Standard Disclaimer Pioneer and AIC own the Tenchi Muyo characters. I thank them for allowing us to use them. Marty’s mine, though. You can have the story if you want, just don’t change it and give me credit, ok? Enjoy the fic! ************************************************************ The Ways of the Goddesses by F. Van Assche (Tenchiken@juno.com) Part One: No Need for a Houseguest Prologue It can be said that in this universe, everything has a purpose. Every action has a cause, and every action has an effect. No being could acquiesce this fact better that the Goddess Washu. Of course, she could hardly be expected to recognize this truth now, after all that has happened. Much has occurred since the three sisters formed the universe and the different dimensions that formulate it. In the beginning of this universe, the three goddesses, Washu, Tokimi, and Tsunami, warred with each other, destroyed much of what they had made, and eventually came to a truce. The terms of this truce allowed for the creation of a powerful dynasty for each goddess. These dynasties would accomplish the goals of their respective goddess without the destruction a total war would cause. Tokimi created a family of godlike beings of energy, with the most eminently powerful at the time known as Kain and Kagato. Tokimi wished to use these beings to destroy the other dynasties, and so conquer the other goddesses. Her ambition forced an alliance between Tsunami and Washu to preserve the truce. Tsunami chose to create the Jurian Royal Family, though it meant confining herself within the royal trees. She hoped to bolster her power through the lineal descendants of Jurai and preserve the peace, eventually creating powerful rulers for the universe Washu and Tsunami agreed that at some point, Tokimi would force their hand into conflict, so Washu gave up her powers and her memory to thwart Tokimi’s attempts to restart the war. Thus, eight gems of power were created, locking Tokimi into a high level dimension, with no powers in the others. But nothing lasts forever.... Chapter 1 It was once said by a great philosopher that art imitates life. This author had no idea how right he was. The art of one dimension is the reality of another. Few people would believe that their mundane lives are the heralded fiction in some other realm, yet, this is the truth. However, some realities are closer together than others. The space occupied by what many would call this reality is especially near that of many others. Over the millennia, two of Washu’s gems made their way to this Earth as a result of an act perpetrated by a child of darkness. When Washu was betrayed and imprisoned by Kagato, she was able to send these gems away before he could corrupt their energy and use them in one of his “inventions.” She was only partly successful. As it happened, they became the property of a king on Earth. His deeds were legendary before he possessed the gems, and afterwards, he conquered half the world before he died. The gems were given to the king’s son and to the royal advisor. Each of them passed down the gems through their families, and for a time, the memory of the gems was lost to the ravages of time. But fate is strange, and destiny works in an irresistible fashion. The gems came into the possession of a single family once more, and the eldest son of that family inherited the two tiny orbs. This descendant of that royal line was different from all who had preceded him. Martin felt a special connection between himself and the books he read. His favorite fiction was the exploits of the Masaki family. Marty, as he was called by his friends, was drawn in. He felt he was part of the action, especially when he was wearing the two identical jewels his parents had given to him upon their deaths. Most might have interpreted his absorption into this world as grief, but Marty was past grief. He adjusted to his new circumstances, or at least, he could maintain that idea for himself. In truth, he missed them deeply. But his life in this world went on, until the other six gems were brought together, anyway. When Kagato was killed by the Wings of the Light Hawk, the other two gems began to regress into their home dimension and pulled their owner with them. When Kain perished by the blast of a dimensional cannon, the process was complete, and the gems could fully return, along with their holder. Marty disappeared from his apartment. Chapter 2 It was a normal day at the Masaki household, or rather, what had come to pass for a normal day at the Masaki household. Ryoko and Ayeka had risen early to continue their favorite pastime; beginning another skirmish in the battle for Tenchi. Sasami and Ryo-Ohki were cooking, Mihoshi was sleeping, and Washu was conducting an immeasurably complex