All material of or relating to Tenchi Muyo! is copyrighted by BeStach, Geneon Entertainment, and Vap.

All material of or relating to Men in Black are copyrighted by Marvel/Malibu Comics and Columbia/Tristar Pictures.

(The gates over the MiB motor pool's entrance roll up as a black car roars out into the night street. Within moments, it changes forms and ignites its engines to shoot into the distance. With some static, Zed's voice is heard over the car's communication system.)

Zed: Illirg has been sighted outside town in a pasture. Seems he has a taste for beef.

(Not too far away, an open field lies quietly until the ground cracks open, the two sides sliding apart. Beneath, the MiB's hangar rests, containing Yagami, Mitsuki's own grey patrol-ship, and the Lyex. Beneath its feet, its engines flare, lifting its metal body upward into the sky. Once its feet clear ground level, the hangar seals itself once more.)

Ayeka: We could send the Lyex mecha ahead of the others and lure him to the amplifier.

Kiyone: Good tactic, Ayeka.

(Soon, the Lyex flies parallel to the car below, the two heading away from the city and into the farmlands some distance away.)

Washu: Oh, and do be careful with my amplifier. I haven't finished my research on how Ryoan and Juraian energies blend.

Ryoko: Which means?

(An irritation enters Washu's voice.)

Washu: Which means you're playing with fire, Ryoko. It could blow up in your face so watch what you're doing.

(Within moments, the car slows and reverts to its original form before coming to rest on the side of the road. Above, the Lyex hovers as Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka exit the ground-based vehicle. The trunk opens while Tenchi walks around to the rear and heaves the amplifier device from the compartment.)

(Ryo-Ohki hops from the car upon Ryoko's shoulder, which issues a pet and a smile from her mistress. Ayeka turns her attention to the Lyex above them as Ryoko joins Tenchi.)

Ryoko: I can get that, Tenchi.

(He shakes his head.)

Tenchi: No, I've got it.

(He turns to the two women and questions them seriously.)

Tenchi: Are you two sure you're ready for this?

(Ryoko waves him off.)

Ryoko: Don't worry, Tenchi. We've got this.

Ayeka: Indeed. We'll play our roles.

(The princess clasps her hands before her as her expression turns to concern.)

Ayeka: You take care in this.

(Tenchi sets the device on the ground, where it sprouts legs and rises to their waist level. He closes his eyes as he considers this situation.)

Tenchi: We all know the danger here.

(He glances to the two of them.)

Tenchi: I just want to tell you both that...

(Ryoko interrupts.)

Ryoko: Hey, Tenchi.

(He blinks at this as she scoffs and grins.)

Ryoko: Tell us after this, okay?

(Her confidence bleeds into a smile across his face as he nods.)

Tenchi: Alright. No worries then. Right, Ayeka?

(Ayeka watches this exchange, and then nods to herself a small smile on her lips as well. From above, Kiyone's voice sounds from the hovering mecha.)

Kiyone: We're going on ahead to engage Illirg. You three be ready when we lure him back.

(The three look up while Tenchi calls back.)

Tenchi: Good luck!

(As the Lyex flies into the distance, the three on the ground nod together. Around Tenchi's left hand, a golden bracer appears, emitting a similarly colored disk of light. This disk passes over him, replacing his clothes with a blue battle-suit, the same used against Kain. Similarly, around Ryoko's neck, a golden choker reveals itself and cascades a disk that covers her in a red battle-suit of similar design. Lastly, a violet obi emerges around Ayeka's waist and sends two disks over her, donning a pinkish battle-suit. Together, these three watch the Lyex depart, Tenchi gripping the Tenchiken Key at the ready.)

(In the cockpit of the Lyex, Kiyone and J are seated, their attention on the screens and controls before them. J glances at Kiyone as he questions her.)

J: You ready, Kiyo?

(She concurs.)

Kiyone: As I'll ever be.

(J sighs heavily as he faces front. The teal-tressed detective furrows her brows as she questions him, keeping most of her attention on the screens before her.)

Kiyone: Something wrong?

(J scoffs and shakes his head.)

J: A couple days ago, I was just another New York street cop. Now, I'm in a big-ass robot with a space detective heading to fight a giant mantis. A lot's changed since I first met K, my first MiB partner.

(Kiyone grins some.)

Kiyone: Heh, sounds like my life. Everything was turned upside-down when I met my partner Mihoshi.

(She chuckles.)

Kiyone: You should have seen her on that first day. She was so naïve of procedure and conduct... God, I wanted to scream for so long!

(She shakes her head, smiling.)

Kiyone: But, she's a really good person, as innocent as any I've known.

(J grins as well.)

J: Kinda like L back at headquarters. She's a good doctor, but she's got a way to go before she's a good cop... agent... whatever.

(Kiyone nods and comments in good nature.)

Kiyone: We're both cops here, J. I think we can both say that partners change your life, like few things do.

J: Yeah, they might be irritating, but you'll risk your life for 'em, just like they would for you.

Kiyone: Well said.

(An alarm sounds, stirring the two from their conversation. Kiyone quickly takes the Lyex's maneuvering controls while J manipulates the targeting system.)

J: It's go time!

(Outside, the robot's arms rotate forward and take aim on a large shape before them in this dark night. The chimera mantis Illirg looks away from his meal, his mandibles dripping with blood. Below him, a cow's freshly killed carcass lies with its flesh ripped asunder. He soon sights the Lyex approaching him, and his features twist into a scowl.)

Illirg: Bastards...! Just in time to spoil my meal...!!

(He turns to face the mecha, raising both his arms, fully regenerated. He levitates from the ground, curling his legs against his carapace as he darts toward the Lyex. The insect's chitinous armor shifts to the Ryoan red and black patterns before summoning crimson power to his claw. This ruby bolt of power then flies at the Lyex.)

(The accelerator cannon from the Lyex's right arm fires, meeting the shot as the mecha dodges to the side and avoids the forthcoming explosion. The robot fires again, only to have the blast ricochet off the beast's personal shielding. Illirg roars, opening his claws to meet the arms of the machine as the two stop suddenly from the collision and drop toward the ground. The Lyex's feet dig into the ground while Illirg does likewise, extending his legs below him.)

(Testing one another's strength, neither budge while their feet embed themselves into the soil. In the cockpit, Kiyone pushes her control levers forward, forcing the mecha to whine loudly with the force exerted outside. The controls fight against her, the force-feedback exhibiting Illirg's resistance. Opposite her, J shifts the targeting reticle before him over Illirg's thorax, only to have it skew away with the motions of Kiyone's actions.)

Kiyone: Make it fast! I can't hold him forever!

(The reticle settles on him and shimmers deep red.)

J: Got him!!

(He pulls the triggers under his fingers, causing the gun-pods to unleash their hail of lead. Angled toward Illirg, the weapons successfully penetrate his carapace at this close range. The beast roars in pain, as his face shifts to a pale white. The Lyex releases Illirg and shoots off into the distance. The giant insect glares at the fleeing mecha, its mandibles gnashing in pain and anger.)

Illirg: You aren't going to get away...!!

(Lifting from the ground again, the creature pursues the Lyex. Aboard the robot, Kiyone watches the miles of land pass below her while J's displays center squarely upon their pursuer. Sarcastically, he scoffs.)

J: I think we pissed him off! I sure hope Tenchi and the girls are ready!

Kiyone: So do I.

(In the display before Kiyone, the image depicts the land rushing past them below and Ryoko hovering in the distance. The pirate drops to the ground quickly, joining Ayeka at the side of the amplifier. Tenchi steps forward, the blue blade issuing forth from the sword Key in his hands. Together, Ryoko and Ayeka extend their hands toward two marked ports on the amplifier. Energies flow to the hands of the two women: crimson to Ryoko and emerald to Ayeka, the tiara Key on her forehead glowing a brilliant forest green.)

