Disclaimer
Tenchi and all associated characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC. I don't own any rights to them. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
*****
In A Family Way
Chapter 1
Halfway There
*****
Ayeka sighed and settled back in the comfortable Masaki couch with the TV remote and a cup of peppermint tea on the table next to her. Just recently having returned from the long trip to Jurai, she was glad to be back in what she now considered her home. Not that the time on Jurai hadn't been enjoyable, except for the sniper incident that is, but during the whole time there it seemed that she hadn't had a minute to herself. But she'd decided that today was going to be different. Tenchi and Ryoko had driven into town to get groceries for dinner, Mihoshi had gone with them because she had a few more days off and wanted to spend time with her boyfriend Crash. Sasami was outside somewhere playing with the two cabbits and Washu and her brother were up at the shrine working.
It hadn't surprised her when Yosho revealed that he wasn't really an old man, what did surprise her was that he was able to talk Washu into helping him up at the Masaki Shrine; and without using any high-tech equipment. Washu. Ayeka smiled as she though about the scientist/goddess. For a woman that was now able to wield an awesome power, Washu sure hadn't changed a whole lot. She still preferred her technology to 'magical' power, only bringing the goddess out when there was no alternative. Ayeka thought of her brother and the scientist being together. She wished them both well.
Ayeka grumbled as she rearranged herself more comfortably on the couch. At five months pregnant she wasn't all that big yet, but it was no longer possible to hide her condition underneath her clothing. Thankfully she'd been spared that part of her pregnancy that Terrans called 'Morning Sickness', but the cravings for odd food at all times of the day and night had begun. She hoped Tenchi and Ryoko hurried back, she had a sudden urging for french fries and peanut butter. With a soft grunt she reached for the remote and started flipping through the channels.
*****
Sasami led the two cabbits back into the house for a snack. After fixing them each a bowl of sliced carrots she made herself a sandwich and strolled out into the living area of the house. She heard the TV on and saw the long, light blue curls of her sister's hair falling over the end of the couch so she wandered over to see what she was watching. Sasami found Ayeka fast asleep with the TV turned to one of the Juraian shopping channels, this one was currently running a block on things that every new mother absolutely had to have for their new baby. The little princess stood behind the couch and watched the sales pitch for a few minutes while she finished her sandwich, then with a small smile she reached over and gently took the remote from Ayeka's hand. Turning the TV's sound down a few notches, she then covered her sister with a light blanket that was draped over the back of the couch. Sasami quietly placed the remote on the small table and made her way back into the kitchen where the two cabbits were finishing their snacks. She gathered them both up and headed back outside. This would be a good time to pay her brother and Washu a visit up at the shrine.
*****
Little Washu grimaced and stood up straight, her back crackling with the effort. Geez, she thought. You'd think that a goddess wouldn't be bothered by aches and pains. Besides, I've working like this for over a week now, I should be getting used to it. She leaned heavily on the broom for a moment and looked down the stairs. Near the bottom she saw the blue haired princess on her way up, a spot of brown on her left shoulder and a matching flash of white on the right one. Clutching the broom and using it as a staff, Washu turned and slowly made her way across the courtyard to the shrine office. She wanted to tell her lover that his younger sister was going to pay them a visit and besides, it was time for a break. She wondered where Ayeka was since it'd been a while since the older princess had visited the shrine. Not that they never saw her, they all ate dinner together every night, but still, Ayeka needed to get more exercise. Hmm, she'd have to talk to her daughter about that, but she was afraid that her idea of exercise and Ryoko's concept of it were two different things. Ryoko would never intentionally put Ayeka's child in danger but the girl had no common sense when it came to knowing where to stop.
Entering the small office she found Katsuhito bent over the writing table, hard at work composing a new verse for his collection. He looked up at the sound of the door sliding closed behind her.
"Done already my dear?" the old priest asked with a quirky grin. He knew that she wasn't but thought he'd tease her a bit. "You're getting faster, why just yesterday you would only have been half done by now."
