you are hurting my friends." Tenchi pulled out the master key and activated it. Kain stopped his attack and looked into the eyes of Tenchi. "So, it is you who hold the most powerful energy of Juari." Kain said in amazement. "That's right. But it doesn't matter." "Oh?" "You are harming my friends and can not allow that. So you will pay." Tenchi said firmly. Kain lunged out to Tenchi, but his sword caught the blow, yanking it downward, Tenchi quickly swinged his sword at Kain's face, Kain, surprised, took the hit and to show that the hit made it's target, purple blood slowly oozed out of Kain's inhuman face. "No, you will not destroy me with the same blade twice." Kain yelled in astonishment. Tenchi held his ground. * * * The battle did not look good for Tenchi. Kagato finally forced Tenchi down to the ground with the light hawk sword deactivated on the ground. He felt the pain of last hits sink in now, and he snarled. "I have finally won, boy." Kagato said, lowering closer to Tenchi's face with is blade. Tenchi was so close to the blade now that he could feel the blade's intense heat, he looked straight into the eyes of his killer then… "You will never win. Not if you are the outcast of Juari, You disgrace." "What?" Kagato turned just in time to see Tsunami wave her hand towards Tenchi. A bright wave of light hit Tenchi, and as it did, Tenchi felt his strength return. His pain vanished, with Kagato now, (for a split second) turned towards Tsunami, Tenchi reached out for his sword and activated in a blur of motion, and with this happening as well as Kagato off guard, Tenchi ran his sword through Kagato. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" Kagato screamed in shock. A frenzy of energy scorched Kagato from his wound onto his whole entire body. He went to one bent knee and with his final breath and words he said: "It looks like you have won the future, my foe. But in the past I still remain. You haven't won yet." Kagato smiled weakly and fell to the ground. Tsunami, Sasami and Achika all ran to Tenchi, telling him how proud they were of him. "Kagato is right, The battle's not over yet." Tenchi said, believing what Kagato said. "Ayeka and Ryoko are in the past trying to prevent Kagato from rebirth." Achika said. "Wait…" Tsunami interrupted, with her hands on her forehead, "I'm seeing into the past. Kain is there, and so are you, Tenchi. Your past form is in combat with Kain." "I can't win there, That was when you weren't there." Tenchi looked up to his mother. Achika nodded. "Can you take me there? My present form?" Tenchi asked. "It's risky. But it's the only thing we can do." Tsunami said. She stood in front of Tenchi. Closing her eyes, Tsunami put her hands in an embrace with Tenchi's face. A flash of light filled Tenchi's eyes and then he could hear Tsunami's voice. Good luck, Tenchi I believe in you accomplishing this task. Tenchi nodded to himself. Yes Tsunami I too believe I can do it. This was it, (finally), the true last battle… * * * Tenchi (past form) was still in combat with Kain. He was ready to end this, battered and bruised, he knew there was no way he was going to walk away. He stood up from a painful blow, and drew his sword up once again. He was to die bravely. He saw Ayeka crying and Ryoko's face was twisted in anger. "No! Tenchi back away! Tenchi, please…" Ayeka pleaded as she thought. Oh god if he looses now, Tenchi won't be alive when we get back. I can't let that happen I don't want it to. "TENCHI NOOOOOOO!" Tenchi ran towards Kain with all his might, his look of anger growing he yelled his last battle cry when… He stopped. Every thing stopped. The past completely halted except Ryoko and Ayeka. "What's happening?" Ryoko asked, managed to recover by showing she could stand on her feet. "I don't know." Then a blur of light in the form of a figure appeared, Ayeka took a quick look at the blur and it appeared to be… "TENCHI!" Ayeka cried out. "What?" Ryoko cried out but it was quiet as the past life returned to moving. Tenchi then began where the past halted and jumped straight into the air. The blade went down on Kain. Slicing him, but it did not kill him. Tenchi jumped back. "It's *me* girls." Tenchi grinned, as he fell back onto the ground. Ryoko smiled along with Ayeka. Then the main focus was on Kain, whom now vanished from sight. Leaving the body of Kagato and the girls as well as the knights. "Kain…He…how?" Ayeka asked, stuttering. "It's easy," Tenchi said, "I destroyed Kagato in the future-I mean, present, and since I did that, he has to return back here to the past in order to live again. Since the present form of Kagato is gone, he never revived Kain." "Very good, young prince. I see you have finally figured it out that I am immortal although you haven't quite seen it yet." Kagato said, arising from death once more, "You