From: "Jason Boaz" Subject: Chapter 10: Achika Explodes! The Final Confrontation!! Date: Monday, July 15, 2002 5:25 PM The battle was finally going in the Tenchi Family's favor. Ayeka, Kiyone, Mihoshi and Nagi have managed to save their fallen comrade, Kiyoko, from an eternal imprisonment in the Reverse World. Now, they watch as the battle on the surface begins to draw to its conclusion. Little did they know, there were more surprises on the way. Kiyoko: (notices Ayeka was getting mad) Hey Ayeka, you and Ryoko fighting over this Tenchi fellow, now? I saw the expression on your face when she said that guy was her Mr. Right. Ayeka: (calms down) I never could hide anything from you, Kiyoko. Now that we've finally rescued you, all that is left to do is hope that our teamwork pays off. Kiyoko: Yeah. I hope so too, Ayeka. Kagato put me in that stinking chamber for about four years, and denied me a chance to rest in peace! I want to see him dead for what he did to me, and to others! Kiyone: Well, we're stuck here, for now. All we can do now is watch, wait, and hope. Nagi: Right. Back in the surface, the clash between Kamadake's daughters and the Dark Knights continued. At this point, the two girls were running ragged. But they weren't out of the fight, yet. Yugi: (is panting, and has a ripped pants leg, where she's bleeding) You're very good, Tetta...but you and your crony aren't good enough to defeat us! Tetta: Yeah? And what is that, girlie? Yugi: Both you and your master are missing one important attribute. Tessei: And what, pray tell, is the ability we lack? Sakuya: What you jerks are missing is the noble spirit that respects chivalry. Without which, you don't DESERVE to be called a knight, let alone a noble of the Jurai Royal Family! Tessei: Who cares about garbage like that? Tetta: Yeah! Stuff like that only takes all the fun out of battles! Yugi: Tsk tsk tsk...you still don't get it, do you? (holds her sword defiantly) Well, we'd be happy to teach you...THE HARD WAY! Tessei: We wouldn't want it any other way. (begins fighting Sakuya again) As one battle raged, another battle continued. Ryoko tried to punch Kagato, but her hand was grabbed by Kagato, who attempted to turn her to stone. But, she flew away and chopped off her old hand, after making a fist, and tossed it at Kagato's face, punching him while he was off guard. Kagato wasn't too happy with that. After she regenrated her hand, Kagato made Ryoko promise not to use any more cheap tricks..through some mind control, of course. Ryoko: Now to finish it! (attempts to punch Kagato) Kagato: (grabs Ryoko's hand) It makes me happy to see your full potential, Ryoko. You've mastered matter conversion quite nicely. Of course, I can ALSO use the power of matter conversion! (starts turning Ryoko to stone, from her hand) Watch. Ryoko: (knees Kagato in the crotch) Nuts to that! (flies away, makes a fist and uses her energy sword to chop her hand off) Here! Have a taste of your own! (throws her stoned fist at Kagato, and it hits him) HA! I gotcha! (regenerates) Kagato: OOOOH! Why you...(calms down, and looks at Ryoko) Those were very tasteless tactics, Ryoko. (uses a small amount of mind control) I want you to fight fair. Now...promise me you'll never do that...EVER AGAIN! Ryoko: Sorry. I assure you it won't happen again. (is in a battle ready stance) Now, shall we continue? Kagato: Let's. (smirks) Yugi had then recalled a previous meeting she had with Kagato about a year ago...right after she bid Ryoko farewell. Yugi: Your master has always found ways to annoy me, Tetta! (sword clashes with Tetta's staff) Tetta: So that means you've met him before, haven't you? Yugi: Yes. It was after Hotsuma succeeded in taking Ryoko away from the Earth, and got her back on the road of being a space pirate. I sent the Bioroid Enforcers I loaned from Galaxy Police Headquarters back to where I got them. And so, Yugi began telling her tale. As she did, she remembered what had happened a year ago. Yugi: (is snickering in a flashback, as her younger self) Go...you served your purpose. (sends the broken