Washu scowled at him and stood her broom in the corner. She tried to take a seat across the table from her lover but as soon as she sat down on the mat she tumbled over. She rolled over onto her back to find a worried Katsuhito looking down at her. "I'm all right, I'm all right," she mumbled as she sat up again. This time she managed to stay upright. She gratefully accepted the cup of cool water the priest offered.
"I'd have thought that a goddess would have a bit more stamina than this," Katsuhito chuckled as he resumed his seat.
Washu grimaced as she put the cup on the table. "A goddess would, Washu doesn't. And you know damn well that I'm not done yet. But Sasami's on her way up, she should be her any time now."
"Ah. I see. Ayeka must be napping then, Sasami wouldn't leave her alone in her condition otherwise. And you can take the rest of the day off, tomorrow too. In fact, Tenchi can watch over the shrine as part of his training so why don't we plan on doing something together, hmm?"
The diminutive scientist's eyes lit up at the thought of spending an entire day with her lover and no shrine duties for either of them. She made to stand up but her sore back warned her against any sudden motion. She looked over at the priest. "I'm off duty then?" she asked. He nodded. She grinned, "Excuse me a moment." Suddenly in her adult form, her forehead glowed dimly as she tapped into the goddess within. Sighing with relief she switched back to the child Washu. "That's better." She stretched without pain. "Much better."
*****
Sasami paused outside the shrine door; she could hear her brother and Washu conversing in low tones within. Not wanting to interrupt them if they were busy, she gave a tentative knock on the doorframe. At her brother's beckoning she slid back the door and entered. She found Washu and her brother sipping tea and planning for their day off.
The old priest nodded to his sister. "Sasami, welcome. And you too Ryo-ohki and Ay-ohki. How is Ayeka doing today?"
The two cabbits jumped down from their perches on the girl's shoulders and scampered off into the back room in search of the carrots they knew were kept there for their infrequent visits. Sasami sat at the table and folded her legs underneath her before replying. "She's fine. She was watching television and fell asleep, she seems to be doing a lot of that lately."
Washu took a sip of her tea then held out her cup for Katsuhito to refill. "That's normal," the red head said. "But I think it's time for me to give her a checkup. This evening I think will be soon enough."
The old priest got up and strolled over to the teapot. He refilled Washu's cup and his own, then poured a cup for his sister. "She needs to get out more. Laying around all day isn't good for her."
"Brother!" admonished Sasami. "She doesn't do that, she still does all her chores."
Katsuhito raised an eyebrow at his youngest sister. "Yes, but if she's not careful she could fall into the habit. Why didn't she go to town with Ryoko and Tenchi?"
At the word 'habit' Ryo-ohki poked her head out of the back room. Seeing that they weren't talking about her or Ay-ohki she miya'd softly and ducked back inside to play some more.
Sasami giggled at the cabbit's antics. "She said her feet were bothering her today and she wanted to stay off of them as much as possible."
"Again, that's normal for a pregnant woman." Washu chuckled. "Swollen ankles. Even after 20,000 years I can remember the feeling. It's not the most pleasant thing but it won't hurt her either. I agree with your brother, she needs to get out more; in fact I was planning on having a talk with my daughter about that this evening. She needs to get Ayeka to exercise more." It was Washu's turn to be the recipient of the 'raised eyebrow' from both Katsuhito and Sasami. The small scientist cleared her throat. "I didn't mean that kind of exercise. She'll be entering her third trimester soon and that kinda stuff'll have to stop anyway. I meant walks, like going shopping and in the forest. You know, out of the house." The eyebrows fell and Washu smirked. "Dirty minds. Especially you Sasami."
The little princess snorted. "I'm not blind or deaf you know. And I may be young, but I'm still a Juraian and have studied the old traditions."
Washu laughed. "Then I pity your future spouse or spouses." Sasami looked at the smile on her friend's face and started chuckling herself, a moment later her brother joined in.
*****
Tenchi and Ryoko walked down the street hand-in-hand. It used to be that whenever Ryoko went into town her looks drew stares from people and this had always made Tenchi a bit uncomfortable, but lately the townsfolk seemed to have gotten used to the ex-pirate. They were greeted by friendly waves and hellos from people they passed. Even Ryoko seemed to be more comfortable around others now.