see, I can travel in time, a power given to me by Kain, who caused the temporal misalignment. There for, I can return to this time forever." Tenchi went into a grim face. "That's where you are wrong, Kagato." Tenchi said. "Really. Care to explain?" Kagato asked, intrigued that to him, Tenchi *was* in his opinion right when his judgement was of only a young child. "Yes. I will" a voice said, "Huh? It's…!" Tsunami appeared, along with Achika. "Here's your final resting place, Kagato. You have been defeated." Tsunami said, clenching her fist and the result of her powers being added to Tenchi's lighthawk sword. Tenchi went into a silent surprise as the blade vibrated like never before. "You have lost, Kagato." Tenchi said, and with that said, Kagato and Tenchi ran at each other… each heading for the future of life or death. The blades crossed and the room filled with a bright light. All shielded their eyes when they could not see Tenchi and in the end… Ayeka mouthed the words silently: Light Will Always Prevail Tsunami thought of a past phrase she had used on Kagato… "I believe you know full well who's going to win this time." Kagato said into the open air. Tsunami grew even more angered, she turned to face Kagato and with the angriest voice in the world, she said: "Kagato, I know your past. I know all of it. You were fooled by the powers of darkness and when the royal brotherhood of the Juari found out, they vanquished you. You destroyed them, yes, but you forget one thing that marks you, just like a permanent scar, something that might be your downfall." "And what would that be?" Kagato said, bitter now that she dug deep into his past. "You will always be the Outcast of Juari." Kagato was gone. It was over. The Outcast of Jurai was finally vanquished. What will happen In the Future: (The Author's Epilogue) What Tsunami did to the Lighthawk sword was put her powers into it so that the blade would have a final effect. The enemy would remain gone forever in the passages of time. There is no escape for Kagato… The past was now safe. Tenchi's past form was erased as well as the guardians with what Washu gave Achika before she went back into time with Tsunami. The same device that was used on Achika and Noboyuki in TENCHI MUYO IN LOVE. So now the time-stream could never again be altered. Tenchi and the gang then helped restore the shattered remains of Juari after the attack. Juari was not completely destroyed, but it will take a long time for Juari's wounds to heal. As for Earth, when the shadow of Kagato was destroyed, So was the passage of time that was made by his shadow, (whom was the one who attacked Earth, Kagato remained on Juari/Tsunami's realm the whole time.) was also altered. Making the chaotic attack on Earth a non-occurred event. As for Achika… (The Outcast of Juari's Epilogue) Tenchi could not believe she was leaving…again. He didn't want it to happen. But even he, in his heart, knew it was the right thing to do. He had to accept the past even now when he was staring into his own mother's face. Noboyuki stood next to Tenchi as well as Yosho. They were home now, and it was night. The stars were shining brightly in the dark skies. The portal to an unknown heaven opened, and it was clear in Tenchi's mind that it was Tsunami who opened it for her. "Mother…Can't you at least stay for awhile there's so much that I…" "I know, Tenchi. I know, but it has to be this way, you know that." Even Achika deep down inside knew what had to be done. "Yes…but…" "Listen Tenchi, I left you when you needed me the most. I had to. Now, look." She looked into Tenchi's arms at the sleeping infant, Mayuka, "Don't do the same to her. As you needed me, she will need you. You can't change the past, Tenchi. Just the future." Tenchi understood now. "I understand, good bye, mother." Tenchi hugged Achika. Then, in a tearful goodbye, Achika went into the portal. Later that night, Tenchi stepped out onto the porch, looking at Mayuka in his arms. He smiled while she slept. And when he knew she was okay, she looked up into the starry skies, and as a shooting star passed, he said: "Farewell mother. You will not be forgotten." And as he went inside to go to bed, right before he opened the door, Tenchi swore he heard his mother say, "Nor will you." THE END Well, that's it. Thanks for reading my Fan Fiction. Hope you enjoyed it! I did. (But not the typing part.) ^_^ SPECIAL THANKS TO: Chris Engler- A pre-reader of this series, and a talented writer and a good friend. Jason Roberts- Also a devoted pre-reader and a good friend. Gen Soa- for all the information and about the Tenchi Universe and all his other good talents as well ^_^ And the next one goes out to YOU- the reader! For wasting your time with this fan fiction series and hanging to at least read the conclusion! ^_^ So long! JASON ALLEN