Bioroid Enforcers back to GPHQ, and is very pleased with herself) Goodbye, dear Ryoko. Kagato: (appears from the floor) Yes. It is time to say goodbye to Ryoko...at least for now. Matori: HEY! Who the heck are you?! You can't just barge in here, as if this place was a public library! Kagato: Silence, woman! (blasts Matori) That's no way to talk to one of the most powerful beings in the universe! Matori: (is knocked out) UUUNNGGHHH!! Yugi: Who are you? What do you want? Kagato: You know who I am, Yugi. I am the one who steered Hotsuma down this path...in case you've forgotten. Yugi: (is a bit scared) You're...you're Kagato! Kagato: That's right. Yugi: Why have you come here?! How dare you invade the sanctity of my lair?! Kagato: Now now, that's no way to talk to a guest, Yugi. But...I will answer your question, anyway. You see...you may be successful in dividing the Tenchi Family now, but eventually, they'll all come back. The boy...he is like a magnet, which draws the girls together. Your plan isn't as flawless as you think it is. Yugi: You're wrong! They'll never go back to Earth! I won't let them! They'll just get in the way! Kagato: Get in the way of you becoming Sasami's friend, you mean? Or getting in the way of your plan to make "the perfect world?" Yugi: (gasps) How do you know all this? TELL ME!! Kagato: Let's just say...I have my ways. Now then, let's get down to business. I want you to join forces with me. Together, we can do ANYTHING! Nothing can stand between us. Hand in hand, we'll be invincible. Yugi: (is angry) NO! I refuse to work with someone like you! I can look into your heart, and I KNOW you're worse than I am! I'll never be partners with the one who killed Hotsuma's lover, and placed her in the Reverse World! Kagato: I see. So...Hotsuma is more than your subject, isn't he? He's your friend...as is the girl. Of course, you won't admit it. Not yet, anyway. Yugi: You've overstayed your welcome, Kagato! Leave now, or I'll make you leave! Kagato: Very well. I'll go. (a gate appears above him) Somehow, I knew it would come to this, anyway. (smirks as he rises) You have the same fire in your eyes as your father, Kamadake had in his. Goodbye, Yugi. The next time we meet, we shall be enemies. (laughs as he enters the gate, and it closes) And, as Yugi ended her recollection of her fateful meeting with Kagato, she swore she'd make her father proud. Yugi: And that was how we met. Kagato had given me a glimpse of his true power...as well as a glimpse of my true self...the person I thought I'd never become. But now...(sword clashes) Now I will finally make my father proud! Tetta: We'll see about that! Back on Earth, Washuu was watching the battle from her screen. Lord Katzuhito and Sasami were with her. Washuu: The battle is going to end, and soon. I just hope our friends are going to be okay. Sasami: Grandfather, do you sense Tenchi, yet? Grandfather: Yes, Sasami. I do. He's very close to the battlefield, now. And Achika is with him! Sasami: HURRAY! The Necrophone worked! Washuu: Yes, Sasami...it did. Only this time, when Tenchi faces Kagato, it'll be different. This time, he'll have to use the sword. Katzuhito: Yes. The time has come for the final confrontation between Tenchi and Kagato. I hope everything turns out alright, Washuu. Washuu: So do I, Lord Katzuhito...so do I. At this point, Kagato sensed the approach of a being with great power. The time to bluff had come. He wanted to draw whoever was out there into the open. He contacted Washuu, and told him about his latest experiment. Ryoko: Have some hair needles, you creep! (uses her hair needle attack, and telekinetically tosses chunks of the pillar at Kagato) Kagato: (blocks the attacks with his shield, and thinks to himself) I sense a powerful force out there. It must have something to do with the boy. Yes...he did survive! Now...to draw out whatever saved him. (contacts Washuu) Hello, Washuu. It's been a long time, hasn't it? Washuu: Not nearly long enough, Kagato! Kagato: (laughs, while still protecting himself with his shield) I'm so glad you're still