Inheritance - Act 7 Scenes 3-4

Scene 3 – Daughters of Jurai

{Water babbles through the channels of Ryu-Oh's deck-plates.  The central tree stands proudly in the center of the bridge, its branches lush with leaves.  An emerald orb appears before the great oak and soon fades to reveal Ayeka Jurai, clutching her skull.  The violet-tressed princess kneels on the deck, pleading to the entity in her mind.}

Ayeka:  Please... stop...!

{Behind her, a black figure arises from her shadow and looms over her, answering.}

Dark Entity:  Accept it, Jurai Ayeka.

{A shadowy hand rests on her shoulder and materializes a taloned glove, composed of seemingly white porcelain.  A wave of nausea invades the princess as the scent of burned flesh and soil overwhelm her senses.}

Dark Entity:  Over the past fourteen months, I have studied you from within.  I know your secrets, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

{She covers her mouth, doubling over as the creature's voice shifts to a familiar mockery of her own.}

Mock Ayeka:  How I loved Masaki Tenchi...  how jealous I was of Ryua Ryoko... how afraid I am of Jurai's power...

{The entity's voice shifts back to the booming masculine tone as it scoffs.}

Dark Entity:  Power to surpass a god... and you repeatedly refuse to use it...  You would rather rely on those little wooden blocks than unfurl your true glory, and take what you actually want.

{The being seems to kneel as its head-like formation nears her ear, whispering in Ayeka's voice.}

Mock Ayeka:  Don't worry.  I will show them for you.

{Ayeka's eyes open, shifting between grey and their natural amethyst coloring as her Mark of Rage grows along the sides of her face, extending another claw along each of her cheeks and one over her brow.  Tears roll down her cheeks, her head shaking while she cries out.}

Ayeka:  No!  Stop tormenting me!

{The crest of her tiara shines, resonating to her plea.  A wave of greenish light flashes outward and passes over the black being.  Its claw tenses, but its form remains whole as it shakes away the energy and speaks clearly again.}

Dark Entity:  That worked on Jurai, but I have grown since then.  That mere key alone will not contain me a second time.

{White porcelain lips materialize on its vague face, grinning widely as it becomes more whole.  However, a soft voice rises from Ryu-Oh's tree, serious and grave in its inflection, Sasami's words.}

Sasami:  Leave my sister alone.

{Both Ayeka and the creature turn to see the ten-year-old Juraian princess step out from behind the central tree.  Her pinkish eyes appear dark crimson in the low light while she glares coolly at the creature possessing her sister.  The entity smirks while Ayeka watches helplessly, whispering the girl's name.}

Dark Entity:  Ah, the other princess.  You watched as your sister killed Seia on Jurai.

{Sasami nods silently, shame consuming Ayeka's face while the girl approaches slowly.  The elder princess calls to her sister, waving her away.}

Ayeka:  Run, Sasami!

{Sasami halts before the creature and peers up to its head, where more of a porcelain mask materializes, enough to encompass an onyx right eye.  A fervor issues through the girl's words to the monster, certain and true.}

Sasami:  I will not tell you again.

Dark Entity:  Brave words, little princess.  Of all your sister taught you, she never did teach you to know your limits.

{The two triangular symbols on Sasami's forehead shine a brilliant emerald, causing the creature to recoil and retreat from the light.  The azure-tressed princess replies to her sister's foe.}

Sasami:  I know my limits.  You do not.

{As the entity tries to shield itself with its makeshift arms, Sasami kneels with her sister, who also cringes beneath the aura of her sibling.  The girl's hand rests on her elder sister's, but a green spark shoots between their hands, spurring Ayeka to pull away in pain.  Sadness fills Sasami's eyes as she hangs her head.}

Sasami:  I'm... I'm so sorry, sister...

{Softly, Ayeka responds, forcing the words through her lips.}

Ayeka:  … Why?  … This is my fault... my weakness...

{She holds her arms tighter, waves of cold and hot passing through her body between the Darkness and Light at war within her.  Sasami shakes her head, raising her eyes to gaze on her sister's tormented form.}

Sasami:  … I saw, and didn't act...

{Tears appear at the edges of Sasami's eyes and coast down her freckled cheeks, her sympathy raging within her heart.}

Sasami:  I... should have...

{Ayeka looks back up to her younger sister, shaking her head slowly with a forced grin.}

Ayeka:  There's nothing... that could be done...

{Sasami sobs as she quickly stands and shakes her head defiantly.}

Sasami:  No!  There is something that can be done!

{The little princess closes her eyes as the emblem on her forehead shifts to a pair of green discs.  Ayeka gasps in awe, her shifting eyes wide while her tiara shines harmoniously with Sasami's symbols.  The dark entity writhes, its screeches echoing aboard the ship.  Ryu-Oh's leaves shine and issue small beams of light, reflecting up around Ayeka, Sasami, and the creature.}

{Elsewhere in the MiB complex, Azaka races through the corridors toward the hangar containing Ryu-Oh.  Close behind him, Ryoko, Nagi, and the two cabbits follow at an equally quick pace, Ryoko running evenly with her half-sister.  From a side hallway, Yosho, Kamidake, and Pii emerge and join their party.  Nagi turns to the three arrivals, questioning them.}

Nagi:  What are you doing here?