The young couple was loaded down with grocery bags as they made their way back to the family van parked down the street. Tenchi fumbled in his pocket for the keys as they reached the vehicle.
"I could do that for you," whispered Ryoko.
Tenchi turned bright red and hoped no one had overheard her. "Th… That's all right Ryoko, I can handle it."
"Oh," his wife pouted. "But I thought you liked it when I handled it."
If anything, Tenchi's face got even redder. So red in fact that Ryoko feared he was going to pass out. "I'm sorry dear," she apologized. "I know you don't like to be teased in public like this, but it's sooo much fun. I'll try to restrain myself from now on, ok?" She took the keys from his frozen hand and unlocked the rear hatch. Placing her groceries inside she turned and took the rest of the bags from Tenchi. "Shall I drive us home?" she asked, holding out the keys to him then snatching them back.
Tenchi coughed and got himself under control, his face returning to a more normal hue. "Since when can you drive?" he asked.
"Well," Ryoko explained. "Crash's been teaching Mihoshi (sweat broke out on Tenchi's forehead) and Mihoshi's been teaching me (Tenchi began to shake). It's nowhere near as hard as piloting Ryo-ohki on manual control." Ryoko noticed his reaction. "Oh stop it. Both of us have passed our tests." She fished around in her bag for a minute then pulled out a small card with her picture on it. "See?" She looked at the image for a moment. "I still think my WANTED pictures were better."
Tenchi reached out, grabbed the keys from her hand and looked at the card. "Ryoko, that's just a learner's permit, you've only passed the written part of the test. I'll drive for now, we have to get these groceries home or according to Ayeka she'll starve. Tell you what though, after dinner we'll go for a drive and you can show me how good you are."
Ryoko started bouncing up and down. This did attract some attention, particularly from the male passersby. Tenchi put his hand on her shoulder to calm her. "Maybe we can talk some of the others into coming along," he said.
Her face fell, then she brightened up. "Yeah, Ayeka's been spending too much time laying around. She needs to get out some." She punched his shoulder lightly. "Good idea Tenchi. I can hardly wait, let's go!"
*****
Ayeka awoke from her nap when she heard the van pull up to the house. She tossed off the blanket, wondering how she'd managed to get covered up, groaned and rolled over into a sitting position. Stop it, you're not that big yet, she thought to herself. She levered her self into a standing position and blearily made her way into the kitchen to help her spouses unload the food. She wondered about her current condition, at this point in a pregnancy a normal woman was starting to go through her 'nesting' phase, at least according to Washu. She, however, wasn't interested in 'nesting'; 'resting' was more her speed and this bothered her for all that Washu had assured her that it wasn't at all unusual.
Entering the kitchen she found several bags already on the counter and heard Tenchi and Ryoko's voices outside. She started putting canned goods away, leaving the stuff for the high shelves out for Ryoko to finish she can float after all; I have to stretch and in my condition…
"Honey! We're home!" called Ryoko as she saw Ayeka putting the groceries away. She came up behind the princess and gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek. Ayeka shied away from the gesture then sighed in resignation and gave her co-wife a quick return peck. Ryoko grinned and patted Ayeka's slightly bulging belly. "Did we 'ums have a nice nappy?" the cyan haired woman asked in a childlike voice.
"Ryoko!" exclaimed the princess. "And just what makes you think I was napping? I may have been working this whole time."
Ryoko grinned and pinched her friend's cheek. "Because your eyelids are still droopy and lately you always take a nap this time of day." The pirate grabbed a few canned goods and floated up to the high shelves to put them away as Tenchi came through the door with the last armful. Ryoko glanced down at the top of Ayeka's head then over at their husband. "Tenchi and I are going for a drive after dinner and we'd like you to come with us. We're going to ask Sasami too, and there's a surprise."
"A surprise?" Ayeka's eyes lit up and she licked her lips. "We're going to stop for ice cream? Count me in then."
Ryoko floated back down and put her arm around the princess' shoulder. "Actually, ice cream's not a bad idea. But that's not the surprise. The surprise is that I'll be doing the driving. I got my permit, see?" She flashed the card in front of Ayeka's face causing the princess' eyes to cross.
