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

Act 6Scene 1 – Arrogance

(A subtle emerald light illuminates the colonnaded interior of a chamber within Liaens's metal vessel. Here, a gust of air blows away from the appearing figures of two androids, one holding fast to the left wrist of the huntress Nagi. In her hands are her whip and sword, the blade of which is jutting through the side of her attacker.)

(She struggles fiercely against the grip of her adversary, drawing her weapon out of its side. However, the other machine rushes to her and restrains her other hand, both holding her arms upward and immobile.)

(Through this hall, Jezibel Kimitan's voice laughs lightly, gravitating Nagi's attention back toward the shadows before her. In the darkness, two glowing green eyes open slyly, watching the exiled child of Jurai. Jezibel's words resound off the walls, those eyes focused keenly on the bounty chaser.)

Jezibel: “Nearby, another figure struck the Enemy.”

(The woman in question glares back, her crimson eyes burning angrily at her captor.)

Jezibel: “In his right hand burned the Light”...

(Stepping from the blackness, Jezibel advances, her features highlighted in the light. In her hand, a tablet screen glimmers to life, Juraiji text scrolling over its display. Glancing to the text, she reads aloud segments of its contents.)

Jezibel: ... “but his left was consumed by the Dark. I asked my protector who he was, and the answer was”...

(Sly, her eyes slide over to Nagi with the conclusion of the quote.)

Jezibel: ... “'the child of the War.'”

(The telepath advances, raising the tablet at her side with a confident smile.)

Jezibel: From the journals of Queen Jurai Achi, the very same that Liaens kidnapped all those ages ago.

(She sets the tablet against her belt, where it adheres with a slight click. Soon, Jezibel reaches Nagi, who maintains a solid stare through her adversary's eyes.)

Jezibel: And you, a child of a Ryoan and a Juraian, the two factions from the great war between their empires...

(The captor quickly grasps the huntress's chin and narrows her emerald gaze. While Nagi tenses and struggles against her grip, the pleased words escape Jezibel's lips.)

Jezibel: You even hovered in the air, just like your dear sister.

(Fluid flies from the mouth of the huntress and splatters across the face of the vile telepath, shocking her into stepping back and releasing her captive's face. Disgust erodes Jezibel's confidence into a raging anger as her hand feels the saliva rolling down her skin.)

(Nagi wipes her lips against one another, cleaning her appearance while she eyes the building anger in the other woman. Jezibel scowls furiously, the emerald glow igniting across her irises and corneas. She spins to Nagi, hate boiling beneath the slight control of her words.)

Jezibel: How dare you...!

(She wipes the spit away and bares her teeth angrily.)

Jezibel: You mongrel bitch!! I could erase your mind with a thought!!

(Coldly, Nagi replies.)

Nagi: Then, do it.

(The huntress levels her gaze toward Jezibel as the telepath glares daggers at her captive.)

Nagi: Do it if I infuriate you so much.

(Jezibel's fists clench while Nagi narrows her eyes with a slight nod.)

Nagi: You can't.

(A sneer curls along the vile Kimitan's lips while Nagi continues.)

Nagi: If it was that easy, you would have taken my mind when I first got here.

(Coldly and knowingly, the huntress gazes into the emerald fury raging within Jezibel's eyes.)

Nagi: And, if you wanted us dead, you would have done it already as well.

(The sneer fades from the telepath's face while she releases her fists, listening to the purple-haired woman's words.)

Nagi: What do you want from us?

(With an icy voice, Jezibel speaks softly.)

Jezibel: Release her.

(The two robots free Nagi and step aside, allowing the huntress to slide back with her sword and whip ready. She glances to the two machines as they silently stand facing one another far from the center of the room. Returning her attention to her vile hostess, the predator watches the sparking light in her enemy's eyes.)

Jezibel: I want to stop you both, Nagi.

(Confusion wipes over Nagi's face at this while Jezibel continues.)

Jezibel: To prevent what will you will soon do.

(The huntress's tone grows more severe.)

Nagi: If so, why not simply kill us?

(A humored grin crosses Jezibel's lips again as her hand raises at her side, a slight green aura about it.)

Jezibel: If it were my choice...

(The half-blood warrior watches the enemy's hand carefully as the telepath glides the shimmering digits against her chin, removing the last of Nagi's saliva.)

Jezibel: ... I would have murdered you both...

(The grin then widens into her twisted smile.)

Jezibel: ... and taken that lovely prince and handsome knight for myself.

(A slight scowl appears on Nagi's face when she replies.)

Nagi: So, you're not the mastermind here, nor is Liaens. Then, who is?

(Jezibel laughs to herself and shakes her head.)

Jezibel: If only you knew...

Nagi: Enlighten me.

(With a shake of her head, the telepath refuses this.)

Jezibel: She'd much rather explain it to you herself.

(A blast of violet darts from the tip of Nagi's blade passes over Jezibel's shoulder, ruining the emerald-eyed woman's good humor. The huntress glares icily with her retort.)

Nagi: That was not a request.

(Anger once again marking her face, Jezibel comments.)

Jezibel: You certainly were raised by the Jurai royal family. Only they are so arrogant and still retain their dignity.

(The sword's tip directs itself toward Jezibel's chest as the huntress reiterates.)

Nagi: Tell me who pulls your strings, before I cut them.

(With a scoff, the telepath twirls her glowing finger in the air, her eyes still shining with her hand.)

Jezibel: Then do it, if I infuriate you so much.

(At this, another burst of violet light shoots from the end of Nagi's sword directly at Jezibel's heart. However, the villain steps aside in time for the blast to pass by her harmlessly. Surprised, the purple-haired woman blinks confusedly while a laugh rises from the lungs of her adversary.)

(Twice more Nagi fires, but Jezibel dodges them effortlessly. The power around Jezibel's hand gathers into an orb of emerald light settled in her palm while her shining eyes narrow at Nagi. The huntress lowers her sword slightly when the fiery-maned opponent comments.)

Jezibel: You think ahead too much, mongrel.

(At this, she pitches the sphere of energy at Nagi, who lashes it aside with her whip. The projectile smashes into a wall as Jezibel levitates from the floor and gathers a second orb. Nagi grips her sword and whip at the ready while the enemy comments with a pleased grin.)

Jezibel: This will be most... fun.

(Jezibel herself then darts toward Nagi, who snaps her sparking whip at the telepath. The emerald-eyed woman slides aside easily and lobs her charged pulse toward Nagi's right, just as the huntress begins to step that direction. The purple-haired woman notes this and pushes off, her feet hovering over the ground as she glides away from the green energy's blast against the wall.)

(Nagi slows to a halt, her feet touching the ground as Jezibel's voice laughs again in the air. Within the dust of the impact, the half-blood woman sees the two emerald eyes glowing as their owner slides forward, her feet hovering above the ground.)

Jezibel: Nice reflexes, and use of that dark Ryoan power latent in your veins.

(Nagi gnashes her teeth while Jezibel continues, a mocking tone in her words.)

Jezibel: Not that you like it much.

(The dust dissipates to reveal the telepath grinning confidently at her prey. Nagi glares back, a calculating eye on her opponent. With another haughty scoff, Jezibel inquires.)

Jezibel: Care to try those ideas of yours, Lady Nagi?

(With a firm grip on her weapons, Nagi replies coldly.)

Nagi: I'm no lady.

(The purple-maned huntress thrusts herself forward, sword and whip drawing to strike while Jezibel smiles, welcoming her enemy into the battle.)

Scene 2 – Assault

(Aboard the bridge of the tree-ship Chizuru, Sagami and his second-in-command Eiji Amaki stand overlooking their crew busily working at their stations. Before the young captain, a small communication window opens and displays the image of Ramia Juraihelm, captain of the tree-ship Saya. However, her image is stricken by static and interference. Sagami addresses her sarcastically.)

Sagami: That was a quick hour, Ramia.

(Gravely, she disregards his greeting and explains.)

Ramia: Never mind that, Sagami. Check your short range sensors.

(Sagami motions to Eiji who relays the order to an officer at a nearby console. Curiously, the male captain inquires.)

Sagami: Our sensor arrays aren't fully operational yet. What's wrong?

Ramia: While doing a passive sensor sweep, we have detected two ships leaving the surface of Jurai.

(A seriousness edges into the man's brow while he glances to his officers, who nod in acknowledgment.)

Sagami: We have them too.

(To Eiji, he inquires.)

Sagami: Juraian?

(The commander shakes his head and replies.)

Eiji: No, sir. Ryoan.

(Surprised, a grin crosses Sagami's lips while Ramia narrows her eyes in question.)

Ramia: Why are you pleased by that, captain?

(He turns to Eiji with a question.)

Sagami: What's our status, Eiji?

(Confident, his subordinate answers.)

Eiji: Ninety percent, sir.

(Sagami smiles with a nod.)

Sagami: Hail them both, normal channels.

(He affirms this and turns to the other officers when Ramia questions him.)

Ramia: What are you doing, Sagami? That will bring attention to your ship. These two may be with the enemy.

(Sagami agrees, confidently.)

Sagami: I'm well-aware of that, captain.

(Two more screens appear flanking Ramia's. Each displays a clear image of the bridge of one of the two vessels. The one to Ramia's left displays the bridge of Ryo-Ohki with three figures standing amongst the crystals: Tenchi, Ryoko, and Kamidake. The young prince and former pirate are clothed in their blue and red combat attire, respectively. The Terran native and the knight of the first court both hold their keys to Jurai at their side.)

(To Ramia's right, the bridge of Ken-Ohki is displayed also with a trio aboard: Azaka, Pii, and Nerti. The Juraian warrior holds his staff key by his side while the other two stand to his right in their battle armor.)

(Tenchi steps forward, a surprised smile on his face.)

Tenchi: Sagami! You're alright!

(Sagami nods.)

Sagami: That I am, Tenchi, as is my crew.

(Azaka interjects.)

Azaka: Young captain, is your ship operational?

Sagami: That it is, sir knight. What can we do for you?

(Ryoko coldly replies.)

Ryoko: We're in a hurry here.

(The others concur while Kamidake adds.)

Kamidake: We have no time to explain. Could you help escort us to the enemy?

(Certain, Sagami answers.)

Sagami: Yes, we most certainly can.

(The young captain turns to his crew, his orders quick and decisive.)

Sagami: Bring all systems online! Time we got back in this fight!

(The subordinates cheer their agreement while Sagami spins to Ramia, who blinks in surprise at this event.)

Sagami: Looks like we have backup. Is Saya ready?

(Settling her mind on him, she agrees.)

Ramia: As she will ever be.

(Aboard Saya, the lady captain faces her crew, extending her arm over them. Her orders are firm and determined.)

Ramia: Raise Saya to battle readiness! We retake our skies!

(With a similar exultation, Saya's crew retake their stations with fervor.)

(In orbit over Jurai amongst the armada of powerless tree-ships, the glow of exterior lights shines to life on the hulls of Chizuru and Saya as their power is restored. From the planet below, the clouds are sliced by the crystalline spines of Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki when they dart out of the atmosphere. These four ships gather facing Liaens's grand ship.)

(Within his chamber of paintings, Liaens watches the gathering of vessels outside upon his own translucent display. Displeased, his cross-shaped eyes narrow while he comments in a low voice.)

Liaens: The witch was right.

(He rests his hands on the rail of his great balcony, causing hidden threads of gold to illuminate throughout the room's walls. His steel optics burn red as he commands to the vessel about him.)

Liaens: Automated defenses to manual.

(He scowls and grips his hands tighter.)

Liaens: I will not be denied my victory.

(Outside, the four ships launch forward toward their opponent. In retaliation, beams of earthen color fire from the batteries scattered about the hull of the enemy vessel. Chizuru and Saya maintain their forward course while Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki dart to either side of the main barrage, dodging the blasts. Nerti's voice narrates.)

Nerti: Liaens can take manual control of the weapons from his grand hall, using his mind to track each target.

(When Chizuru and Saya near the metal hull, they each split and fly along the edges of the pyramid. Their own gun-ports extend and strafe the sides of the ship, blasting gashes into the hull.)

Nerti: However, there are blind spots close along the edges. You can use these to escape the fire.

(Meanwhile, Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki wing their way along the planes of the craft's hull. The enemy fire impacts an invisible field around each, but the concussion of the attack shakes the crystalline structure. Both refrain from attacking, choosing instead to speed to the topmost vertex of the pyramid.)

Nerti: Having four targets should keep him distracted long enough for us to board.

(In flashes of crimson and violet, the two Ryoan ships vanish from space while Chizuru and Saya continue their assault on the ship. Aboard Chizuru, Sagami watches a monitor centered on the site of their disappearance. Distantly, he prays.)

Sagami: The goddess's luck, all of you.

(Within a docking bay of Liaens's ship, waves of crimson and violet appear as the crews of each Ryoan vessel materialize. Atop Ryoko's shoulders, Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki resolve in their cabbit forms. Nerti steps forward and motions to the set of doors inset within the wall before them.)

Nerti: Here we are.