{Kamidake answers, glancing quickly to her.}

Kamidake:  While we were meeting, there was an explosion in the infirmary.  We came to investigate, but Ms Washu advised us that Ryu-Oh's teleport system had been used.

{Pii glances over to the huntress, inquiring himself.}

Pii:  What the hell's going on?

{Ryoko answers, focused ahead.}

Ryoko:  It's Ayeka.

{Yosho, Kamidake, and Pii listen as the former pirate explains.}

Ryoko:  Some creature's latched onto her and started to control her.  That Tokimi bitch sent her to take me and Nagi.  Azaka got into her head and shook it a little loose, but that's when she teleported away.

{Worry crosses the face of the red knight, as well as the stoic gaze of the legendary prince.  Pii shakes his head, sympathetic.}

Pii:  I'm sorry to hear.  I know what it's like to see someone you know get controlled.  What's the plan?

{Azaka answers, his voice cool and calm.}

Azaka:  We have to contain her.  Then, we can concern ourselves with separating her from the beast within her.

{Yosho nods, agreeing when a ruffle arises from his gi.  The others turn back to him, all slowing to a stop.  Kamidake furrows his brows, asking.}

Kamidake:  What is it, Lord Yosho?

{From the great man's robes, the Tenchiken sword key floats up and hovers in the air above the group, its tsuba shimmering a deep violet.  Ryoko and Pii raise brows at the reaction when the staves of Azaka and Kamidake shine their respective colors, the headpieces rotating slowly.  Likewise, the crest of Nagi's hair-band glows purple and lifts away from her head.}

{Confused, Nagi watches her key drift to the sword, the two keys pulsing in sync with one another.  She reaches for it, but her hand impacts a field surrounding the two.  Yosho narrows his eyes, considering this while the two knights glance to one another.  Kamidake's gaze is dubious, but Azaka's is firm, as is his nod.  The elder man releases his staff to join the other two keys while Kamidake hesitates, unsure.  Nagi spins to the knights, her voice demanding.}

Nagi:  What's going on?  What is this?

{Azaka rests a hand on his partner's shoulder, talking softly.}

Azaka:  She needs them, Kamidake.

{The crimson knight concedes, releasing his staff to join the other three keys.  Soon, all four glow together, synchronized in their pulsing light.  A moment passes before they shine white as one and vanish from their masters.  Ryoko motions to where the keys vanished and asks her obvious question.}

Ryoko:  What was that all about?

{Nagi's hardened glare falls on Kamidake, who lowers his eyes.  He takes a breath to speak when Yosho speaks for him, gaining the attention of the others.}

Yosho:  Tokimi is the matron of Ryua, source of the dark power.

{He glances over Ryoko, Nagi, and Pii.}

Yosho:  Where does Jurai's power come from?

{A realization dawns on Pii, confusing him on some levels.}

Pii:  There's a similar figurehead for Jurai?

{Azaka motions ahead, worry in his voice.}

Azaka:  We should hurry.  If all the keys were necessary, this situation is far worse than expected.

{Yosho agrees, setting the group into motion again.  However, Nagi's eyes remain on the crimson knight, and also glance to his azure partner and Yosho as well, dubious about the trio.  Ryoko and Pii both hurry ahead, though the male hunter does consider this information and the situation.}

{Aboard Ryu-Oh, a burst of white light appears between Ayeka and Sasami, dimming to reveal the four keys retrieved from Nagi, Yosho, Azaka, and Kamidake.  Pulsing together with Sasami's emblem and Ayeka's tiara, the four keys drift around the elder princess:  Nagi's hair-band to her right, the knights' staves to her back, and the sword before her.  Sasami speaks softly, her voice more mature than her face would admit.}

Adult Sasami:  Rise, Princess Jurai Ayeka.

{Ayeka pushes herself to her feet, struggling with the conflict waging within her.  Yet, she steels herself with a deep breath, her eyes meeting those of her sister.  The dark creature writhes and calls out, screaming at the sisters.}

Dark Entity:  I will not be silenced!  This prison will not hold me indefinitely!  I will have you, Jurai Ayeka!

{Together, the five keys shine brightly, causing the dark entity's physical image to vanish in their brilliant light.  Nagi's hair-band encircles Ayeka's right arm, mirroring the loop on her left.  The knights' staves cross behind her back, Kamidake's adhering to Nagi's key and Azaka's to the existing loop.  Warmth issues through Ayeka, cleansing her and returning her eyes to their natural amethyst shade.  Similarly, her Mark of Rage reverts to its original one claw over each of her cheeks.}

{She takes a calming breath before her eyes turn to Tenchi's sword.  Again, Sasami speaks in her mature tone.}

Adult Sasami:  Accept your fate, daughter of Jurai.

