A/N Tenchi Muyo! is owned by AIC and Pioneer and not by me. (ending dry and dull disclaimer)
The ideas in this story are mine though and if you'd like to use or borrow them, contact me first at [email protected] or [email protected]
Note: What Should Have Been has no cooresponding timeline in the Tenchi Verse. This story was started long before I cared for such things, so please keep that in mind as you read.
Note2: Chapter One was a bit bulky so I've split it up into two parts for reading convience...
What should have been
Chapter One A
A Leave of Absence: A Beginning
By RingPrincess
-Friday-
"What do you mean you have to leave, Ms. Ayeka?" Tenchi asked concernedly, his brow furrowed.
"I have been called home for an important event, that I can't possibly get around. So I am afraid I must cut my visit short. I'll be gone for a little over two months." Ayeka said patiently, this was the third time she had said this but no one seemed to be getting, except for a certain space pirate.
Ryoko grinned at her in delight.
"Have fun, say hello to Azusa for me and don't forget to send a postcard." She cooed. Ayeka just glared at her.
Ayeka turned stiffly and looked at Washu.
"I'll require Ryu-oh, I hope she is repaired by now." Ayeka put her nose in the air. "Come Sasami, we must go pack."
Ryoko stopped laughing.
"Now wait a minute," she growled. "You said nothing about Sasami going with you."
"Well she is, father especially requested her presence." Ayeka headed towards the stairs, but found herself blocked by the pirate.
"Doesn't Sasami have any say in this, did you ask her if she wanted to go?" Her golden eyes were narrowed dangerously.
Sasami stood nervously beside Tenchi. He just looked down at her and smiled, or tried to smile reassuringly. It looked kind of forced.
The two girls were glaring laser bolts at each other and it looked like it would be a full blown fight when Sasami swallowed a lump in her throat.
"Ryoko, Ayeka there is no need to fight. I'll go with Ayeka, and we'll be back in two months. It's only two months. You'll be able to fend for yourselves. Mihoshi can clean, Kiyone can do laundry, Washu can cook and Ryoko can . . . can. . ." Sasami suddenly silenced herself.
Ayeka began to laugh.
"See, even Sasami thinks you're worthless."
"I do not Ayeka. How could you say such a thing? I just realized that I had run out of chores. That's all." Sasami cried, on the verge of tears.
"Don't worry Sasami. I can do the odd jobs, 'kay. There is no need to cry."
Ryoko soothed.
Ayeka was still laughing uproariously.
Kiyone just glared at her before turning to Sasami. She shook her head at the cute little girl.
"I am afraid that isn't going to work, Mihoshi and I have patrol for a few months and besides we have our apartment in town. So we won't be here."
Washu smiled mischievously. "I have a large experiment in the lab going that could take anywhere from two weeks to six months. So it looks like it will just be Tenchi, Ryoko, Noboyuki, and grandfather."
Ayeka bristled. "I am not leaving Tenchi alone unchaperoned with that. . , that. . , Devil woman." She sputtered.
Ryoko suddenly settled on the ground and gave her opponent a serious look.
"That's right; I wouldn't want to get ahead of you now. So I suppose we could form a pact. I solemnly swear upon my gems that I will not do anything in anyway to Tenchi without his permission. Deal?"
Ayeka looked at her in disbelief. "Accept the word of a pirate, a worthless demon. No I don't agree."
Ryoko gave a catlike grin, "what did you call me prissy princess?"
"GIRLS!" Tenchi yelled.
Ryoko looked at him and for once immediately backed down. "Sorry Tenchi," she muttered.
Tenchi glared at Ayeka.
Ayeka hissed in annoyance. "Fine, I accept your deal Ryoko."
"Shake on it," Ryoko purred.
With an extreme look of distaste Ayeka held out her hand and Ryoko took it and shook it firmly. Then stepped back.
"You're lucky I didn't spit on it as I should have. Somehow I felt that your precious sensibilities would have been upset." Ryoko smiled and teleported out before Ayeka's shriek of rage could be heard throughout the house.
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-Sunday-
All of the 'family' stood outside the lake to watch Sasami and Ayeka leave.
Ayeka bowed to the family, all that sensibilities would allow and was beamed into the Ryu-oh. Sasami was not so proper and gave all the family a large hug and certain ones kisses.
She was then enveloped in blue light. They watched as the ship quickly faded into the sky and headed towards Jurai.
Mihoshi and Kiyone were the next to leave, the red ship Yagami headed out for their patrol of the system. However that wasn't the only reason why they were going. Mihoshi had to check in with HQ. Something about giving a report to her grandfather. This had been something recent and unexpected. And with Mihoshi's report they would be gone a long time.
"Well," Washu said cheerfully. "Back to work. I'll see you kids later. Don't wreck the house now."
Noboyuki muttered something about work and headed towards town and Grandfather headed back up to his shrine. This left Tenchi, Ryoko and Ryo-ohki on the dock.
Tenchi looked kind of preoccupied.
"Um. . . Ryoko," he started.
She looked over at him. "Yes Tenchi." She said it in a straightforward, monotone way.
"About that pact you made with Ayeka."
Ryoko seemed to clench her teeth for a moment than sagged her shoulders. "I'll keep it Tenchi, or else I wouldn't have suggested it. Despite what she says or thinks I am a woman of my word."
"Oh, well. . . I wasn't really wondering about that. I was actually wondering why you made it."
A sad smile played itself over her lips, and her eyes seemed to warm.
"Ask me again sometime Tenchi. Ask me again sometime."
"Tenchi, you have chores." His grandfather yelled from the top of the shrine.
Tenchi sagged his shoulders and headed towards the carrot fields, Ryo-ohki hopping at his heels. He didn't see the smile on Ryoko's lips of the warm light in her eyes as she watched him go.
She turned back to the house.
