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

(Glass crashes inward, falling down from a shattered skylight. Below, the shards clatter and break against the cold, stone floor of a metal enclosure, illuminated only by the soft moonlight from this aperture. Through the portal, a single figure drops downward, landing in a crouching posture.)

(This young man raises his head, his eyes hidden behind a black visor extending from a white cap over his head. The visor shimmers to life with a targeting reticle scanning across his vision range. He rises to his feet, his body clad in red armor over a blue body-suit. His forearms bear gauntlets decorated with panels of controls, no doubt for the equipment within the pack upon his back.)

(He raises his left forearm and draws a sword hilt from his gauntlet. Outstretching his left hand, plate metal expands over the controls on the left gauntlet, becoming a buckler. The sword hilt opens and shoots forth a keen metal blade, the hilt itself taking the form of the Terran character “π”.)

(The young man, Will Pii, calls to the darkness around him, his voice stern and unyielding.)

Pii: Bounty hunter 4201, Will Pii. Release your hostage and surrender!

(A streak of gold flashes toward Pii as he blocks a metallic weapon with his sword and shield. The opponent slips back into the shadows before he can retaliate. He brandishes his blade and calls out a second time, frustration and impatience evident.)

Pii: Why did you take her?! She didn't deserve this, any of it!

(He steps forward, the golden streak passing near once again. The hunter clashes his blade against a recurved edge that darts back into the darkness unseen. Pii shakes his head.)

Pii: She's done nothing wrong! Her family wasn't affluent! There's no reason to take her!

(The reticle shoots to the side as Pii turns and thrusts his sword at the coming streak of precious color, the mane of a feminine figure with shining emerald eyes. A sickeningly moist crunch follows as a metallic clatter arises from the floor. Horror fills Pii's gaze at the blonde hair and grey eyes of the young woman upon his blade, a drop of blood rolling from the edge of her lips.)

(Pii releases his weapon and embraces the woman in his arms as her eyes close slowly, life draining from her form. The great vixen's tail of blonde hair falls with her, two smaller tails mirroring its descent before those elfin ears. The redness stains her white blouse as it flows over the woman and the floor, as well as the assailant.)

(His head shakes slowly, his mind and heart denying this reality. His teeth clench as he clutches her tightly, her name on his lips.)

Pii: Nerti...!! No...!!

(He throws back his head as his eyes open wide, screaming her name.)

Pii: Nerti!!

(Startled from his dreams, Pii's brown eyes blink away the vision while his shortened breath slows. Around him, a machine shop rests, various devices either complete or under repair. Upon a nearby wall, his red armor hangs next to a black trench-coat. Opposite these, several translucent displays hang in the air, each scrolling text and images. One in particular contains an image of the young woman from Pii's nightmare with the caption “Ro, Nerti”.)

(However, another holds an image of the great trees native to the planet Jurai along with pages of text. Entitled The Legend of the Two Knights, several instances of a single name are notably highlighted: “Liaens”. Yet another display bears the image of a man with golden, feline eyes and short, green hair spiked around his head, captioned “Shi, Oniko”.)

(Pii sighs and pushes himself away from the desk at which he was seated. Standing, his voice carries over the scene.)

Pii: Eight months have passed since Tenchi Masaki put an end to Mecha-Nerti, that damned machine Nerti and I made.

(He walks to the displays and skims over them briefly, his gaze distant, already well-versed in the contents before him.)

Pii: But, in that time, there've been no leads, nothing to lead me back to her.

(His eyes settle on the name “Liaens” and narrow coldly.)

Pii: All I have now is a name, and a face, from when she was taken. Somehow, it ties back to Jurai, just like Mecha-Nerti.

(His eyes turn longingly to the image of Nerti.)

Pii: Maybe there...

(Stars twinkle around the planet Jurai, an emerald gem against the vast tapestry of the cosmos. Surrounded by its defense satellites and a docked fleet of tree-ships, the noble world silently rotates through its day. Soon, the black spines of the crystalline ship Ryo-Ohki approach the throne-world at a leisurely pace. In response, a single tree-ship drifts toward the Ohki in this quiet scene.)