{Calmly, Ayeka takes Tenchiken in her hand.  Immediately, it extends, reconfiguring itself to its naginata form seen when wielded by Achika Masaki against Kain.  The keys' light fades, leaving the elder princess equipped with all five keys of Jurai, and her mind free of the dark voice which had haunted her.}

{However, as the light fades from Sasami's brow, she stumbles.  Her sister rushes quickly and catches her in her arms.  The twin disc symbol reverts to the reflected triangles while the girl slowly recovers her breath.  Confusion and questions chase through Ayeka's mind regarding her sister when her younger sibling speaks, in her normal voice.}

Sasami:  This is... temporary...

{A gravity weighs on Ayeka's brow as she listens.}

Sasami:  He is growing...  The keys focus and amplify your power... but he will eventually surpass it...

{Her hand extends, and Ayeka takes it, feeling her weakened grip.}

Sasami:  We don't have much time...

{Concern filters into the elder princess's eyes for her sister as she shakes her head slowly.}

Ayeka:  How...?  How did you get so...?

{Sasami smiles gently.}

Sasami:  I love you, Ayeka...

{A grin crosses Ayeka's lips as she lightly kisses Sasami's forehead.}

Ayeka:  I love you too, Sasami...  Thank you...

{A screen appears before Ayeka, displaying the hangar around Ryu-Oh.  Specifically, the image is of the nearby deck where Ryoko, Nagi, Yosho, Pii, the knights, and cabbits emerge from the exit to the primary complex.  Gently, Ayeka lowers Sasami to the deck as she stands, a choice already made in her mind.  She glances to Ryu-Oh's tree, where the mighty plant replies to her unspoken command with chimes of white light.}

{Sasami starts to sit up when an emerald orb surrounds her.  She calls out to Ayeka, but the elder princess only watches sadly with solemn apology.}

Ayeka:  I'm sorry, sister.  I'm so sorry.

{Sasami vanishes from Ryu-Oh's deck and reappears between Ryoko and Nagi.  Both pause and turn to her, Ryoko kneeling with the crying girl as she screams her sister's name toward the Juraian ship nearby.  Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki hop in her lap, the former mewing sadly for her while the latter looks up to the wooden ship.}

{Ryu-Oh lifts up, her hull pressing against the upper doors of the hangar.  From her hull, several weapon ports open and fire on the bolts holding these shutters closed.  With one thrust, the Juraian vessel bursts out of the hangar and into the New York sky, flinging the doors aside on the surface.  Sasami's mature voice narrates retrospectively.}

Adult Sasami:  “In the fields, I saw a woman of the Light, brilliance burning through the ranks.  However, I could see a beast of Shadow at her side, clawing and snarling as the two fought.”


Scene 4 – The Princess's Battle

{In the moonlit twilight, the city of New York rests, the periodic siren breaking the low murmur of its nightlife.  However, a shadow looms over it as the Juraian tree-ship Ryu-Oh passes overhead.  Numerous citizens turn up and gawk at the extraterrestrial, wooden craft.  Those of the off-world variety also raise their eyes to the familiar ship, confused and puzzled by her overt appearance.}

{Searchlights shine down from the vessel, passing over the streets below while Ayeka Jurai stands calmly aboard her bridge.  Before her, several screens display the view of each scanning light, many times only showing confused and mesmerized Terrans staring back.  Her amethyst eyes glance between each monitor, hoping to find the spiked hair of Ryoshu below.}

{However, a beeping tone rises, interrupting her concentration.  Ryu-Oh chimes with filaments of light behind the princess, detailing the origin of the message.  With a reluctant sigh, she nods and responds verbally.}

Ayeka:  Let her speak.

{The scan windows slide aside when a new one opens for Ayeka, displaying Ryoko and Nagi aboard Ken-Ohki.  Atop Ryoko's shoulder is Ryo-Ohki, who blinks sadly at the princess.  While Nagi is cold and focused on her objective, Ryoko implores to her old Juraian rival.}

Ryoko:  What the hell are you doing, Ayeka?

{Coolly, the regal-tressed woman answers, her words deliberate and plain.}

Ayeka:  Penance, Ryoko, and hopefully redemption.

{Ryoko shakes her head, disbelieving the explanation.}

Ryoko:  That wasn't you!  We all know that!  This is stupid!

{Shame colors the face of the Juraian as she shakes her head.}

Ayeka:  … Some of it was from me, Ryoko... more than I'd like to admit.

{Outside, the crystalline Ohki craft flies to Ryu-Oh's flank.  Aboard Ken-Ohki's bridge, Nagi glances aside at the Juraian ship's hull, noting the retracted gun ports.  Ryoko continues arguing with Ayeka on the display before her.}

Ryoko:  So what?  I've thought a lot of bad things about you too over the years!  And, I still think you're a stuck up princess half the time!

{Ayeka closes her eyes while Ryoko takes a heavy breath and continues.}

Ryoko:  But, you're not all the time.  Most of the time, you follow the rules...

{She then glances knowingly to the princess.}

Ryoko:  … even when they don't let you have what you really want.  Right?