Ayeka caught Ryoko's wrist and looked at the card with the same skepticism that Tenchi had shown. "You drive? Oh hohohohoho! And you expect me to get in the car at the same time? Oh hohohoho! I think I'll pass on this one." Ryoko's expression showed hurt and anger and static electricity began to crackle between her fingertips, but before the situation could escalate a voice broke in from the doorway.
"I think that's and excellent idea," said Washu very loudly. "Why don't we all go?"
"Mom?" exclaimed Ryoko.
"Mother Washu?" said a startled Ayeka. Both girls turned to look at the door and found Washu, Katsuhito and Sasami watching them closely, Tenchi had ducked behind the table when he heard Ryoko begin to power up.
"Sister, I'm ashamed of you," admonished Sasami. "Ryoko's made an effort to show that she can be a useful part of your family and you tease her about it. You apologize right now!" The little blue haired princess stamped her foot. Ayeka gave her brother a plaintive look.
"Sasami may not be quite on the mark," the old priest replied. A look of triumph crossed Ayeka's face. "BUT," he continued, holding up a finger. "She is quite correct in that you got carried away. I agree with Washu, we will all go on a drive with Ryoko after dinner. And I'll treat to the ice cream."
"Yay!" yelled Sasami, jumping up and down with joy. "I'll get dinner started right away." She hurried into the kitchen and started dragging out the ingredients she'd need, some of which had just been put away. Ayeka bowed her head and followed Tenchi, Washu and Katsuhito out of the kitchen; Ryoko remained behind for the moment.
"Thanks Sasami," said the ex-pirate. "Thanks for sticking up for me."
Sasami put a pot of water on the stove then turned and pulled down a bag of noodles from the shelf. "That's ok Ryoko. Ayeka didn't really mean it, I'm sure she's really thrilled for you. But with all the hormones raging through her system right now she doesn't always react the way she wants to."
Ryoko chuckled under her breath. "I know. It was kinda fun though; your sister and I haven't really argued for a long time."
Sasami gave a brief nod of agreement, then said in a voice that was slightly different from her normal tone, "I know you really wouldn't have hurt her. Oh, and Washu wants you to spend more time with Ayeka during the pregnancy. She says it's because Ayeka need more exercise but I think she's planning for your child already and she wants you to observe."
Ryoko's eyes narrowed. "Is this Sasami or Tsunami talking?"
Sasami turned and looked at her friend but the little girl's eyes showed an ageless intelligence. "We're both here right now, Sasami is drawing on Tsunami's knowledge." The princess' eyes cleared and became their usual cheerful pink selves. "Do you want to help me make dinner Ryoko? I'd appreciate it."
Ryoko, taken aback by the sudden switch could only nod. That's really weird, she thought. I'll have to mention it to Washu.
Meanwhile, Sasami was confused as well. What just happened? she wondered. Am I becoming Tsunami already?
Yes and no little one, came the response from the goddess. A part of me has always been with you. As you mature you're learning to draw on that part, to make it a part of what is Sasami. When it becomes a normal part of your thought process then the merging will be complete, but that won't be for some time yet.
Tsunami, I'm scared, Sasami replied; she heard the goddess sigh mentally. I know little one, so am I. So am I.
*****
During dinner Ayeka didn't take her usual seat next to Tenchi, instead she chose to sit next to Ryoko. Looking down at the table, ashamed of the way she'd treated Ryoko earlier and not knowing that the pirate hadn't been seriously upset; she said to her friend, "Ryoko, I apologize for my actions in the kitchen earlier. I really am pleased with the effort you've made to help the family and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Ryoko took a bite of her food and refused to look at the princess. She chewed slowly and swallowed before replying with a sly grin. "I don't know Ayeka, what you said really hurt me." Tenchi elbowed her in the side and she glanced at the crestfallen expression on Ayeka's face out of the corner of her eye. She put down her chopsticks, snaked her arm around Ayeka's shoulders and gave the princess a hug that Misaki would have been envious of. "Of course I forgive you, you silly twit. Besides, now I can do something else you can't," the former pirate raised a fist into the air. "Ryoko wins again!"
