From: "Jason Boaz" Subject: Chapter 11: Till Death Do Us Part. The Final Days of Kiyoko. Date: Monday, July 15, 2002 5:26 PM A half-hour later, in the Masaki Household, it was quickly realized that Sasami wasn't the only one who was freaked out. Noboyuki had just came home from work, and was EXTREMELY surprised to see Achika again. Achika: Hi, honey. How was your day? Noboyuki: Oh, not a noteworthy day, Achika. I had to make ten plans for the company this week, and...(does a double take) AAAHHH! A GHOST! Achika laughed, and told Noboyuki she was back for a week. Achika: (laughs) Take it easy. I'm really here. Because of some radical circumstances, I'm able to spend a week here. (kisses him) I missed you so much, Noboyuki. Noboyuki: I...I missed you, too. There hasn't been a day I haven't thought about you. Achika: I know, Noboyuki. You're still the sweet, shy young man I grew to love. Noboyuki: (blushes) It's you...it's really you. Achika: It sure is. (smiles) Now, it was Ayeka's turn to freak out. Ayeka: SAY WHAT?!?! You SAW MASAYO AND ISAO?! Tenchi: Yep. I sure did. They helped save me from some super-powerful villain...I think his name was Kain. Ayeka: Who is this Kain? Tenchi: From what I've heard, he's a being who hates the House of Jurai. When mother took me to subspace for our own safety, Kain attacked both of us...I think he knew we had Juraian blood in our veins. Ayeka: That's horrible! Do you think we might have to face him? Tenchi: I don't know, Ayeka...I wish I did. Kiyone: (to herself) Kain...Kain...I've heard that name, before. Maybe when I have the chance, I'll look him up. (shudders) I hope we don't have to meet him, soon. It was at that time, that Kiyoko and Hotsuma decided to report in to Commander Hiroshi. Hotsuma: Kiyone, we'd like to make a report to Commander Hiroshi. Kiyoko: We want to tell him about Kagato's destruction, and about our wedding. Kiyone: Sure thing. (uses the control cube to teleport Hotsuma and Kiyoko to Yagami, where they will make their report) At that moment, Commander Hiroshi was just passing Jupiter, when he recieved a transmission using Hotsuma's code. Commander Hiroshi: (sees a transmission) Wha? That code's XT95-013A. That's Hotsuma's code. (For a while, I didn't know if he was alive, or not. If I'm receiving a transmission from him, that means he IS alive. Though he's become a Space Pirate, I still know him. He always has the best reasons for doing what he does. I'll accept the transmission.) This is commander Hiroshi Tsueng of the Galaxy Police Bounty Hunter's Division. Identify yourself and submit your report. Hotsuma: (appears on screen) This is Hotsuma reporting in, sir...along with Kiyoko. Commander Hiroshi: Kiyoko? I thought she was dead. Kiyoko: Yes...I was...and in two days I'll be dead again. Commander Hiroshi was shocked to see Kiyoko again. Commander Hiroshi: Kiyoko! It's really you. What do you mean you're going to be dead again? Kiyoko: You see, after four years of imprisonment in the Reverse World, Ayeka, Nagi, Kiyone and Mihoshi freed me. And, thanks to a lot of teamwork, Kagato was finally destroyed. Commander Hiroshi: Then I was right. The Souja did explode. Congratulations on a job well done. Kiyoko: Thank you, sir. I would also like to report that as a side-effect of being in the Reverse World, I'm able to live again, for at least two days. After that, I'll be dead again, and I'll finally be able to rest in peace. Commander Hiroshi: Amazing. I'm glad I'm able to hear from you again. Do you have anything else to report, before I go? It was at that point Kiyoko told her commanding officer about the wedding, and his role in it. From the way she talked to him, it was as if he was more than just her commanding officer...it felt like she was talking to a trusted family member. Kiyoko: As a matter of fact, there is. Tomorrow afternoon at 5pm, Hotsuma and I are finally going to get married! Commander Hiroshi: (smiles) Well, it's about time, Kiyoko. Am I invited to this wedding of yours? Hotsuma: Yes, sir. Kiyoko and I decided on a Japanese Wedding Ceremony. The priest and his daughter suggested it. Can you please come? Commander Hiroshi: I'll be glad to do so, Hotsuma. Where's the wedding going to take place? Kiyoko: Okiyama, Japan...on the planet Earth. Commander Hiroshi: (smiles) I'll be there. You can count on me. Over and out. As Commander Hiroshi signed off, Hotsuma and Kiyoko were happy to know he'd be coming. The next morning, Sasami was making breakfast, while giving Sakuya pointers on cooking. At that time, Ayeka and Ryoko started to fight...yet again. Ryoko: You know, because of my outstanding performance against Kagato, I'm sure Tenchi loves me more than ever! Ayeka: Don't be absurd! My exemplary performance in the Reverse World shall win Tenchi's heart. Sasami: They're at it again. Sakuya: Should I ignore them, and continue cooking? Sasami: Yeah. That's the best thing to do. Ryoko: Oh really?! Want me to tell Tenchi about your deep...dark...secret?! Ayeka: YOU WOULDN'T DARE! (gets red in the face) Ryoko: Yes I would. (has an idea) Tell you what, Princess...if you score slightly higher than I do during the Karaoke Duel, I'll zip my lip, and we'll forget the whole thing. Agreed? Ayeka: Agreed. Sakuya: (dicing vegetables, under Sasami's guidance) I know I'm not going to tell Tenchi about Juraian bridegroom training. If I did, it could be too much for him to bear. Sasami: Agreed. Especially since I'd have to be Ayeka's accomplice. Juraian bridegroom training also requires a younger sibling of the bride to tie the groom up. Let's forget about that tradition, for now. (is making miso soup) Sakuya: Uh huh. (sees everyone coming in) We'd better shut up about it. Everyone's waking up. Sasami, Ryoko and Ayeka: Got it. It was at that moment that everyone got quiet about Jurai bridegroom training...and for good reason. Talking about stuff like that isn't really something to talk about over breakfast-time. A change could be seen in Noboyuki. One can tell he was greatly affected by Achika's return. Sasami: Good morning, everyone. It's time for breakfast. Achika: Thanks. I was starving. After all, I've been dead for 12 years. I really need to see how Tenchi's doing, before I return. Noboyuki: You mean...you'll return to Heaven? Achika: Yes. But, for now...we shall enjoy our time together. As Achika spoke to Noboyuki, he got shy, and tried his best to ask his wife about the house. She confirmed Noboyuki's assumption that it was really her. Noboyuki: Right. I swear I won't get into any trouble, while you're here. I...well...how do you like the house, Achika? I rebuilt the old one into this place. What do you think of it? Achika: It's beautiful. This place is exactly as I pictured it. Our dream house now exists, and is a home for all. I can take pride in saying, we made the plans for this place...together. Noboyuki: (cries) It's truly you, Achika. It HAS to be YOU. I promised you, that you and I would build this house together. Achika: Yes. And, as you said, our dream is still very much alive, even now. As everyone began to eat, Kiyoko had assigned roles for each of the Tenchi Family. Roles which they will fulfill in her wedding. Kiyoko: Listen, guys. I'll need every one of you to help make this wedding succeed. Ryoko will be our maid of honor. Ryoko: Really? Thanks, Kiyoko. Hotsuma: Sasami, you, Sakuya and Yugi will be the mikos of the ceremony. Sakuya: Cool...umm...but there is one thing my sister and I want to know... Kiyoko: Yes? Yugi: What's a Miko? Sasami was more than glad to tell them of their roles. Sasami: According to Grandpa Katzuhito, A Miko is a maiden who dances in ceremonies, and they serve Sake to the particpants. We're going to wear beautiful red and white Oriental dresses. Sakuya: Tres cool! Let's do it! Yugi: I'm in, too. Sasami: WAY TO GO, YUGI!! Ryoko wanted to be a Miko too...but was dissuaded by Kiyoko who knew EXACTLY what she'd do. At that point in time, Commander Hiroshi was in earshot. He heard what Kiyoko said. Ryoko: Did you say Mikos serve Sake? I wanna be one, too. Yugi: Well... Kiyoko: Uh uh. That's a bad idea. I know EXACTLY what will happen if Ryoko was a Miko. She'd get everyone including herself drunk, and she'll drink the lion's share. (smirks) Right, Ryoko? Ryoko: Oooohh...you know me all too well, Kiyoko. Kiyoko: Yep. Anyway, thanks for the offer. Ryoko: No problem. Kiyoko: Ayeka, Kiyone and Mihoshi will be maidens, while Nagi will be the ringbearer. Nagi: Thank you, Kiyoko. Hotsuma: Of course,. no wedding is complete without a priest, witnesses or...