Homecomings
By William Benjamin Grilliette (evilpii@juno.com)
All material of or relating to *Tenchi Muyo!* are copyrighted by Pioneer LD and AIC.
All material of or relating to "Will and Nerti Pii" is property of William Benjamin Grilliette.
More information about cast, plot, and story is available at http://evilpii.dorm4.org/.
Perspective 1: Masaki
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Act 3
Scene 1
Washu: Dr Elizabeth Delist.
{Within a drab chamber of four bare walls, Washu Hakubi sits in a stiff and uncomfortable chair
across a clean metal table from another young woman, both in green SA professor's garb. High
above the two, a single lamp shines white light in a circle around the pair and the table between
them, ambient light scarcely illuminating the walls. A sliding door is closed to Washu's right
while a mirrored glass is embedded in the bulkhead behind her. The room seems more designed for
interrogation of suspects than its current use.}
Washu: Originally from Carica, Pentinon... daughter of Master Sergeant Alex Delist of the
Pentinon Combined Militia and his late wife Michelle Epsilus... You attended the
Pentinian SA to obtain your primary degree in applied mathematics...
{The young woman across from Washu bears similar racial characteristics to the great Ryoan
professor, but the differences mark this new young woman as of Pentinian descent. The teen's
golden blonde hair is split to fall to either side of her face in two locks while the rest is
tied in a short ponytail behind her head. Her feline eyes of redish-yellow seem a bit nervous in
this environ as her elfin ears listen intently to the sounds around her, but she remains
confident under Washu's relentless gaze.}
Washu: You then picked up at the Futaran branch within the Jurai Empire... right when a lot of
seismic and meteorological activity began...
{The Ryoan professor holds a transparent tablet before her to which she glances periodically as
she converses with the woman across from her.}
Washu: There, you recently graduated with your secondary doctorate top of your class...
{She glances down to the tablet, seeing the display glow with text of vital statistics, family
history, career, and a still image of the girl sitting before her, Beth Delist. Washu turns her
gaze to Beth again.}
Washu: And, here you are, wanting to help establish a Science Academy branch on Earth.
{Beth nods.}
Beth: Yes, ma'am.
{The fiery-haired professor closes her eyes as she sets the informational device on the table.
She weaves her fingers together while questioning the young graduate.}
Washu: What was your thesis in your graduate work, Dr Delist?
{Beth clasps her hands together in her lap and answers softly.}
Beth: I did two theses. The first was a study on a numerical approach to a multivariable,
ethereal system. The second researched possible electromagnetic forces that are unknown
to science.
{Washu opens her eyes narrowly to watch the Pentinian's reserved expression.}
Washu: Both interesting and cutting edge fields, leaving you little time for much else. I have
read them both and am impressed by your work. You have presented evidence that forces
exist other than gravitational, electro-weak, and nuclear. However, I'm interested in
what motivated this, as well as your desire to come to Earth.
{The blonde's eyes lower and turn away from the Ryoan's gaze as she replies.}
Beth: I... I thought I answered that well in my application...
{Washu's eyes do not waive from Beth's face, which becomes troubled with her own thoughts.}
Washu: I read that, and it was well-articulated... and very standard fare for any application.
Dr Delist, I want to hear your own words.
{The Pentinian woman takes a breath and closes her eyes while visions of her past wipe through
her mind.}
{Three years ago, when Beth was fifteen, she sits with four of her peers across from a woman with
coal black eyes and shining obsidian hair around her pale face. Draped in a dress of pitch, the
woman speaks to the five youths before her. Beth sits next to a young man recognized as a
younger Leon Tae. On Beth's other side, a young Pentinian girl with brown hair and green eyes
glares piercingly into the speaking woman. Past this student sits a young Nerti Ro, her golden
hair tied as a great vixen's tail behind her while she listens to the woman in black. Holding
her hand, the Terran eyes and face of Will Pii pay attention to the woman with a cynical gaze and
a cautious air. Around them, the classroom is still as Leon and Pii occasionally exchange hate-
filled stares. This young Beth holds closely to the cold and apathetic arm of Leon.}
{This scene melts away to the courtyard of the Pentinon SA, the modern and futuristic structures
rising angularly from the surrounding folliage. Young Beth's scream calls out as she struggles
against a SA professor holding her from interfering in the battle before her. Surrounded by
other students, Pii and Leon stand opposing on another, Nerti standing firm behind Pii. The
Terran holds a gleaming katana in his hand, the edge shimmering a subtle white with the molecular
precision of its sharpness, directed at Leon. Nerti and Leon each have a blade attached to a
gauntlet on their arm, Nerti's on her right and Leon's on his left. Both blades are identical as
they extend the length of their forearms and past their fingertips. Beth is released by the
teacher to fall to her knees watching as Leon rushes Pii who deflects the wild shot before Leon
tries a thrust. Pii parries and leaves a slice along Leon's black shirt. Another young
Pentinian comes to Leon's aid with a pipe in hand, but Nerti slices the pipe in half without a
second thought, calmly protecting Pii.}
{Far later, Nerti and Beth stand opposite one another in a home's corridor, decorated with
photographs of Nerti and her family. The two talk solemnly, Nerti's face streaked with dried
tears while Beth bearing a melancholic smile while her own words echo in her mind.}
Beth: Nerti, good boys are hard to find, good men even harder. Cherish what you have.
{Her eyes close, a hint of emerald light shimmering before they shut completely.}
Beth: Somehow, I just know you two will...
{The memories fade back to the present as Beth raises her sullen eyes back to Washu's. The
Pentinian woman's words answer the Ryoan's questions.}
Beth: I've seen... and felt... too much in my life to believe that other forces don't exist. In
my class at the Pentinon SA, there was a girl named Lauren Phee, and she showed the
ability to manifest events with only thought and will. I wish to know the how and why
behind it.
{Washu nods and questions again.}
Washu: And, Earth? They just within the past few months came to know they were not alone in the
universe. This is not the most safe or stable place to research innovative theories on
ethereal forces.
{The young woman nods.}
Beth: I realize that. However, that is where I should be. While I was on Futaru in the Jurai
Empire, I witnessed the grandeur of their organic vessels, supposedly self-sustaining
with a power unique to their royalty. Then, I heard of the devastation on Earth from
unknown causes, with the Jurai involved. I'm just following my leads, Dr Hakubi. Earth
seems to be the center of inquiry now, and I came to answer my own questions.
{The small Ryoan scientist has a smile cross her lips while she agrees.}
Washu: Very well put, Dr Delist, or should I call you "Beth"?
{Beth blushes.}
Beth: If you'd like, ma'am.
{Washu waves her hand and shakes her head.}
Washu: None of this "ma'am" business. If you want to talk to me, it's just "Washu"...
{She smirks proudly.}
Washu: Or "Little Washu, the greatest scientific genius in all the universe"!
{Sweat beads across the sides of the blonde's face while she smiles wryly.}
Beth: Very well... "Washu"...
{Washu laughs to herself, though her mind continues to analyze the young woman before her.}
Washu: A classmate of Will and Nerti Pii's sect at the Pentinon SA, lost within her work...
definitely someone to keep watch on... Epsilus... I've heard that name before too...
End Scene 1
Scene 2
{A torrential cascade of water echos its fury from the mountains surrounding the Masaki Shrine.
Within the wilderness of the higher altitudes, the trees no longer bare leaves, fearing the
coming chill of winter. The soil lays barren of apparent life, save the occasional lichen or
moss that has not heeded the call of the season's herald. Mostly stones rest along a swift creek
that rushes past its rocky banks toward the valley in which the Masaki home rests.}
{In this environment of cold blues and harsh earthen color, a white pillar of water spills down
from a tall cliff, upon the shoulders of Nagi Jurai who stands solidly amongst the fearful power
of nature. Dressed in a pale blue kimono, the Ryo-Juraian presses her palms symmetrically
against one another before her chest in meditation. The lone warrior's hair has lost its spiked
fame from the dampness that also parts the locks away from the hairband key atop her head. Her
face, darkened on the left by her Jurai Power, occasionally twitches from the icy waters around
her, but otherwise, her toned form stands immobile, perfectly balanced in the torrent. However,
the cold seems to have made her body stiff and fragile as a crystal figurine, the soaked kimono
clinging around her.}
{Sitting cross-legged on the shores of the rapid creek spawned by the waterfall, Yosho Masaki
lifts his wise gaze from the flowing life vein of the valley to his pupil in the cascade. He
passes a gaze over her delicate firmness from the chill, the visible skin of her forearms and
face a bleached white from the cold. The quiet violet of his eyes focus on the introspective
expression on Nagi's face while his own thoughts mill through his idle mind.}
Yosho: Upon what do you meditate, Nagi...? What brings a stoic peace to your passionate
fury...?