the same old professor I knew, back when I was your student. Isn't that right, Washuu? Washuu: Get to the point, Kagato. What do you want? Kagato: I am about to do an experiment, just like I did in the old days. I am going to fire a laser blast toward the Earth. Washuu: WHAT?! But why? Why would you do it?! Kagato: I'm merely sating my curiosity, Professor. I believe that if you're lucky, you might not get killed by the coming blast. Yosho: You wouldn't dare! Kagato: Yes, I would, Yosho. You, of all people should know that. Ryoko: Don't you dare, Kagato! I won't allow you to kill anyone else! Kagato: Too late. (looks toward the screen showing the Earth) FIRE! Sakuya: NO!! Yugi: Don't do it! As the Souja fired a single blast at the Earth, which never made it toward its target. The blast was deflected by force field. The one who created the force field was quickly revealed to be Lady Achika. This made Kagato curious. Kagato: A woman? HERE?? But how can a mere woman generate so much power? (I guess it has something to do with the boy. I don't know, for certain, but we will find out, won't we?) In the Reverse World, Ayeka and the others had seen Achika for the first time. Mihoshi made yet another inane observation. Ayeka: Who is that woman? I never seen her before... Kiyone: I wonder what she's doing out there? Mihoshi: Maybe Kagato's desperate to get a date? Nagi: Get serious. That woman is WAY out of Kagato's league. Kiyoko: That woman...there's something about her. Ayeka: Yes. I sense that she has a strong connection to the Jurai Power. Kiyone: But, who is she? Kiyoko: I guess we'll find out, soon enough. Back on the surface, Kagato was starting to get the upper hand. He was using his power to overwhelm Ryoko. Hotsuma tried to stop the madman by transforming, but was unable to do so. Kagato: (begins to zap Ryoko) You've impressed me very much, Ryoko. It's a shame to see you die like this. Ryoko: Kagato...we'll get you, if it's the last thing we ever do! Kagato: We'll see. Hotsuma: STOP IT! I won't let you harm her! She's Kiyoko's BEST FRIEND! (tries to transform, but is zapped as well) AAHHH!! Kagato: Nice try, Hotsuma. According to what I've witnessed, you were about to change into that creature. Fortunately, I have prevented it. Let's see how much pain the two of you can bear. (The time of our battle has arrived, boy. I can sense it.) Kiyoko: Ryoko, Hotsuma...NO!! I have to help him! Ayeka: We can't. Once someone goes into the Reverse World, they can't get out unless Kagato is killed. Kiyoko: Somebody better DO SOMETHING!! Kiyoko's plea for help was answered, when a sword had cut Kagato's right hand, freeing Ryoko. Then, the sword cut off the other hand, and had freed Hotsuma. Tenchi had arrived. Kagato: (sees his hands get chopped off) What the?! When they realized Tenchi was alive, everyone was overjoyed. Sakuya: (sees Tenchi) TENCHI! Yugi: You're alive! Ayeka: YES! Kiyone: Yugi was right! Tenchi did come back to save us all! Ayeka: This time...Kagato will be destroyed. Just then, Achika entered through the Reverse World, and exited to the Chapel. Achika: (enters the Reverse World for five seconds) Pardon me, ladies...I'm coming through. (exits into the Chapel) Kiyone: Who on Earth was that? Mihoshi: I don't know. But, I guess we'll find out, soon enough. Mihoshi was right on the money. After Ryoko asked if Tenchi was really alive, he told his friends a little bit about how he survived. Ryoko: Tenchi...is it really you? Are you really alive? Tenchi: Yep. I sure am, Ryoko. Sakuya: (runs up and hugs him) TENCHI! (cries happily) I'm so happy to see you're alive! Tenchi: Sakuya? Is that really you? Sakuya: Yes, Tenchi...it is. This time, I'm here to stay. Tenchi: That's good to hear. Kagato: I'll have to admit, I am happy to see you alive, as well. But, can you tell me how you survived my blast? (renegerates) Yugi: I'll bet Empress Hinosei had a hand in it. Tenchi: You got that right, Yugi. But, she's not the only one who helped. (sees his mother appear) I'd like you to meet...my mother. Sakuya: Your...mother? I thought she