Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Ah My Tsunami Muyo! - The Human Sphere Saga ❯ Part Six - The Pillars that Sunder Open the Gates ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

'Love transforms; it simultaneously makes us larger and limits and limits our possibilities. It changes our history even as it breaks a new path through the present.'
 
~ Michael Dorrius
 
===================================
 
(Ah My Tsunami Muyo!: Part Six - The Pillars that Sunder Open the Gates)
 
"(~ He is still under? ~)"
 
A rasp of dragged breath comes out of the breath of a self-imposed goddess super-genius. "~ Yes, and we're running out of time. ~"
 
Misaki looks at the large door where the Mortal is apparently sleeping.
 
*Heaven, Resting Alcove: T-minus 6 hours, 56 minutes.*
 
"(~ You know the dire situation. Yes? ~)"
 
Washu again repeats the same breath, this time nodding. "~ Only a Virus from the Tree of Mulhorand could be this destructive. Dire is a ill term to use Council Member Misaki. It does not enough justice. ~"
 
Misaki, usually a bolsterous Goddess, meekly nods in return. "(~ It still amazes me, how Father chose to sustain his form. What after how harshly He condemned them both. I just cannot figure it out. ~)"
 
"~ Is it so suprising? ~" Misaki looks at Washu, whom listens intently... "~ An Alpha Class became so trusted of him, not including her deep enamoration of, that she was all but ready to stand against the Will of Father. ~” Washu chuckles. “~ I think some of that got through to the Big Guy. ~”
 
“(~ Well that beat all the Simulations for sure there. ~)” Washu then laughs with Misaki giggling. They both needed that one. Washu then sighs and elaborates further. “~ Even despite all that has occurred from day one, he won her love without the Wish to insinuate such. She won his respect even further. They both won more from everything else.
 
And then you saw what happened. Wish those blowhards you work with could see this, past their fancy words and robes. ~"
 
Before Misaki can expand on this further, the far archway of gleaming ivory opens behind the two. "(~ Lord Tenchi, ah, Little Ayeka and Ryoko as well. ~)"
 
Tenchi bows as he approaches Misaki, Ayeka and Ryoko though, both act much more reserved. "~ Mother, I.. I'm surprised to find you here. ~"
 
"(~ Little Ayeka, Little Ryoko. I couldn't stand at the sidelines anymore And... ~)" Ayeka and Ryoko both cringe, knowing from experience what's coming. " *Whine/Squeal..* (~ I just HAD to see my 'precious' child and Sister-in-waiting again! ~) *SQUWENCH!!*
 
"~ It's.....*UGHK!!* ..no problem Mother..! ~"
 
"{~ Owowowowowow!! She's SQUISHING ME!! ~}" Ryoko says with corneas POPING out past bulging!!
 
The pleading fall on deaf ears, as Misaki continues to mug the two all but betrothed of Tenchi. The subject of which only smiles, cringing inside. Tenchi, split on his emotions of what he's been told to do, and what he feels from a more.. selfish.. standpoint, fails to realize his Feedback Loop he's intertwined in.
 
But he also knows it's much `much' less a burden that a certain Mortal now bears. "~ I hope Sister is alright. ~"
 
Tenchi then feel a soft hand of Washu on his shoulder. "~ At least until Nexus, she/they, are fine. ~”
 
Tenchi still shudders from the fact that Tsunami and Sasami, both were of the same construct, it blew his mind away. "~ I.. hope `they', are alright. ~"
 
Actually, Washu isn't far off either from the shock of it all, as she usually does not let something like this get past her.
 
-----------------------------
 
*Somewhere within the conscious mind, one can only suppose.*
 
Aleaic is `far' from truly asleep, not even close to REM at that, as his mind experiences what is best described as the place of beginnings and endings, both wrapped within a both empty, and full plane of existence! White as desolate, yet dark as engrossed with life, and all shades of everything in between. And even stuff in between all THAT!
 
The best way Al deals with all this, to simplify this all into something that won't drive him insane in the thinking, is that this is 'what' Father truly is. Sobering enough to think the least!
 
"::[~ Impressive mortal, you begin to comprehend Myself. ~]::"
 
Al gulps and blushes inside, a bit scolding of himself for being so simplistic. "~ But... ~" Aleaic starts, surprised his voice is as crystalline as the other Dimensionals, but not dwelling upon it. "~ ...I dare not even think I actually do. Correct? ~"
 
"::[~ To make simplicity for yourself, indeed. I hold no ill against this. ~]::"
 
"~ Why am I alive? ~" Aleaic changes the tact for sanity's sake. And personal morality's....
 
"::[~ Why do you think Mortal? ~]::"
 
Aleaic could go a thousand directions with that thought, but decides to continue to keep things simple, apparently thought can be both simple and complex simultaneously, and have the actual, and most dramatic physical effect. Case in point, Al could feel his emotions as if they were granite stone, soft silk, or harsh acid, and the feelings could be painful to bear. They center on the one thing that matters to him. Far beyond even himself.
 
"~ Tsunami. ~"
 
"::[~ Then you have your answer. ~]::"
 
Something inside the Mortal doesn't accept this so easily though. "~ But this.... Severing...... this Vaccination....... all that. I don't understand. ~"
 
A feeling of a deep chuckle rushes through the Mortal agency, a surprise to him. "::[~ Transparency. You already had your own answers, as did the Council, as did your family and friends, as does all that have sentience to think.
 
.It is a gift that which is consciousness. A gift you all, especially yourself, take for granted as being controlled by another voice or mind. That gift needs to be tested at times, such as how it was conducted, to your memory. I only acquiesced to their desires, to allow you to profess yours. The rest I only needed to listen to, and act to see how the temporal line would unfold. As they now have so done. ~]::"
 
Aleaic could feel that this was the end all of end all open ended discussions. It was like anything he said or felt would dissuade, or agree with....... Whatever.. this discussion was relating with. Father seemed so small a word to use now. Al could end up taking the discourse in any direction he wanted, it seemed he was steering it more than this Father intended to. This was just too awesome in the end, period.
 
"::[~ Tsunami was indeed correct, flattery is a mortal family trait. ~]::"
 
Al REALLY blushes this time. "~ Sorry, habit. I guess I'm becoming so scared of losing Tsunami. I'll say or do anything now. ~” Al withdraws his thinking within, Itself simply listens. “~ Anything, and everything I think and to do, seems to have her scent, touch, taste, feel, caress, thought, anything, everything. Maybe it's not supposed to make sense, but I don't care, and yet I do, and yet it more doesn't make sense there either.
 
But it all........ feels......... right. No regrets. ~” Aleaic exzudes his thoughts out more. “~ And I don't regret any action or word I have said up to now, save for some arguments and all. If we are in charge of our own destinies, even when they clash, I am not afraid, as much as I am by emotion, because I love her to be so. ~” Al directs the last to the All Knowing.
 
“~ So whatever is connected to her, I do intend to flatter, or defend, or..... destroy, if the situation....... well warrants. The latter I hope not of course." Aleaic looks deep inside himself, or his 'support' helps him to do so.. “That's how I feel about all this.”
 
Father gives a `nod', then comments his Infinite Wisdom.
 
"::[~ When existence first began, I sensed the trials that All would be brunted by with, of those like you and my other children, both heaven and mortal. Hath not the likes of you and your kindred, not try to hold that which you create? That not hath which, you destroy or fight back, that which interferes with what you defend?
 
This is such Hath into Result, such becomes history and story. I expected thus so many Eons and Epochs ago, you cannot fathom even the true comprehension of what I foresaw. Yes trials are harsh, but rewards are bequeathed of trails. Rewards are both of pain, learning, knowledge, and joy. And sometimes, all at once. Sometimes none in mutual annihilation. ~]::"
 
"~ So I should not be afraid of whom I both defend for, and what I fight against? ~"
 
The silence Al 'hears', is taken as his positive. (He thinks... =oo=? )
 
"::[~ Know that, it is highly unusual for Mortal and Dimensional to coexist, but impossible is not a term I exist with, nor should you.
 
You know your own heart. I do not rule thus. ~]::"
 
"~ But I lack the power, at least.. not in equal to those that ravaged us. 'Frail Mortal' is a term that concerns me in the 'trial' ahead. ~"
 
The One chuckles at this, then is stern. "::[~ I gave of myself to you, did I not? ~]::" Aleaic senses this, and suddenly becomes revile with blasphemous feelings of himself..
 
"~ I dare not use that which is a crutch, I am no messiah!! ~" Aleaic roars back with, as he is so determined to reject the slightest thought of using god-like powers to achieve any end, much less the rescue of his beloved. He almost wishes he was dead rather than considering all that. The One doesn't respond much to this thought. To Al however, this is not how he met Tsui, that is not how he could see himself. Why is uncertain, but it revolts him all the same.
 
Then another 'chuckle' flows through Al, one that soothes him for some reason..
 
"~ Please, don't ask me to....... ~"
 
"::[~ Such a outright rejection of heritage? Of what evolution could give you anyway if you lived long enough?
 
..or...... have done so? ~]::"
 
Aleaic snaps his conscious at this last part. "~ I'm no god if that's what you mean. ~"
 
Unbeknownst to this Mortal, Father more than realizes what he means, the Seal is perfect after all. The One has foresaw all, and now reaches a foreseen crossroads. Foreseeable by Him anyway. “I just... can't......”
 
