Author's Note:
    Please reply directly to evilpii@dorm4.org .  Again, looking for reader response and C&C to this opening scene of Inheritance Act 9.  Questions and suggestions are welcome as well.

--

Dark Energy Trilogy
By William Benjamin Grilliette (evilpii@juno.com) and Jeff Williams (angelbane@geocities.com)

All material of or relating to *Tenchi Muyo!* are copyrighted by Pioneer LD and AIC.
All material of or relating to *Men in Black* are copyrighted by Marvel/Malibu Comics and Columbia/Tristar Pictures.
All material of or relating to "Evil Pii" or "Nerti Ro" is property of William Benjamin Grilliette.
All material of or relating to "Angelbane duSoleil", "Cassandra duSoleil", or "Katiara duSoleil" is property of Jeffrey Williams.
More information about cast, plot, and story is available at http://evilpii.dorm4.org/.

Part 3:  Tenchi Muyo! / Men in Black: Inheritance
By William Benjamin Grilliette  (evilpii@juno.com) and Jeff Williams (angelbane@geocities.com)

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Act 9

Scene 1

{Rows of lights slide past in a hazy silence as strands of damp, soft violet hair float through the line of sight.  Muffled voices echo in the elfin ears of Nagi Jurai as a drop of blood rolls down from the edge of her lips while her labored breath escapes her mouth.  Shrouded in her red-trimmed white kimono singed from combat, she lies on a gurney being pushed through the infirmary corridor of MiB HQ by the medical staff of the organization.  Her fist grips tightly around the hairband Key wrapped around her hand, both scorched from her epic feat of truly merging Light and Darkness.  Her teeth clench together as her kimono vanishes, restoring her purple Ryoan fire uniform and black Juraian cape and cowl.  Her hair hardens though it cannot spike through the sweat covering it.  Half of the Mark of Rage covering her face vanishes, leaving only the mark from her birth across her left cheek.  Pain washes across her face as she gazes up to see the faces of the MiB personnel whom she can now hear speaking too fast for her to understand.  Her head turns to her left where she catches a short glimpse of fiery red hair between the agents.  Behind that red hair, the unconscious crimson knight Kamidake Juraiko, singed and splattered with red and black blood moreso than herself, is pushed through this corridor on a medical bed on his back.  However, the urgency of those around him is far greater due to his far more severe condition.  Nagi grimaces as she reaches with her hand and calls his name softly.}

Nagi:  Kamidake...!

{His face remains motionless in a dreamless sleep as he disappears among the MiB physicians when tears arise from Nagi's eyes and roll down her face.  Another wave of internal pain grips her, but a soft pressure emerges around her hand that draws her attention to the gentle hand clothed in white around hers.  The crimson, feline eyes follow the white garb to its wearer's tear-filled and sorrowful expression, Tsunami's calming pink gaze.  The bounty hunter's lips grin slightly, hopefully, before she raises her hand bearing the Key to Tsunami's hands.  The Key releases its owner's palm as she passes the device onto the goddess.  The source of Jurai is confused until Nagi's weak words call to Tsunami, pleading with her voice and gaze.}

Nagi:  Finish it... please...!!

{The azure tresses swing from side to side as her head shakes, denying the young woman's request in both her hurt expression and torn words.}

Tsunami:  But... she is my sister...!!

{Nagi's hands hold Tsunami's tighter when the pain increases while her face tightens, fighting back the internal effects.  She pleads to the goddess of Jurai even more.}

Nagi:  For my mother... my sister... and me... please...!!

{The eternal woman is struck hard by the words before the strength in the warrior's hands fades, allowing her to slip away into the distance.  A cold silence surrounds the goddess of Jurai in the motionless hallway.  She holds the hairband Key with both hands against her chest while her eyes gaze down the corridor through which its owner passed.  Saline rolls from her eyes as she slowly closes them and nods her head forward, grimacing in an attempt to contain her emotions.  However, she soon quickly turns away and steps into a side room, shutting the door behind her.  Her royal facade fails, drawing her hands and the Key to her face while sobs consume her.  Her spirit calls out in this sadness to her sister Tokimi, pleading for a reason.}

Tsunami:  Why, Sister...?  None of this has been necessary...!

{She raises her eyes parallel to the floor and stares between her fingers intently towards the opposite wall as if Tokimi was there to hear her words.}

Tsunami:  What changed you...?  What happened to the kind sister who taught me of eternity...?

