From: "Jason Boaz" Subject: Chapter 6: Tragedy In Space! The Death of Tenchi? Date: Monday, July 15, 2002 5:21 PM Five Hours have passed since Kagato had encountered Yosho. The time to fight has finally fallen upon the Tenchi Family. Everyone was in their combat attire. All they needed now was some transportation. Nagi and Ryoko had some ideas which everyone agreed upon. Tenchi: Alright, guys. It's time to square off against Kagato. But before we can even go, how are we going to get there? Ryoko: Nagi and I...have an idea, Tenchi. Tenchi: (WHAT?! Nagi agreeing with Ryoko about an idea of attack? What's this world coming to?) Alright, Nagi...what's your idea? Nagi: The plan is simplicity in itself, Tenchi. RyoOhki and KenOhki have the ability to add to their own might by drawing on the power of another ship. (shakes her fist) When they combine forces, both ships become stronger! Tenchi: WOW! That's great! What ships are we going to use? Ayeka: We agreed on using RyuOh and the Mini-Souja. Tenchi: But I thought RyuOh was destroyed by lightning. Ayeka: That is where you are wrong, Tenchi. Only RyuOh's exterior was destroyed. The cockpit itself, however, remained undamaged. Tenchi: AMAZING! I never knew that. Kiyone: Mihoshi and I will be in Yagami. Ryoko and Ayeka will be in RyoOhki. Hotsuma will be in the Mini-Souja, while Nagi and Yugi pilot KenOhki. Tenchi: That's a good plan, Kiyone. All of you have conferred on this, huh? Mihoshi: That's right. All we have to do, is get our ships inside Kagato's Souja. We'll have to be ready for a full-fledged space battle. Hotsuma: I'll have to admit, even though Ryoko can be a barbarian, likes to drink too much and loves to wreck things, she can be quite the tactician. Ryoko was about to wail on Hotsuma when she remembered the full extent of their mission...with a reminder from Hotsuma. By now, she was in her red-and-black outfit...which was in Form 1. Ryoko: (grabs Hotsuma by the collar) Grrrr! Listen, Hotsuma! I don't have time to listen to your insults!! Hotsuma: You're right, Ryoko...we have to save Kiyoko. If we do that, she can rest in peace. Ryoko: (lets go of Hotsuma) You're right, Hotsuma. Come on. Let's go. (looks at Tenchi) Tenchi, you'll be manning RyuOh. Tenchi: Right. And so, the Tenchi Family and their allies had RyoOhki and KenOhki transform into their spaceship mode. RyoOhki used a tractor beam to raise RyuOh's cockpit into it's main spike, thus joining with it. KenOhki did the same with the Mini-Souja. Yugi was awed by this capability. Yugi: Whoa! This is awesome. Kagato is definitely going down! Nagi: Mmm hmm. And, thanks to KenOhki's shields and independent fuel supply...the Mini-Souja's fatal flaw shall be rectified. Yugi: (whispers to Ryoko) I have a bad feeling about this battle, Ryoko. I fear one of us might be in great danger. Ryoko: (whispers to Yugi) Don't worry, Yugi. Everything will be fine...(has a look of concern on her face) Actually, I have the same bad feeling you've got. I just can't admit it to Tenchi. I fear the worst might happen to him. Yugi: (whispers to Ryoko) So do I. If Tenchi gets blasted into space, which I fear might happen, we'll need all the help we can get to save him. Also, we'll need someone to take his place, in his absence. Ryoko: (whispers to Yugi) You've read my mind like a book, Yugi. I too, am worried about Tenchi. Tell me...has Sakuya changed as much as you have? Yugi: (whispers to Ryoko) Yes. She has. My father and Azaka trained both of us, during these last few months. Ryoko: (whispers to Yugi) Good. We just might need her help. Tenchi, who was determined to stop Kagato, told his friends it was time to go. Tenchi: Everyone, it's time that we went. Tenchi Family, Hotsuma and Nagi: Right. Tenchi boarded RyuOh through a teleportation beam. Ryoko and Ayeka boarded RyoOhki. Nagi and Yugi boarded KenOhki, while Hotsuma boarded the Mini-Souja. Kiyone and Mihoshi called on Yagami, which had came out of the repair bay a few months ago. Two weeks ago, Mihoshi wanted