Aleaic has no clue of what to think, he's still trying to grasp even the simple act of what he is feeling. Cripes he is so afraid. Something in him however.. "~ What can you possibly tell me.. about.. me possibly being.. a....... uh.... god? ~" A ever so slight crack in the previous belief.
 
He responds with full foreseen intent. "::[~ The proper term I believe is an Avatar, it is the same term as what you've heard before. Words that describe and place recognizable boundaries. Goddess. Dimensional. There are so many, in so many tongues, and in so many types of unfathomable dialects, much many more without equitable syllables to describe. But all eventually reach the same discourse, and merge to the same comprehension. All started from me, Beginning, and I, End.
 
You were made in the same vein, more than you can have understood properly. Son. ~]::"
 
Aleaic at first assumes 'son' as the usual for His children, but as father continues.. "::[~ Long, so long ago, I created a pair of forces, those that begged to feel each others Wills upon each other, and in doing so, shine upon the All with their example of this One emotion: Love. From the moment I created them both, they Felt it, and when came time for their original meeting, they both sparked a candle in the night as eternally one. ~]::” Al feels his senses warming furiously..
 
“::[~ One became my Hand of Happiness, Sister to Honor and to Cheer, and Daughter of Conception and Destiny. The other, became lost after a time, but not due to self-flaw, but from the most pure and noblest of decisions, made willingly to help prevent a similar event bemade upon this very tragedy from occurring, and now a partial catalyst to it. ~]::"
 
Aleaic is about ready to self disintegrate/immolate, as he can't believe his 'ears', the words were not generally spoken anymore. They were quite directed. Al just reacts calmly. "~ I AM NO GOD!!!!!!!!!! I'M NOT!!!!!!!!!! ........I'm NOT I'm NOT!!!!!!!!!! ~"
 
Unheeded.. "::[~ This form, was once under the Mentorship of a noble Council Member of the Lower Seat, now turned utterly to his own desires. She, was Mentored to another in the same vein, both at the same time, both long, so long ago. The goddess Gaea was the Mentor of Happiness then and now. Lord of Council Trakalin was the Mentor of the one whom.. ~]::" Aleaic fights with all his will, not to listen to what he truly and honestly believes is lies, all lies, not substance, no truth.
 
But it is no help. "::[~ ..of the one I speak to now. ~]::"
 
Aleaic both screams in his head, and flabbergasts himself in shame and awe. "~ I'm not a GOD!! ~" Aleaic vainly thunders again, pretty much comically now, as if this would scare off Father. (Hardly.)
 
"::[~ In time, you will understand, for your Mentor, long since removed from you, will come at a time to resolve this conflict. I cannot say more than he cannot, and now you must go and prove how to save what you cherish to all existence, and save a world and universe you both share. ~]::"
 
Aleaic, still wrestling with himself, and the unwanted truth, unexplained as to why as yet. He then suddenly turns his mind to speak to Father. "~ You said were we to be separated. ~"
 
A LOUD thunderclap, a laugh to end all such, strikes through Al, cringing him deeply..
 
"::[~ Was it `I' that said you choose your own way? I may say to appease, but I do not enforce interference withstanding after the fact. I may have said you two to be separated, and I DID null the Contract, this was by My Laws.
 
But did I say you two could not find a way back to each other? That alone I will say to suffice, the rest you can discover for yourself. I did not make stoic tools, learn to embrace that.
 
Learn, learn yourself. teach others the same.. ~]::"
 
Aleaic now feels even MORE confused than when he.. um.. arrived..
 
It only gets worse.
 
----------------------
 
*Wakened world, so to speak..*
 
"~ WAKE UP AL!! WAKE UP DAMMIT!!!!!!! ~"
 
Aleaic suddenly feels like a personal Richter 8 earthquake. "Wh..a..a.a.a.oo..o.o.o.a..a.a.a.AAAAAAA!!!!!!"
 
Washu looks like the cat that caught the mouse. "~ Oh thank Father!! ~"
 
"Washu? Why are there eight of you? No.. six.. (I'm gonna be sick.)”
 
Washu then YANKS Al by the arm! "~ Come on, we have to LEAVE NOW!! ~"
 
Aleaic ends up dragged half awake in the main living area, where a second warm body takes the open side of Al. "Another six?"
 
"~ Don't worry Achika, just get him moving! ~"
 
"~ Right! ~"
 
Aleaic should be thankful he's still disjointed from sleep. The actual event entails a `spirited' escape, as the edge front of the Virus begins consuming that very particular Sector upon exiting. About a minute later, the bed and room the Dimensionals had evacuated their droopy comrade is consumed in blood black pitch!
 
The flight doesn't stop there, as the Virus has begun to consume the Midgard area zones, seven full zones fall like grass to this ravenous Hellspawned sheep!! Tenchi, Ayeka, Ryoko, Mihoshi, Kiyone, and Yosho have already escaped ahead, trailed by Misaki and a frazzled Ryo-ohki trying to keep Ken-ohki from doing his job!!
 
"~ Misaki! ~"
 
The teal/white haired Council Member stops, as the two cabbits drag by swiftly. "(~ HURRY!! ~)"
 
Behind the two Goddesses, and Mortal, the sounds of the advancing Virus can be actually heard. A sickening, swill slush sound that grows louder and LOUDER! "~ My right arm for a McCoffee Firewall Program!! ~" Washu swears LOUDLY!!
 
"~ We're almost to the Inner Line!! ~" Achika shouts.
 
"~ *Ooof* Man this guy is heavy! ~"
 
"~ Must be the cooking! ~" Achika manages to jest. Aleaic then recovers enough senses to realize what's going on, and `one' glance behind.. "Huh? HOLY JIMINY CRICKET!!!!!!!"
 
They all breach the Inner Zone Line 'JUST' as the Virus overcomes the final Midgard zones. They are all too tired to move as they crumple to the surface. And the Virus seems unrelenting, they are about to be overcome!!! Most scream!! "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahh....ah...... eh?
 
...............wha??????????????"
 
The black field has literally stopped dead cold, right at the demarcation line between Midgard and Inner Core.. "~ Wh.... why did it stop? ~" Achika adds to Aleaic's shock.
 
"(~ It's stopped to Upgrade. ~)"
 
"Eh?" Aleaic looks at the new teal Goddess of the Council behind him, (to him anywho.) and then back at the massive black field, which now has created a massive dome effect all around the Inner Line System of the Core. The field flows like oil, but also seems like filled with trillions of insects of all vile types. Al tries to give a feel touch at it, but is promptly hand slapped by Achika.
 
He then stutters.. "This... this is a Virus? And.. w.. who are you?" .. “(~ Misaki.. ~)” ..the Council Member beams happily, way off base for the situation as is. Achika takes the explaining part.. "~ To us kiddo, it's the physical representation, to our combined Networks. Just believe that as is, and you don't want to know more than that Al. ~"
 
Aleaic shivers, and let's go of this particular curiosity. "Agreed."
 
"(~ Come on, the last Phase is soon to begin. ~)" Achika steps up to Misaki, and.. "~ How could you know? ~"
 
Misaki smirks.. "(~ The Council is more than aware of the timetable of this Virus, at least assuming nothing interferes with it. It's still Demon based architecture after all. Predictable. ~)" Aleaic could quip about 'assuming', but changes tactics.. "Where's Trakalin?"
 
"~ Huh? ~" Achika blinks, as Misaki just answers.. "(~ He was last seen near the Untiy Area Zone of Outzone. He's probably closer now. ~)"
 
"You need to get me close to him/her/it/whatever."
 
"~ Al, that's foolish, what about your wound? ~" Aleaic looks at Washu, and makes a stern face. "He didn't attack me, and I have, albeit unwilling, reasons to believe we may be linked to the conclusion of all this." Washu shakes her head and makes a face. Achika turns more seriously to Al's intent. "~ So you are going after her after all. ~" Washu really just flaps her arms there. “~ What is this? The Age of Insanity? ~”
 
Aleaic however looks at Achika in uncertainty, what did she mean by that? "Pardon?"
 
"~ It's been in your eyes, your aura, and especially now.. eh? And quit it Washu!! ~" Washu raises her arms in submission. Achika didn't like to admit it, but she had to accept fate, even now with the All at the brink. Al just replies with a mild blush he can't control. "Yeah, I...... I can't think of anything else. Besides, you were the one chastising me for not thinking that way before." Achika sheepishly blushes. “~ Aw.. you remembered. ~” Al promptly facevaults. “Yeah sure.”
 
Misaki giggles and guestures for them all the follow. "(~ Please come with me. We've been planning since the abduction earlier. ~)"
 
Aleaic stands, helping both Washu (whom had been listening flabbergasted nearby,) and Achika up, as his style. "~ Lead the way Misaki! ~" Washu then says with her annoying usual flair. Misaki just shrugs it off, and leads the goddesses and Mortal into the deepest layers, alcoves and recesses of Jurai Core, the layers and plateaus here are filled with all the remaining goddesses and Dimensionals of lower Levels, as well as all remaining active terminals and Network Nodes. Washu quickly relays some of the basic functions Aleaic is seeing, easily equating it to what Aleaic is used to, though quite crude in comparison Achika chides. (Washu and Achika's verbal scuffle just makes Al scoot on ahead past a giggling Misaki.)
 