(Ryoko flies over to one of the doors and presses a key, sliding it aside. Determined and focused, she speaks.)

Ryoko: Then, let's get this done.

(Kamidake joins her side and concurs while Tenchi calls back to her.)

Tenchi: Ryoko.

(She glances back to see the Juraian Mark of Rage crossing his face, but also a quiet concern in his eyes.)

Tenchi: Be careful, and good luck.

(She glances to the floor for a moment before she grins with a chuckle.)

Ryoko: You too, Tenchi. See you when it's over.

(He nods.)

Tenchi: Definitely.

(Azaka takes his place at Nerti's side while Pii steps up to him and extends his hand.)

Pii: Take good care of her.

(Confidently, Azaka agrees and takes his hand.)

Azaka: I will.

(Nerti's grey eyes center on the black visor over Pii's as he releases Azaka's hand and nods to her. Somberly, she reciprocates this before the hunter spins back to Tenchi.)

Pii: Let's go.

(Tenchi glances around the group and nods with certainty. The others affirm this before each of the three pairs open and vanish into their respective doors, to their objectives. Reflectively, Tenchi narrates.)

Tenchi: So began our fourth battle with the Darkness.

Scene 3 – Holding the Line

(At the gates of the great palace of Jurai, the evening moon hangs above, shining its silvery rays down upon the intricate carvings of the grand doors. An elegant stairway descends from the leafy reliefs of the ancient artisans and along the immense roots of the tree in which the palace is constructed. At the foot of these steps, fields of well-maintained grasses extend between the many groves and the palatial tree.)

(Here, two figures fade into existence facing the palace, Oniko and Seia. Dressed in his attire of black and red flames, Oniko raises his golden eyes to the doors above on the stairs. In his hand, he holds his spear with the star-shaped tip. Cloaked in her dark robes, the minute Seia chuckles to herself as she looks around the eerily quiet environs. Coldly, Oniko glares at her, which only serves to have her grin venomously at him.)

(Attached to the Ryoan's ear, a small communicator extends a short distance along his jawline. A slight beep rises from it, and the man reaches and touches it carefully. He speaks clearly, holding his hand on the device.)

Oniko: We're on the surface.

(Into his ear, Liaens's displeased and distracted voice answers.)

Liaens: Attack immediately, Oniko.

(Oniko's brows furrow in confusion when he inquires.)

Oniko: What's wrong?

(Seia eyes Oniko while she sarcastically questions him.)

Seia: Did Jezibel's plan ruin...?

(The Ryoan waves her away while he listens intently to Liaens's voice.)

Liaens: Some of the Jurai survived the attack.

(Surprise pops his eyes open wide while the grand doors creak open, drawing Seia's coal-colored eyes toward them.)

Liaens: I have two battleships strafing my ship now.

(From the darkness behind the door, a single man exits into the dull light. Dressed in a plain white gi and blue hakama, the legendary warrior Yosho stands with his glasses shining with a glare from the brilliant moon. He holds his hands behind him as he gradually descends the steps toward Oniko and Seia peacefully.)

(The child-like creature gazes at him confusedly while Oniko settles his eyes on the simple Shinto priest. The Ryoan replies to Liaens, his words grave.)

Oniko: We have our own opponent as well, it seems.

(Liaens's frustration filters through his speech while an impact can be heard against the hull of his craft.)

Liaens: Then, hurry and dispatch him! I will not be denied again!

Oniko: I'll handle it. Out.

(He releases the ear-piece and turns to regard Yosho, who stops a few steps from Oniko and Seia. The Ryoan man speaks to him, his eyes scanning over his attire.)

Oniko: That is hardly the dress of a Juraian noble.

(Humored, Yosho nods and replies.)

Yosho: No, it isn't, but it's very comfortable.

(The Juraian settles his ruddy gaze upon Oniko's golden and comments.)

Yosho: You must be Shi Oniko.

(Proudly, the Ryoan answers.)

Oniko: I am, Jurai Yosho. Your reputation precedes you as well.

(A grin stretches across Seia's lips looking up at Yosho, who casts a stray glance to her before returning to Oniko. The golden-eyed man coolly speaks to the noble, the gaze of neither wavering.)

Oniko: We are here for your people, prince.

Yosho: I imagined that you were.

Oniko: How many are you?

Yosho: Enough.

(A smirk crosses Oniko's face when he nods slowly. Similarly, Yosho grins to himself as he offers his hand to the Ryoan man.)

Yosho: Under the Articles of War, I offer a challenge to you, priest of Ryua, for victory in this conflict.

(Maintaining his interested smirk, Oniko raises a brow while Seia confusedly narrows her eyes. The Ryoan questions this proposition.)

Oniko: A challenge?

Yosho: Single combat.

(The smirk grows to an interested grin while Seia scowls and raises her voice.)

Seia: What point would there be to that? We could easily crush you, old man.

(Quickly, her hand depresses a key hidden upon her belt. At this signal, ranks and columns of metallic figures materialize behind the servants of Liaens. Each glistens new in the moonlight, their design a very rough and simplistic variation to the two robots which took Nagi. Thoughtful conflict melts into Oniko's face while Yosho distantly regards Seia. The minute figure cackles with a sinister grin.)

Seia: Even with your great reputation, I don't think you alone could destroy nearly a thousand of these NVO-powered robots alone.

(The prince closes his eyes and raises his brows, acknowledging this fact.)

Yosho: You are probably right. However...

(He pauses as numerous wooden cylinders appear around the legion behind Oniko and Seia, each chiming lightly. The two spin around to see the miniature guardians before regarding Yosho incredulously. Yet, Oniko's eyes catch a second figure descending the steps, the Princess Ayeka dressed in her rosy combat attire and the Mark of Rage on her face. Upon her noble brow, the tiara key's crest shines a brilliant emerald as she concentrates through it. Seia glares at the young woman while Oniko regards Yosho. Gravely, the legendary swordsman continues.)

Yosho: I never said that I was alone.

(Again, his eyes settle onto Oniko's when the grandfather's words become thoughtful.)

Yosho: But, there is a simpler way, Father Shi Oniko.

(The Ryoan glances between the two nobles before him, his mind considering the options. Ayeka's eyes flit from Oniko to Seia, seeing a seething anger directed back at her. The metamorphic being recalls the mini-guardians surrounding her and holding her while Tenchi's blue blade cut across her chest. Absently, her hand rests over that location, the memory of the pain fresh even after being healed.)

(Yet, Ayeka remembers differently, the voice within her mind echoing Seia's words of “enemies within”. Her eyes remain focused on Seia, awaiting an aggressive motion. The minute enemy boldly speaks, still eying the princess.)

Seia: Units One through Seven...!

(Seven of the machines behind them register her words by raising their faceless heads, until Oniko barks at them.)

Oniko: Stand down!

(Both Ayeka and Seia turn to him while Yosho just watches the gentle nod the Ryoan priest gives the prince. The seven units lower their heads and stand silently as Seia yells at her reluctant partner.)

Seia: “Stand down”?!

(Oniko affirms this, his eyes still set on Yosho's.)

Oniko: I accept your challenge, Jurai Yosho.

(The grandfather's expression becomes more grave as he inquires.)

Yosho: Choice of weapon?

(The Ryoan raises his spear at his side, his hand sparking crimson.)

Oniko: My spear, and my birthright. Yours?

(The great man reaches behind him and draws a bokken.)

Yosho: Just this.

(Incredulously, Oniko blinks at the wooden practice implement before he scoffs and shakes his head.)

Oniko: You're joking.

(Concerned, Ayeka glances at the aging prince while Seia eyes him oddly. Gravely, Yosho retorts.)

Yosho: I'm not. My people took away your race's power. It seems fair that I not take advantage.

(Oniko considers this for a moment before he agrees.)

Oniko: Bold, and fitting, prince.

(The Ryoan extends his right hand, his eyes set on his opponent's.)

Oniko: Shi Oniko, priest of Ryua.

(Yosho sheathes the bokken in the belt of his hakama before he takes the other man's hand and shakes it firmly.)

Yosho: Masaki Katsuhito, priest of Earth.

(With a smirk, Oniko comments.)

Oniko: Ah, your Terran name.

(A thoughtful smile crosses Yosho's lips when he adds.)

Yosho: I gave up being “Prince Jurai Yosho” decades ago. I stand now for my family, not an old title.

(Oniko accepts this.)

Oniko: Fair enough. Prepare yourself, Masaki Katsuhito.

(The two release their hands to turn and step back to their respective companions. Ayeka glances to Yosho and comments softly under her breath.)

Ayeka: Are you sure of this, grandfather? I have seen him fight, and he is quite skilled and vicious.

(Yosho nods.)

Yosho: I know, Ayeka, but he is also an honorable man.

(He gazes back at Oniko and Seia speaking for a moment, commenting.)

Yosho: I do not believe his heart is completely in this.

(The prince then returns his gaze to the princess.)

Yosho: Please keep your attention on Seia and their troops. I don't believe she will stand idly by.

(Uneasy, she glances from him to the enemy and agrees. With Oniko and Seia, the dark child-like being accosts her companion, her words very cross.)

Seia: What are you doing?! This was not the plan!

(Oniko glares back at her, insult in his face.)

Oniko: Shut your mouth, beast! This entire affair was tainted from the moment I was sent to join the lot of you!

(He closes his eyes and shakes his head regretfully.)

Oniko: Kidnapping Nerti, the thefts of components, this cowardly attack... What have I become?

(Seia starts to speak when the Ryoan priest stares hotly back into her cold, black eyes.)

Oniko: I will have this, if nothing else, my duel with the legendary prince of Jurai.

(Hesitantly, she accepts this. Oniko stands and faces his opponent, who also rises to his feet. Ayeka and Seia both back away from the two men as they take a couple paces closer toward one another. Yosho and Oniko ease their weapons into their hands and take aim. Their eyes meet as they share a slight nod.)

(With a whoosh of air, Oniko vanishes from sight. Immediately, Yosho rolls aside as his opponent reappears in the path of his roll. Wide-eyed, Oniko's stomach is thrust against his spine by Yosho's sandaled feet. The Ryoan falls back when the great Juraian regains his feet and draws his wooden blade back to strike.)

(Oniko thrusts his spear forward, but Yosho dodges and smacks the weapon into the ground with the bokken. He then twists the edge and slides the practice weapon along the spear's pole at Oniko's arms. Noting this, the Ryoan teleports a distance away from Yosho to catch his breath. The Juraian prince turns to face him, his sword held at the ready before him.)

(Seia curses under her breath as she spins to her army. As she takes a breath to order them, several of Ayeka's mini-guardians move to surround her. The dark child hatefully glares at the princess's concentrating expression.)

Seia: The same trick again?

(Coldly, Ayeka replies.)

Ayeka: Do not interfere.

Seia: I hardly fear you.

(At this, Oniko calls to Seia.)

Oniko: Do as she says!

(The minute creature glance to the Ryoan who spits to the side and grins widely, enjoyably. He nods to the Juraian prince and comments.)

Oniko: I can see where your grandson received his skills, Master Katsuhito.

(With a slight grin, Yosho replies.)

Yosho: He is a good grandson.

(Without turning his head, Oniko plainly speaks to Seia.)

Oniko: Stay out of this, Seia. I'll show you what a righteous war should be.

(Then, he shoots forward toward Yosho, who stands ready for the oncoming attack. Seia scowls and turns her eyes toward Ayeka. The princess regards the metamorphic being carefully when her own voice echoes in her throughts.)

Mock Ayeka: You're overextended... You can't hold... not against her...

(Seia angles her head to the side as her eyes are covered with a blackness. The voice continues in Ayeka's mind.)

Mock Ayeka: She heard your thoughts before...

(Seia grins widely before her lips move with the voice.)

Seia & Mock Ayeka: And, she does still...

(Chills rush through Ayeka's spine, taking her breath from her while a familiar ache emerges once again in her chest.)

Scene 4 – Similar Motives

(Aboard Liaens's ship, Tenchi and Pii race down a corridor, passing sealed doors along the path. Soon, an alarm sounds, red lights flashing to life around the pair. The young prince glances up to these, commenting anxiously.)

Tenchi: We've been noticed.

(Ahead of them, a ceiling panel slides aside and lowers a pair of gun-type barrels, pointed toward them. Both skid to a stop while Pii curls his lip and sighs.)

Pii: Aw hell...

(Tenchi blinks in surprise while he raises a hand and turns his face away from the weapon. Pii's left forearm rises, the plate metal on the gauntlet extending into a buckler. The turret before them quickly charges and fires two coherent beams of brown light. One smashes into Pii's small shield while the other reflects off a transparent, spherical field around Tenchi.)

(The prince glances back to see the beam deflected before him, his brows furrowed with some concentration. However, beyond his protective barrier, he can see two more turrets reveal themselves down the corridor. Maintaining his focus, Tenchi motions forward to Pii.)

Tenchi: There are two more up there.

(The hunter nods, grimacing with a single sarcastic word.)

Pii: Great.

