Disclaimer: All characters, except for Wa-Oka, are property of the wonderful creators of Tenchi Muyo. I make no money from this and only write for the love of writing and the love of Tenchi Muyo. Thank you The Return: Part One Daybreak came as quickly as the night of the carnival left. Mihoshi and Kiyone slept on the couch since it was too late for them to attempt to travel back to their studio apartment. The morning was met by the smell of breakfast being prepared while most of the household remained sleeping, trying to hold onto what little sleep time they could. The smell of hot tea and such lingered in the air for about an hour, but to most, it was just a few minutes before Sasami began her rounds of waking everyone for breakfast. Each and every sleeping member of the house sluggishly got ready for breakfast. Finally, after about 30 minutes of groaning and moaning, the house was to its usual lively self. Mihoshi and Kiyone were grateful for the meal and the hospitality that Yosho showed them. They regretted having to leave, but as fate would have it, they were called once away by their duties. It seemed that there was a disturbance near the planet Pluto and it was their duty as Galactic Police officers to investigate the matter further. From the description of the call, it looked to be something big and worth wile for investigation. Everyone gathered outside the house and bit them farewell for the moment and gave them a little snack for the road ahead. Mihoshi cried while Kiyone bowed respectfully to the household. They left for Pluto as soon as possible, but something seemed out of the ordinary about the call. Pluto was a sector of space which should hold little interest for anyone, after all it was just a big ball of ice with little resources what so ever. The thought soon faded away as the duo blasted off towards the ice ball planet. Tenchi waves into the air and sighed. "Take care you two.", he said, knowing his words were in vain. Still the thought is what counted. "Well, Tenchi." said a voice from behind him, "were off to the hot springs. Don't worry, we'll leave the door cracked for you." Ryoko winked at him and disappeared. With a tense look written upon his face, he rubbed his head slightly as Yosho nudged him. "Well, Tenchi, looks like you have a free day today. Why not take it easy, hehe" he said then walked back to his shrine. Tenchi sighed once again. "Oh well" he said, walking back to the house. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ Kagato stood before a veiw window, looking out upon the earth. "Hehehe, now is the time for my return. I'm sure the 'professor' will enjoy seeing her former and greatest student again...I know little Ryoko will be thrilled as well." He summoned his assistant from his lab. "Naoko, prepare the capsules. I may need some help after I get upon the planet." "Yes sir" he said, handing him the device he worked on and 5 pill sized capsules containing a variety of shadow creatures. "Good. I shall return soon. Do keep yourself busy with something in the lab." "Yes sir" he said, leaving the throne room. Kagato tapped his fingers together and stood up. "See you soon...dear 'professor'" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- At the hot springs, Ryoko sighed contently, enjoying her favorite hobby of the day. The springs provided all the comfort of a luxury lifestyle, something that all enjoyed. Ayeka closed her eyes as she slid herself deeper into the soothing waters. Sasami played with Ryo-Ohki and Ki-Ohki who were a bit scared of the waters, still testing it with their paws. Washu sighed to herself, looking around for Wa-Oka. >>She must be in her lab again<< she thought, gathering her strength up. Concentrating, she 'felt' for Wa-Oka's thoughts then projected an astral image of herself. Wa-Oka looked to be working on the device, which usually sat upon her brow. Washu's astral projection crossed her arms and cocked a brow. She smiled at how much of herself she saw in her little girl, but even the greatest of minds needed to relax. She began to walk towards Wa- Oka who busied herself working on the device. "Yes, Washu, what is it you wish of me?" Wa-Oka said with her back turned to Washu's astral projection. "Hmmm, your abilities are stronger now than when they first manifested. What are you doing?" Wa-Oka sighed slightly, still working on the device. "You know I can't keep my...abilities...under control without this device." "Yes I know. I did invent that device you know." "You may have, but over the centuries it needed refining to a great degree. I'm just making the slight adjustments to make sure I don't lose too much control over them." Washu sighed and placed her 'hand' upon