experiment in her lab. Tenchi was enjoying a brief respite after another crazy morning. Washu had been particularly bothersome; she really wanted "a particular physical sample." Today she was most insistent. So to keep her at bay, he offered to try to generate Light Hawk Wings, and then let her perform all her tests on him. She allowed him to, offering a split second of indecision, whereupon Tenchi bolted. He ended up a half-mile beyond Ryoko's cave, with Tenchi-ken in his hand and a single thought running through his head. Why is she so persistent? It wasn't that he really minded her trying, too much, anyway, but it boiled down to a question of fairness. It's not like she's the only one after that particular physical sample!! I'm not that blind. But, Ryoko and Ayeka would definitely hold that against me, and they fight enough as it is. Besides, Washu had the most annoying habit of creating a new life form whenever she was able. Raw genetic samples was not something he wanted Washu running around with. One Tenchi Masaki is enough for this house! Then it hit. Something fell out of the sky into a wall of solid rock behind him, penetrating fifteen feet into solid stone. Tenchi scrambled up to get a better look, and saw... himself? The youth was dressed in a cloak that resembled that of the late Kagato, but had gems in each of his wrists. One of the strangers hands began to clench. Tenchi peered in closer... Tenchi barely had time to gather his own sword and block the strike which nearly left him headless. The stranger jumped up and screamed wildly, but made no further attacks. He peered around, then relaxed slightly with an expression that could only be interpreted as confusion. (Or panic, take your pick) Tenchi did the same, and the two swordsmen settled into a defensive posture, each an odd mirror image of the other. The stranger spoke first. “Dear God, what the hell did I just do? I’m really sorry. It’s been a weird week.” The stranger's words hit Tenchi like a sack of carrots. He was no stranger to beings falling from the sky into his life, but this was the first to actually apologize for doing it! "Uh, It's OK, I forgive you. No harm done, I guess.", he said. The stranger stood. "Thank you," he said. "My name is Marty." He extended his hand. Tenchi shook it and introduced himself. "Tenchi. Tenchi Masaki. How do you do?" “Very well, thank you,” he said, and shook Tenchi’s hand. Then Marty blinked and he suddenly keeled over in a dead faint. Chapter 2 Tenchi watched as Marty slumped to the ground. Well, this is new. I've got to help him, I suppose. Tenchi strained to lift Marty, but could not. This guy weighs a ton! What can I do? I've got it!! "Ryoko!! I need you!!", he called. ------------------------------------------------------- Ryoko was having an especially good day. The evil princess was about to fall into her cleverly laid net trap, baited by the large bottle of sake sitting right in the middle. As Ayeka drew closer, Ryoko tried hard not to laugh. But upon hearing Tenchi holler, she started to leave, ready to make the most of any spare moment with him. Then thinking twice, flew over, grabbed the bottle, and flew towards Tenchi. Hey, she thought, Tenchi might want some sake, too! Ayeka saw Ryoko fly off, and promptly began an angry charge after the demon, then stumbled into a switch, trapping herself in the crudely made net. Damn that woman! Ayeka was understandably displeased. When Ryoko arrived, she swore off sake forever, at least for a day or two. Two Tenchis? What in the hell was this? Ryoko's brain kicked into overdrive as the implications of this development immediately set in. Hey, this could work out! Now I can have my own Tenchi, of course the original, I'll give the copy to that pain-in-the-ass princess, and then- "Ryoko!! I need your help here!", said Tenchi. "Anything, Tenchi! We can get right to it! Do you have a blanket?" "Whaa- Ryoko! Geez! No! I need you to take Marty and me to Washu's lab! He just passed out!" "So I suppose you won't want any sake, then?" ------------------------------------------------------------ As usual, Washu had been so thoroughly engrossed in her new invention that she didn't hear Ryoko enter, even grumbling as she was about carrying Marty. Tenchi followed her in, and closed the door behind him. This caught the attention of Washu, who saw Ryoko with what looked to be one unconscious Tenchi Masaki. "Ryoko?! What did you do to him?", she said, rather accusingly. "Err, Miss Washu, that's not me. He fell out of the sky while I was practicing my sword techniques.", Tenchi declared, "He said his name was Marty." Washu looked puzzled for a second, as a thought buzzed briefly through her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. "All right, Tenchi, thank