was...dead. Achika: I am...but that won't stop me from doing what must be done. (smiles) It's a pleasure to meet you, Sakuya Kumashiro. Kagato: His mother? (looks at Achika) Hmm...I want to greet you, personally. I am Kagato. (bows) How do you like my chapel? Achika: It's quaint...but I'm not here to talk about Chapels. Kagato: You aren't? Achika: No. You tried to kill my son, and failed. Now, I will set things right. Kagato: Is that so? Will you allow me a look into your mind? I wish to see how powerful you truly are. Achika: Go ahead. Kagato put his hand on Achika's shoulder, and was able to read her mind. What he saw had shocked him beyond belief. He saw her generate a lot of power. Kagato: How can this be? The power emissions I sensed in you are way off the scale! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Back in subspace, Kain knew the moment of truth had come. He was watching Achika, and was anticipating the moment when her identity would be revealed. Kain: YES! After all of this waiting, I will finally discover the truth about you, Achika. Now...REVEAL YOUR TRUE POWER! Back on the Souja, Achika knew there was no turning back. She knew Kain was watching, as well. She decided to scare both him and Kagato at once. Her destiny was now in place. Achika: (to herself) Kain, I have a feeling you're watching me...so watch closely. You're about to see the image of the one who will take you down. And...just to scare you even more, I'll say to Kagato what I've said to you. Tenchi: Are you alright, mother? Achika: I'm okay. Don't worry, everyone...this nightmare will be over, soon. Kain: Nightmare? What is she...(realizes something) Uh oh... Achika looked at Kagato with her fiery gaze. The cloth which held her hair in a ponytail came off, and allowed her hair to go down. Then, immense power began the emanate from her. Achika: (glares at Kagato) I've had enough. (ponytail gets undone) I will not allow this! I WILL PAY YOU BACK! (explodes with power) Achika then made the most astounding transformation the others had ever seen. Even Tenchi was amazed. Ryoko: Look, Hotsuma! Her hair! It's changing color! Hotsuma: Yeah...it's purple now. Ryoko: Are you color-blind? It's lavender. Hotsuma: Whatever. Kiyoko: Oh my goodness...her clothes...they're ripping to shreds! What's going on? Ayeka: Her clothes...they've been replaced by a white kimono with purple edges, a long, light blue obi, a pink bow, and some socks...I think that kimono looks Juraian! Kiyone: Two black streaks appeared on her face, just now...one on each cheek! Sakuya: (sees Achika open her eyes) Her eyes...they've become red! Ryoko: Will you look at that? There's no doubt about it. She's Tenchi's mother, alright. Tenchi: M...mother? Kagato was speechless, as Achika completed her transformation, and swore she'd never forgive him. Achika: Because forgiveness...for one like you...could NEVER be an option!! Those words had frightened Kain greatly. He had heard that speech a million times before...and by now, there was no doubt in his mind that Achika was the one who would destroy him. Kain: NNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This cannot be! It's HER! IT'S REALLY HER! That speech...I've heard it before! She IS THE ONE!! The one I must destroy! Now that I know who you are, I need not hold back my power, any longer. (transforms temporarily) All I need to do is gather up enough power. Then, this place will be doomed, and I'LL BE FREE!! (snickers) Within a week's time...I shall have my revenge! Kain transformed into a black monster with fangs, wings and claws. He began to build up his power up into so he could escape. This increase in power was confirmed by Galaxy Police Headquarters. Female Officer: Commander, there are more fluctuations coming from the subspace room. It looks like it's him, this time. GP Commander: I knew this day would come. (gets on the intercom) This is a code red! All personnel who are on duty, or are part of the chain of command must evacuate at once! All of you must go to the Pluto base, immediately! I repeat, evacuate at