{Her answer is only silence while the pain in her heart only increases.  Her sad expression cringes behind the tears as she looks to the ceiling, alone.}

Tsunami:  Why do you... ignore my tears...?

{She sighs deeply and closes her eyes, wincing as the sobs come while her tears fall upon the scorched Key in her hands.  Each drop splashes and rolls down the organic device, washing away the blackened areas and restoring it to a prestine state.  The goddess lowers her hands and looks upon the revitalized item in thought when her true voice is heard from her lips, speaking not as the goddess but as the Juraian princess who lived in the Masaki home, Sasami.}

Tsunami:  They are my family, Sister...  Nagi, Kamidake, Tenchi, Ryoko...  Ayeka...  all of them...

{Within Tsunami's memory, images flash of the people who cared for her in her life as Sasami Jurai.  As the seven-year-old princess, Sasami stays close to Tenchi's side at the Masaki Shrine's festival, both dressed in the spirit of the occasion as he escorts her around the carnival.  At the pier of the northern fishing village in Kiyone's ideal world, Sasami runs up to Kiyone as the woman gazes out into the distance contentedly before her attention turns cheerfully to the girl.  In the modest home of Mihoshi's ideal world, the blonde GP officer hands Sasami, her daughter in this reality, her lunch before sending her off to school and calls out to her to watch out for traffic on the way.  Looking out Yagami's external window at her uncle who helped them through Jurai's borders, Yosho's kind palm is placed on her shoulder supportively, understanding the past events.  In the Sacred Place of Jurai, Kamidake's confident smile reassures the princess before he and Azaka both turn and face the Jurai destroyer which had defiled the sanctity of the location.  After Ayeka was kidnapped, Nagi's compliments and smile within the Masaki home raises the young girl's spirits and hope soon before the bounty hunter joined their cause to rescue her sister.  Onboard the crashed Yagami among the sounds of war outside in the battle with the Jurai Fleet during Kagato's coup, Washu holds Sasami close and protectively while the princess sobs in fear for their possible fates.  After the battle was over, Azaka's battle spirit shines again as he confronts Sasami in a fighting game which she has mastered and is teaching him by defeating him soundly and repeatedly.  In a train station in Tokyo 1979, Ryoko watches over young Sasami as the two of them board the same train to distribute Washu's collectors to capture Kain.  In the Masaki home a week ago, ten-year-old Sasami lays in her bed split between her mortal and immortal personas while Ayeka is at her side holding her hand and reassuring her.  Tsunami's eyes open with a solemn conviction, though the tear between her love for these people and her eternal sister can still be seen deep in her gaze.}

Tsunami:  I cannot let them be murdered by you...  no matter the reason...

{She takes Nagi's Key in her left hand as she extends her right.  A familiar arc seems to crack open in spacetime and widen into a white shield of light.}

Tsunami:  I used seven Light Hawk Wings to create the five Keys.  The remaining three will join their kindred.

{The Light Hawk Wing collapses upon itself into a small sphere hovering above Tsunami's hand as two other wings open and do likewise.  From Tsunami's robes, the black tiara worn by Ayeka under Kain II's influence gravitates toward the three orbs.  The dark power held within the headpiece sparks at Tsunami, and the goddess of Jurai winces some in reaction.  However, she takes the pain without sound when the dark object reaches the small globes.  Together, the spheres flash their color a blood crimson as the obsidian lightning from the dark tiara is gathered and summoned into them.  Within moments, the dark energy within the dark Key is drained, and the crown of thorns created by Tokimi falls to the ground lifeless.  Now shimmering with their absorbed ruby power, the two of the three spheres emanate a silvery white shroud of energy around themselves.  Each coalesces into a silver structure around either, one an ornate ring and the other an intricate bracelet.  The body of the ring is of flawless silver stands weaved into designs of bright stars and the flora given life by their light, a lady's ring of great beauty.  The bracelet consists of three silver vines wrapping around one another, supporting each other, and blossoming into a trio of flowers which hold the orb itself.  The third flies over to Nagi's Key and embeds itself within the violet crest of the Juraian device, creating a white cradle for itself and adding silver highlights to the existing floral design of the Key.  The formations complete, all three ruby spheres fall silent as they dim to appear as three normal, red gems.  The ring and bracelet come to rest in her right hand while her other hand closes around the modified hairband Key.  She then becomes faint as her regal form collapses to one knee while sweat beads upon her face.  Her breath deepens as she shakes her head to clear her mind, reminding herself of her own situation.}

Tsunami:  Sasami's body...  has not adjusted to the strain...  She... I... am exhausted...