it repainted in red, to match her bow...Kiyone agreed wholeheartedly, since it was also the color of her headband. And so, their main ship was painted red. Kiyone: (holds up her control cube) YAGAMI!! (sees Yagami come out of orbit) Mihoshi: WHOA! Yagami looks better than ever, Kiyone! It matches the color of your headband perfectly. Kiyone:Thanks. I think I might wear this thing, all the time. It kind of gives me an edge...an edge my old outfit never had. Mihoshi: YEAH! Let's go! In no time at all, Kiyone and Mihoshi boarded Yagami, and took off into Earth's orbit. KenOhki and RyoOhki were close behind hauling their cargo...which doubled their speed, as well as their firepower. Meanwhile, inside the Souja, Kagato was notified of five ships in the area. Tessei: SIR! Radar's picking up five ships exiting the Earth's atmosphere! They're heading straight for us! Kagato: Ah...it has to be the boy and his friends...right on schedule. They've come as I knew they would. (looks at Tetta and Tessei) Tetta! Tessei! Battle stations! Prepare to...(smiles evilly) "greet" our guests. Tetta & Tessei: Yes, sir! Kagato: (thinking to himself) Now...we'll see how good you truly are, boy. At that moment, RyoOhki and KenOhki caught sight of the Souja on their radar, as did Yagami. Tenchi, and Hotsuma mobilized their attack units. Nagi: RYOKO! Radar's picking up a gigantic ship coming from our port side! It's the Souja! Ryoko: I expected as much. Kagato's going for a full frontal assault. Let's not keep him waiting! Ayeka: RIGHT! (speaks to Tenchi) Tenchi...mobilize the primary weapon systems at once, just like I've shown you! Tenchi: Roger! Yugi: Hotsuma, you'd better do the same. Hotsuma: Got it! Kiyone then appeared on the screen, telling her friends that Yagami was armed and ready. Kiyone: (appears on screen) Kiyone here. Yagami is armed and ready! Tenchi: All systems are go! Hotsuma: Weapon systems are armed, aimed and ready for combat! Ryoko: And now...all we can do is fight...and pray. Yugi knew that she had to do everything in her power to help complete the mission...and to protect Tenchi. So she prayed to the long dead Empress Hinosei for help. Yugi: (kneels and prays) Empress Hinosei, former sovereign ruler of Jurai, and dearly departed friend, I beseech you. Please ensure that we all make it out alive...also...please take good care of Tenchi. Watch over him and protect him. Thank you. Hotsuma looked at Yugi, who was praying, and realized what she and Ryoko had realized...that Tenchi might be in mortal danger. Hotsuma: (thinks to himself, and is uneasy) Oh no...Yugi's praying to the long dead Empress Hinosei to protect Tenchi...that means...we're in big trouble. Ryoko...you should've stayed in space with ME! That way, you wouldn't have to go through the same heartache I went through! The question is...what will you do about it...if something happens to Tenchi? (Thinks about Kiyoko) Kiyoko, please forgive me for my past misdeeds. Ryoko and Nagi were ready to attack. They gave the word to fire on the Souja. At the same time, Ayeka and Yugi told Hotsuma and Tenchi to strike. Even Kiyone and Mihoshi were ready. Ryoko: Alright, RyoOhki...OPEN FIRE! Nagi: KenOhki, FIRE! Yugi: Hotsuma, prepare to fire at the Souja! Hotsuma: Yes, ma'mm. Ayeka: Tenchi, prepare to fire the Thunder Flash Cannon, all systems maximum! We can't hold back! Tenchi: Got it, Ayeka! Kiyone: Mihoshi, fire the main weapons battery! There's no time for you to be a bubblehead. The fate of the Earth rests on us. Mihoshi: Understood, Kiyone. They won't know what hit them! And so, the five mighty ships began firing on Kagato. The shields of the mighty Souja held...but with a small amount of damage Kagato watched in amusement as his foes fought valiantly against him. Kagato: Would you look at that? Nagi and Ryoko have combined the might of RyuOh and that red factory reject with their own ships. (Laughs at the Mini-Souja) What a puny little ship! It pales in comparison with my Souja. (gloats about the