#16

Disclaimer: At the bottom. :p

"Grandfather?" He blinked, adjusting his glasses, and nodded at his grandson. "Why exactly did you refuse to become the Emperor?"

Yosho sighed, his eyes unfocusing as he remembered. "Hmm…"

"Yosho! You have to preserve the line!"

"But… Mother… I can't, I'm —"

"Tenchi, our family bears a terrible responsibility… with the Tenchi-ken, when a member of the royal family reaches a certain level of maturity…" he seemed to struggle for a moment, then shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Tenchi. Suffice to say I'm happier here."

"Grandfather?"

"…fifth in the line."

"It… it is my duty."

He shivered, shaking his head. "It's a terrible curse, Tenchi. Trust me. You're happier not knowing about it."

"Why not?"

There were bright, flashing lights, swirling colors, and an unpleasant internal… shifting sensation.

"No…"

"Grandfather? Are you okay?"

The old man narrowed his eyes, readying the tenchi-ken, and shaking his head. "Tenchi. Get into the house."

"It's… over… thank the kami… why can't I change back!?"

"It takes a few hours. Are you okay?"

Tenchi backed away slowly, stepping towards the house, and finally noticing the sun, just about to set. "Grandfather?"

"Is that all you can say, Tenchi? LEAVE!"

"What do you mean they're going to follow me?"

"It's our burden. They follow us, because they hate us."

"Tenchi! Get Sammy here."

He blinked, staring. "Who!?"

"Then I'll leave. They'll follow me. No one else can become the next in line if I'm not here."

"Are you joking? We can't afford to let that happen!"

"Tell Sasami, Tenchi, tell her we need Sammy, now run!"

Frightened, Tenchi whirled, his feet churning up loose soil, as the sun continued its descent, and he ran back to the house.

The words flowed through his mind, calling back the Tenchi-ken's hidden power and unlocking his heritage. He knew he could never let Tenchi become the next in line, because then it would become permanent.

And then the magic tore through him, burning him away, and leaving… her…

Tenchi skidded to a halt, seeing Sasami already rushing towards him, only… she was wearing what looked like a battle outfit, and carrying a bow. "Sasami-chan?" Tenchi managed, stunned.

Sasami ignored him, yelling, "I am the one hundred and seventh generation devil hunter, Pretty Sammy!"

Yes, folks… it's Devil Hunter Yosho.

Disclaimer:

Tenchi Universe is property of Pioneer, and Devil Hunter Yohko is property of Miyao Gaku.

Author's notes:

I have no excuse.

Webmaster: Larry F
Last revision: January 7, 2006