you. You and Ryoko can run along and play now." Ryoko's face lit up as she grabbed Tenchi saying seductively, "You know, Tenchi, I could use a bath now, after carrying that heavy Marty. Would you mind helping me?" Tenchi's face blossomed bright red and his nose began to bleed at the mere thought. He barely had time to voice a protest before he and Ryoko were teleported to the bathhouse. With Ryoko and Tenchi gone, Washu turned her attention to Marty. "Hmmm, you're an interesting piece of work! I've got to say, you've got good taste in body type! Let's just run a few tests, shall we?", she said, stretching on he rubber gloves and putting on her nurse's hat. "Don't forget, I'm an angel of mercy!" Chapter 3 Tenchi escaped Ryoko's custody at his first opportunity, absconding quickly while Ryoko left him to undress. He immediately went to find Sasami. Tenchi found her company quite soothing, and she seemed to have a wisdom far beyond her years. He needed some calmness, after this morning! At least Ayeka hadn't latched on to him today. "Come to think of it, where is Ayeka?", he said. Somewhere in the woods, Ayeka sneezed. ------------------------------------------------------------ Back in Washu's lab, Marty was painfully awakened from his inadvertent lapse of consciousness by a bright light and a cold hand. "Oh, good, you're awake!", said Washu, still wearing her nurse's outfit. "I'm sorry for the change, but you're about Tenchi's size, so..." Marty gazed at Washu, recognizing her instantly, then looked down, seeing himself in some very comfortable strange clothes. Okay.. just adjust. You’re in an anime series. Not quite my style... but hey, when in Japan... After the shock left him, he looked around the inside of the lab. "Washu?.." he said, while still gaping in amazement of the sight, "are you... really here?" "You're a fine one to ask me that, Marty. Who, exactly, are you? You're built like a war machine! You have trace elements of all 210 known elements on your clothing, no burns from your reentry, your mass is over 150 kg, you have massive power supplies; two gems!!! How? Who made-" “To tell you the truth, I’d like to know what’s going on myself! I was just living my life, then... pow! I’m here?! I’m just so confused. But, I do know you’re the greatest scientific genius in the universe, so I’m sure you can help me." Washu, for the first time in her remembered life was speechless. “Well,” she finally managed to stammer, “I can tell you that you seem to have some augmented abilities for a human. You seem to be able to project a plasma blade, and have some limited flight abilities... past that, I can’t really tell you much. I guess for now, you can go, but I might need later,” she said with a wan grin. Marty suddenly looked very nervous, and after an awkward pause, said, "Uh, how do I get out of here?" Washu gestured to the door. "Thanks," said Marty with a sheepish grin, as he left. Washu watched him leave, then turned towards a panel on the wall in this room of her lab, and watched the moons of her planetary lab orbit. He's like- Kagato. Could I have created him? He's just so powerful. Those gems, could they be from Earth? It almost seems impossible. Washu closed her eyes and leaned against the glass. ------------------------------------------------------------ Marty left the lab.” Tenchi?", he said, "Lord Tenchi, where are you?" Sasami heard Marty, and thinking him to be Tenchi, asked him to help. Marty accepted, somewhat bewilderedly, his assigned task. When Tenchi returned from his close encounter with Ryoko, he found Marty helpfully chopping vegetables. Sasami and Ryo-Ohki both absorbed the strangeness of the situation rather well, only murmuring a "what?" and a "Miyaa??" Tenchi took the opportunity to explain the situation, and after that, everything was resolved. "Tenchi, I could a little sword practice; after all, reentry is a bit tough on the body. Could you help me?", Marty said. "I think you were in fine form this morning, Marty," Tenchi exclaimed with a laugh. "Let's go!" Marty winced, and muttered another apology. Chapter 4 Ryoko eventually realized that Tenchi had decided to play shy, and decided that she would just enjoy the bath. After all, Tenchi hadn't bathed today. He'd be there eventually; and so would she. I'm just too good!! ------------------------------------------------------------ While Marty and Tenchi walked through the woods, they happened upon a crude trap, with one very pissed-off Jurian princess in it- thirty feet off the ground. She was screaming something about royal birth and low states. Tenchi looked for a way up. Marty said simply, "I'll get her," leapt *straight up* thirty feet, cut the rope with his new found power, caught the agitated Ayeka, and brought her to the