(With a flick of his wrist, his right gauntlet extends its laser weapon and control grip, which he points at the door next to him. He depresses the key on it, igniting his own cutting beam. With it, he traces a rectangular block, slicing through the metal with the light.)

Pii: Let's get out of this storm before it gets worse.

(Tenchi nods, raising Tenchiken to his side and forming its blue blade. Quickly, he too makes his own door through the metal by swiping the Juraian energy across the bulkhead. Both rush their cuttings, pushing their shoulders into the respective pieces of housing. Collapsing, the doors fall inward when the new turrets open fire, missing both who are safely within facing rooms.)

(Within each are racks of clamps, harnesses, cables, and plug adapters, no doubt for the mechanical army on Jurai's surface. Tenchi and Pii glance back toward their doors while the enemy weapons fall silent, lacking targets. The prince sighs and relaxes some, letting the sword's edge vanish while Pii glances at his buckler. He scowls at the melted and fused plate, cursing under his breath.)

Pii: Dammit.

(Tenchi questions him.)

Tenchi: You alright?

(Pii nods, displaying the damage to his armor system.)

Pii: Yeah, but this gauntlet's not. Its systems got fused by the heat of that beam.

(He rotates his wrist in the cuff a few times, noting that his range of motion has not been impeded. Tenchi leans against a wall with a sigh while Pii comments.)

Pii: You holding up?

(The prince nods his head.)

Tenchi: I'm not really too good with at this kinda thing.

(Pii scoffs with a humored grin.)

Pii: You could've fooled me.

(Tenchi chuckles a bit before he seriously inquires from his companion.)

Tenchi: Any idea on how we get past these guns?

(The hunter's gaze lowers as he considers the question.)

Pii: It takes each a moment before it charges. After that, they fire a constant beam at their targets.

(Glancing at the damage to his buckler, he continues.)

Pii: And, I wouldn't recommend standing in that for too long.

(The prince nods and adds.)

Tenchi: Could we take them out while they're charging?

(Pii concurs, motioning to Tenchiken.)

Pii: Yeah, but that sword isn't exactly long range.

(Tenchi extends his left hand and summons an orb of bluish Juraian energy to his palm. The hunter angles his head to the side curiously while his compatriot mentions.)

Tenchi: No, but this is.

Pii: Alright...

(The two edge toward the cut doors, Tenchi holding the Jurai sphere and Pii the controls to his wrist-mounted weapon. Both take a slow breath and calm themselves when the hunter glances to the prince.)

Pii: On three?

(Tenchi nods as Pii counts.)

Pii: One...

(The Juraian noble joins the enumeration.)

Tenchi & Pii: Two... Three!

(Together, they lean out, aiming their respective implements at the two turrets on either side of the corridor. The guns train on them, charging when Tenchi's orb and Pii's barrel blast forward. These attacks punch through their targets, leaving a smoldering hole in their wake.)

(However, the remaining turret from the ceiling locks its two barrels, one facing each of them. The two roll back into their respective rooms as the two cannons shoot their earthen beams, cutting into the walls. After a few moments, the guns fall silent again, and the two swing into the corridor once again. Though the enemy weapons train on them, Tenchi and Pii both release their volleys, reducing the last turret to rubble.)

(Relaxing, Tenchi examines the destroyed guns while Pii advances past them, finding a sealed bulkhead a few yards ahead. The prince turns to him and also notices the portal, commenting.)

Tenchi: Looks like we're here.

(Soberly, the hunter nods, resting a hand on the door.)

Pii: Yes, it does.

(He aims the beam weapon at the door and ignites the ray, cutting into the thick metal. Molten material rolls down from the impact site as he starts to slowly carve a large disc from the doors. Tenchi approaches him, raising a hand before him due to the heat. He glances to Pii and with the light from the cutting device, can see the anger furrowed in the hunter's brow. Concerned, Tenchi inquires.)

Tenchi: You've met Liaens before. Haven't you?

(Coldly, Pii answers.)

Pii: Yes, at the bar.

(The prince shakes his head.)

Tenchi: No, before then. Nagi mentioned a vendetta back when we were planning.

(Tension rises in Pii's voice.)

Pii: She's one to talk about vendettas.

(Calmly, Tenchi questions him again.)

Tenchi: What happened with him?

(Pii releases the trigger of his weapon, the beam fading as he speaks sternly.)

Pii: Have you ever had something horrible happen, Tenchi?

(Pii glances toward Tenchi, the black visor now opaque.)

Pii: Not to you, but to someone you care about.

(He turns his head slightly to the side.)

Pii: Now, imagine you saw who did it before it happened, and that you had a chance to warn her.

(The hunter turns back to the door when Tenchi nods solemnly and adds.)

Tenchi: Yes, I have.

(Pii gazes at him quietly while the young prince explains, his head lowering.)

Tenchi: It was my mother. She died when I was a kid, but a couple years ago, I saw her again.

(Quietly, he raises his eyes to meet the black visor.)

Tenchi: Washu sent us back in time to fix history, so that I could even be born.

(His hand grips tightly around the sword key in his hand.)

Tenchi: I saw her, and I couldn't warn her about what I knew. I had to just let her die like she did before.

(Pii's head lowers hearing this, but Tenchi grins to himself thoughtfully.)

Tenchi: But, I did learn this from seeing her then.

(The hunter meets his gaze again as the prince concludes.)

Tenchi: You have to just accept some things, like the past, so you can make the future better.

(Pii pauses for a moment, recalling the kiss he and Nerti shared in the Jurai palace not long ago in one another's arms. Tenchi adds.)

Tenchi: You have to be there, for her.

(Nodding, Pii depresses the trigger and reignites his cutting weapon.)

Pii: Fair enough, Masaki.

(Tenchi grins to himself while the armor-clad individual completes the formation of a new door within the bulkhead. Softly, the hunter states very dryly.)

Pii: But first, let's be sure they can't hurt her anymore.

(At this, he presses his hands against the bulkhead and pushes forward, causing the slab of metal to slide from within the newly formed hole. Soon, it falls loose and collapses onto the floor of Liaens's colonnaded hall. Tenchi and Pii step forward into the grand chamber, both looking about the environs where the walls and columns are laced with golden wiring.)

(However, their eyes soon settle ahead of them, where Liaens stands with his hands gripping the railing of the balcony. They advance on him while his gaze, scowling a deep red, meets theirs. To the air nearby, he issues a quiet command.)

Liaens: Defense systems to automatic.

(The golden weave of the walls dims and vanishes into the background while Liaens's eyes return to steel grey. He releases the banister and stands proud facing the two young men approaching him.)

(As he walks, Pii's gaze slips slightly above Liaens to the great painting of Sophia Aelins behind him. Again, he recognizes Nerti's face in hers and speaks a few soft words to the air about him.)

Pii: Image capture and catalog, “”.

(In this HUD, the field of view flashes for a moment and shrinks into a small pixel in the corner of the display.)

(A rumble shakes the room slightly, no doubt from the battle being waged outside the vessel. The two stop at the end of the columns and turn their faces up toward Liaens, who coldly gazes back at them.)

Liaens: So, this is who remains of the mighty Jurai, a boy prince? You're bold to come here, child.

(Tenchi answers him sternly.)

Tenchi: This needs to stop, Liaens.

(Liaens scoffs.)

Liaens: It most certainly does not! I have waited far too long for this victory, and I will not have it taken from me again.

Tenchi: Why? What do you want from Jurai?

(The aged man scowls.)

Liaens: When your ancestor defeated me, prince, I was badly wounded. I couldn't lead my people.

(He steps down the stairs of his balcony, though Tenchi and Pii watch him closely, listening.)

Liaens: For millennia, I waited in cold stasis, only to find my throne gone when I awoke, replaced by a faith not of my world.

(He scoffs again, ironically amused.)

Liaens: Why, prince? I once tried to take your precious empire for my own conquest. Now, it is simply to earn back what was rightfully mine.

(Pii's words interject.)

Pii: Then, what does this have to do with Nerti?

(Liaens's cold eyes glide to the hunter's black visor.)

Pii: She has nothing to do with you or Jurai.

Liaens: Other than her expertise, I've had no use for her. Her care has been the domain of Oniko and the Kimitan witch.

(Confused, Pii points accusingly at Liaens.)

Pii: But, you're the leader of this little group! You have been since I first met you three years ago!

(With a scoff, the Proran man smirks and rests a hand on his belt.)

Liaens: Is that what you believe, boy? The four of us are merely minions. Jurai's empire is my reward, along with my restored throne on Prora.

(Tenchi blinks his eyes dumbly as he asks.)

Tenchi: Then, who's behind all this?

(Slyly, Liaens eyes Tenchi, those cross-shaped pupils seeming to target him.)

Liaens: Your people once knew and feared my Lady's name, but now, you don't even know it. Yet, you still do fear her power, this dark energy.

(The Proran's thumb slides aside a panel on his belt, revealing a small button. His smirk widens to a smile when he depresses this. His belt then burns an ominous crimson and obsidian when a blast wave bursts from it.)

(The wave passes over Tenchi, enveloping him in the same telltale sparks of red that conquered Jurai. He falls to his knees in pain, the blue costume around him flickering and fading while Liaens laughs loudly. Concerned, Pii turns to Tenchi as the wave quickly dissipates at the edge of the room. The hunter spins and stands toward the enemy, who explains.)

Liaens: A miniature of the Aelins Reactor, good for taking out a small group of Jurai. He'll be unconscious for five minutes.

(The Terran scowls and raises his gauntlet-mounted weapon, directed at the enemy.)

Pii: Son of a bitch!

(He clicks the trigger, sending the coherent beam of light at Liaens, who turns aside. The ray grazes and burns across the ruler's chest before he rises into the air, summoning his earthen-colored power to his hands. Pii raises his buckler when the flying man sends the two large blasts of energy at him.)

(The pulses smash into the small shield, knocking the Terran hunter aside. While he slowly picks himself up, Liaens lands with a pleased smile on his lips, over Tenchi's folded body, now dressed again in his regal attire from the reunion. The Proran reaches into his cloaks and produces the ornate hilt of a broadsword, the blade broken off. With a tight grip, the brown energy of the man flows through the weapon, generating a new edge. Watching the shimmering and translucent blade, Liaens comments.)

Liaens: So ends the Jurai royal family.

(Yet, an azure swipe darts upward, forcing the man to fly back a short distance. Black fluid flows down the deposed ruler's face from a minute gash in his cheek. Surprised, he touches this lightly with his free hand.)

(Pii watches surprised as Tenchi pushes himself to his feet, Tenchiken's blade weakly flickering from the hilt. With his teeth gnashing, the young prince breathes deliberately and speaks softly.)

Tenchi: I'm only one-quarter Juraian...

(Liaens glares coldly as he takes a second, broken hilt from within his cloak and ignites its blade. Pii retracts the weapon on his right wrist and draws his sword as well, standing at Tenchi's side. His two planar wings open behind him before Liaens bursts forward, those brown swords leading toward the prince and the hunter.)

Scene 5 – Relapse

(Elsewhere on Liaens's ship, Azaka and Nerti rush through the hallways, glowing conduits lining the walls. The power within these circuits ebbs forward, feeding energy to their destination. However, red lights flash to life with the ring of alarms. The blonde glances up toward these while the legendary man focuses ahead.)

Azaka: No doubt, we are discovered.

(Returning her attention forward, she agrees.)

Nerti: I'd say so.

(Before them, both can see a sealed door, as well as three turrets swinging out from the walls and ceiling to protect it. The two halt, the knight readying his staff in his hands while the young woman takes a calming breath. The warrior glances at her while she nods slightly to him and then addresses her attention to the turrets. Commandingly, she speaks to the automated weapons.)

Nerti: Authorization, nu-rho-zero-zero-five. Disarm and power down.

(A moment passes, the guns all training on Nerti. Their targeting cameras focus and zoom on her, each analyzing her features and voice. Again, she orders, her face stern, but her voice betraying a taste of her great anxiety.)

Nerti: Disarm and power down, immediately.

(With this edict, the firearms retract back into the walls and ceiling. Nerti sighs in relief while Azaka smiles warmly, resting a hand on her shoulder.)

Azaka: Well-played, Ms Nerti.

(She nods with a soft grin.)

Nerti: Thanks. It looks like they haven't disabled my access yet.

(She advances to the door and glides her hand over the keypad next to its frame while the knight follows behind, curious.)

Azaka: Could your code have disabled the other sentries aboard the ship?

(She focuses on the pad and starts entering a sequence of keys as she answers.)

Nerti: Possibly, but not likely. The cameras on the turrets recognize facial features and voice to match with the vocal code. If one of the three doesn't match, they would fire on the intruder. I also don't have access to the entire ship.

(The device before Nerti glows green with a soft chime when she finishes typing, a harsh scraping of metal following. The door slides aside quickly, allowing these two into the next chamber. Within the large chamber, a single transparent pillar stands, its base lined with consoles and panels displaying status data. Inside the column itself, black fire and lightning rage, sparking crimson when it touches the casing around it.)

