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

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

(The dying rays of the setting sun reflect off the many shattered windows of the cityscape within Manhattan Island. From the sky, white ashes gracefully descend as snow against the rose and amber horizon. Over this calm sight, Princess Ayeka narrates, her voice distant and melancholic.)

Ayeka: The twelfth of September, 1998, the end of my life on Earth.

(Above the stone walls of the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority building, two Juraian tree-ships float silently against the fiery mystique of the sky behind. One is readily recognized as Ryu-Oh, Ayeka's personal vessel, by its elegantly carved hull from the white wood of Jurai. The other is known as Funaho, Yosho's craft, known for its reddish-brown exterior and cross-like configuration. Each collects a layer of the ashen material falling from the sky upon their upturned frames.)

Ayeka: All those words I could have said, those I should have said... they no longer mattered. There were no more words to say.

(On the ground below, several men in black suits rush from the building into the streets, passing the solitary Ayeka. Shocked and horrified, tears roll down her face as she stands helplessly watching the scene before her. Dressed in her soft red combat attire, the black Mark of Rage claws across her cheeks beneath the saline running from her eyes. Her tiara rests quietly in her violet tresses while she slides down to her knees.)

Ayeka: All the wonderful times, even the bad times... never to return again.

(The spiked red hair of Dr Washu Hakubi rushes past as the great mind joins the Men in Black (MiB) gathering a short distance ahead of Ayeka. Nearby, Kiyone Makibi, the skilled Galaxy Police (GP) detective first class, closes her eyes and lowers her head, her teal hair shrouding her disheartened face. Her partner, Detective First-Class Mihoshi Kuramitsu, kneels beside her, the young Princess Sasami unconscious in her arms.)

Ayeka: It was the day everything changed, for all of us.

(Close to the mass of MiB operatives, the former space pirate Ryoko screams her sorrow into the crowd, tears streaming down her face. She struggles against the grip of the two legendary Juraian knights, Azaka and Kamidake, each solemnly restraining her from the crowd. At their side, the bounty huntress Nagi stands, her chin lowered and her eyes closed in respect.)

Ayeka: I couldn't stop it. I couldn't save him from what happened...

(The crowd parts when Washu leads a troupe of men alongside a gurney. Upon this medical cot, Tenchi Masaki, the unwitting crown prince of Jurai's royal family, lies motionless, his skin singed with black and red. The dread in Ayeka's eyes consumes her as she buries her face in her hands, audibly weeping.)

Ayeka: Or myself from what was to come.

(She collapses, her arms slowing the fall to the ground. Her distraught expression twists her beautiful face in torment while Washu and her cohort wheel Tenchi into the Triborough building.)

Ayeka: Only days before, when this began, I could never... none of use could have ever predicted this... horrible fate.

(Against the endless tapestry of the galaxies of the universe, a Juraian border station hangs in the void, ships of various types and configurations commuting amongst its extended docking arms. Aboard its command deck, the white-bearded director raises a cup of tea to his lips, his subordinates tending to their daily routines dutifully under his watchful gaze. Called “uncle” by the young Princess Sasami, this man once helped her group enter Jurai territory during the usurper Kagato's short reign.)

(Here, no excitement runs through the corridors, merely those weary from their travels to and from the Jurai Empire. The director sips his tea again, his blue and white uniform cleaned and properly pressed. A young man steps to his side and bows respectfully, holding a data tablet under his arm.)

Man: Admiral Soichiro.

(The elder man directs his attention to his junior when the other stands erect.)

Soichiro: Yes, commander?

(This commander pulls the table from beneath his arm and taps a few keys upon it, causing it to display scrolling text. Within this Juraiji text, reports of ship status and docking requests are listed, many of the names succeeded by “prince”, “general”, or another term of social status.)

Commander: Here is the list of dignitaries you requested.

(The admiral nods, accepting this.)

Soichiro: Thank you.

(He skims the data himself while the junior officer comments.)

Commander: Many of them have expressed particular room accommodations while they refuel and have their passports checked.

(Soichiro grins.)

Soichiro: Of course. We should show them fine hospitality during their stay.

(The commander concurs and adds.)

Commander: Very good, sir. It has been very quiet lately.

(Soichiro narrows his eyes at the text before him with a grimace and a shake of the head, disliking the request he recently read. He remarks with a slight sarcastic edge.)

Soichiro: Indeed, not that these requests might not cause some noise. The Aquans' room will need to be flooded before they arrive.

(The subordinate chuckles, a slight shake to his head.)

Commander: That wasn't quite my meaning, sir.

(Looking up, Soichiro raises a brow at the thoughtful expression of his officer.)

Commander: Traffic across the border has been down the past six months.

(With a sigh, the admiral agrees.)

Soichiro: Since the Jurai royal family reunion. Given the commotion that happened, I'm not completely surprised, commander.

(The commander nods, inquiring.)

Commander: If I might ask, what was it like, sir?

(Soichiro glances back to the data tablet, commenting distantly.)