"Now, what to do first?" She muttered.
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Ryoko slid something off the stove. It looked like a pan of something and it was steaming. She suddenly looked to the corner of the kitchen.
"So, Little Washu," she growled as something hit the back of her head. "Fine . . . mom, are you coming out for dinner or do you want it brought to you." A slip of paper appeared on the table.
Ryoko grinned as she picked it up. Read it over and shrugged. She looked towards the corner again. "Very well, if that's what you want."
Another slip of paper landed on the table. Ryoko read it. "Not hungry, mom, your twelve years old. Don't say you're not hungry. Do you think I am daft or something. It will be outside your door."
Ryoko proceeded to dish out what was in the pan into a dish and carry it outside her mother's lab door. She opened the door a crack and pushed the tray in, all without spilling a drop.
"Compliments of the management. Hope the project is going well. And also by the way. It's carrot less."
A whoop of delight was heard from the other side of the door.
Ryoko only grinned. She then heard the door open. Ryoko moved to the center of the living room, she looked expectantly towards the door.
It was Tenchi. He looked at her with an odd look on his face.
"Umm. . ." She looked down at her feet. "Lunch is ready, that is if you're hungry."
Tenchi made a face; her head was still down so she didn't see.
"I think I'll pass." he muttered.
He head came up with a snap.
"You haven't even tried it yet. Don't reject it without even tasting it."
Tenchi sighed.
"Ryoko, you know and I know that you can't cook."
She grinned, however it was a pleasant grin.
"You're sure about that." She challenged.
"Yes."
"Fine, let's gamble. You try my food and if it isn't good, I'll do all the house chores and take care of the carrot fields for a week. However, if it is good you will do the house chores and the carrot fields." She held out her hand. With some temerity Tenchi took it and shook on it.
He almost forgot to let go. It was her raised eyebrow that made him remember his manners. Her hand was soft and smooth. There were no calluses. But the grip was hard, the grip of a warrior. Tenchi catalogued this as they headed to the kitchen. He almost didn't hear what she was saying.
"Washu isn't joining us. She's is taking all meals on her lab for the duration. So Tenchi, it's just you and me."
Before Ayeka had left, this comment would had been purred seductively and given with a wink. Now, Tenchi didn't feel at all threatened for she had stated it as simple fact. Tenchi had a hard time getting used to this Ryoko. In fact, he missed some of the old Ryoko, not all of her, but this one was just as nice.
They entered the kitchen and sat down at the table and Tenchi said a brief prayer to Kami-san before beginning. Ryoko dished something out on his plate and handed it to him. It was missing something.
"Ryoko, where are the carrots?"
"Not in the food. Personally, although I love the kid dearly, sometimes Sasami's food doesn't have much imagination." She paused, "and I am sick of carrots. Sorry Ryo-ohki." The last was addressed to the cabbit who sat on the table looking at their plates with a forlorn look on her face.
Ryoko softened her look and went to the fridge. She opened the door and took out something.
"Besides, I made something else for Ryo-ohki. Carrot salad. Carrots, raisins, walnuts, and mayonnaise. I wouldn't eat it, but I'm sure she'll love it."
"MIYA!"
By the time she reached the table Tenchi had already taken a bite of his food and had the most chagrined look on his face.
"Alright you win. I'll do the house chores, but you, Ryoko can cook."
Ryoko smiled at the implied compliment.
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Ryoko lay on the couch in the living room. It was dark and there were no lights on in the house. She could hear Nobuyuki tossing in his sleep, Yosho and Tenchi were quiet. The house seemed so odd with the others gone. She knew that even now that Washu watched her. She waved at the general direction of the cameras. Another sleepless night. How typical, now she couldn't even go watch over Tenchi that would be a breach of the pact.
Ryoko grimaced, that pact, she meant every word of it. But now, she wished she hadn't made it. The night was dark and she wanted just to watch Tenchi. The dark reminded her to much of the cave and Kagato. She shivered and forced herself to relax. Muscle group by muscle group until she was limp against the sofa.
She stared at the ceiling and 'her' rafter; somehow she didn't feel like going up there. The couch was so comfortable. Despite what she had thought earlier, the cyan haired space pirate slowly drifted off to sleep, only to enter the realm of her nightmares.
The whole house heard her screams. Three times she screamed, the last one was a name. The only name that she thought could save her.
"TENCHI!!!" her back arched and she began to thrash. Normally she would wake up. But not tonight.
Tenchi was downstairs in an instant and was trying to get a hold of girl with little success. Her arms flailed wildly and it was all he could do to even lay a hand on her. Yosho and Nobuyuki came out and tried to help, but weren't making any head way.
Tenchi finally did the only thing he could think of. He summoned some power and kneeling next to her, entered her dream.
It was awful, and he knew instantly that this dream happened to be real. This was a memory. Ryoko was backed into a corner. Her hands over her head as Kagato beat her and beat her and beat her. All the time telling her she was weak, she didn't need emotions, emotions were bad, and therefore she was bad. Ryoko had been a bad little girl and deserved this beating. All Ryoko could do was sit there and say, "Yes, master." "Of course, master." "How may I please you master?"
Blood was all over, her blood. It made Tenchi's blood boil. He walked up to Kagato and using all his power, Tenchi punched him.
"Leave her alone, Emotions aren't weak, it is emotions that make us strong."
Kagato just laughed, he looked around the enraged boy. "You asked Ryoko, what can you do to please me, to please me you can kill this upstart."
Ryoko floated off the floor and healed quickly. Her eyes turned red and she charged.
Tenchi changed focus. Kagoto wasn't the key, she was. If he could calm her down, break Kagato's hold over her. This dream would be done. The question was how?
The answer came to him so quickly that he almost slapped himself.
At that moment Ryoko charged. Tenchi already full of power from attacking Kagoto dodged.
