From: "Jason Boaz" Subject: Chapter 4: Secrets Revealed! The Return of Hotsuma! Date: Monday, July 15, 2002 5:17 PM Chapter 4: Secrets Revealed! The Return of Hotsuma! After Tenchi had retrieved the sword, he realized that Kagato would have to be fought to the finish. His suspicions were confirmed by hiss grandfather, who revealed himself to be Yosho, the Legendary Warrior of Jurai. Grandpa: Tenchi, you must fight Kagato, to save everyone on Earth. He is a very dangerous man, and he must be stopped. Tenchi: Yes...I realize that, Grandpa. But there are a few things I need to know, first. How does he know you so well? Were you and he friends once? Is there any way to convince him to change his ways? Grandpa: All of the questions you asked are very good ones, Tenchi. And they deserve to be answered. First. we have to check on Ryoko, and see how she's doing. Tenchi: Alright. Without delay, Tenchi, along with everyone else went into the house, and saw Ryoko in the kitchen. She was drinking some Sake, and seemed to look much better. Washuu was there, too. Ayeka then shown her how glad she was to see her recover...in her own way. Ayeka: Well, it looks like you're back to your old self, Ryoko. It's so nice to see you're still a slacker. But, one thing's for sure. How you managed to recover so quickly is way beyond me. (winks) Ryoko: Well, Ayeka, you'll have to ask Washuu about that one. Washuu immediately told everyone how she affected Ryoko's speedy recovery. Washuu: Well, that was easy. The damage Kagato had done on her shoulder wasn't as bad as it first looked. I patched up her wounds, at my lab, and now she's as good as new. She didn't even go through any anesthetics. No, sir. She's really tough. Nagi: That's good to hear. You really are a genius, Washuu...not only in science, but in the medical field, as well. Washuu: Thanks, Nagi. Not only am I the number one genius scientist in the universe, I also have a PhD in medicine, as well. I'm one heck of a doctor. Kiyone: You really are amazing, Little Washuu. Washuu: (laughs) I sure am. Nagi: Well, we have a few hours until we meet up with Kagato. We might as well eat. Yugi: Good Idea. I am kind of famished, myself. After all, I've slept for a few months, and boy, am I hungry. What do you guys say? Shall we go eat? Everyone: Yeah, Yugi! Let's eat. Sasami: Alright! Yugi's eating with us! I'm so happy. Sasami prepared a big lunch for everyone, and in about an hour, it was time for lunch. Since it wasn't time to fight, right now, everyone was in their casual clothes...except for Nagi, of course. Nagi then explained the entire reason she was around, at that point. Nagi: Ryoko, I have to be frank with you. The reason I've come here isn't entirely to help you. That makes up at least half of it. Ryoko: I thought as much. Why are you here, Nagi? Nagi: In return for my services against Kagato, I wish to take in either you, or Hotsuma. Ryoko was in disbelief, and wondered why Nagi thought Hotsuma was still alive. Ryoko: Why do you think Hotsuma is still around, Nagi?! Nagi: Well...I was expecting confirmation of his demise from you, right after the batte you and he most likely had. It never came. That's why I think he might still be alive. If that's true, and he's around, I might...be convinced to take him in, instead of you...this time. Ryoko: Is that so? Ryoko, not wanting to be taken in by Nagi, asked Yugi if she could resurrect Hotsuma, so she'd be off the hook. Ryoko: (whispers to Yugi) Yugi, could you do me a favor? Yugi: (whispers to Ryoko) Sure Ryoko. What do you need? Ryoko: (whispers to Yugi) Could you bring Hotsuma back to life? He could be my key to avoiding being caught by Nagi for a while. Yugi: (whispers to Ryoko) Sure thing. It's been awhile, but I think I can manage to do that. Just leave it to me. Ryoko: (whispers to Yugi) Alright. Ryoko then told Nagi that Yugi will find Hotsuma for her, and he'll be there shortly. Ryoko: Well, Nagi, this is your lucky day. Yugi here will find Hotsuma and bring him here. Sound good to you? NagI: Yeah. I suppose it does. Alright, then. Yugi, bring Hotsuma here, alright? Yugi: Right. Yugi then went outside, so she could bring Hotsuma back to life. Tenchi managed to catch the