Souja) Yes...I am the one who built this ship, and all you see on it. Every move you make, I will see through it...this I promise you. (turns on a transceiver) Tetta, Tessei...on my mark...FIRE! Tetta & Tessei: Yes, sir. The Souja began firing its eight cannons at Yagami, RyoOhki and KenOhki. Thanks to the added maneuverability of the Mini-Souja and RyuOh, they were able to dodge it with relative ease. In fact, Yagami evaded the lasers with little problems as well. Kiyone: He's firing all eight cannons at us! Evasive maneuvers! Ryoko: Right! Nagi: Roger! Kagato was impressed with what he seen. He knew that the greatest battle of his life was finally at hand. Kagato: Not bad. Very clever...using the added power of RyuOh and that red hunk of junk, RyoOhki and KenOhki were able to dodge our cannons about as quickly as Yagami did...and with minimal damage, too. (YES! Finally, the battle I've always wanted to fight is at last at hand!! None of the other battles were as exciting, or as exhilarating as the one I am participating in now! I will not hold back, on this one.) Hmmm...let's see how much damage our friends have given this ship. (sees Tessei on screen) Tessei...status report! Tessei: Sir...RyuOh's Thunder Flash Cannon has penetrated our shields...it's made an opening with which they can enter the ship with ease! Kagato: (So, that's their game. They're bringing the battle to me. Well, I won't disappoint them. Let them come...I'll just make their entry a little more interesting.) Tetta...Tessei...combine all eight cannons, and prepare to use them as our super cannon! They want a fight, they've got it. Prepare to open fire on RyuOh! I want to see what this boy is made of! Tetta and Tessei: YES, SIR! Back on Earth, Washuu was monitoring the battle...she was horrified to see the Souja getting ready to fire its main weapon...the super cannon! Washuu: OH NO! Kagato is going to fire the Souja's super cannon! Not even the combined power of all those ships can dodge it! From the looks of it, he's aimed the super cannon at Tenchi...(gasps in horror) HE'S GOING TO FIRE AT TENCHI! Sasami: OH NO! Katzuhito: What are we going to do?! Washuu: We pray that the shields built inside of Tenchi's suit will work! And, we might have to use my newest invention...to save him! Sasami: But how? Washuu holds a new device, and gives Sasami instructions on how to use it. Washuu: This...is my latest invention...the Necrophone. This specially modified megaphone has the ability to communicate with the dead. Sasami: Communicate...with the dead? Washuu: Yep. I've tested this baby out, and it was a complete success. (gives it to Sasami) Sasami, I need you to go to the graveyard at the Masaki Shrine. Once there, you must communicate with the spirit of Tenchi's mother. Katzuhito: You're talking about my daughter, Achika! Isn't that right, Washuu? Washuu: That's right, Lord Katzuhito. Using that device, Sasami must ask for Lady Achika's help! Only she can get Tenchi out of danger. The others will be able to hold their own, for awhile, but ultimately, they'll need Achika's help, as well as Tenchi's. Katzuhito: I understand, Washuu. Achika, my daughter, has a deep, caring heart. She also cannot stand injustice, and will do anything it takes to stand up for her family, and their future. She was able to destroy the evil being, known as Kain...with a little help from an unknown source, which she couldn't remember. From what she can remember, Kain wanted to destroy her...for some sinister purpose. Washuu: Hmmm...maybe that unknown source is US! YEAH! I'll bet this Kain character will escape from some sort of imprisonment soon, and will attempt to take out Achika while she was alive! I don't know who he is, or why he'll be after your daughter...but I bet that the others and I will be instrumental to Kain's destruction! Anyway, let's worry about this guy, later. (looks at Sasami) Sasami, you must go to the shrine, right away! It takes 15 minutes to get there! You'll have to go, now! Kagato is going