Prologue: Ryoko Faces Despair! The Death of Kiyoko!! Date: Monday, July 15, 2002 5:04 PM Any lines derived from the multitude of episodes from the Tenchi Muyo shows are used for non-profit, entertainment purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several years ago, before Ryoko knew Tenchi, she was a space pirate. She wanted to go on her way up, so she joined forces with Kagato, the Eternally Most Wanted Criminal in the universe, and became his partner. Little did she know, the stories of his brutal acts against people and artifacts were all true. Around the same time, her best friend, Kiyoko, had met a man named Hotsuma. Both of them were bounty hunters. Kiyoko was assigned to be Hotsuma's partner. In about a couple of months, they flew up the ranks, and were nearly caught up with Nagi's rank as the best bounty hunter of all time. In no time at all, they fell in love. It was around that time they received orders to apprehend Kagato. Commander: Kiyoko, Hotsuma...the time has come to prove your mettle. This will be the greatest assignment the two of you have ever tackled. I'm sending you after Kagato. Hotsuma: Kagato, sir? But he's destroyed countless fleets of Galaxy Police ships without even breaking a sweat. Commander: Don't worry. Using Gaiyan and its stealth mode capability, you and Kiyoko will be able to do what a fleet can't...slip in unnoticed. Hotsuma: I see. Where is he, then, sir? Commander: We've located him and his ship in Sector G-2. Kiyoko: Sector G-2...that's where planet Syris 3 is. It's a Juraian territory. Commander: Right. We've got permission from Ayeka, the First Princess of Jurai to enter that planet's system. It seems that Ryoko is there, too. Kiyoko: Ummm...what did Princess Ayeka say about this? Commander: See for yourself. As he spoke, the commander of the Galaxy Police branch which sanctions bounty hunters shown Kiyoko and Hotsuma a recording of what Ayeka said to him in a conversation he had with her earlier. Ayeka: (on a video recording) You have my permission to go to Juraian Territory so you can apprehend that most dangerous fiend, Kagato. Commander: Yes, ma'mm. And what about Ryoko? Ayeka: I want you to deal with that dumb Ryoko--bang bang, thug thug, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze...UNTIL SHE'S FINISHED!! Commander: Uhh...Yes, ma'mm. We'll be right on it. And as the playback ended, Kiyoko looked distressed. Hotsuma: You look worried, Kiyoko. What's wrong? Kiyoko: It's nothing, Hotsuma. I just wonder if it's possible to take Ryoko in alive, that's all. Commander: Don't worry. Your orders are to take her alive. I know how you feel about her, Kiyoko. Kiyoko: Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Commander: Good. Now go, and do your best. Hotsuma and Kiyoko: Yes, sir. And so, Gaiyan went into hyperdrive and advanced towards Syris 3. Sometime later on the planet's surface, Ryoko was having a falling-out with Kagato. Ryoko: How could you do it, Kagato?! Those people were innocents! Most of them were women and children! The rumors I heard about you were true, after all! You ARE cruel and inhumane! Kagato: Hmph. Is that so? Those people were in my way. They got what they deserved. Ryoko: THAT'S IT, KAGATO! We're through! I can't take it anymore! Our partnership is over! You have to realize that I'm no pawn! I'm a human being...just like those you've mercilessly slaughtered! Kagato: (lifts an eyebrow) Human being? Compared the infinite will of the universe, human feelings amount to little nothing more than dust. Still...if you don't want to be my partner, anymore, so be it. I'll let you go. Ryoko: Really? You'll let me go? Kagato then answered Ryoko's question by igniting his energy sword, and he then threatened to kill her. RyoOhki, her cabbit, got angry with him and tried to attack, only to be knocked back by a really mean backhand. Kagato: Yes, Ryoko. (ignites his sword) I'll let