once!! Male officer: Sir...everyone will be able to escape in time. I know it. GP Commander: Good. Nobody who's a part of the chain of command will die needlessly...not on my watch! Also, I won't let any Galaxy Police officers who aren't a part of our crew to die in vain. Trakal, a young, yet dedicated operative of the Galaxy Police, had decided to stay and fight. Trakal: Sir, with your permission, I'd like to stay with you and the others. If Kain does escape, I have to be the one who recaptures him. GP Commander: Very well, Trakal. I hereby make it your mission to retrieve Kain, or die trying. Trakal: Yes, sir. Mitsuki: But Trakal...you're one of my Academy buddies...are you sure you'll be okay? Trakal: I'll be fine, Mitsuki. Why, the worst Kain can probably do to me is rip my cyber-arm off, and tear me in half. Mitsuki: Don't joke! For all we know, that's EXACTLY what he'll do to you. Trakal: Alright, I'm sorry. And don't worry. I will try to make it, old friend. Mitsuki and Commander Hiroshi knew that it was time for the final farewell to those who were their friends and commanding officers. Commander Hiroshi: (shakes GP Commander's hand) I guess...this is goodbye, NiArGo. Commander NiArGo: I know. This will be the last time you'll see me alive. I'll miss you, my dear friend. Commander Hiroshi: I'll miss you, too. Mitsuki: Goodbye, Trakal. I'll never forget you. Trakal: And I'll never forget you, Mitsuki. And so, Mitsuki and Commander Hiroshi, along with several others, left the primary Galaxy Police Headquarters, never to return. Back on the Souja's surface, the battle between Yugi and Tetta had drawn to its conclusion. The spry teenager disarmed Tetta and gave him a chance to surrender. But, when Tenchi noticed a dagger slipping out of the Dark Knight's sleeve, he warned Yugi, who had no choice but to kill Tetta. Yugi: (disarms Tetta) Well, the battle's over. Surrender, and I will spare you. No tricks, okay? Tetta: Sure. (gets a dagger out of his sleeve) Tenchi: YUGI, WATCH OUT!! Yugi: Got it! (dodges a slash, and gets her leg slashed, instead) You've had your chance. (strikes Tetta through the stomach) In a flash of light, Tetta gave a yell of agony, as he mummified before Yugi's eyes. Then, he collapsed on the floor and died. Yugi, who needed some rest, collapsed, too. Tetta: (mummifies) AUUUGGHHHAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! (falls down and dies) Yugi: You see? You didn't deserve to be a knight. (collapses) Tenchi: Yugi, are you ok? Yugi: No worries, Tenchi. A good night's sleep, and some TLC will make me as good as new. Tenchi: That's good to hear. In a fit of rage, Tessei wanted to kill Yugi, but was blocked off by Sakuya. Then, in true ninja face-off style, they leapt into the air, and slashed. At first, it looked as though Sakuya missed, but then, Tessei felt an unbearable pain in his chest. Tessei: (sees Tetta die) TETTA! (glares at Yugi) You killed my friend! Yugi: He got what was coming to him. He should've surrendered. I was willing to spare him. Tessei: I swear...you're going to pay for this! Sakuya: (steps in front of Tessei) Not so fast! If you're going to kill my sister, you'll have to get through me first! Tenchi: (to himself) Yugi...and Sakuya...are sisters? WHOA! Sasami won't believe this. Tessei: That suits me, just fine. (performs the Jurai Needle) IT'S OOVVVEERRR!! Sakuya: (gets a pants-leg torn, and the back of her shirt torn, but manages to advance and use a jumping slash, as does Tessei) That's what you think! (lands, is pretty ragged) Tessei: You missed. (feels a pain in his chest) What the...