(Aboard the Juraian vessel, the crew are seated around the central tree, manning their respective stations. From the captain's seat, a young man rises and steps forward, his white cape falling around his green tunic. His tannish hair frames his cherub-like face, his brown eyes intelligent and sly.)

(A window display opens before him, illustrating the shining violet bridge of Ryo-Ohki as he speaks in a proper tone.)

Man: This is the Juraian frigate Chizuru, calling Ryoan vessel Ryo-Ohki.

(He grins and scoffs to himself as he adds.)

Man: Welcome home, Ayeka.

(On the display, the violet-tressed woman known throughout this galaxy as Ayeka Jurai steps forward and nods her head to him. Her blue, layered kimono is draped carefully and properly around her frame, complementing her natural beauty. She smiles softly, her crimson eyes mirroring the expression.)

Ayeka: It's good to be home, Sagami, as well as to see familiar faces.

(He nods.)

Sagami: I'm sure you will see plenty. Is all well with your party?

(Her younger sister, the azure-haired Sasami, dashes to her side and calls happily back to the captain.)

Sasami: It's been a fun ride here, just like before. Right?

(She glances behind her to where two men stand beside one another. The elder nods, the sage and reverent Yosho, or Katsuhito, Masaki dressed as a Shinto shrine keeper. At his side is his grandson, Tenchi Masaki, who wryly grins back as he remembers the hectic period traveling to Jurai before. Nearby, the cyan-maned Ryoko Ryua sits in her wicker chair, her arms folded. Her eyes are closed, her thoughts elsewhere while the conversation continues around her.)

(Sagami grins as his eyes scan over Tenchi, who has sweat beading in his hair.)

Sagami: Hi, Tenko. Still single, I see.

(Tenchi's eyes widen while a lump finds its way into his throat, making him gag a bit. He coughs to clear it and shakes his head.)

Tenchi: Sagami, come on! You know I'm a guy!

(Sagami laughs to himself as he nods.)

Sagami: I do, though your appearance then is hard to forget.

(The young prince sighs, his words under his breath.)

Tenchi: I'd like to forget...

(The captain turns his attention to Yosho and remarks with a raised brow.)

Sagami: I didn't think you would be attending, Lord Yosho.

(The grandfather smirks to himself when he rests a hand on Tenchi's shoulder.)

Yosho: I thought I should tag along, after watching Ayeka rope Tenchi into coming.

(Sweat beads in the hair of both Tenchi and Ayeka while Sagami just grins and chuckles to himself.)

Sagami: It's great to see all of you. Father will be pleased as well.

(A worry slips into Ayeka's eyes as she replies.)

Ayeka: I am glad to hear that, though I have heard that Uncle's heath has been poor recently. Is there any truth to that?

(He nods, though his jovial demeanor remains.)

Sagami: He has been sickly as of late, but he will be fine. He's a strong man. Please don't worry. He'll be well in time for the grand ball.

(An officer approaches Sagami and whispers to him while Ryoko draws her legs to her chest and wraps her arms around them. A rhomboid crystal, Ryo-Ohki's main interface unit, floats over to Ryoko, mewing softly and questioningly. The cyan-haired woman lowers her eyes, silent as she takes a deep breath.)

(On-board Ryo-Ohki, the assembled passengers focus back at a floating display with Sagami and his subordinate depicted. However, Sasami's eyes glance toward Ryoko and blink to a worried expression as Sagami nods to his officer. The Juraian captain turns back to the group aboard the Ohki.)

Sagami: Well, our conversation will have to wait until the dinner tonight.

(He bows.)

Sagami: I look forward to seeing you then.

(Tenchi, Ayeka, and Yosho bow in return to Sagami.)

Ayeka: As do we, Sagami. Until then.

(The communication display winks into nothingness as Tenchi and Ayeka both turn to Ryoko. Surprise fills the eyes of both at Ryoko curled in her seat. Tenchi and Sasami both move to Ryoko's side while Ayeka watches distantly. Yosho comes to her side while the princess comments worriedly.)