you go...into the afterlife. Ryoko: (horrified) NO! I won't let you! (looks at RyoOhki) Get him, RyoOhki! RyoOhki: REEOOWWRR! (jumps onto Kagato's face, biting and clawing) Kagato: (disgusted) Get off of me, you stupid beast! (knocks RyoOhki off of him) RyoOhki: mmeooww... Ryoko: RyoOhki! NO!! Kagato: Are you worried about losing her, Ryoko? Never fear...she'll rejoin you, shortly. After all...you won't be alone in the next life. And now, I bid you farewell! (prepares to do a fatal slash at Ryoko) But, as Kagato prepared to deliver the final blow on Ryoko, the saber of a bounty hunter severed Kagato's sword hand. The one who chopped off his hand...was Kiyoko. For some reason, Hotsuma did not yet understand why his girlfriend saved Ryoko. As he looked on, Kagato's old hand vaporized. Kagato: (sees his hand get sliced off) What the?! Who did that?! (sees Kiyoko) Kiyoko: I did. Got a problem? Ryoko: Kiyoko...am I glad to see you. Kiyoko: Still getting up to your neck in trouble, I see. Ryoko: You know how it is...same old, same old. Hotsuma: Wait a second, Kiyoko...you know her? Kiyoko: Of course I do, Hotsuma. She's my best friend. We've known each other since childhood. I wasn't the only one who knew her for that long, though. Ayeka has a history with her, too. That's why she got so unhinged on that recorded conversation. She and Ryoko are childhood rivals. Hotsuma: I see...no wonder Ayeka wanted her done in...(is a bit confused) Ryoko: Ummm...excuse me, Kiyoko, but who is this guy? Kiyoko: (slaps herself on the face) Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Ryoko! Forgive me for being so rude. I'd like you to meet Hotsuma. He's my boyfriend. Ryoko and RyoOhki looked at Kiyoko with disbelief. As they gaped with their mouths wide open, Kagato interrupted them, so the battle would begin. Ryoko: Your...B...B...B...BOYFRIEND?! (mouth gapes open) RyoOhki: (with her mouth gaping open, as well) Reow...M...M...M...MEOW MEOW? Kagato: Excuse me, ladies, but can we just get on with it, already? All this girl talk bores me. (regenerates his hand) Kiyoko: So, you want to be beaten that badly, huh? (puts her saber away, and gets out her pistol) Kagato, you have been charged with the theft and destruction of countless priceless artifacts, the slaughter of numerous innocent people, and the annihilation of several fleets of Galaxy Police spaceships! I hereby place you under arrest! Kagato: You really think you can arrest me, don't you? Very well, then. Let's get started. (reenergizes his energy sword) As Kiyoko challenged him, Kagato regenerated his hand and reenergized his energy sword. As he did this, Kiyoko got her sword out again. Then, the began to fight a vicious battle. Kiyoko starts off with a vertical slash, which was parried easily. She then used a decapitation move, which was blocked by Kagato's sword. He then blasted her with energy, and knocked her over. Kiyoko: (puts up her pistol and unsheathes her sword) So, you want to play rough, huh? Alright then! LET'S GO! (executes a vertical slash) Kagato: I don't think so. (parries the blow) Kiyoko: How does this grab you? (slices at Kagato's head) Kagato: It doesn't. (blocks the blow and floors Kiyoko with an energy blast.) Kiyoko: OOHH! (is floored) OOPH! When Kiyoko went down, Ryoko stepped in, followed by Hotsuma. Both were knocked aside by a blast from Kagato's hand. Ryoko: Kiyoko! NO! (looks at Kagato and lunges at him) You'll pay for this! Hotsuma: Stand back, Ryoko! He's mine! (lunges at Kagato as well) Kagato: Oh, please...