{The goddess's memory recalls the recent events that led to this collapse.  In orbit around Jurai, a white female figure of light with body-length flowing hair floats amongst the debris of Liaens's vessel as the Jurai Fleet's ships slowly reactivate.  Even then, she seems worn from the use of her abilities after saving Jurai from holocaust.  Onboard Mirei's ghost ship in the Sargasso Sea, Ayeka takes the sleeping Sasami in her arms after her conversation via Mirei with the lost soul of Kagato.  Standing atop the Masaki house, ten-year-old Sasami raises her arms as she is enveloped in a white light that becomes the same woman of light who saved Jurai during the Reunion.  She outstretches her hands to the trees of Funaho and Ryu-Oh as the two rumble the ground and arise from the soil of Earth.  Their roots and bark begin to slowly surround them, reconstructing their ship forms once more.  Tsunami softly reminds herself of the mortality to which she is now bound.}

Tsunami:  Stopping Liaens... interrogating Kagato... resurrecting Funaho and Ryu-Oh... and maturing myself to face Kain II...  All this has been too much too quickly...

{The Juraian princess, the goddess of light, glances to the dark tiara on the ground before she glares at the device.  She takes it from the ground and hides it within her kimono once more along with the Nagi's hairband.}

Tsunami:  But, I cannot rest now... not until everyone is safe...

{The eternal woman summons an emerald aura around herself as she forces herself to her feet.  She takes a deep breath while the light around her fades away, leaving her seemingly less worn before she turns to the door gravely.}

Tsunami:  Much remains to be done...

{As she opens the door, the scene fades to her entering an occupied infirmary suite, Tenchi and Ryoko's.  Within, all is silent save the monitoring equipment that keeps pace with both heartbeats and vital signs of each.  At Tenchi's side, Nobuyuki has fallen asleep in a lounge chair, waiting for his son to rouse himself from the death-like slumber.  Between Tenchi and Ryoko's beds, a chair stands with Ryoko's fire uniform draped across the back, burned and stained with both her own blood and his as well.  Tsunami closes the door behind her and goes to Ryoko's bedside and solemnly gazes on the young Ryoan's expressionless face surrounded by limp, cyan hair which was once her fiery mane.  She rests her hand gently on Ryoko's forehead as her apologetic words call to the young woman softly in the stillness.}

Tsunami:  I am sorry, Ryoko...  sorry about what Ayeka did, even under Kain II's influence... but also for not acting sooner to prevent all of this...  I should have intervened sooner...

{Tsunami shuts her eyes and bows her head before she feels a kind warmth beneath her palm on Ryoko's head.  She glances up as she raises that hand to find the triple-disk mark to be glowing powerfully, signifying Ryoko as one of the prophesied Six Warriors.  Across from her, Tenchi also has the triple-kite insignia appear and shimmer synchronously with Ryoko's.  The goddess smiles slightly while a few tears stray down her face with her quiet words.}

Tsunami:  Indomitable spirits...  Even now as a goddess, you two still are amazing... and heroic...

{She sighs and kneels at Ryoko's side before she takes the silver bracelet in her hand and slips it gently over Ryoko's wrist.  The gem flares a brilliant ruby light with the contact of the Ryoan's skin.  Tsunami's hands clasp above the bracelet as she bows her head and closes her eyes while an emerald aura surrounds the eternal woman.  Her words come on the wind as that power envelops now Ryoko.}

Tsunami:  As foretold, Woman of Darkness to be of the Light, the Darkness has left you and replaced by the Light, given by my sister Jurai Ayeka in her attack upon you...  You, like the Knight Paladin Masaki Tenchi, have the Wings of the Light Hawk sealed within you...  I now uncase those wings through the energy given by my sister in this life...

{Above Ryoko's chest, a brightness emanates from her body as two arcs crack open in reality and widen into the two Light Hawk Wings of her spirit.  The two wings float side by side over the length of Ryoko's body as they descend, showering her with small filaments of light.  Tsunami's voice continues to speak with the unconscious member of her mortal family.}

Tsunami:  Born of the ancient Ryoan bloodline, this power was yours by birthright and now heals your wounds...  and I bind you to the Light as you were bound to the Darkness to complete your destiny...