Wa-Oka's shoulder. Wa-Oka turned and looked at her. "Wa-Oka" Washu called, "you needn't worry about that now. You're overworking yourself and need to relax. Come to the hot springs and relax with the rest of us. Science, sometimes, can wait." "But the device-" "Can wait. I know you've mastered your abilities enough to where you require little assistance from the device...for the most part." Wa-Oka sighed knowing that there was little she could do to get out of the situation. "Alright" she said, placing the device upon a table, "I'll be there in a few minutes." "Good" Washu said, beginning to disappear, "And remember to tie you hair up. Having to dry over 5 feet of hair is such a pain for moms, tee hee" With her usual cutesy smile, she disappeared. Wa-Oka appeared finally at the hot springs, testing the waters with the tip of her foot. "What's wrong, Miss Wa-Oka?" Sasami said, watching Ryo-Ohki play with Ki-Ohki. "Please just call me Wa-Oka. And there's nothing wrong, I guess...it's just that the water is a bit hot, don't you think?" "Oh, poor widdle Wa-Oka" taunted a voice from behind her, "scared of a little water...here, let me help you get rid of that fear for ya." Wa-Oka felt herself being pushed. In a reflext reaction, she grabbed for whatever was behind her and dragged it with her. With a loud splash, Ryoko got up and cursed at Wa-Oka, looking around for her. Wa-Oka soon emerged from the waters near the shore, her breathing was very shallow and her eyes looked fatigued. Her 18-year-old looking body ached slightly with the extreme and sudden heat. Washu looked over to her and smirked "Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that you're from a basic winter planet." Washu said, "well, you'll get used to it. If you don't, I can always give you something to counteract the adrenaline agents in your system causing the sudden fatigue." "Si'st okay...I'll be...fine." In truth, her head was beginning to hurt slightly as she laid her it upon the shoreline and closed her eyes. She soon became oblivious to everything around her, somewhat getting used to the heat. Suddenly the hot spring shook as if some great power was ripping away at the structure. "Wha the?" everyone said, looking around. The shaking persisted one more time before the poly glass dome cracked, parts of it crashing down into the structure. A sadistic laughter soon followed the calm. Washu and Ryoko leered as they recognized the laughter. "Kagato!" Ryoko yelled, shifting to her battle uniform. He soon appeared, hovering over the bath. "Well, it's so nice to see that I'm not a forgotten memory." Turing his gaze to Washu, he smirked darkly. "Hello professor. Did you miss your best student?" "Kagato, you lowly scoundrel!" she said, "Everyone, out before he harms us!!" Everyone moved as quickly as they could, but Wa-Oka lagged behind. Kagato laughed again, firing a blast of energy towards the seemingly helpless girl. Ryoko appeared in front of her and the two teleported to the door. Washu closed the door behind Ryoko and Wa-Oka, keying in commands to teleport them to her lab. Washu's breathing staggered as her eyes widened. "I thought he was dead!" she managed to say in her hysteria. "Miss Washu, get a hold of yourself" Ayeka said, shaking her frantically. Finally Washu managed to gain her senses back. "Thanks, Ayeka. We need to hurry up and get Tenchi...where's Wa-Oka." She said, looking around. Seeing her in Ryoko's arms, Washu sighed for relief and brushed her hair. "Why didn't you run!?" she chided. Since in the lab, the air had turned dramatically cooler as opposed to the springs. The chill refreshed Wa-Oka enough to think a bit clearly. "Ah, nevermind, as long as everyone is safe." Washu continued. Ryoko powered up, clinching her fists tightly. "Grr, I have to get Tenchi. He's going to try and kill him!" Turning to Washu, she began to shake her. "Washu! I have to get to Tenchi before that...MONSTER...kills him!! Please, Washu!" She nodded at Ryoko and opened a portal to the door. "Go, Ryoko...but be careful. Kagato is more dangerous now than ever!." Ryoko nodded and disappeared through the portal. "Now, as for the rest of us, Sasami, go with Wa-Oka to her lab. You'll be safer in Wa-Oka's lab. Ayeka, you and I will need to change into battle gear, we will have to help Ryoko in case Kagato has something sleazy up his sleeve. Now go Wa-Oka, before something happens to Sasami." Wa-Oka nodded and opened a portal to her lab, taking Sasami with her. "Here Ayeka. This will help protect you. Even though you're not the best fighter...you can still help out." Washu said, smiling. Ayeka nodded dumbfoundedly, placing the gear on top of her bathing suit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- Ryoko