(looks down) Uurrrggghhhh... Sakuya: (looks at Tessei) No...I didn't. In a scream of pain, Tessei mummified much worse than Tetta did. Then, he too, died. Tessei: (mummifies) AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!! (collapses, is dead) Sakuya: (falls on her hands and knees) Man...do I feel wiped out. As Tenchi tended to Sakuya, Achika asked her son to give her the gems once more. He did, and they transformed into the sword...only with one slight difference. The blade and the hilt grew twice its original size. The power of the blade increased, as well. Tenchi: Sakuya! Are you okay? Achika: Tenchi...I want you to give me the gems. I will battle Kagato, for now. You'll have to use the pieces of my torn clothes as bandages. Tenchi: Alright. (hands his mother the gems, and gathers the pieces of cloth) I'll do what you say, mother. Achika: Thanks. (the gems turn into the sword, and it increases in size and strength) Kagato: (eyes widen) Your power...it's greater than I ever imagined. (energizes his sword) Achika: Don't worry. I won't use my full power on you. And so, while Tenchi tended to the wounds of Yugi and Sakuya, Achika battle with Kagato. Kagato began with a running slash, which was skillfully parried by Achika's sword. Then, she performed a successful cross-slash. Kagato reeled, and tried to blast her. She sliced the blast in half, and stabbed him in the chest. This half of the battle went in Achika's favor. In desperation, Kagato tried doing a decap move, but was stopped by Achika's cutting off his hand. As he regenerated his hand, Tenchi had finished tending to his friends' wounds. Then, Achika performed a powerful slash, which cut his power in half. The battle between Achika and Kagato had ended. Now, it was time for the final battle between Tenchi and Kagato. Kagato: You're pretty good...much better than I thought you were. I underestimated you. You're able to use that sword with ease. Achika: Thank you. I'll have to admit...I was using half of my power. Now, you must answer to my son. (tosses the sword to Tenchi, and it shrinks back to normal size) Tenchi, catch! Tenchi: Thanks. (catches the sword, and looks at Sakuya and Yugi) Don't worry about me. I'll make it out of this. Sakuya: I'm not worried...and neither is my sister. Thank you for dressing our wounds. Tenchi: (smiles) Don't mention it. (looks at Kagato) Now...it's time to face you, Kagato. Kagato: I've been looking forward to this moment, for a long time, boy. But first, answer this question. Why did you come back? If you had common sense, you would've escaped. But you chose to return here. Could it be because those women mean so much to you? Tenchi: Yes. I would rather die...than forsake them. Kagato: That's alright with me, because I have all the cards. (reenergizes his sword) I'm glad you came back, boy. Now, I will finally have the battle I have always wanted. Let's see who the strongest one of us is. Tenchi: Alright. Let's do it. And so, the final battle had begun. Kagato began with a frontal slash, which was met by a quarter slash. Then, Tenchi managed to slash Kagato on the chest. Kagato retaliated by slashing Tenchi's leg. Tenchi reeled in pain for a moment, but was back in a groove. Tenchi's sword clashed with Kagato's, and both gave out a lot of energy. Then, they backed off a bit, and Tenchi performed a jumping slash, which made a direct hit. Kagato was slashed on the chest. He was very impressed, and he also knew the battle was near its conclusion. Kagato: (is panting) You're better than I thought you were, boy. It's obvious you gained your skills from Yosho, and from your mother, as well. Now, since both of us are exhausted from this battle, I propose we finish it in one final charge. We will strike with one final slash, using ALL OF OUR POWER! I've enjoyed this battle very much. Now, let's make its end worthwhile. Don't diappoint me. Tenchi: Very well. Let's finish it. In that instant, both Kagato and Tenchi advanced in a final, all powerful charge. Sparks flew as a flash of light filled the arena. Everyone had to cover their eyes. Achika: That light! (covers her eyes) It's so bright! Ayeka: Oh my goodness...who's going to win? Kiyoko: We'll find out, soon enough! Ryoko: Come on, Tenchi. Don't lose. Yugi: We believe in you. Sakuya: (gets out a couple of fans and cheer) Go, Tenchi! You can do it! Beat that guy up! YAAAYYY!! Ryoko: (falls down, and is reeling) Now...I'm worried. Soon enough, the light faded. The battle had been decided. Tenchi stood in a battle stance, while Kagato fell to the ground. Then, he