{Though he ponders the enigma of the great bounty hunter, her thoughts have slipped away from the
present and settled within the realm of her memories. Specifically, Nagi envisions herself
standing at the edge a makeshift ballroom filled with people from Earth, milling and dancing to
the music around them. The guests all seem happy and joyous in their celebration surrounded by
the hastily made banners of victory hung upon metallic walls.}
{Nagi herself is dressed in a kimono of vibrant color and beautiful artistry, accentuating her
violet hair gracing her shoulders. Her mane is combed down in sheets around her head, not unlike
others of Jurai royal blood. The Key within her hair is silent while she walks quietly through
the shadows at the border of the festivities. Idly, she takes a glass of wine from a table she
passes, taking a soft and proper sip of the contents. She muses to herself, the fingers of her
left hand touching the obsidian marking on her left cheek.}
Nagi: The ball after the dark energy was defeated... Odd that my mind would bring me back to
this moment... hours before the advent of the dark goddess...
{She glances into the goblet of wine to see her reflection in the red alcohol.}
Nagi: A peaceful moment... It was peaceful before the world came crashing down around us...
{A firm hand rests on her shoulder, causing her to take a sharp breath before turning to see the
man behind her. Clothed in a brown Juraian dress uniform of the ancient imperial fleets, the
crimson knight Kamidake Juraiko smiles back at her quietly, the black Mark of Rage gone from his
visage. He pulls his hand back from her shoulder as his soft voice speaks to her.}
Kamidake: You look gorgeous, Nagi, far beyond any other I have seen...
{The soldier's grin widens as a rosy tint shifts across her cheeks. Gently, he takes her hand in
his while his other palm rests against the small of her back. Her free hand hesitantly takes its
place upon his shoulder as the two begin to move as one. Feeling her heart beat faster and her
breath shorten, Nagi's thoughts become muddled with questions for which she has no answers.}
Nagi: Why...? Why is he here in my thoughts...?!
{Her crimson eyes look up into the soft violet of his, hidden some by a lock of his fiery hair.
His expression is warm and genuine, unique and foreign to the huntress. In his kind gaze, her
muscles relax and her breath slows, the surprise and caution changing to a calmness around the
young woman. The black Mark of Rage across her left cheek slowly fades away, and the spikes of
her hair soften into strands of silk, drawing from the Juraian blood within her.}
{However, in the reality of the waterfall, her facial darkness vanishes, but she also leans
forward slightly. Her eyes pop open when she spreads her arms to catch herself while the cascade
pushes her into the creek. Her body hits the water with a loud splash and a rather unflattering
impact wave before she pushes her head above the cold water, gasping for air. The Mark of Rage
has since reappeared on her face as she reorients herself.}
{Yosho closes his eyes and shakes his head to himself before he questions the female warrior.}
Yosho: What happened? What broke your control, Nagi?
{A mild red skirts Nagi's cheeks before she shakes her head and does not answer her sensei
truthfully.}
Nagi: I do not know...
{The legendary warrior of Jurai opens his eyes narrowly at this huntress, obviously not believing
her answer while she stands in her clingingly soaked kimono. Showing some modesty, she folds her
arms over her chest, causing Yosho to grin some to himself.}
Nagi: Somehow, I doubt this is actually a legitimate training practice, sensei. Did you also
put my sister through this bit of a... "cold shower"?
{The shrine priest stands with a blatant smile on his face at the humor he sees in Nagi's
implications. He shakes his head.}
Yosho: No, I didn't get the chance. When Ryoko and Tenchi started training together, I stepped
aside. You would have to ask either of them about the nature of their regiment.
{Nagi shoots a glare from the corner of her eye as he turns toward the beaten path, away from
her.}
Yosho: It's getting close to lunchtime. I'm sure Sasami will have our meal ready soon. I
expect you ready to practice your swordsmanship shortly afterward.
{Nagi bows respectfully, but stiffly and with a mild venom in her words.}
Nagi: Yes, sir...
{He glances back at her, his glasses shining in the morning sunlight while she is silent in the
waters. He stares at her in the stillness between them for a moment before he turns and
continues down the path to the shrine alone. Nagi goes to the bank of the creek and steps out of
the low temperature water with a mild scowl on her face. Now in the open air, the mild chill of
the mountain winds worsens the cold of the wet kimono sticking to her skin. She grabs the
saturated fabric and pulls away from her body, the cloth seeming to peel like a second flesh.
Once air has entered between the robe and herself, the Ryo-Juraian releases it to fall loosely
around her, readhering in some places but over all looser.}
{Nagi holds her arms around herself as the icy feeling spreads over her, causing her to shiver
before she starts to walk the path down the mountain. Her eyes scowl down the trail while her
thoughts are voiced to the natural world around her.}
Nagi: Terran training, indeed... Even if he is a legend, he still seems a dirty old man...
{Passing between two moderate rock walls, the young woman scoffs at her thoughts of her
instructor. Yet, her expression fades to serious thought as she begins to contemplate her vision
from within her meditation, of the red samurai from the first court of the Jurai Empire.
Silently, she contemplates this within her mind.}
Nagi: Kamidake... Why was there an image of him within my meditation...?
{Her head shakes as she interprets the scene from her vision.}
Nagi: He was present during the ball on Earth... We shared that dance... and it was a peaceful
moment...
{Then, the huntress glances at the ground idly and watches the leaves swirl some in the cold
winds that force her to holds herself tighter.}
Nagi: But... it makes little sense to center my thoughts on Earth... My center has always been
the memory of Father's warm embrace... at home in Aiko...
{A memory of her past slips into her mind of her original home within the Juraian city of Aiko
upon the Planet Jurai itself. Muffled sobs carry though the halls of the humble structure while
Nagi, as a child of possibly seven years of age, wraps her arms around a Juraian man in military
regalia. He kneels with her and holds her close while smoothing out the spikes of her hair in an
attempt to comfort her. His hands are calloused from the sword arts, as her small hands have
begun to mimic. Behind his black strands of hair, his soft brown eyes express concern for the
small child, who even then bore the black mark across her face. Nagi's modern voice acknowledges
the memory, showing some joy in it.}
Nagi: When I was mocked for my Ryoan blood, he would say, "Your mother made you much more
special than anyone knows. One day, you will prove yourself to them." He was my center,
my confidence, my strength... even when dark days came...
{The memory shifts to her a little older, standing opposite this man, her father, in a field of
Juraian royal teardrop blossoms. Both the young Nagi and her father hold bokkens when an envoy
of the royal family comes and quickly speaks, to the father's shame. The royal envoy takes young
Nagi's hand firmly and draws her away, the child struggling and calling out to the man with whom
she was sparring. Clouds build and thunder booms when she reappears in the field alone, her
dress torn as is her young skin. A single bokken stands in the field before her, stabbed into
the ground firmly. The trails of tears on her face are now dry as she grips her hands into
fists, arcs of crimson light shooting across them.}
{Lightning strikes and shifts to a graveyard filled with Ryoans dressed in various different
forms of combat attire, mostly black. Within the casket before them, a maternal woman lays
lifeless and peaceful, Ryoshu Ryua, Ryoko and Nagi's mother. Standing at her side if Ryoshu's
first daughter, Ryoko, solemn and quiet on the dark day. Lightning strikes again followed by the
clashing of swords, Nagi's yellow sword against the ruby energy of Ryoko's. Cloaked now in her
exiled cape and cowl, Nagi fiercely attacks her elder half-sister without remorse, actually with
some enjoyment.}
{Pulling from these memories, the chill seems to deepen from the darker emotions, the jaded glare
returning to her modern eyes. Now walking amongst trees that still retain their turning leaves,
Nagi questions herself gravely.}
Nagi: Why has that changed...? Why did my meditation take me to the ball on Earth...?
{The great bounty hunter shakes her head and waves the problem away with a shake of her head.}
Nagi: Just a random interrupting thought... I have had them before when I could not remain
focused... I am sure that Father would probaby see more in it than that... but he is
also far too eager to assume such things since Ryoko's marriage to Masaki Tenchi...