{With a soft smile on her face, Ayeka meets the gaze of the former pirate.}

Ayeka:  You always did speak your mind, Ryoko.  I always did admire it, even when it infuriated me.

{Sadly, she adds.}

Ayeka:  Maybe that's why he chose you.

{Ryoko's heart twists as she shakes her head, denying the other woman.}

Ryoko:  This isn't about that!

Ayeka:  I know it isn't.

{Settled and sure, Ayeka explains.}

Ayeka:  This creature within me is only temporarily imprisoned by the keys.  They augment my power to resist its influence.  As such, I intend to use that power to combat this “Tokimi”.  It is possible that I might overcome her.

{Ryoko glances at the floor for a moment, considering this.}

Ayeka:  Even if I don't, at least this creature should die with me.

{The Ryoan woman gathers her fists and yells back at the princess, surprising her.}

Ryoko:  You stupid bitch!  Listen to yourself!

{Ayeka looks aside somberly.}

Ryoko:  You think you're alone in this?!  That thing out there is passing itself off as my mother for God's sake!  You think I'm not pissed?!

{Ayeka nods slowly.}

Ayeka:  I know you are.

{Ryoko readies to roar her defiance again when Nagi speaks icily to the regal lady.}

Nagi:  What about your sister?

{The amethyst eyes rise to meet the crimson gaze of the huntress, grave and true.}

Nagi:  Would you leave her without family?

{Ayeka takes a sharp breath as a pain ripples through her heart.}

Ayeka:  … Don't.

{Nagi, however, remains adamant.}

Nagi:  I've lived that life, princess.  Would you leave her...?

{The regal-tressed woman interrupts again, her voice more forceful.}

Ayeka:  Don't bring Sasami into this.

{Ryoko joins Nagi, adding clearly.}

Ryoko:  She's right.  She's with Tenchi's grandpa and the knights, but she needs you, her sister.

{The huntress glances to her half-sister, considering her words when on both ships, a notice appears to each pilot.  Outside, two more vessels crest over the horizon, Pii's Caroki fighter and the Grey saucer salvaged by the MiB.  Before Ayeka and Nagi, displays open, one with J's face and the other with Pii's.  Nagi glares at the other bounty hunter.}

Nagi:  What are you doing here?

{Pii motions toward Ryu-Oh and answers.}

Pii:  Ryoan and Juraian ships might be matched, but we want to take her without trouble.

{J concurs.}

J:  Yeah, you two have caused enough ruckus already just flying over.

{Ayeka shakes her head.}

Ayeka:  I will not return yet.  I...

{An alarm sounds aboard Ryu-Oh.  The princess spins toward a monitor highlighted in the brightest scarlet.  There, all her spotlights gather and illuminate the form of Ryoshu Ryua below, again garbed in the red evening gown from hours before.  Surprised, Ayeka announces this to the others.}

Ayeka:  There she is!

{The other ships quickly ascertain her position as well on the streets below.  A shiver shoots down Ryoko's spine, seeing the vision of her mother again.  Nagi pauses, the face and figure conjuring a familiarity in her deepest heart.  Aboard the saucer, J glares down at the Ryoan woman and motions to K' at the ship's controls.  The younger agent nods while on Caroki, Pii's brows furrow, a little underwhelmed.  However, all hear Ayeka's single, unequivocal order.}

Ayeka:  Open fire with all weapons!

{Across Ryu-Oh's hull, gun ports slide open and target the Ryoan woman below.  Similarly, the saucer turns to bear its pseudo-Jurai weaponry as well.  Ken-Ohki and Caroki hover nearby, the three aboard watching the barrage of emerald bolts flying down into the Manhattan cityscape.}

{Below, Ryoshu observes the coming rain of energy before she fades away, reappearing in the air before all four ships.  Alerts sound on each craft while the Ryoan woman eyes Ken-Ohki in particular.  To herself, she comments.}

Ryoshu:  Not at all my expectation, but it is sufficient.

{The green Mark of Rage grows along her chest, neck, and cheeks while her eyes shift to their red and blue coloration.  Her hands rise before her, and with a flick of her wrists, walls of force slam into both Ryu-Oh and the saucer.  Alarms scream on both vessels while K' tries to regain control of his craft.  Similarly, Ayeka steadies herself, her tiara burning a bright emerald as she mentally instructs Ryu-Oh.}

{Nevertheless, both crash into a pair of tall towers in downtown New York, embedding into each.  On Ryu-Oh, Ayeka pushes herself back to her feet, her eyes watching the flickering image of Ryoshu hovering a distance away.  However, a sickening lurch of the deck robs her attention from the Ryoan woman.}

{Aboard the saucer, sparks shoot from broken conduits while J shakes off the impact, strapped in his chair.  K' holds his head and gathers his wits when like Ryu-Oh, a sudden shift of the machine around them signals a coming doom.  Both grip their seats when the shift quickly becomes a tumbling fall.  Similarly, Ayeka surrounds herself with a defensive barrier as the deck below her falls.}