ground. "Thank you, Lord Tenchi, for rescuing me from that evil demon," said Ayeka as she tightly hugged the unsuspecting Marty, failing to notice that: A) This person did not have a sword in his hand B) Had just jumped 30 feet in the air C) Was not, technically, Tenchi. Tenchi shrugged enigmatically, as if to say, Get used to it- It happens a lot. Marty decided that being Tenchi had its rewards, but on the subject of strange things... How did I just do that??? Marty then took note of the Jurian princess clamped enthusiastically to his chest. "Tenchi, say something!", Marty exclaimed, "I can’t get her off!" Tenchi grinned inanely, but came to Ryo's aid. "Miss Ayeka, this is Marty. He's... new. He'll be with us for a while, I think." Ayeka immediately released Marty, rapidly shifted her eyes between the two, and clasped onto Tenchi. Marty just rolled his eyes. "Ayeka, you look a little, well, injured. It doesn't befit you. I can carry you back to the house, if you like." Ayeka was politely dismissive of that idea. "No, no. I'm all right. I think I'll just stay with you both. It's probably safer that way." Marty insisted that she should at least be carried, on account of her ankle and she acquiesced. Initially, Tenchi did the carrying, but Marty took over for the sake of Tenchi's stamina. Ayeka was indifferent; after all, they were pretty much alike. Marty took this opportunity to explain his perplexing behavior. "Tenchi, Ayeka, I know you. In the existence I knew, you were fiction, only entertainment. I don’t understand how I got here and what I’m doing here.” Then Marty paused, and added, “And I have no idea how I know that.” Ayeka and Tenchi just laughed. The Masaki shrine came into view, and Tenchi's grandfather was standing outside. He noted Tenchi and his double with the same bemused expression as always. "Tenchi, it's time to practice," he said. Tenchi replied, " Yes, Grandpa. This is Marty. May he practice with us?" Yosho gave a small affirmative snort. Yosho sized up the newcomer. "You're not from around here, are you?" To this Marty thought, You have no idea. Thus practice began. The simple kata, performed with wooden swords, which mimicked a fight, was a good warm-up, but as it got more complicated , Tenchi began to have a little trouble. Marty and Yosho flowed smoothly together all the way to the end. "You're pretty good, Marty," Yosho remarked. Marty accepted the compliment and bowed. "Now, how about a little match?" "I think, sir, that that would be splendid!" Chapter 5 Thus began an epic duel between the great swordsman of Jurai and the unknown . Marty clearly had the edge in technique, as it was integrated into the core of his gems, and therefore, his being. However, Yosho came from a line that had improved the original Jurai tactics. Though his precision in execution was far from flawless, he was able to match Marty stroke for stroke. After several minutes, the match ended in a draw, during a furious exchange of blows that broke both swords. Tenchi stared in utter amazement, but Ayeka was insufferably bored by the prolonged duel, and had decided to limp home. Before he and Tenchi started back, Marty thanked Yosho for the match, and Yosho reciprocated. "Marty, it's getting dark. Is there any way for you to get us back to the house? Sasami's probably done with dinner, and we need to wash up.", said Tenchi. "I suppose I could try." Marty picked up Tenchi and concentrated. Tenchi felt himself get lighter, and then Marty jumped. The sensation was more akin to flying than jumping, but Tenchi still didn't like it. Fortunately, Marty was relatively skilled, despite lack of practice, and the landing didn't cause too many bruises. Marty was very apologetic. "It's really OK, Marty. We made it, didn't we?" Tenchi said. "I suppose, but I didn't want to hurt you...", Marty replied. I think Ryoko probably injures me more on a daily basis than that, Marty!, Tenchi laughed to himself. "Well, don't worry. Let's just bathe, all right?" "Sounds good to me!" But peace is not something easily gained at the Masaki house. No sooner had Marty and Tenchi settled in for a long soak, than Ryoko suddenly appeared- stark naked. Tenchi immediately began to bleed from the nose and began to sink beneath the water. Marty, knowing exactly what was going on, also sunk out of sight. It was at this exact moment that Ayeka burst through the bathhouse doors, soiled and exhausted. This led to an inevitable quarrel, which in turn tipped off a full scale shouting match about who was seducing who and soforth. The two girls were on the verge of a full scale battle. Marty, sensing the danger, took the opportunity to stop the altercation before it went any farther. “Ladies, this is not going to accomplish anything. You know that. You’re really