"Ryoko, you must listen to me. Your emotions aren't bad, they aren't weak. Ryoko your emotions are good and pure. They are part of what makes you human. Ryoko, your emotions are part of the reason why I love you."
Tenchi stopped talking, had he just said that? That wasn't supposed to come out. He shook his head. He didn't have time for this. Ryoko came back with sword raised. He dodged again. He couldn't hurt her that would make his words pointless.
"Ryoko, Kagoto is your real weakness. But you can defeat him. Defeat him and you'll be free of this memory. Ryoko," he had to dodge again. "Ryoko, kill Kagoto. Throw him off. I know you can do it. Ryoko,"
Kagoto just kept laughing.
Tenchi made a decision there and then in Ryoko's dream. He weighed both Aeka and Ryoko in an instant and found that while he loved them both, this one he loved more.
She was attacking again. Tenchi made his move. He came up inside her defenses and took her face in his hands. There was little time for niceties. Kagoto had figured out his plan and was about to join the fight. Tenchi kissed her. It started as something sweet and rose in passion and intensity. Their eyes were closed and a shield came up around them. Blocking Kagoto out, giving them time to talk.
Tenchi opened his eyes and stared deep into Ryoko's. They were the beautiful amber that he loved.
"Tenchi," she whispered. He nodded, she was about to say more but he laid a finger on her lips.
"I love you, but I can do nothing, you must kill Kagoto. Then this dream will end."
"Tenchi, there are other dreams similar to it." She whispered eyes wide.
He kissed her again, she broke it this time. "We'll deal with them when they come." he whispered. She nodded.
"Something like we'll burn that bridge when we come to it," Her eyes lit up mischievously.
He nodded.
She narrowed her eyes in determination. "So all I have to do is kill the bastard."
He nodded again.
She smiled, it wasn't pleasant. It showed her fangs and she literally hissed. She looked even more like a cat than normal.
"Ryoko, this is your dream, you are in control. Remember that." He told her.
She looked at him and suddenly kissed him again.
"I love you Tenchi." she whispered.
He grinned. This was going to sound corny but he couldn't resist. "I know."
Ryoko looked around for Kagoto and promptly killed him with a burst of energy. No fanfare, no long fight, just one energy bomb and there was nothing left but a pile of ashes.
"I am master now!" she shrieked before collapsing. Tenchi went and put his arms around her as she wept.
They slowly woke up to find that they were still in the living room. Only their positions had changed. He was under her with his hands around her waist and her head was under his chin and their legs intertwined. Yosho and Nobuyuki were nowhere to be seen.
Ryoko was still sobbing.
Tenchi began to soothe her. Murmuring that it was okay, she was safe, Kagoto was dead and he would never let anyone hurt her again.
"I love you Ryoko."
The sobbing ceased. The body moved that was in his arms and he loosened his hands. She turned on her side to look down at him. He also moved to his side. The two of them looked at each other. Tears streamed down her cheeks and he began to wipe them away one by one.
Ryoko's eyes were wide, it was still dark so he couldn't see their amber color, her heart was beating fast and her lips were parted in shock. It was to much of an invitation. His head came forward and his lips touched hers for their first real true kiss.
Ryoko's head was swimming. She couldn't think. His soft lips against hers were too good to be true. She responded automatically until he broke it and looked down at her.
He leaned his head towards hers and whispered in her ear.
"I know you can do better than that."
He brought his head back and looked at her and rested his forehead against hers. "So let's try that again." He murmured before he kissed her again. This time she returned it full heartedly.
She broke it and looked at him. As if suddenly realizing that this was Tenchi and he was kissing her.
"What about Ayeka?" She managed to get out.
He didn't blink. He looked at her steadily. "I love you, there are many reasons. Ayeka is... family. She is wed to her position. All she ever talks about is becoming empress. I do not want to be emperor. There are times where she is controlling and manipulative. I think it took your dream to see what my heart knew all along. Also, Ayeka is not here and does not need me half so much as a beautiful space pirate."
"Is that it, she's not here so I am second best."
Tenchi sighed and brushed his fingers through her hair. "You weren't listening back in that dream, or just now were you. I l-o-v-e y-o-u, you, Ryoko, the girl with cyan hair, and eyes to match her heart of gold, the woman of honor, the woman who is forward and smells like cherry blossoms and knows how to do so many things and is full of surprises." Tenchi stopped for breath. Ryoko was just looking at him with astonishment. He began again, "Ryoko, the couch is comfortable, but can we retire?"
She blinked.
"Where?"
"My room," He grinned as her mouth gaped. He closed her mouth with a snap and kissed her again. She looked at him after they broke again.
"You're not kidding."
"No. Should I?"
She grinned and she wrapped her arms around him and teleported them straight to his room, glad for once of her abilities.
She wasn't quite sure where this Tenchi had come from, but she loved him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day was Monday and Ryoko didn't want to move. She looked up and still couldn't believe where she was. Could it really be true that she was lying on Tenchi's bed, with Tenchi and permission. He had invited her. She shook her head to clear it and pinched herself. It hurt so this must be real. She hadn't had such a relaxing sleep in a long time.
She looked at Tenchi again to find him looking back at her. She put her hands on his chest and laid her head on top of them.
"Do we have to move?" She whined. She felt his hand on her back and he began to rub it.
"Unfortunately yes," He murmured.
She looked up at him again, "Tenchi is it true what you said in my dream that emotions make you strong?"
Tenchi nodded, then spoke. "Then there's the other end, to much emotion makes you weak, indecisive, hesitant. I think it's finding the right balance."
"Oh, good," She crawled forward until she was right over his face. He smiled up at her and their lips met in a kiss.
A knock came at the door.
The couple jumped.
"Tenchi, school day."