(Nodding, Kiyone twists her controls, causing the engines to flare more brightly. The mecha gains more distance from Illirg as it swoops past the others on the ground. Then, Ryoko and Ayeka send their respective powers into the amplifier, and upon the device, the triangular symbol burns a violent violet. From the remaining port on the machine, a cone of white light floods forth, enveloping Illirg its candor.)

(Around the beast, the shield becomes visible, turning a sickly grey and collapsing into ashen particles. Further, the monster begins to descend unexpectedly, his ability to maintain flight disabled as well. He crashes into the ground, his claws extending to either side to help stop himself.)

(As Illirg lifts himself from the ground, the Lyex lands nearby and steps over to the insect. It reaches down and grabs his head in its clamp-like hand, but Illirg grasps at the grip with his claws. A blast from the Lyex's accelerator cannon severs Illirg's left elbow joint, ushering a scream from the monster. Over the Lyex's PA system, J taunts the beast.)

J: Not so tough now, are ya?!

(Illirg opens his remaining claw, crimson ropes of energy shooting forth around the Lyex's frame. The mecha struggles against the tension when Tenchi leaps forward and slices through the cords with Tenchiken's blade. Illirg and the Lyex stagger apart, regaining their balance. Illirg glares down at the young prince and roars at him.)

Illirg: Little Juraian bastard...!!

(He raises his foot over Tenchi and drops it suddenly, but the youth slides aside, his blade lingering to slash along the appendage. Illirg cringes as he falls forward, catching himself with his remaining claw-like hand. The Lyex stalks carefully to Illirg's side, aiming its weaponry at him. Kiyone's voice sounds to him.)

Kiyone: You are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You also have a right to counsel. If you cannot afford counsel, one will be appointed for you.

(J's voice follows as the accelerator cannon levels toward the creature's head.)

J: And, you have the right to lose your head if you move.

(A dull growl starts deep within Illirg, soon rumbling the ground as his eyes glare up toward the mecha. Aboard, Kiyone and J blink dubiously, glancing to one another. The teal-tressed detective pulls back on her controls, lifting the Lyex into the air. Tenchi dashes away, joining Ryoko and Ayeka while the two watch the scene before them unfold.)

(Illirg's eyes shimmer intermittently, emerald and crimson. His coloration rotates and blends in patterns of violet, black, and white when a flash of brilliant red slices through his carapace. The shell fades to hardest black obsidian while his eyes fall silent and hollow.)

(Then, the body cracks open, two blackened figures bursting from within. One screams down at them, the very image of the usurper of Jurai, Kagato. The other claws at the sky, its broken mask much the same as the Super-A class criminal Kain.)

(Initially, shock passes over the assembled group: Tenchi's sword lowering slightly, Ryoko's energy ceasing as she lowers her hands, Ayeka's energy ending as she raises her hands to her lips, Kiyone blinking in surprise, and J narrowing his gaze in confusion. Then, the two turn toward the group, their faces twisted in either rage or pain. Tenchi and Ryoko recover quickly, their eyes locking firm to this Obsidian Kagato. Kiyone likewise sets her attentions on the Obsidian Kain.)

(Obsidian Kain focuses on Ayeka, who meets his gaze. The white mask etches itself a smile when its claw shoots toward her. She gasps as she slides back and away, the claws crunching through the amplifier. The Lyex's foot raises and comes crashing down upon Obsidian Kain.)

(Ryoko's hand grips at her side, summoning her sword as Obsidian Kagato draws back his hands at her and Tenchi. The two slide at the reincarnated usurper, the two strikes leaving an “X” of red and blue through him. The carapace collapses as the two figures melt away into a dark ooze pooling around where Illirg fell.)

(The trio on the ground steps toward the remains of the beast, the adrenaline in their systems slowly subsiding. Tenchi sighs hard.)

Tenchi: It's over...

(Ayeka nods.)

Ayeka: Let's pray it is so.

(Ryoko glares down at the sludge below, her sword burning at her side. She sees her reflection in the glossy liquid, her mind recalling the taunts from Illirg the previous night. She lets her sword vanish as she shakes her head.)

(However, this is when a third figure splashes out from the pool, its arms reaching for Ryoko's throat. She reacts, her arms grabbing at the figure's arms, but her eyes widen in surprise to see her own face, blackened and twisted. This Obsidian Ryoko speaks to her softly while the others spin toward her and call out to her.)

Obsidian Ryoko: ... Ryoan bitch...!! How dare you...!!

(Ryoko gnashes her teeth as she glares back at her impostor and struggles with her grip. Ryo-Ohki scampers out from the MiB car toward her mistress, mewing in panic while Tenchi slides forward, his blade cutting the black woman's arms cleanly. The arms at Ryoko's neck fall away lifelessly. Obsidian Ryoko screams as Ryoko herself places her hand in her doppelgänger's face. A blast of crimson explodes from her hand and through the double's head as it melts back away into the puddle below.)

(Ryoko breathes shallowly as she calms herself. An anxiety remains in her eyes while her arm drops to her side. Tenchi lowers his sword and turns to the pirate.)

Tenchi: Ryoko...

(She does not respond so he rests his hand on her shoulder, startling her. Her eyes settle on his worried gaze. She takes a breath and nods slowly, her calm restoring itself.)

Ryoko: I'm okay, Tenchi...

(He smiles some, relieved as she does as well. Ryo-Ohki hops upon Ryoko's opposite shoulder, mewing relievedly. Her mistress pets her kindly while Ayeka watches, distanced from the situation. However, above, flashes of light from behind the clouds draw their attention to the sky. The reports of weapon's fire can be heard from the sources of these flashes. Ayeka narrows her eyes.)

Ayeka: What is that...?

(Within the cockpit of the Lyex, Kiyone and J scan the skies, the reticles before them locking onto two small vessels in combat with one another. J's targeting window automatically takes still images of the two ships, zooming them to opposite corners of the screen.)

(Here, the crafts' schematics are displayed, showing each to be a sleek fighter-craft, one more streamlined and lightweight than the other. Beneath the smaller of the two, the display prints the text “Pentinon Militia – Class Z-20”. For the other, “Pentinon Militia – Class Z-10” is printed below. J raises a brow and blinks in surprise.)

J: Pentinon Militia? Who're they?

(He turns to Kiyone, who hardens her gaze.)

Kiyone: Backup, I bet.

(At the press of a key, a window appears before Kiyone with Washu's face looking back. The genius nods.)

Washu: Yes, I see them.

Kiyone: By their specs, those ships are designed to be short-range fighters. Are there any carriers in this system?

(The redhead shakes her head, her eyes knowledgeable.)

Washu: Not a one, but you have the same suspicions.

Kiyone: I do.

Washu: Be on your guard, Kiyone.

Kiyone: I understand.

(The battle above wages as the connection to Washu winks away.)

J: What do you two suspect?

(Kiyone watches the two ships dodge and fire at one another while she explains.)

Kiyone: When Washu analyzed Illirg's DNA, she found a particular chemical that combined it. It came from the world Pentinon.

(She points to the two ships.)

Kiyone: There was a particular incident that happened there two years ago to a young student, Nerti Ro, who Illirg claimed was his creator. Now, we have two Pentinian fighters above us.

J: You think it's connected?

(She nods as she speaks toward the displays.)

Kiyone: Everyone, we've confirmed two Pentinian Militia fighters dogfighting in the atmosphere above us. It could be a contingency in case Illirg was destroyed.

(From outside, Ryoko calls back up to Kiyone.)

Ryoko: Wait. That doesn't make sense if they're fighting each other.

Tenchi: If they're fighting each other, one could be on our side, right?

Kiyone: There's no guarantee of that, Tenchi. Even if one is with us, we don't know which one that is.

(J glances to his monitor again and reads the word “Variable Geometry” below both ships. Confused, he questions this.)

J: The hell is that...?

(While the five on the ground debate, the Z-20 chases the Z-10, firing its weapons at each turn. However, the Z-10 skillfully avoids every shot, despite its larger size. Along the edge of the canopy of the Z-10, the lettering reads “Rente Ro, Major” and “Caroki”.)