not helping us relax here,” he said. This caught them very much by surprise. For one thing, Tenchi was usually not able to even briefly glance at either of them in any state of undress without experiencing a severe blush and a nosebleed. Marty seemed not to have this problem. The authoritative manner of the speech froze them in midsentence. Marty stared them down and fumed. "Just a few minutes, girls, just a few minutes. Can we all have some peace?" They glared each other down for a moment, then left in separate directions. Tenchi gave Marty a look between relief and immense gratitude and a little envy. Marty grinned, then his nose exploded in a bloody geyser, and he fell over. Tenchi just let him lie there. Ryoko and Ayeka didn't show up for dinner, which smoothed out the conversation for the evening. Mihoshi and Kiyone ate everything, as usual. Somehow, though, they were able to discern Marty from Tenchi. Mihoshi reacted well to his arrival, with only a few "Uh-huh's" slipped in for effect. She didn't get it. Kiyone was complaining Yosho’s ear off, and he patiently listened. Sasami talked to Marty most of the evening. Tenchi remained oddly silent. When they arrived at Tenchi's room later, Marty asked what Tenchi was thinking. Tenchi replied, matter-of-factly, "It's Ryoko and Ayeka. They're driving me crazy! Always arguing, always fighting. I wish for one day, that they would just stop. That would be very, very nice." "I don't think that will happen any time soon, Tenchi. Unless you were two people, they would always argue over you. They like you! Nothing wrong with that!" "Do you have any idea what they've done to my life???" "I think I do. Enjoy it. It's not ending anytime soon!" “Easy for you to say- it’s not your life!” “It is now. Do you have any idea what I would have given for this situation at home?” “Where is home- exactly?” “The human side is from America, Florida- to be exact. The Washu-designed half doesn’t know, exactly.” “Wow, what a strange situation...” “Yeah, mine’s strange. Ha! You’re one to talk.” “You’re right, you’re right. And what a volatile predicament it is....” Chapter 6 Early the next morning, Tenchi set off for the fields, but today brought along Marty, Ayeka, and Ryoko. He was a bit apprehensive about making them work together, but they couldn't do this by themselves. Early off, they were working fine, but then one let a word slip, and the other retorted, the other got angry, and then their energies started to build up. Tenchi saw what was going on and called Marty over. "This isn't good. They're really angry. I'll try to talk them out of it,” he said. Marty nodded. The small blasts of force came first. Then the larger shots started to fly through the air. By the time Tenchi made it to the battleground, the earth was pitted and burnt. Positioning himself between them, he said, "Ayeka, Ryoko, stop this! You don't need to-" Ryoko and Ayeka each loosed a huge energy blast in the direction of the other, with Tenchi in the middle. Marty saw this across the field, and shot towards Tenchi to tackle him out of the way, deflect the shots, anything- The energy produced by the explosion was seen by several satellites in orbit at the time, but none could place it anywhere in Japan. Strangely enough, the carrot patch was relatively undamaged, though this was compared to the standard explosion around the Masaki shrine, which was generally quite large. When Marty and Tenchi hit the ground, Ayeka and Ryoko were both unconscious. Tenchi was nursing a few bruises, and Marty was smoking. "Ow... Thanks for getting me out of the way, Marty" "Uh, we were in the way when those blasts hit, Tenchi,” he coughed. "All right, thanks for deflecting them." "I didn't deflect them." "Than what did you-" Tenchi looked down. He was five feet off the ground, in a steady hover. "Oh, boy." ------------------------------------------------------------ En route to Washu's lab, Tenchi broke the silence. "Marty, what did you do? Why can I suddenly fly? This is nonsensical! I mean, look! I'm carrying her like she weighs nothing!", referring to the unconscious Ayeka he held in his arms. "Tenchi, my best guess is that I somehow absorbed all of their energies and transferred them into you! Now, until they're recovered, and capable of using them again, you've got them. They'll be fine tomorrow. They'll just be powerless, until..." "Until what?" "I guess, until you physically contact them when they're recovered a little. I think the proverbial kiss is the required solution in this case," Marty said with a sly grin. Tenchi groaned and flew faster. Chapter 7 Washu had gotten over the initial shock of Ryo's revelation, but this was started anew when he told her what happened in the field. She asked Tenchi to lay Ayeka and Ryoko down in a bedroom, and then come back. She asked Marty very politely, "Would you mind a few tests?" Marty clearly had no option here as he could not deny the wishes of the former goddess who had created him. He went quietly, knowing that refusing was not going to accomplish anything. But when Tenchi returned, he was quickly restrained and tested upon, much to his dissatisfaction. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sasami had begun to dream... She saw a man, Tenchi- Marty?, standing against a being, a presence, with a strange woman behind it. Tokimi!, she thought, though knowing not who or what this "Tokimi" was. She also felt something... some echo that she had felt somewhere before... powerful and evil.... ------------------------------------------------------------ Something stood just beyond the fence of the Masaki house. Darkness surrounded this being, and it moved fluidly closer to the house... Tokimi has certainly honored me with this task, it thought. With my success, the truce shall end, and my legacy will rule by her power. Tonight, the Jurian successors die! It crept closer and closer to the room that contained Ayeka and Ryoko, blending into the shadows, undetectable. Its trail was left devoid of light. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sasami was overwhelmed with terror at the stifling presence of... who? The last time she had been so charged was the battle with Kain... Suddenly Tsunami pulsed through her and their minds were one. Tokimi has begun her bid for domination. Your sister is in great danger. You must get help! Hurry, Sasami. If Ayeka falls, there is little hope for any of us. Then the spirit that was Tsunami departed her consciousness, leaving only a frightened girl. Oh no! What can I do? Sasami woke with a start and dashed for Washu's lab. Chapter 8 Marty had been thoroughly examined and, though experiencing profound relief that one could survive Washu’s tests, was feeling a little uneasy when he left the lab. That sense of power is emerging again, but stronger. Sasami has that power- she’s Tsunami! But it wasn’t this strong before.. Something else, too. The new presence was uncomfortable, almost evil, like... Sasami burst through the doorway, out of breath, gasping. Marty suddenly became very alert. "Sasami? What..." Then, in that moment, he understood. "Tokimi! The offensive! It’s started!" He charged from the room, without even a backward glance, unseeing of the reflection of Tsunami in the shallow pool adjacent to the door, his speed matched only by his fear that he was already too late... ------------------------------------------------------------ It had breached the window and stood silently within, examining the two forms that lay silent and still within. It than crept toward the inert form of Ayeka, fashioning its hand into a blade, and proceeded to stab down at the defenseless princess of Jurai... Shiccckkk!! A gleaming green blade danced from the darkness, severing the sword-hand before imbedding itself in the wall. It stared into the dark, fascinated, while its hand regenerated. It spoke with a deep, reptilian voice, "Show yourself, young warrior, that I may see you before you die." Marty stepped into the light. "Go back to your mistress." "No, young prince, I will just destroy you instead!" It fired a blast of energy into Marty, knocking him through the wall of the room. "Pitiful. Is this the best of the house of Jurai? Pah!" He glanced at the sword, and saw it move. "What? Impossible!!" The darkness stared at the risen Marty, who was clearly different than before. His eyes glowed with fire and he was now attired in full cloaked armor. "That hurt, you bastard!!!", he roared, grabbing the intruder by the neck and carrying him out the window. Marty slammed the interloper to the ground a quarter-mile from the window. "Who are you?", he growled. "You would not know me, Jurian. I am Ryuji, supreme champion of the army of Tokimi. I will rule this pitiful universe when Tokimi has triumphed." "Somehow, I doubt that." "Who will stop me? You? You have no idea what you are up against, boy. No idea whatsoever." Ryuji seized Marty and threw him away. "Witness, boy, the true power of Tokimi!", he shouted as the power flowed into him. Marty watched as Ryuji grew larger, and larger. He felt an emotion heretofore unknown to him in his integrated form; fear. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sasami shrieked in terror as Tokimi's energy pulsated around her. What do I do? What? --- Calm yourself. Marty will need you. You must aid him with my power, or else I fear the battle is lost. Go! I will be with you every step of the way. Sasami looked towards the sky, said a prayer, and dashed out towards the battle. ------------------------------------------------------------ Marty was not doing well. The fiend named Ryuji had relentlessly pounded on him ever since he had grown. I don't... know how much more I can take, but.. losing-is-not-an- option. Then Ryuji slammed his head into the ground, and all the thoughts flew from his grasp... Chapter 9 Washu released Tenchi in record time. Only two hours? She must be tired. Anyway, I've got to give back these "borrowed" abilities. I have to kiss them? At least they're asleep. Tenchi clambered up the stairs to the room, stopping for a moment to make sure that Ryoko and Ayeka were both sleeping, and gave them both a quick peck, Ayeka first, then Ryoko. He sighed with relief as he stopped floating. Well, that wasn't too bad. I just hope it doesn't happen too often. Then I might have a real problem.... Suddenly, the sound of fighting drifted through the window and the scream of pain rang out. A scream very much like his... Marty! Tenchi inhaled sharply. I hope I'm not going to resent returning those powers, he thought, as he snatched Tenchi-ken off his dresser and charged toward the combat. ------------------------------------------------------------ As awareness returned to him over the course of a few minutes, Marty saw Ryuji look around, as if he sensed another person... Small twinge of power... That means... Sasami is here too?! NO!! I've got to help her! Marty slowly, painfully struggled to his feet. Ryuji spied her small form and lunged at her. He came within inches of striking a fatal blow. Marty had no chance of covering the distance... but as he watched, incredulous, Tenchi appeared from the darkness, and sliced a four-foot gash in the side of the monster. As Tenchi began his battle with this monster, his thoughts went to the vanquished Kain. Could he have returned? Ryuji quickly healed his wound and smashed Tenchi to the ground, ready to inflict a deadly trauma. Ryuji raised his fist... but did not strike. Marty had managed to bind Ryuji's hand to its back with an energy blade, keeping it from delivering the final shot. But now what? We're screwed! Sasami moved quickly. She grasped Ryo's hand and pulled him to the semiconscious Tenchi. She linked their hands and stepped back. The gems in Ryo's wrists began to glow. Ryuji lashed out with his other hand, but his attack was... reflected?!!! How can this be?, he thought as he skidded back. The boy was supposed to fold easily!! From the gems on his wrists grew one emerald green blade. Marty released Tenchi's hand and faced the titanic Ryuji. "Face me, demon. Tonight, your quest ends." "Whelp! I will kill you yet. I shall feast on the marrow of your bones! Death to Jurai!", Ryuji bellowed, as he yanked Ryo's blade from his back. "Come!" Marty held back, concentrating all his energy on the coming attack. Ryuji lurched at Marty, who stood patient as stone. Ryuji leapt, forming his body into dozens of blades to rip the human apart. Marty stepped forward, then bounded past the blade, swinging his sword through the flesh of the demon. Ryuji screamed in agony as he bled into the earth. At the peak of his arc, Marty turned down and plunged one sword through the writhing Ryuji into the ground, pinioning him. "Well met, pup. But I am not the last of Tokimi's army. She will triumph... and you will die. None shall remain of your houses. We will PREVAIL!!!" Marty glowered over the bloodstained Ryuji. "Don't bet on it." He thrust his blade through Ryuji's head. The monster fell silent, then disintegrated. Epilogue The voice was ghostly and unexpected. "Well done- knight of Jurai." Marty twisted around. The power. It's coming from... Tsunami stood in the space formerly occupied by Sasami. "Tsunami??! How... what..." Marty nodded to himself, but his face softened, as their minds connected. "None of them know yet, do they?" Tsunami frowned. "No. They are unaware of this." "They need to know. Unless they do, they cannot understand why all this must happen. It will be difficult, I know. But it must be done. What must I do?" "You, must travel to Jurai. Finish your training there, then return and we will confront Tokimi together.” “How do I get there?” “Well, you are descended from a Jurian tree, you know...” “What!!!!?” End: Part One ************************************************************ Author’s Notes It’s my first fanfic! Actually, it’s a remanufactured edition of my first. The whole plot (this part) takes place before OAV8. Kiyone only has a trivial role in the story, so this is mostly OAV based. I might want to include other parts of the TV series, so don’t get too picky, ok? If you have any comments, criticism, flames, MST’s, Whatever, e-mail me! Every bit helps- I’ll even send you the original story that this work is based on if you want! Tell me what you think!