Soichiro: I didn't see what happened myself. I was in the hospital for a good portion of the reunion. What I know of it came from my talks with Sagami.

Commander: From the reports, your son was a hero.

(A prideful grin emerges on the elder man's face as he acknowledges this. However, an angry scarlet light fills the deck as an alarm siren screams. All the deck crew quickly attend to their stations while Soichiro spins his grave attentions to a young lieutenant close at hand.)

Soichiro: What's wrong, lieutenant?

(The young man blinks dumbly at the readings before him as he answers.)

Lieutenant: I'm not sure, sir. The sensor arrays state that we have incoming, but I can't seem to locate anything.

(The commander comes to his side and glances over the scrolling data himself. Across the screen, streams of zeros are listed next to various blank graphs: “heat”, “mass”, “charge”, “field”, and “spectral” among many others. Furrowing his brow, the senior officer questions him.)

Commander: Do you have a bearing on the bogey?

(He nods before Soichiro issues his order.)

Soichiro: Show me.

(The lieutenant nods and taps select keys before him, causing a large, transparent display window to appear before the admiral. Against the star-studded void, a spherical distortion races through the emptiness. Around its perimeter, a dull crimson aura flares like a smoldering fire, drawing the surprised expressions from the station's crew.)

(A chill rushes through Soichiro's back gazing at the orb while an anxious silence hangs over his men. Next to the image, windows depicting the blank graphs appears and a wireframe model of the distortion open while the lieutenant adds.)

Lieutenant: It has no signs, sir. It... shouldn't be there.

(With a stern voice, Soichiro inquires.)

Soichiro: What is its trajectory, son?

(The junior officer taps a few keys while a window materializes, containing a map of the vicinity of the station. The position of the distortion is marked with a red dot with a funnel-like plot moving just ahead of it. This diagram updates itself continuously, moving the dot forward and changing the plot as it anticipates the possible paths. Further, a dashed arc passes through the station ahead of the point, representing the Juraian border fence of defense satellites.)

(Coolly, the admiral notes that the projected paths do not approach the station and turns to his commander.)

Soichiro: It's headed for the border. Commander, close the border and the station.

(He affirms this and rushes to another junior officer's station while the admiral regards the young lieutenant.)

Soichiro: Lieutenant, record that data and stream it directly to Jurai high command immediately.

(The officer acknowledges the order and sets to work. However, Soichiro focuses coldly on the orb, commenting to himself.)

Soichiro: Why here?

(Outside, the orb of fiery distortion swoops through space, closing on the Juraian border. However, the grid of satellites lining the border flash white as a static field ignites between them. Nearby ships quickly leave the station's immediate vicinity before the sphere passes them, aimed for the defense perimeter.)

(The orb does not slow as it barrels into the defensive line, sparks of azure and crimson exploding from the point of impact. The defensive field bows while sparking lines of force appear through the transparent screens of power. The satellites closest to the distortion blacken, seeming scorched by their proximity to this phenomenon.)

(Aboard the station, Soichiro watches this effect upon his monitor display. The commander turns to the screen and points at the darkening satellites, concern and confusion wracking his voice and face.)

Commander: It should be vapor by now. The satellites are at full capacity, but they're failing!

(The young lieutenant spins to the commander and lets his anxiety speak through his words.)

Lieutenant: The strain is surpassing the maximum tolerance, sir!

(Outside, the blackened satellites shake violently as sparks of red envelope them. Soon, they burst into shards of Juraian wood and metal, the defensive screens vanishing with them. The distortion then slides past the frontier and out of Juraian territory.)

(Soichiro observes the distortion, his officers scurrying around their stations. His brows furrow coldly into the distance as the orb vanishes from sight. He closes his eyes and gravely addresses his subordinates.)

Soichiro: Declare a Level One Emergency.

(The officers turn to him while he glares straight at where the distortion vanished into the star-scape.)

Soichiro: Get me the fleet admiral, ASAP.

(Various men in black suits wander between rows of desks facing a central monitor. Below the large display, two squid-like creatures maintain constant attention to their consoles. Behind them, a column rises from the floor, supporting the glass walls of an office. A single desk rests before a bank of monitors, each displaying suited men in various locations around the world.)

(In front of the desk, two young people in these black suits, one male and one female, are seated facing the older man behind the furniture piece. Sporting a well-kept mustache and goatee beard, this stoic gentleman raps his fingers along his desk, his cool gaze squarely on the young man before him. The woman lowers her eyes nervously while her companion desperately continues his explanation.)

Male Agent: Zed, it was a legitimate interrogation tactic. The creature would have talked.

(Zed, the chief agent of the Men in Black, raises a brow as he replies with a cynical edge to his words.)

Zed: Well, I would say so, considering you threatened to blow off his genitalia.

(The male agent blinks dumbly, as does his associate.)

Male Agent: No... that was his hand...

(With a shake of his head, Zed disagrees, bringing a glowing blush from the female agent.)

Zed: No, son, it wasn't.

(Shocked, the young man glances aside while the leader continues coolly.)