They are soon joined by a dimensionally pissed off Tokimi, utterly frazzled by the constant state of the Virus advance. "~ Mind if I join you? I need a break. ~"
 
"Good to see still around T." Tokimi only nods, in no mood to be playful. All around them, the Agency Admins and Configurers are still over their heads with the current crisis. Tokimi's dour façade says all that's needed. “~ This has not been a banner day. ~”
 
The small group ends up in what is best describable as a War Room, here the redundancy of the Main Admin Platform is magnified to it's optimum, and that only magnifies the dire situation to it's maximum.
 
"~ Sensei, you made it! ~" Tenchi gladly says openly. Faces in the chamber brighten considerably at this. Aleaic though, still winces a bit at this title, but only for a second. "Everyone okay?"
 
"~ Almost. ~" Kiyone announces from a nearby seat, helping to heal a miffed Ryo-ohki on her right leg, Ken-ohki is vainly trying to apologize on the left. Aleaic for once gets a chuckle, the very sound lightens the mood in the room. "~ Ah, but to hear that more often once more. ~" Washu poetically quips.
 
"~ Washu, I think we have to do something now. ~" This time it's a much more stern sounding Tenchi speaking. "~ It's clear the situation is out of our hands. It's time to reverse all of that. ~"
 
"(~ Tenchi. ~)" Misaki tries to put in, but Tenchi has the floor. "~ No, the rules are all out the window! I think we need to use the rules to our advantage now. ~"
 
"I agree." Again, Aleaic continues from before, and still gets amazed stares.
 
"~ Now hold on Al. ~"
 
Aleaic reacts to Washu's continued conservatism bluntly.. "I've been holding on for Two years!! Achika just confirmed what I wanted back there! You heard it, and I believe Tenchi's correct. Just WHO'S reality is this anyway?"
 
"(~ Well said Mortal.. ~)"
 
"(~ Sister. ~)" Misaki says, and directs attentions to the far entrance, where Funaho has already entered, just as Tenchi was beginning to direct his Cause. Al just sees Funaho for the first time and blushes. Funaho just continues on.. "(~ The Mortal is correct, since even Father chose him for a reason, or he wouldn't have saved the last Mortal of the Plane.
 
Now we need to get him into the proper position, and assist Tenchi to his own destiny. And I believe I may know a way. ~)"
 
Washu now really perks her head up at this. Tenchi and Yosho looks neutral, waiting.
 
Al simply has another headache.. (With no Advil left in reality for that matter either. =<>=;;; )
 
-----------------------
 
*Hell Core: 5 hours, 32 minutes.*
 
A pair of silver and blood colored eyes look on, as a Spell constructed set of stone slaves finish the last touches to the Altar, where the Alpha/Beta Goddess would reside for the final enactment of the Will of the Dark Tree.
 
"{{~ Splendid. It is almost time to begin the Enchantment. ~}}"
 
"{~ MY LORD!! ~}"
 
Kagato NEARLY throws a curse onto the intruder, but seeing it's Yume.. "{{~ This......... BETTER........ be good servant. ~}}"
 
"{~ MY Lord! We have a problem. ~}"
 
It's `not' good. (For them.)
 
-------------------------
 
*Heaven, Virual Side.*
 
Trakalin looks on, as he feels the grievousness of the wounds Mayuka now sports, the result of Kagato's friendly little 'allies' he had sent to accompany.
 
It's only by the fact that Trakalin never trusted Kagato's motives, and had prepared as best he could for what he 'knew' was coming, that they survived this betrayal. (A big fat surprise that all was.) Despite, he could only offer his best, which allowed Mayuka to fight off, and the obliterate the Titan Constructs that began to attack them when the Virus began it's second wave. Now, Vessel and Non-lifeform, look at the smoldering remains of their 'help'..
 
..and also feel the time running out.
 
"~ I'm.. I'm sorry.. Mast.. er....... ~" Mayuka stammers, holding her right arm, which a stream of dark blue blood flows from.
 
"~ You did extraordinarily admirably. I'm truly sorry my powers are not of full strength to assist better. ~" Trakalin actually says with genuine remorse. Such never actually left in the first place, only buried deep in the snow of cold. "~ I know... at least we... finally can say we are free of that dredge. ~" Mayuka says with genuine loathing for their now detached compatriots.
 
"~ But they are not free of us. ~" 'He' says with a cunning expectation.
 
That's when Trakalin, fully aware of what he was going to end up doing to achieve his ultimate goals, knew that Heaven wouldn't go alone into the rebirth. Now, he fully turns the other cheek to Hell Itself, and initiates the held back, second half of the Retro-Virus. "~ Lend me your power Mayuka, and I will lend you my lifeforce.
 
It is time to bring true Pain to the source, the other half of all that is impure with this Existence!! ~"
 
Mayuka allows Trakalin direct control, and the latter then initiates the Unlocking-Seal Protocol, as this suddenly makes the Virus change owners instantaneously. It still works on the original Program goal of breaching Heaven's Core, but now only acted to attack the Firewalls instead of physical absorption.
 
The energy of that task suddenly is now turned to Hell Core equally, and 'it's' Firewalls came under severe attack. (As well as an obvious one.)
 
-----------------------
 
*Hell Core.*
 
At the very moment Yume makes her warning, a HUGE *CRACK* sound precedes the appearance of a large, VERY `VERY' large, gleaming white crystal! The gleaming mass literally shoves it's way through, destroying more and more of the once obscured black 'floor', now shown in full brilliance of it's pitted, bleeding and warped features! Kagato is actually thrown back by the force of the penetration for a moment!
 
A moment later, a second CRACK is heard where the Crystal breaches the ceiling, equally as masculated as the floor. But this is exacerbated by several more such sounds rather close by, though not in the 'room' itself.
 
"{~ HELL!! ~}"
 
"{{~ Agreed... ~}}" Kagato acts with much more calm than he should, Yume is beside herself in any case. That is before Kagato then spins around and shouts.. "{{~ Engage viewer! ~}}"
 
The remaining dark area untouched by this assault, is replaced by a total full-scope panoramic viewscape of Hell Core itself. One with THOUSANDS of massive Crystals, all in various stages of piercing the hellish landscape everywhere that can be seen. (And likely beyond further!)
 
Every penetration is preceded by a spout of red material, spewed like a blade that finishes running through a victim full. The then sight of more fully formed Crystals beginning their 'task' of absorbing the physical essence of Hell. It all is a staggering sight, as Hell's auto defenses begin to assail the Crystals, both with a series of Physical attacks by Demons, internal attacks by Hex's and Viruses, and even bolts of Hell-Lightning that constantly strike the surface and base of the Crystals.
 
But with each Crystal Decomposed, another sprouts to replace it.
 
Hell joins Heaven on the brink.
 
"{{~ Bravo Traitor, Bravo. ~}}"
 
Yume looks at Kagato like he's LOST it. "{~ Master, how..? ~}"
 
"{{~ Spare me the 'save Hell' farce, this was coming from the start. Master Lord informed as much. ~}}"
 
Kagato simply returns to looking at the now emplaced Crystal of the Goddess. Yume is about to continue her tirade about protecting 'interests', when Kagato immediately senses this, and nabs Yume by the neck!
 
"{{~ You infer of me one more time to care about Hell, and I will feed you to that VERY Crystal over there!! I imagine the pain will be EXQUISITE!! ~}}"
 
Yume shuts up.
 
"{{~ Have the Pedestal transported to appropriate location. Now!! ~}}" Kagato then throws Yume aside, and to her task. Yume, still holding her throat, directs a series of Abyssals to begin moving the setup, directed appropriately by a harsh Taskmaster Program. Kagato however commands a last before departing. "{{~ I will be in audience with Master, do not disturb us. ~}}" Kagato leaves in a column of stout silver flame!
 
Yume just seethes. "{~ *Grumbling.* Overassured pompous fart. ~}"
 
----------------------
 
*Jurai Core. War Room.*
 
"~ Holy. ~"
 
By now, the news is quite widespread. Not only has the Virus stopped advancing conventionally, it was now inflicting the same such damage upon Hell Core instead.
 
But not one person cheered, not even Al.
 
"{~ Now were screwed.. ~}"
 
"~ Trakalin is full of suprises.. ~" Everyone looks at Kiyone. "~ What? He is! ~"
 
"~ Not really. It's natural that Trakalin would both turn on Hell, and attack it to gain his goal, after gaining what he wanted from them. Heaven isn't alone in the punishment list in his mindset. ~" Achika barely mutters an explanation, like it justifies anything anyway.
 
Aleaic though feels cold, as he knows this could be affecting Tsunami's safety, Sasami he reminds himself admonishingly as well a millisecond later. One `eye' catches this.. "~ They're fine Sensei. For the moment, they have to keep her that way. ~"
 
Aleaic looks at Tenchi, and attempts to nod calmly, knowing the intent is sound, but he's still churning within anyway. Achika notes to quip.. "~ Looks like your plan has to come very soon Council Member Funaho. ~"
 
"(~ Funaho only please. I never cared for titles. ~)" Achika smiles at this correction, she always liked her and Funaho's Sister, the two complimented each other as the Portfolio's of Support and Intelligence. The sub-Portfolio of both shared is of Voice.
 