{Outside, the twin towers shake and collapse, both shattering concrete, glass, and steel to plummet toward the street below, as well as the cars and people there.  In several of the adjacent buildings, people spin toward their windows, horrified as waves of debris collapse downward, burying both Ryu-Oh and the saucer in mounds of rumble.  Dust consumes the streets, choking New York's business district of the pale moonlight above, as well as air.}

{Ryoko, Nagi, and Pii witness this, but the Terran hunter quickly spins his own weapons to bear on Ryoshu.  However, the woman vanishes, reappearing aboard Caroki's bow.  Kneeling, she rests a hand on the ship's hull.  A black flame rises from her touch and quickly envelopes the Pentinian craft.  Pii pulls at his controls with no response as he curses, recognizing the fire.}

Pii:  Dammit!  Not again!

{The flames completely consume the ship and then dissipate, the craft now removed from action.  Ryoshu turns toward Ken-Ohki while aboard the Ryoan craft, Ryoko spins to Nagi and motions toward the enemy, demanding.}

Ryoko:  Nagi!  Open fire!

{However, the huntress hesitates, her crimson eyes in disbelief at the woman hovering before her ship.  Ryoshu vanishes, reappearing immediately on the crystalline deck in front of the two sisters.  Ryoko takes a fast step back, assuming a defensive posture.  Ryo-Ohki hops to the deck, hissing at the elder Ryoan woman.  Nagi's eyes widen at the embodiment of her mother standing now with her.  Speechless, she swallows dryly while Ryoko calls to her again.}

Ryoko:  Don't just stand there!

{However, the green marks and eyes coloration leave Ryoshu's face, leaving her the same beautiful woman that gave birth to these two daughters.  She shakes her head, those blue eyes meeting the crimson of Nagi's.}

Ryoshu:  You have nothing to fear, my daughter.

{The shock soon leaves the eyes of the huntress as she draws her rapier and whip.  Cautiously, she slides back defensively, replying.}

Nagi:  Stay where you are.

{Ryoshu sighs somberly.}

Ryoshu:  What has your sister told you?

Nagi:  She's said more than enough.

{The maternal figure opens her arms to her younger daughter, her voice soft and kind.}

Ryoshu:  My dear Nagi, I am not some monster to be feared.  I am your mother... and far more.

{Ryoshu advances a step when the huntress swipes with her blade.  However, the Ryoan woman catches the blade with her left hand, the taloned glove appearing to protect her hand.  Surprised, Nagi pulls at the weapon but finds the grip firm as the female chorus fills Ryoshu's voice.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Your father's teaching, I see.

{A cold expression filters through the being's face as her evening gown is replaced by the violet gloves and wardrobe from her earlier combative encounters.  The green marks and eye coloration reappear as she reveals her more conspicuous attire.  Nagi snaps her whip at the entity holding her sword, but it is immediately deflected by a spherical barrier around her target.  With a heavy sigh, Ryoshu-Tokimi shakes her head.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  … Pity that I left you with him.

{Nagi glares at this insult as she depresses the trigger of her sword's laser weapon.  The beam emerges from the tip of her rapier and ricochets off another barrier protecting the enemy's chest.  With a sadness in her choral voice, Ryoshu-Tokimi inquires of her offspring.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Do you hate me so much?

{Before Nagi can answer, Ryoko replies in her stead.}

Ryoko:  I certainly hate your ass, you fake bitch!

{Both turn toward Ryoko as she calls down to Ryo-Ohki.}

Ryoko:  Give her everything you've got!

{Ryoshu-Tokimi releases Nagi's sword for the huntress to slide away while Ryo-Ohki hops into the air.  She quickly assumes her crystalline aspect, becoming a single, rhomboid gemstone.  Hissing angrily, the cabbit burns a bright scarlet before unleashing a wave of ruby light on Ryoshu-Tokimi.}

{However, the being stands firm, the blast splashing against her defensive barrier.  Nagi glares at this and calls to her companion.}

Nagi:  Help her, Ken-Ohki!

{The white ship around them gathers his four gemstones from around the bridge to point at Ryoshu-Tokimi also.  Together, they assault the Ryoan woman much like Ryo-Ohki, though more disperse.  Still, they have no effect, bombarding only a protective field.}

{Nagi watches this, her brows furrowing in thought as well as some amazement.  From the ruby fire, Ryoshu-Tokimi's icy words call out to the two Ohkis.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Be silent, conduits.

{At this, both attacks suddenly terminate, the crystals moving away from the Ryoan woman.  Both Ryoko and Nagi are taken aback as the gems obediently comply.  However, on the deck nearby, the furry humanoid forms of Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki appear.  Ryo-Ohki kneels in seiza while Ken-Ohki has taken a knee.  Yet, both visibly resist, trying to move from this submissive posture.}

{Ryoshu-Tokimi turns to the two sisters and glares at them, her cold expression clearly displeased.  Her talons rise toward Nagi as she speaks.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  You disappoint me, just like your sister.