Ayeka: What is wrong with Ryoko? I have never seen her act this way before.

(The legendary man's voice answers her softly.)

Yosho: There's much we don't know about her. No doubt, she has some bad memories from Jurai.

(Ayeka glances back to the grandfather.)

Ayeka: Because of Kagato and his coup on Jurai?

(He nods to himself.)

Yosho: Probably so, but I doubt that is all.

(He turns his eyes to Ryoko again, as Ayeka follows his gaze. Meanwhile, Ryoko raises her eyes coldly to meet Tenchi's. Concerned, the young prince speaks gently to her.)

Tenchi: You alright, Ryoko?

(Sasami nods and adds.)

Sasami: Yeah, you've been really quiet since we passed the border.

(Ryoko extends her legs and stands, her gaze hidden in her bangs while Tenchi whispers to her.)

Tenchi: Is it about Kagato?

(Ryoko raises her face with a scoff and a smile.)

Ryoko: Don't worry, Tenchi. I was just thinking. That's all.

(Floating before her are a trio of orbs, attached linearly with the outer two smaller than the center one. This, Ryo-Ohki's control yoke, is where Ryoko rests her hands while Tenchi watches her, his eyes seeing clearly the true emotion in her gaze.)

Tenchi: Ryoko...

(She keeps her wavering eyes on the image of Jurai displayed before her in the transparent view of Ryo-Ohki's bridge. Behind her false smile, her memory drifts back to three years ago when she battled alone through Jurai's planetary defenses.)

(Flashing back to TM!TV #24, Ryoko stands Ryo-Ohki's helm with Tenchi and the two legendary knights, Azaka and Kamidake, behind her. Clad in her red and black combat attire, her fire uniform, she focuses viciously at displays before her. Upon the screen, crystalline blossoms fly at the viewer, shaking the entire ship. An explosion rips through Ryo-Ohki's bridge, throwing Ryoko to the floor and filling the bridge with smoke.)

(Tenchi runs to her side, the craft rumbling around them from the bombardment outside. He calls her name, worry evident as he kneels next to her and rests a hand on her shoulder.)

Tenchi: Ryoko!

(Wincing, Ryoko pushes Tenchi aside and sits up, her breath haggard and words passionate.)

Ryoko: Oh, Tenchi, don't you worry about anything. I swear I will make sure you get to Jurai's royal palace. I swear it.

(The scene fades from her aggressive and determined face to her current facade of lightheartedness while the words “I swear it” echo in her thoughts. Her eyes close while her thoughts speak her real feeling.)

Ryoko: I hate Jurai...

(Outside, Ryo-Ohki passes the tree-ship Chizuru and the defensive satellites of Jurai without incident. Her spines cut through the clouds silently, descending toward the royal palace below on the surface. Reaching the palace's tree, the black ship pauses above a landing pad affixed to one of the branches before lowering gently to its surface.)

(From the palace, the two knights, Azaka and Kamidake, emerge and walk toward the pad. Dressed in their white regalia of combat, the two have their staves, their Keys to Jurai's Power, slung across their backs with a simple strap tied traditionally to each weapon. Behind them, the two cylindrical guardians who share the knights' names follow their originals to the landing site.)

(From Ryo-Ohki, ruby rings of light drift down from the ship around her main spine toward the pad below. Here, her passengers appear and gently land on their feet, facing their welcome. The two knights kneel before the royalty.)

Azaka (Guardian): Welcome back to planet Jurai, princesses Ayeka and Sasami.

Kamidake (Guardian): Also welcome home, princes Tenchi and Yosho.

(Ryoko silently leans against her ship, watching the greetings while Ayeka and Yosho bow in return to the salutations. Sasami dashes to Azaka and hugs him tightly as the knight smiles and hugs her in return. Tenchi rests his hand on Kamidake's shoulder, raising the warrior's eyes to the prince's subtle smile.)

Tenchi: You don't need to kneel to me, Kamidake.

Kamidake: You are a direct descendent of King Jurai Sho I. That is enough reason for me to kneel, Lord Tenchi.