(is cut off by Ryoko) Ryoko: SAKE! Ayeka: No, Ryoko. What Hotsuma was about ask for was someone to give the bride away. Hiroshi: (walks into the kitchen) That would be me. Kiyoko was overjoyed to see Commander Hiroshi...who was revealed to be her uncle. Kiyoko: Commander! (hugs him) I'm so glad you made it. Commander Hiroshi: (smiles) It's really you, isn't it? I had a feeling it was you, when you said something about Ryoko getting us all drunk in a wedding. Kiyoko: Yeah. It's really me. How've you been, uncle? Commander Hiroshi: I've been doing alright. I'm glad to see you're okay. Tenchi Family: UNCLE?? Commander Hiroshi: Yep. I'm Kiyoko's Uncle. (looks at Hotsuma and smiles) I'm proud of you, Hotsuma. I knew you'd find a way to take Kagato out. Hotsuma: Just doing my job, sir. Katzuhito: Well, I'm glad you came, Commander. I'm Katzuhito Masaki. I'll be conducting the wedding ceremony. Commander Hiroshi: That's good. Now, who are the witnesses? Achika: Noboyuki, Washuu, Tenchi and I will be her witnesses. Kiyoko: Then it's agreed. We'll be married at 5pm, this afternoon. Sasami: The wedding's at 5PM?! I'd better get a wedding feast ready! Sakuya: I'll help! Sasami: Thanks, Sakuya. Sakuya: No...thank you, Sasami. Thanks for agreeing to give me cooking lessons, so I'll be a better cook than ever. Sasami: You are so welcome, Sakuya. Katzuhito: Here is a list of things we need. (hands Tenchi lists which he'll give to Sasami, Sakuya and Ryoko.) Tenchi: I'll have to get some Sake, and a Naga-Noshi. (hands everyone a list of things to make, or buy) Tenchi handed Sakuya, Sasami and Ryoko a list of things needed for the wedding. (The list is called a Mokuroku) Sakuya: WOW! Heavy duty! Sasami, we're going to make Katsuo-bushi, and Surume. (dried bonito and dried cuttlefish) Sasami: Let's do it! We'll also make that feast! Ryoko: Why Can't I get the Sake? Tenchi: Ryoko, you need to get some Konbu, Shiraga, Suehiro and a Yanagi-daru. (some tangles, hemp, a fan and a wine cask) Kiyoko's counting on you. Ryoko: I'll do it then! For KIYOKO! Katzuhito: When the ceremony begins, I must perform a rite of purification. We'll need to do this, to rid the particpants of the wedding of any ill will and evil spirits. Hotsuma: Good idea. Since Kagato is no more, I no longer need the powers Yugi gave me. Yugi: You're right, Hotsuma. It's time to leave the past behind you. Katzuhito: Alright. You all know your parts. Let's make this a wedding to remember. Tenchi Family, Kiyoko, Hotsuma and Nagi: YEAH!! A few hours later, 5pm was fast approaching. By then, all the preparations were complete. Since they were in Japan, Achika had supplied Kiyoko with a wedding kimono...which was once worn by Achika when she married Noboyuki. Kiyoko: Thank you for being so nice to me, Achika. This kimono is just my size. Achika: It's my pleasure. The day I married Noboyuki was one of the happiest day of my life. I wore this very kimono for my big day. Now, I let you use it, for your big moment. Kiyoko: Thank you, Lady Achika. I'm forever in your debt. Achika: You don't owe me anything. (smiles) It was my pleasure. (sees it's 4:44 PM) Well, there's sixteen minutes left until your big moment. Shall we go? Kiyoko: Yes. Let's. And so, the time had come. Everyone had taken their proper place. Ryoko, the maid of honor walked down the aisle to guide Hotsuma to his place by Katzuhito. He was dressed in a kimono with black orange and white colors. Sasami, Sakuya and Yugi danced