(blasts them both) Hotsuma: UUMPH! (is knocked down) Ryoko: URRGH! (is floored) After Kagato floored his other two opponents, he resolved to kill them both. Kagato: How the mighty have fallen. Too bad. I almost thought you were worthy opponents. Now, it's time for you and this bounty hunter to perish. Farewell, Ryoko. It's been fun. (raises his sword to kill Hotsuma and Ryoko) As Kagato raises his sword and prepares to deliver the fatal slash that could kill both Hotsuma and Ryoko, Kiyoko decided that there was only one thing to do...sacrifice her life for her friend, and her lover. Kiyoko: (to herself) Dammit! Kagato's going to kill Ryoko and Hotsuma unless I do something. There's no other choice. My life isn't important. Their lives are. I must sacrifice my life, so they can live. And so, with her decision made, Kiyoko made the ultimate sacrifice. Lunging into the path of Kagato's sword, she pushed Ryoko and Hotsuma away. In doing so, she takes the fatal slash meant for them. Kiyoko: NOOO! You won't kill them!! I won't allow it! (pushes Ryoko and Hotsuma aside, as she gets slashed instead) UNNNGGHHH!! Hotsuma: What the? Ryoko: Kiyoko! NO!!! Hotsuma and Ryoko looked on in horror as Kiyoko fell, bleeding heavily from her chest. They went to her and realized the grim truth. Kiyoko was dying. Ryoko: How is she? Hotsuma: (checks Kiyoko's wounds, looks at Ryoko, and lowers his head) Not good. She's losing a lot of blood...I fear these wounds are fatal. She's dying, Ryoko. Ryoko: OH NO!! (looks at Kiyoko) Why, Kiyoko? Why did you do something so stupid?! Kiyoko: I had to save you, my friend...and I had to save the one I love...with all my heart. (coughs up blood) Hotsuma: Hold on, Kiyoko. Stay with us...we'll get you to a doctor. Kiyoko: I thank you...for your kindness, Hotsuma...but its too late, for me. (looks at Ryoko) Ryoko, you have so much to live for...(coughs up blood again) Maybe someday...you'll fall in love with the right man...just like I did. (smiles) Ryoko: How will I know if the man I find is Mr. Right? Kiyoko: Trust me. You'll know. (holds Hotsuma's hand, and looks into his eyes) Hotsuma...at this very moment, Gaiyan is chronicling everything...The Galaxy Police must know...of my demise. Someday, if the necessity to blow Gaiyan up becomes an option...remove the memory cylinder, which is recording the events of this very day. That way...part of me will always be with you. Hotsuma: I...I understand. Kagato: The fool. Why did she do such a thing? All this bounty hunter did was buy her friends some time...though I don't know how much time they have...yet. I don't understand why she'd throw her life away to save someone like Ryoko. As Kagato spoke disdainfully of Kiyoko, he got a response from the dying warrior. Kiyoko then told Hotsuma and Ryoko to avenge her death in her own way, and to take her body so it can have a proper burial. Kiyoko: (glares at Kagato) Because, Kagato...she is my friend...something you'll never have. (looks at Ryoko and Hotsuma) Ryoko...Hotsuma...both of you must carry on the fight against Kagato without me...each of you will have your own path to take. Ryoko: I understand, old friend. (cries, and rams her fist into the ground) Blast it! UNGH! Hotsuma: Do you have any last requests, my love? Kiyoko: I do, Hotsuma. I want you to take my body with you...so I can be given...a proper burial. Hotsuma: I promise to do everything in my power to do so. Kiyoko: Thank you. I shall miss the both of you, my friends. Ryoko: We'll miss you, too. Kiyoko: (vision is blurring, and is at the very edge of death) Hotsuma...are you there? I...I can't see a thing. It's so dark...and I'm cold...so cold. Hotsuma: (keeps holding her hand) I'm here, Kiyoko. I love you. Kiyoko: I love you, too...Hotsuma. Farewell, Ryoko. You too, my love...good...bye. (exhales, and dies) And so, with her final breath, Kiyoko finally dies. It is around this time a rainstorm began to fall upon the very area where Kagato, Hotsuma, Ryoko and Kiyoko's body were situated. Wiping the last of her tears away, Ryoko clenched her fist...and in an instant, changed out of her black and white pirate's outfit, and into a red and black battle suit. When she did that, a black streak ran across the right side of her face. It started from her neck, covering her