Ayeka gave Ryoko a snide grin as she struggled out of the embrace. "Of course you know, this means war! I cannot let this challenge pass, I will learn to drive as well." She glanced around at the stunned faces of the rest of the family. Calmly picking up her teacup and daintily taking a sip she responded "What? You don't think I can do it?"
"It's not that Ayeka," said Washu. "Learning to drive, especially in the city can be stressful."
"Tell me about it," muttered Ryoko, giving a delicate shiver. "It was all I could do to keep from blasting people…" Washu silenced her with a glare.
"Ayeka, stress is one thing you don't need more of right now," the scientist finished. Everyone, including Ryoko, nodded their agreement.
"Hmm. Then I shall wait until after the baby is born, but I will learn this thing. And Ryoko will help me; if she can do it, so can I." Ayeka bent to her meal, her decision made.
"Is that a command, your highness?" teased Ryoko.
Ayeka smiled at her. "No, not at all. I just know how much you'll enjoy telling me what I'm doing wrong. I know you can't pass up an opportunity like that."
Ryoko toasted her with her teacup. "You're absolutely right Ayeka, I'm really gonna enjoy this."
*****
After the dinner mess was cleaned up everyone piled into the van, Ryoko got behind the wheel while Tenchi rode shotgun. Ayeka was seated behind Ryoko and Sasami behind Tenchi; the two cabbits occupied the space between the princesses. Washu and Katsuhito appropriated the back seat. With deliberate care Ryoko made sure everyone was buckled in then started the engine. She grinned as she dropped the lever into 'drive' and pulled smoothly away from the house.
Ayeka turned to her sister, "Sasami, I'm going to close my eyes. Be sure to wake me when we crash and everyone gets killed." Sasami patted her on the knee and smiled, she knew her sister was only teasing Ryoko. With five of the most powerful beings in the galaxy in the van it wasn't as if anyone was in any danger, even if Ryoko drove them off a cliff.
As the van drove past the two Guardians who were again playing gateposts, Azaka said to Kamidake, "Did you just see what I saw?"
"Indeed," the other log replied. "Princess Ryoko is becoming quite the domestic. Quite a change from the old days."
Azaka gave a mechanical sigh. "I miss the old days."
"Me too," rumbled Kamidake.
*****
The drive passed uneventfully as Ryoko proved she could handle a car as well as she could a spacecraft. They stopped at an ice cream shop near town where Katsuhito was as good as his word and bought everyone's treat, including a small sundae for each cabbit. On the way home Ayeka dozed in the back, showing that she really did trust Ryoko's driving, as Sasami played with the cabbits. Washu and Katsuhito talked in low tones while Ryoko hummed along to a tune on the radio. Tenchi just sat back and enjoyed the ride and the time spent with his family. He just wished his father wasn't away on business in the city; he would have liked this too.
They were within a few minutes of home when a pair of motorcycles went racing around them at high speed, waking Ayeka and starling Tenchi out of his reverie. As they flew by, the group caught a glimpse of long blonde hair streaming out from under the helmet of the trailing rider. Oh no, thought Tenchi, shaking his head in disbelief. That's all we need. He heard a quiet laugh in his head.
Dearest, came Ryoko's amused thought. Can I have one of those?
Absolutely not! Ayeka's thoughts broke in. I forbid any spouse of mine to drive one of those infernal machines.
Ah, who died and made you queen, Ryoko retorted silently.
Ayeka snorted mentally. No one. Yet. And keep your eyes on the road please, 'dearest'.
Tenchi closed his eyes in resignation and tried unsuccessfully to shut out his wive's mental sparring, even if it was good-natured. For such a short distance, the rest of the trip was quite long.
*****
To be continued
*****
Author's Notes
Ok, the hardest part of this was and still is coming up with a title. I'm not happy with what I have so it may change at a later date.
This story takes place shortly after our heroes return from the events in "Jurai, Here We Come" and before "Ladies Night Out". It will focus on various events that happen in the family during Ayeka's pregnancy (such as Ryoko learning to drive) and will probably be only four or five chapters culminating in the birth of Tenchi and Ayeka's child.
*****
BobR
7/18/2002