{Stepping out from the trees, Nagi enters the courtyard of the Masaki Shrine, gaining a mild
glare again at the home of Yosho. She quietly passes it and proceeds down the steps toward the
Masaki house, feeling a little more warmth at the lower altitude. However, the chill has taken
hold and started her teeth to chattering within her closed lips. The regal hunter holds her arms
close and hastens her pace towards the Masaki house, a heated glare on her face.}
Nagi: D...d...damn that old man...!! If I h...h...had not given my w...w...word to not use my
ener...r...gies...!!
{She recalls the events within the extra-dimensional onsen that left her with a mild concussion
and an oath on her honor.}
Nagi: That perverted ar...r...rchitect should not have intruded...!! The incident last month
was his f...f...fault as much as mine!!
{Soon, Nagi reaches the bottom of the steps between the Masaki yard and the shrine. She sights
the house and darts toward the house in a dash for the estate, her sandals clapping between her
feet and the ground. Once she reaches the front door, she opens it and slips inside with a
minimum of movement.}
{Inside, the warm drafts begin to wash the chill away from her body while she slips out of her
sandals, but this has yet to stop the shivers of her muscles and the chatting of her jaws. After
a moment of feeling the warmth, the huntress climbs the stairs to the dual-door to the bath. She
slides it to the side to reveal the grandeur of Washu's creation, the onsen for the women of the
house. The Ryo-Juraian steps inside and loosens the intricate knot at her waist which holds the
kimono together. She feels the humidity and heat of the room start to melt the icy bonds on her
flesh as she walks over to the counter and takes a towel.}
{Once she begins to dry her hair, allowing the kimono to open slightly when she hears a
repetitious noise above the spilling of water from the fountains into the bath. She raises her
head and allows her feline ears to detect the sound, a bell ringing downstairs. However, she
hears no one hurrying to the sound, which sets her thoughts in motion, and her feet as well.}
Nagi: Yosho is at the shrine... Masaki's father is in the city... Sasami and Ken-Ohki are
probably in the fields... That leaves me...
{Leaving the onsen with the towel around her shoulders, Nagi pauses for a moment to close the
door behind her with a mild anger in her face before she scales down the stairs, heading for a
small table next to the door. Upon that table, a telephone rests, but it has a far larger and
more advanced device sitting next to it. Decorated with a crab insigne, a sloped case stands
holding a keypad and a small display, which blinks kanji, translated as "Incoming call...",
"Source: Royal Palace, Jurai". Also, a small, round camera is mounted across from Nagi at about
head level, not visibly connected to the device below.}
{The huntress folds her kimono back to its former position before she depresses a key on the more
modern device. With that, a hazy display appears above the new communications device, and she
answers the comm through her shivers.}
Nagi: M-m-masaki res-s-sidenc-c-ce...
{Soon after she says these words, an image of a Juraian man dressed in the uniform of a Juraian
officer appears before her. He is seated behind his desk with a nameplate written in Juraiji,
"Jurai Tensho, Captan". His black hair is streaked with grey and falls around his head, but his
soft brown eyes widen when he sees Nagi's face and her state of dress. Blush and shock streak
across her face when she notes Tensho's identity before her hands grab the round camera and tilt
it upward, moving only her head into the camera's field of vision. Her surprise is obvious in
her words.}
Nagi: F-f-father...!! I d-d-did not exp-p-pect you to c-c-call today...
{He wryly grins and nods to her.}
Tensho: I didn't expect to call my little girl and see her just running out of a cold shower
either...
{She shakes her head slowly, the redness on her face refusing to fade.}
Nagi: Th-th-that is not the r-r-reason, F-f-father... I was... training w-w-with "Grandpa"...
{The purple-haired bounty hunter takes the towel from around her shoulders and starts to dry her
hair and body again. She becomes warm enough to end her shivers and chattering, but does not
remove the primary source of her chills, her clothes. Tensho raises an eyebrow at "Grandpa".}
Tensho: "Grandpa"...? I doubt you mean my father or Ryoshu's...
{Nagi drapes the towel around her shoulders again and corrects him with some mild discontent
evident in her tone.}
Nagi: No, sir. Lord Yosho insists that I refer to him as "Grandpa" and nothing else. As for
why I am rather drenched, it was a Terran training exercise. I found it more an
expression of his sadism.
{The paternal captain grins and chuckles some at his daughter's plight before asking the obvious
question.}
Tensho: What did he do, force you into a cold shower with pictures of a certain crimson knight?
{Nagi blushes brightly and yells back at her father defensively, her feline teeth quite evident.}
Nagi: Father!! He most certainly did not! How could...?! Why would you...?!
{He simply grins back at her with a shake of the head.}
Tensho: What did he have you do, Nagi?
{She takes a breath to calm herself before answering.}
Nagi: We hiked through the forests and into the colder areas of the Okayama mountain ranges. He
found a particular snowmelt waterfall and had me stand directly beneath it. Supposedly,
it builds muscle strength, balance, and mental focus, but I only found myself soaked,
drenched, and nearly frozen.
{He laughs to himself, spurring her to question his humor with some frustration and embarassment
becoming more apparent.}
Nagi: What is funny about this? I swear that... that... I believe his only purpose in that
was not to train me, but rather to try and catch a glimpse of my body shape through the
wet kimono.
{He smirks back at her just as she would in his place.}
Tensho: Terrans are not the only ones that train like that, my dear daughter. Your true
grandfather had me do the same when I was younger than you. I think you're taking some
of his training a little too personally.
{Her eyes become hard at those words, but she remains silent while he smiles back at her.}
Tensho: I trust that Lord Yosho... "Grandpa" has little interest in your body save its athletic
condition, Nagi.
{She sighs and shakes her head slowly before commenting to herself.}
Nagi: Why do I doubt that his view of athleticism is pure...?
{The captain narrows his eyes at her playfully.}
Tensho: If I didn't know you better, little girl, I'd say you were grumbling about your own
choice in sensei.
{The daughter of Jurai and Ryua remains silent though her frustration seems to grow with his
taunts. He calls to her again, this time with a warm and true smile on his face.}
Tensho: Nagi.
{She glances to back at him.}
Tensho: Don't try so hard. He has the best in mind. You'll see when it's all over that it was
all worth the pains to get this far, and to reach the end.
{She closes her eyes and nods in silence. Her father angles his head to the side as he instructs
her parentally, for a short moment.}
Tensho: I'll call you later when you're dry. You should get out of those cold clothes before
you get sick... or I send the stills of this conversation to that knight of yours.
{Her eyes suddenly open wide as she spins back to him calling angrily.}
Nagi: Father!! Don't you dare!!
{Yet, before her warning is complete, his face vanishes from the transparent display hanging
above the comm device. The floating monitor fades while the status display on the machine itself
lists kanji, translated as "Disconnected...". Nagi scowls as she tightens her fists from her
father's parting words, a mild redness to her complexion. The woman of two worlds closes her
eyes and storms away from the front door, headed for the stairs.}
Nagi: Is it etched into the y-chromosome for a man to be infuriating to his juniors and
offspring...?! Must he tease and taunt as he does...?!
{She scales the stairs and turns to the bath's door, opening it once more to the onsen's humidity
and warmth. The regal huntress enters and slams the sliding door shut without a thought,
exhaling forcefully through her teeth. She shakes her head and walks around the steaming pool
toward short platform which holds stacks of modesty towels.}
Nagi: Both Father and Yosho seem bent on bringing me torment... whether in training or in
conversation...!
{She steps into the water, allowing the kimono around her to part while her fingers wrap around
the edge of the towel at her shoulders. Immediately, the emaculately clean and heated currents
of water soften the tension in her feet and calves, easing some of her anger. With a snap, the
towel is whipped from her shoulders and lands at the other end of the onsen before she shrugs the
kimono off to fall into the life-promoting fluid. Nagi sighs softly as she kneels into the pool
and allows the soothing warmth, the chill burned away within moments.}
{The warrior leans back, letting her head dip into the water and her hair to fan behind her.
Soon, she is completely immersed save for her face, which sighs once more as she reflects again
on her father's words.}
Nagi: However... Father may be right... All this trouble may pay out in the end...
{Then, she closes her eyes and frowns as another possibility mills in her mind.}
Nagi: Or, be for naught...
End Scene 2
Scene 3
Yume: Dr Kyle Omegus...