And that sure doesn't hurt where they fight their battles normally.
 
"~ Funaho, we should begin insertion of the target, you know Kagato is on the move now. ~" Washu notes.
 
"(~ Agreed, but.. eh.. ..where's the Mortal? ~)"
 
Impossible as it seems, a moment of not looking has allowed the Mortal to retreat somewhere. "~ He wouldn't!? ~" Achika blares out.
 
"~ No, I simply suspect it's all too overwhelming. I'll check the gardens for him. ~" Yosho both offers and suggests, Misaki also joins, the rest solemnly turn back to final preparations. After a certain point though, planning becomes moot. While everyone has broken up in small groups, Tenchi is discussing a story in reflection about Sasami to Tokimi, when Funaho comes up. "(~ Can I speak to you Lord Tenchi? ~)"
 
Tenchi nods, and has his course trailed in eye by Ryoko, Ayeka, and Mihoshi. The two end up in a side room, one quite closed for truth.
 
"(~ It's time to stop hiding it. ~)"
 
"~ Excuse me? ~" Tenchi says in surprise. Funaho then drills her eyes into Tenchi's immortal soul.
 
"(~ It's time to embrace those that love you, and not just accept the Will of Father. ~)"
 
Tenchi fidgets, afraid of where this is leading. "~ I.. I don't.. this isn't.. the time to.. ~"
 
"(~I will be the one to choose Chosen!! ~)"
 
Tenchi wilts at the incredible power of her Portfolio. "~ I'm sorry. ~"
 
"(~ Tell that to your `three' loves. They've been dotting on you for Two Mortal years, and not once have you given them proper consideration. ~)” Tenchi recoils under the brute truth. “(~ And now, when we all will need you most, when Mortal Aleaic is at his brink of sanity to face the truth of us all, you are risking it all with your indecisiveness!
 
With such a mindset, you will lose control of your Portfolio, and your Power will remain inert!! Kagato will defeat you all too easily with such a scenario, and with that, we all will lose. ~)"
 
It has the telltale effect needed, as Funaho finishes lambasting the Chosen, Tenchi displayed a portion of what he has as destined, his will is stronger now, but woefully unprepared for the final absolution. She more than easily sees past the self-imposed walls that he hides behind, and into the true essence of a power and majesty unmatched. Father chose His successor well, but it's time to destroy those walls.
 
With Armageddon at the gates, the wilted petals must be expunged for the sake of the true flower beneath!!
 
Tenchi steels his voice. "~ I know what is at stake Lady Funaho. ~" .. "(~ Even if it costs all of your lives? Even if your beloveds know it better than you, and are willing to sacrifice themselves to give the Mortal his chance? This destiny has been essentially preordained for a grand scale of time now. Are you ready to stand before all of that like you were made unto for? ~)” Funaho sets in stone, as Tenchi looks dead in Funaho's eyes, whom adds yet more to digest. “(~ I am prepared. Your Mentor is prepared. Your Sisters would understand more than easily. And if you do not embrace your destiny, they all will be sacrificed when Kagato initiates the Soujya Hex Program, and you know what will happen then.
 
Between Trakalin, and Kagato. Existence will sunder apart!! ~)” Funaho then stands even taller for the final spike! “(~ But YOU have the Power to stop all that! You alone have more power than they all comprehend. But the one thing that is preventing that, is your doubt, and that is driven by your lack of embrace.
 
You know how Heaven and the Core works. They are waiting for you, and you alone to make the decision for them. They know it, and we know it.
 
And now you do too Lord Hand Tenchi! ~)"
 
Tenchi stands utterly stunned, and be most assured, he's never in his existence been lambasted and lashed at like this in his long existence! His cautious and blunt upbringing, while counter-productive, has somehow led to a soul that is true and genuine, but the very weaknesses that developed are equally attributable. Tenchi finally has his swift kick to the ass that he desperately needed. And deep inside, he's damned glad he got it.
 
He'd been all but almost begging Yosho to do this very thing, and for the Voice of Father to do it is even much more appreciated.
 
Tenchi acts simply. "~ Thank you Funaho. I knew all that. But my stupidity blinded me. Allow me to begin to rectify this. Time is short, and the battle must be as clear cut as possible. ~"
 
"(~ Darned straight, but what about Mayuka.. ~)" Not a question..
 
Tenchi has no answer.. "~ That is a blank to me, it's a mystery, as well as a painful truth. I do not know how. But it will be settled by the time this is done. ~"
 
"~ Lord Tenchi. ~"
 
Tenchi looks over past Funaho, and sees the very people he wanted to see. Minus one..
 
"~ Ayeka, Ryoko.. ~"
 
"{~ Hey handsome, we heard.. ~}"
 
"~ Huh? ~" =oo=
 
Ayeka and Ryoko look at each other suprisingly, then at their betrothen.. "~ We heard the shout from in here, we came to investigate. ~"
 
"~ Where's Mihoshi? ~"
 
Ayeka and Ryoko both wince, they knew that was coming. "~ Are you.. certain of.. ~"
 
"{~ Tenchi.. ~}" Ryoko reserves her tone just as much as Ayeka does. Tenchi however goes with his feelings, more than logic can explain. "~ I must profess what I want to profess, in front of all I cherish. Just as Sensei has done, and will do as much as what I will do now. ~"
 
Ayeka and Ryoko hear the words, which they accept with ambiguity, as they do no less for Tenchi's words for the most part, but also accept with lighter hearts. They both, and all will get their hearts filled with what they want. They know Tenchi better than even he himself thinks. Example and opportunity have shown over the Eons that much. Funaho smiles, knowing this is what she expected all along.
 
They turn to find Mihoshi, when..
 
"~ SOMEONE HELP US AT THE GARDEN QUICK!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~"
 
The cold scream of Tokimi erupts them all into action!!
 
----------------------------
 
*Garden: 5 hours, 10 minutes.*
 
Aleaic for once, for the moment, is actually serene. The Gardens here are majestically breathtaking. And despite the obvious black pitch spanning the great distance of the horizon all about, he can also imagine the majesty beyond the black border, knowing the besieged area could have only added to the beauty.
 
Father is a true artist, for he created those that made this world, and their sight to see things such as this, a shame to see it so now, badly warped as it is.
 
"I feel you behind me Lord Yosho." Al says suddenly.
 
"~ Interesting. ~" The elder statesmen of Teaching speaks, as he emerges from a split area.. "~ Those sessions have increased your senses. More than your martial prowess. ~"
 
Aleaic chuckles as he keeps looking out. "Sorry, but the essence of Father helped to... it.. I.. uh.."
 
Yosho only laughs, enough that a number of heads from other overlooks above, along and below take note and look. Yosho imparts further from behind Al. "~ I see you embrace what you fear. But let it not consume you. ~"
 
Al really spikes a laugh at this! (The overlooking about more than looking for certain.) "If I did, Tsunami would hate me passionately, even kill me. If not, I would, for I'd be someone not recognizable.
 
The sooner I lose this.... Essence, the better. I hate temptation, for I am Mortal..
 
..and weak. Quite... frail... needing valium."
 
"~ Then I am proud to call you friend Mortal, even if it doesn't last past the day. ~" Yosho says, slapping Al on the back as he comes to his left and leans on the gleaming railing. Yosho and Aleaic then both simply look out, at the remains of majesty.
 
"Would it be possible to have a honeymoon here?"
 
This does catch Yosho by surprise, she then opinionates. "~ So daughter was correct. Hard to believe Ryoko would be. ~"
 
Al looks down towards nothing in particular. "I want her so bad back in my arms, it hurts. It just.. hurts. " It could be a sliver of Tsunami's Network, but Al embraces himself, trying desperately, so desperately, just to wish her into them. Will such even.
 
It's folly, but a true one.
 
"~ Embrace that one feeling, it will save us all. ~"
 
Aleaic tries to look within himself, and asks himself the same question. But it blurts out openly. "How.. can you all... put that much faith in me?"
 
Yosho acts as the conscience Al doesn't have for himself. "~ Because she trusted you, she allowed herself to believe in you. She does so even now.
 
She convinced us of that to, despite our better judgement, so we though, as you showed many reasons to say the same thing. You also gained our respect, our judgment, and our loyalty. We saw two auras turn into one, the one becoming the beacon we all decided to embrace. ~” Al cracks a smile very despite himself.
 
“~ And now, it possibly has the power to undo, or resurrect our way of being, our existence, our souls. ~" Yosho looks hard into the back of Al's head, knowing he's listening. "~ And you will please accept that you are an Avatar, for Tsunami's sake alone and only, if not for ours included. We can understand our role in what is to come, but you yourself must stop asking why you are the one at the center of all these events, as anyone in your position must stop worrying about their reflection in the mirror to others.
 
Your actions alone will determine our fate. That cannot be avoided now. Foresight has determined such to come, even now unto us no less affected in the end. `You' must determine such, without how anyone else will care or think. And.. ~" Yosho stresses even further on this last.. "~ ...I suspect when the time comes, we will be powerless to affect your decisions, for you already 'know' what to do. ~” Al hears all this and looks up, still somewhat blankly. “I do eh?”
 