{The emerald aura passed from Tsunami around Ryoko brightens into a white shroud which completes the Ryoan's fusion into the Jurai Power.  As the white veil of light fades away, Ryoko is left garbed in a new fire uniform with the crimson encircling the obsidian in flaring leaves, not only across her chest but also down her legs.  Around her neck and wrists, three golden starbursts protect those vital areas while the black mark worn by Oniko darkens both sides of her young face.  Where the bracelet was placed, the red gem still shines brightly with its power, encrusted within the golden band.  The infamous cyan mane has returned in its spiked glory, even though its owner's eyes remain closed.  Tsunami's hands release one another and grip the bed to support her weight as she tries to catch her breath from the exertion of uniting Ryoko with Jurai's Power.  The goddess's winded words continue to speak.}

Tsunami:  Even with your true power released... and given new energy...  you are ignorant of its use...  It will be locked within you... until you unlock it...

{She glances up to Tenchi with a slight smile on her tired face.}

Tsunami:  One key is your love...

{She sighs and looks back to Ryoko, still with that pleased and understanding grin.}

Tsunami:  The other is your sister...

{The Juraian princess takes the hands clothed in red and black in her own soft grasp.}

Tsunami:  Rest and regain your strength...

{After those words, Ryoko's Light Hawk Wings close into oblivion while her new battlesuit fades away to the hospital gown she was in when Tsunami first arrived.  However, the symbol on her forehead remains, as does the original spiky nature of her hair.  Tsunami glances to Tenchi and nods to him as she seems to give him a kind order.}

Tsunami:  Please watch over her, Tenchi...

{Almost in reply, Tenchi's chosen logo vanishes together with Ryoko's leaving them almost how she found them, except for the Ryoan's hair and new bracelet.  Tsunami pushes herself to her feet and takes a deep, labored breath in an attempt to regain some of her lost strength when she hears the door seal behind her.  She closes her eyes and sighs softly before speaking to the person behind her.}

Tsunami:  How long were you there, Ms Ro?

{Behind Tsunami, white armor protects the young figure of Nerti Ro shrouded in crimson.  Her grey eyes are wide with awe from witnessing Tsunami's joining of the Jurai Power into Ryoko and uncasing her Light Hawk Wings.  Also in that young gaze, a hint of recognition exists from seeing the wings and the power fusion, leaving her uneasy in her reply to the goddess of Jurai.}

Nerti:  Only a few moments...  What were...?

{Nerti takes a few steps toward Tsunami when the black mark of her own dark power appears painlessly across her face.  However, in the goddess's presence, a white symbol appears and glows brightly on Nerti's forehead, a blade aimed horizontally to Nerti's right.  At this sight, Tsunami blinks in surprise when the young woman before her stops and places her armor-clad palm against the mark.  Feeling the heat eminating from it, fear fear starts to rise in Nerti's mind.}

Nerti:  What in the...?!

{Nerti spins to the mirror hanging on a nearby wall before she removes her hand and takes a step back as she sees the insignia glowing on her skin.  A chill shoots along her spine when she glances up to see the chosen symbols on Tenchi and Ryoko shine into existence.  She turns back around in confusion toward Tsunami.}

Nerti:  What is this, Lady Tsunami...?!

{Tsunami walks slowly toward her as she speaks with her soothing voice.}

Tsunami:  "These six will send the Creator of all this Blackness back into her place far away, ushering in a new time of peace for the galaxy through this battle..."  Six Warriors chosen by Fate to stop my sister from her purpose in this world...  You are one of them, Nerti Ro.

{Nerti's eyes blink and gaze at the floor while the gravity of Tsunami's words finally strike deep into her being.  The goddess places her hands on Nerti's shoulders, drawing the young woman's attention back.}

Tsunami:  You have shown a great strength of spirit to resist my sister's summons for so long.  Remember what Oniko taught you and that all you saw under Jezibel's power and as Liaens's tool.  Today, you will learn why that fate was chosen for you.

{Nerti glances down quietly in thought before she softly replies.}

Nerti:  I don't remember anything about what happened to me then...  I don't think I ever want to...

{The Juraian princess lifts the dark woman in white's chin and seriously corrects her.}

Tsunami:  You recognized the bonding ceremony...  Tokimi did the same to you...  You also remembered the techniques and philosophy by which Oniko trained you when Ayeka came here...