(Then, the shots from the smaller ship cease as its form opens and shifts, changing its configuration into a humanoid mecha. In this form, the Z-20 accelerates, quickly covering the distance between it and its prey. The Z-10 quickly spins around and opens fire itself, dealing some damage to the opponent. However, the Z-20 slips under the plane of fire and reaches one of the Z-10's engine exhausts. Here, it crushes the exhaust shut, causing the larger ship's engines to stall.)

(The ship falls to the ground, though it angles its bow upward and lands sustaining little damage upon impact. Then, the Z-20 turns and targets the Lyex, raising its arms which carry its weapons complement. From the Lyex, J's voice can be heard.)

J: You did not just point that shit at me!

(A hail of light-based beams and projectiles fly from the Z-20's arms toward the group assembled on the ground. The Lyex shoots into the air as Ryoko grabs Tenchi and does the same. Ayeka ducks into the MiB car when the blasts strafe over the area, riddling the car's frame with holes. Ryoko holds Tenchi as she hovers with him, both watching the Lyex engage the Z-20.)

(The Lyex fires its weapons, which the Z-20 dodges until the two meet, locking their mechanical grips together. Each strains against the other, trying to target its own guns. However, the Z-20 wrenches the Lyex's accelerator cannon away before ramming that left arm through the other mecha's power cell. The systems above the Lyex begin to fail, powering down as the canopy pops open. Kiyone and J both eject, their seats flying up into the air to drift down with parachutes.)

(The Z-20 extracts its arm from the Lyex's hull and slams the other mecha to the ground. Then, the enemy craft turns its weapons to the two Lyex pilots, defenseless on their silken descent. However, a beam of coherent light smashes through the weapon array on its right arm. The mecha turns its attention toward the source of the attack when two more blast through the engines keeping it aloft.)

(Smoking, the Z-20 falls, crashing heavily against the ground, unmoving, while Tenchi and Ryoko turn their attention to the source of these blasts of light. At the downed Z-10, the two see a young male wearing red armor over a blue body-suit beneath. A white cap covers his head with a black visor descending over his eyes. Across the gauntlets on his arms are numerous controls, no doubt for the equipment in the pack upon his back. Upon his left cheek is a neatly cut piece of black material, mimicking the Juraian Mark of Rage. In his right hand, a high-output laser rifle is lowered from firing position, where it had been discharged at the Z-20.)

(Ryoko drifts to the ground, releasing Tenchi as they reach the soil. Kiyone and J touch down and remove their parachute harnesses as Ayeka emerges from the car, her personal shield dissipating at her command. The five gather toward the newcomer while Tenchi goes to Ayeka's side.)

Tenchi: Are you alright, Ayeka?

(She nods.)

Ayeka: Nothing serious.

(Ryoko turns to Kiyone and J.)

Ryoko: How about you two?

(J coughs.)

J: Could be better.

Kiyone: We're alright.

(The five then turn their attention to the youth in red. Ayeka motions to him kindly as she speaks.)

Ayeka: Thank you, sir. May I ask your name?

(His head turns back to her, his visor opaque in the night's shade.)

Youth: Hunter Pii, number 4201.

(Ryoko's eyes narrow on the bounty hunter while Kiyone blinks in recognition.)

Kiyone: You're the Terran boy from Pentinon, aren't you? The one blamed for...

(Under his arm, a hook descends, and Pii attaches the laser rifle to this. As he releases the weapon, it rotates away to the pack and retracts into storage. He turns to her and repeats his introduction.)

Pii: I'm the bounty hunter in pursuit of the criminal Mecha-Nerti, detective.

(Without another word, he returns his attention to the wreckage of the Z-20 while Kiyone furrows her brows at him.)

Kiyone: Well, Pii, your claim is on Mecha-Nerti became invalid once she landed on Earth. The MiB charter states that Earth is their jurisdiction.

(Without turning back, he retorts.)

Pii: That charter references limits on the Galaxy Police and extraterrestrial bounty hunters. I'm from Earth so my claim holds just as well.

(J glances to Kiyone, a brow raised.)

J: That's kid's a bounty hunter?

(She nods.)

Kiyone: Apparently so.

(He starts to approach the wreckage when a beam of light slices through the Z-20's cockpit. Pii hastens his approach while a rifle-like weapon extends down from his pack on the left side. He draws the device and slides a selector back and then forward again, not unlike a shotgun.)

(The cockpit erupts in metal and glass as a silver and gold streak shoots toward Pii. He rolls aside, a unleashing a blue blast from his weapon. Missing, the azure pulse impacts the ground, freezing the nearby soil and plants on contact. The five others nearby stand on their guard as the streak stops suddenly and rises to stand between them and Pii.)

(Composed of precious silver, a metallic woman stands, the same features as Nerti Ro from the profile images. Made of the finest gold, her hair is arranged in a great vixen's tail behind her head, the remainder falling along the sides of her face. Hugging her legs and chassis, a shimmering bronze armor protects her vital components. In her right hand, a long pole rests, a curving scythe's blade extending from its tip. Her steel-grey eyes focus primarily on Pii as her lips twist into a venomous smile.)

: Hello, Father.

(His lips sneer at her as he barks back at her.)

Pii: Don't call me “father”, you damned machine.

(He slides the action on his weapon back, leaving it in that position. The machine glances to the other five participants and back to him.)

: Interesting company you keep.

(Pii levels his weapon at her.)

Pii: This is our business, Mecha-Nerti.

(She scoffs.)

: This is actually more about them than you.

Pii: We'll see about that when I rip Nerti's location from your memory.

(The machine's false voice laughs as she rotates her scythe's pole to rest against her arm.)

: Do tell, dear, sweet Father... “Evil Pii”.

(He bares his teeth as his finger squeezes the trigger, issuing a burst of burning red at the machine. She slides aside and darts at him, her feet ripping at the ground. Her blade swings up at him as he spins away and raises his weapon again. As he fires, she turns aside, the blast grazing her abdominal chassis.)

(Her eyes scowl and glow a deep crimson as she sweeps her scythe and cuts through his weapon. He slides back while her free hand thrusts forward and grips the edge of his armor. Her gaze meets his visor as a black fire envelops her arm, and creeps over him. He resists, one arm gripping at hers while another extends, the gauntlet reacting to his motion.)

(Ayeka watches the creeping shadow, a pallor washing over her face while her heart thumps hard against her chest. A hand raises to her chest as she shakes her head slowly.)

Ayeka: The Darkness...!

(The blackness then vanishes, along with Pii. turns back to the other five near the downed Z-10. The scowl and glow fade from her eyes as she considers them coldly. Specifically, her eyes center on Tenchi. From her point of view, her heads-up display pans over him, quantifying his energy output, his physical prowess, the synchronization with his Key, among other values.)

(Meanwhile, metal tendrils punch through her wounded region, covering it and amalgamating back into her previous, undamaged form. She comments.)

: Juraian-Terran hybrid, Masaki Tenchi.

(She grins, narrowing her eyes.)

: I never thought I would have the honor to dispatch you myself.

(Kiyone draws her service blaster levels it against .)

Kiyone: So, you're Nerti Ro's other invention?

(The machine scoffs.)

: She and Father both once called me their “daughter”, but your words are true enough.

(Tenchi raises his sword while Ryoko quickly forms hers as well. Ryo-Ohki hops to the ground and hisses at the artificial woman as J draws his noisy cricket to bear on . The metallic figure begins to rotate her blade at her side, watching her opponents carefully when Ayeka rests a trembling hand on Tenchi's shoulder. He glances to her, a concern in his eyes.)

Tenchi: Ayeka...?

(Her eyes fix on as she speaks to him softly.)

Ayeka: We need to leave here, Tenchi...

(As she says these words, dashes at them. Kiyone and J both fire, but the android rolls to the side to avoid the cricket blast. Kiyone's well-aimed shots are then deflected with swipes of the scythe. Ryoko darts forward brandishing her blade, which meets 's. As the two exchange bladed strikes, Tenchi steps toward the fray himself, only to have Ayeka grip his shoulder and call to him.)