little conversation Yugi and Ryoko had. He asked Ryoko what was going on. Tenchi: (whispers to Ryoko) Are you crazy, Ryoko? Why aren't you telling Nagi that you killed Hotsuma? Ryoko: (whispers to Tenchi) Look, Tenchi...It might be better if she didn't know. Besides...for a long time, now, I felt as if I met Hotsuma sometime before we even met....but I just can't seem to remember where I met him. Tenchi: (whispers to Ryoko) I get it. You need him to jog your memory. Ryoko: (whispers to Tenchi) That's about the size of it. At that moment, Yugi used her powers to bring Hotsuma back to life. Little did anyone know, at the time, he would play an even bigger role than anyone would realize. Anyone, that is..except Yugi and Kagato himself. Yugi: Hotsuma...I call upon you, from the great beyond. Arise, and live again!! With a flash of light, Hotsuma was instentaneously brought back to life. He was in his human form, and was glad to see Yugi. Little did he know, Yugi had changed quite a bit. Hotsuma: Mistress Yugi...I'm so glad to see you again. Why have you brought me back? Are we going to initiate your master plan? Yugi: I'm afraid you're greatly mistaken, Hotsuma. I no longer want to create my own world....that was wrong. Hotsuma: WHAT?! If you don't want to make your own world, then why did you bring me back?! What do you intend to do? Yugi: We need your help, to fight against Kagato. In return, you must either turn yourself in to Nagi, or I'll allow Ryoko to kill you again. Hotsuma was aghast. He couldn't believe how much Yugi had changed so much. Also, when he heard the mention of Kagato's name, it brought out a reaction nobody but Yugi could expect. Hotsuma: WHAT THE?! You've changed so much, Yugi...you're not as I remembered you...and did you say you want me to help fight Kagato?! You don't know what a monster he is! He took away the one woman I loved the most, in case you've forgotten! Yugi: (Oh my god...I didn't think he'd still carry that grudge with Kagato, after all this time. I guess it's true what they say...old wounds never heal.) I never forgotten that, Hotsuma. So, cheer up. Besides, if you help us, you might have the opportunity to avenge the death of the one you loved. And please...don't mention anything about your death to Nagi...alright? After all, I promised you I'd help you fight against Kagato. And, I'm going to keep my word. Hotsuma: I guess...I have no choice in the matter. I'll help you, then...for Kiyoko's sake. (smiles a bit) And...I'm glad you never forgot your promise. Yugi: Thanks. I knew you'd come around. You're my first friend. I'd never abandon you. You were right about me changing. I did change...for the better. The void in my life has finally been lifted. I have a lot of friends, now. And you'll always be one of them. Hotsuma: Thanks...I guess. Where do you want me to go? Yugi: To the kicthen. It's lunchtime. Come on, and eat. Hotsuma: Okay. Soon enough, Yugi came back into the kitchen, where everyone was waiting. Hotsuma went with her. Nagi greeted Hotsuma rather cryptically. Nagi: So...the bounty hunter turned Space Pirate is still alive. I'll bet Ryoko gave you what for, though...eh, Hotsuma? Hotsuma: You'd win that bet, Nagi. She practically wiped the floor with me. Ryoko: Well, well...it's so nice to see you, again, scumbag. How was your...trip, Hotsuma? Hotsuma: (Ugh! After all this time, you still don't remember me, do you, Ryoko?! Well, you can't hide from the truth, anymore. I'll have to reveal everything to you...even if it means telling you about my shame...and of my failure.) Don't you dare talk to me like that, Ryoko! Don't you remember what I went through?! Because of Kagato, I lost the only woman I ever loved!! How could you forget me, and who I was?! We all fought hard, but in the end...it wasn't enough to save her life!! Those words stirred Ryoko's memory, and, after all this time, she had finally remembered a horrible incident which happened four years ago. Ryoko: Wait a second...now I remember you. You were Kiyoko's boyfriend, weren't you? I knew I remembered you from somewhere! You were that bounty hunter who Kagato was going to kill, along with me...and...and...she sacrificed herself to save us both. Hotsuma: That's me, alright. I'm glad you finally remember me, Ryoko. For a couple of years, now...I was insulted that you had forgotten about me! Ryoko: I was in a lot of pain, Hotsuma! When I met Tenchi...I decided to forget some of my pain...I may have even decided to forget about you...but I never forgot our oath. Do you remember what we swore we'd do for Kiyoko, as she died? Hotsuma: (looks down) Yes...I do. We swore we'd carry on the fight against Kagato without her. We owe her that much. Ryoko: Yeah. We do...and Hotsuma? Hotsuma: Yeah? Ryoko: I'm sorry I said you were heartless...and I'm sorry I said you'd never know what true love was like. I was wrong. And...I'm sorry I was cruel to you. Kiyoko wouldn't want us to fight each other. Hotsuma: Apology accepted, Ryoko. Though you're STILL a barbarian. Tenchi, who couldn't believe that Hotsuma had a connection with Ryoko's past, wondered how she knew Hotsuma. Tenchi: Huh? How in the world do you know Hotsuma? And who is this Kiyoko? What does this have to do with Kagato? Ryoko: Well, before I tell you that, I think we should listen to your Grandpa's story, first. After all, he is the Legendary Warrior of Jurai. Tenchi: That might be a good idea. Grandpa: Agreed. Then, I will tell you the tale of how Kagato was banished from Jurai. Now, listen well, for what I am about to tell you really happened. And so, Yosho told everyone the tale of how Kagato went from being a noble of Jurai's Royal Family, to how he was banished from Jurai. Yosho: You see, Kagato was a man with the most amazing potential. He was of noble birth, his family tree being that of Jurai's Royal Family. He was extraordinarily gfted, both in swordsmanship and academics. He was a wonderful man, and it would have been he who was praised as the Legendary Warrior. If only he had not allowed himself to change so much by the Jurai Power, the incredible power that belongs to Jurai's Royal Family, the dominator of all Galaxies. Ayeka: The secret of our family's absolute strength lies in this Jurai Power. Tenchi: I see. Can you describe it, grandpa? Grandpa: Yes. I can, Tenchi. It is the mysterious power given by the gods, the mightiest power in the universe, that denies any elucidation by human intelligence...that is the Jurai Power. Tenchi Family: Ooohhh. Yosho: The man became fascinated and obssessed with the power. He became a prisoner of it, the power being far too immense for him to resist...and there was nothing that could stop his ambition. Whoever stood in his way never lived to tell about it. Washuu: How horrible! What happened next, Lord Katzuhito? Katzuhito: Kagato, in a bout of supremacy, declared he would overthrow the Royal Family, and become its emperor. the King of Jurai enlisted me to stop him. In a long, and taxing battle, I fought his two knights, who were in on the coup-de-tat. After I beat them, I faced Kagato himself...and won. Kiyone: AMAZING! What happened after that? Yosho: After I beat him, Kagato and his knights were tried, and found guilty of conspiracy, and manslaughter. They were sentenced to banishment from Jurai...forever. It was at that time, I felt I should live my life in peace, in another planet. I asked the King if I could leave Jurai, and live out my days in a distant world, where I might find peace, and a cause worthy enough to fight for. He agreed. And so, I left Jurai, never to return. Yugi: That was a brilliant story! A classic tale of how good triumphs over evil! Sasami: You said it, Yugi. Hotsuma: Well, It's my turn, I'll tell my tale, next. Yosho: Alright. But, before Hotsuma could even start, his stomach growled. In fact, EVERYONE'S stomach growled. Hotsuma: (stomach growls) Oh, boy...I'd better save my tale, until after we eat. Tenchi Family, Nagi, and Yugi: Good idea. And so, Yugi, who was the newest member of the "Tenchi Family," ate happily with her friends. After they ate, everyone was now ready to make preparations to attack the Souja. What preparations will be made to face Kagato? Who is Kiyoko? What is her link with Hotsuma and Ryoko? How did she die? And what of Hotsuma? What is the story about him, Ryoko and Kiyoko about? The answers and more will be discovered as this story continues. To Be Continued...