“~ Yes. And anyone that has the will to attempt to ask the hand of a Dimensional of the tenth layer, already passed that line well before now. ~"
 
Aleaic stops holding himself again. He feels the truth, and finally embraces it. "Tsunami." Al imagines in his mind everything he and Tsunami had experienced in the two plus, all too short years together. It's as close as a security blanket for him he can have in this time of such unease and uncertainty.
 
But all that just then ends to the sound of shattering glass, such that immediately puts them both on guard! Both however are SHOCKED by the end result!! "~ Mayuka!! ~" Yosho yells upwards well above where Al and Yosho stand!!! They both see her falling with several figures tailing her fast!
 
Aleaic instantly reacts, and catches Mayuka as she falls, then instinctively covering her with his body, as several Abyssals immediately follow her from the shattered Portal above! Quickly, half swiftly fall under Yosho's incredible combat abilities, but two survive to attempt to reach Mayuka, completely covered by Al, as his own instincts take over!
 
"You'll be fine milady." Aleaic manages to get out, as the two fall upon him.
 
And incinerate upon the Shield that covers them both!
 
Al blinks as the sound of the trumpets of Heaven ring in his ears, as the small host of Demons fall swiftly under the assault of the Dimensionals and Seraphim, many that had been watching previously, now reacting in time to save Al and his sudden charge!
 
"~ Oh..........oh my....... I............u......uhhhhhhh..... ~" Mayuka shudders out, as Aleaic notes immediately the grievous wounds all over her body, and immediately tries to use his Link with Father to try heal her. It's partially successful, but only because of sheer dumb luck, far less any actual skill, but not enough experience apparently, it's not enough though. "I'm.... sorry...........I can't....." ..as he sees Mayuka in still decent pain.
 
"~ Aleaic. ~"
 
Aleaic immediately looks up at Yosho, now flanked by two Seraphim, the sounds of family are becoming closer. It's however all the time Mayuka needs. A motion from her makes Aleaic look down to his ill, as Mayuka manages out.. "~ Master wished... this to occur, I'm sorry. ~"
 
Al cocks his eye, but before anyone can act, Mayuka kisses Aleaic with the power of one that is dying, and wants one last chance to feel of the impossible. As Al feels a strange hollow mix of emotions in that split moment.. "~ TRAKALIN NO!!!!!! ~"
 
Everyone hears Washu's voice, but it's far too late. Aleaic can literally feel the new intrusion, one that.......... somehow........ somehow........
 
..is familiar. "(FATHER!! NO!! NO!!!)"
 
"(~ I am..... sorry....... Mortal. ~)"
 
Aleaic hears Mayuka's mind, her apology, before her form begins to slip away. She then falls off of the kiss, and into cold unconsciousness. Aleaic just gasps and shouts. "AH!! Someone get her medical attention!!"
 
"~ We got her!! ~" Washu, Ryoko, and Yosho pry Mayuka's near death grip away from the Mortal. Tenchi and Ayeka reach Aleaic, whom then very suddenly goes blank himself!!
 
"~ Lord Aleaic!! ~”
 
"~ Sensei!! He's unconscious!! ~"
 
Both try vainly to jostle him, but it's no use. As the God-Traitor, finally has access to the Mortal.
 
Now all the Immortal gloves are off!!
 
---------------------------
 
*Hell Core, Admin Sectors..*
 
"{~ THE FIREWALLS JUST CRASHED!! ~}"
 
Yuzuha looks over.. "{{~ Are you inhaling sulfur again?! What do you mean!! ~}}"
 
"{~ Something from the Virus just broke all the remaining Firewalls simultaneously!!!!! ~}"
 
Yuzuha, thinking this is a bad joke, FRIES the underling that announced the impossible, just before her monitors start blanking out one by one. The demon just gawks on heel of `the' impossible! "{{~ What in Hell just occurred!!!!? ~}}"
 
----------------------------
 
*Jurai Core, Oversight.*
 
After announcing the same thing for her end, a Processor simply falls in her seat, and cries in her hand. The feeling is not too dissimilar for the rest of the remaining Processors, Operators, functionaries, and Goddesses; as the sight of their System being utterly cracked like it was an open book was too much to bear.
 
The sobering knowledge that the End has finally come, overcomes the senses.
 
The same Processor just whispers out.. "~ Oh Father of Heaven, beseech and forgive us. We failed you. ~"
 
----------------------------
 
*Overall.*
 
The Virus, now with access to both Tsunami's and Father's Network codes, using the weak form of the Mortal as a 'backdoor', cracks the final barriers of not only Heaven, but a flatfooted unsuspecting Hell. Both Systems are left wide open to both of their most cherished, and deepest secrets.
 
And yet from all the archives available at this bare moment, only two Programs are taken from each source: The two Keys.
 
Yet this isn't the only event that occurs, as Trakalin then acts on the final plan, one meant to disrupt both sides.
 
And Father along with.
 
---------------------------
 
*Med ward.*
 
While Tokimi has left to deal with the wreck that once was a serenely running Jurai Core, the rest are split between two bedsides, one with a barely alive Gray Angel clinging to life. The other, a mortal that is apparently hovering in three different realities, if Funaho's assessment is any indication, as the look on his face is that of fear of God cometh itself.
 
Washu looks over mainly the functions of the Gray Angel, with help from a pair of Beta healers. Helping Aleaic now is beyond even her! "~ Bloody heaven. ~" Washu starts off, Misaki and Achika looking on, Tenchi is standing along the other side. "~ She's really is hurt bad. I don't think I can save her, what with the energy of Heaven as it is. ~"
 
"~ Washu. ~" Tenchi slips out in worry, as he's still uncertain of what to feel about..... this....... creature under his eyes. This person.
 
Washu however informs as such didn't matter to her. "~ I'm sorry Tenchi, but she's hurt far too badly. If there was enough energy in Heaven, it might be possible to save her. But with all of Heavens Systems crashed...... heck, I'm surprised we're still alive. I'm sorry. ~" Tenchi looks dour, as Misaki nods. "(~ Indeed. Trakalin only needs to finish his task. We're basically powerless to stop now. Can't believe I have to admit that too. ~)"
 
"~ No. If that were true, why is he wasting time inside Aleaic? He's after something else. ~" Tenchi offers, this Misaki looks at Washu, as the latter wipes her face in disgust. "~ Great, the ego little shit is toying with us. ~"
 
Mayuka then suddenly grasps Tenchi's left arm, catching them all off guard, with Ryoko and Ayeka nearly leap to tear it back off. Tenchi however refrains them with a hand. “~ Mayuka? ~”
 
"~ Fa..ather? ~"
 
Tenchi, uneasy about the title, still feels compelled to lean in closer, ever trusting to a fault. "~ I.. I'm here. ~"
 
"{~ Tenchi no! ~}"
 
Tenchi looks up at the Dimensional hybrid. "~ Ryoko. ~" ..the tone low, yet stern. "~ Please. ~" Ryoko only sighs and nods. Ayeka defers to Ryoko's tact for once. Tenchi then turns back to Mayuka, whom is shedding genuine tears. She feel within her broken soul and boy, such unbearable layers of fear. "~ I'm so afraid.. I.. I.. ~"
 
"~ Shhhh....... Shh.. be still. ~" Mayuka hears Tenchi reply softly, looking into the eyes of one she mocked not very long ago. At least before she was told the truth before she came here. "~ I know what I am. ~"
 
A number of others listen in more intently. "~ Tell us little one. I am here to listen. ~"
 
Mayuka smiles at Tenchi's calm voice "~ Daddy.. ..I.. I am not, you real daughter. This I know is true to us both. ~" Tenchi tightly hods her hand. "~ I am a clone.. created by Yuzuha, the Demoness of Loathing, one... I called her Mother at first. ~” ..this alone begins burning unease in the others listening. “~ It was when you... were first working with the Relief Detectives in the Archives, when... she managed to acquire a sample of your essence, and she used it to help... create me. ~" She then looks over at Ryoko, Ayeka, and Mihoshi, all three who look reserved all of a sudden. "~ As well as from your essences. ~"
 
Three sets of eyes look WIDE and cracked!!!!!!!!!!!
 
"~ How.. how could.... ~"
 
"{~ We already mated with him, remember? ~}" Ayeka reactively fidgets. "~ Oh.. yes I see. ~" Both then POP their heads up!! "{~ THAT MEANS!! ~}/~ THAT MEANS!!! ~" They both shoot look at Mihoshi, who is meekly smiling, and waving her hand. Kiyone gapes in AWE!!! Tenchi just groans vocally.
 