Ayeka: Tenchi...!!

(He nods and glances back to her.)

Tenchi: Alright. Can you get Ryo-Ohki ready while I help the others?

(She nods, releasing his shoulder. He concurs before turning back towards the conflict. She watches distantly while he rushes with sword drawn toward .)

(With Ryoko, blocks her offense perfectly, no strike landing anywhere but against her scythe. The Ryoan woman frowns as she vanishes and reappears behind , thrusting her blade at the machine's back. However, the android steps aside, allowing the attack to utterly miss.)

(However, swings her scythe down toward Ryoko, when it clashes against the blue blade of Tenchiken. Ryoko glances up and swipes along 's chassis, cutting deeply. Yet, her crimson sword ricochets off something within the machine, the reverberations felt in her extended power.)

(The machine steps back and away from the fray, the tip of her scythe's pole charging a bright light. Brows furrowed, the metal woman sweeps her weapon, the tip issuing forth a coherent stream of light that burns a swath into the ground. Tenchi and Ryoko both roll aside to watch as 's wounds heal themselves once again.)

(She rushes them again, both raising their swords to block the coming pole. Overhead, the crystalline ship Ryo-Ohki drifts while Tenchi and Ryoko both strain to hold the scythe at bay together. The Ryoan's free hand raises and summons a bolt when kicks her in the abdomen. As Ryoko buckles, advances a step, her weight bearing down on Tenchi beneath her blade.)

(Then, ruby rings of light appear around them as Tenchi and Ryoko vanish, long with the others of their party. With Tenchi gone, 's blade punches down into the ground, shaking the soil from the impact's force. As Ryo-Ohki flies into the distance, the android grins to herself and turns to the downed Z-10.)

: Let the new Ryo-Jurai War begin.

(As Ryo-Ohki drifts down into the hangar of MiB HQ, Zed watches the ship's arrival on his displays. Close at hand, Washu and Mitsuki stand with folded arms, Mitsuki shaking her head slowly. The genius's analytical gaze processes the recent combat while she taps her finger on her arm.)

(Nearby the door, Mihoshi and L enter, Sasami at their heels. The blonde detective rests a comforting hand on Sasami's shoulder while the young princess clasps her hands together in worry. The redheaded glances over to L, noting the clipboard in the doctor's hand. Mitsuki's eyes narrow as the chief agent turns to the others.)

Zed: So, we have a new player, this “Mecha-Nerti”.

(Washu nods.)

Washu: So it would seem, an android infused with Kain's energy.

(Mihoshi blinks, surprised, as Sasami's eyes widen at the information.)

Mihoshi: Kain's power?!

(Washu nods as she motions to one of Zed's monitors. The display changes from Ryo-Ohki's docking to a replay of Pii in 's grasp. Her forearm ignites in a black fire which creeps over the Terran bounty hunter.)

Washu: Yes, when Mecha-Nerti used this tactic on Pii, I sampled the ambient emanations released from her. They are a perfect match.

(The image freezes with the black energy present, and a bar graph of various forms of released potential present. Most are rather low, save for two tall pillars: “Jurai” and “NVO”.)

Washu: The only other energy present in the area was that coming from Tenchi, and later Ryoko and Ayeka. None of them can generate this power, and Illirg was dead by then. It had to be from her.

(Mitsuki glares toward Washu as she interjects.)

Mitsuki: Looks like you didn't do as well a job as you thought, “genius”.

(The scientist coldly lowers one of her brows as Mitsuki continues.)

Mitsuki: After all your carefully laid plans...

(Zed interrupts Mitsuki.)

Zed: You're hardly helping, officer.

(Mitsuki turns to Zed, a hand on her hip while the group from the field returns: Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, Kiyone, and J. Ryo-Ohki sits atop Ryoko's shoulder. The redheaded GP officer resumes her speech.)

Mitsuki: They didn't do the job. Enough of Kain survived all your machinations in history to arrive here not only as that monster Illirg, but also as this new robot.

(Kiyone shakes her head and corrects her colleague.)

Kiyone: No part of Kain survived the pocket dimension's implosion in 1970.

(The group turns to Kiyone as she nods. Sasami's eyes brighten at the sight of her sister as the little princess rushes to her side. Ayeka draws Sasami close and hugs her warmly. Kiyone explains.)

Kiyone: After the pocket dimension collapsed, I used the sensor system on the dimensional cannon to check the area for any remnant. There wasn't a shred of him left.

(Washu nods and concurs.)

Washu: When the time-axis stabilized, I did a blanket sweep of the vicinity around the Tokyo Tower for NVO energy along the timeline until 1996, when the Galaxy Police Headquarters was destroyed. There was no micro-Joule of NVO energy anywhere.

L: Then, Illirg and Mecha-Nerti had to get it from somewhere else.

(Ryoko steps forward, her eyes narrowed at the genius.)

Ryoko: You mean there are others like Kain out there?

(Across the faces of the extraterrestrial attendants to this meeting, an expression of realized dread washes over them. Washu nods and adds.)

Washu: It's possible. However, these questions don't help our present situation. Mecha-Nerti and Illirg both were sent here...

(Alarms blare throughout the complex, interrupting the minute scientist's exposition. Zed spins quickly to a monitor of the docking bay above, where R yells at agents in the background over muffled explosions.)

Zed: R, what's going on down there?

(Anxious and tense, R turns back to Zed.)

R: That metal woman is pounding on our gates down here! She'll be inside in a few minutes!

Zed: Have you got weapons?

R: No, sir! We're still trying to fortress the door, but she cuts through two layers for each we add!

(An agent yells back to R.)

Agent: The doors are giving way!!

(Sasami clings to Ayeka's side as Ryo-Ohki hops onto the blue-haired princess's shoulder with a worried meow. R spins behind him when Zed speaks calmly to him and draws his attention back.)

Zed: R, get everyone to the emergency barracks. We're putting Code Thirteen into effect.

(Shocked, R blinks dumbly while J and L both furrow their brows at the term.)

Zed: Do you understand?

(He shakes his head.)

R: N... no... No, sir.

Zed: Then, get to it, son.

(The screens blank as J inquires.)

J: Code Thirteen?

(Zed turns back to the group and nod.)

Zed: In case of alien incursion, we retreat to the barracks and set the base for self-destruct. Then, an implosion device will collapse the interior of the base, leaving the barracks and the external superstructure undamaged.

(Washu grins and nods as Zed adds.)

Zed: We'll have to start from scratch again, but at least she'll be stopped.

(J shakes his head.)

J: This secrecy shit blows, Zed.

Washu: However, it might just deal with our little problem.

(A series of explosions rock the building, all present steadying themselves. Kiyone's eyes turn to the floor below Zed's office to see Mecha-Nerti's scythe blade cut through the surface. She points and calls to the others as she draws her pistol.)

Kiyone: There!

(Ayeka edges Sasami behind her while the others around them take a defensive step back. The floor rips asunder as a gold and silver streak shoots from there and through the glass walls of Zed's office. The attendants shield themselves from the shards of glass as the mechanical woman rises to her feet across from them.)

(Recovering from the violent entry, the group sights her and promptly take their guard: Tenchi and Ryoko summoning their swords, the GP and MiB operatives drawing their sidearms, and Ayeka summoning a few of her wooden cylinders around herself and Sasami. At her side, Washu raises her hand, creating her phantom laptop, and she quickly enters a few keystrokes, her eyes focused on the enemy. rests a hand on her hip as she rotates her scythe at her side. Zed narrows his eyes at the construct.)

Zed: Mecha-Nerti, I presume. Is there something we can do for you?

: You can die. You, Zed, were Illirg's primary target, along with the rest of your precious organization.

(Her steel eyes turn to Ryoko as she continues.)

: As Ryua Ryoko was also on Earth, she was a secondary target.