(Tenchi shakes his head.)

Tenchi: I respect you just as much because you're a knight.

(Azaka stands with a hand on Sasami's shoulder as he chuckles at his younger partner.)

Azaka: It is alright, Kamidake. Proper etiquette is not needed for this reunion. We are all members of the Jurai Royal Family here. It is a time of kinship and family, not rank and status.

(The fiery-haired knight nods ands stands while Sasami giggles and happily grabs his legs. Kamidake smiles and ruffles her hair when Yosho approaches them and adds.)

Yosho: It's good to see you both doing well in this time of peace.

Azaka: Indeed, Lord Yosho. A quiet time for the empire is a good time for us all.

(Kamidake's eyes turn to Ryoko, and he smiles in welcome.)

Kamidake: Welcome also, brave Ryoko. Thank you for bringing them all this way.

(She scoffs and shakes her head while Azaka's attention also falls to her.)

Ryoko: Don't worry about it.

(The younger knight blinks confusedly at her hidden uneasiness as the remainder of the group also turns to her. The Ryoan woman stands before Azaka and question her, a care in his voice.)

Azaka: Are you planning to stay for the festivities as well?

(She scoffs and grins, her cocky facade once more.)

Ryoko: No, I'll come back and pick them all up when this is over. This isn't exactly my kind of party.

(Sasami grimaces disappointedly while Tenchi comes to Ryoko's side. His eyes meet the dance of hers when he speaks with her.)

Tenchi: Ryoko, you can stay if you want.

(She shakes her head and whispers her reply, a gravity in her words and eyes.)

Ryoko: No, I can't, Tenchi. I probably shouldn't even be here.

Tenchi: Ryoko...

(The former pirate shakes her head and scoffs.)

Ryoko: Don't get too bored with these royal types. Alright?

(Relenting, Tenchi nods.)

Tenchi: Alright...

(Ryoko waves her hand slightly as she turns away, fading from sight. While Tenchi and the others watch, Ryo-Ohki lifts into the air and soon vanishes into the distance.)

(On-board, Ryoko watches the planet Jurai shrink from her vision as Ryo-Ohki's main unit drifts close, mewing in question. The woman's right hand rests on the left side of her abdomen while the feeling of concentric rings bursting through her flesh ripples through her body. She takes a breath and releases it slowly as she comments coldly.)

Ryoko: I need a drink...

(Above the grey atmosphere of a polluted world, a ragged and worn space platform orbits silently with several ragtag ships docked along its stationary ring. A luminescent sign glows atop it, reading “Fritz's Wunderbar Wonder Bar”. Ryo-Ohki coasts toward the platform's docking ring as an arm extends to rest against her hull.)

(Within the arm, Ryoko fades into sight while her craft transforms into her small and furry companion. As Ryo-Ohki enters the opening of the arm, a force field shimmers around the edge of the structure. She drifts down onto Ryoko's shoulder before the two walk down the arm, to the smoky interior of the platform.)

(Pushing past a double door, Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki enter an interstellar bar, filled with local rogues sitting around various tables. These people look up to her from their drinking or illicit gossip. In this darkened room, the dull light enters their widening eyes as a hushed silence blankets over them. In low whispers, they exchange words like “Ryoko”, “Ryoan pirate”, and “demon princess” as she ambles her powerful beauty toward the counter itself.)

(Ryoko herself scans her feline eyes over the room passively, her glare cold and imposing. The silence remains as she seats herself at the bar, and Ryo-Ohki hops down to the floor next to her feet. A middle-aged bartender warily approaches and begins to speak when she cuts him short with her order.)

Ryoko: Sake. Leave the bottle.

(Apprehensively, the man nods enthusiastically.)

Bartender: Y... y... yes, ma'am!

(The bartender reaches beneath the bar and retrieves a bottle of the clear liquor and a shot glass. Setting these before Ryoko, the woman takes the cup while he opens the bottle by hand. Her eyes focus on the glass as she waves him aside. Gladly, he slips away to another customer a distance away, his eyes still glancing back to his infamous guest.)