"~ My my naughty Tenchi boy. You've been rather busy! So much for the missive character profile. ~" Washu says, fighting to keep her laughter in check, a bad time for such now. "~ Ughhhhh.. not now Washu, please? ~"
 
Mayuka's pained, wet cough however puts a swift end to this embarrassing spiel. Tenchi outright grasps Mayuka's hands. "~ Hold on daughter. ~" ..as a daughter looks back into the eyes of one that is accepting her more and more without hesitation. Such changes in such a short amount of time. "~ Daddy.. I.. I didn't have the strength..... to.......... ~"
 
Tenchi 'shh's' Mayuka again, stroking her hand. "~ No. I didn't see. We all were deceived. ~"
 
Mayuka manages to continue on... "~ After I was created, Yuzuha used........ some primal energy from Hell Core to corrupt my essence. I felt nothing but hate and jealousy...... ...towards you four. She used it, and crafted a..... perfect slave. ~” Mayuka begins crying as she relates more.. “~ Then I was sent to release Trakalin unto... the Mortal, and I was told....... the truth. ~" Mayuka says the next words with thick streams of tears, wracked by coughing.. "~ I deliberately....... kept myself from believing the truth until.... now. But I....... I know the truth now.......... I........ Daddy I........... Daddy. ~"
 
"~ I forgive you. We all forgive you daughter. ~" Tenchi says, his manner more than forgiving. Mayuka then cries very openly as Tenchi keeps a tight hold, as a semi-ashamed Ryoko, Ayeka, and Mihoshi all stand near Mayuka. Ayeka just offers. "~ We.. I.. guess......... we can do the same. ~"
 
"{~ Hey, I've been through no less. ~}" Ryoko smiles a toothy grin to Mayuka. "{~ You're not going before me girl. ~}" Washu though speaks up.. “~ But I said she.... ~”
 
“{~ She's NOT going before me, Mom!! ~}” Ryoko retorts sharply, which Washu smiles too.. “~ Very well daughter dearest. But I'll need to set up special equipment if we're going to go `that' far. ~}”
 
Ryoko just looks to Ayeka, and back to Washu.. “{~ Thanks Mom.. ~}”
 
"~ WAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! ~" Mihoshi then draws a few looks. "~ I HAVE A DAUGHTER!!!!!!! WAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!! ~" Mihoshi cries a comical stream of tears. The small circle simply laughs at this, even Mayuka weakly.
 
This before then on unwanted cue, a TITANIC flash of light explodes from behind them, with the accompaniment of yells from Yosho and Kiyone, both next to Al, which makes them all turn to see what is occurring!! Large cascading waves of energy now spew forth from the spot Al's `supposed' to be laying!!!!
 
As everyone else looks in awe, Mayuka notices something on Aleaic's forehead.. "~ Ma...asters...... sigil? ~"
 
"~ But that's.....ACK!! That is Father's sigil as well!! ~" Ayeka adds.
 
Aleaic's unconscious form is now floating upright, with a thick, hazy, heavy glow coming from his forehead. It's the patterns on it that catch their attention:
 
Trakalin's one circle, with three spokes rounding it along both left and right, as well as above.
 
And Father's sigil of the One Candle.
 
"~ He's become a battleground within!!!!!!!! ~" Achika shouts. "{~ Cripes, you mean those two are fighting inside Sensei!??!!!! ~}"
 
As soon as this is said, all can feel the waves of....... something...... titanic occurring within the Mortal's frail form. (If he's even mortal anymore by now! =@@=!! )
 
---------------------------
 
*Beyond the infinite.*
 
"~ Wha.. What's going on!! ~" Aleaic hears his voice echo in clarity again, but it seems to echo off of substance. One feels of Father, the other.....
 
Despite the lack of coherent sounds, it's clear something feels like World War !!
 
"~ Hey!! HEY!!!!!!!! ~"
 
Aleaic feels as if his consciousness is drowning in the reverberating Power. It takes a great amount of will to push his consciousness just to reach comprehension of what is currently happening! "~ Holy............. Gods................ ~" He can then finally see them, their Essences, one he recognizes from earlier, the unfathomable bare representation of the One. The other, a seemingly small icon, surrounded by a writhing, angry mass of energy.
 
"~ Trakalin. ~" Al speaks to himself of the second presence, somehow recognizing it immediately. Trakalin immediately senses Al's consciousness present amongst this `scene'. "~ Forgive me Mortal agency, but I required access through you, the final access codes I desired. ~"
 
Aleaic goes thermonuclear inside his sub-internal soul!! "~ AGAIN YOU USE ME?!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't you beings just knock first!?!? ~" The energon haze around sways backwards under Aleaic's emotional waves, but it's far from dissipated. Trakalin just quips back. "~ You were the one that knew the risks of joining with a Dimensional. ~"
 
"~ I beg your pardon? ~"
 
Aleaic is suddenly ASSAILED with the thoughts and images of the moment he made his Wish. Al stutters in all mental shock.. "~ The.. the Wish.. you.. you mean? ~"
 
"~ Did you really believe you could take the hand of one far evolved beyond your understanding? Did you truly consider the constraints your placed upon her? What about your false statements of understanding, and lack of will to even hold onto her properly!! ~"
 
Aleaic does feel the guilt, in a sense, all of thus said is true. Father `nearby' seems content to listen to this new battle.
 
Aleaic however then decides on a similar tact, knowing all he knows of the situation. "~ How bout you good sir? You whom implemented a plan that erased all of humanity's achievements! All of those that had nothing to do with you plans! Ones that had no need for such to ever occur! You in essence created the ultimate genocide!! Proud of `that' are we?! ~"
 
The `cloud' that is Trakalin erupts with light! "~ I did away with that which was the creation of a flawed System! A way that choked down the true ability to allow evolution at it's most pure philosophy! A world shut tight against allowing all to feel their dreams and hope achieved, where there is nothing but those that would seem to destroy that which you dare call achievements! ~"
 
Aleaic can sense the raw hatred within this form. So raw and blind, so unable to think with other than consequence of others in a raw state of thinking. It's incredibly flawed in perception Aleaic makes the quick conclusion unto. “~ Is that all you think we humans are? ~”
 
"::[~ Indeed Mortal, that which we do upon other reflects our own true nature! ~]::" Al turns to Father, but Trakalin blindly seethes against this!
 
"~ FOOLS!! You would defend that which keeps you in power! And YOU Mortal, that which keeps you from one you hold true and dear! You can feel the pain of such loss, can you truly say it's fair to feel such on a constant basis? How about for those that can't be allowed that chance! Nor those that can even defend themselves from those also called `human', and `mortal', that take all such chances away! Those that can't taste that which is denied them??!!!!!!!! ~"
 
Aleaic feels an equal hate rising, not for it's own sake though. He Snaps back just as intensely. "~ How could you know? You destroyed those that MIGHT have answered that question for you!! ~"
 
As Trakalin continues, his form grows closer. The One Essence doesn't move to intercept however. Trakalin continues his tepid argument at the mortal. "~ That's why I did this! To give those same a world that WOULD be able to answer that question. They can all be returned through a proper use of evolution, one that makes none suffer in it's conduct!! ~"
 
Aleaic shakes his head. "~ What can one world of Nirvana do that an existing world cannot? Bring total pacifism and glory to ALL?! ~"
 
"~ EXACTLY!!!!!!!! ~"
 
"~ So.. everyone is satisfied? All good and evil? ~"
 
Trakalin sways to a halt.. "~ There would be no such in my world.. ~"
 
"~ YOUR WORLD!! That means it's already flawed!! Might as well make everyone and thing a clone of YOU in the end! ~"
 
The center of the mass, the non-lifeform component, floats close to Al's face. "~ What do you mean? What would you know of such!! ~"
 
Aleaic doesn't even blink. "~ Your world, one with your rules, your will, your foresight. On and on and infinitum. That sounds like Father's job in the end, doesn't it? ~"
 
Trakalin throws itself backwards!! "~ I am not him!! ~"
 
"~ BUT YOUR IDEALS ARE THE SAME!! EXACTLY, TOTALLY, UNADULTERATED!! How could you fathom the creation you would make, could be no less or more than Father's!!!!!!! And beyond that, can you even determine what these `new' mortals would turn out as? Just how far have you `really' thought every last part and detail of this all out ANYWAY!?!?
 
Have you no clue?!! ~"
 
A deep laugh echoes in a wave and wake, making both arguing look. "~ What's so funny old man! ~" Trakalin spits in retort to Father's laughter. Aleaic just looks on with a `dry' throat (somehow,) as Father replies calmly. "::[~ It's has not changed. As if it wasn't Mentor and Avatar, it's now Traitor and Mortal. ~]::” Aleaic and Trakalin just both exude confusion from this train of thought, as Father continues.. “::[~ You cannot win this battle Trakalin. You are risking the inevitable destruction of your existence in creating, as much as what you intend to destroy to accomplish it.
 
And then what will you do, when your lack of understanding of all aspects of creation and existence fall under the weight of your ego driven will? ~]::"
 
"~ YOU POMPUS HAG OF THE GENERATIONS!! I 'CAN' CREATE THE PERFECT EXISTENCE!! ~"
 
Aleaic now laughs.. "~ How sad. You still don't see it. ~” Trakalin FURIOUSLY returns `gaze' upon the Mortal, as he adds. “~ And you still don't understand it. And if you cannot see my or His words, how can You see in time and space to create perfection? Especially when you don't even UNDERSTAND the meaning of the word!! Stuff so deep you can't comprehend as you are in mind at current! ~"
 
It's a stand off, Father couldn't have planned it better, or just maybe, foresaw the same. As it stands however, Trakalin still has a purpose to fulfill. "~ I see a chance to convince you to see my way, will now cost you the chance to live in my world with your beloved forever. ~"
 
Aleaic doesn't know where the terrible flame of anger engrosses from. But those words strike so harsh, he nearly gives into his animal passion.
 