{Within the interrogation room from Washu's interview of Beth, the furry Science Academy
representative, Dr Yume Kuroki, sits across the table from an experienced man in his mid-
thirties. Like Beth, this gentleman too is dressed in the emerald robes of the SA, his blue hair
short in back but with spikes thrusting down around his nearly white eyes. Even seated, he seems
a tall man compared to Yume's diminuitive size.}
Yume: Born in the city of Provelion on Pentinon...
{Her maddening eyes rise from the tablet display in her hands while her brows raise slightly,
bemused by her reading.}
Yume: You were also a veteran of their last civil war, obtaining the enlisted rank of sergeant
under... a late Capt Yamachi Alphar.
{Omegus nods quietly, his face firm and cold to Yume's humored curiosity. For this interview,
Washu's feral nemesis has draped herself in the proper robes of the SA as Omegus has. Her eyes
narrow some at his silence before she continues.}
Yume: After the war, you left the service and settled in Kien, where you entered the SA for your
primary degree in mecha-design. You went on to obtain your doctorate and start teaching
at the SA branch that was then newly constructed in Carica.
{She smirks.}
Yume: Experience with a newly established branch...
{The small genius glances at her device's notes again before peering just under her brow toward
Omegus.}
Yume: Hmm... Says here that you were also involved in two major incidents at the Carica SA in
1995...
{She sets the tablet on the table and folds her arms on her chest while raising her face to gaze
at the Pentinian. He nods and answers her unspoken question.}
Omegus: I was.
{An uneasy silence falls between them while Yume blinks impatiently, waiting to hear more.
However, Omegus leans a little back in the hard-backed chair and watches Yume, examining her
irritation from his short and simple answers. She takes a breath and shakes her head.}
Yume: Well, both incidents are only mentioned in your record, and favorably as well. The
adminstration at Carica and your peers have recommended you highly for the coming Terran
SA branch.
{He grins slightly, and the furry professor's eyes harden some while they turn to the information
on the tablet again. She notes the entries close to the end of his personal data: "Marital
Status: Married" and "Children: 1". The feline gaze returns to him with some distinct cynicism
and confusion when she now notices the golden band on his left ring finger.}
Yume: Yet, you want to transfer to a new planet that's still rather virgin to outside influence,
even with a wife and child? Your military background not withstanding, that is a very
dubious and dangerous plan, Dr Omegus.
{Omegus nods with a thoughtful air as he replies.}
Omegus: Kyoko and I have discussed it at length and decided it was time for a move, for our
son's benefit if not our own.
{Yume's brows furrow at this.}
Yume: Your son's benefit? Earth is not exactly conducive to raising a child as it is.
{The former soldier agrees, a paternal foresight gleaming from his eyes.}
Omegus: I realize that. However, with the greatest minds in the known universe coming to bring
Earth up to speed with the rest of the galaxy, this will be the most ideal place to raise
our son. He will be able to watch a civilization come into interstellar maturity. The
educational opportunities for him, as well as research for Kyoko and myself, will be the
best only there.
{The genius considers this and nods with a sly smile on her face.}
Yume: A justified gamble... I like it.
{She rests her elbow on the table and holds her chin in her hand while she questions him once
more.}
Yume: Do you enjoy risk, Dr Omegus?
{He closes his eyes and shakes his head.}
Omegus: I did when I first joined the militia, but not now.
Yume: I guess your family holds you back?
{His glare shoots across the table at her with his frozen eyes of white.}
Omegus: Risks are toys and snares of the foolish, though life is not forgiving to those who play
with them.
{A slight anger appears in Yume's gaze, with a mild crimson tint to her skin hidden beneath her
layer of fur. While this interview continues within closed doors, Washu watches through the
semi-silvered glass surrounded by a dull light from the edges of the square floor. The minute
Ryoan leans against the wall with the view of Yume and Omegus, a cold smile beneath her evergreen
eyes. Her forest-colored doctoral robe hangs over her shoulders, opened with its sash falling
loosely at her sides. Beneath, she wears her purple overshirt marked with triangular decals and
her khaki shorts over her tan leggings. Her right hand holds a wooden cup decorated with kanji
that translates as "genius", filled with steaming green tea.}
{The fiery girl turns away still with that smile, sipping her beverage as she walks to one of the
blackened walls. She scoffs to herself.}
Washu: Heh... I like him...
{When she nears it, a section of the wall pulls away, allowing some light to filter into the
separation. This apparent door slides to the side while Washu walks out into the lonely corridor
of the Galaxy Police branch office. Musing to herself, the reknowned scientist ambles through
the hallway slowly, showing a little fatigue.}
Washu: He's got ideals and priorities... still much the soldier...
{Her educated gaze closes as she smirks to herself with a little self-righteousness.}
Washu: It's one thing to be loyal to your work, but it's another for it to be the only
motivation in your life... You should know that, my dear Dr Kuroki...
{Her lips touch the cup again quietly as she takes another taste of her drink, turning right at
the end of this empty walkway. Within this next corridor, people more readily walk through on
their business, mostly Galaxy Police officers and a few Science Academy personnel. Washu ignores
them as the super-genius enjoys the texture of her tea and the mild torment of Yume.}
{Then, the Ryoan professor looks up as if someone called her name, her natural senses of
awareness alerting her mind. She stops and turns to see the brown cabbit Ryo-Ohki hopping up to
her feet. The fuzzy creature meows kindly and jumps up onto the scientist's shoulder, speaking
her seemingly incoherent language rapidly and enthusiastically.}
{Washu raises her free hand to rub the fur on Ryo-Ohki's head while communicating to the small
creature with mild telepathy between two from the same world.}
Washu: Calm down... What's got you all hyper...? I told you to stay with Naja while I look in
on the interviews...
{The cute animal mews happily and points with her paw into the corridor full of people before
jumping down and darting away again. The young woman of flaming hair blinks with some confusion
before resting her free hand on her hip.}
Washu: Okay... Either Ken-Ohki's followed her up here... or she's found a replicator that does
carrots...
{The great intellectual sighs and shakes her head slowly.}
Washu: Well, I better make sure she stays out of trouble... I'd like to get home quickly with
as few GP dealings as possible...
{Washu follows Ryo-Ohki's path through the groupings of people within the metal corridor, her
eyes looking for the brown cabbit. Within a few moments, she find Ryo-Ohki sitting in the floor,
waiting for her to follow. The cute creature mews happily and then scampers off again, inciting
Washu to furrow her brows and hasten her pace.}
Washu: Alright... Definitely something she wants to show...
{Through the feline qualities of her topaz eyes, Washu tracks Ryo-Ohki's darting movements as she
shoots between people's feet and quickly misses being stepped on many times. From all this
scittering about the corridor, the GP and SA personnel jump back and turn their heads, searching
for the source of the warm hair that brushed across their feet and legs. Likewise, Washu shifts
herself between the people to keep up with the cabbit's trail. The corridor's end is seen ahead,
and the crowds thin some around a large wall of transparent material, allowing the glory of the
cosmic dance to be seen.}
{The window extends around a corner, where a cafeteria feeds several generic personnel stationed
on the installation. The lights are dimmed to a more relaxed setting than the harsh brightness
of the other chambers and hallways in the GP branch. A bar runs along a bulkhead, fully stocked
with various drinks from across the known universe, both alcoholic and not. Seated at the
shimmering tables of glass, people talk idly in their off-time, enjoy a warm meal, or just the
company of their colleagues.}
{Ryo-Ohki slows and allows Washu to reach her. The teen scientist looks down at the cabbit when
the small animal hops onto the Ryoan's shoulder again. The fiery girl questions her little
companion.}
Washu: What is it that has you so scittish, Ryo-Ohki? I don't feel Ken-Ohki around, and I don't
see any carrots here, even in the salads.
{Ryo-Ohki just grins cutely as she motions her head into the eatery. The genius enters and then
starts to walk about the tables, idly glancing from side to side. However, a nearby voice calls
to her by name with a great deal of joyful surprise.}
Woman: Washu!
{The Ryoan spins around and is put into a mild state of shock at the woman who called her name.
Seated at a table before her is the teal-tressed visage of Kiyone Makibi, smiling welcomingly
back. The GP officer's head is adorned with her orange headband which holds her deep blue-green
locks from falling into her kind aqua eyes. She wears a dress uniform of a ranking Galaxy Police
official, azure striped with white and gold. Shining tassels of shining golden thread fall
around her shoulders, which bear the rank of lieutenant. Her jacket is in a similar state to
Washu's, opened slightly in a more lax manner while she is off-duty. Beneath the jacket, the
officer wears a black bodysuit that holds closely and protectively to her form. On the table
before her, a crystal cup holds green tea to warm her body and keep her alert.}
{Washu's expression quickly shifts to a grin of friendship as she answers her compatriot's call.}
Washu: Kiyone, I didn't know you were on this station.