(The former pirate then pours a drink, watching the beverage flow into the cup. She raises the cup to her lips swallows it quickly, scarcely tasting the flavor. Her breath billows forth, the smell of alcohol permeating her senses. However, her eyes fall on the bottle's label, where it reads “Made on Jurai”. She scowls at the planet's name as she shakes her head.)

Ryoko: Damn Jurai... At least they make good sake...

(She begins to pour another cup when the door opens again behind her. Commotion rises again as the door swings shut, following by light, confident footsteps which approach her. Amongst the occupant of the bar, they whisper with fear the words “bounty hunter”, “the red-eyed huntress”, and “both of them”.)

(Ryo-Ohki turns and meows in surprise at the newcomer while Ryoko takes her cup in hand disinterestedly. The person stops behind her, causing the Ryoan's lips to smile at the sound of the familiar voice.)

Huntress: I heard about your acquittal on Earth, Ryoko. I never thought you would receive a pardon so easily.

(Ryoko eases the cup to her lips as she answers.)

Ryoko: Yeah, I bet your heart is just broken.

(She swallows her drink and continues.)

Ryoko: You don't have a reason to chase me anymore. Now do you, Nagi?

(Behind Ryoko, a fit woman near the former pirate's height is shrouded in a black cape and cowl with a white cabbit, Ken-Ohki, atop her shoulder. She raises a hand to her cowl, pushing it back to reveal her spiked locks of purple hair. These tresses are held away from her crimson eyes by a violet hairband. Across her left cheek, a black claw similar to Jurai's Mark of Rage is scrawled down to beneath her chin.)

(Nagi scowls at her bitter rival as she reaches under her cape and draws her yellow sword. She swings her arms open, forcing her cape aside to display her violet and black combat uniform, similar in design to Ryoko's fire uniform. At her hip, another hilt rests, her powered whip. Ken-Ohki hops to the ground and scurries over to Ryo-Ohki, the two mewing kindly to one another as Nagi announces her intent.)

Nagi: It's time we settled this rivalry, Ryoko. Stand up!

(Ryoko shakes her head and pours another drink while the two cabbits watch their mistresses apprehensively.)

Ryoko: I'm a free woman, Nagi, and I came here to get a drink, not pick a fight.

(Nagi grips her sword tightly as she swipes at the sake bottle, just missing Ryoko. The former pirate watches the sword slice clean through the container, spilling its contents onto the counter. Again, with insult in her voice, the hunter calls to her again.)

Nagi: Stand up, you Ryoan pirate bitch!

(Ryo-Ohki is taken aback by this while Ken-Ohki lowers his eyes quietly and conflictedly. Ryoko's eyes narrow as Nagi continues her verbal attack.)

Nagi: The law may say you're guiltless, but I know the truth. You were born the daughter of a Ryoan pirate, and you will die one.

(Ryoko's free hand tightens into a fist at the huntress's words.)

Nagi: That is who and what you are. You bring pain and destruction, a demon caller, just like your name.

(Ryoko stands and turns to Nagi, crimson light drawing to the cyan-haired woman's hand. The attendees of the bar quickly rise and rush to the door as she closes her fist around this power, molding it into her own sword. Those golden eyes lock angrily on their crimson opposition as her heated words rise.)

Ryoko: To hell with the drink. Kicking your ass will do.

(Nagi scoffs with a pleased grin as the two face one another, ready to war in this bar. Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki both hastily hop between their mistresses when from behind them all, a slow clapping of the hands is heard. Both women blink in surprise as they step away from one another and glance carefully to their audience.)

(There, sitting at a shadowed table is a man dressed in fine robes of a regal era, crimson and azure in color. He rises, his obsidian and emerald cape falling around him as his great brown beard falls before him. His eyes shine a steely grey in the intermittent light as he approaches, the pupils shaped like a targeting cross. Through his robes, the copper of circuitry weaves through his clothes and flesh as he pauses in the center of the room, facing the two women.)

Man: Bravo, ladies. Bravo.

(Ryoko's voice rises first, irritated.)

Ryoko: The hell are you?