raced through the house. "Tenchi! TENCHI!! TENCHI!!!" she yelled, searching though the house. Finally she saw him running down the stairs. "Yeah Ryoko" he said, "What is it?" He didn't have a clue as to what was happening. "Tenchi...we have to get out of here...it's Kagato, he-" Just then a blast hit the house. The force from the blast caused the roof to cave in one part. Kagato's laughter rang throughout the dwelling, sending chills down Ryoko's spine. She couldn't risk having the only place she called home ruined, so she took Tenchi by the hand and ran outdoors. "Hurry Tenchi, we have to get away from here." Tenchi held onto Ryoko's hand tightly and ran towards the tree. They were cut off by 2 dark almost shadowy creatures. Their faces were completely blank of any features, except for the white eyes and smile, which they laughed at Ryoko and Tenchi like little imps. Tenchi pulled the Tenchi-ken from his pocket and prepared for battle. The shadow creatures didn't attack, just stand there as if waiting for something. "What are they waiting for?" Tenchi asked as he was now to Ryoko's back. "I don't know, but it can't be good." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Wa-Oka finally arrived at her lab with Sasami, Ryo-Ohki and Ki-Ohki. "Mis- ....Wa-Oka, where are we?" Wa-Oka smiled at Sasami, "we're in my lab. Well one of them. This is the biosphere. You'll be safe her, at least. And don't worry, you can't break anything here cause it's just one big forest with a lake over there." Wa-Oka reached down and rubbed Sasami's hair. She could sense the concern and fear in Sasami's mind as she tried to be strong. Still, this whole situation was a lot for one little girl to handle, so Wa-Oka tried to comfort her the best way she knew how, with a simple touch and a few words. "Don't worry, Sasami. I know you're scared and don't want anything to happen to the household, but you have to be strong." Wa-Oka smiled at Sasami, "Don't worry. They're my family too and I'm worried for them." She began to make her way towards the door. "Wait!" Sasami said, running towards Wa-Oka. She hugged onto Wa-Oka for a moment and began to sniffle. She kneeled down to Sasami and wiped away a small tear. "I'll try to protect Tenchi...I promise." Sasami looked up at her in surprise, wondering how she knew her thoughts. "Hey if you get hungry, there are a few bots around. Tell them what you require and they will accommodate you." she said. Wa-Oka smiled at Sasami one last time and disappeared through the portal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- Kagato floated in front of Tenchi and Ryoko. "Well, isn't this something, the boy and his pet. How are things Ryoko? It HAS been quite sometime since we last danced, hehe." "Grrrr, KAGATO!! You're MINE!" Ryoko said, charging towards him with her swords in both hands. "Ryoko NO!" Tenchi called out, hoping to stop Ryoko. Kagato laughed at her futile attempt to strike him down. One of the shadow creatures intercepted her, knocking her to the ground. Three more shadow creatures appeared, going toward both Tenchi and Ryoko. Just then, one of the creatures screeched in pain as Ryoko jumped up from where she laid. Looking around, she spotted Ayeka and Washu. "Ah, professor. How nice to see you again. And good to see you to, Princess Ayeka." Kagato smirked, tapping his green sword upon his shoulder. "What do you want, Kagato?" "You know what I want." "You still haven't changed, Kagato. Still hungry for power and such a waste of an intelligent mind." Kagato straightened up his glasses and smirked. "And you professor are still the same as well." He noticed Ryoko trying to strike at him again. Her eyes beamed red with anger as she wanted to slay him. He waited for her to get closer, pulling something from his sleeve. "RYOKO!!!" Washu yelled, but it was too late. By the time Ryoko's name exited her lips, Kagato had already placed the device upon her neck. Ryoko fell to the ground grabbing her head and howling in agony. "Hehe. Dear, Ryoko, did you truly think I would be prepared for that little move of yours? Since the gems no longer work to my advantage, this control collar will." Ryoko tried to fight back the mind trying to take her over. She struggled greatly, but soon her efforts were in vain, she was now Kagato's puppet once again. Washu made her way passed the shadow creatures, killing one in her path. "NO! Ryoko! NOOO!!!' she yelled. "Well, since you care for your 'PRECIOUS' Ryoko so much, here. Take her." Kagato signal to Ryoko who formed an energy sword and began to charge at Washu. She managed to dodge the first blow as Tenchi saw this from the corner of his eye. Ryoko relentlessly struck