(Azaka pauses and turns his eyes up to the great machine, the Aelins reactor itself. He watches the flames of darkness swirl in their container with a distant calm. However, a chill rushes down his back gazing into the blackness. To his mind comes its name, the very heart of the weapon.)

Azaka: The Darkness of the Universe...

(Gravely, Nerti nods as she steps to the control console.)

Nerti: Energy type NVO, the antithesis of Jurai's legendary power.

(Thoughtfully, Azaka watches the ruby bursts of power, his eyes narrowing.)

Azaka: It has been millennia since I have seen this power first-hand.

(The blonde sets her hands upon the keyboards while her mind considers this product of her talents and efforts, however coerced.)

Nerti: For three years, I researched this power and constructed this device... this weapon...

(Her eyes close as she sighs. The great man comes to her side and speaks kindly.)

Azaka: Ms Nerti, you have no blame from us.

(She blinks and meets his wise gaze while he explains.)

Azaka: We understand your situation. Once we are done here, you shall never see this mechanism again.

(Her lips widen into a soft smile.)

Nerti: Thank you.

(The young woman directs her attention to the nearby display as she starts typing. On screen, text scrolls as she enters new directives. Nearby, all the gages gradually begin to descend, the power of the system falling.)

Nerti: I'll shut down the reaction and cycle all the energy back into the central chamber. Then, you can use your Jurai energy to destroy it all in one shot.

(Azaka grips his staff and concurs.)

Azaka: Very well.

(The knight watches Nerti at work while the pillar before them hums loudly, darkness filling the vessel inside it.)

(Meanwhile, within Jezibel's chambers, the fiery-haired telepath slides aside Nagi's violet whip and continues at her adversary. However, Jezibel glances to the side, distracted. The huntress narrows her gaze at her enemy and pushes into the air herself, sword drawn back to strike.)

(The emerald eyes return to her enemy and catch the glint of the sword. With a gasp, Jezibel spins her trajectory away from Nagi, but the half-blood Juraian swipes quickly, leaving a bloody gash in the telepath's cloak.)

(Nagi turns back, set and ready to attack again while Jezibel holds her arm, tensing from the pain in the incision. She pulls her hand away from the wound and notes the blood with a hateful stare. Her gaze rises to her opponent's and speaks coldly.)

Jezibel: I'll deal with you in a moment.

(Nagi shakes her head and retorts.)

Nagi: I think not.

(Drawing back her whip, the huntress launches herself at Jezibel when one of the two android guards extends its arm toward the noble. Shadowy flames encircle the appendage as Nagi glances toward the abnormal motion. A black pulse rushes forward at Nagi, forcing her to angle her flight upward, allowing the projectile to miss her and smash into the far wall. Her eyes set icily on the machine, the huntress descends a distance behind Jezibel, who commands the robot.)

Jezibel: Unit One, defend me.

(Her eyes burn a deep green as she glares at Nagi.)

Jezibel: I have business elsewhere.

(The machine nods, speaking in a stiff, simulated voice as it stands between the two women.)

Unit One: Confirmed, mistress.

(The purple-maned huntress gnashes her teeth before she snaps her whip at her new opponent. The android raises its arms to defend, both enveloped in black flames while Jezibel's glowing gaze becomes distant, focused within herself.)

(With Azaka and Nerti, the blonde screams and throws her head back, her hands clutching for her temples. The knight approaches her carefully, watching the grey of her eyes ignite into a furious emerald.)

Azaka: Ms Nerti!

(She staggers away from the consoles, her voice pained and pleading.)

Nerti: No! Go away! Leave me alone!

(Azaka pauses at these words, unable to hear Jezibel's words echoing within her head.)

Jezibel: So, they have broken my safeguards on you like they did on the half-breed.

(Through the tears forming in Nerti's eyes, she can see the vile telepath standing before her, near Azaka. The blonde collapses under the strain within her head and pushes herself away from the telepath, as well as the knight. Jezibel's image grins venomously as she shakes a finger side to side.)

Jezibel: But, they forgot the most central one.

(The knight raises a placating hand to Nerti, speaking softly and kindly.)

Azaka: Ms Nerti, what is happening? What do you see?

(Within Nerti's pupils, a golden spark glints as she glares at Jezibel and points an accusing finger at the image.)

Nerti: It's her! Jezibel!

(A confusion enters Jezibel's eyes when she notes the golden spark, her image fading some from Nerti's sight.)

Jezibel: What? You've awoken to that power already?

(However, the vile telepath's image refocuses as another wave of torment washes over Nerti's face. Jezibel grins while Azaka glances at the empty space where the blonde sees the enemy.)

Jezibel: No, not quite. You're grasping at it, but you don't hold it.

(The knight kneels at Nerti's side and speaks gently to her, his concern genuine.)

Azaka: Ms Nerti, fight her. Focus your thoughts here, in this room. Push her away, back to the shadows of your mind.

(Jezibel's image scoffs as both she and Nerti turn their gazes to him. Together, they speak, though another tear rolls down the blonde's face.)

Nerti & Jezibel: It's too late, old man.

(Azaka stands and steps away from his former companion while she ascends to her feet. Emotion and pain leave her expression when her eyes become enveloped in emerald light. Jezibel's image fades away, the control now restored.)

Nerti: She is mine, as she was before.

(The knight eases his staff into his hands as she advances toward him by a step.)

Nerti: You know something of the mental arts, it would seem, Juraiko Azaka.

(With a set glare, the legendary man inquires sternly.)

Azaka: You are Jezibel Kimitan, correct?

Nerti: I am.

Azaka: How did you do this?

Nerti: It is simply my nature to control and consume. Like my other puppets, I ensured my domination of her by placing several images in her mind as agents to restrain her consciousness. Most of them were destroyed...

(Nerti raises a single finger and shakes it side to side, exactly as the Jezibel image had done before.)

Nerti: All save one, my image, which I used to regain control over her.

Azaka: So, you sensed her presence through it?

(Nerti lowers her hand and nods.)

Nerti: I know my own work. That lingering image, that one trigger, was all I needed.

Azaka: For what do you need this child, witch?

(An exterior explosion shakes the ship while Nerti replies.)

Nerti: What, indeed.

(She glances back toward the Aelins Reactor console and issues the following command.)

Nerti: Authorization: upsilon-kappa-zero-zero-two. Reactivate reactor and primary defense systems. Comply.

(Azaka turns his sight to the console as the text Nerti had entered wipes from the screen, replaced by the green text “YK002, confirmed”. Around the chamber, four turrets rotate out from the wall panels each immediately targeting the Juraian man. Within the reactor itself, the black power flows away, presumably returning to the ship's primary weapon system.)

(The crest on Azaka's staff begins to revolve when the sharp grind of metal against metal calls his attention to Nerti. Her arm extended to the side, a pole segment ejects from her gauntlet into her hand. This elongates into a staff before the scythe's blade hooks inward, forming a combat-ready scythe. With a practiced skill, she twirls this at her side for a moment before it comes to rest in her hands before her.)

(Nerti's glowing eyes settle on Azaka's as she begins to advance slowly, one step at a time. He watches her silently, listening to the words spoken on her lips.)

Nerti: With this, Jurai's doom has been ensured. However, you, my dear warrior, probably will try to disable the reactor. We can't have that.

(Nerti suddenly rushes toward Azaka, her scythe at the ready. The knight takes a calming breath and settles into a forward-weighted stance, awaiting her with his staff before him. When she nears, he steps back and raises his staff key to block her blade, letting it hook against the pole between his hands.)

(Turning and shifting his weight, Azaka draws his staff against Nerti's balance, toppling her over his hip. As she falls, she twists her hands against the pole of her weapon, causing the blade to retract. She falls and rolls aside, regaining her feet. Their eyes quickly meet again when she twists the pole once more to reveal her blade.)

Nerti: I leave my dear girl here to keep you company. I'm sure you will find her training from the Ryoan priest most... nostalgic from that ancient war.

(To himself, the great warrior curses Jezibel's words.)

Azaka: Damned vile creature, you hide behind a child's innocence and talents.

(At this, the turrets charge their earthen power and project beams toward him. Reacting, he rolls aside from the impact point while Nerti dashes toward him, scythe drawn back to attack. Azure power collects in the headpiece of his staff before he unleashes a torrent of his Jurai energy at the nearest turret, destroying it. The blonde reaches him and swings her scythe, which he blocks with the staff. He rotates aside, aiming the blunt end of the key for her gut.)

(However, his manipulated opponent arcs the non-bladed end of her pole to deflect his away. With her momentum, she spins on her boot's toes, returning the blade toward his neck. Again, he raises his staff to block her blade and stop her rotation. Shortly afterward, the blunt end of his staff smacks hard against her abdomen, robbing her of her breath.)

(Nerti slides back, regaining her air while Azaka nods to her, considering what he has seen.)

Azaka: Indeed, you have been taught the Ryoan way, and have a talent for it as well.

(Two more turrets lock onto his position and fire, forcing him to roll aside while Nerti twirls her scythe at her side, approaching him with a renewed wind. Quickly, he summons Jurai's Power into his staff and eliminates another turret when she rushes toward him, her glowing eyes set coldly on him.)

Scene 6 – Awakening

(Ryoko flies through the corridors of Liaens's ship, Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki each clinging to one of her shoulders. Behind them, Kamidake runs with them, his staff key at the ready in his hands. Alarms scream around them while their vicinity is flooded with red light from alert signals. An external shock wave rocks the ship around them, no doubt from the battle waged outside the craft.)

(Ahead of them, a door awaits, along with three turrets which swing out from the walls and ceiling nearby. With a scowl, Ryoko slows, her crimson energies flowing to her hands. Similarly, the headpiece of Kamidake's staff rotates, gathering his power. Further, the two cabbits drift up from Ryoko's shoulders and assume their crystalline aspects, each drawing light for their primary weapon.)

(Within Jezibel's chambers, the emerald glow fades from her eyes as she turns back to Nagi and Unit One, one of her robotic guards. Nagi's blade grinds against the crossed-arm block of the android when the huntress snaps her whip around the machine's leg and pulls. The opponent's foot slides forward, letting it collapse while the half-blood Juraian draws her sword back and stabs it down into its chest.)

(The robot jerks and flails, black flame rising from the wound. Removing her weapon, Nagi returns her attention to Jezibel coldly. The telepath claps slowly, a smirk on her face.)

Jezibel: Brava, bastard child. You've damaged one of them.

(The huntress glances down at her opponent as its repairing tendrils reach over the damaged area and begin to meld into the original chassis. However, it spasms, a lick of obsidian fire leaking from a remaining crack in the chest. With a scoff, Nagi slides her eyes to Jezibel again, leveling her blade to the enemy.)

Nagi: Your business is with me, bitch.

(A subtle green glow enters Jezibel's eyes as she shakes her head confidently.)

Jezibel: A new tactic? You don't rightly believe it will work, do you?

(At this, the door to the chamber is vaporized by a flood of light, colored crimson, scarlet, and violet. This wave of energy smashes into the opposite wall, shaking the entire room. Nagi adjusts her footing while Jezibel staggers a couple steps to regain her balance.)

(From the smoking remains of the doorway, Ryoko and Kamidake rush inside, assuming positions flanking Nagi. Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki hop their way toward the gathering as well, hissing at Jezibel. Quickly, the huntress glances to the two at her sides, commenting sarcastically.)

Nagi: Took you long enough.

(Ryoko smirks and adds.)

Ryoko: You always were slow at finishing the job.

(Kamidake speaks softly to the purple-haired woman at his side.)

Kamidake: Are you injured, Lady Nagi?

(Seriously, she answers him.)

Nagi: I'm fine.

(She motions to Jezibel's cut arm.)

Nagi: She's not.

(Jezibel glares back at the huntress while Ryoko closes her fist, cracking her knuckles. The former pirate burns her golden stare through the telepath's eyes as the knight adjusts his grip on his staff, eying the enemy as well.)

Kamidake: Jezibel Kimitan, yield and surrender.

(Quickly, she issues the following commands.)

Jezibel: Units, attack.

(The damaged Unit One near Nagi reaches for the huntress's leg while she steps away and cuts through its hand with her sword. The other unit, Unit Two, awakens and turns its fiery crimson gaze toward the gathering of figures. Ryoko immediately calls forth her red katana while Kamidake lands the blunt end of his staff against the side of Unit One, knocking it across the chamber from them.)

(Unit One extends an arm, scraping its fingers against and into the floor. Soon, it comes to a stop and pushes itself up to its feet. Unit Two dashes forward at them, its hands and forearms igniting into an obsidian fire. Kamidake levels his staff before him and his eyes to this enemy while he speaks to the two women.)

Kamidake: I will take this one.

(He shoots toward Unit Two, his feet tapping fleetly and lightly against the floor. Ryoko and Nagi stand side by side, facing the telepath, who curls her lip into a sneer at the pair. The former pirate glances aside at the damaged robot, its head twitching intermittently from the wound. Certain, Nagi's eyes narrow at the vile woman before her as she speaks.)