was able to get up. As he did, he applauded Tenchi's skill. Kagato: (is panting) Well Yosho...looks like I've lost again...doesn't it? (collapses, but manages to stand on one knee) But, it was worth it. It was worth losing to one as good as myself. Tenchi: (has the sword change back into the gems) Why are you so happy about being defeated? You're going to die, you know. Kagato: (fully rises to his feet) That's where you're wrong. To you...this may be a defeat...but to me...this is definitely a victory. Tenchi: But why do you consider this a victory? Kagato: Because...after all this time, after all the waiting, I have finally pitted all of my skills against several worthy opponents. Yugi...Hotsuma...and Kiyoko. Ryoko and Sakuya have proven their worth, as well. But you...you and your mother impressed me most of all. (smiles) It was an honor to die at the hands of a worthy opponent. (thinks a minute) Now...before I perish, you must tell me...what is your name? Tenchi: My name...is Tenchi. Achika: And I am Achika. Kagato: Tenchi...and Achika. I won't forget the names of the two who have bested me. Tenchi: I guess...I won't forget you, either. Kagato: You made the right decision by coming here.. You were exceptional. The best man won, Tenchi. And it was you. I shall die without regrets. It was a rare pleasure to see Sword Tenchi's full might. (begins to disintegrate) Savor this moment...you've won, boy. And so, with his last words, Kagato died and evaporated into nothingness. But, as he died, he died with honor. True, he was a ruthless Space Pirate, but there was another side of him...a side rarely seen by his enemies. This was the Kagato who loved fighting with a worthy opponent. As he died, Ayeka. Kiyone, Mihoshi, Nagi and Kiyoko were sent back to the surface. Nagi: It's over. After all of the trouble we went through, all of the sacrifices, all the heartbreak, we've finally won. Through teamwork, we've finally defeated Kagato, once and for all. Ryoko: Yes. And through teamwork...we've finally rescued Kiyoko. As Ryoko and Nagi were talking about the team plays that were made, Hotsuma was finally able to propose to Kiyoko. Kiyoko: Hotsuma? Hotsuma: Yes? Kiyoko: Earlier, you said you were going to pop me a question. What is it? Hotsuma: Well...you see...I never had the chance to say this, four years ago. But now...(kneels, and gets a small box out of his pocket, and kneels) Will you marry me? Kiyoko: (is overjoyed) OH YEAH! Yes! I will! YES! (kisses Hotsuma) As Hotsuma and Kiyoko kissed...Washuu interrupted their moment, when she told them about the Souja's decreasing structural integrity. Washuu: (pops up onscreen) Congratulations on a job well done, everyone. Ryoko: WASHUU...You're RUINING THEIR MOMENT! This better be important! Washuu: Well...first off I want to congratulate you all for a job well done. All of you did a great job, on both sides of the Souja. Tenchi: Thank you, Washuu. Anything else? Washuu: As a matter of fact, yes. It seems you overdid it a bit with the power of the sword. You kinda sliced the Souja in half. It's going to explode, in a couple of minutes. Tenchi: EXPLODE?! Everyone: LET'S GET OUTTA HERE!! In a rush, Tenchi, Ryoko and Ayeka went into RyoOhki, while Yugi, Nagi and Sakuya went into KenOhki. Hotsuma and Kiyoko boarded the Mini Souja, while Kiyone and Mihoshi went on Yagami. In great haste, everyone had cleared out of the area as the Souja exploded. A few minutes later, Commander Hiroshi's ship was almost in Pluto's territory, when he received news of the Souja's destruction. Commander Hiroshi: A readout...wonder what it's about? (reads the report) An explosion originating from Earth? Hmm...according to this...the Souja has exploded! Unbelievable! Somebody did it! Kagato's been destroyed. I have to go to the scene. Who knows what I'm gonna find? As Commander Hiroshi headed for Earth, Tenchi and the others have already made it back safe and sound. Back in Okiyama, there was quite a few reasons to celebrate. Sasami: YUGI! (hugs her) You made it! You and Tenchi are okay! Yugi: That's right. We