{Kiyone nods.}
Kiyone: Yeah, I've been here for only a few days.
{She extends her arm to the chair opposite her at the table.}
Kiyone: Please sit down, and I'll explain.
{Washu pulls out the chair and seats herself before Ryo-Ohki hops ecstatically, mewing in
triumph. The scientist scoffs with a smile at the cabbit before glancing to Kiyone.}
Washu: I guess Ryo-Ohki found you while she was scittering around the station, huh?
{The lientenant grins playfully and shakes her head.}
Kiyone: No, I actually had to speak with a Naja Akara, and Ryo-Ohki was with her.
{The Ryoan blinks in surprise and then nods with a smirk of her own.}
Washu: I can see that.
{She then glances to the officer's left arm and shoulder with a friendly question.}
Washu: How's the arm? Does it still ache any?
{Kiyone lowers her cup to the table and touches her upper left arm gently when she remembers past
events. Wearing a bodysuit of blue with black material about the extremities and an open jacket
of a deep indigo bearing metal shoulders armor and forearm gauntlets, Kiyone tackles a fellow GP
officer dressed in the same style combat uniform. That second officer's short, crimson hair is
cut away from her scarred cheek. The two fall to the ground, but an obsidian broadsword of light
cuts into Kiyone's upper arm before the two hit the concrete below them. Her eyes wince behind
the slim, ruby visor hanging before her azure eyes.}
{Later high above the rubble of Manhattan, Kiyone's blue eyes focus on the target in her heads-up
display (HUD)'s crosshairs: the young woman of golden hair and white armor, Nerti Ro. Her
silver boot is held by the hand of a GP power armor, the same model that Kiyone is within. The
teal-tressed GP officer clenches her teeth as she open fire and rockets toward Nerti, who wields
her brightly polished Rho Scythe. While the shots ricochet off a shield around the blonde woman,
Nerti kicks free of the power armor's grip when lightning of darkness sparks into a black
broadsword in her left hand. Her eyes turn to Kiyone, her irises deep crimson and her corneas
dark azure. Without a word, the girl darts at Kiyone and thrusts the black sword through
Kiyone's shoulder, and the fuel reserve unit of the power armor. The officer yells in pain.}
{As her own scream echos in her mind, Kiyone grips her arm a little tighter, remembering the
penetration of the blade and the severing of her muscles and bones. She nods back to Washu with
a solemn, false grin.}
Kiyone: Just when I remember Manhattan...
{The Ryoan scientist nods solemnly and sips her own tea.}
Washu: Yeah... a lot of those memories still hurt...
{She shakes her head and smiles.}
Washu: How's Mihoshi? I'm sure your "kinsman" is taking good care of her since she retired from
the GP.
{Kiyone smiles and blushes some at the word "kinsman" before nodding with her reply.}
Kiyone: Mihoshi's called me a couple times after her wedding two months ago. They've settled
down on Todain and have an apartment for the time being.
{The lieutenant releases her arm and takes her tea cup again, now mostly empty after her time in
the cafeteria. She smiles warmly to herself.}
Kiyone: She's still hoping to have the white picket fence from her fantasy world...
{Washu grins in the memory with Kiyone, knowing their misadventures in time and space.}
Washu: Well, she is a housewife now. If she's made that a reality already, I'm sure that damned
goofy luck of hers will provide a pretty house soon enough.
{The GP officer nods with a sip of tea while Washu glances back out into the crowds idly. Ryo-
Ohki sniffs the child researcher's hair before jumping up into her fiery spikes, which are
surprisingly malleable and soft. The sudden hop of the cabbit causes Washu to inhale some of her
drink, her eyes popping open wide. She coughs some before clearing her airway again with a
slight frown for the fuzzy creature. Kiyone chuckles some to herself before asking for her
friend's condition.}
Kiyone: You alright, Washu?
Washu: Oh yeah... I'm fine... Maybe I should have brought Ken-Ohki along instead of this little
annoyance...
{Ryo-Ohki simply ignores Washu while she nests herself into the flaming locks. Kiyone leans back
some in her chair when she questions Washu now.}
Kiyone: How is everyone back on Earth these days? I'm sure it's been trying since Nagi's moved
in.
{Washu shrugs her shoulders apathetically.}
Washu: Wouldn't know. I left soon after she moved in so I could work with the coming SA branch.
{Kiyone grins.}
Kiyone: I should've expected the Science Academy to hire you to help with the new branch. Any
word from Tenchi and Ryoko?
Washu: Not really. I'm sure they'll be to themselves for a long time.
{She sips her tea and then scowls some.}
Washu: Which really throws my timetables off. I wanted to examine them both since the battle in
Manhattan. They've both changed a lot since we all first met.
{Kiyone sighs and nods.}
Kiyone: That's an understatement... for all of us...
{The Ryoan's feline eyes watch the GP lieutenant carefully before continuing their conversation.}
Washu: What about you? You still haven't told me why you're here.
{The teal-tressed woman downs the remainder of her tea and nods.}
Kiyone: I haven't. Well, it's not unlike why you're here.
{Washu angles her head to the side and narrows her eyes as she listens intently.}
Kiyone: Since was the remaining resident officer after Mihoshi retired, I've become a consultant
to the interim marshal for the Terran branch, who is on this station.
{The scientist sips her tea, still attentive to Kiyone, who grins to herself.}
Kiyone: Kinda fun to tell that pompous Zed off about policy...
{Washu gags some on her tea again before she quickly swallows it to speak again.}
Washu: What?! That asshole is the interim marshal for Earth?!
{The lieutenant nods with a wry smile.}
Kiyone: Yeah, he is. I don't know if you knew or not, but the secretive agencies on Earth that
knew about alien life were inducted into the GP as a basis for the Terran branch. Zed's
their leader... again.
{The Ryoan teen shakes her head with an irritated disbelief.}
Washu: I don't believe this. His policies almost got us killed in Manhattan.
Kiyone: True, but he's got seniority and experience that his subordinates and colleagues don't.
Also, the head offices want the Terrans to control their own branch. This arrangement
was fitting.
{Washu furrows her brows, still aghast at this revelation.}
Washu: Yeah... but... Zed?!
{Kiyone sighs.}
Kiyone: I don't like it much better. I'm a technically subordinate to him, even though I'm
given some authority to contradict him when he's overstepping his power.
{The SA professor grins some.}
Washu: At least you have some respect now on Earth as well as with the GP.
{The policewoman mildy blushes again with a nod.}
Kiyone: I suppose that's true...
{The girl finishes her tea and then grins to herself, a little of her manical side starting to
show.}
Washu: So... what about your boyfriend I've heard about?
{Kiyone suddenly blushes bright red with a jolt to her body while Washu simply widens her cat-
like smile.}
Washu: Interesting reaction, lieutenant...
{The GP officer lowers her brows when she eyes the SA professor with some distrust.}
Kiyone: Where did you hear that I had a boyfriend?
{Childishly, Washu glances to the ceiling with a concealing smile to herself.}
Washu: Oh, something I overheard once upon a time in Manhattan...
{Kiyone takes a breath and sighs.}
Kiyone: Alright... what do you know, Washu...?
Washu: A few tidbits... but I've been doing my own investigation, my dear Galaxy Police.
Kiyone: I'm sure you have been...
{She closes her eyes and grips her tea cup a little tighter.}
Kiyone: However, I like to keep my personal life just that.
{Washu retains her wide smile as her voice raises a few octaves into an annoying range.}
Washu: Oh, come on! A little teasing is good between old friends!
{Sweat beads in Kiyone's deep forest of hair.}
Kiyone: Even when they're manical geniuses...?
{Washu starts to chuckle but within moments breaks into a insane laugh that draws the eyes of the
other attendees of the cafeteria. Kiyone wryly grins while the feeling of the surrounding gazes
causes her to sweat some. At a distant table, the false eye of Dr Clay falls upon the two old
friends with a distasteful glare. His wrinkled face twists more as he curls his lip while
watching Washu and Kiyone begin to continue their conversation. The aged researcher raises a
glass of wine to his lips for a deep and unflattering gulp. He exhales forcefully after downing
the alcohol while his cheeks flush some. The bearded man then grins to himself with a scoff
before whispering to his own ears.}
Clay: Laugh it up now, Washu... Just keep laughing...