Zed: And, unlike some other races, that one wasn't regenerative. You really should study up, kid. I'm having you reassigned to the archives. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two from the files there.

(The male agent protests.)

Male Agent: But, Zed, you can't...!

(However, Zed presses a key on a small panel upon his desk. A buzzing sound rises from the desk, interrupting the young man's sentence. Releasing this, Zed spins his chair to face the wall of monitors behind him. In the center, the face of another old agent appears and addresses Zed.)

Old Agent: Sir?

Zed: G, I'm reassigning the kid to your section of the archive. Make sure he doesn't drag ass.

(G scoffs and nods.)

G: I'll keep him busy.

(The screen winks back its previous display while Zed turns back to his young subordinate, who sighs hard and shakes his head. The chief motions to the door, coldly addressing him.)

Zed: Those files aren't going to sort themselves.

(With a tight fist, the young agent stands and passes through the nearby door and onto the nearby catwalk. The female agent also rises to follow her fellow, but Zed calls to her.)

Zed: V.

(She stops and glances back to him as he nods to her and grins slightly.)

Zed: Good work stopping him. Keep it up.

(V smiles warmly and replies with a salute, but Zed shakes his head and waves her hand aside.)

Zed: This isn't the service. You don't need to salute. Now, report for your next assignment.

(She blinks with surprise as she lowers her hand.)

V: Sir? I'm going alone?

(He shakes his head.)

Zed: No, you will have a new partner waiting when you arrive in Antarctica.

(Her eyes widen with shock at the location's name.)

V: Antarctica?!

(He affirms this calmly and very blandly.)

Zed: Yes, the targets require a stable, subzero climate. Check with requisitions for the appropriate equipment.

(Uncertain, she accepts this.)

V: Yes, sir.

(She turns and leaves while Zed leans back in his chair with a heavy sigh. His arms fold behind his head, commenting.)

Zed: Green kids...

(A beep breaks his relaxation, drawing a sarcastic scoff from his lips. The chief agent sits erect, again tapping a key on his desk. At this, the screens all blank themselves before showing, as one, the image of an MiB agent roughly in his late twenties. His brown hair is combed back while the collar of his suit carries a leaf-like pattern of emerald and gold. Zed smiles warmly at this man and addresses him kindly.)

Zed: Well, R. It's rather early for your monthly report.

(R nods and accepts this, his attitude grave.)

R: I know, boss, but a situation has arisen.

(Curious, Zed cocks his head to the side and raises a brow.)

Zed: Really? What's happened there on Jurai?

R: At 0000 GST this morning, sector E-255 of the Juraian border with the Galactic Union was breached near the Heliotopis system. Admiral Jurai Soichiro, director of the border station there, immediately declared a Level One Emergency, sending back telemetry from the event to Jurai's high command.

(The chief considers this, inquiring some details.)

Zed: What caused the breach? Jurai's defensive perimeter was upgraded after the reunion incident.

(The lowest-right corner monitor blinks to a similar diagram to the one depicted on the Juraian screens during the border incursion. Zed glances at this and narrows his eyes, reading the gages around the image's perimeter.)

R: The initial scans from the border station showed no emanations from this distortion, even when it ripped through their frontier satellites. By all accounts, it shouldn't have existed, though the station's systems did register it as a hostile threat.

(Zed strokes his beard and questions this.)

Zed: Why is that? If it couldn't detect it, why did it react?

R: The station's staff couldn't answer that question with their readings, but the high command did contact the Universal Science Academy's main campus on Todain to track and analyze the anomaly.

Zed: And, their findings?

(The image of the distortion fades as a bar graph replaces it, all bars negligible save one. This solitary bar extends to the top of the graph, where text reads “Last Reliable Reading”. This massive reading is labeled “NVO”. Surprise fills Zed's aging eyes at this sight while R explains.)

R: There was one single emanation from the distortion that couldn't be attributed to background radiation. The Juraian sensors either hadn't been set for it, or it was so strong that it shorted them out. Even the Science Academy's probe folded trying to measure it, but the reading before then was immense.

(Zed nods, pondering)

Zed: That's why the Juraian station reacted. It was pure instinct. However, this doesn't explain why this is our concern, R. You may be our liaison with Jurai, but this isn't exactly a Terran problem.

(The young agent lowers his eyes while the graphs are replaced with a stellar map of the Milky Way Galaxy. A box shrinks from the edges of the screen to one of the outer spirals, the display zooming upon that region of the star cluster. Here, a red dot blinks with a green arrow vector indicating its direction and velocity. Like the Juraian screens, an envelope of prediction extends from the dot, but is very narrow. This extends across the screen to a blue dot, labeled “Earth”.)

R: It is a Terran problem, sir. This thing is punching through planetary defenses across the Galactic Union, heading straight for Earth.

(Zed purses his lips, considering this information while his fellow on Jurai continues.)

R: The Galaxy Police have tried a couple times to ensnare it, with no luck. Their fleet has also tried to destroy it, but their weapons are refracted through the distortion like a lens. They can't touch it.