{Crimson lashes emerge from her talons, snapping around Nagi while Ryoko rushes to her sibling's side.  The bonds scald the huntress's skin, though she remains standing, willing herself through the pain.  Ryoko grabs at the cables but is tossed back by a concussive force within the restraints.  She recovers quickly a few meters away, watching Nagi struggle but take a knee under the attack.}

{However, Ryoshu-Tokimi also furrows her brows, confused herself.  She questions herself, unsure.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  What is this?  Your Ryoan energies... refuse to leave your body?

{Ryoko calls out to her, demanding.}

Ryoko:  Leave her alone, you damned bitch!!

{The powerful being glances to Ryoko, a somber gaze in her eyes.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  I hardly desire to see either of you in pain.

{She flicks her wrist, the cables releasing Nagi.  Ryoko hurries back to her side while she recovers.  However, outside, another figure appears in the sky before Ken-Ohki.  Clad in her pinkish combat uniform and the five keys of Jurai, Ayeka floats in the sky, a few of her mini-guardians aiding her to hover.  Ryoshu-Tokimi glances toward the princess, irritation in her eyes.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  It seems he is caged better than I expected.

{While she is distracted, the yellow gem in Ken-Ohki's forehead shines brightly.  He bares his teeth as a violet orb encases Ryoshu-Tokimi.  She glances back in time to see herself vanish from the Ryoan bridge and reappear outside near Ayeka.  The Ryoan woman turns back to the crystalline starship while aboard, Ryoko's eyes center on her mother's image.  Nagi takes a deep breath while her sibling quickly requests.}

Ryoko:  Get us the hell out here, Nagi!

{Nagi nods glancing to Ken-Ohki's image.  Immediately, the Ohki ship darts away over the horizon, leaving Ryoshu-Tokimi with the Juraian princess.  Settling the extended Tenchiken before herself, Ayeka takes a calming breath, the arcing blue blade extending from the violet guard of the weapon.  Her eyes center on her enemy, who speaks coldly to her and without turning to face her.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  You served your purpose, Jurai Ayeka.

{The princess's eyes glare angrily at the dark being.}

Ayeka:  Not until I see you fall, “Tokimi”.

{A brow rises on the Ryoan woman's face as she glances back to the Juraian lady.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Interesting.  Not only do you cage him with those keys, but you challenge me as well?

{Tenchiken's edge lowers to aim toward Ryoshu-Tokimi as Ayeka readies herself.  The powerful entity faces the mortal, extending an open palm at her side.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Sister has been busy.

{Gravely, Ayeka leaves one question.}

Ayeka:  I ask this only once.  Will you remove this creature from me and leave us in peace, all of us?

{Ryoshu-Tokimi considers the princess.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Unlike Jurai Kagato, you were a mistake, young princess.  The entity within you was meant to guide my elder daughter, not corrupt you.

{Her eyes narrow, a thought coming to her mind.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  However, I see potential in this marriage of Darkness and Light.

{Steeling herself, Ayeka tightens her grip on the great sword and takes a calming breath.}

Ayeka:  Then, defend yourself, Matron of Ryua.

{Suddenly, Ayeka draws the weapon back and darts at Ryoshu-Tokimi, the blade swinging at the woman's center of mass.}

{Elsewhere, Sasami stands aboard the bridge of Funaho, facing the grand tree at the ship's heart.  With her, Yosho, Azaka, and Kamidake are gathered as a rain of light rays shroud them all from Funaho's leaves.  The legendary prince's glasses shine brightly with reflected light while he comments.}

Yosho:  Then, it was you who saved Jurai during the reunion, as well as protected us when Liaens's weapon fired.

{Sasami nods gently, resting a hand on Funaho's trunk.  He continues, glancing to her touch on the mighty plant.}

Yosho:  You also brought back both Funaho and Ryu-Oh from their rest in the Earth's soil.

{She glances down, the symbol on her forehead glowing gently.}

Sasami:  I... am connected to them both...

{Azaka steps forward, adding.}

Azaka:  Even the ghost child in the dead sea of Sargasso reacted to your spirit, my Lady.

{The girl smiles softly and glances toward the azure knight, a kind expression on her face.}

Sasami:  You know me better than most, Juraiko Azaka.  You need not address me so formally.  You know well my name.

{He nods, acknowledging this while Kamidake furrows his brows, considering the reality before him.}

Kamidake:  Then, we do truly face the Matron of Ryua, here on Earth?

{A sadness crosses Sasami's eyes as she answers.}

Sasami:  Evidently...

{She turns her attention to Funaho's shimmering leaves as she continues.}

Sasami:  However, I can no longer wait for the situation to solve itself.

{Yosho somberly utters his own thought.}

Yosho:  For Ayeka...

{Sasami takes a breath and remains silent for a moment before she levels her eyes to the tree.}

Sasami:  … I made a promise to my sister...

{Her eyes close as she adds.}

Sasami:  … one I hope I do not need to break.

{The symbol on her forehead shifts to the two disc logo she has evoked previously, her voice mixing with its mature variant.}

Sasami-?:  Be prepared.  You will be needed just as I am.