Ryoko sighed and so did Tenchi. She rolled out of bed. He followed suit.
"I'll go make breakfast." She turned to leave when Tenchi's arms wrapped around her. "Let's take a bath first? No need to make my father wonder anymore."
Ryoko laughed softly and teleported them with clothes, towels and other bath accessories directly to the girl's side of the onsen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The school day began pretty normally with Amagasaki beginning with his usual questions.
"So, did you meet any cute girls over the weekend?" the overlarge, ugly boy stated.
"I wouldn't exactly call her cute." Tenchi murmured. Amagasaki stopped in his tracks. This was not how the conversation normally went. Tenchi continued, "I would call her gorgeous."
Amagasaki looked at Tenchi as if he had come down with some terrible disease.
"Umm. . . Tenchi, pardon me asking, but what happened over the weekend?"
Tenchi was at his locker by now and was looking inside of it.
"Not much, my cousins had to go home for a few months and some of my other friends also left. Then this girl I know, she had bad dream and I helped her out. Sounds kind of silly I know, must be the damsel in distress thing." Tenchi brought his head out of the locker, shrugged and began putting books in his bag. "By the way, she's the gorgeous one."
"So, you still a virgin," Typical Amagasaki bluntness.
Tenchi for once didn't turn red. He just sighed and gave Amagasaki the look. Amagasaki murmured something about class and headed the other direction.
Once he was out of sight Tenchi just grinned. That had been fun, not as fun as shocking Ryoko, but fun. He felt like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. There were no worries and he could enjoy life a bit, even if it was just teasing his school friends.
"Hey Tenchi, what's so funny?" Chio asked.
"Oh, just shocking Amagasaki, shall we go to math?" Tenchi just grinned some more. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. He closed his eyes for a second and saw Ryoko smiling back at them, opened them and saw Chio looking at him closely. Tenchi just winked at him and headed off to math class. This was going to be a great day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last class of the day for Tenchi was Kendo. Sometimes he felt bad about this class because of all the time he spent training with grandfather.
He shook his head and shrugged, there was nothing he could do about it anyway. Those abilities had come in handy over the last year, with Kagato and all.
Tenchi took his regular spot on the floor and waited for the kendo master. He didn't have to wait long.
"Today, we will begin to learn a new cadence and the upper class students will spar with each other."
The master than began to assign sparring partners.
"Masaki, you are with Kalith."
Tenchi bowed. Kalith grinned then also bowed. They moved off to a mat on the far side of the room.
"Feel like being killed today Masaki." Kalith sneered.
He was a handsome boy, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was also considered the best kendo student in the school.
Tenchi entered into a classic defensive position and waited with eyebrows raised. He waited.
"So, you're going to let me make the first move, huh." Kalith attacked half-way through his sentence. However Tenchi was ready and parried the oaken blade.
Kalith kept coming trying to force Tenchi back. It wasn't working, so Kalith decided to attack with words again.
"Is it true, did you get laid last night Tenchi? She must have been pretty ugly to go for a guy like you." He sneered.
"You talk to much Kalith." Tenchi said evenly then attacked.
Kalith felt himself going on the defensive, and almost cursed. He didn't have time or enough concentration to fight and talk anymore. He looked at Tenchi something strange was going on here. Masaki wasn't that good.
Tenchi blinked and suddenly back flipped and landed three feet out of attack range. He looked Kalith up and down and then himself and suddenly began swearing viciously.
Tenchi held his hand out and saw a slight blue aura around it. That was not good, he was using power without even realizing it and Jurai power at that. Okay so it was good, maybe now he could call forth his wings without it being a life or death situation, but did he have to find out now. Really, in school was not the time to do this. Sudden inspiration hit him.
This seemed a bit too familiar. Tenchi bowed to Kalith and without a second glance at the boy he headed towards his bag. He kneeled over it and hefted out the Tenchi-ken. He felt the swords power respond to him.
Tenchi sighed. It looked like Kendo class was now out for the rest of the year, unless the master knew more than he looked. Kalith had been taught all that the master supposedly knew and here Tenchi was defeating him.
Tenchi closed his eyes and wondered again, Why me? Really, wasn't enough that he was a prince of Jurai, that he had special powers and skills and could summon the light hawk wings. Now he couldn't even spar with humans anymore.
He felt Kalith's bokken tip tickling the back of his neck.
"Stand up and fight Masaki."
Tenchi rolled under the bokken and come up right in Kalith's face and laid the flat of his hand across Kalith's throat. He smiled at Kalith sadly.
"You're dead Kalith."
"You hit me with your hand Masaki. Not the blade." Kalith smirked.
Tenchi's eyes went dead.
"Wrong, I figuratively punched you. You would be back against that wall with a smashed windpipe Kalith. The body is also very much a weapon."
"You sound like a fortune cookie, and you are not that strong. Who are you trying to kid, Masaki?"
Tenchi sighed. There was no way to get through to this boy. The master came up and looked at Tenchi with an odd look in his eyes.
"In my opinion Kalith, you should thank Masaki. He was winning and instead of using his superior talent he gave you an honorable tie."
Kalith growled still staring at Tenchi.
"He wasn't winning, I had him and he gave up."
"That is not what I saw Kalith. One must learn to take what is offered. You had lost no reputation when Tenchi bowed to you. Now he has defeated you in fair combat and you have lost reputation."
"Fine, then I have one question. Where did you learn to fight like that Masaki?"
Tenchi looked at him.
"If I knew, I would tell you." He took a step back and felt the wooden bokken glide over his shoulder. Once he was out of range he bowed at Kalith and the master once more and headed off towards the showers. He needed to talk his grandfather and possibly Ryoko and Washu. Something was not right here.
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END CHAPTER!
Remember, this is ONLY half of chapter one, keep reading for more!
Questions and comments should be sent to one of the emails below! Check out my websites... and tell me what you think please.