(The group's eyes glance to Ryoko briefly. The fiery woman scowls and grips her sword tightly while the machine returns her gaze to Zed.)

: However, Illirg decided that she was of more importance.

(He chuckles before he responds.)

Zed: While I'm flattered, exactly what would that accomplish? Why not one of the alien dignitaries that are here?

(She advances a step and shakes her head.)

: That is none of my concern, let alone yours. My mission is clear and simple.

(Advancing another step, a grin crosses her lips, her eyes on Tenchi.)

: It is also an honor to dispatch you as well, Masaki Tenchi.

(She proceeds farther, her weapon coming to rest in her hand and along her arm. Zed calls out as his finger squeezes his sidearm's trigger.)

Zed: Fire!!

(A rain of energy pulses fly from the barrels toward , who raises her hand toward these. Her eyes burn crimson as her forearm is enveloped in a black fire, which expands into a disc before her. The incoming fire passes into the shadow, vanishing from sight completely. Soon, the weapons click, empty, and 's protective disc vanishes.)

(She raises her scythe as the tip charges. Ayeka gasps, recognizing this maneuver, and sends her cylinders forward to surround the group. As sweeps her scythe and its cutting beam, it reflects off a shield generated by Ayeka's mini-guardians, burning through the glass above.)

( blinks at this while the beam vanishes. The law enforcement personnel quickly take the opportunity to reload their weapons. Tenchi glances around, considering options when he turns to the glass. Here, Ayeka's barrier touches, but does not extend through the glass. He smiles and motions to Ryoko. She grins and nods as the two dash over to the transparent wall.)

( touches the shield's edge with her free hand, and an emerald electricity sparks along her silver fingers. Scorch marks appear along her elegant housing before she draws back her hand. Examining her fingers, comments.)

: Jurai's Power?

(She looks up and sees Ayeka's set gaze.)

: Princess Jurai Ayeka.

(As the elder princess gazes back at the cold machine, a whisper enters her thoughts, her own voice. Her brows furrow upon hearing its confusing words.)

Mock Ayeka: Lower your guard...

(She shakes her head, pushing those words from her thoughts when Tenchi calls back to the others.)

Tenchi: Everyone! This way!

(The group turns to him and Ryoko as they carve sections out of the glass, allowing them an escape route. The GP and MiB operatives quickly rush to their side and start swinging out the holes and to the floor below. Her laptop vanishing, Washu slides out the opening as well. Tenchi and Ryoko remain with swords ready, guarding the exit, as Ryoko calls back to Ayeka.)

Ryoko: Hurry up, Ayeka!!

( glances to the sides, watching her targets fleeing. Ayeka glances back and nods to Sasami.)

Ayeka: You go on first, Sasami.

(Sasami shakes her head and remains at her sister's side.)

Sasami: But, Ayeka...!!

Ayeka: Hurry! We will follow after you.

(Hesitantly, Sasami hurries to Tenchi and slips out the exit to the others below. Her eyes set again on , Ayeka backs away, joining Tenchi and Ryoko when the android shakes her head and comments.)

: Fools.

(The android gestures to the group on the floor below while darkness consumes both of her arms. At this, a force shield appears around Washu, Mihoshi, and Zed as another envelops Sasami, Ryo-Ohki, and L. The younger princess screams when the shadowy energy around her assaults her small body, surrounding her in ruby lightning. Ayeka's eyes widen with horror as she cries out to her sister.)

Ayeka: Sasami!!

(Tenchi and Ryoko both gasp at this occurrence before turning their swords toward the instigator, anger filling their eyes. 's lips twist into a pleased smile as she comments.)

: Displeased?

(Kiyone raises her sidearm and carefully aims at the edge of the field around Sasami. However, her shot bounces off the spheroid shape and smashes into a wall. Washu and Mihoshi helplessly watch Sasami collapse in pain while L stays at the girl's side, examining the child's condition. Ryo-Ohki mews worriedly at the doctor's side.)

(Ayeka turns and yells at the cold machine.)

Ayeka: Leave my sister alone, you heartless creature!!

(The auras around 's arms fade as she turns her attention back to Ayeka again.)

: Unfortunately, doing that would not perpetuate the instability in your emotions, which makes you irrational, and more vulnerable.

(Tenchi echoes Ayeka's words.)

Tenchi: Sasami's just a girl! It's inhuman to torture her like this!!

: I may have human form, but I am not bound by your moral judgments. All you need to understand is that this child will suffer until you all surrender.

(Ryoko bares her teeth and takes a step forward when Tenchi grabs her shoulder, keeping her from continuing forward. She roars at the enemy, enraged.)

Ryoko: You bitch!!

( motions to the shields, causing them to float upward and flank her on either side. Tenchi whispers to Ryoko, his own voice strained from the situation.)

Tenchi: Not now, Ryoko...

(Ryoko replies in kind to him.)

Ryoko: But, Sasami...

( turns her attention to Ayeka, who grips her fists at the metal woman.)

: Lower your guard, Juraian, if you value your dear sister's life.

(Ayeka scowls as her shield vanishes. Tenchi and Ryoko blink incredulously at this move when Ayeka's miniature guardians surround and issue a field of Juraian energy around the machine. The android convulses, grabbing at her chest and stumbling to her knees at the sudden infusion of opposite power. At this weakness, Ryoko darts at with sword ready.)

(As Ayeka's shock ends, raises her scythe to stop Ryoko's sword. The machine's eyes burn a heated and hateful red as she scowls up at the pirate. Her free hand punches Ryoko's abdomen, knocking her breath away as well as forcing her back toward Tenchi and Ayeka. While the android stands slowly and unsteadily, she settles her gaze back upon Ayeka.)

: Damned Juraian...!!

(Tenchi steps between the two girls and .)

Tenchi: Ryoko, get the others out of here.

(Ayeka shakes her head.)

Ayeka: No, Tenchi!!

(Ryoko nods as she grabs Ayeka hand and pulls her aside.)

Ryoko: He knows what he's doing, Ayeka.

(She vanishes and reappears below with Kiyone, Mitsuki, and J while Tenchi backs toward the holes in the glass, keeping his attention on the enemy.)

Tenchi: This isn't over.

: It certainly is not.

(She watches as he slips out through the hole in the glass to the floor below. Here, Ryoko creates a gateway, and the remaining six characters run through the portal before it fades away.)

(Ryoko's furious scream echoes as her crimson katana slices through a nearby catwalk railing.)

Ryoko: The bitch!!

(Tenchi sighs, standing behind her upon a catwalk in the MiB's hangar. A distance away, Kiyone sits next to Ayeka, comforting the princess as she sobs quietly into her hands. The officer rests a hand her back while J watches the group, empathetic but silent. Mitsuki leans against another railing, gazing down at the vacant hangar below.)

(The young prince steps over to the pirate and rests a hand on her shoulder, whispering to her softly and gently.)

Tenchi: Ryoko...

(Her rage-filled eyes meet his, tension apparent in her shoulder. Tears even edge at the corners of her eyes as she closes her eyes and turns away from him. Allowing her sword to vanish, her arms fold before her as he continues, worry and concern of his own in his gaze.)

Tenchi: We'll get Sasami and the others back, Ryoko...

(Ryoko's voice smolders under her breath.)

Ryoko: We should've stayed...

(He shakes his head.)

Tenchi: Maybe...

(His hands on her shoulders, he turns her to face him, their eyes meeting again as he continues gently.)

Tenchi: Or, maybe she would've gotten us all.

(His eyes close, and he nods, knowingly.)

Tenchi: I care about Sasami too. We all do, but rushing in isn't going to save her.

(Ryoko takes a breath and nods slowly, understanding. Her hands rest against his arms as she eases closer to him. Yet, he glances toward Ayeka, her sorrowful face consumed with worry for her sister. The pirate pauses, her eyes opening to notice Tenchi's gaze. For a moment, she watches her romantic rival's torment before she nods and whispers to Tenchi.)

Ryoko: Go to her, Tenchi.