{A brilliant white light emblazons itself upon Funaho's trunk, outlining a great torrent that wraps like wings around the great tree.  The men shield their eyes, looking away as Sasami's figure is lost in the light surrounding her.  Behind her, ten arcs cut through the air around her and widen into shields, seeming to crack reality itself.  These, her Light Hawk Wings, furl around her as her feet lift from the ground.}

{Within the MiB headquarters, a display suddenly opens before Washu.  Her green eyes slide to it with furrowed brows while Zed and Nerti turn to her.  The Terran agent addresses her, a brow rising.}

Zed:  A problem, Dr Hakubi?

{Washu quickly tacks away at her phantom keyboard, explaining as she does.}

Washu:  There's a huge spike of Jurai energy coming from your hangar.

{Nerti glances over to the screen herself, curious.}

Nerti:  Where is it coming from?

{Washu's right hand slips away to a side panel, entering a code that displays a window with a diagram of MiB headquarters.  Specifically, it zooms immediately to the hangar level, Funaho's dock.  Zed folds his arms.}

Zed:  That's not overly surprising.  Funaho is a Juraian ship.

{Washu pauses typing and glances over to him, a mildly insulted look on her face.  She rotates the display toward him.  Upon the screen, a bar graph displays various ambient energies at low levels, but two large spikes:  Jurai and NVO.  The agent is taken aback, as is Nerti.}

Washu:  Whatever's going on in there, it's on the same scale as our Tokimi problem outside.

{Zed eyes Washu knowingly.}

Zed:  Didn't Yosho and the two knights remain behind?

{Washu stands and turns toward the door, a determination in her words.}

Washu:  I'm sick of this.  I'm going to find out what's going on.

{Her screens and displays vanish when Nerti stands also.}

Nerti:  I'll go with you.

{Impatiently, the researcher agrees before Zed calls to her.}

Zed:  Will you be ready in time?

{Washu pauses at the door, Nerti soon joining her side, as she answers.}

Washu:  Of course.  The cannon...

{A window opens to her left, stealing her attention as well as her breath when she reads the message.  Zed narrows his eyes at her.}

Zed:  Another problem?

{She glances back to him, Nerti stealing a look at the screen herself.  The blonde is taken aback by the text, memories returning of the red and blue eyes consuming her own.}

Washu:  Kagato's sword key has just vanished from the pocket dimension I sealed it in.

{Zed's brows pop up at this while Nerti settles her heart, gripping her hand at her side.}

{In downtown New York, Ayeka flies backward and smashes into the concrete wall of a nearby building.  The breath is knocked from her lungs as she falls from her imprint in the stone, catching herself on her feet and Tenchiken's elongated hilt.  Opposite her, Ryoshu-Tokimi drifts down from the sky, Kagato's dark sword in her hand.  The vile weapon's guard is open and blazing its broadsword blade in a black, edged by crimson.}

{Ayeka rises to her feet again, her amethyst eyes falling on the dark sword in her enemy's hand.  The dark being watches her patiently, commenting.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Submission would be far easier.

{The princess gnashes her teeth as she thrusts with the naginata-like Tenchiken, Ryoshu-Tokimi knocking it aside with Kagato's blade.  With a glance from her purplish eyes, Azaka's staff charges its headpiece at Ayeka's unspoken command.  A blue bolt of Jurai energy flies at Ryoan woman, who pauses and summons a scarlet barrier before her.}

{However, the azure charge tears through this, forcing the dark lady to slide aside.  Still, the energy pulse catches the edge of her right cheek, scorching her fair flesh.  She steps back, raising a taloned hand to her marred skin, surprised by the force sent at her.}

{Yet, Ayeka turns her blue blade at Ryoshu-Tokimi once again.  The Ryoan glares hatefully at the Juraian and swipes the sword at her, issuing forth a black crescent from the blade's edge.  The princess steps back, raising her weapon.  Together, her tiara and Nagi's hair-band shine a deep violet, summoning an azure barrier around Ayeka.  The crescent smashes into the barrier, dissipating as it coasts over the surface.}

{Ryoshu-Tokimi vanishes from sight, reappearing just behind Ayeka's left.  Her regal claws slash into the princess's barrier, tearing through the blue light and into her arm.  The dark lady shreds the loop around her shoulder and draws her blood.  The Juraian cries out as she spins, swinging the blue blade at her attacker.}

{Again, the Ryoan teleports behind Ayeka, but the princess immediately glances back, Kamidake's staff charging its headpiece.  Ryoshu-Tokimi sneers as she fades away, the crimson light of the knight's weapon flying into the distant sky unimpeded.}

{Above the princess, her enemy reappears, Kagato's blade pointed down toward her.  The whoosh of passing air catches Ayeka's attention.  Quickly, her mini-guardians appear around Ryoshu-Tokimi and ignite their Juraian field.  The dark woman hisses and swipes the black blade before her, not only cutting through Ayeka's little log units, but also sending another wave of dark power down at her.}

{The Juraian glances up with a gasp before she kicks forward, a few mini-guardians appearing around her to grant her levitation.  The black wave cuts into the asphalt and concrete below them while Ryoshu-Tokimi drifts down to the ground, her heated gaze set on Ayeka.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Each strike weakens the cage around him, child.