RingPrincess
[email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/ringprincess/index.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tenchimuyofanfiction/
http://www.thetenchireviewer.net
The ideas in this story are mine though and if you'd like to use or borrow them, contact me first at [email protected] or [email protected]
Note: What Should Have Been has no cooresponding timeline in the Tenchi Verse. This story was started long before I cared for such things, so please keep that in mind as you read.
Note2: Chapter One was a bit bulky so I've split it up into two parts for reading convience...
What should have been
Chapter One A
A Leave of Absence: A Beginning
By RingPrincess
-Friday-
"What do you mean you have to leave, Ms. Ayeka?" Tenchi asked concernedly, his brow furrowed.
"I have been called home for an important event, that I can't possibly get around. So I am afraid I must cut my visit short. I'll be gone for a little over two months." Ayeka said patiently, this was the third time she had said this but no one seemed to be getting, except for a certain space pirate.
Ryoko grinned at her in delight.
"Have fun, say hello to Azusa for me and don't forget to send a postcard." She cooed. Ayeka just glared at her.
Ayeka turned stiffly and looked at Washu.
"I'll require Ryu-oh, I hope she is repaired by now." Ayeka put her nose in the air. "Come Sasami, we must go pack."
Ryoko stopped laughing.
"Now wait a minute," she growled. "You said nothing about Sasami going with you."
"Well she is, father especially requested her presence." Ayeka headed towards the stairs, but found herself blocked by the pirate.
"Doesn't Sasami have any say in this, did you ask her if she wanted to go?" Her golden eyes were narrowed dangerously.
Sasami stood nervously beside Tenchi. He just looked down at her and smiled, or tried to smile reassuringly. It looked kind of forced.
The two girls were glaring laser bolts at each other and it looked like it would be a full blown fight when Sasami swallowed a lump in her throat.
"Ryoko, Ayeka there is no need to fight. I'll go with Ayeka, and we'll be back in two months. It's only two months. You'll be able to fend for yourselves. Mihoshi can clean, Kiyone can do laundry, Washu can cook and Ryoko can . . . can. . ." Sasami suddenly silenced herself.
Ayeka began to laugh.
"See, even Sasami thinks you're worthless."
"I do not Ayeka. How could you say such a thing? I just realized that I had run out of chores. That's all." Sasami cried, on the verge of tears.
"Don't worry Sasami. I can do the odd jobs, 'kay. There is no need to cry."
Ryoko soothed.
Ayeka was still laughing uproariously.
Kiyone just glared at her before turning to Sasami. She shook her head at the cute little girl.
"I am afraid that isn't going to work, Mihoshi and I have patrol for a few months and besides we have our apartment in town. So we won't be here."
Washu smiled mischievously. "I have a large experiment in the lab going that could take anywhere from two weeks to six months. So it looks like it will just be Tenchi, Ryoko, Noboyuki, and grandfather."
Ayeka bristled. "I am not leaving Tenchi alone unchaperoned with that. . , that. . , Devil woman." She sputtered.
Ryoko suddenly settled on the ground and gave her opponent a serious look.
"That's right; I wouldn't want to get ahead of you now. So I suppose we could form a pact. I solemnly swear upon my gems that I will not do anything in anyway to Tenchi without his permission. Deal?"
Ayeka looked at her in disbelief. "Accept the word of a pirate, a worthless demon. No I don't agree."
Ryoko gave a catlike grin, "what did you call me prissy princess?"
"GIRLS!" Tenchi yelled.
Ryoko looked at him and for once immediately backed down. "Sorry Tenchi," she muttered.
Tenchi glared at Ayeka.
Ayeka hissed in annoyance. "Fine, I accept your deal Ryoko."
"Shake on it," Ryoko purred.
With an extreme look of distaste Ayeka held out her hand and Ryoko took it and shook it firmly. Then stepped back.
"You're lucky I didn't spit on it as I should have. Somehow I felt that your precious sensibilities would have been upset." Ryoko smiled and teleported out before Ayeka's shriek of rage could be heard throughout the house.
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-Sunday-
All of the 'family' stood outside the lake to watch Sasami and Ayeka leave.
Ayeka bowed to the family, all that sensibilities would allow and was beamed into the Ryu-oh. Sasami was not so proper and gave all the family a large hug and certain ones kisses.
She was then enveloped in blue light. They watched as the ship quickly faded into the sky and headed towards Jurai.
Mihoshi and Kiyone were the next to leave, the red ship Yagami headed out for their patrol of the system. However that wasn't the only reason why they were going. Mihoshi had to check in with HQ. Something about giving a report to her grandfather. This had been something recent and unexpected. And with Mihoshi's report they would be gone a long time.
"Well," Washu said cheerfully. "Back to work. I'll see you kids later. Don't wreck the house now."
Noboyuki muttered something about work and headed towards town and Grandfather headed back up to his shrine. This left Tenchi, Ryoko and Ryo-ohki on the dock.
Tenchi looked kind of preoccupied.
"Um. . . Ryoko," he started.
She looked over at him. "Yes Tenchi." She said it in a straightforward, monotone way.
"About that pact you made with Ayeka."
Ryoko seemed to clench her teeth for a moment than sagged her shoulders. "I'll keep it Tenchi, or else I wouldn't have suggested it. Despite what she says or thinks I am a woman of my word."
"Oh, well. . . I wasn't really wondering about that. I was actually wondering why you made it."
A sad smile played itself over her lips, and her eyes seemed to warm.
"Ask me again sometime Tenchi. Ask me again sometime."
"Tenchi, you have chores." His grandfather yelled from the top of the shrine.
Tenchi sagged his shoulders and headed towards the carrot fields, Ryo-ohki hopping at his heels. He didn't see the smile on Ryoko's lips of the warm light in her eyes as she watched him go.