{He then chuckles alone while the scene fades to another interrogation room. However, this
particular room has more lights illuminating it than those where Beth and Omegus were
interviewed. The walls can bee seen to be clean bulkheads, devoid of colors besides hues of grey
while the closed door does have arrows showing its direction of movement and glowing indicators
of its status. The silver-haired Naja Akara sits holding an information tablet listing the vital
data for the young woman across from her. Naja is dressed properly in her SA uniform, closed and
tied as for its tradition.}
Naja: Dr Kyoko Omegus, wife of Dr Kyle Omegus...
{The woman across from her seems of oriental descent from her facial structure, yet her ears and
eyes are feline much those of the Ryoan or Pentinian races. Her soft green hair is drawn back
into a chinon bun behind her head, allowing those elfin ears to be seen very pronouncedly. Her
feline eyes are warm and welcoming in their rosy color, a feminine cross between crimson and
ivory. Also dressed officially in her Science Academy uniform, Kyoko sits properly with her
hands in her lap and back straight.}
Naja: Born on Pentinon in the city of Provelion as Kyoko Alphar...
{Naja's brows furrow intently and sadly when she continues to read the information before her on
the translucent device.}
Naja: Parents killed in a shuttle accident in 1972... and raised by elder brother, Captain
Yamachi Alphar... who was killed in action in 1979 during the planet's last civil war...
{Kyoko nods quietly, some melancholy in her own eyes.}
Naja: Became the legal ward of Rente Ro, who was a minor at the time and gave custody to Jason
and Erika Sy in the city Kien...
{The platinum-haired professor glances up to her colleague, at a loss for the list of events in
this young teacher's early life.}
Naja: That's just until you were eight-years-old... It is a wonder that you've lived through
all that.
{Kyoko blushes and responds.}
Kyoko: My family is known for being rather stubborn about things...
{Naja nods with a wry grin, beginning to skim the information again.}
Naja: I would say so... After you settled with the Sy family in the aftermath of the war, you
entered the Science Academy and quickly caught up from the years you missed due to the
war.
{She bops her head from side to side as she reads.}
Naja: You tutored while you obtained your master's and doctoral degrees in philosophy back to
back by the age of twenty-two... Impressive... You were one of the first, and youngest,
professors for the Carica SA branch...
{The brown eyes of the higher professor narrow at the next strip of information.}
Naja: You were a witness to the incident on 10 July 1995 on the Carica campus?
{Kyoko's eyes lower with her nod.}
Kyoko: Yes...
{Naja glances up, blinking in confusion.}
Naja: What happened that day? It's only mentioned here in your record that you gave a statement
to the Galaxy Police regarding a... rogue android?
{The quiet young woman shakes her head before looking up again.}
Kyoko: It's a memory I'd rather forget, Dr Akara... However... I will say that it robbed us all
of two excellent students... both of whom I knew personally...
{The interviewer nods.}
Naja: I see... Sorry to bring up a bad memory. I'm sure I'll have my fair share with my son
when he gets older.
{Kyoko's eyes become brightened by interest in this.}
Kyoko: You have a son? How old is he?
{Naja grins, her expression mixed in pride and embarassment.}
Naja: Well... he looks eleven, but he's still a bit naive right now.
{The younger scientist grins as she angles her head to the side musingly.}
Kyoko: That much be a strange point... right when he wants to be free and yet, can't be...
{The silver-haired researcher nods.}
Naja: Yeah... his hormones are starting to get him into trouble just like his curiousity.
Kyoko: I'll probably have the same problem when Chris gets that old.
Naja: "Chris"...? That's your son's name?
{Kyoko nods, her warm expression melting the differences between the two women.}
Kyoko: Yes, he's my son with Kyle. He's only eight-months-old. Kyle and I left him with the
Sys while we came for our interviews.
{Slowly, Naja's smile fades to a serious expression for the teacher across from her.}
Naja: Only eight months...? And, you want to move to Earth...?
{Kyoko's smile diminishes some but does not completely vanish.}
Kyoko: We know Earth is in a dangerous time right now, but this is the best time to raise a
child. He'll watch a world change and mature, just as he does the same as he grows up.
The opportunities for him are uncountable and, to us, worth the risk.
{The interviewer nods as she internalizes the applicant's words, seeing a mother's truth in them.
A small, respectful smile appears on Naja's face.}
Naja: I can understand. I have some of the same in mind for Kagato.
Kyoko: Your son?
Naja: Yes, he's my pride and hope.
{Kyoko blinks back to her welcoming smile.}
Kyoko: Maybe they'll get to know one another some day.
{Naja smiles warmly back.}
Naja: Maybe.
End Scene 3
Scene 4
{The glow of a computer monitor highlights the brooding silence of Nobuyuki Masaki. The
rectangular lenses in his glasses reflect back the image on the screen before him, a blueprint
for a magnificent estate. The modern design integrates the openness of Japanese homes with the
more angular stoicism of the West. The fantasy home also features a large chamber designed to
have walls of glass, a greenhouse for a small garden of both beautiful flowers and edible flora.}
{Nobuyuki sighs hard and leans back in his cushioned, rolling chair. He stretches his arms up
behind his head as he closes his eyes, a conflict seen hardening his face. The hooded lightbulb
hanging from the ceiling shines down around the lonely room he calls his own. Books are stacked
between bookends at either end of the long desk which serves as his workplace away from his
office in town. Scattered about the desk are signed permits and acquisition documents from the
Okayama Prefecture zoning commission regarding a planned construction, to be completed in the
coming February of 1999. Alongside those zoning papers from Okayama, translucent sheets of
plastic bear printing from the Galactic Union and Jurai Empire which also acknowledge his kinship
to his son Tenchi, and thereby the Jurai royalty, and allow his plan to build.}
{Behind the mulling silence of the architect, his single bed stands nicely made, the lamp on his
nightstand handing over a few novels, one half-finished from the location of its bookmark.
Pictures hang on the walls from various memorious times in his life: his chess club from high
school, the bestowing of his degree in architecture, and others. However, none of these
pictures, even those with Tenchi and Yosho, portray his late wife, Achika.}
{Nobuyuki slumps forward, his elbows coming to rest on his knees while his eyes set on the floor
beneath his desk. The conflict in his visage has grown, furrowing his brows and bringing a
melancholic grimace to his lips. He questions himself softly.}
Nobuyuki: Am I doing the right thing...? I made this all for her... To destroy it all...
{The educated man runs his hand over his face and then his fingers through his head's raven hair,
in which strands of white flicker by his digits. His palm rests on the back of his neck for a
moment before he sighs, letting the appendage fall back to his knee. The man shakes his head.}
Nobuyuki: God... it's stood for most of Tenchi's life... much of my own as well...
{His eyes lid themselves as he speaks the name of his departed love.}
Nobuyuki: Achika...
{Her name alone sends his mind into a series of thoughts about the woman who was his wife and
mother of his son. He recalls the two of them as teenagers in their black school uniforms with
the autumn leaves falling around them. Her kind smile and her brown eyes radiate a joy and
gentleness unique to this particular girl as she eagerly comments and adds to the young student's
sketches. Her onyx hair falls from the ponytail bound behind her head as a regal crown, though
she was oblivious of her heritage. Young Nobuyuki, much like his son, blushed and discussed her
questions shyly, somewhat uneasy from her affectionate attention.}
{This image begets the next where he stands before Yosho in the proper garb of the master of the
Masaki shrine behind him. Wearing the large, ceremonial gi and towering hat, Yosho smiles warmly
to the formally dressed Nobuyuki in gi and hakama with a black, ancient-style jacket. Next to
him, Achika stands blushing mildly with tears rolling down from her eyes. She is gorgeous in the
azure and ivory kimono designed almost to regal standards. Her raven hair is again tied behind
her, but with a wooden comb not unlike those of the Jurai Royal Family. Stunning to all the
guests seated behind them, Achika and Nobuyuki listen to Yosho as he delivers to them the rights
of marriage, though both turn their gazes to one another in a silence that is only theirs.}
{The vision ripples away, replaced by Nobuyuki walking at Achika's side across the yard to the
house that she helped him design. Her brown eyes shine with wonder and surprise at the home that
they would now share when she turns to her husband and hugs him tightly, her locks of hair
falling freely across the back of her rosy sweater. He holds her tightly, allowing her to rest
her head on his shoulder while he kisses her on the side on her temple through her hair. A
distance away, Yosho stands before the house grinning paternally while he holds a baby Tenchi in
his arms, the child blinking and examining his parents eagerly.}
{Lastly, the man clinches his eyes when he sees his wife laying in a hospital bed, medical
technology of the '80s decade around them both. Her hair is tied into a chinon bun behind her
head as she looks over to Nobuyuki at her bedside, loyally staying with her. She expresses that
same enlightening smile for him as she raises her hand to his, where he holds her palm and
fingers tightly with both of his. Tears roll down his face, but she shakes her head, still
smiling for him as she speaks silence within this memory.}
{Sitting in his room, he shakes his head and tries to fight that sad memory away along with his
words.}
Nobuyuki: No! It's not alright, Achika!! It's my masterpiece for you!! I can't...!!