"~ TSUNAMI WAS MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER DESTROY!!!!!! TO TAKE HER EXISTENCE AWAY MAKES EVERYTHING YOU DO IMPERFECT!!!!!! I WOULDN'T LIVE IN SUCH A UNIVERSE WITH HER IN IT, IF 'YOU' CREATED IT!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL NEVER LIVE IN SUCH A WARPED LIE!!! I..... ~"
 
A Hand stops him from speaking further, he's so close to the precipice. A Mind soothes his Mortal soul, allowing judgment to play a hand again "::[~ You see Trakalin? I don't believe you can fathom just how much power their Love truly is. Why do you think you failed in the original transgression Trakalin? How your tutelage was too perfect in the first place! ~]::"
 
"~ Indeed. A both proud, and sad, tragic day when I learned all too clearly. ~" Trakalin wrenches logic to respond by, despite his immense Ego. Aleaic meanwhile levels his feelings back in order.
 
"(~ Then you understand beloved. ~)"
 
Trakalin and Aleaic swiftly turn to the new voice. Somehow, both know the name to speak: "~ Gaea. ~" Trakalin then adds.. "~ B.. beloved? How...... how did you.....? ~"
 
Gaea, the white and gold haired Goddess of the Temporal Portfolio and possibly as close to the idea and ideal of consort Father could have, replies back simply.. "(~ I am the true seeing eye of Father. I've been seeing since time began. ~)"
 
"~ I know that much, do not presume.. ~"
 
"(~ But you WOULD.~)"
 
Trakalin is stunned speechless, nothing in his planning over the Eons could have included this scenario. A shortsightedness not haunting him intently. Aleaic meanwhile can't believe `another' being is inside his mind, this as this Gaea then turns `toward' him. He offers.. "~ So. you are Tsunami's Mentor. Incredible. ~" Aleaic bows serenely to the Goddess, her attire seems as if light was of physical form, all white and golden, her jewelry is beset in the same manner. Gaea returns softly. "~ You have done well as a Mortal. I see why my charge was chosen to return to you. ~"
 
Aleaic turns a sheet of white on every physical and spiritual level. A confirmation he wasn't sure he wanted to hear. "~ You.. you mean.. Father said.. what he said.. all of.. ~"
 
"(~ Lords in Heaven, you truly were prevented from remembering all.. ~)" Gaea blinks at.
 
"::[~ You know the circumstances of how it was conducted.. ~]::"
 
"~ Oh crud on a plate!! I was a God, I was with Tsunami before, I knew something was right about her from the moment we met!! ~" Al yells, despite himself, and mortal trappings and feelings. Gaea and Trakalin both can't help but chuckle, as if both were looking at a child discovering the core secret of all life. (And for Aleaic, it's not `far' off from the truth.)
 
"~ Yes Mortal, long ago you were of us. And long ago, I was Mentor, to whom you once were. ~" Gaea then turns a vicious gaze upon Trakalin. "(~ And one you tried to corrupt, one you couldn't see as incorruptible. Because... ~)"
 
"~ Because of her. ~" Aleaic finishes, and is both twisted in emotions, half hearing the words, as they remind him of Tsunami, the one that he wishes above all to be near. Almost to the cost of caring about anything else. He realizes a part of him feels how Trakalin does, in some measure. Aleaic just imparts further along this heart-guide. ~ She is now in horrendous peril, no matter what the circumstances. ~"
 
"(~ Indeed. ~)"
 
Trakalin pushes his Will to the forefront once more. "~ The divine Guardian of Happiness is to be sacrificed, her energy to feed the last act of the Tree of Darkness. ~"
 
Gaea and Aleaic look at Trakalin in horror. "~ N...... no...... ~" .. “(~ Have you no shame at all?!! ~)”
 
"~ Her and the split soul of the younger will be used to create at Demon Cosine. With that, they will.. ~"
 
"{{~ We, will create perfection!!!!! ~}}"
 
A FIFTH entity enters the fray to Gaea's shock!! "(~ KAGATO!!!!!!! ~)"
 
Aleaic feels an uncertain amount of fear.. "~ *Meekly..* That.......... that's him? ~"
 
---------------------------
 
*Outside, Med ward. One of confusion.*
 
Everyone, forced to watch as Aleaic floats in stasis, are then shocked to first see in order: The double moon crests, both set as a circle, the sigil of Gaea. And then the intrusive force of dark hate, as a black-blood sigil, one of a serpent-asp cowl, seemingly burnt into the forehead of the Mortal!
 
"(~ Kagato is in there TOO?!!!!!!!! ~)" Misaki shouts needlessly, as all of them can feel it! Even Mayuka in her weakened state! "~ Lord in Father's Name!! ~" Washu is truly, despite everything abreast, in an unusual amount of anxiety! Her tone says no less!
 
-----------------------
 
*Inside.*
 
"{{~ Forgive me, but I needed to give my last regards. I was quite surprised to see the gathering here, since I only wished to express my gratitude. ~}}"
 
"~ Demon!! Your trespass is as futile as your motives!! ~"
 
"{{~ Even with the present you were about to give me? ~}}"
 
Aleaic looks at Trakalin, reading a sense of confusion, and then at the sneer Kagato is giving Trakalin. "~ I have no 'gift' to give you, though your such was interesting to say the least. ~"
 
"{{~ Oh come now, I'm surprised at you Traitor. The Keys are more than what I expected to receive. ~}}"
 
Trakalin immediately bristles at this! "~ They are NOT yours!!! ~"
 
"(~ You......... wouldn't Kagato!! ~)" Gaea decries.
 
"{{~ Excuse me, but I don't remember this being a discussion. ~}}"
 
However it was done, Kagato then raises his right hand, and two small sparks or white and red energy enter them, from apparent thin air. (Or soul in this case!) "{{~ Ah, there they be and are. ~}}"
 
"~ GIVE THEM BACK!!!!!!!!! ~"
 
Kagato mocks Trakalin.. "{{~ Come now, you must know that when you joined with me, I would win. ~}}"
 
"~ It's not over yet you..... thing...... you. ~"
 
Kagato looks at the essence that Aleaic is.. "{{~ Ah, the Mortal agency. So Tsunami wasn't far off. What a pitiful, innate waste of the fabric of existence. ~}}"
 
"(~ Return the Keys!! ~)" Gaea snarls before Aleaic can even think of the insult delivered. Kagato just throws his head into a deep laughter. "{{~ The goddesses are truly masterful works of creation, such as the power will be from them, when Soujya initiates, fed off of them. And NOW, the power of the Keys that will unlock the Plane of Genesis.
 
For me. ..'alone'. "
 
Trakalin feels the freezing cold of unfathomable betrayal. Now it's his turn to feel his own failure.. "~ The Keys cannot be bidden by your hand Kagato!! ~"
 
"{{~ But, the hand of the goddesses. Oh yes, I know my studies in energy-matter control, for what I cannot unlock, they can crack, willingly or not. And that will be more than enough to initiate the Perfect Order!!!!!!!! ~}}"
 
Trakalin then tries in vain, as he THROWS his corporeal form at Kagato's. The response is a vastly huge Stun Hex!
 
----------------------
 
*Outside.........*
 
"~ WHOA!! LOOK OUT!!!!!!!!!! ~"
 
Everyone is forced to dive for cover, with Tenchi covers Mayuka, as light VIOLENTLY shoots from Aleaic's body, glazing the areas it touches in writhing crystal. Then the show stops quickly... thankfully.
 
Ryoko pops her head from behind Ayeka, and exclaims! "{~ BY BOTH ETERNAL LAYERS!!!!!!! ~}"
 
-----------------------
 
*Inside........*
 
Kagato strains suddenly... "{{~ What MADNESS is this!!!!! ~}}"
 
Trakalin's `soul' was thrown back by the Hex, but is caught by Aleaic's, using the power of the Link through Father. For ever an instant, the light is terrible to beholden.
 
"(~ Maker's Hand. ~)" Gaea yells, as Aleaic notes Trakalin's condition. "~ Trakalin!! ~"
 
The cloud has faded under the Hex power. Only a charred husk that is the non-lifeform remains, small and seemingly insignificant in his hands. He shakes with a thousand emotions as Trakalin whispers out.. "~ You................ do remember my lessons................ Avatar. ~"
 
"~ Don't YOU die on me now!! We haven't finished that argument!! ~" Al yells at the archaic ashen lump.
 
"~ I am sorry. ~"
 
"{{~ Pathetic. ~}}"
 
Before any can react, Kagato is gone in a silver flash of flame. It's just as well as Aleaic cries over. "~ Gaea, help me. ~"
 
"(~ I cannot. ~)"
 
Aleaic looks at Gaea with a moment of weak disgust, then realization. "~ You're not really here, are you? ~"
 
"(~ No. I am the second conscious Father brought to see this very act. I had no idea, nor the power to operate by. ~)"
 
"~ I.......... I am............ sorry Gaea. ~"
 
Aleaic and the Temporal Goddess both listen, the former still clinging to hope of miracle, but one misplaced against reality. (As even `here' is ruled by so.)
 