Zed: This has happened before.

(He raises his eyes to R, knowing and serious.)

Zed: This is just like when the Super-A class criminal Kain first appeared over one hundred years ago. The emperor of Jurai teamed with the GP to trap him in the subspace network back then. Has Jurai decided to act?

(R shakes his head, a somber tone to his voice.)

R: The anomaly is moving too fast for a Juraian ship to catch it. As such, Emperor Azusa II has decided to stand down from this fight and fortify his empire in case it does a U-turn back to Juraian space.

(Zed raises a brow, another possibility in mind.)

Zed: What about the dimensional cannon? As I understand from the report of Detective Makibi, Kain was destroyed using one.

(The younger agent sighs.)

R: I'm sorry, boss, but they've tried that too. Like the rest, it just gets refracted. The attempt nearly destroyed the planet Concor and the GP detachment assigned there.

(The chief raps his fingers along his desk, his thoughts drifting to the last time he heard of NVO type energy. The image of spiked red hair floats through his mind, coupled with two green eyes filled with brilliance. The aging man raises his question to his subordinate.)

Zed: Has anyone contacted Dr Washu Hakubi yet?

R: The Academy has tried, but she's notorious for not answering her comms. The GP are probably briefing their two resident officers as we speak, but both Jurai and they figured that since this threatens the planet, you should be notified as the planetary police force.

(Zed nods, understanding.)

Zed: Very well. Looks like we'll be sending MiB to Okayama prefecture.

(R salutes respectfully.)

R: Best of luck, sir.

(The elder reciprocates this before the display winks back to its usual mixture of agents across the world. He opens a drawer in his desk loaded with several files, each in a scarlet envelope. Thumbing through them, he soon comes to one singular folder, which he removes and sets upon his desk.)

(The cover reads “1997: Mecha-Nerti” as he opens the file and examines the contents: images of a metallic woman wielding a scythe, as well as the residents of the Masaki home in Okayama; reports properly typed, each with the byline “Agent J”; medical notes and documents, all signed “Agent L”. Zed nods, plans forming within his imagination.)

(Nestled amongst the forested hills of Okayama prefecture, the red-roofed home of the Masaki family rests close to a fair-sized lake. At the center of the lake, a single Juraian tree proudly displays its foliage, strong and hardy. Named Ryu-Oh, it had once been the core of the tree-ship belonging to Princess Ayeka, prior to its crash into the lake.)

(The house itself is of a modern design, originally sketched by the owner, Nobuyuki Masaki, Tenchi's father, when he was young. The sloped roof hangs over the door and porch while the afternoon sun shines down upon the windows of its three floors.)

(Within one of these windows, a ten-year-old girl glances outside, her attention lost in the forests. Princess Sasami, the blue-haired sister of Ayeka, rests her chin in her hand, her soft pink eyes distant and bored. Her azure hair is tied on either side of her head as lengthy pigtails, trailing down either side of her head.)

(She sits on her legs in a proper seiza fashion while her elder sister reads aloud from a textbook in her hand. Both are dressed in elegant kimonos, Ayeka's flowing over her as she steps absently, her focus on the Juraiji written before her.)

Ayeka: ... but this was never enacted until the court of Empress Hinase, the first regal lady to ever rule over Jurai. Many were...

(Her amethyst gaze blinks and notes Sasami's lacking attention. The violet-tressed princess sighs and lowers the text, entitled History of the Jurai Empire: 20th Dynasty to Current. Softly, she addresses her sister.)

Ayeka: Sasami, it is time to study, not daydream.

(Sasami grimaces and lowers her eyes, apology in her expression.)

Sasami: Sorry, Ayeka...

(Ayeka kneels at her sister's side while the younger questions her.)

Sasami: I just don't see why I don't go to school like the other kids here.

(The dark-haired sibling grins to herself and rests a hand on the other's shoulder.)

Ayeka: Because you are a princess of Jurai's royal family, and you need to know our history and customs.

(Sasami blinks, confused.)

Sasami: But, we don't live on Jurai anymore, Ayeka.

Ayeka: One day, you will return home and take your place there as a proper lady.

(Sasami's ruby eyes meet the amethyst of her elder sister's, her words pointed.)

Sasami: What about you? You've always been a proper lady. Don't you belong there too?

(Ayeka's gaze droops in distant thought, a tug felt in her heart.)

Ayeka: I have my place, Sasami.

(She shakes her head and smiles warmly, pushing her emotions aside.)

Ayeka: But, I want to make sure you are ready to take yours when you come of age.

(Sasami glances to the side, her voice quiet.)

Sasami: But...

(Her sister's hand rubs her shoulder gently as the elder answers with a reassuring tone.)

Ayeka: You will be a great lady, Sasami. I know that, but you have to study, just like I did when I was your age.

(A chime rings through the house, the front door's bell. Both sisters glance up at the sound, but Sasami shoots to her feet, excitement in her voice.)

Sasami: I'll get it!

(She dashes out the door while Ayeka reaches for her.)