(The prince incredulously looks back at her, but she nods, easing his arms away from hers.)

Ryoko: I'll be alright. Don't worry.

(He glances down for a moment before nodding with a soft grin. She reciprocates and watches him walk toward Ayeka. Ryoko's eyes lower slightly before she turns to the empty hangar and leans against the railing, missing his glance back at her.)

(Tenchi kneels at Ayeka's side as he softly speaks her name.)

Tenchi: Ayeka...

(Ayeka peeks between her fingers and tears at Tenchi's solemn face. She lowers her hands, revealing her distraught expression while Kiyone nods and pats Ayeka's back again. The young prince's voice gently reaches toward the princess.)

Tenchi: We'll get her back, Ayeka.

(He takes her hands in his, meeting gazes with her.)

Tenchi: I swear.

(She squeezes his hands in return as she closes her eyes with a staggered breath.)

Ayeka: It's like what that insect creature did to me...

(Her eyes open, mixed emotions of helplessness and sisterly protectiveness boiling behind those crimson irises.)

Ayeka: We have to stop her now, Tenchi...! Or, Sasami will...!!

(Her hands grip his tightly, her eyes pleading. He nods as he stands and turns to the others. She rises with him while he speaks to the assembled group.)

Tenchi: We have to go back, and soon.

(Ryoko, Mitsuki, and J turn back toward him as Kiyone stands with him and Ayeka. His eyes harden as he continues.)

Tenchi: But, we'll have to confront Mecha-Nerti for sure.

(Kiyone nods.)

Kiyone: Right, though she has an advantage with that power she's wielding. We'll need some heavier weapons to handle her.

(Ayeka wipes her eyes and takes a slow breath while her worrisome thoughts are set aside. J nods and replies, unsure.)

J: We could get some gear from the armory, but that's right across from Zed's office. We'll still have to get around her first.

(Mitsuki rests her index finger on her chin as she considers this scenario.)

Mitsuki: What about the power armor on Yagami? We could distract her with that long enough to reach the offices.

(Kiyone nods.)

Kiyone: We also have some small arms onboard as well. You have some on your ship as well, right?

Mitsuki: Of course.

(Ryoko steps forward and adds.)

Ryoko: That's when the rest of us can give her some more trouble.

(At this, Ayeka's eyes widen as she recalls their previous encounter with . Tenchi glances to her curiously as he questions her.)

Tenchi: What's wrong, Ayeka?

(Ayeka glances back to him.)

Ayeka: We did give her trouble, when my force field enveloped her.

(J nods.)

J: Yeah, she went down when you shocked her.

Ayeka: If her powers are NVO-based, Jurai energies should be her weakness, not unlike Kain or Illirg.

(Kiyone considers this, a nod to her thoughts.)

Kiyone: That gives us something to throw back at her. You and Tenchi could disable her for the rest of us to handle.

Mitsuki: It's a plan.

J: Then, let's hurry up. The little princess doesn't have a lot of time.

(United, the group nods together and split toward either Yagami or Mitsuki's ship.)

(In Zed's office, Sasami cries in pain while L and Ryo-Ohki stay close at her side, comforting her. Mihoshi watches helplessly while Washu's analytical gaze consumes the reactions before her. Zed turns to , who rotates the pointed tip of her scythe's pole. The chief agent scolds the machine.)

Zed: So, exactly why are you torturing that poor girl? You were sent here to kill me and my Men in Black. What are you waiting for?

(Coldly, she answers.)

: She is a means to an end, as are you all. She is bait to lure Masaki Tenchi back.

(Mihoshi's teary eyes swing back to the android and glare at her while turns her steel gaze back to Zed.)

: Your priority, Zed, has been lowered. Masaki Tenchi is now my primary target.

(Washu glances , listening as Zed answers with a query.)

Zed: And, why him?

: I was instructed to eliminate Masaki Tenchi if he should become involved, his priority preceding all others.

(Zed folds his arms.)

Zed: You didn't answer my question.

(Her attention returns to her blade.)

: Those were my instructions and my purpose, dictated by Mother. Whether or not they satisfy your curiosity is none of my concern.

Zed: I guess that's “Nerti Ro”, right?

(She nods.)

: She is.

Zed: So, why...?

(His sentence is cut short as the machine spins her blade at her side and stops it against the length of her arm. Her eyes turn to him again, burning a deep crimson with a scowl.)

: Your questions become tedious, old man. You will die in time, as will the rest of your organization.

(Her eyes glow slightly brighter as she continues.)

: This world will have its punishment soon, after the Advent of my Lady.

(The shining light fades from her eyes as she coldly changes her focus to the door. As she leaves, she remarks.)

: However, my mission requires completion. I shall return for you all after Masaki Tenchi's death.

(Once she has departed, Zed sighs to himself and glances down to Washu.)

Zed: Any thoughts, professor?

(The genius nods and comments.)

Washu: A few. Evidently, Nerti Ro, her “mother”, sent both her and Illirg both to take out your group, with secondary objectives in Tenchi and Ryoko, respectively.

(She considers for a moment.)

Washu: Both of them had higher priority, more like the attack here was to lure them out.

(Mihoshi turns to Washu and asks.)

Mihoshi: But, why would someone be after them?

(The minute scientist shakes her head.)

Washu: I'm not sure yet, Mihoshi.

(The blonde officer looks sadly back to the suffering princess when L raises her attention to Washu.)

L: Is there anything you can do, professor? I have no equipment, let alone the expertise, to help here.

(Washu shakes her head and presses her hand against the spherical field around her.)

Washu: Sorry, but I can't. This screen blocks both physical passage as well as metaphysical, much like Kain could affect dimensionality and the passage of time. My powers and technology can't reach Sasami from here.

(Sasami's tear-filled eyes look up to L, agonizing, while the doctor rests a hand beneath her head. The red arcs of light strike her repeatedly from the transparent shell around them while Zed watches Washu's hand on the field. Unlike Sasami, the field has no adverse effects on the scientist's presence.)

(Curious, he extends a finger to the screen, and it sparks, scorching his finger. He draws it back and turns to Washu again.)

Zed: Why is it you aren't shocked by this field, Washu?

(She nods and glances to Ryo-Ohki.)

Washu: Ryo-Ohki, do you mind touching the field too?

(The cabbit hops to the ground and mews cautiously to Washu, but the scientist placates the small creature.)

Washu: I know it might hurt, but this might help Sasami.

(Ryo-Ohki turns to the field again and hesitantly reaches to the field, but upon contact, Ryo-Ohki's paw is merely blocked, not burnt or scorched. She meows in question back to Washu, who nods understandingly.)

Washu: I thought as much. It's Ryoan energies, what Ryo-Ohki, Ryoko, and I have that the rest of you don't. Evidently, there is a connection between our native abilities and the NVO energies that composed Kain, as well as were integrated into Illirg and Mecha-Nerti.

(She raises her hands, and her phantom laptop appears. She keys a few strokes, adding.)

Washu: This wasn't completely unforeseen. I noticed the same briefly with Ryoko when she, Tenchi, and Ayeka faced Kain in the pocket dimension of subspace.

(Her hands cease typing as she turns the console toward Zed and Mihoshi. Upon the screen is a still image of Ryoko near Ayeka and a teenage Nobuyuki, all surrounded by white sparks of light. Here, Ryoko is bearing the attack and turning back toward the enemy while Ayeka is overwhelmed. Tenchi is seen in the distance, likewise consumed.)

Washu: It did harm her when focused, but it was less than what was done to Tenchi and Ayeka.

L: Does that help Sasami at all?

Zed: Or, any of us?

(Washu nods and looks toward Ryo-Ohki.)

Washu: Ryo-Ohki, extend a portion of your ship form's defensive screen around Sasami?

(The cabbit mews with a slight nod, and some addendum. Washu sighs and nods.)

Washu: Alright, but it's better than nothing. Go ahead.