Nagi: Jezibel's mine.

(Ryoko grins with a scoff.)

Ryoko: Ours, sis. Save me a piece.

(Similarly, Nagi scoffs and smirks.)

Nagi: Then, hurry, Ryoko.

(Both raise their swords as the purple-tressed woman adds with some irritation.)

Nagi: And, don't call me “sis”.

(The two dart into the air, flying at their respective opponents. Unit One twitches once more before it bursts into a run toward Ryoko, remaining hand flaming black.)

(With Nagi and Jezibel, the huntress snaps her whip at the telepath, who glides aside easily from the crack. However, the purple-haired warrior whirls around, her sword arcing toward Jezibel's other arm. Again, the emerald-eyed woman evades, allowing the blade to slice only air. Nearing a column, Nagi touches her feet against it and aims her blade's tip at her adversary. A regal shot leaves the weapon and flies at Jezibel.)

(However, the shot of pain rushes through her from the wound in her arm as her cloak ruffles across it. At this, the glow of her eyes dims. She does indeed slide from the projectile's path, but not from the whip that wraps around her neck. Reaching for the sparking cord, Jezibel struggles with it while Nagi swoops at her, sword drawn to strike.)

(Collecting an emerald force to her palm, the vile telepath raises her hand to the huntress. Nagi slides away when the green pulse comes, passing safely by her. Landing a short distance away, the half-blood woman rises while the telepath catches herself unceremoniously on the ground. Nagi grins while she tugs on her whip, forcing Jezibel to look up at her.)

Nagi: Not used to pain, master telepath?

(Jezibel glares furiously when she ignites her hand with an emerald glow. She claws at the violet whip and shreds it from her neck before she stands. Within her gaze, hate and anger dance at this bounty hunter before her, her words boiling in controlled rage.)

Jezibel: Shut your mouth.

(Seriously, Nagi levels her sword toward Jezibel.)

Nagi: Let's see how well you do without your foresight.

(Once more, Nagi darts at Jezibel, who floats away and calls her green power to her palms.)

(With Kamidake and Unit Two, the knight clashes his staff against the blackened grip of the android. Stepping to the side, he lets the machine push forward, off-balance. Gaining momentum, the crimson staff contacts the side of the robot, helping it to fall upon the floor. With a thrust, the warrior smashes the undecorated end of his weapon into the machine's shoulder.)

(Unit Two claws at Kamidake's feet, forcing him to hop away and loose his implement from his opponent. It then pounds its hands into the ground, shooting its chassis up to face the noble combatant. As the machine turns to face him, the wound in its shoulder begins to regenerate once more. However, the knight grins, the headpiece of his staff starting to revolve.)

(He twirls the staff to his side, aligning it along his right arm. The android raises its fiery arm toward him when the blackness coalesces into a single orb in its hand. This ball then bursts at Kamidake, a wave of dark power flying at him. Leaning forward slightly, he dashes ahead and slides to the ground under the blast. He aims his staff toward his enemy, scarlet light pulsing in the headpiece of the staff.)

(Unit Two lowers its arm, angling the beam toward the knight, but soon Kamidake skids to a halt and smirks. A wave of fiery light explodes from the crimson staff, smashing through the chest and head of the android. As the energy passes through the machine, a black core can be seen briefly before it shatters and evaporates in the knight's illumination.)

(The remains fall backward while Kamidake rolls up to his feet. His eyes settle on Ryoko and Unit One engaged in combat nearby. Her ruby blade clashes against its onyx arm time and again with neither giving way. After two swipes, she drifts back and throws her sword into the machine's abdomen. It glances down in time to watch the crimson power detonate and knock it from the air.)

(Bring her hands together, the Ryoan woman pools her red light within her grasp while the enemy lifts itself up. Its body begins to mend when Ryoko shakes her head and glares.)

Ryoko: Not this time!

(Rays of ruby rain spring from the former pirate's hands, descending upon the robot's frame. Again and again, the beams puncture its chassis and extremities, smashing into the floor below. Soon, the barrage ends, and Ryoko drifts toward the floor, watching the machine regather itself. She curses under her breath when Kamidake calls to her.)

Kamidake: Ms Ryoko!

(He glances to the knight, his staff charged and aimed at the android's chassis. Surprised, she blinks while he requests.)

Kamidake: Might I be of assistance?

(The Ryoan points at the machine and nods.)

Ryoko: Kill the damn thing!

Kamidake: Very well.

(At this, he centers his gaze on the enemy and unleashes his staff's fury, devastating the machine's torso and core. Ryoko lands at his side as the two face the battle between Nagi and Jezibel. These two women separate when the huntress lashes her whip around Jezibel's waist and pulls. The telepath is drawn forward suddenly, her opponent readying her sword to strike.)

(Her jade energies coalesce over her palms as she nears the half-blood warrior. As Nagi swipes, she blocks the strike with her left hand, her right approaching Nagi's face. The huntress turns her head when the green light bursts from Jezibel's hand, grazing along her temple.)

(Nagi loosens her grip on her weapons and collapses, her hair band flying from her head. As it clatters against the floor, a large crack can be seen in its housing. The vile enemy stands breathing heavily. The glow over her hands fades, revealing bloody cuts and gashes from the recent exchange.)

(Ryoko and Kamidake call out to their comrade, rushing at her adversary. Also, Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki hop toward the fallen ally, mewing frantically. However, with a hateful glare, Jezibel raises her hand toward them, her eyes blazing the deepest jade. Echoing, her voice commands them.)

Jezibel: Enough!

(The four cringe and collapse as they see the walls and floor twist and churn. To their ears, white noise and gibberish cloud all other sounds around them. Jezibel gnashes her teeth while a drop of sweat rolls down her brow.)

(In the Aelins Reactor's chamber, Azaka's staff clashes against Nerti's scythe, the knight blocking the cutting edge. He shifts his staff to strike with its headpiece when the blonde springs away, her emerald gaze distant. The legendary man narrows his eyes at her while to her eyes, Jezibel's image appears. With great concentration, the telepath speaks demandingly.)

Jezibel: Come to me now. I can't maintain this degree of sensory distortion for long.

(Nerti turns her attention back to Azaka when Jezibel grins to herself beneath the sweat on her face.)

Jezibel: Awaken, Nerti Ro, Child of Aelins.

(The scythe wielder extends her free hand toward Azaka, who holds his staff ready. Across the right side of her face, the Mark of Rage scrawls down her skin, clawing three blades over her cheek. In her gauntlet's palm, an orb of dark power ignites, flickering and unstable. A shiver runs through the Juraian at this onyx ball of flames. He glances up to the reactor core behind her, where the obsidian power there writhes and flares wilder than before. Fading away, Jezibel's words remain with Nerti.)

Jezibel: Show him the Darkness, girl. Remind him of why he clings to the Light.

(At this, she grips her fist around the ball, molding it into a black broadsword. The blonde advances a step, her foot firmly planted in mid-air. Continuing, she walks a few centimeters from the floor, her controlled eyes centered coldly on Azaka.)

(With the next pace, she darts into flight toward him, the black blade drawn back to swipe. When she nears, he rolls aside, dodging the swing while calling his azure power to the headpiece of his staff. Nerti's feet touch ground as she slows and turns toward him again. Thinking aloud, he considers her quickly.)

Azaka: Not since the Zealots of the Dark Matron on Ryua itself have I seen that sword.

(He shakes his head slowly, adding.)

Azaka: But, you are surely not one of them.

(Once more, she darts at him when the Juraian blocks her scythe with the staff key and steps behind her. His foot sweeps between hers, knocking her balance off-kilter. However, she recovers in the air and clashes the blade saber against the shining headpiece of his staff. The two weapons grind against one another, sparks of blue and red being thrown from the interaction. Gravely, Azaka asks her empty eyes.)

Azaka: What are you, child?

(With Jezibel, her blazing jade gaze focuses on Ryoko, Kamidake, and the cabbits, their senses distorted by her. However, Nagi stirs on the floor, blood rising from the wound in her head. She reaches out, her hand sliding along the surface below her until it comes to her hair band. Her crimson eyes open, their gaze blurry and disoriented.)

(However, clear in her vision is the crest embossed in the hair band. She remembers Tensho, her father at his prime, setting it within the spikes of her hair, a mere child then. His words whisper to her ear as she sees the crack within the item's housing.)

Tensho: Your mother made you special, Nagi.

(She grits her teeth and grips the hair band tightly as she forces herself to her hands and knees.)

Tensho: This is very special too, from our ancestors.

(She glances around to Ryoko, Kamidake, and the cabbits held under Jezibel's distortion before her refocusing gaze centers on Jezibel. However, Tensho's words now recite the same text Jezibel read before.)

Tensho: “Nearby, another figure struck the Enemy.”

(The telepath sights Nagi and blinks in surprise. Carefully, the huntress rises, her crimson eyes flaring a deep regal violet. The half-blood woman clenches her fist around the hair band, shattering its housing as she continues the quote.)

Nagi: “In his right hand burned the Light...”

(As the purple casing of the hair band falls to the floor, what remains in Nagi's hand is vine-like in structure, not unlike the knights' staves, Tenchi's sword, and Ayeka's tiara. On one side, it bears a regal crest of Juraian design inset to its mesh. However, on the opposite end, there is a socket, circular and empty.)

(This device shines a forest green as it wraps around her hand, leaving the Juraian crest upward and the empty socket downward. Fear wipes through Jezibel's face looking at the device, whispering to herself.)

Jezibel: The fifth key...?!

(Across Nagi's right cheek, a second Mark of Rage scrawls down her skin, mirroring the one on her left. A violet katana blade emerges from the Juraian crest in Nagi's hand when Jezibel's power fades from her eyes. Ryoko, Kamidake, and the cabbits breathe a sigh of relief as the distortion fades from their senses.)

(Jezibel starts to gather her power into her hands when Nagi deftly thrusts her new sword forward through the telepath's abdomen. Gasping, Jezibel is stunned before she glances down to the wound and back to her killer's raging eyes. A sudden plume of emerald light flies from Jezibel's eyes when Nagi gnashes her teeth and cuts through the telepath's side, finishing her.)

(Elsewhere, Nerti stumbles away from Azaka. The black sword in her hand and the mark across her face vanish as she screams, the emerald plume from Jezibel's eyes consuming hers. She clings to her scythe, pleading to her unseen mistress.)

Nerti: Get out! Get out! Leave me alone!

(Azaka approaches slowly, his voice again calming.)

Azaka: Ms Nerti? Is that you, or the other?

(A vile smirk crosses her lips as she laughs and answers.)

Nerti: Which do you think?

(Again, she screams as she shuts her eyes.)

Nerti: Get back! Get away from me!

(Raising a placating hand, the knight continues.)

Azaka: I can help you, Ms Nerti. Please drop your weapon.

(He halts just before she swipes her scythe at him, her eyes crazed and lost.)

Nerti: I can't. You can't.

(She shuts her eyes tightly and runs through the door. He starts after her, but soon dodges to the side as the exterior turrets fire at him. With a solemn sigh, he shakes his head slowly. He then turns his attention to the Aelins Reactor's core pillar. With a solid determination in his face, the legendary Juraian raises his staff before him, building his power into its headpiece.)

(Taking a traditional weight-forward stance, he aims the key at the reactor and unleashes a torrent of azure fury. The wave of light from his key tears through the reactor's core, reacting in a flash of blue and red sparks with the darkness held within it. He sweeps the sapphire storm downward, through the rest of the pillar and its controls, destroying them all.)

(After this, he lets the power fade and stands firm and resolute over the devastation. Nobly, he turns away from it and advances toward the corridor, readying himself to handle the turrets.)

(With Nagi, she closes her eyes and falls to her knees, the sword vanishing from her key. The second mark fades from her woozy face while Jezibel's bloody remains succumb to gravity. Ryoko and Kamidake shake off their disorientation and quickly notice Nagi's fading consciousness. The crimson knight rushes to her side and eases her to the ground while Ryoko also joins them. Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki recover as well, the brown cabbit perching herself atop Ryoko's shoulder.)

(Ken-Ohki goes to Nagi's head and mews softly as she smiles with a slight nod. The white cabbit mews happily and nuzzles her neck while Kamidake grins slightly watching them. Ryoko shakes her head with a scoff.)

Ryoko: You stubborn-ass bounty hunter...

(Nagi chuckles some before she sighs and relaxes, her will spent. Ryoko motions to Kamidake and gains his attention. Seriously, she instructs him.)

Ryoko: Get her out of here.

(He nods.)

Kamidake: Do not worry, Ms Ryoko.

(He glances to Ken-Ohki, who concurs silently. The Ryoan woman stands and faces the door when Kamidake calls to her with some concern.)

Kamidake: What about you?

(Worried, she answers.)

Ryoko: I'm going to Tenchi.

(Ryo-Ohki turns back and mews affirmatively as well. The knight nods knowingly.)

Kamidake: Be swift, Ms Ryoko.