{The princess spins back to face her enemy, holding her wounded arm close.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Your fate is inevitable.

{The Juraian retorts.}

Ayeka:  Not if I fall, or you in my stead.

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  You overestimate your weapons, and yourself.

{A tear rolls down Ayeka's cheek as she shakes her head, a somber determination set in her eyes.}

Ayeka:  … I will not be Kagato reborn...

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  You will not be a conqueror, girl.

{Coldly, her crimson and azure eyes meet the amethyst of Ayeka's.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  You will be a destroyer.

{Her eyes close as she swallows dryly, nodding.}

Ayeka:  So be it...

{She holds Tenchiken tightly, forcing her left arm to clasp the weapon as her mini-guardians appear around her.  As each chimes into existence, the five keys around her glow emerald, brighter with each appearance.  The blue blade grows and flares a brilliant azure, assuming a squall's swirl as it arcs for its current mistress.}

{Ryoshu-Tokimi watches, her brows furrowing while the princess opens her eyes and nods again.  Her eyes raise to meet those of her enemy as the tears flows down her cheeks, gravity weighing heavily in them.}

Ayeka:  Forgive me, Sasami...

{Ayeka leans forward slightly just before she rushes forward, her blade leading the way and power accumulating in the two staves.  Ryoshu-Tokimi scowls, raising her free hand at her side as the emerald and blue power approach.}

{Aboard Funaho, the encompassing white light fades, allowing Yosho and the two knights to see the figure of a young woman, no less than twenty kneeling before the central tree.  Around her, a cascade of fine blue hair flows over her naked form.  Yosho blinks at her in surprise while Azaka and Kamidake both immediately take a knee in respectful servitude to her.}

{The woman raises her face to Funaho's tree, the two green discs upon her forehead shimmering gently.  Her rosy eyes open as she speaks, Sasami's adult voice.}

Adult Sasami:  Thank you.

{Around her, ten Light Hawk Wings crack open, their gentle white glow and bladed shape defending their mistress.  Together, they wrap around her and take the shape of a gorgeously embroidered white kimono.  Taking distinctly from an ancient Juraian style, the leaf motifs and water imagery shroud the young maiden.  Her hair is also tied and styled into two ponytails flowing down behind her, easily to her heels.}

{She turns to face the legendary men as Azaka speaks softly.}

Azaka:  Welcome back to us, our Lady of Mystery.

{Kamidake echoes him.}

Kamidake:  Goddess of Jurai, Lady Tsunami.

{Tsunami glances down to the two knights and answers them, her voice quite mortal and regal, mirroring Ayeka a great deal.}

Tsunami:  Rise, Azaka and Kamidake.  We have much to do.

{Her serious eyes meet Yosho's as she continues.}

Tsunami:  We must act swiftly...

{On the streets of Manhattan, the five keys of Jurai lay scattered along the broken asphalt of Times Square, each losing its emerald glow.  Nearby, Ayeka lies motionless, bloody cuts along her left arm, right cheek, and abdomen.  Her breathing is slow and labored as above her, Ryoshu-Tokimi steps forward, Kagato's sword burning loyally at her side.  Tsunami's voice explains.}

Tsunami:  … lest we lose more for whom we hold so dear.

{The dark woman's eyes pan toward the keys as they all pulse white and vanish.  She comments to herself, her gaze narrow.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Welcome, Sister.

{She kneels next to Ayeka while the princess's eyes open weakly.  Coldly, the dark lady rests her hand over the Juraian's eyes, whispering.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Arise, my dark princess.

{Ayeka stiffens as a wave of black passes over her, shifting her pinkish combat uniform to black and grey hues.  Her mouth opens in a silent scream as an onyx fire appears in her hands, the corruption of her power now complete.  Ryoshu-Tokimi stands, her hand leaving the steady grey gaze of the twisted princess, Dark Ayeka.}

{She pushes herself to her feet, extinguishing the power in her hands as she turns to the Ryoan woman.  Pointing into the distance, Ryoshu-Tokimi issues her command.}

Ryoshu-Tokimi:  Occupy them while I handle my daughters.

{Dark Ayeka bows respectfully before she faces the indicated direction.  Her eyes narrow as her feet lift from the ground.  Ryoshu-Tokimi opens her hand, a Light Hawk Wing appearing over her palm.  Her claws close around it, the extra-dimensional construct molding itself to her will into a Juraian-like key.  Specifically, this device is grey in color, much like Kagato's sword key, but thorned with a bladed crest upon its apex, a second tiara.  Gently, the Ryoan sets this upon Dark Ayeka's brow, a mild grin crossing the princess's lips.}

{Without another word, the Juraian darts into the distance while Ryoshu-Tokimi looks to the side, the direction Ken-Ohki followed.  She vanishes from sight, leaving the destruction of downtown New York behind.}