She turned back to the house.
"Now, what to do first?" She muttered.
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Ryoko slid something off the stove. It looked like a pan of something and it was steaming. She suddenly looked to the corner of the kitchen.
"So, Little Washu," she growled as something hit the back of her head. "Fine . . . mom, are you coming out for dinner or do you want it brought to you." A slip of paper appeared on the table.
Ryoko grinned as she picked it up. Read it over and shrugged. She looked towards the corner again. "Very well, if that's what you want."
Another slip of paper landed on the table. Ryoko read it. "Not hungry, mom, your twelve years old. Don't say you're not hungry. Do you think I am daft or something. It will be outside your door."
Ryoko proceeded to dish out what was in the pan into a dish and carry it outside her mother's lab door. She opened the door a crack and pushed the tray in, all without spilling a drop.
"Compliments of the management. Hope the project is going well. And also by the way. It's carrot less."
A whoop of delight was heard from the other side of the door.
Ryoko only grinned. She then heard the door open. Ryoko moved to the center of the living room, she looked expectantly towards the door.
It was Tenchi. He looked at her with an odd look on his face.
"Umm. . ." She looked down at her feet. "Lunch is ready, that is if you're hungry."
Tenchi made a face; her head was still down so she didn't see.
"I think I'll pass." he muttered.
He head came up with a snap.
"You haven't even tried it yet. Don't reject it without even tasting it."
Tenchi sighed.
"Ryoko, you know and I know that you can't cook."
She grinned, however it was a pleasant grin.
"You're sure about that." She challenged.
"Yes."
"Fine, let's gamble. You try my food and if it isn't good, I'll do all the house chores and take care of the carrot fields for a week. However, if it is good you will do the house chores and the carrot fields." She held out her hand. With some temerity Tenchi took it and shook on it.
He almost forgot to let go. It was her raised eyebrow that made him remember his manners. Her hand was soft and smooth. There were no calluses. But the grip was hard, the grip of a warrior. Tenchi catalogued this as they headed to the kitchen. He almost didn't hear what she was saying.
"Washu isn't joining us. She's is taking all meals on her lab for the duration. So Tenchi, it's just you and me."
Before Ayeka had left, this comment would had been purred seductively and given with a wink. Now, Tenchi didn't feel at all threatened for she had stated it as simple fact. Tenchi had a hard time getting used to this Ryoko. In fact, he missed some of the old Ryoko, not all of her, but this one was just as nice.
They entered the kitchen and sat down at the table and Tenchi said a brief prayer to Kami-san before beginning. Ryoko dished something out on his plate and handed it to him. It was missing something.
"Ryoko, where are the carrots?"
"Not in the food. Personally, although I love the kid dearly, sometimes Sasami's food doesn't have much imagination." She paused, "and I am sick of carrots. Sorry Ryo-ohki." The last was addressed to the cabbit who sat on the table looking at their plates with a forlorn look on her face.
Ryoko softened her look and went to the fridge. She opened the door and took out something.
"Besides, I made something else for Ryo-ohki. Carrot salad. Carrots, raisins, walnuts, and mayonnaise. I wouldn't eat it, but I'm sure she'll love it."
"MIYA!"
By the time she reached the table Tenchi had already taken a bite of his food and had the most chagrined look on his face.
"Alright you win. I'll do the house chores, but you, Ryoko can cook."
Ryoko smiled at the implied compliment.
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Ryoko lay on the couch in the living room. It was dark and there were no lights on in the house. She could hear Nobuyuki tossing in his sleep, Yosho and Tenchi were quiet. The house seemed so odd with the others gone. She knew that even now that Washu watched her. She waved at the general direction of the cameras. Another sleepless night. How typical, now she couldn't even go watch over Tenchi that would be a breach of the pact.
Ryoko grimaced, that pact, she meant every word of it. But now, she wished she hadn't made it. The night was dark and she wanted just to watch Tenchi. The dark reminded her to much of the cave and Kagato. She shivered and forced herself to relax. Muscle group by muscle group until she was limp against the sofa.
She stared at the ceiling and 'her' rafter; somehow she didn't feel like going up there. The couch was so comfortable. Despite what she had thought earlier, the cyan haired space pirate slowly drifted off to sleep, only to enter the realm of her nightmares.
The whole house heard her screams. Three times she screamed, the last one was a name. The only name that she thought could save her.
"TENCHI!!!" her back arched and she began to thrash. Normally she would wake up. But not tonight.
Tenchi was downstairs in an instant and was trying to get a hold of girl with little success. Her arms flailed wildly and it was all he could do to even lay a hand on her. Yosho and Nobuyuki came out and tried to help, but weren't making any head way.
Tenchi finally did the only thing he could think of. He summoned some power and kneeling next to her, entered her dream.
It was awful, and he knew instantly that this dream happened to be real. This was a memory. Ryoko was backed into a corner. Her hands over her head as Kagato beat her and beat her and beat her. All the time telling her she was weak, she didn't need emotions, emotions were bad, and therefore she was bad. Ryoko had been a bad little girl and deserved this beating. All Ryoko could do was sit there and say, "Yes, master." "Of course, master." "How may I please you master?"
Blood was all over, her blood. It made Tenchi's blood boil. He walked up to Kagato and using all his power, Tenchi punched him.
"Leave her alone, Emotions aren't weak, it is emotions that make us strong."
Kagato just laughed, he looked around the enraged boy. "You asked Ryoko, what can you do to please me, to please me you can kill this upstart."
Ryoko floated off the floor and healed quickly. Her eyes turned red and she charged.
Tenchi changed focus. Kagoto wasn't the key, she was. If he could calm her down, break Kagato's hold over her. This dream would be done. The question was how?
The answer came to him so quickly that he almost slapped himself.