{Then, his eyes pop open when a scene filters into his mind. Achika kneels with white particles
falling around them, her clothed only in a trenchcoat of soft blue around her shoulders. His
eyes open slowly, parts of his body in extensive pain, particularly his right leg. His vision is
a bit fuzzy since his glasses missing, but he can make out Achika's loving face above his,
smiling warmly. However, he blinks, and her features have changed. Her hair is the color of
glimmering silver, her eyes the deepest crimson while black marks of combat cross her face,
recognized with his present experiences as the Juraian Mark of Rage. Her ghostly locks fall
around the two of them as she leans forward and kisses him on the lips. The architect looks at
her confusedly, noting the device shimmering on her forehead, its pattern accelerating. She
whispers to him quickly.}
Achika: I love you, Nobuyuki... Take care of Tenchi for me when I'm gone... Please...
{Tears appear at the edges of her eyes and bead down the sides of her quiet face.}
Achika: Don't worry... I know you won't forget... It's no sin to move on... Remember that...
if this memory ever returns to you...
{These words from his first and only love echo into his soul while Nobuyuki sits back into his
chair, his eyes closed tightly. The tear in him continues to run deep when a knock comes to his
door. He glances to the door surprised before he shakes his head forcefully to gather himself.
He stands and smooths his buttoned shirt and slacks to at least give the appearance of composure.
His hand takes from his chest pocket a kerchef which is used wipe away the mosture from his face
as he walks to the door. The architect puts the small piece of cloth back into his pocket when
he opens the partition between his room and the rest of the house, finding Yosho gazing through
his skull.}
{Dressed in his typical gi and hakama, the priest of the Masaki shrine stands examining his son-
in-law carefully, putting a chill through Nobuyuki. Yosho's keen, garent eyes quickly note the
dried tear streaks on the younger man's face before he questions him.}
Yosho: May I come in?
{Nobuyuki is startled from his icy feel and steps back to one side, inviting the elder man
within.}
Nobuyuki: Of course, Father...
{The legendary warrior of Jurai enters and starts to take in the loneliness around him, citing
the lack of photographs that had lined the room before. He can see the faint rectangles of
dustless wall where they had hung. Also, the legal documents and plans on the desk do not go
unnoticed. As Nobuyuki starts to follow him, the Juraian man mentally assembles his suspicions.}
Yosho: I thought so... I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner...
{When the architect approaches, Yosho firmly commands the educated man.}
Yosho: Shut the door.
{At first, Nobuyuki blinks in confusion but then returns to the door to slide it closed while
Yosho turns around to face the widower of his daughter. The men lock gazes when the priest
shakes his head sadly, commenting on what he sees.}
Yosho: You can't do it, can you?
{Nobuyuki grimaces at the precision of Yosho's question, closing his eyes while the Juraian's
expression becomes solemn as well.}
Yosho: Nobuyuki, she understands. I know she does and will love what you build.
{The Terran frowns and shakes his head.}
Nobuyuki: I don't think so... I've tried to ignore this feeling of betrayal, but I can't do it,
Father. I can't demolish what I made for her...
{Yosho closes the gap between them and rests his hands on his son-in-law's shoulders firmly and
confidently.}
Yosho: She does understand. She did before, as did I.
{Confusion wipes across the younger man's face when understanding is seen in his late wife's
father.}
Yosho: Achika didn't tell you about the house we lived in before you came, did she?
{Nobuyuki shakes his head while Yosho nods, releasing the architect's shoulders.}
Yosho: No... she wouldn't tell you...
{The great samurai turns to gaze out the grand window while the Terran watches him silently.}
Yosho: Itsuki... passed away there...
{Surprise races across Nobuyuki's face while Yosho closes his eyes in memory.}
Yosho: She wasn't much older than Achika was when she left us... That house... was her
ancestral home, Nobuyuki... Though it had been modernized after the second world war, it
had stood for several generations of her family...
{The middle-aged man steps forward with an aghast question.}
Nobuyuki: Then, why did you let me tear it down and build this house? If it meant that much to
you then why...?
{He stops himself, his own question answered when Yosho turns back to him, some shimmer at the
edge of his own eyes.}
Yosho: Because it would make Achika happy. This house gave her a home to raise her son, and it
has served that purpose well because you designed it with your love for her.
{Nobuyuki is at a loss listening to the tale of his gift to his late wife.}
Yosho: This house has withstood the attack of a reknowned space pirate, numerous impact waves
from the lake, even being taken into space and suffering the battle against the Jurai
forces in the cargo bay of Kiyone's patrolship Yagami. You built it well, Nobuyuki,
better than you knew at the time.
{The priest lowers his head and closes his eyes.}
Yosho: But, you and I both know that a new time has started for all of us. This house won't be
adequate for the family that will live here in the coming years, let alone the changes in
the world.
{Nobuyuki sighs hard, emotions starting to build in his voice.}
Nobuyuki: But... then we won't have this to remember her...
{Yosho shakes his head.}
Yosho: You took down all the pictures of her so you wouldn't feel her eyes watching you as you
designed. That feeling wasn't judgment. It was concern because she could see what you
were doing to yourself, just like I can now. Sasami and Nagi could too if not for other
matters in their own lives.
{Nobuyuki takes a breath and looks back at Achika's father seriously.}
Nobuyuki: Since I destroyed your wife's ancestral home, even unknowingly, I ask you, Masaki
Katsuhito, what should I do?
{Yosho does not hesitate.}
Yosho: Do what you know is best, what your wife would want you to do.
{The Juraian prince walks past the learned Terran and opens the door to exit the room. He
glances to the side and speaks to Nobuyuki quietly.}
Yosho: I will get Nagi and Sasami. We'll wait for your choice in the den.
{He leaves Nobuyuki alone to contemplate this choice as the architect walks back to his chair and
sits down heavily. He lets Yosho's and Achika's words permiate his mind while he reaches beneath
the work platform to extract a large lockbox. He quickly enters the combination into the rotors
so he can open the container, revealing all the pictures he had taken down. Each is from a
different moment in his life with Achika: their graduation, their wedding, Tenchi's birth, the
completion of the house, and many others. He silently takes out the wedding photo and looks at
his lost love longingly hearing her last words once more.}
Achika: It's alright, dear... Take care of Tenchi...
{He closes his eyes, his mind and soul focusing on her gentle strength. He then remembers the
strong warrior persona she showed him before their memories of Kain's appearance were taken away.
He opens his eyes, decided on his choice.}
{In the den, Yosho stands with Nagi and Sasami before him, speaking to the two of them. The Ryo-
Juraian bounty hunter is dressed in her white gi and black hakama for her practice with the
legendary Juraian prince. Teenage Sasami wears white jeans and a green sweater, her azure hair
falling behind her head freely. The two young women portray opposite reactions to Yosho's news
from upstairs: Nagi with her arms folded and a mild glare on her face while Sasami attentive and
concerned. Ken-Ohki sits upon Nagi's shoulder listening to the conversation.}
Nagi: What important news? Has he peeked in upon another woman and gotten arrested?
Sasami: Wait, Nagi... What's wrong, Grandpa? Is he alright?
{The samurai turns to the stairs where Nobuyuki steps down them slowly, gaining the attention of
the two girls and cabbit as well. The huntress's glare comes to rest on him coldly while
Sasami's kind eyes follow him to the bottom of the steps. The architect is quiet and grave as he
approaches them, his face now centered unlike before. With his closed eyes, he takes a calming
breath and releases it before he glances between the attendees. Nagi shifts her weight to her
right leg impatiently while Sasami grasps her hands tightly together before he speaks.}
Nobuyuki: I know things are just now starting to get settled around here the last couple
months... but I have to tell you now that a big change is coming for the next few months
until Tenchi and Ryoko get back from their trip.