eloquently with fans in their hands. Their dance was elaborate, elegant and full of the mystery and mysticism of the orient. The Karaoke machine was playing tradtional Japanese music, which added to the mysticism. Tenchi was in awe, for the dress she wore and the dance she performed made her look even more mysterious and mystical. Unfortunately, this earned him a bop on the head from Ryoko. Tenchi: (looks at Sakuya) Sakuya...she looks...beautiful...more beautiful than she did before. (feels Ryoko bop his head) Ouch! (looks at Ryoko) What was that for? Ryoko: You can't be distracted by Sakuya the Miko, alright Tenchi? You have to pay full attention to the wedding ceremony. That's what your grandfather wants you to do. Make him proud, ok? Tenchi: You're right, Ryoko. I'm sorry. Ryoko: Ah, it's no big deal. Come on. Let's focus on my best friend's wedding. Tenchi: Right. As Tenchi's attention returned to the wedding, the three Mikos had ended their dance, and took their places where they'd begin serving the Sake. Commander Hiroshi walked down the aisle with Kiyoko. Hotsuma was almost speechless about how beautiful she looked. The kimono she wore simply sparkled in the sunset. She wore kanzashi ornaments in her hair, which were hidden under a tsuno kakushi hood. Over the kimono was a uchikake gown. It made Kiyoko look radiant. Hotsuma: Oh my...K..k...Kiyoko...you look absolutely radiant. Kiyoko: (blushes) Thank you, Hotsuma. Let's do it. Hotsuma: (gulps) I'm ready. (Come on, Hotsuma. No time for cold feet, now. You CAN do this.) When Kiyoko took her place at the aisle, Nagi took her place, as well. Commander Hiroshi got seated, and Katzuhito was finally able to begin the ceremony. He started with the purification rite. As he performed it, the powers that Yugi had given to Hotsuma were became nothing more than a memory. Katzuhito: Greetings We have gathered here to unite this man and woman in marriage. First, we must purify all who are here. (waves a flail around) Heaven to ocean, ocean to sky, sky to Earth. In the name of the great reason that rules this world, I hereby purify all of you. Any ill will or evil spirits that were in you are no longer among us. (looks at Hotsuma) Now, Hotsuma will read an oath he made himself. It will fully unite the two of you in wedlock. Hotsuma did as Katzuhito said, and read an oath he made himself. Hotsuma: Thank you. (reads his oath) Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I was in awe...in awe of your beauty, and your inner strength. Since we first met, we fell in love. You're the sun that brightens my day. You are the driving force in my life. Even after you died, the memory of you burned brightly in my life. Everything I did, was in honor of your memory. I was lost, for awhile...but now, I have found my way. Yes. You are my way, and my guiding light. When I found you, after all these years, I knew I was truly whole again. And now, we are finally united as one. Our souls are now intertwined, and our love will last forever, even beyond the grave. This...is my Eternal Pledge. Kiyoko cried and was filled with joy...the joy of knowing that she and Hotsuma were finally going to be married. Katzuhito then asked Sakuya and Yugi to give Kiyoko and Hotsuma a nuptial cup filled with sake. Sakuya gave Kiyoko a cup first. She gave her cup to Hotsuma, who took a long, deep sip. He smiled, and then recieved a cup from Yugi. He gave the cup to Kiyoko, who did the same as her bridegroom. As she did, she said itadakimasu, which means "I gratefully receive." After that, Nagi was instructed to give the rings to Hotsuma and Kiyoko. The couple exchanged rings. Katzuhito: Very good. Now, Sakuya, you must give Kiyoko a nuptial cup. She will give it to Hotsuma, so he can drink from it. Sakuya: Yes, sir. (does as she was instructed) Kiyoko: Thank you. (gives Hotsuma the nuptial cup) Drink this, and you'll be one with me. Hotsuma: I gratefully receive this drink, from the bottom of my heart. (nods, and drinks from the cup) Katzuhito: Good. Now, Yugi will give you a cup for you to give to your bride. Yugi: Yes, sir. (takes the cup Hotsuma has, and gives him another cup) Here you go. Hotsuma: Thank you. (gives the cup to Kiyoko) Drink this...as you do, know that it is filled with my love. Kiyoko: Thank you, Hotsuma. Itadakimasu. (drinks from the cup) Ryoko: I think I love Japanese weddings. The San-San-Kudo exchange of nuptial cups is sort of like indirectly kissing. Ayeka: Ryoko...we have to set a good example for everyone here. Please, be quiet, for Kiyoko's sake. Ryoko: I forgot. Sorry, Ayeka. Katzuhito: Now, Nagi will give couple rings to exchange. After that, they will go to the Masaki Holy Tree, and exchange branches from it. After that, the reception begins. (looks at Nagi) It's time, Nagi. Nagi: Yes, sir. (gives rings to Kiyoko and Hotusma) Hotsuma: (places a ring on Kiyoko's finger) With this ring, I thee wed. Kiyoko: (blushes, and places a ring on Hotsuma's finger) With this ring, I thee wed. After the exchange of rings, Hotsuma and Kiyoko went to the Masaki Holy Tree, and each broke off a twig. Hotsuma gave his twig to Kiyoko, and Kiyoko gave her twig to Hotsuma. With this, the wedding was complete. Now, the reception began. Sakuya, Yugi and Sasami offered everyone some Sake. Sakuya had started with Tenchi. At first, Tenchi was a bit uncertain of accepting the drink, but his grandfather told him he had to uphold tradtion. Sakuya: Here's some Sake, Tenchi. Tenchi: Thanks...normally, I don't accept alocholic beverages... Grandpa: You have to, Tenchi. It is tradition to do so. Tenchi: Right. (looks at Sakuya, and accepts the drink) But, in this case, I gratefully accept. (drinks the Sake) Ahh. Ryoko: (cheers Tenchi on) Go baby, go! Ayeka: (shrugs, and thinks to herself) She's hopeless. Everyone ate, enjoyed laughter, music and the company of friends and family. Overall, the wedding ceremony was a big success. The next morning, everyone went to the beach, to have fun. That's when the chaos began. Achika and Noboyuki were surfing, as well as Kiyoko and Hotsuma. Achika's hair was in a ponytail she wore when she was younger. For Noboyuki and Achika, this was their second honeymoon, while for Kiyoko and Hotsuma it was their first. Tenchi recorded the events that were happening, so Hotsuma would always remember them. Washuu had even recorded the wedding, using Gaiyan's memory cylinder as part of a high-tech video camera. Yugi had accidentally summoned Yosihaki Zumino...who somehow knew Yugi had changed. In fact, instead of causing trouble, he posed in front of the camera, trying to get the ladies to watch him pose. Zumino: In the past, I was a bit of an ogre, but now that Yugi has changed, I have turned over a new leaf, as well. Ladies, gaze upon my biceps, my ultra-cool triceps, and my intimidating pecs. I AM the epitome of a manly phsyique. In the name of all things big and purple, I must admit I am a ladies man. Tenchi: Uuuhh...Mr. Zumino? Zumino: Yes, what do you want? Tenchi: Could you watch out, please? Zumino: Watch out? For what? Tenchi: (points to his mother and father, about to wipe out) That... Zumino: Uh oh...(is caught in the wake of Achika and Noboyuki's wipe out) WWWIIIPPPEE OOOUUUTTT!! Zumino was helpless as Noboyuki and Achika wiped out, taking the poor purple man with them. Everyone laughed, even Commander Hiroshi. Noboyuki was able to show Achika some impressive solo surfing moves. She was enjoying herself very much. Ryoko then tried doing doubles-surfing with Tenchi...unfortunately it didn't work, and she ended up with Ayeka as her partner. Kiyone looked like she was born on the beach. She, Mihoshi, Sasami, Kiyoko, Ryoko, Ayeka, Sakuya, Yugi, Washuu and Nagi looked great, since each of them had a swimsuit on. Of course, Nagi's swimsuit was the hottest one of all...much to Ryoko's angst. Yugi then sent Zumino back to where he came from. Then, after the honeymoon, everyone went home and ate a big, hearty meal Sasami had made, which seemed worthy of a five-star restaurant. A