right ear, and ended at her eyebrow. This outfit made Ryoko look more dangerous, more intimidating, and most of all, more deadly. Ryoko: (wipes her tears away) Farewell, Kiyoko. Your war is finally over. And now, I shall do everything in my power to finish off Kagato, ONCE AND FOR ALL! (clenches her fist and instantly changes into her red and black battle suit) Hotsuma, you have to go! Get Kiyoko's body to safety! RyoOhki and I will destroy Kagato. Hotsuma: Right. And so, Ryoko threw RyoOhki into the air, watching as she transformed from a cabbit to a spaceship. She then boarded it, and flew into the stratosphere. All was not well for Hotsuma, though. For as he nearly reached his ship, he was floored by an errant blast. It looked as though the attack was the Jurai Needle...a technique taught to the latest generation of Juraian Knights. This attack forced Hotsuma to drop the dead Kiyoko's body. Hotsuma: We're almost there! Hang on, Kiyoko! (is blasted) UUNNGGHH! Kiyoko!! NOOO!! (falls to the ground, dropping Kiyoko's body) Oooohhhh... As Hotsuma fell down, two shadowy figures gloated about how easily he was defeated and carried Kiyoko's body to Kagato. They were both knights who are loyal to Kagato. Knight 1: Well, that was too easy, wasn't it, Tetta? (picks up Kiyoko's body) Knight 2: Yeah! He fell down like a ton of bricks, Tessei! Kagato: Excellent work, my knights. You have done well. Tetta: Thanks, Master Kagato. It's always a pleasure working for you. Tessei: What shall we do with the body, master? Shall we destroy it? Kagato: No...this woman selflessly sacrificed herself to save her lover, and Ryoko, Defiance like that merits a fate worse than death. Take her to the Reverse World! Once there, place her into the cobra chamber via remote. The power of the Reverse World will insure that she will live a deathless existence. And, she will forever be my prisoner. Take her there, now. We shall initiate pursuit of RyoOhki shortly. Tetta and Tessei: Yes, sir. As Kagato gave his men those orders, he along with Tetta and Tessei took the body of Kiyoko to the Souja...where she will be denied a chance of resting in peace. As they left, a bruised and bloodied Hotsuma could only watch as his foes escaped...with Kiyoko's body. Hotsuma: (looking on, unable to stop Kagato) Kiyoko...I have failed you...I'm sorry. Uuunnggghhh. (passes out) As Hotsuma passed out, Kagato began pursuit of Ryoko and RyoOhki. The two foes engaged in a firefight. Since the Souja had superior firepower, it was able to destroy RyoOhki. But before she was totally destroyed, Ryoko instituted emergency procedures, and made sure her cabbit was reborn as an egg. After that, they crash landed on Jurai, where the original RyoOhki was annihilated. Realizing that this tragic event must never happen again, Ryoko left the egg of the new RyoOhki in a clearing, where Ayeka, her childhood rival, along with Sasami, Ayeka's little sister found it. It was the eve of Sasami's birthday when they found the egg. Ryoko left a note which had a message for whoever found the egg. Ryoko: (voiceover) To whom it may concern, please take care of RyoOhki...the animal that is about to hatch in this very egg. RyoOhki is a cabbit (which means it's part cat, part rabbit) with extraordinary powers. With the right person to love her, and care for her, RyoOhki will be able to reach her full potential. I know she will be in good hands. Signed, a friend. As Ryoko bid farewell to her old friend, she watched as RyoOhki hatched. Sasami was overjoyed with her new pet, and promised she'd do exactly what was required of her. At that moment, a clock struck midnight...Sasami was now a year older. Sasami: Wow. I hope this egg hatches. (sees it move) Whoa! Look, Ayeka! Ayeka: It's hatching! (watches RyoOhki burst out of the egg) I guess...this is a cabbit. RyoOhki: Meow meow. (sees Sasami, and likes her instantly) MEOW!! Sasami: (giggles) You're