(She smirks and glances back to him.)

Ryoko: Don't worry about that.

(With this, she vanishes from sight.)

Scene 7 – Voices

(At the gates to the Jurai palace, ruby blasts fly down toward the legendary Yosho as he rushes forward, dodging each. The pulses smash into the ground, rupturing the soil and walkway alike. Along the path, nearly a thousand mechanized troops stand at attention, awaiting orders. Near each is a small wooden cylinder, a mini-guardian in service to Princess Ayeka. High above, the Ryoan man, Oniko Shi, rains these crimson bolts down upon his elder adversary.)

(The grandfather slips between the troops, allowing the shots to riddle them with holes. Oniko scowls and ceases his barrage, choosing rather to vanish and reappear amidst the android personnel. He holds his spear close in his grip, his eyes and ears alert to the quiet hum from the soldiers. The Ryoan glances side to side while he advances slowly, calling to his enemy.)

Oniko: You're an honorable man, Masaki Katsuhito, more so than the people you defend.

(He turns down between the files of soldiers, continuing his search.)

Oniko: Why do you stand for them, these haughty and self-righteous people?

(With bokken ready, Yosho steps out before Oniko, who thrusts his spear forward. The swordsman deflects the attack to the side, but the crimson-clad warrior stabs again and again. Skillfully and swiftly, the Juraian knocks the point and pole away as he retreats a step at a time.)

(Finally, Yosho deflects the spear one last time when Oniko raises his back hand, bloody light drawing to his palm. With practiced ease, the grandfather steps upon the spear and hops atop one of the robotic soldiers.)

(When Oniko aims his arm at his enemy, the legendary warrior slides off the android, behind the Ryoan with bokken aimed at his shoulder. The spear-wielder vanishes, evading the attack before reappearing a short distance from his foe, ready to strike. As he thrusts his long weapon, Yosho glides aside and swipes with his bokken down onto Oniko's arm.)

(A yell issues from Oniko's lips, the pain of wood smashing into bone loosing his grip of the spear. Yet, the Juraian strikes again, his weapon cracking against the Ryoan's upper arm. Staggering back, Oniko fades and reappears meters away from his enemy. While the golden-eyed man holds his wounds, Yosho centers his gaze on him and replies.)

Yosho: Because this is the home of my parents, and their parents before them.

(A glare from the moon above fills his glasses as he adds.)

Yosho: Why do you stand here, Shi Oniko?

(Dropping the spear, Oniko draws his ruby power to his strong arm, forming a crimson katana of light. He takes a breath, pushing the pain in his other arm aside while he answers.)

Oniko: To free Ryua from Juraian rule. To unify us all as one people again.

(Gravely, Yosho inquires.)

Yosho: And, handing Jurai to Liaens will do this, giving this empire to a despot?

(Oniko glances down for a moment before he returns his gaze and answers dubiously.)

Oniko: Ryua would be given its autonomy.

Yosho: Do you believe he would give you that?

(The dark warrior answers, raising his sword of red.)

Oniko: I trust my Lady and her word.

Yosho: Is that your faith, priest of Ryua?

(Oniko nods solemnly before he teleports, reappearing over the Juraian swordsman. Yosho rolls forward, avoiding the swipe as it slices through two neighboring android soldiers. These slide along the burning incisions and collapse offline. The Ryoan turns to his adversary, hostilities renewed.)

(Nearby, the violet-tressed Princess Ayeka stands against the pale-skinned and minute figure of Seia. The tiara upon the regal lady's brow glows brilliantly as she maintains her mini-guardians. Several are gathered around the dark child, a visible threat. The metamorphic being grins and addresses the princess, a voice mimicking Ayeka's echoing the words in her head.)

Seia & Mock Ayeka: Lower your guard, princess.

(Maintaining her concentration, the lady retorts.)

Ayeka: Leave my mind, creature.

(Seia scoffs and replies.)

Seia: I'm not in your mind.

(She directs her index finger toward her opponent.)

Seia: It's your mind that's calling out to mine.

(Ayeka's amethyst eyes blink in surprise when the voice in her mind laughs. A chill rushes through her as Seia joins with it in this mockery. She shakes her head slowly, grinning widely.)

Seia: To think that our little seed does still exist, inside you.

(A fear leaks into the princess's eyes when she asks.)

Ayeka: Seed?

(The child-like creature nods, continuing.)

Seia: When we sent Illirg to Manhattan, Ryua Ryoko was his secondary target.

(The Juraian narrows her eyes and acknowledges this.)

Ayeka: Yes, Mecha-Nerti said he was to kill her along with...

(Seia interrupts her with a scoff.)

Seia: Kill? Whoever said he was there to kill her?

(Confused, Ayeka listens as a humor rises in the other female's voice.)

Seia: He was certainly sent there to kill the old man, but not her.

(Seia pauses, the clash of Oniko's blade against the metal of their soldiers heard behind her.)

Seia: The seed inside you, it was meant for her. Illirg was a delivery system for it.

(An ache spikes in Ayeka's heart when the laugh returns to her thoughts. Seia adds, her coal-like gaze piercing the princess's.)

Seia: Another dark Juraian...

(Absently, the regal lady's hand drifts over her chest while her anxious heart thumps loudly against her sternum. Weakly, she whispers.)

Ayeka: What do you mean... “another dark Juraian”?

(With a scoff, the minute antagonist motions back toward Ayeka.)

Seia: Surely, you've seen them.

(At this, the child's features morph into a monochrome copy of Kagato Jurai, the late usurper to the throne. Fear consumes Ayeka's eyes as Kagato-Seia points to her with the same sadistic smile the original gave her years ago.)

Kagato-Seia: You'll be the fifth.

(Ayeka's mind swims in memories, remembering the laugh of the usurper as well as those of his two corrupt knights. Her enemy adds.)

Kagato-Seia: I copy the abilities of those whose blood I sample.

(She licks her fingers lightly and slowly before closing her hand.)

Kagato-Seia: When I copied Kagato, I gained his darkened Jurai power. He had a mild telepathy to others with the same... affliction, his two knights in particular.

(The creature closes her eyes.)

Kagato-Seia: But, he couldn't actively affect another's thoughts. He could only listen in.

(Slyly, she meets Ayeka's troubled gaze.)

Kagato-Seia: It must be something about women.

(Realization fills Ayeka's face when she recalls councilwoman Seto Kamiki fanning herself. Only hours before, Seto's voice flew through the princess's head, predicting each statement of Emperor Azusa II. Though her heart heaves against her chest, Ayeka settles her thoughts and glares back at the metamorphic creature.)

Ayeka: Then, as your agent gave me this, you will remove it.

(Kagato-Seia grins incredulously at her.)

Kagato-Seia: Why would we do that when we can watch you spiral into madness...

(Her black eyes then glance to Ayeka's right, narrowing pleasingly on another figure.)

Kagato-Seia: with her to witness it?

(The princess turns aside and sees young Sasami scaling the stairs toward her sister. Fright holds her expression while shock riddles through Ayeka's concentration. The glimmer of her tiara fades slightly hearing her little sister's words.)

Sasami: What's going on, Ayeka? What's happened to everyone?

(The girl clutches her arms close, drawing a sisterly concern from her elder sibling. However, Kagato-Seia enjoys the sight as she glances to the mini-guardians around her. Closing her eyes, the shape-shifter alters her features, attaining a monochrome persona of Ryoko. Ayeka answers her sister quickly.)

Ayeka: Go back inside, Sasami. It's dangerous here.

(With a whoosh of air, Ryoko-Seia vanishes and reappears behind the nine-year-old girl. Quickly, the enemy snatches her, ushering a scream from the little princess. Ayeka screams out to the shape-shifter, demanding.)

Ayeka: Release her, creature!

(Ayeka's mini-guardians fly to their mistress before Ryoko-Seia raises her fingers to Sasami's neck. With a shake of her head, the vile shape-shifter warns the elder princess.)

Ryoko-Seia: I wouldn't.

(Horror floods Sasami's eyes as she pleads back to her sister, the creature's fingertips sharpening into claws.)

Sasami: Ayeka! Help me!

(With Yosho and Oniko, the two combatants separate as each turn to the conflict between Ayeka and Seia. The legendary warrior coldly narrows his eyes while his Ryoan opponent teleports to the stairs near Ayeka and Seia. With a hot anger, he scolds Ryoko-Seia.)

Oniko: What in the name of the Dark Matron are you doing, monster?! She's only a child!

(Yosho rushes to Ayeka's side while tears well in the princess's tormented eyes. Her hands clench at her sides while the two watch their enemies' argument. Ryoko-Seia scowls with her reply.)

Ryoko-Seia: I'm finishing our assignment. We were to gather the royal family and transfer them to Liaens's ship, not play their games.

(Oniko directs his ruby sword at her, his command clear.)

Oniko: Release the girl, Seia. Once I finish my duel with the prince...

(She interrupts, baring her teeth.)

Ryoko-Seia: I don't care for your wretched “honor” with this prince!

(Sasami's tears roll down her cheeks as she glances between the arguers. She then turns her attention to her elder sister, who helplessly meets her young gaze. The Ryoan man issues one last order.)

Oniko: I will not say this again. Release her now.

(The shape-shifter glares as she speaks, her original voice exiting her lips.)

Seia: Units, attack!

(The undamaged androids raise their heads and turn toward Ayeka, Yosho, and Oniko while the Ryoan man spins to face them. The two Juraians also direct their attention to the metal army. Quickly, Oniko orders them.)

Oniko: Authorization: omicron-sigma-zero-zero-three. Units, core self-deton...!

(Before he can finish, an excruciating pain wracks his body. Blood bubbles through his throat and into his mouth as he gazes down at an exit wound in his side, roughly ten centimeters in diameter. Ayeka blinks in shock while Yosho glares back at Ryoko-Seia, who holds her arm extended toward her former comrade.)

(Horrified, Sasami screams out as Oniko collapses. Ayeka rushes to Oniko's side while Yosho curses the vile creature.)

Yosho: You damned coward!

(Ryoko-Seia twists a sickening grin on her false face.)

Ryoko-Seia: Call me what you like. You have other problems.

(The grandfather turns toward the advancing horde, a drop of sweat rolling down his brow. In Ayeka's arms, Oniko coughs while tears roll down her cheeks. He grins weakly at her as he comments.)

Oniko: A Juraian princess... crying over me...

Ayeka: Sh... don't talk. Save your strength.

(He shakes his head painfully, reaching back to push himself up.)

Oniko: No... I need to speak... Help me up...

(She aids him as he coughs blood from his body and glares down at the closing army. Ryoko-Seia smiles watching the march when Oniko calls out again.)

Oniko: Authorization! Omicron! Sigma! Zero-zero! Three!

(He pauses as the robots stop, hearing his strained voice. Ryoko-Seia turns her black gaze to him. Again, she raises her hand toward him when Ayeka's mini-guardians gather around her and the Ryoan man. Her amethyst glare meets Ryoko-Seia's surprised expression while Oniko continues.)

Oniko: Core! Self-detonation! Comply!

(Each stands silently before their chests open, revealing the swirling black power core within each. Ryoko-Seia bares her teeth in anger while the cores each flare a brilliant crimson, the power overloading. The cores all then burst in a shower of ruby filaments, leaving each body to collapse on the ground before the palace.)

(Ayeka smiles lightly until Oniko coughs again in her arms. She calls to him, but he shakes his head, his words faint.)

Oniko: ... I'm sorry, princess...

Ayeka: ... So am I...

(He smiles weakly as his lips release his last breath. His body falls limp in the princess's arms before she lays him gently down upon the path beneath them. Yosho lowers his eyes to the fallen man somberly as he addresses Ryoko-Seia.)

Yosho: Surrender, Seia.

(The great man gazes coldly at her while Ayeka raises her head to meet her little sister's shocked eyes.)

Yosho: Let Sasami go. It's over.

(Ryoko-Seia glares back at him.)

Ryoko-Seia: I release her. You attack me.

(He answers plainly.)

Yosho: If you harm her, I will kill you.

(A bolt of pain shoots through Ayeka's heart when Ryoko-Seia grins.)

Ryoko-Seia: And, if I harm you in her stead?

(Quizzically, Yosho raises a brow while Ayeka turns to him with warning.)

Ayeka: It's a trick!

(He glances to her as Ryoko-Seia pushes Sasami away and vanishes. The whoosh of the air signals for the warrior to roll aside when the metamorphic being reappears. Around Yosho, Ayeka's mini-guardians appear, their shield stopping the ruby sword in Ryoko-Seia's grasp from falling. The creature hisses as she barks at the princess.)

Ryoko-Seia: Always interfering, but no more!

(Yosho directs his free palm to the enemy, summoning white light to his hand. Yet, his eyes blink with surprise at the sight before him. A black mark scrawls down the right side of Ryoko-Seia's face while her eyes fill with a black lightning. Her canines protrude in her vicious smile as the katana in her hands burns darker and larger, becoming a black broadsword like the one Nerti held.)