{The grey feline eyes widen in surprise at the goddess's knowledge of her while Tsunami concludes.}

Tsunami:  All your torment has made you a kind woman, Nerti, but deep within you, you have the potential to be far more.  The battle you wage today at your love's side will reveal that to you and free you from that torment forever.

{The blonde woman prepares to speak when the Juraian's hand takes Nerti's gently and places the ring forged from the goddess's Light Hawk Wing into the Pentinian's grip.  Nerti looks at the ring in confusion while Tsunami explains.}

Tsunami:  You saw me put a bracelet like this on Ryoko's wrist.  Those shields of light that were floating above Ryoko were what are known as Light Hawk Wings.  Originally, they were tools and weapons that only my sister, myself, and those like us could use, but some chosen bloodlines of mortals can as well.

{The young lady looks back to the goddess, listening intently.}

Tsunami:  I used my wings to create the Jurai Keys to allow the Jurai Royal Family to further control the power I gave to them.  That ring, Ryoko's bracelet, and a third gem I have embedded in Nagi's Key were created to help those who possess the dark power to control it as the Jurai do through the Keys.

{The holder of the dark power shakes her head and refuses the gift humbly.}

Nerti:  I can't accept this, Lady Tsunami...  I'm just a girl from Pentinon...  not a Juraian... not a Ryoan...  I don't even know how to use what Tokimi gave me, let alone this ring...  I'm not worthy of all this...

{Tsunami sighs and shakes her head.}

Tsunami:  You are so unlike your mother, Nerti.  Her pride knew no ends, but you have your father's humility.

{Nerti is taken aback at the reference to her true lineage.}

Nerti:  How did you...?!

{The soft skin of the goddess's finger touches against the girl's lips, silencing her questions.}

Tsunami:  Both of your parents are still part of you, Nerti, even if you deny one of them.  Never forget that.  The ring is yours, as is the power that resides within you.  It is your choice as to how to use them.

{Her finger is drawn back, allowing Nerti to nod while the black mark and white symbol fade away from her face.  The insignia on both Tenchi and Ryoko vanish along with Nerti's when Tsunami reminds her of her duty.}

Tsunami:  The others are waiting for you.  That is where you are needed now, not worrying whether or not you are worthy of the life given to you.  All are just actors given the script of this life, even Tokimi and myself.  However, each person can play their part as they see fit.

{Uneasy, the young woman nods again and replies while she slips the ring over her right ring finger, shining brightly for a moment.}

Nerti:  I understand, Lady Tsunami...

{She somberly looks back to the Juraian princess with a heartfelt question.}

Nerti:  When this is over... can I ask you about...?

{Tsunami nods.}

Tsunami:  I will give you all the information I can about Amelia Aelins.

{Nerti smiles slightly and hopefully at the prospect.}

Nerti:  Thank you...

{She bows to the eternal being before turning to leave when Tsunami calls to her once more.}

Tsunami:  Remember also, Nerti.

{Nerti looks back to the genuine smile on the goddess's face.}

Tsunami:  The love you have for him is the same as your mother's for your father.

{She is struck by that notion but holds her reaction within herself, answering with a simple nod before turning into the corridor.  Once Nerti has left, Tsunami still gazes out through the doorway, more gravely in serious thought.}

Tsunami:  That white blade symbol... It was only half of the Mark of the Negative One...  Why would she have only half...?

{While the goddess ponders Nerti's fate, the daughter of Aelins walks slowly through the empty corridor, looking down at the silver ring around her finger.  Uneasy and doubtful thoughts fly through her mind as she tries to apply reason to her situation.}

Nerti:  One of the six to challenge Tokimi herself...  I can't do that...  I can't even control the power inside me, let alone this ring...  I'd probably fall under her power like Princess Ayeka did...

{In the depths of her memory, Oniko's voice speaks to Nerti as a teacher to a student.}

Oniko:  Confidence is the wind which blows on the fire...  Too little, and the flame will fall silent and smolder...  Too much, and it will blow out...  You must know your limits and live on the peak of your skill always to improve...