At that moment Ryoko charged. Tenchi already full of power from attacking Kagoto dodged.
"Ryoko, you must listen to me. Your emotions aren't bad, they aren't weak. Ryoko your emotions are good and pure. They are part of what makes you human. Ryoko, your emotions are part of the reason why I love you."
Tenchi stopped talking, had he just said that? That wasn't supposed to come out. He shook his head. He didn't have time for this. Ryoko came back with sword raised. He dodged again. He couldn't hurt her that would make his words pointless.
"Ryoko, Kagoto is your real weakness. But you can defeat him. Defeat him and you'll be free of this memory. Ryoko," he had to dodge again. "Ryoko, kill Kagoto. Throw him off. I know you can do it. Ryoko,"
Kagoto just kept laughing.
Tenchi made a decision there and then in Ryoko's dream. He weighed both Aeka and Ryoko in an instant and found that while he loved them both, this one he loved more.
She was attacking again. Tenchi made his move. He came up inside her defenses and took her face in his hands. There was little time for niceties. Kagoto had figured out his plan and was about to join the fight. Tenchi kissed her. It started as something sweet and rose in passion and intensity. Their eyes were closed and a shield came up around them. Blocking Kagoto out, giving them time to talk.
Tenchi opened his eyes and stared deep into Ryoko's. They were the beautiful amber that he loved.
"Tenchi," she whispered. He nodded, she was about to say more but he laid a finger on her lips.
"I love you, but I can do nothing, you must kill Kagoto. Then this dream will end."
"Tenchi, there are other dreams similar to it." She whispered eyes wide.
He kissed her again, she broke it this time. "We'll deal with them when they come." he whispered. She nodded.
"Something like we'll burn that bridge when we come to it," Her eyes lit up mischievously.
He nodded.
She narrowed her eyes in determination. "So all I have to do is kill the bastard."
He nodded again.
She smiled, it wasn't pleasant. It showed her fangs and she literally hissed. She looked even more like a cat than normal.
"Ryoko, this is your dream, you are in control. Remember that." He told her.
She looked at him and suddenly kissed him again.
"I love you Tenchi." she whispered.
He grinned. This was going to sound corny but he couldn't resist. "I know."
Ryoko looked around for Kagoto and promptly killed him with a burst of energy. No fanfare, no long fight, just one energy bomb and there was nothing left but a pile of ashes.
"I am master now!" she shrieked before collapsing. Tenchi went and put his arms around her as she wept.
They slowly woke up to find that they were still in the living room. Only their positions had changed. He was under her with his hands around her waist and her head was under his chin and their legs intertwined. Yosho and Nobuyuki were nowhere to be seen.
Ryoko was still sobbing.
Tenchi began to soothe her. Murmuring that it was okay, she was safe, Kagoto was dead and he would never let anyone hurt her again.
"I love you Ryoko."
The sobbing ceased. The body moved that was in his arms and he loosened his hands. She turned on her side to look down at him. He also moved to his side. The two of them looked at each other. Tears streamed down her cheeks and he began to wipe them away one by one.
Ryoko's eyes were wide, it was still dark so he couldn't see their amber color, her heart was beating fast and her lips were parted in shock. It was to much of an invitation. His head came forward and his lips touched hers for their first real true kiss.
Ryoko's head was swimming. She couldn't think. His soft lips against hers were too good to be true. She responded automatically until he broke it and looked down at her.
He leaned his head towards hers and whispered in her ear.
"I know you can do better than that."
He brought his head back and looked at her and rested his forehead against hers. "So let's try that again." He murmured before he kissed her again. This time she returned it full heartedly.
She broke it and looked at him. As if suddenly realizing that this was Tenchi and he was kissing her.
"What about Ayeka?" She managed to get out.
He didn't blink. He looked at her steadily. "I love you, there are many reasons. Ayeka is... family. She is wed to her position. All she ever talks about is becoming empress. I do not want to be emperor. There are times where she is controlling and manipulative. I think it took your dream to see what my heart knew all along. Also, Ayeka is not here and does not need me half so much as a beautiful space pirate."
"Is that it, she's not here so I am second best."
Tenchi sighed and brushed his fingers through her hair. "You weren't listening back in that dream, or just now were you. I l-o-v-e y-o-u, you, Ryoko, the girl with cyan hair, and eyes to match her heart of gold, the woman of honor, the woman who is forward and smells like cherry blossoms and knows how to do so many things and is full of surprises." Tenchi stopped for breath. Ryoko was just looking at him with astonishment. He began again, "Ryoko, the couch is comfortable, but can we retire?"
She blinked.
"Where?"
"My room," He grinned as her mouth gaped. He closed her mouth with a snap and kissed her again. She looked at him after they broke again.
"You're not kidding."
"No. Should I?"
She grinned and she wrapped her arms around him and teleported them straight to his room, glad for once of her abilities.
She wasn't quite sure where this Tenchi had come from, but she loved him.
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The next day was Monday and Ryoko didn't want to move. She looked up and still couldn't believe where she was. Could it really be true that she was lying on Tenchi's bed, with Tenchi and permission. He had invited her. She shook her head to clear it and pinched herself. It hurt so this must be real. She hadn't had such a relaxing sleep in a long time.
She looked at Tenchi again to find him looking back at her. She put her hands on his chest and laid her head on top of them.
"Do we have to move?" She whined. She felt his hand on her back and he began to rub it.
"Unfortunately yes," He murmured.
She looked up at him again, "Tenchi is it true what you said in my dream that emotions make you strong?"
Tenchi nodded, then spoke. "Then there's the other end, to much emotion makes you weak, indecisive, hesitant. I think it's finding the right balance."
"Oh, good," She crawled forward until she was right over his face. He smiled up at her and their lips met in a kiss.
A knock came at the door.
The couple jumped.
"Tenchi, school day."