Ayeka: Sasami, wait!

(The elder princess sighs with defeat as she sets the history text aside and walks after her sibling. With Sasami, the boisterous preteen rushes down the stairs when the chime sounds again. She calls down toward the door.)

Sasami: I'm coming!

(Scampering down the railing, the brown furry creature Ryo-Ohki mews and hops onto Sasami's shoulder, drawing the princess's attention. She smiles and pets the cabbit, issuing a purr from her.)

Sasami: Anyone you know?

(Soon, the azure-tressed princess reaches the bottom of the stairs and approaches the door. As she opens the portal, her eyes widen at the pair standing behind it. Dressed in black suits with dark sunglasses, the two people stand, man and woman.)

(The dark-skinned male, agent J, smirks to himself, the light mustache under his nose wrinkling with his lips. His hair is cut short, close to his scalp, giving him a professional appearance despite his humor. The shoulder-length brown hair of his companion, agent L, curls around her fair face, adding to her a disarming demeanor.)

(L addresses the princess first, her words kind and familiar.)

L: Hey there, Sasami.

(Behind Sasami, Ayeka steps down the stairs, her eyes immediately falling on J and L with a curious confusion. The two agents also exchange a glance with the elder princess while Sasami offers a friendly response.)

Sasami: Hi, L. J.

(Ayeka halts at her sister's side, spurring the younger sibling to look up to her briefly. J and L both nod to the regal lady, acknowledging her as well.)

J: Princess Ayeka.

(Her head bows slightly in reciprocation before she raises her question.)

Ayeka: Agents J and L, welcome to Okayama. What brings you this far from home?

(J scoffs to himself, lightly tapping L's shoulder.)

J: Oh, Laurel here wanted to pay her old patients a house-call.

(A slight blush comes to his partner's face as she answers.)

L: J!

(The two princesses wryly grin while L sighs and seriously explains their situation.)

L: Princess Ayeka, we're here to speak with all of you on a particularly grave matter.

(A worry arises on Ayeka's brow, not to mention Sasami's, as the elder questions this.)

Ayeka: What grave matter? What's happened?

L: It would be better if we spoke to all of you together.

(J nods, his own concern taking priority.)

J: Yeah, especially Washu. Is she around?

(The violet-haired lady nods.)

Ayeka: Yes, she's, no doubt, in her lab.

L: We'll have to peel her away from her work then. Mind if we come in?

(Ayeka steps aside and motions within.)

Ayeka: Certainly.

(L enters while J glances up toward the rafters.)

J: Where's Tenchi and Ryoko? I'm sure they'll want to know about this too.

(Ayeka lowers her gaze and answers plainly, drawing a curious eye from her sister.)

Ayeka: Tenchi is with his grandfather at the Masaki shrine, practicing the sword. As for Ryoko, I have not seen her today.

(J nods and turns to L.)

J: Alright. She'll probably turn up if I get Tenchi and his grandpa.

(L concurs, understanding.)

L: And, I'll find Washu.

(Sasami steps forward, addressing J.)

Sasami: You know the way?

(J grins.)

J: Yeah, I saw the steps on the way in. I'll be back in a few.

(He turns toward the stone stairs ascending a nearby hill while L removes her shoes and converses with the two princesses. Alone, J scales the hill's staircase, absently listening to the natural sounds of the forest around him. However, a worry weighs on his brow now that he has left the company of the women. He pauses for a moment and folds his arms, considering Zed's orders.)

Zed: J, I need you and L to pay a visit to the Juraian royalty we have over in Japan. They have direct contact to Dr Washu Hakubi, who will be invaluable to our current crisis. Also, their own powers may well be useful as well.

(While he ponders, the sound of clashing swords catches his ear. He glances to the side and wanders into the growth, quickly finding a well-trodden path near the stairs. Quietly, he continues down the path, soon noting the sparks of crimson and azure smashing against one another. Nearing a clearing, he can more clearly see the scene before him.)

(Opposing one another, Tenchi and Ryoko stand with their respective blades at their sides. The young Juraian prince is dressed in the blue combat attire given to him to face Kain, Tenchiken held firmly in his hands. The former Ryoan pirate wears her red and black battle costume from her solo flight through Jurai's perimeter during Kagato's coup d'etat. Her crimson blade extends to her side while she and Tenchi exchange serious gazes, sweat beaded on their brows.)

(Surprised and confused, J starts to speak when a hand wraps over his mouth and pulls him down into the bushes away from the clearing. The agent struggles until a soft hiss silences him. He looks to the side and see an older gentleman holding his mouth closed, a pair of wise lavender eyes meeting his. Prince Yosho, better known as Katsuhito Masaki, motions back toward the two younger people in the clearing with a soft word.)

Yosho: Watch.

(J turns back toward Tenchi and Ryoko as the young prince raises his sword, waves of ionization appearing around the blade. Similarly, his female opponent draws her blade before her with a similar effect occurring around her weapon. Also, a black mark scrawls down the right side of her face.)