at Washu, each blow intended for mortal damage. Washu was at least a good enough swordsman to counter each blow, but her stamina was quickly wearing thin and Tenchi and Ayeka were too busy to aid her. One counter move led to another, but then Washu slipped upon something causing her to fall to the ground. Kagato smirked, knowing that the victory was his. Ryoko went for the final blow, just inches from taking the life of one whom she cared for. Washu's pupils contricted as her whole life flashed before her. "Ryoko...please..." she pleaded, hoping to snap her to reality. Ryoko's eyes didn't even blink as the tip of her blade pointed at Washu's heart. A loud clash was heard and Washu looked up, seeing another ! figure blocking Ryoko's blade. She stood about the same height as Ryoko with a long Reddish blonde braid trailing down her back. "Wa-Oka...?" she whispered, rejoicing that both she and Ryoko were not harmed. Wa-Oka knocked Ryoko back towards the tree, letting her fall into the water. "What? It's you?!" Kagato chimed, looking at Wa-Oka. He smirked to once again. "So this is your other child, professor? Now how did you manage to hide her?" "It's non of your concern, whoever you are." Wa-Oka challenged, looking back at him, "just leave us be." "You have no idea who you're talking to do you? No matter. Ryoko. Kill this...creature!" Ryoko quickly recovered and dashed towards Wa-Oka. The two jumped high into the tree tops, their energy swords clashing against one another's. Tenchi and Ayeka tried their best to scream her name to snap her from her mesmerized state, but their efforts were in vain. The sisters fought each other for a few moments, one not truly winning an advantage over another. They had fought against one another numerous times, but always Wa-Oka would win most of the time, but then again that was sparring, this, however, was the real deal and only one could have victory over the other. Soon, Ryoko slipped in a defensive stance, giving Wa-Oka the opening she knew Ryoko would give her opportunity to knock Ryoko back into the water, this time stunning her for a few moments longer. "Wa-Oka don't hurt Ryoko...she's under his control!" Tenchi yelled, killing another of Kagato's shadow creatures. "Come on Ryoko", she whispered, waiting for her to get up, "this is far below your usual fighting. Come on...get up." Finally, Ryoko recovered enough to make another attempted dash at Wa-Oka. She didn't take any time to move nor did she bother with dodging her. She just stood waiting. Wa-Oka held one of her hands to her head, focusing upon the charging Ryoko. Ryoko's eyes turned from a greenish color to their normal amber color. "Huh? What happened?" Ryoko said, stopping in her tracks. Kagato looked at Wa-Oka not sure as to what happened. It took a few minutes, but he finally put the pieces together. "So that's why she's special...she has psionic abilities. Touch‚ professor, but it shall do her no good.", he said. Waving his hand, The collar around Ryoko's neck began to glow, strangling her with every pulse. She soon found herself face to face with Kagato. "Come, my dear Ryoko, we have a lot of...'catching up' to do" His smile turned Ryoko's blood cold as she recalled the pain and anguish he caused her. "Let me go Kagato, or I'll-" "Or you'll what? You'll do nothing because you are powerless against me." Calling back his shadow warriors, he turned to the group and smiled. "Say goodbye to you little Ryoko...she wont be coming to aid you anytime soon, though you may see her back on earth to finish your miserable little insignificant lives off." Ryoko's eyes began to water as she looked at Tenchi, asking him for forgiveness for what she would do in the future. "Kagato, let her go!!" Washu pleaded. He simply laughed at his professor's request, savoring the pain in her eyes as she was helpless once again to help her most perfect creation and beloved child. Wa-Oka closed her eyes and cried to herself. She could feel every thought, every fear and every pain that Ryoko felt towards Kagato. She wanted so much to wipe away the pain and comfort her, but that...monster...Kagato would never allow it, only use her as an instrument to orchestrate whatever sinister and vile plans he help within his sadistic mind. No longer able to take idea of Ryoko's fears, she finally spoke up. "Kagato...wait...don't take Ryoko. She's worthless to you" she said, charging down her energy sword. Everyone looked to Wa-Oka in surprise as she lifted her eyes to Kagato. "Ryoko is of little use to you if there is someone far greater than she." "Heh, and what are you saying, child? She can be 'fixed' to do anything I wish." "Maybe...but I am and always will be greater than she. Time