to fire on RyuOh ANY SECOND! We have to be READY! It's all up to you, now. Sasami: RIGHT! (runs out of the lab, and out of the house, and starts heading for the shrine) Hang on, Tenchi! I'm going to help you! Without hesitation, Sasami ran outside the house, and headed for the shrine in great haste. Meanwhile, back in space, all eight of the Souja's cannons started powering up. Ayeka wondered what Kagato was doing...Ryoko and Nagi knew all too well. Ayeka: The Souja's doing something really weird...what is it doing? Ryoko: That bastard! He's going to fire his super cannon! Ayeka: We have to dodge it! Nagi: There's no way to avoid it! EVERYONE! Brace yourselves for impact!! Mihoshi: OH NO!! We're all going to die! Kiyone: No we won't, Mihoshi! We'll survive! (turns to the screen) EVERYONE, SHIELDS AT MAXIMUM POWER! Everyone powered up the shields of their individual ships, to protect them from the attack. It was at that time Kagato gave the order to fire. Tessei: Sir! They've got their shields up! They're expecting our shot! Kagato: No matter. No shield is capable of deflecting the super cannon! Now...FIRE! As Kagato gave the order, all eight cannons combined power and created a gigantic blast. A blast so powerful, it incapacitated RyuOh's Shields and totally destroyed the ship itself. Nothing was left but wreckage. Ryoko and Ayeka felt the shockwaves from the explosion. At first, it looked as though everyone was okay...until Nagi notified Ayeka of RyuOh's floating remains. Ryoko: (is getting shaken around) Ughhh! What a way to go! Please stop this washing machine! Ayeka: Yes. S...s...s...stop this crazy thing! Ryoko: (feels the turbulence stop) Well. That's that. (turns to Ayeka) Ayeka...you've watched TOO MANY American cartoons with Sasami and Mihoshi! That line was from the Jetsons, for cryin' out loud!! Ayeka: And what's it to you, you insipid mountain troll?! Ryoko and Ayeka: Gggrrr... Kiyone: (appears on screen) Enough, already. The point is we're okay. Ayeka: Well...I think Kiyone's right. I mean...all of us survived that blast, didn't we? Nagi: (appears on RyoOhki's screen, horrified and worried) Not all of us...LOOK! (points to a window) Kiyone: Oh no... Mihoshi: It can't be... Ayeka: (gasps in terror) No...RyuOh! Kagato's destroyed RyuOh! But...what about Lord Tenchi? Did he survive the blast? Ryoko: That's what I'm gonna find out! Stay here, Ayeka! I'm going out! Ayeka: But why you? Why can't I go? Ryoko: Because...my race of people are able to survive in space without the use of spacesuits. You'd die in the airless vacuum. No...I cannot let you risk your life out there. Ayeka: I understand. Go look for Tenchi. Ryoko: I'll do my best. Ayeka: And Ryoko... Ryoko: Yes? Ayeka: If you had this power, all along...WHY did you go in that ridiculous space suit Washuu made for ALL of US, when we retrieved RyoOhki on the moon? Ryoko: It was Washuu's fault! She INSISTED I should "look the part." I NEVER got to tell her I didn't need the dumb cabbit-shaped suit. Ayeka: I see. Ryoko? Ryoko: What now, Princess prissy pants? Ayeka: (smiles slightly) Good luck. Ryoko: Thanks. Yugi: (watches Ryoko exit from RyoOhki on KenOhki's monitor) Oh no...Tenchi! (Washuu, your shield HAS to work!) Empress Hinosei, if you heard my prayers...please...show me you've answered them! PLEASE! Show me a sign! As Yugi looked outside, she saw a shooting star, and was filled with hope. She now knew Empress Hinosei has heard her, and will do everything in her power to help Tenchi. Yugi: Thank you, Empress Hinosei...for answering my prayers. (Tenchi may be down...but he's not out yet! I guess its time to bring Sakuya out...for good. Father...we WILL make you proud! At one time, I considered Sakuya to be my creation, nothing more...but now...I know she's much more...she's my sister, in a way. I KNOW we will triumph over the darkness!) Hotsuma? Hotsuma: (appears on screen) Yes? Yugi: Do you have the same ability Ryoko has? The ability to survive in space without a spacesuit? Hotsuma: Yes, Mistress Yugi. I do. Ryoko and I were born on the same planet. Planet Ryuten. Yugi: Good. Then go out there and console her as best as you can. Hotsuma: Yes, mistress. Yugi: And Hotsuma? Hotsuma: Yes? Yugi: You're a free man, now, remember? I'm no longer your master. Just call me Yugi, ok? Hotsuma: Alright. Whatever you say, Yugi...uhh...do I still keep the powers you've given me? Yugi: (laughs) Of course, you can, old friend! They're still yours. Hotsuma: Thank you. Over and out. (goes outside) Nagi: I just hope...that Tenchi has, at least...the most remote chance of survival. Yugi: No worries. Tenchi WILL survive. I'm certain of it. Nagi: I hope you're right. Meanwhile, Ryoko flew out into the wreckage of RyuOh. She looked around desperately until...she found something horrifying. All she could find was a piece of scarf from Tenchi's battle suit...covered in blood. Ryoko: No...Tenchi! NO! Just then, inside the Souja, Kagato was celebrating...yet, at the same time, he hoped some phenomenon could save Tenchi. Kagato: YES! (laughs triumphantly) Direct hit! Tetta: We sure showed them, master! Tessei: Should we expect them to continue their attack, sir? Kagato: Yes. Now that one of their own is down, my enemies will be more determined to destroy me than ever. (As for you, boy...did you die in that blast? Or, did you somehow survive? Knowing Washuu, she must've prepared for such a contingency. Hopefully, someone or SOMETHING will save him, then I will have the battle I always wanted. Good luck boy...you'll need all of it to survive the vacuum of space long enough to be rescued.) Back outside, Ryoko grabbed the scarf in despair. As she did, Hotsuma came, and tried to help her deal with it as best as he can. Like Ryoko, he is able to withstand the vacuum of space. Ryoko: (cries, and holds the piece of scarf close to her face) Tenchi...no...you can't be dead, you just CAN'T BE! (Now...I have lost both my best friend, and the one who was closest to my heart! Kagato shall DIE for THIS! And this time...I have friends who can help me. Ayeka, Kiyone, Mihoshi, and Yugi. Yes...I even have the help of Hotsuma, Nagi and Sakuya, those who were my arch rivals! Of course, Nagi still IS my arch rival. Together...we will destroy you.) Hotsuma: (appears next to Ryoko) I'm sorry, Ryoko. (looks at her in despair) Now you see...now you see the true reason I took you away from the Earth! I didn't want you to suffer as I have suffered. (places his hand on her shoulder) I'm sorry, Ryoko. I know how much Tenchi meant to you. (shakes his head sadly) There's nothing we can do for him, now. Ryoko: (looks at Hotsuma with an expression of understanding, and stops crying) Thank you, Hotsuma...but you're wrong. There IS something we can do for him! Hotsuma: And what is that? Ryoko: Avenge his death...at the hands of that fiend, Kagato. He's killed his last innocent! We must press on! It's what Tenchi would want...and it's what SHE would've wanted. Hotsuma: (floats away a bit) You're right. It's too late to turn back, now. We have to keep fighting...for Kiyoko, and for Tenchi. Hotsuma flew a couple feet away from Ryoko, who swore she'd make Kagato pay for what he did to Kiyoko and Tenchi...with his life. As she did, she clenched the piece of scarf tightly with her fist. Ryoko: Kagato...you have stolen the ones who were most precious to me...and I swear I shall make you pay. (yells out in rage) YOU WILL PPPAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!! Will Ryoko and her friends be able to avenge the wrongs done to Tenchi and Kiyoko? Can they destroy Kagato, now that one among their number is missing? And, is Tenchi truly dead? Or, can he possibly be alive, and if so, who will be able to rescue him? One question leads to another, and only time will tell who will win the day. Now that Tenchi is out of the battle, Sakuya must make her comeback...but, is she ready to face Kagato? And, will Sasami contact the deceased Lady Achika in time? Only time will tell. To Be Continued...