Ryoko sighed and so did Tenchi. She rolled out of bed. He followed suit.
"I'll go make breakfast." She turned to leave when Tenchi's arms wrapped around her. "Let's take a bath first? No need to make my father wonder anymore."
Ryoko laughed softly and teleported them with clothes, towels and other bath accessories directly to the girl's side of the onsen.
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The school day began pretty normally with Amagasaki beginning with his usual questions.
"So, did you meet any cute girls over the weekend?" the overlarge, ugly boy stated.
"I wouldn't exactly call her cute." Tenchi murmured. Amagasaki stopped in his tracks. This was not how the conversation normally went. Tenchi continued, "I would call her gorgeous."
Amagasaki looked at Tenchi as if he had come down with some terrible disease.
"Umm. . . Tenchi, pardon me asking, but what happened over the weekend?"
Tenchi was at his locker by now and was looking inside of it.
"Not much, my cousins had to go home for a few months and some of my other friends also left. Then this girl I know, she had bad dream and I helped her out. Sounds kind of silly I know, must be the damsel in distress thing." Tenchi brought his head out of the locker, shrugged and began putting books in his bag. "By the way, she's the gorgeous one."
"So, you still a virgin," Typical Amagasaki bluntness.
Tenchi for once didn't turn red. He just sighed and gave Amagasaki the look. Amagasaki murmured something about class and headed the other direction.
Once he was out of sight Tenchi just grinned. That had been fun, not as fun as shocking Ryoko, but fun. He felt like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. There were no worries and he could enjoy life a bit, even if it was just teasing his school friends.
"Hey Tenchi, what's so funny?" Chio asked.
"Oh, just shocking Amagasaki, shall we go to math?" Tenchi just grinned some more. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. He closed his eyes for a second and saw Ryoko smiling back at them, opened them and saw Chio looking at him closely. Tenchi just winked at him and headed off to math class. This was going to be a great day.
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The last class of the day for Tenchi was Kendo. Sometimes he felt bad about this class because of all the time he spent training with grandfather.
He shook his head and shrugged, there was nothing he could do about it anyway. Those abilities had come in handy over the last year, with Kagato and all.
Tenchi took his regular spot on the floor and waited for the kendo master. He didn't have to wait long.
"Today, we will begin to learn a new cadence and the upper class students will spar with each other."
The master than began to assign sparring partners.
"Masaki, you are with Kalith."
Tenchi bowed. Kalith grinned then also bowed. They moved off to a mat on the far side of the room.
"Feel like being killed today Masaki." Kalith sneered.
He was a handsome boy, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was also considered the best kendo student in the school.
Tenchi entered into a classic defensive position and waited with eyebrows raised. He waited.
"So, you're going to let me make the first move, huh." Kalith attacked half-way through his sentence. However Tenchi was ready and parried the oaken blade.
Kalith kept coming trying to force Tenchi back. It wasn't working, so Kalith decided to attack with words again.
"Is it true, did you get laid last night Tenchi? She must have been pretty ugly to go for a guy like you." He sneered.
"You talk to much Kalith." Tenchi said evenly then attacked.
Kalith felt himself going on the defensive, and almost cursed. He didn't have time or enough concentration to fight and talk anymore. He looked at Tenchi something strange was going on here. Masaki wasn't that good.
Tenchi blinked and suddenly back flipped and landed three feet out of attack range. He looked Kalith up and down and then himself and suddenly began swearing viciously.
Tenchi held his hand out and saw a slight blue aura around it. That was not good, he was using power without even realizing it and Jurai power at that. Okay so it was good, maybe now he could call forth his wings without it being a life or death situation, but did he have to find out now. Really, in school was not the time to do this. Sudden inspiration hit him.
This seemed a bit too familiar. Tenchi bowed to Kalith and without a second glance at the boy he headed towards his bag. He kneeled over it and hefted out the Tenchi-ken. He felt the swords power respond to him.
Tenchi sighed. It looked like Kendo class was now out for the rest of the year, unless the master knew more than he looked. Kalith had been taught all that the master supposedly knew and here Tenchi was defeating him.
Tenchi closed his eyes and wondered again, Why me? Really, wasn't enough that he was a prince of Jurai, that he had special powers and skills and could summon the light hawk wings. Now he couldn't even spar with humans anymore.
He felt Kalith's bokken tip tickling the back of his neck.
"Stand up and fight Masaki."
Tenchi rolled under the bokken and come up right in Kalith's face and laid the flat of his hand across Kalith's throat. He smiled at Kalith sadly.
"You're dead Kalith."
"You hit me with your hand Masaki. Not the blade." Kalith smirked.
Tenchi's eyes went dead.
"Wrong, I figuratively punched you. You would be back against that wall with a smashed windpipe Kalith. The body is also very much a weapon."
"You sound like a fortune cookie, and you are not that strong. Who are you trying to kid, Masaki?"
Tenchi sighed. There was no way to get through to this boy. The master came up and looked at Tenchi with an odd look in his eyes.
"In my opinion Kalith, you should thank Masaki. He was winning and instead of using his superior talent he gave you an honorable tie."
Kalith growled still staring at Tenchi.
"He wasn't winning, I had him and he gave up."
"That is not what I saw Kalith. One must learn to take what is offered. You had lost no reputation when Tenchi bowed to you. Now he has defeated you in fair combat and you have lost reputation."
"Fine, then I have one question. Where did you learn to fight like that Masaki?"
Tenchi looked at him.
"If I knew, I would tell you." He took a step back and felt the wooden bokken glide over his shoulder. Once he was out of range he bowed at Kalith and the master once more and headed off towards the showers. He needed to talk his grandfather and possibly Ryoko and Washu. Something was not right here.
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END CHAPTER!
Remember, this is ONLY half of chapter one, keep reading for more!
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