cute. (hears the clock strike midnight) WHOA! We better go back to the palace! My party's starting at any minute! Ayeka: Right, Sasami. (goes to the palace with her sister) Happy Birthday, Sasami. Whoever gave you this uh...RyoOhki gave you the greatest gift of all. (Hmm...Ryoko must be here. That was an unusually nice thing she did for Sasami. Something bad must've happened, if she gave the new RyoOhki to Sasami. Don't worry, Ryoko. Sasami shall take good care of her, from now on.) Ryoko: (to herself) Goodbye, RyoOhki. Seeing how you're getting along with Sasami, I know you'll do better with her, than with me. (smiles sadly, and runs off in tears) Kiyoko...RyoOhki...I failed you both! I promise I will find the means to avenge you both...someday! Meanwhile, at Galaxy Police Headquarters, Hotsuma was given an honorable discharge for his attempt to stop Kagato, and to retrieve Kiyoko's body. He was to be remembered as a hero. Commander: We are gathered here today to say farewell to two great bounty hunters. Hotsuma and Kiyoko. Because of Hotsuma's valiant efforts, he shall be remembered as one of the greatest heroes the Galaxy Police has ever known! Now, let us all salute this hero as he leaves us, with honor! Kiyone: (salutes) Goodbye, Hotsuma. Goodbye, Kiyoko. Mihoshi: (salutes) Didn't Kiyoko kinda look like you, Kiyone? Kiyone: I guess she did, Mihoshi...I guess she did. Mitsuki: (salutes) Good luck on your exam to be promoted to detective first class, Kiyone! You'll need it. (laughs haughtily) Kiyone: (to herself) Ooh...one of these days, I'll show her! Hotsuma: Thank you, sir. I can never repay you for this honor. Commander: It's alright, Hotsuma. We all know you did all you could. Gaiyan confirmed it. There was no way you could've known that you'd be blasted from behind. Besides, we know that if given the chance, you'll find a way to retrieve Kiyoko's body, someday. (gives him the medal of honor) Goodbye, Hotsuma. You'll always be like a son to me. Hotsuma: Thank you, sir. After the ceremony, Hotsuma flew out to space in Gaiyan, so he could figure out what to do next. A few days later, Ryoko was wandering the streets of Jurai, wondering how she can avenge her fallen comrades. As she did, she stumbled into the number one genius scientist in the universe, Professor Washuu, who had watched the entire battle through her telescope. This telescope was so powerful, it enabled her to witness Kiyoko's death, which took place on Syris 3. Like Ryoko, Washuu had a grudge with Kagato. Washuu: Excuse me...are you Ryoko, the infamous Space Pirate? Ryoko: Yeah. That's me. Who are you, and what do you want? Washuu: My name is Washuu. I'm the greatest scientific genius in the universe. I know all about what happened. Kagato tried to slay you, but he ended up killing your best friend, instead, didn't he? Ryoko was furious. She grabbed Washuu by the collar and demanded how she knew all that. Ryoko: What the?! (grabs Washuu) HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT?! Washuu: Simple. Using one of my greatest inventions, the ultrasonic, stereophonic, animatronic, super-duper long range telescope, I was able to see and hear everything...including the death of your friend, Kiyoko...as well as the destruction of RyoOhki. Kagato must've caused you a lot of pain, didn't he? Ryoko: (lets go of Washuu, feeling ashamed) Yes...he did. I'd like to ask you a question. How the heck do you know Kagato? And so, Washuu told Ryoko her story. The space pirate can detect a hint of anger in the professor's voice. Washuu: Kagato was a student of mine. Together, he and I created the Souja. On the day it was completed, he assaulted me and took the ship for his own! I lost my position as dean of the Galactic Science Academy because of that creep! Ryoko: Oh my god. I...I didn't know. I'm sorry. Washuu: It's okay. I know how you feel, Ryoko. Both of us have been wronged by that