{She stops in the hallway when an image appears within her consciousness of a pillared chamber onboard Liaens's vessel from the past.  The clashing of blades echos against the stone and metal of the room as Nerti now sees the blazing red of Oniko's fire uniform and the pearl white of her own armor darting between the pillars.  On her sensei's lips, a pleased grin reflects back at the empty expression on his student as she rams her Rho Scythe against his star spear.  The two weapons grind against each other while Nerti's strength pushes opposite Oniko's.  Then, his joy fades into a somber silence when he looks deep into her grey eyes, edged by Jezibel's emerald control.  A tear rolls down her face before the scene vanishes once more into Nerti's memory, leaving her standing in the MiB passage with fresh tears upon her cheeks.  She closes her hand and wraps her other hand around her fist as she pulls them to her chest.  Her head angles down slightly when a weak yet thankful grin crosses her lips.}

Nerti:  Thank you... sensei...  I do remember...  I'm sorry...

{A gentle strength grips her shoulder, breaking her from her memory as she looks up to find the one holding her, Will Pii.  With his visor up, she can see his brown eyes glazing back into her feline irises with concern while his red armor reflects the dim light around them.}

Pii:  Sorry I'm late.  Nerti, are you...?

{Before he can even finish the sentence, Nerti encircles him with her arms and holds him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder.  He places his arms around her, patting her back softly as he whispers into her ear.}

Pii:  It's alright...  What's wrong...?

{She shakes her head before she answers him quietly.}

Nerti:  Just hold me...  Don't let go...

{His palm runs over the golden locks of her hair while his soothing words speak to her.}

Pii:  I won't...  I promise...

{The two stand together, holding one another in love's warmth, Nerti's tears dripping onto the metal around Pii.  He eases Nerti away slightly and wipes away her tears while a passionate determination burns behind his gaze.}

Pii:  That's why we need to fight now... to keep that promise...

{Her eyes droop solemnly as she nods in agreement, though her speech grows doubtful.}

Nerti:  I know...  I'm just worried that something will happen when we do...  Look at the princess and Nagi...

{Pii nods when he raises her chin with his knuckles to meet her gaze once again.}

Pii:  There's always that chance... but I'd take that chance over doing nothing...

{He raises his hand to softly touch her cheek as he closes the small gap between them and kisses her on the lips.  She closes her eyes while the kiss envelops her, reciprocating his affection equally with her own.  Between them, the outside world ceases to exist when the scene fades from the isolated corridor to Zed's briefing room high above the INS department of the complex.  Within the chamber, Zed sits across his desk from the remaining resistance to the dark goddess's whims:  Yosho, Washu, Kiyone, Mihoshi, Azaka, J, K, Angelbane, and Cassandra.  Although his hakama and training hide his movements and emotions, Azaka's muscles can be seen to be tense while his gaze rageful and angry.  In varied fashions, this stress is reflected in the appearance and expression of each member in attendence.  With his arms folded, Yosho's stern gaze lays on Zed coldly while Washu's sweat-laden brow and grease-covered clothes are a testament to her efforts.  Kiyone's arm is free of the sling which held it as it healed, though the red visor across her eyes hides some of the desire for revenge.  Mihoshi loyally stands at her partner's side, a similar look in her eye from the memory of Mitsuki's death.  J and K mirror their GP counterparts', though much more visibly anxious to act in the drumming of their fingers.  Angelbane and Cassandra stand hand in hand silently, listening to the conversation in the room and holding back their memories on the happenings.  The door opens as Pii and Nerti step inside when Zed stands from his chair and speaks with the duo impatiently.}

Zed:  About time you two got here.

{Nerti bows apologetically and starts to explain herself.}

Nerti:  I'm sorry.  We just wanted to look in on Tenchi and Ryoko before...

{The chief agent interrupts her gruffly, to which Pii lowers his visor with a displeased expression.}

Zed:  We don't have time for you to go off on your own to "look in on" anyone.  We have a major offensive to mount here, not some schoolyard spat.

{Pii steps forward preparing to release his irritated words on Zed when Yosho speaks to the old agent, and to Pii as well.}

Yosho:  That's enough.

{All in the room turn to the rightful Juraian ruler as he looks upon the assemblage gravely.}

Yosho:  Everyone here is on edge, not only from what happened to Nagi and Kamidake, but to Ayeka as well.

{He turns to Nerti kindly and nods to her.}

Yosho:  I thank you for checking in on my grandson and his love, Ms Ro, but we all need you now.  They will be alright for the time being.

{She bows respectfully to the prince as she replies.}

Nerti:  I understand, sir.

{He glances to Pii and addresses him next.}

Yosho:  And, thank you as well, Mr Pii for your friendship with Tenchi, but you should keep yourself calm.  We don't have time for fighting amongst ourselves.