and training have already dictated that." Wa-Oka looked to Ryoko, Tenchi, Ayeka, then Washu and smiled peacefully, to them as she gave her next statement to Kagato. "Instead of taking Ryoko...take me instead. I am far more powerful than Ryoko and I possess abilities which she could never control. Please...I will gladly go in her place." Kagato smiled to Wa-Oka. "A very noble effort, child. I must say that I am impressed. So be it." he said, taking the collar from Ryoko's neck and placing it upon Wa-Oka's. He pulled Wa-Oka towards him and let Ryoko fall to the ground below. Washu screamed as she watched her eldest daughter give herself, willingly, to the monster Kagato. "Wa-Oka, NO!!! YOU IDIOT HE'LL KILL YOU!!!" Ryoko screamed, reaching for her. Her efforts were in vain as Kagato and Wa-Oka began to disappear into the void. There was no trace of them after a few moments. Ryoko howled in anger and began to beat her fists upon the ground. "Why...why did you go, Wa-Oka....WHY!?!?!" She began to fire stray shots around, hitting almost anything that was in her way. Tenchi and Ayeka dodged her blasts, while Washu placed an energy shield up to protect herself. "Miss Washu do something" Ayeka asked, trying to get Ryoko to calm down. Washu walked slowly to the tantrum throwing Ryoko, feeling her pain. She, too, felt the empty void of pain in her heart as she recalled Wa- Oka's sacrifice. Washu remembered the times when she would creep into Ryoko's mind and see the horrid acts Kagato committed on her. The experiments, test...amongst other things. At times in her own prison, she wanted to kill Kagato herself, rip his heart from his chest, but she couldn't. And even if she were given the opportunity again, she wouldn't because then she would be no better than the sadistic man whom she once called her student. Ryoko stopped her energy blast and dug her fingers into the soft soil. "Why...why, Wa-Oka...why?" she sniffled through her tears. She felt a comforting hand upon her shoulder. "She did it because she loves you..." Washu said, holding Ryoko in her arms. Tenchi knelt down before Ryoko and embraced her as well. The pain of seeing Wa-Oka give herself to Kagato sent chills down her spine, causing her to shiver in Washu's and Tenchi's arms. Ayeka looked to the stars, wondering what Kagato could possibly have in mind for the universe, for Jurai...but most of all for earth. "I am going after her" Ayeka said. Tenchi and the others looked to her in surprise. Why would the princess want to go after Wa-Oka? She looked to them, "I am going after Wa-Oka. If she is as powerful as Ryoko, then the all of Jurai...the earth...possibly the universe will come crumbling down. I cannot sit by and watch that happen. No matter how much I may not want this, it seems the fate of this wor! ld and others are in our hands. I refuse to let evil triumph this day." Ryoko looked at Ayeka. She could see the nobility hidden behind her eyes as she called upon her two guards to help prepare her for the journey ahead. "Ayeka...wait" Ryoko called out, "I...I'll go with you." "I'll go too" Tenchi said with a stern look upon his face. Washu sighed and looked around, "Hey, don't forget about the number one genius in the Universe, here. I'm going as well, I mean after all, Wa-Oka is my child as well. And besides, you need a few of my inventions to help you locate and get passed Kagato's defenses." "So it is settled. We are going after Kagato...but who's going to watch after Sasami?" "Oh, I'm sure grandpa wouldn't mind watching Sasami. After all, she IS a great help around the house" Tenchi said in his polite manner. Washu held Ryoko in her arms and carried her back to the house. The others looked at Washu in surprise, but figured that since she was over 20,000 years old, she would be stronger than her appearance let on. "Come on, everyone. We need to get to my lab and make a plan. It's no use in going after Kagato if we don't have an idea of what we're up against." Washu knew what Kagato was planning: Revenge. She didn't play with the idea too long, but still the feeling of sorrow filled her heart as she remembered Wa-Oka sacrifice. >>Wa-Oka<< she thought, cradling Ryoko in her arms, >>What are you planning? I pray to the goddesses for your safety...be careful<< They finally reached her lab, careful not to touch many of the things lying upon the cluttered floor. "I'm going to contact Kiyone and Mihoshi. I know that Kagato probably planned for them to leave, so we would have an advantage if they could attack him as well from another position." Washu went on to explain possible tactic, but Ryoko's mind still thought back to Wa-Oka. >>Wa- Oka...why?<< she thought, trying to fight back her tears.