few hours later, it was finally time. Kiyoko had to say her final farewell. Kiyoko: Well, thanks to all of you, my last days on Earth were worthwhile. Goodbye, Ryoko. I'll never forget you. (holds Ryoko's hand, as the fatal slash begins to reappear) Ryoko: (cries) Goodbye, Kiyoko. I hope, that this time...you shall find peace. Kiyoko: (begins to cough up blood) Ayeka, Sasami, Tenchi, Sakuya, Washuu, Yugi...I would like to thank you all for helping me. Yugi: It was nothing. Ayeka: We'd do anything for a friend. Sasami: You meant a lot to Ayeka. That's why she and Ryoko decided to work together to help you. You mean a lot to both of them. Kiyoko: (smiles) That makes me so happy, Sasami. Tenchi: Are you sure you don't want Washuu to fix you up? She's really good at medical science. Kiyoko: (shakes her head) No, Tenchi. It's my time to go. Now that my dream to marry Hotsuma has finally come true, I can finally say that I have no more regrets...in my...life. (collapses, and is caught by Hotsuma) Hotsuma: Commander Hiroshi is going to take you to Jurai, where your funeral will take place. Everyone, including myself will be there. Kiyone and Mihoshi have already gone ahead, at Commander Hiroshi's orders. Kiyoko: (smiles, as her mouth bleeds) That makes me...happy...to hear...that. Achika: Goodbye, Kiyoko. Who knows? I might see you in Heaven, when I get back. Kiyoko: I know you will. All I've ever done in my entire life, was the right thing. Katzuhito: We'll miss you. Washuu: All of us...will miss you. Nagi: I never got the chance to say goodbye, last time you died. (shakes Kiyoko's hand) Now, I do. Goodbye...Kiyoko. You're a good rival, and a worthy opponent. Kiyoko: Thanks, guys. (coughs up blood again) With friends like you, I know I'll pass away...without regrets. RyoOhki: (sadly meows) Meooow... KenOhki: (sadly meows, as well) Mmmeeeooowww... Kiyoko: (smiles, and looks at the cabbits) I could never...forget about you guys, either. I'll...miss you, too. Washuu: Take care, Kiyoko. Sakuya: (cries) Goodbye. Kiyoko: Goodbye, everybody. (looks at Hotsuma) And as for you...do you promise to turn yourself in, so you can serve out your time? Hotsuma: I will. That's a promise. Everything I did, was in your memory. Whether it was taking Ryoko away from the Earth, or battling against Kagato...I did it all for you. Kiyoko: Thank you...my love. (kisses Hotsuma) Kiyoko closed her eyes, and kissed Hotsuma for a whole minute. After she kissed her husband, she bid him farewell, and died. This time, for good. Hotsuma: I'll never forget you, my dearest wife. Kiyoko: (smiles) I'll...never forget you, either. (closes her eyes) Goodbye, my love. (dies) And so, it was done. Once again, Kiyoko had passed away. Only this time, she could finally rest in peace. Commander Hiroshi took her body with him to the ship, and bade everyone goodbye, until the funeral. Commander Hiroshi: Goodbye, Kiyoko. You were an exceptional niece. (picks her body up) Alright, I'm going ahead for planet Jurai. The funeral will occur in three days. I hope you can make it. Washuu: Don't worry, Commander. I'll just set my dimensional tunnel's reach to "interplanetary," and we'll be ready for her funeral, in no time. Commander Hiroshi: (smiles) Thanks. I knew I could count on all of you. (looks at Hotsuma) Hotsuma? Hotsuma: Yes? Commander Hiroshi: I never lost faith in you, son. I knew, that one day, you and some friends of yours would be able to unite and stop Kagato. You've all made me proud. (boards the ship) Goodbye, son. Hotsuma: (waves goodbye) Goodbye, sir! See you in three days! And so, Commander Hiroshi's ship blasted off, and headed for planet Jurai, where the funeral will be held. Little did anyone know, there would also be two ceremonies, as well. Check in with us to see Sakuya and Yugi become knights, as Azaka, and their father dub them personally. Also, watch for a ceremony where the ones who destroyed Kagato get medals of honor, as they are declared heroes. Until next time. To Be Continued...