(Exchanging a slight nod, both launch forward, their feet sliding over the ground as they dart at one another. As they near, Ryoko spins aside, her blade swinging at Tenchi. He plants his feet and turns aside to deflect the swipe. Her feet touch the ground as she throws her sword at the prince.)

(Setting himself into a ready posture, Tenchi watches the sword approach and smash into a transparent, spherical shell around him. He then rushes forward toward her while the former pirate disappears from sight. Immediately, he rolls aside when she reappears, hand extended and summoning crimson light to her palm.)

(Streams of scarlet burst from the energy gathered in her grasp, aimed at Tenchi's location. He pauses for a moment, letting them near before his legs launch him away from the impact point. The prince raises his left hand toward her, an azure orb of power appearing at his own command.)

(This flies at Ryoko, but again, she vanishes and reappears near Tenchi. She swiftly summons her power to her hand, grasping it to create a new ionized blade. He spins toward her, and the two swords meet in a shower of azure and crimson sparks. Yet, Ryoko levers her sword against the violet crest of Tenchi's key, wrenching the weapon from his grasp.)

(The azure blade vanishes as the device strikes the soil below them. She draws her sword back while her opposite hand calls forth another projectile. When this flies at him, Tenchi rolls aside to dodge. As he regathers his feet, he extends his hand to the fallen key. The sword hilt shimmers a soft white before it darts from the ground and back into his hand.)

(Ryoko teleports to Tenchi's side and swings her sword at him, just as he reforms his own and swings back at her. The two stop their blades at each other's neck, close enough to feel the heat and vibration of the energies flowing through each.)

(Further, they halt face to face, eye to eye, the hot and excited breath of each falling on the other. The sweat rolls down down their brows as they calm themselves. However, Ryoko swallows emptily, so close to the object of her affections. She closes her eyes, forcing back the urge to envelope him in her arms.)

(Tenchi also grins wryly as he lowers his blade.)

Tenchi: Another stalemate.

(She also lowers her weapon, a scoff slipping from her lips when his silly grin changes to a warm smile.)

Tenchi: You've improved a lot the past six months, Ryoko.

(The Ryoan woman smiles and shakes her head, letting her ruby sword and the mark on her face fade away.)

Ryoko: That was the idea, right?

(The blue sword vanishes before he scratches the back of his head.)

Tenchi: Yeah, it was.

(She opens her feline, amber eyes to him again as she compliments him.)

Ryoko: Besides, you've changed a lot too.

(He nervously laughs nodding.)

Tenchi: Well, I kinda had to if I was going to keep up with you. I mean, you can fly and teleport and...

(With a longing gaze, she shakes her head and disagrees with a soft voice.)

Ryoko: That's not what I meant, Tenchi.

(Again, his eyes meet hers in a moment of silence, stillness rising between them. However, a rustle from the bushes attracts their attention away from one another. Tenchi grins and addresses the foliage.)

Tenchi: I know you're there, Grandpa.

(Ryoko lowers her eyes and settles herself while Yosho stands, dressed in the gi and hakama of a Shinto priest. At his side, J stands as well, raising a curious confusion from the sparring partners. Tenchi questions him.)

Tenchi: Agent J? What're you...?

(J responds, a gravity in his voice.)

J: I'm here for the three of you. We've got big problems, and hopefully, you're the solution.

(Within the den of the Masaki home, the residents of the house are seated on the couch facing the windows. Outside, the sun sets behind the hills surrounding the house, shrouding the attendants in a rusty golden hue. Along the couch, the following individuals sit: Yosho, Sasami with Ryo-Ohki in her lap, Ayeka, Tenchi, Ryoko, Washu, and Nobuyuki.)

(Nobuyuki Masaki glances nervously across the short table before the couch to the four seated opposite them: J, L, Kiyone and Mihoshi. The two GP officers are dressed in their usual uniforms, though Kiyone also wears a grave expression which mirrors those of J and L. Mihoshi, however, is blatantly distraught, worry written beneath her blonde bangs.)

(Tenchi smiles warmly, welcoming the two new guests.)

Tenchi: Thanks for coming on such short notice, Kiyone. You too, Mihoshi.

(Kiyone nods, forcing a smile of her own.)

Kiyone: It's no problem, Tenchi. I wish it was under better circumstances.

(Washu folds her arms and crosses her legs, impatiently tapping her finger on her shoulder.)

Washu: So, exactly what is this “grave matter” that required my attention more than my research? I'll have you know that I can only cultivate tempus root once a millennium, and I'm not about to break the space-time continuum again just to get more.

(Yosho's eyes glance around the table of guests while Ayeka nods and affirms Washu's question.)

Ayeka: Indeed. What is the need for this commotion?

(Kiyone produces a pinkish control cube from her pockets and rotates a couple of its sides. With the last turn, a projection appears above the device, displaying the anomaly which ravaged its way through the border between the Jurai Empire and the Galactic Union (GU). Next to it, several of the graphs and diagrams shown by Soichiro and Zed appear, depicting the current known data for the distortion. Foremost among these are the massive reading of NVO energy and the maps showing its current position and projected heading, namely Earth.)