all made it. And guess what? Sasami: What? Sakuya: As of now, Yugi and I are sisters. Sasami: WHHAAATT?? As predicted, Sasami flipped out, when she heard Sakuya proclaim herself to be Yugi's sister. In fact, she bounced from tree to tree, and then had flew around in circles. Her eyes were as circular as a bottlecap. Her mouth was circular, as well. After she had flipped out, she hugged Sakuya with tears in her eyes, welcoming her as a part of the Tenchi Family. Sasami: WAH-HOO! (hugs Sakuya, with tears in her eyes) Allow me to be the first to welcome you as a part of our extended family! Sakuya: Thanks, Sasami. You're A-OK! (looks at Tenchi) Tenchi...you were great, back there. Tenchi: Thanks. You weren't so bad, yourself. Sakuya: Thanks, Tenchi. I swear that I won't use my powers for personal reasons. I'll only use them when lives are at stake. Tenchi: (holds Sakuya, and begins to kiss her) I wouldn't want any other way. Ryoko: (looks at Sakuya, and talks to Ayeka) Ayeka...do you really think we have to work on our kindness? Ayeka: Yes. We most certainly need to do so. After all, Sakuya's kindness is what she used to win Tenchi's heart. Ryoko: Well...it's nice to have her as a member of our family. Ayeka: (smiles) Yes. It is. (looks at Sakuya) Save the kissing for when and if you beat us in the Karaoke Duel, please? Sakuya: Sure thing. I'm gonna have fun in this duel. As Ryoko and Ayeka discussed how to be kinder to Tenchi, Washuu had completed a scan on Kiyoko and Achika. The results were drastically different. Washuu: Well, Achika...from the looks of things, because of the immense Jurai power you have, you'll be alive for a whole week. Achika: Really? Are you sure? Washuu: Yes. After the week is up, you'll return to your eternal resting place. Achika: A week is more than enough for me to catch up with my son, and my husband. Kiyoko: And what about me? What's going to happen to me? Washuu: Well...it's hard to say this...but according to the readout, you'll only live for two more days. Then, you'll die...and this time, it'll be for good. Kiyoko: (looks grim) I...I understand. Just as Kiyoko was getting ready to cry, Achika comforted her, and told her how she much live her life to the fullest. Achika: It's alright, Kiyoko. Even though you have a short time to live, it doesn't mean you can't live the life you want. When I learned I was fated to die when Tenchi was six, I realized that how long I lived wasn't as important as living my life to the fullest with the one I loved. And I succeeded. I lived my life, and followed my dreams. I have no regrets. (puts her hands on Kiyoko's shoulder) All you need to do, now is live your life to the fullest...with the one you love. Kiyoko stopped crying, and realized Achika was right. Then, she decided to make an announcement. Kiyoko: Thank you...Lady Achika. (looks at everyone) Ryoko? Could you get everyone's attention for me, please? Ryoko: Sure thing. (splits into two and gathers everyone up) EVERYONE, KIYOKO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT! (goes back to being one person) Kiyoko: (has a sweatdrop appear on her head) Thanks...I think. Ahem...everyone, I have great news. Just a few minutes ago, Hotsuma proposed to me. WE'RE GONNA GET MARRIED! Ayeka: Congratulations, Kiyoko! Kiyone: When's the big day? Kiyoko: Well...since I don't have much time, I decided that Hotsuma and I will be married...TOMORROW! Tenchi Family: (falls over) TOMORROW? BUT WHY? Kiyoko: You see, I have only 48 hours until I'm finally able to rest in peace. That seems to be more than enough time to do as Achika says...and live my life to the fullest. Mihoshi: You go, girl! Nagi: I'm so happy for you, Kiyoko. Kiyoko: Thanks. The battle with Kagato had finally ended. Tenchi, his friends, and his mother have won. All was peaceful once again. Even though peace has been restored, the story isn't over yet. How will Noboyuki react to seeing Achika come back from the dead? How will Kiyoko and Hotsuma spend their two days on Earth? We'll discover this and more, as our story continues. To Be Continued...