{Nagi's gaze does not falter while Sasami questions him with worry in her voice.}
Sasami: What's happening? Is there an uprising in Japan now too?
{Nobuyuki grins warmly and shakes his head, his words now comforting.}
Nobuyuki: No, nothing like that.
{He sighs and continues.}
Nobuyuki: Since Tenchi and Ryoko are married now, the house'll be kinda small for us, them, and
the family they will have.
{Shock starts to enter Sasami's eyes, surprise to Nagi's.}
Nobuyuki: Starting tomorrow, the house will be systematically rebuilt so we'll have the room
that we'll need.
{Sasami gasps before she speaks quickly.}
Sasami: But, that means that you'll have to...!!
{The architect nods with a false smile on his face.}
Nobuyuki: ... To tear down this house piece by piece. I know, Sasami, and it took a long time
to decide. I'm sorry to burden all of you like this.
Sasami: But... this was for Lady Achika, your wife...
{Nagi's glare softens some when Nobuyuki nods, holding back his tears.}
Nobuyuki: Yes, it was...
{Yosho glances to the huntress when she turns to meet his gaze, which is also emotional like
Nobuyuki's. She takes the information from all these sources and simply nods quietly back to her
sensei. The huntress steps forward to Nobuyuki who spins to her with some fear in his eyes.
Then, she states plainly her mind.}
Nagi: Explain what we need to do, Mr Masaki.
{His fear slowly abates as he starts to explain his plans for the reconstruction of the house
while Yosho turns to look at the fogged windows. The chill outside continues when small flakes
of snow are blown into the glass windows and start to melt from the heat of the interior.
However, his trained eyes catch two figures standing outside the home, gazing back at the
assembled people in the den. He smiles when he recognizes the two outside as his wife and
daughter, Itsuki and Achika. Both kimono clad women nod respectfully to Yosho before they fade
away into the virgin white snow falling outside.}
End Scene 4
Scene 5
{Feminine palms clad in crimson and obsidian strike a wooden countertop hard as the weight of the
hands' owner falls in behind them. This woman breathes shallowly and abruptly, nausea quickly
taking hold of her body. Protected by her flaming uniform of combat, the trained form of Ryoko
Masaki falls to one knee at the counter's side, weakness and fatigue aiding the nausea in pulling
her to the ground. Around her neck and wrists, golden starbursts of armor protect those three
vital areas, the intricate imagery interrupted only on her left wrist where a perfect red gem is
imbedded in the metal. Black Marks of Rage drape both sides of her face, which is flushed and
weary.}
{The room around her is a galley of Juraian design aboard Funaho, surrounding the ill warrior
with decorative carvings and reliefs, as well as the pleasant scents of food and spices.
However, these smells cause Ryoko's breath to shorten further, the nausea to increase. She
closes her eyes tightly and starts to lift herself up with her arms and legs, but immediately,
her balance is robbed from her as the room seems to spin from her perspective.}
{From a side door, Tenchi dashes to Ryoko's side wearing his billowing white gi and hakama,
transformed by the Jurai Power and the Light Hawk aura inside him like Ryoko is. Yet, his hair
is longer, flowing down to the sides of his face and to his rattail reaching past his shoulders.
His face bears a deep concern and worry when he questions her.}
Tenchi: How do you feel, Ryoko?
{He reaches for her when she swipes an arm between them, her ruby energies gathering into a
sword. Her amber eyes glare at him when her voice snaps in anger.}
Ryoko: Get back!
{Her husband rises with a step backward away from her, surprise crossing his face. The Ryoan
woman slowly stands successfully to her feet, but then she stumbles and spins around to lean back
against the counter. The glowing blade at her side vanishes as she frowns, willing herself to
maintain her balance. Tenchi approaches her cautiously, his words soft and concerned like his
expression.}
Tenchi: Talk to me, Ryoko... What's wrong...?
{She suddenly sighs hard and relaxes to fall downward, where Tenchi rushes forward and catches
her before she hits the ground. The battlesuit around her and marks on her face fade away to
more normal clothes: jean shorts and a red tank-top. Around her left wrist, her bracelet hangs
loosely holding its perfect spherical gem. Her golden wedding band is on her left ring finger.
Her anger fades away to a regretful face and voice as she apologizes.}
Ryoko: I'm sorry, Tenchi... I shouldn't have snapped like that... I just felt sick for a
moment... That's all...
{He supports her while the young man helps her walk out from the galley and down a corridor in
the great treeship. Tenchi nods and acknowledges her words.}
Tenchi: I can see that, but you've been a bit irritable the last few weeks. I want to help, but
you need to tell me what's going on. That's part of how marriage works, Ryoko.
{She grimaces and nods.}
Ryoko: I know that, Tenchi... I've just been stuck inside for too long. I'll feel better when
we get off on Jurai.
{Some of Ryoko's strength returns to her when the scents from the galley are removed, but
Tenchi's concern does not drop.}
Tenchi: I know you've been restless, Ryoko, and that's why we were going to workout this
morning. What did you eat this morning? Anything that could have made you sick?
{She shakes her head.}
Ryoko: I haven't eaten anything today. I've been feeling too full lately, anyway. I need to
work some of it off.
Tenchi: You're hardly fat, dear, and you should eat to keep up your strength for when you
exercise.
{The young wife closes her eyes tightly when her husband questions her seriously and kindly.}
Tenchi: I can tell something's wrong, Ryoko. It's about going back to Jurai, isn't it?
{She sighs hard and nods.}
Ryoko: Yeah, that's part of it. We didn't leave on the best of terms, and... I don't know what
it'll be like to see her again.
{He agrees as they reach the end of the corridor, opening into the arboretum aboard their ship.
Breathing the fresh air, Ryoko is able to step away from Tenchi and stand on her own. She folds
her arms when he comes to her side and wraps an arm around her shoulders. The Ryoan shakes her
head, holding back part of the meaning to her words.}
Ryoko: There are times I wonder if this is how it was meant to be...
{The Juraian prince furrows his brows and closes his eyes while he disagrees with her. Yet, he
also shows some of his own preoccupation with the subject when he weakly says these words into
her ear.}
Tenchi: Don't think like that, Ryoko...
{His grip around her shoulder becomes weaker, and the young wife sadly narrows her gaze at the
lush foliage around them. A small smile appears on his lips as he speaks again, happily changing
the subject of the conversation.}
Tenchi: Maybe we should have brought Sasami with us. She could cook something that would keep
you from being sick.
{He releases her shoulder while the combat garb around him fades away to his normal clothing: a
green shirt and jeans. Also around his left ring finger, he wears a golden ring of marriage much
like Ryoko. The wedded prince turns away slightly, keeping his kind brown eyes on her.}
Tenchi: I might have some of her recipes somewhere. I'll see if I can whip up something for
lunch that might make you feel better.
{She grins genuinely and nods back to him.}
Ryoko: That'd be nice. I feel better now. Thanks for helping me, my Tenchi. The air here
helped a lot.
{His smile widens some as he nods.}
Tenchi: Alright. I'll be back with some lunch in a bit. Try and keep from doing too much,
okay?
Ryoko: I promise.
{After hearing her response, Tenchi waves before turning into the corridor and vanishing in the
distance. She quietly watches him go while thoughts run through her mind of what happened after
the dark goddess's defeat. Ryoko's expression becomes somber in these thoughts.}
Ryoko: You should tell me about your problems too, Tenchi... You shouldn't bear them alone
either...
{In her memory, the former pirate stands silent dressed in her blue and gold striped dress,
opposite another woman. This lady wears a blue, layered kimono of the Jurai Royal Family, her
regal violet hair falling around her face in a bowl style with twin ponytails behind her. Her
eyes are hidden beneath the shadow of her hair, keeping her expression partially hidden. She
speaks unheard words to Ryoko, who accepts them without reply. The Ryoan lowers her head with a
hurt expression across her face before she nods, acknowledging what the Juraian has told her.}
Ryoko: Keeping it quiet is what tore us apart in the first place...
{Ryoko looks up slightly to see the tears rolling down the regal lady's face before the Juraian
raises her gaze to reveal her crimson eyes and tiara Key of Tsunami. Ayeka Jurai, the princess
who renounced her status in the Jurai Royal Family, gazes back into Ryoko's eyes, both women torn
emotionally. Ayeka bows respectfully to Ryoko and then slowly turns away, her eyes lingering at
her sister-in-arms before walking away into the distance.}
End Scene 5
End Act 3