(With the Ryo-Ohki skips into the air and changes herself into a brown, rhomboid crystal. Around her, she creates a shield which extends over herself, Sasami, and L. The sparks from the field around them strike her field, but continue through more weakly to the young princess. The genius nods and comments.)

Washu: This won't completely block them, but it should buy some time.

(Mihoshi turns her concerned eyes to Sasami.)

Mihoshi: Hang on, Sasami... They're coming...

(The little princess takes L's hand and grips tightly as she struggles against the dark power ravaging her.)

( stalks through the corridors of MiB HQ, her scythe held ready at her side. Her steel eyes scan the chamber carefully as she advances toward the door to the infirmary. Silently and quickly, her feet glide along the floor to the door before slicing cleanly through the impediment. Falling to the sides, the door collapses, revealing the chamber empty.)

(Behind her, whining engines can be heard approaching. She spins around to see a Galaxy Police power armor rushing toward her, its arm cannon pointed at her. Mitsuki's voice rises from the armor.)

Mitsuki: Catch this!

(The arm cannon fires, but the machine steps aside, allowing the blast to smash into the distant wall of the infirmary. As shelves and portions of the wall collapse, Mitsuki's armor lands, and the two square themselves against each other. comments.)

: High mobility power armor, Galaxy Police design. Not the best choice in an enclosed environment. You have little chance of victory.

(Mitsuki laughs some to herself as within the power armor, she smiles to herself, her eyes set on 's image on her heads-up display.)

Mitsuki: I'm not trying to beat you.

(As the two engage once again, the building rocks with their combat, heard and felt by others elsewhere in the structure. In particular, Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, Kiyone, and J feel the vibrations as they rush through the corridors back toward Zed's office. Kiyone has since changed into an orange and black GP flight-suit. Kiyone glances back at the rumbling, her eyes concerned, when the group reaches Zed's office.)

(Mihoshi stands and calls to them as they approach.)

Mihoshi: Everyone!

(Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka split from Kiyone and J: the trio heading to the office and the latter two to the armory across the catwalk. Ayeka sights Sasami and runs to her side, pressing her hand to the field. She cries out and pulls her hand back as the field scorches her skin.)

Ayeka: Sasami!!

(Within, Ryo-Ohki's shield guards the small princess some while L turns to Ayeka.)

L: Hurry! She needs immediate attention!

(Tenchi and Ryoko nod as they form their swords and step forward to the shield around Sasami.)

Tenchi & Ryoko: Got it.

(However, as Ryoko strikes, her blade merely clashes off the field. Tenchi's does cut into the shield, but the blue blade of Tenchiken ignites with the red power of the shield, blasting back toward his face and resisting his cut. Angling his face away, he struggles to continue the cut through the shield, but soon, the resistance becomes beyond his strength, knocking him to the ground.)

(Ryoko's blade vanishes as she goes to Tenchi's side and helps him to his feet.)

Ryoko: You alright, Tenchi?

(He shakes his head to gather himself.)

Tenchi: Yeah, but how are we going to break those things?

(Washu turns to Tenchi and comments.)

Washu: More than likely, their power source is Mecha-Nerti herself. Interrupting her control should cause them to fail.

(A great explosion shakes the building once again, followed by Kiyone's calls back down the corridor.)

Kiyone: Mitsuki!!

(Outside the armory, Kiyone holds a GP minigun while J carries a triple-barreled pulsar arm cannon. Both raise their weapons as they see the coming streak of gold and silver. Kiyone's blue eyes scowl angrily as the two open fire.)

(The repeating shots of the minigun follow the streak while the three flaming balls of plasma from the arm cannon crash into the distant wall, behind the speeding opponent. The enemy streak stops between Kiyone and J, revealing , who swings her scythe pole into Kiyone's abdomen. The officer flies back against the catwalk's railing, knocking the wind from her lungs.)

(J turns the arm cannon to bear against 's side, but the scythe rises, slicing through the weapon's barrels. She then kicks J into the armory, leaving him much like Kiyone. However, Kiyone raises her weapon and fires, the shots riddling 's legs with holes.)

(The machine collapses to her knees and free hand. Kiyone then carefully targets 's chest and fires, but the shots ricochet off a black structure under her chassis. The android's legs begin to snake metal tendrils to regenerate her wounds while her eyes burn crimson with a hate-filled scowl. She raises her scythe's point at Kiyone while it charges to fire.)

(Ryoko scowls and forms her sword as she darts toward . Ayeka whispers softly to Sasami as she too stands toward the enemy.)

Ayeka: It will be alright soon, Sasami. I promise.

( glances to see Ryoko and ceases her weapon's charging to instead block the Ryoan's sword. Her legs fully heal, and the enemy stands while the two hold back one another's strength. The shining gaze of glares into Ryoko's eyes.)

: Fraternizing with the Jurai, traitor to your own kind!

(Ryoko bares her teeth while Ayeka's mini-guardians appear around . Ryoko grins and vanishes when the Juraian field ignites around . The android tenses, gripping at the open wound in her chest. The black artifact within her is encased in arcs of crimson and azure light as she falls to her knees, tearing her own silver flesh away.)

(Washu watches, surprised at this reaction, when Kiyone calls to Ayeka.)

Kiyone: Now, Ayeka!!

(Ayeka nods, her field vanishing for Kiyone to target and fire again. The shots batter through 's torso, hitting the black device centered in her chest. Soon, the repeated shots crack its housing, and a lick of obsidian fire escapes.)

(Then, 's legs extend, pushing her upward over the shots. Kiyone ceases fire to reacquire her target, now atop Zed's office, when she sees the scythe pointed at her, charging. She slides aside when the coherent beam fires and follows her rolling path. Sword ready, Ryoko reappears next to , who swings her scythe to block the strike.)

(Ryoko's eyes quickly see the damage done: the cracked device in 's chest leaking a flame of black, the holes on her sides and legs sealing themselves with wires of metal, and those wires extending throughout her core from that black device. 's eyes flicker from the burning crimson to their original steel grey. She rests a hand over the torn opening in her chest, which is not healing itself.)

(Again, the wooden cylinders of Ayeka appear around , forcing a frustrated scowl from the machine. She punches with her free hand at Ryoko, spurring the pirate to float out of range. However, once contact is lost between the sword and scythe, thrusts her scythe pole through the glass ceiling of Zed's office. As she falls, she sights Tenchi and adjusts to fall toward him, scythe blade leading.)

(The prince rolls to the side and summons his blue sword blade while Ayeka slides back away from the falling glass. lands and rises quickly, her gaze analyzing her situation. Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka face her: Tenchi and Ryoko holding their swords and Ayeka surrounded by her mini-guardians.)

(A convulsion rushes through , causing the fields around the six prisoners to flicker and fade mildly before restoring. She raises a hand to her chest, her faux face seeming to experience pain as she steps away from her opponents. Washu closely watches, paying sharp attention to the damaged device in 's torso.)

(Tenchi approaches cautiously, and grins weakly at his approach.)

: Close to victory, Masaki Tenchi?

(Tenchi shakes his head.)

Tenchi: We just want our friends free and safe. You can end this by just letting them go.

(She scoffs and shakes her head, her eyes glancing to his feet when he becomes the closest to her. Ryoko's eyes widen, noting the crimson and black aura appearing on the robot's finger. Similarly, Ayeka gasps, feeling a tug within her chest as she glances also to 's free hand.)

: Very well, now that I have you!!

(Her hand rises, the black aura consuming her forearm. Ryoko and Ayeka both call out to their beloved as they rush toward him.)

Ryoko & Ayeka: Tenchi!!

(A sphere of darkness widens from 's arm, enveloping herself and Tenchi while Ryoko and Ayeka enters its influence. Then, the sphere vaporizes into nothingness, and the fields around the others dissipate. The torment of Sasami ends, leaving her to cough and hold herself. Washu and L circle around her while Ryo-Ohki lowers her field and reverts to her cabbit form. Mihoshi and the small creature remain with Sasami while Zed turns to the door of his office, seeing Kiyone and J ease their injured bodies toward him.)