(The shield around Yosho cracks against the dark blade while a terror cuts itself into Ayeka's heart and expression. A male voice echoes the enemy's voice as she speaks.)

Demon Ryoko-Seia: Ryoan energies with the darkness... Something Oniko never did quite master... their true form, these demons...

(The grandfather releases his pulse, which flies at the monster before him. However, she vanishes again, reappearing to his left. The warrior spins away when a second copy of Demon Ryoko-Seia appears behind him. Ayeka's mini-guardians surround Yosho and produce their defensive barrier when both creatures strike at him with their dark swords. Crimson and azure filaments explode from the points of impact, the blades cutting into the shield. Together, the two beings speak.)

Demon Ryoko-Seia 1 & 2: Inevitably... her shield will fail... and you will die... old man...

(Ayeka closes her eyes and apologizes.)

Ayeka: I'm sorry, grandfather...

(She extends her arm toward Yosho and grips her fist tightly, causing the mini-guardians to explode between Yosho and the two monsters threatening him. He is rocked by the concussion of the blasts, knocking him to the ground. The two beasts roar as shrapnel from the mini-guardians embeds into their flesh. They vanish and reappear as one being near the elder princess.)

(Demon Ryoko-Seia grabs Ayeka's throat, lifting her from the ground. The princess grabs her enemy's arm, struggling against the grip.)

Demon Ryoko-Seia: All you have done... is delayed his death... and hastened your own...

(Sasami pushes herself up from the floor and screams for her sister. Ayeka closes her eyes while the voice within her whispers.)

Mock Ayeka: You're still too weak, Jurai Ayeka...

(The enemy levels her sword, directed at Ayeka's chest while the Juraian's consciousness fades in the voice's words.)

Mock Ayeka: But, you can't die yet...

(Ayeka's eyes pop open with a vicious glare, their color a slate grey. Demon Ryoko-Seia is taken aback when the princess now speaks with a booming, echoed voice.)

Dark Ayeka: No, not yet.

(Around the enemy, the mini-guardians reappear, their color melting to a pitch black. They plunge into the shape-shifter, melding with her as she screams out. The sword in her hand vanishes as she releases the princess. Stepping back, Seia reverts back to her childish form, holding her chest. Coldly, the Juraian woman points at Seia's chest.)

Dark Ayeka: But, you can.

(Seia's eyes widen when her chest collapses, imploding upon itself. A moment passes as her eyes become blank and dead. Her body then falls to the ground and disintegrates into liquid.)

(A twisted grin appears on the princess's lips before the tiara on her head shines brilliantly. She cringes and grips at the key on her brow as she kneels under the strain. Her eyes open while their color shifts back to their natural amethyst shade. As the shine of the tiara fades, the princess falls to the ground unconscious.)

(Sasami watches all this, her eyes filled with tears witnessing the deaths before her and the torment of her sister. She dashes over to Ayeka and hugs her tightly, crying and sniffling.)

(Then, her sobs fall silent. An emerald glow rises from the symbol upon her forehead as her teary eyes turn to the skies above.)

Scene 8 – Falling Stars

(Within Liaens's chambers, the deposed despot slashes one of his brown swords of light through Tenchiken's weakened blue blade, shattering it into azure shards. Tenchi slides back from him while Pii swings his metal edge at Liaens's opposite side. The dictator spins his head to face the hunter and defend with the other of his two earthen weapons.)

(Liaens whirls his right sword toward Pii as the Terran's flight pack ignites, shooting him away from the ensuing lunge. The enemy pauses for a moment, glancing toward the Juraian prince. Tenchi takes a breath and assumes his stance, generating a new blade for Tenchiken. Both focused on their foe, Pii calls to his ally.)

Pii: How're you doing, Masaki?

(Gripping his hands tighter, the key's blade flares strong, ionizing the air a magnificent blue. The prince replies coolly.)

Tenchi: Better. You?

(Liaens eyes the hunter coldly while Pii answers with a sarcastic scoff.)

Pii: Still here.

(The Proran scowls and adds.)

Liaens: Not for long, boy. I tire of your interference.

(Pii grins, shaking his head.)

Pii: I bet, but it's not me you need to worry about right now.

(Confused, Liaens raises a brow before he hears Tenchi's feet rushing up from his side. He sweeps his twin blades toward the prince, who jumps between the paths of the two and lands a foot on one of their hilts. His other foot connects a snapping kick into the man's face.)

(As they fall, Tenchi aims his azure edge at Liaens's shoulder. However, the enemy shakes off the impact and slides aside, dodging the attack. As the two regain their footing, the despot swings his right sword at the young man, his left shortly following with a thrust. Tenchi deflects the first blade with his own, sending it aside while he turns, letting the thrust miss completely as well.)

(Then, the prince turns his blade and slides it up along the broken sword's glowing edge, toward Liaens's arm. The enemy angles his second weapon to strike, but Tenchi's quickness sees the Juraian weapon cut through the hilt of the Proran device, as well as into the arm of its wielder.)

(While Liaens drops his sword and recoils, Tenchi hops back on his guard. Keeping his attention mainly on the conflict, Pii lowers his left arm, signaling his pack to lower one of his two rifle-like weapons into his empty grip. While viscous fluid flows from the wound in the despot's arm, the hunter levels his weapon at the enemy. The reticle in his visor centers on Liaens's torso, the word “HEAT” glowing in the lower right of the view. Pii calls to the Proran.)

Pii: Liaens.

(With a hateful glare, Liaens turns to him and sees the cold expression of the young man's visor directed back at him. However, his words have fury enough to reveal the spite beneath the eyepiece.)

Pii: For Nerti.

(He pulls the trigger, the weapon firing a pulse of flaming plasma at the despot. Then, the deposed ruler quickly raises his injured hand and charges brown light around his appendage, widening into a shield. The plasma pulse impacts this defense and splashes upon the ground near Liaens, melting the deck on contact.)

(The Proran whips his hand down, shaking the remaining plasma aside when Pii darts at him, sword drawn back and jets flaring. Liaens steps away from the coming swipe and drops his own blade at the hunter as the latter's feet touch ground. Pii deflects this with his buckler, following quickly with a strike from his own sharp edge. The aura around Liaens's arm guards against this while the Proran raises a foot and kicks his opponent in the abdomen.)

(Pii recoils back as Liaens deftly reaches forward with his glowing arm and grabs his throat. Tenchi calls out to his ally while Liaens directs the tip of his remaining light-sword to Pii's chest. While the prince advances on them quickly, Pii recovers his wits in time to meet Liaens's angry metallic gaze. Heatedly, he speaks.)

Liaens: For my patience!

(The blade punctures through the back of Pii's armor, stealing the hunter's breath and will in one sudden thrust. His blade and rifle fall to the ground as shock consumes his body. As consciousness ebbs from his form, Tenchi nears and thrusts Tenchiken into Liaens's shoulder, the one holding Pii.)

(As the Proran winces from the pain, the brown blade vanishes, and his grip around the hunter loosens. With a dull thud, Pii hits the ground lifeless while Tenchi draws back his weapon. Liaens drifts away a short distance, the oil-like fluid flowing from this new wound as well. The prince kneels at his comrade's side, but Liaens quickly reproduces his blade and barks at Tenchi.)

Liaens: And, now... finally... you, prince of Jurai.

(The Terran native stands ready, his eyes focused on his foe while the puffs of smoke rise from Liaens's damaged shoulder joint. The arm falls limp before the entire appendage drops to the floor, revealing an interweaving of metal and flesh. His cloak and robes billow around the jettison point as he shoots toward Tenchi, his renewed sword directed at him.)

(Tenchiken's blue blade contacts the earthen edge, the two grinding against one another before Liaens slides aside. Tenchi advances swiftly, swiping at his opponent. However, the enemy steps back and away from the strike, his blade sweeping between them while Tenchi follows with a second attack.)

(Again, the edges spark on collision with one another, azure and earthen filaments flying from the clash. Tenchi's brown eyes glare into Liaens's steel grey as the prince speaks firmly and vehemently.)

Tenchi: Ryoko... Nagi... Pii... Nerti... all those people on Jurai... All this for your greed?!

(Liaens scowls and shoves his sword against Tenchi's, pushing the young man away while the dictator retorts.)

Liaens: A small price for millennia that should have carried my name!

(He raises his sword to face Tenchi when the brown blade shines brighter.)

Liaens: And, a boy like you won't stop its finale!

(From the blade, vectors of light spring and dart toward Tenchi. The prince raises the Juraian key, the device's crest in the tsuba glowing a soft blue with his concentration. These bolts then smash against a transparent field around Tenchi, which only angers the enemy further.)

Liaens: Damned Juraian... You barely even control her power.

(Again, he raises his sword to fire those vectors when a bolt of crimson knocks his arm aside, breaking his orchestration. He glares back toward the door, as does Tenchi, to see Ryoko standing with her hand outstretched. Ryo-Ohki hisses at the enemy from near her mistress's feet. The Ryoan woman scowls with a blazing fury when she curses him.)

Ryoko: Shut it, you old bastard.

(Liaens gnashes his teeth, commenting to himself.)

Liaens: The plan of that Kimitan witch apparently failed.

(Ryoko responds plainly.)

Ryoko: The green-eyed bitch is dead.

(He turns his sword toward her and replies boldly.)

Liaens: Then, I'll send you to join her!

(His vector streams shoot at her before she and Ryo-Ohki vanish from sight. Ryoko reappears closer to Liaens, his vectors arcing to pursue her. She curses under her breath before she vanishes again, reappearing in a different location in the room. The despot curls his lip, focusing his attack to chase her while Tenchi dashes quickly to him, slashing Tenchiken's azure edge into the brown blade.)

(Knocking the enemy's sword aside, Tenchi spins and cuts deep along Liaens's chest. As the vector projectiles vanish, Ryoko teleports behind the Proran ruler and slices down across his back with her ruby blade. The enemy roars in pain while the two slip away from him and stand together facing him, weapons ready.)

(Liaens falls to one knee, dropping his flickering sword's hilt as he tries to gather himself. Tenchi lowers his sword and approaches him by a step, the prince's voice grave.)

Tenchi: It's over, Liaens. It's time this ended.

(The Proran chuckles as he nods.)

Liaens: Very true, prince. Very true.

(A floor panel beneath his hand opens while the seams of his palm unlatch, both revealing complementary ends of a data connection. He joins the two, his eyes burning red again as the golden wiring in the walls shines back to life. Tenchi and Ryoko blink confusedly when alarms scream to life with a flood of red, flashing lights.)

(Ryoko points her sword at Liaens while the despot laughs terribly through his oil-bleeding wounds. She demands.)

Ryoko: What did you just do?

(He grins at her when a display winks into existence near him. Upon the screen is a diagram of the orbit of the ship, now a downward trajectory. A chill rushes down Tenchi's spine at that image, fear invading his mind.)

Tenchi: Ayeka... Grandpa...!

(Liaens laughs louder, mocking him.)

Liaens: I swore I would have my victory!

(Ryoko draws back her sword and cuts through Liaens's arm, but while he does hiss in pain, the alarms do not stop. He laughs again, adding.)

Liaens: This is permanently locked, Ryoan whore!

(She bares her teeth and readies her sword to cut again, but Tenchi rests his hand on her shoulder. She turns back to his serious expression when he shakes his head. Liaens cackles while Ryoko takes a heavy breath, ignoring him. Tenchi questions her.)

Tenchi: What about Ryo-Ohki?

(Ryoko nods, glancing up to the balcony where Ryo-Ohki mews back to them. Ryoko orders her hurriedly.)

Ryoko: Try to get into the ship's control system and put us back in orbit.

(The cabbit nods and closes her eyes, the gem in her forehead shining brightly. However, a second later, she mews disappointedly and shakes her head. The Ryoan woman curses and turns back to Tenchi, who gazes down at Liaens's cackling. The despot collapses onto his back, his laughing growing weaker.)

Liaens: I win...! I win, Jurai...!

(His voice soon falls silent as his head rolls to one side, that twisted glee remaining on his face. Tenchi turns to Ryoko and inquires.)

Tenchi: Where are Nagi and Kamidake?

Ryoko: They left with Ken-Ohki. How about Pii? Wasn't he with you?

(Tenchi lowers his eyes and starts to speak sadly.)

Tenchi: He was...

(His eyes turn back to where Pii fell, finding Nerti sitting with the hunter, her eyes closed tightly. The blonde holds him close, her tears rolling down her cheeks, one still painted black with a clawing Mark of Rage. Tenchi and Ryoko both blink in surprise at her presence before the prince approaches her gently.)

Tenchi: Ms Nerti...!

(Nerti shakes her head, her voice echoing with Jezibel's.)

Nerti-Jezibel: Stay back, please...

(Confused, he interjects.)

Tenchi: But...!

(She then raises her head to him, her teary eyes burning brilliant emerald. Both Tenchi and Ryoko step back slightly as she pleads to them.)

Nerti-Jezibel: Please...!

(Concentrating, Nerti lowers her head, closing her eyes as she speaks with only her true voice.)