{The young Terran nods with a sigh, realizing the wisdom in the royal's words.}

Pii:  Yes, sir.

{Then, the Juraian turns to Zed with a mild glare in his eyes towards the MiB leader.}

Yosho:  As for you, I realize that the secret of your organization is now gone, but even you don't have the privilege to take that anger out on any of us.  No one could have foreseen any of this happening, not even you.

{Displeasure crosses Zed's face in reaction to Yosho's scolding, though he is answer is silence as he knows the truth of the prince's statements.  The Juraian then faces the rest of the group and questions them.}

Yosho:  Are all of you ready and know your objectives?

{Kiyone and Mihoshi nod in reply, determined and focused, the flightsuits unable to hide their want of vengeance.}

Kiyone:  Mihoshi and I are with J and K in Yagami and Mitsuki's ship, drawing Tokimi's attention away from Funaho.

{J agrees, as does K, in the same demeanor as their GP colleagues behind their black and white combat uniforms.}

J:  Yeah, GP and MiB have a score to settle with her.

K:  Right.

{Azaka does not lift his gaze from the ground as he continues, the stress in his voice enough to demonstrate his inner turmoil.}

Azaka:  While you, Lord Yosho, command Funaho, I will focus my energy to attack the dark goddess... as we did before.

{Yosho places his hand on Azaka's shoulder supportively, drawing the knight's attention to the prince's solemn expression of empathy.  He whispers quietly as to not allow others to hear his words}

Yosho:  Both Kamidake and Nagi are strong...  They will survive...  Don't lose your focus for their sakes...

{The blue knight nods slowly while he grimaces to hold back his vengeful desire for his partner's and Nagi's injuries.  Washu wipes her forehead with the sleeve of her ruffed shirt beneath the violet overshirt and adds her part in this plan.}

Washu:  While all of you keep her busy, I'll target the Jurai Cannon and await your signal to fire.  I've been tweeking what I could on the cannon itself to improve the power output, but there's nothing more that can be physically changed to generate more force.  Again, this beam won't finish her in one shot, but it should weaken her substantially and give you a window of opportunity.

{She turns to Pii and Nerti as the young Terran continues.}

Pii:  That's where Nerti and I come in.  We took the anti-NVO powercells from some of the weapon systems on the ships to design a energy field to hold Tokimi prisoner until we can decide what to do with her.

{The young blonde woman enters and concludes the scheme.}

Nerti:  Hopefully, we can do as Lady Tsunami said and simply irradiate Ryoshu's body with Jurai Power to exorcise Tokimi.  Otherwise, her physical body must be completely destroyed.

{Yosho nods.}

Yosho:  Given the circumstances, either would be preferable to what would await us if she survived, and I believe both Ryoko or Nagi would agree that this has to be done.

{The attendants concur with him before he turns to Angelbane and speaks with him.}

Yosho:  And, if this fails...

{The eternal man quietly responds gravely to the question.}

Angelbane:  I'll intervene to challenge the weakened goddess myself.

{The prince turns to the others with a little more confidence.}

Yosho:  Let's make sure it doesn't come to that.  We haven't time to lose.  Tokimi should still be feeling the effects of her duel with Nagi and Kamidake.  If we act fast, we might have a better chance.

{J yells out and punches his fist into the air.}

J:  Then, let's go kick her ass!!

{A cry of battle arises from the group while Angelbane watches them, seemingly apart from the situation.  His thoughts consume him as he looks at the people around him until his gaze comes to rest on Pii and Nerti, hand in hand and set on their mission.  His previous stern words to the young Terran float through his mind while he thinks about the near future.}

Angelbane:  One day, you will understand...  After you've suffered the losses and pain that we have, Will, then you will understand what I'm saying to you now.  Your youth and passion have always been a strength for you, but they can be blinders to you.  I fear you might realize this all too soon.

{He sighs as his whisper reiterates this fact.}

Angelbane:  Far too soon...

End Scene 1

--

Light flows...                     As light flows through space
Therefore does the darkness...     So does your soul through your work.
And, I flow with that darkness...  You love all and hate no one
For I am...!                       Because you are loved by all.

                        Evil Pii & My Nerti Ro

Author of *Dark Energy Trilogy* and others at http://evilpii.dorm4.org/

Loyal Subject to Princess Ayeka and Her AFC Court

Rival to Lady Nagi and Her Hunter's Guild


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