(As Washu and L tend to Sasami, Zed glances to the place where vanished, as does Kiyone and J. Elsewhere, in a black arena illuminated by a sole white light above, rolls aside, dodging the swords of Tenchi and Ryoko. The two turn back to face the machine while Ayeka joins their side to face their enemy. 's wounds heal as her flickering gaze settles on them again.)

: This dimensional nexus should prevent outside interference.

(She then slightly moves her scythe arm but seems restrained as she struggles against an unseen force. Then, Pii's voice echos from behind the robot.)

Pii: Hello, daughter. Did you miss “daddy”?

(Around , a shimmer of light appears and fades to reveal Pii's hands gripping 's arms, restraining them. She glances back at him, her face enraged while the other three blink in surprise at his return.)

( wrestles against his grip while Tenchi and Ryoko rush at her with their swords ready. Soon, wrenches Pii away and clashes her scythe against the swords of light. Extending his right hand, a small barrel extends from the gauntlet over his hand while a control grip rotates into his hand. On his back, the pack outstretches two metal wings.)

(As Pii flies up into the air, Tenchi slides back and summons an orb of bluish Jurai energy to his hand. Ryoko darts to the side as he releases this pulse, but 's scythe blade knocks the blast away, leaving her open. Then, Pii presses the trigger on his hand grip, emitting a coherent beam of light down at from the barrel over his wrist. The beam melts and punches through her chassis while Ryoko throws her sword at the open wound in her chest.)

( swings her scythe to deflect the Ryoan sword away and up toward Pii. He turns his path away from the coming blade and succeeds in avoiding it, but then he notes the scythe's charged tip pointed at him. He sweeps his laser weapon's beam, cutting through her waist while she returns fire, the beam hitting his headgear.)

(The cap and visor fly from his face as he falls to the ground, unconscious. Then, Ayeka's mini-guardians appear around and ignite their field. 's torso writhes, her hand dropping her scythe to tear at the device within her. Around the crack where the dark flame plumes, blue and red arcs of light spark and consume the device as Tenchi and Ryoko approach her, swords ready.)

( arches her back, screaming in dissonant, metallic tones as the black core within her rises from her chest. The metal tendrils extending from the core extricate themselves from the rest of her torso as they raise the black device. 's eyes fade back to the steel grey as the dark core removes itself from her body.)

(Three prongs extend from the device and quickly charge an orb of darkness that flies into Ryoko's chest, knocking her away. Tenchi raises his sword to swipe when the core leaps at him, wrapping its tendrils around him and tightly binding him. Ayeka's cylinders vanish as she screams in horror and rushes toward him.)

Ayeka: Tenchi!!

(The dark core presses close to Tenchi, those three sharp prongs edging toward Tenchi's face. In the surface of the device, he can see the white outline of a face glaring back at him, teeth bared in hate. Struggling, Tenchi angles the Tenchiken's blue blade closer to the black device, just touching the plume of black fire. The two powers react with brilliant sparks of blue and red as the face painfully scrambles.)

(However, the bindings also loose around Tenchi's arm, allowing him to swing the blade through the black core. The sword burns through the blackness within it, vaporizing the dark power. Then, the nexus around around them fades, depositing the group back within Zed's office surrounded by their friends and colleagues.)

(Ayeka stops and looks around the environment, confused, while Ryoko pushes herself to a sitting posture with a similar confusion. Tenchi's bindings finally loose themselves as he pulls himself free and hears a soft speech nearby.)

(He glances to 's torn torso and notices her lips slightly moving around her otherwise motionless body, her voice fading with the following words.)

: Mother... Father... I am sorry... Mother... Father... I am sorry... Moth...

(Her voice trails off as the remaining power drains from her vocal systems, leaving her lifeless.)

(In the infirmary of MiB HQ, Sasami lays in a bed comfortably with Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, Washu, Mihoshi, Kiyone, J, and L gathered around her. Ryo-Ohki sits next to Sasami on the bed. Sasami's eyes open and pan over the people around her before she smiles warmly. Tenchi's voice carries over the scene.)

Tenchi: With Mecha-Nerti defeated, Sasami recovered quickly from her ordeal without any trouble.

(Ayeka's tender smile and sisterly affection shines back to her sibling as she takes Sasami's hand in hers. Tenchi and Ryoko both reflect a similar affection as they smile back to the youngest of their number. Kiyone rests her hand on Sasami's shoulder with a confident nod. Ryo-Ohki meows happily while Mihoshi cheers. J pats L's back proudly while L sweats a bit with a wry smile at J's hard pats.)

Tenchi: Everyone was relieved to see her doing so well. While most of us aren't actually family, Sasami is like a little sister to us all, and losing her... I don't want to think about it.

(At the door, Mitsuki glances in with a distant smile.)

Tenchi: Mitsuki survived her battle with Mecha-Nerti by ditching the armor before she got too close. She's doing well and is planning to resume her position as liaison officer between the Galaxy Police and Men in Black. Even though she did act irrationally initially, her help with Mecha-Nerti convinced Zed to forgive her behavior, provided she gets some counseling.

(Nearby in another bed, Pii lays motionless and unconscious.)

Tenchi: However, the boy who helped us through this, Will Pii, is still unconscious. He took a pretty nasty hit from Mecha-Nerti's scythe in the battle and hasn't recovered yet. I'd like to talk with him, but I don't think that's going to happen soon.

(Washu smiles at Sasami and then slips out of the room. Later in Washu's lab, the torn remains of are connected to several wires and probes while Washu types on a nearby keyboard. On her screens, the date “6 July 1995” flashes with the name “Shi Oniko” shortly afterward.)

Tenchi: Washu analyzed Mecha-Nerti's memory system but can only find records from 6 July 1995 and before. Even then, only the name “Shi Oniko” comes up for that last day. As for the rest of her, most of her body was torn up badly by the core that attacked me. Not much was left of her to really look at.

(Aboard Yagami, Kiyone watches a screen before her scroll text next to an image of a young man, his ears pointed and yellow eyes feline much like Ryoko's. His green hair is cut short and spiked as well.)

Tenchi: Kiyone ran that name through Yagami's database and found that Oniko is a class B criminal from Ryua, the same planet as Ryoko and Washu. However, he hasn't been seen in years so we aren't completely sure about his connection to what happened here.

(In Zed's damaged office, Ayeka and a fully recovered Sasami stand before Zed. Around them, agents work on repairs from the combat before. Ayeka and Sasami both bow nobly before Zed.)

Tenchi: As soon as Sasami was well enough, she and Ayeka negotiated with Holy Council of Jurai to send some aid to repairs of MiB headquarters as thanks for saving both their lives.

(Zed stands and bows in reciprocation.)

Tenchi: In return, Zed contacted some of his allies in the Galaxy Police to acquit Ryoko of all old crimes! Seems he seriously helped some of the ranking GP officers when he was younger, and they owed him some favors. Also, Ryoko's help against Kain and Kagato helped sway them. Ryoko was, needless to say, ecstatic to hear this!

(R gazes dumbly out a window as the Juraian ship within which he is leaves Earth behind.)

Tenchi: Also, R was sent to Jurai as a representative from Earth to cement an alliance with them. He wasn't exactly enthusiastic from what I hear.

(In the infirmary, the entry doors slide apart, allowing L to enter.)

Tenchi: We've returned home now, but I still wonder about Will Pii and his connection to Mecha-Nerti and Nerti Ro.

(She walks through the infirmary toward the bed where Pii had lain, but her brows raise when she finds that bed empty. She rushes to it and searches the nearby area, finding no sign of him.)

Tenchi: What happened to them at the Science Academy? Why did Mecha-Nerti come after us? Who's Shi Oniko? What's their connection to the NVO energy and Kain?

(She turns back to the door and rushes out while behind her, Pii de-cloaks, his brown eyes set determinedly at the door.)

Tenchi: But, the question that bothers me most is this. Did we end this, or just start it?