inhuman fiend, Kagato. That's why we need to team up and stop him! Ryoko: I don't know...the last time I had a partnership, was a couple of months ago...with Kagato. It ended a few days ago...when I saw him for the monster he truly was. Washuu: That's exactly why you need me...we both know what Kagato is like, and we know he isn't to be trusted. With my brains and your powers, we can destroy Kagato. (holds out her hand, while having a "I want you do to me a favor" look) Partners? Ryoko: (thinks it over, and shakes Washuu's hand) Partners. By the way...judging by that look on your face, I'd say you want something. Washuu: Yep. As a matter of fact, I do. Ryoko: Alright...what is it? Washuu: I want you to call me "Little Washuu." It would make me REALLY HAPPY. Ryoko's jaw went down in disbelief as she heard what Little Washuu wanted. Ryoko: (has a big sweatdrop on her forehead, and has her mouth gaping wide open) LITTLE...WASHUU??! Washuu: (laughs) Well, I am little! Ryoko: (falls over) Oh.... And so, Ryoko's second partnership with Little Washuu began. They began work on a smaller, less cumbersome version of the behemoth spaceship, known as the Souja. Within a matter of months, the had completed the ship, and dubbed it the Mini-Souja. This ship was big on firepower...yet it had one fatal flaw. The shield's power came from the fuel of the ship. And so, when they took the Jurai Light Stone, in an effort to combat Kagato, Ayeka, Sasami and RyoOhki, who were onboard RyuOh went after them in hot pursuit, with First Class Detectives Kiyone Makibi and Mihoshi Kuramitsu close behind. Their battle took them all the way to Earth, and there, they met Tenchi Masaki, and all of their lives had changed...FOREVER. At that time, Hotsuma met Yugi, who promised she'd help the ex-bounty hunter avenge Kiyoko's death, in exchange for his loyalty. He agreed, and was given new, superhuman powers...including the ability to change into a hulking, catlike creature. Yugi: Hotsuma...Hotsuma... Hotsuma: (sees a girl wearing a big cloak, who also has her hair up appear before him) Wha? Who are you? Yugi: My name is Yugi. I know all about what happened, Hotsuma. I wish to help you avenge the death of Kiyoko at the hands of Kagato. Hotsuma: You will? But how? How did you know about it? Yugi: That's simple. I know everything. Now, swear loyalty to me, and I shall give you the power needed to finish Kagato, once and for all! Hotsuma: I accept your terms, master. (kneels) Yugi: (gives Hotsuma new powers) So be it. (With your help, I can create a perfect world...without time, without disease, without war! But at the same time, I can sense that you're as empty as I am...we both lost everything. I wonder...what could possibly fill this void?) As of now, you are my faithful servant, and shall do as I command. Hotsuma: Yes, Mistress Yugi. I shall do as you say. Yugi: Good. (thinks to herself, and cries) Father...why did this happen to me? Why did those scientists make me like this? WHY?! Because of them, I no longer have any friends! I was able to send my astral projection to Hotsuma because, for some reason, I have a feeling that he and I are kindred spirits. Maybe we will both find what we are missing...someday. Several years have passed since that fateful day. The year is 1997. All of the major characters have been placed on the board. The cards were laid out on the table. Now, it was only a matter of time before Tenchi Masaki would learn the truth about his grandfather, Katzuhito Masaki, his deceased mother, Achika Masaki, his one-time rival, Yugi, and her shadow, Sakuya Kumashiro. He and his friends would have to fight in order to end Kagato's reign of terror, once and for all. The stage is Okiyama, Japan. Everything Kagato figured would happen had transpired. Now, only time will tell if the Tenchi Family will be able to survive Kagato's Attack! And so, the adventure begins. To Be Continued...