Nerti: Authorization... upsilon-kappa-zero-zero-two... Emergency... teleport... Comply...

(With this, a brown pyramid of light encases Pii and Nerti and soon fades to nothing. Tenchi closes his eyes somberly while Ryoko inquires, worriedly.)

Ryoko: Wasn't the other knight with her?

(At this, Azaka's stern voice calls to them from the doorway, drawing their attention to his entry.)

Azaka: Lord Tenchi, Ms Ryoko!

(The azure knight rushes to their side while Ryo-Ohki hops down onto her mistress's shoulder. The legendary man inquires from them, hurriedly.)

Azaka: I was following Ms Nerti. Did she come this way?

(Tenchi sighs and nods his head.)

Tenchi: You just missed her.

(Azaka raises a confused brow while Ryoko interjects quickly and concerned.)

Ryoko: Hey! We have to leave right now!

(Tenchi concurs as he motions to Azaka.)

Tenchi: We'll explain on Ryo-Ohki.

(In spaces, waves of crimson rings fly from Liaens's ship as Ryo-Ohki's crystalline form appears nearby. Close at hand, the tree-ships Chizuru and Saya hang against the beautiful and silent star-scape. Each extends an emerald beam toward the hull of the massive enemy vessel. Likewise, Ken-Ohki's ship form flies with them, a violet ray extended to the large craft's exterior.)

(Each tether is taunt, straining as the smaller vessels pull back on the larger. However, Liaens's ship's engines flare brightly, continuing down toward Jurai and towing the others with it. Aboard Ryo-Ohki, Tenchi turns to Ryoko, concerned.)

Tenchi: Are they trying to pull it back?

(She nods, her eyes focused ahead on the situation.)

Ryoko: Yeah, and it doesn't look like it's working.

(She addresses her ship.)

Ryoko: Toss a tether too, Ryo-Ohki.

(With a mew, the black Ryoan craft shoots a crimson beam to the enemy ship's hull. Suddenly, the bridge of Ryo-Ohki shakes violently as she pulls against the falling vessel. Tenchi, Ryoko, and Azaka steady themselves while two communication windows open flanking the primary display.)

(One shows Sagami aboard Chizuru's bridge, the other Ramia aboard Saya. Both Juraian crafts have sirens blaring and alert lights flashing, as well as crew members scrambling at their stations. Dryly, Sagami addresses the group aboard Ryo-Ohki.)

Sagami: Tenchi, Ryoko. Glad you could make it.

(Tenchi steps forward and responds with concern.)

Tenchi: Are we doing it, Sagami? Are we pulling the other ship back?

(The male captain glances to his side before he sighs and answers with frustration.)

Sagami: No, we aren't.

(Soberly, Ramia answers as well.)

Ramia: We're trying to boost our thrust here, but even then, the enemy ship has far more power and inertia than our four ships combined.

(Strained, Ryo-Ohki mews sadly while Ryoko sighs and shakes her head, her own frustration showing. Tenchi rests a hand on her shoulder while she glances up to his somber, caring expression. She comments quietly to him.)

Ryoko: We... can't, Tenchi...

(Tenchi turns to Azaka and starts to inquire when the azure staff key glows a soft forest green. In Tenchi's hand, Tenchiken does this as well, drawing confused and quizzical expressions from all the attending parties. Within Chizuru's infirmary, Nagi lays unconscious in a cot while Kamidake remains at her side. However, the key around her hand and his crimson staff key both gain this green aura, raising a questioning gaze from the knight.)

(At the gates to the Jurai palace, Yosho pushes himself up from the stone path, shaking the fatigue and disorientation from his thoughts. He glances to Ayeka, narrowing his interested eyes to the shimmering around her tiara key. Yet, his attention is soon stolen by the sight above, the great pyramidal ship falling toward him.)

(Then, a burst of white light before the enemy craft blinds him, forcing the legendary man to shield his eyes. Similarly, the crews of the three ships above turn away from their primary displays when the same burst of light robs them of their visuals.)

(In space, this burst of light originates from a point along the trajectory of Liaens's ship. At the center of this grandeur, a single female figure floats, her body giving off this radiance. In particular, an emerald symbol of two discs is embossed in her forehead, and two tails descend from the back of her head, like hair would.)

(She raises a hand to Liaens's ship, causing it to slow and stop, its hull a meter from her hand. The craft is enveloped in her light and then disintegrates into snow-like dust as the light fades. This harmlessly continues to fall toward Jurai, burning while it falls through the atmosphere.)

(This woman next raises her hands at her sides, enveloping the powerless fleet and the planet Jurai in her radiance. She lowers her palms, seeming to breathe heavily as she and her great power vanish.)

(In her wake, the ships of the Jurai fleet reactivate their external lights, beginning once again to move. Within the palace, the nobles sleepily start to rouse themselves from their involuntary slumber. At the palace gates, Yosho blinks his eyes as he regains his sight. Yet, when he returns his attention to Ayeka, he notes Sasami at her sister's side, also unconscious. Concerned, and curious, he kneels over them and examines each.)

(Aboard Ryo-Ohki, the blindness from the light burst passes before several communication windows open from the revived fleet vessels, inquiring situation status, among other evident questions. Confused themselves, Tenchi and Ryoko blink at these while the young prince narrates.)

Tenchi: When all seemed lost, Jurai was saved in a flash of white light.

(The two look at one another, exchanging the same uneasy expression.)

Tenchi: Which only left us with more questions than answers.

Scene 9 – Epilogue

(Within the great throne room of the Jurai palace, members of the royal family stand at the edges of the grand hall. As one, they gaze at Emperor Azusa II descending the stairs from his seat of power, where the two guardians float at attention. He soon reaches the bottom of the steps, where eight people kneel before him: Tenchi, Ayeka, Sagami, Ramia, Yosho, Azaka, and Kamidake. Tenchi and Ayeka are dressed in their best finery while Sagami and Ramia both wear the brown dress uniforms of the military. However, Yosho remains in his gi and hakama, as do the two knights. The group rises as Tenchi narrates the scene.)

Tenchi: Once the battle was over, we all returned to Jurai and found that the effects of Liaens's anti-Jurai weapon, the Aelins Reactor, had worn off. After we were all debriefed on the events of the incident, the family reunion concluded.

(Azusa II stands before Tenchi. With a few words, the current emperor pins a medal to his chest. The ribbon is a gorgeous regal violet while the award itself is a silver pendant, seemingly modeled after an oak leaf with a sharp, four-pointed star embossed upon it.)

Tenchi: For our parts in defeating Liaens and his allies, each of us was awarded the Star of Valor, what Kamidake has told me is the highest prestige for heroism in the empire.

(Tenchi bows to the emperor in thanks before the ruler continues down the line to Ayeka. The young prince glances to her from the corner of his eyes, his thoughts muddled. Similarly, Sagami looks to her as well behind his proper facade.)

Tenchi: Though Ayeka did defend the palace with Grandpa, she has no recollection of the event. From what Grandpa has said, it wasn't a pleasant ordeal, and it may just be she doesn't want to talk about it.

(The young prince lowers his eyes in thought while the emperor pins the next award to Yosho's chest. In the crowd, Sasami watches Tenchi and Ayeka proudly, dressed in her own best royal robes. With the young princess, Nagi and her father Tensho stand together. In the huntress's hair, her once violet hair-band now is revealed to be a Juraian key, much like Ayeka's tiara. Nagi wears her usual cloak while her father is uniformed much like Sagami and Ramia. Tenchi glances to them, a kind smile on his lips.)

Tenchi: Similarly, Sasami was unaware of the entire event as well. That's probably for the best, really. Nagi and her father Tensho also reunited. He offered her to return to Jurai, but she declined, not surprisingly. She plans to keep in touch with him, but she still has little love lost for the Jurai royal family. I can understand why.

(Azusa II leaves Yosho, moving on to Sagami and Ramia, who retain a proud attention before their liege. To the chest of each, he pins the Star of Valor, as well as a second medal. The latter has a deep crimson ribbon, ending in a pair of feathered wings with Jurai's triple-kite emblem engraved in the center.)

Tenchi: For their ingenuity and leadership, Sagami and Ramia were also awarded the Hawk's Wings, an award that Azaka founded long ago. Both of them have also been offered promotions. I know Sagami declined, saying he wanted to stay with his crew on Chizuru, but I haven't heard much about Ramia. She kinda reminds me of Kiyone, though a bit more passionate about her work.

(The ruler then pins the Star of Valor to the chests of his two loyal knights, though the younger of the two bows his head, whispering to his liege respectfully. The emperor then turns his attention to Nagi in the crowd. She lowers her eyes from him, displeased, while her father rests a hand on her shoulder. He speaks to her paternally while Sasami looks up to her and adds her own supportive comments as well.)

Tenchi: Initially, Nagi had planned to just walk away from everything too, but Kamidake convinced the emperor to also recognize her for her part in defeating Jezibel Kimitan.

(Kamidake raises his lavender eyes toward Nagi as she nods and leaves the crowd, her cowl pulled away from her face. She proudly advances and stands next to the crimson knight, where Azusa II pins the Star of Valor to her cape's collar. The crowd blinks in surprise, gasping at this bounty hunter standing with the finest of the empire.)

(Smugly, Yosho smirks to himself while Tenchi grins wryly, a drop of sweat rolling through his hair. Sagami smiles, shaking his head as Ramia sighs, exasperated. Azaka nods knowingly to his partner, who glances to the huntress quietly. She, however, coldly turns her eyes to him. Ayeka watches this distantly, her thoughts of the exchange between them too familiar.)

Tenchi: Though, I will say that she knows how to make a scene.

(The young prince looks up toward the woven branches of the ceiling, his own thoughts elsewhere. Later, outside in the garden paths of Jurai's court, Tenchi, Yosho, and Azaka walk together. Soon, they reach a humble graveyard, nestled between two groves of trees just away from the walkway from the palace. Here, Ryoko stands before one tombstone, which bears the Juraiji for “Shi Oniko” upon it.)

(Yosho and Azaka watch as Tenchi goes to her side and rests a hand on her shoulder. She glances back to him, the breeze rustling her mane of cyan hair, as well as his short, black locks. The two exchange a somber expression before their attention turns to the grave before them.)

Tenchi: Ryoko didn't care much for the pomp and circumstance of the reunion. She spent some of her time talking with Nagi's father and visiting his hometown, a place she hadn't been in almost twenty years.

(Ryoko kneels at Oniko's grave, forming her crimson katana and burying its tip in the nearby soil. She closes her eyes and bows her head, speaking a few soft words while the three Juraians bow their heads in respect.)

Tenchi: Grandpa and Azaka also arranged that Oniko be laid to rest as well. He was a good man, particularly from what Grandpa saw of him. Azaka asked Ryoko to say a few words over him since she knew his home culture.

(Much later, Tenchi and Yosho stand opposite one another in their usual practice area within the forests around the Masaki shrine. In the young man's hand, he holds the sword key as he speaks seriously with his grandfather. The legendary warrior folds his arms and considers this.)

Tenchi: However, this incident showed me something. Someone is orchestrating all these events: Illirg's attack in Manhattan, Mecha-Nerti's appearance, Liaens coming to Jurai... Maybe even Kain and Kagato...

(Both men then turn their attention to the trees above as Ryoko slides down from the branches. She too addresses the grandfather, serious and certain. Tenchi blinks at her with surprise while Yosho continues to deliberate.)

Tenchi: Too many people have gotten hurt from these incidents: the royal family, Will Pii, Nerti Ro... maybe many we don't know about. We need to be ready. That's why I've asked Grandpa to teach me the ways of Jurai's Power.

(After a few moments, the great man nods and agrees while Tenchi looks confusedly at Ryoko. She exchanges a knowing glance with him, her own concerns matching his.)

Tenchi: After all that transpired between her and Nagi, Ryoko also asked Grandpa to teach her as well. It kinda caught me off-guard at first.

(The confusion melts from Tenchi's face into understanding as he concurs with her.)

Tenchi: But, I can see her reasons.

(Within the trees, Ayeka's amethyst eyes watch them quietly and distantly, her hand over her heart as she listens. Elsewhere, Pii lays within an infirmary bed's white sheets, his breathing slow and labored. His chest-plate has been removed and the sword wound bandaged heavily. Saline and plasma bags are connected intravenously to his arms while translucent displays hang above him, monitoring his condition.)

Tenchi: However, we do know this. All these incidents have one common thread, the dark NVO energy, the opposite of Jurai's Power.

(Seated at his side, Nerti holds his hand with both of hers, dried tears streaking her face. Next to the bed, three dark-colored items rest: Kagato's closed sword hilt and the two staves of his knights.)

Tenchi: Liaens said that Jurai once knew his “Lady's” name and feared it with her dark power. Before we left Jurai, I asked Azaka and Kamidake about it, and they were very cautious when they told me that name, the Dark Matron...

(Nerti's eyes open wide, her corneas the deepest blue and her irises the most bloody crimson.)

Tenchi: Tokimi.