(Nagi's echos this sentiment.)

Nagi: And, why are you interrupting?

(The man lowers his hands and answers.)

Man: I am Liaens. I've heard much of your exploits.

(His eyes settle, targeting, on Ryoko.)

Liaens: The Shadow who loves the Light.

(Ryoko's brows furrow at this moniker while his eyes center on Nagi.)

Liaens: And, the bastard child of those two worlds.

(Nagi's eyes widen at these words while a smile crosses Liaens's lips at her reaction. Ryoko shakes her head and barks back at him.)

Ryoko: Well, whoever you are, you can wait until after I beat her ass for an autograph. Alright?

(He laughs to himself while Nagi raises her eyes back to their impromptu guest, knowledge lingering in her gaze.)

Liaens: Oh, I would certainly enjoy watching the two of you duel, but your presence has been requested elsewhere.

(Ryoko scoffs and waves her free hand.)

Ryoko: Whatever, old man. I'd rather hang around the stiffs on Jurai than go with you.

(His arm extends quickly toward the two as a pillar of earthen brown light extends from his hand. Both women spin away, their blades held in defense while the man glances from one to the other.)

Liaens: Attendance is manditory.

(Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki hop forward hissing at the man when he sweeps the solid construct downward, crushing the counter. The two cabbits are tossed aside as Ryoko darts forward, brandishing her blade. Liaens's free arm is enveloped in a brownish aura, which contacts and blocks the Ryoan's blade.)

(The pillar vanishes as the skin of his hand parts, revealing a metallic interior. From here, a small tube extends a centimeter, locking his hand back. Liaens turns his palm to aim at Ryoko, who vanishes as Nagi swipes at the man. Liaens's glowing hand catches the huntress's blade as his palm faces her.)

(A puff of air is heard when a small dart shoots from his palm and jabs into Nagi's neck. He releases her blade, and she backs away quickly, pulling the implement out. Then, Ryoko's crimson blade punches through Liaens's belly. However, he simply blinks as his arm angles over his shoulder to face her. Again, a dart shoots and sticks into Ryoko's shoulder.)

(The blade vanishes as she teleports next to Nagi and removes the injecting needle. The man turns back to them with a pleased smile, and a small hole through his abdomen. Light shines through his wound, displaying a metallic inner working. The two women's eyes droop and blink drowsily when Nagi calls back to him.)

Nagi: What did you do to us?

Liaens: Just pacified those feline reflexes. Now, as I said, you two have an appointed meeting.

(Liaens takes a step forward, his hand closing solid when a shot rocks his shoulder. He glances back to see the black visor of Will Pii targeting him. Dressed in his black trench coat, the young hunter has his right arm extended, the gauntlet there holding a small smoking barrel. His hand holds a control grip and trigger for this weapon. His visor extends down from the white cap on his head.)

Pii: Long time, old man.

(Liaens smirks and turns back to him.)

Liaens: Ah, yes. The boy. Still searching for the young Nerti Ro, I'm sure.

(Ryoko falls to her knees, fighting the sleepy effects while Nagi takes a step but falls to a knee, using her sword to help keep her upright.)

Pii: And, you had something to do with her disappearance.

(Ryoko collapses and loses consciousness while Nagi's sword wavers, her eyes glaring coldly at Liaens and Pii.)

Liaens: Of course, but what of it?

(Her hands slip from her sword as she collapses on the floor, her crimson eyes closing.)

Pii: Where is she?

(Liaens starts to speak when he glances to the side and nods.)

Liaens: Very well.

(He glances back to Pii as his arm swings up toward the hunter. Immediately, Pii pulls his trigger, a beam of coherent light passing between him and Liaens. Liaens leans aside as the beams cuts cross his face. However, from the elder man's hand, a pillar of brownish energy slams across Pii's cap, knocking his consciousness from him.)

(As Pii collapses to the ground, Liaens surveys his capture and nods.)

Liaens: Mission accomplished.

(Nearby the fallen, Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki lie quietly, Ryo-Ohki unconscious but Ken-Ohki watching carefully and quietly.)