(Washu's eyes narrow at this data, immediately analyzing it before she materializes her own phantom laptop. While she starts hacking away at the keys, Tenchi, Ryoko, and Ayeka all blink in surprise at the dark energy apparently emanating from the structure. Yosho's spectacles gain a bright glare from the setting sun, the remainder of his expression stoic and attentive. Sasami holds Ryo-Ohki close while she listens as well, a sparkle of fear rising in her eyes. Nobuyuki glances at the graphs before directing his attention to the officers and their explanation.)

Kiyone: This morning, this object appeared within Jurai space and tore through the border defenses between the Galactic Union and the Jurai Empire. Since then, it's been continuing steadily on a direct course to Earth.

(L nods, continuing.)

L: The Galaxy Police have tried to stop it, but even with a dimensional cannon, this entity has been completely unaffected. Every attack has been refracted away by the distortion.

(J lowers his eyes and adds.)

J: Everyone figures we've got about four days or so before it reaches Earth. Since it's made of this NVO stuff, we figured we'd come to you.

(He glances to Washu, who continues her interested typing on her translucent keyboard. Ryoko furrows her brow and causticly inquires.)

Ryoko: Well, what about Jurai? NVO's the opposite of their power, right? Why don't they shoot it down?

(Mihoshi grimaces and shakes her blonde head somberly.)

Mihoshi: It's moving too fast for them to catch it.

(Ayeka concurs, knowingly.)

Ayeka: Ever since the reunion six months ago, most of the fleet has remained close to Jurai's borders, in case of another such attack. Even our best interceptors cannot cross the galaxy in a matter of days.

(Tenchi then rests his hand on his thigh and ponders aloud.)

Tenchi: Well, what about us? There's three of us here on Earth with Jurai's power. Can't we do something?

(Washu's knowledgeable voice rises as she answers Tenchi gravely.)

Washu: Brave notion, Tenchi, but kinda futile.

(The group turns to the minute genius as she taps a few keys on her laptop and raises her green eyes to the image from Kiyone's cube. The image shrinks slightly while images of the black creature Kain appears nearby. Beneath the depiction of the white-masked destroyer, a similar reading of his emanations is graphed, similar but reduced by comparison to the current distortion.)

Washu: Simply comparing this thing to Kain, you can see that even between Lord Katsuhito, Ayeka, and yourself combined, you fall far short of surpassing it. Jurai and the GP had best be glad this hasn't stopped to fight back.

(Ryoko scowls as she grips her fists and retorts.)

Ryoko: Then, what are we supposed to do, Washu? Wait for it to come for us?

(The redhead disagrees, a sarcastic smirk on her face.)

Washu: Of course not, but we need to have some facts in order.

(Curious, Mihoshi questions.)

Mihoshi: What facts, Washu? We've told you all we know.

(Washu nods, acknowledging this.)

Washu: True, you have, but there's one thing everyone's overlooked. Just like with Kain, you've been so concerned with where this object is going and what it's going to do.

(She taps a sequences of keys, and the images of the distortion and Kain are replaced by a star map showing the distortion's travel path and current position. She points toward the map and remarks.)

Washu: So much so that you've missed a key fact.

(The others follow her finger as the plotted path now extends backward, tracing where the distortion had been prior to the incident at the Jurai border. As it delves into Jurai space, Washu remarks to the surprised expressions of her audience.)

Washu: Where did this phenomenon come from?

(Soon, the path ends at a planet within the Jurai Empire, the location marked with a large “X”. As the Juraiji name is printed below the world, Ryoko blinks in surprise, as do Mihoshi and Kiyone. Yosho lowers his chin, the glare lifting to show his serious gaze. Within Ayeka's thoughts, a venomous chuckle rises unheard to the rest of the attendants, sending a chill down her spine. However, Sasami turns her attention to her sister, suddenly uneasy.)

(Tenchi, J, L, and Nobuyuki glance at the name, unfamiliar with it, until the text scrambles and reprints a romanized version of the name: “Ryua”. While Nobuyuki remains vaguely confused, J and L recognize it, their eyes roaming to Ryoko and Washu. Tenchi, however, knowingly turns to Washu and considers the fact.)

Tenchi: How did you know?

(The genius turns to him and explains plainly.)

Washu: I checked the Juraian self-defense network, looking for probes that had recently needed service. Turns out, these all did within the past day, needing their ethereal sensor and power cell replaced.

(The others direct their attention to her once again while she continues.)

Washu: Though, considering the recent events, I knew you weren't too surprised, Tenchi.

(Kiyone furrows her brows and inquires.)

Kiyone: Then, you believe that this originated on Ryua?

Washu: I do.

(J then raises his own confusion to the group.)

J: Ryua's one of Jurai's worlds. Why would it send this thing to Earth? What did we do to piss them off?

(Yosho's calm and wise voice answers this plainly.)

Yosho: Because we've been foiling their efforts.