"~ Trakalin, you can't. ~"
 
Trakalin then tones out of the dying, even for a former God. "~ Strange....... that in less.... than a few well spaced moments... I turn from the very ideal... I seeked..
 
...........because I now see what Father... meant all those Eons ago. Now I see... too late. ~"
 
Aleaic shakes his head in worry.. "~ I..... I cannot face this alone, I....... I need my teacher. ~"
 
"~ You..... NEED, is what you came here for..... to save and hold. That is... where you must place your power of hope and life, to where my redemption.. comes. She... they..... will need............ them of you......... to survive. ~" Gaea and Al both feel the husk's essence flutter low.
 
"(~ Always the one so melodramatic of us all, Council Member. ~)"
 
"~ I am mortal, not Dimensional. ~" Aleaic feels his scruff, however it's actually done in this state of consciousness, as it pulls him closer to the non-lifeform.
 
"~ It matters not, because... I learned twice over, from... a person that knew mortal ability better as a God, than we all three the Greater... here combined ever could wish...
 
..that......... is my final lesson........... from you.. ~” ..and to a shallow whisper.. “~ ..but you must........... understand your place.........
 
Please... learn. ~"
 
Something in Aleaic mind suddenly feels like it's lighter, unlocked like a terrible dark door. He gasps, as behind it is the truth.
 
Behind are lost images of an existence joined in conception, conceived in destined happiness, relished by another.
 
And then torn by betrayal of his own Mentor.
 
A trillion images borne in a few seconds.
 
Aleaic stammers silently with his consciousness overloaded beyond conception. Trying to speak is impossible at this point. Trakalin uses that for his last. "~ Then you understand readily, if you look hard enough. My pride and understanding is in there as well..
 
As well as my apology. ~"
 
Aleaic then feels Trakalin's essence start to desiccate, his voice panics for him!! "~ MENTOR NO!!!!!!!!! ~" This before suddenly, Aleaic feels his consciousness thrown away clear, this by Gaea he sees. "~ GAEA!!!!!! ~"
 
"(~ Save her. Save my protégé, your Love. Save them now!!!!!!!!!!! ~)"
 
*ALL ENCOMPASING LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
 
---------------------------
 
*Finally.*
 
As if the light a moment ago wasn't bright enough, the NEXT one is powerful enough to eat away at the ivory walls!!!!!!!
 
"~ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...... ~ ......................AAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........ ahh?"
 
The light dies, and Aleaic WHUMPS onto the bed once more. "~ Someone tell me when this ride is over!! ~" Kiyone mutters, quite pissed off by it all. Washu, Achika, and Yosho are first to Al's side, where Washu notes of detail... "~ Oh my. ~"
 
"Ughhhhhhh....... Hangover from heck and divine........ ugh."
 
"~ Um............ uh... ~"
 
Aleaic look at Washu, and then Achika, both trying to grasp for words. "What? What now?"
 
"~ I...... remember that sigil. ~"
 
Aleaic is about to ask further, but notes a warmth on his forehead. "Someone turn the heat down."
 
"~ I doubt that Al. ~"
 
The Mortal is then introduced with a mirror, and...... "WHAT IN GOD!!!!!!!???????"
 
A sigil has remained, but it's NOT any of the previous, this one is in the shape of a star, with compass spokes, set as a sparkle effect. It's not large, but glowing for effect.
 
"Oh....... I guess that goes with it huh?"
 
"~ Goes with what Sensei? ~"
 
Aleaic waves off Yosho's query. "N... Not now. Now we have to get to the Plane of Genesis, and quickly!"
 
Washu is the first in shock at this announcement. "~ ARE YOU NUTS? Um.. Well uh, yeah, you are. But this pushes it!!! ~" Aleaic however stresses from what he learned. "We have no choice. While Trakalin and I were 'discussing' philosophy, Kagato snuck in on us and stole the Keys to the Cosine."
 
More than a few heads look at Al, like he got new growths. "~ How could you know about those? ~"
 
"(~ Being with Father is getting to him. ~)"
 
"Enough!! We have to move now!!" Aleaic then finds his strength, leaps off the bed, and strides for the exit, then turns around as he reaches... "Well? I can't get them back alone."
 
"~ What about Mayuka? ~" Tenchi asks, his concerns are quite genuine.
 
Aleaic looks back, and walks over to the Gray Angel, and then places a hand on hers. He offers as if he was expert in what he was about to do. "~ Trakalin had a last gift to give. Don't ask, take it. ~"
 
Mayuka blinks, and then feels something warm in her hand, and opens it in weakened curiosity. "~ Oh.... ~"
 
“It's the stored energy from the escape from Luna Dungeon two years ago.” Aleaic informs, more than enough to heal with properly Mayuka finds, as she absorbs the energy quite easily. Everyone else is hashed with trying to comprehend what in the universe has come over Al!! “~ Are you okay Sensei? ~”
 
Aleaic just stresses further, embracing his destiny for the one purpose in mind. "We `all' have a part to play. The End is here, and we have to go change that back into the future we exist for. One with our past in it, or none at all."
 
"~ Agreed. ~" Tenchi pats Al on the shoulder, just going with it all. Ryoko looks to Washu.. “{~ Well, forget that idea we had. Whatever it was. ~}”
 
“~ Oh that? Just a bit of transplantation of Trans-spatial matter. ~” Ryoko skimps away from Washu at a `healthy' space. Mayuka is then helped up by Tenchi, as then all gather towards the archway. As they reach, Aleaic stops cold. Achika just asks. “~ What is it? ~”
 
"Um.." Aleaic says, as they reach the archway.. "..how do we get there?" All but Washu just FACEVAULT!! Al just quips nervously.. "Um..... yeah... sorry. " =^^=;;;;;
 
"~ Don't worry, I can hack our way into that realm. ~" Washu replies, rubbing her hands greedily all of a sudden. Aleaic feels a surge of hope in her smile, if a disturbing one.
 
"Come on, let's find Tokimi, we'll need her too."
 
"~ We don't need that dretch of a Sysop! ~" Ayeka quips.
 
"~ I HEARD THAT!!!!!!!! ~" Is what thunders down the corridor in response!! "~ I fear, really I do. ~" Ayeka speaks deadpan. "{~ You said it Sister............ eh? WAAAA!! ~}"
 
Ayeka takes GREAT enjoyment in needling Ryoko for that slip of family usage. Tenchi just sighs. “~ I don't feel confident. ~” ..this Mayuka just shrugs. “~ Mothers of the three always had buggy personalities. ~”
 
“~ Aww come on! ~” Mihoshi cries back, as Kiyone moans. “~ I can't believe my Sister is a mother. Wait... which makes ME related too! AUGHH!!! ~”
 
Achika, Misaki and Washu trade uneasy looks. Aleaic just looks at them all and sighs.
 
Oh yes, the future of existence is in 'GREEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAATTTTT' hands.
 
-------------------------
 
*Plane of Genesis: 1 hour.*
 
It's massive, the pedestal. One now connected to the final protocol interface, as one titanic unit. Essentially a portable supercomputer: The Demon's Ultimate Laptop, one Everything of Hell Core, short of creator, and a operator.
 
The latter is spoken for. "{{~ Perfect. Splendid. ~}}"
 
Yume, Clay, Yuzuha, and Yakage look on, apparently wholly behind what is in essence, a coup de tat. A camera pan shot plays across the other minor Demon Lords, as it stops in front of them and... "{{~ Hey, Who are we to stop a great plot line? ~}}" Speaks Yuzuha..
 
"{{~ Yeah!! ~}}" The other three speak.
 
"{{~ GET BACK TO WORK!!!!!!! ~}}"
 
The Demons grumble under their collective breaths. "{{~ Slave driver. ~}}"
 
"{{~ Better believe it!! ~}}"
 
Kagato turns from berating the minor functionaries.. "(Demons: ) {{~ HEY!! ~}}" ..and towards the long sight of steps, leading up to the Pedestal Orifice. In it, the Crystal, not yet unlocked, and not to do so until Zero hour engages. A bunch of snaking, less than orderly Datalink cables connect to the Orifice, and from it to the `Laptop'.
 
Kagato smiles a tooth grin. "{{~ I must thank Trakalin. The Key's Idea was a splendid surprise. Too bad he will never see it in fruition. ~}}"
 
A subordinate reports to the Administrator. "{~ It's all set Milord. Only the energy charge from the subjects is needed now. ~}"
 
"{{~ Excellent. Now, send all forces into hiding. They will come soon, and they must be stopped AT the point of entry. That Whore borne of a Mortal slime is NOT to even touch this device, understand!!!!! ~}}"
 
The flunky leaves quickly to carry out the Will, relayed to the other demons swiftly enough. Meanwhile, Kagato speaks unto the empty `sky' above his sight. "{{~ Sorry Mulhorand baby. I am in charge now! ~}}"
 
Kagato tries his bit at the black oily laughter bit. It's almost a good copy.
 
The feelings inside the Crystal however is not a copy.
 
But this time it's not sadness. It's blacker.......... Much much blacker.
 
And it's ShowTime.
 
(End Part Six)
 
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