(J glances over to him confusedly while Tenchi confirms this with a nod.)

Tenchi: Yeah, we stopped Illirg and Mecha-Nerti, who Jezibel admitted to sending when we stopped her and the rest of Liaens's group on Jurai. Oniko even said he was a “priest of Ryua and enemy of Jurai”.

(Washu agrees, adding.)

Washu: Exactly. Ryua is a conquered world, defeated in an ancient war with Jurai millennia ago. The Ryoan people haven't exactly forgotten it.

(L's brow rises with her thought.)

L: But, you and Ryoko are Ryoan. Why are you here with members of the Jurai royal family?

(Washu scoffs with an amused grin.)

Washu: Like I care about an ancient war? I'm a scientist, not a politician. As long as I get my funding, I couldn't care less if it's from Ryua, Jurai, or someone else.

(She leers slightly toward Ryoko.)

Washu: Not unlike the pirate guilds, I'd bet.

(Ryoko glares back while Washu chuckles to herself.)

Washu: Though, I bet Ryoko's reasons are far more obvious than that.

(Frustrated, Ryoko starts to retort when Kiyone reasserts the original topic.)

Kiyone: We know you and Ryoko are our allies, Washu, but that still leaves the question of why they are acting now.

(Washu agrees.)

Washu: That's true, and I don't have a certain answer for that, beyond speculation. However, if they set this into motion, they might be able to stop it.

(J grimaces at this, questioning her suggestion.)

J: Wait. It's already been said that Juraian ships can't get across space in enough time to be of any help, and you want to head back to where this all started?

(She glares coldly at him with a smoldering comment.)

Washu: Who am I again?

(At this, Ayeka considers this new option.)

Ayeka: If you can manage this, would it be possible to also go to Jurai and request assistance?

(Washu smugly nods.)

Washu: Oh, sure. That'll be easy.

(She then points to Kiyone, who blinks in surprise.)

Washu: However, given the time constraints, I'll be needing a couple spaceships to modify...

(Her finger then roams over toward J, who narrows his eyes questioningly)

Washu: And, a place to do it.

(Kiyone grins wryly.)

Kiyone: Does it really have to be my Yagami that gets changed...?

(The genius eyes her oddly.)

Washu: Unless you know another ship I readily acquire.

(L's brows perk when she recalls another fact.)

L: There is Mitsuki Matsu's patrol-ship.

(The two GP officers turn to the MiB agent, curious.)

Mihoshi: Mitsuki's too?

L: Yes, she's still liaison between the Men in Black and the Galaxy Police. She was away transferring a prisoner when this first happened. She's scheduled to return tomorrow.

(Washu nods and continues.)

Washu: Good. I'm sure Zed won't mind me using the MiB's hangar to modify both her ship and Yagami to help save the Earth.

(However, Nobuyuki places his hand on his knee and thinks aloud, unease in his voice.)

Nobuyuki: But... what if the Ryoan folks can't stop it?

(Seriously, the minute genius acknowledges this and responds.)

Washu: That's a possibility.

(She turns to Ayeka and exchanges a small nod with the princess.)

Washu: That's a good reason to send Ayeka to Jurai to get some backup.

(Yet, the scientist continues.)

Washu: But, if all else fails, I have another plan.

(She glances to J.)

Washu: Does the MiB have a dimensional cannon at their headquarters?

(J blinks with confusion at her.)

J: I think so, but the GP's already tried that.

(She sighs and shakes her head.)

Washu: I'm not proposing just shooting it again. I was going to augment it.

(Worry develops in Kiyone's eyes as she considers this.)

Kiyone: Washu, a dimensional cannon can already take out a small galaxy. I understood using it against Kain, and again with this phenomenon, but that could be very dangerous, to the entire spatial region here and not just Earth.

(The scientist accepts this.)

Washu: I know. This idea is a last resort, provided travel to Ryua and Jurai doesn't solve our problem.

(Tenchi stands, certain.)

Tenchi: Then, we should hurry to Manhattan and get started. We don't exactly have a lot of time.

(Ryoko watches him, exchanging a knowing gaze with him. Yosho grins to himself, a pride in his eyes. J rises as well, concurring.)

J: That's more like it.

(Mihoshi and L nod their agreement while Washu turns again to Kiyone and requests.)

Washu: Mind giving us a lift?

(She sighs and agrees with a hopeful smile.)

Kiyone: No problem.

(Ayeka, however, watches as the discussion turns toward their departure. She presses one of her hands over her chest, a tension growing within it as she narrates retrospectively.)

Ayeka: So ended the eighth of September, four days before the nightmare began. I should have known then by the laugh in my mind and the torment in my heart what was coming.

(She then glances distantly to Tenchi and Ryoko speaking with the others.)

Ayeka: But, I blindly attributed them to personal matters, my first mistake.

(A tug on her sleeve draws her attention to Sasami's worried eyes. The elder princess listens to her sister's worries before answering with a facade of confidence.)

Ayeka: My second was ignoring those issues, both personal and physical.