By Harunomiya
Disclaimer:Revolutionary Girl Utena and its characters belong to Be-PaPas, Chiho Saito.
Shogakukan, Shokaku Iinkai and TV Tokyo.
Tenchi Muyo and its characters belong to Hitoshi Okuda, AIC and Pioneer.
Prologue
The sun shone warmly tempered by the breeze that played with the hem of the trench coat that the figure wore. The stranger stood at the bottom of the shrine steps, lost in privet musings to take in the scenery. After wandering lost in the haze of pain, and sorrow, in the land of painful memories and sense of failure, here was the place where everything dreamt will perhaps come to fruition. And the sense of self restored. Maybe even find redemption and atonement. Every journey began with a single step. This is where Purpose led and Destiny waited. Hooded eyes now took in the beauty as the first step was taken along with a deep breath and ascent began, resolve strengthened anew with each footfall walking the stairs up to the Masaki shrine, alone...
Chapter 1: Encounter Between PrincesTenchi was sweeping the shrine's courtyard the only place he was left alone by the girls, doing the same daily tasks set by his grandfather. Here, away from them he sought a measure of peace in that chaos. What in the world was he going to do? The year of Ayeka's and Ryoko's constant fighting over him was too much and worrying. Everything tended to end up being destroyed. Especially when he and his dad had to patch up walls or rebuild the house every time Mihoshi crashed to it with her GP cruiser. And then there's Washu in a twelve-year-old body trying to get a 'sample' from him... But even the confusion of what this all meant, he was also a prince from a galactic empire that controlled most of the known Universe. It was enough to boggle the mind. He was so consumed with his inner turmoil that he nearly missed someone approach, walking up the shrine's steps. He chuckled at the fact the person was counting under their breath.
He often counted the steps himself. There were 200 to be exact. Tenchi turn to greet the person, bowing slightly in their direction.
"Welcome, I'm Masaki Tenchi, how may I help you?" Tenchi spoke politely as he straightened up. He came face to face with a person who was wearing a black trench coat with a gray hooded sweater and faded blue jeans underneath. The hood was raised and cast the person's features into shadow. It didn't help that the sun shone brightly from behind. A duffel bag was held in the right hand.
"I seek Masaki Katsuhito," A low voice gave the response, carried lightly on the breeze, to Tenchi's ears.
"Tenchi?" a voice spoke the name, with well-worn tones that were impressive, and carried quiet authority.
Tenchi turned and saw his grandfather, dressed in a white gi and light blue trousers. His hands were locked behind him. The man was in the height of his maturity, with the lines that etched his features, which lent a certain dignity. Long graying hair was tied back at the nape and one couldn't miss the purple eyes that hid behind the glasses he wore, filled with knowledge amassed over the years. A well-kept mustache graced the upper lip. For all his wizened appearance, the man carried himself like a man unburdened with age, yet seemed to move without hurry.
"Grandpa someone's looking for you." Tenchi said, startled by the elder's sudden arrival. It was uncanny the way his grandfather moved, like his feet rested atop the leaves rather than crushing them. Though if grandfather was eerie, Sasami and Ayeka were downright disquieting. If Tenchi didn't see their legs moving he would swear they floated.
Masaki Katsuhito turned to the visitor with a look of polite regard crossing his features. "Yes?"
The person in question bowed low and with great respect, holding the bow for a full ten seconds.
"Masaki-san, I would like for you to take me on as your student."
"I am sorry," he said, wondering how this person found their way to the shrine. "I do not train others."
"Please... I beg of you. Don't turn me away."
The impassioned tone in that youthful voice gave Katsuhito pause. "Why?"
Seeing that the man would hear, the youth continued, "I am in search of something of the greatest importance to me, enough to devote myself in its absolute pursuit."
"What is that?" Katsuhito questioned, always intrigued by what drove the heart of each individual. What did this one seek? Power, renown, vanity... what? He wondered.
The figure turned slightly away from the sun, allowing them to see that it was a young girl under the hood, They saw her square her shoulders and lift her chin up as blue eyes locked into the elder's own. "I want to be a Prince."
This declaration threw both Masaki men aback. Tenchi's surprise was quite evident in his face, in contrast to his grandfather's composed expression. His only outward reaction was a slight raise of his eyebrows at such declaration.
"I see," finally voicing his response. He was indeed surprised with her reply. He never expected to hear that. Yet, he saw the utter seriousness in those blue eyes, her words, not to be taken lightly. He sensed her aura that surrounded the youngster. Great hara— inner strength, radiated from her. It was startling to encounter it in someone so young and belonging to Earth. He sensed her at the foot of the steps of the shrine. That is what called him out to investigate the source.
The young woman threw back her hood and stood blue eyes blazing and pink hair whipped about her. Her countenance was beautiful in her determination, in her bearing.
"Man or woman, it does not matter. One of strength and nobility is always a Prince." Utena said, eyes flashing with the utter conviction of her words. She tilted her head slightly to the side, her voice softened yet, the words were clear. "Surly you must realize this to be true, Prince Yosho, grandfather to Tenchi, Crown Prince of Jurai."
Katsuhito was stunned that this girl knew his true name. No one on Earth would have. What comes to the steps of his beloved home? He fought for the calm that he did not feel as he studied the girl before him. "Who are you? Where did you hear these names?" he queried, in a soft tone that demanded an answer; his senses open and gauged the person before him. He knew with a certainty what the outcome should this child dare an attack.
"Tenjou Utena." The reply was swift and willing. "I mean you or yours no harm." She bowed respectfully, yet again. How can I explain, what I Know without knowing, like a sudden whisper of knowledge inside my head? Do I tell them that I hear voices? Yeah, that'll surely win him over, Utena thought, with sardonic humor. She gave herself a mental shake. Utena settled to answer as best as she could, yet be truthful. "As for your names, through the grace of the one I know, allows me to see truth beyond the veil."
"Very well." Katsuhito said. The girl was Earth-born; there was no doubt of this. Still, he understood that the will of the gods would touch the lives of those blessed--or cursed--with their favor, as they wished. He and his family knew this all too well. He turned to Tenchi. "We seem to have another guest Tenchi. Inform the others. We'll be there shortly."
The young man fought to regain his composure, which was difficult enough after being outed by this girl, only the gods know how... and the sudden worry of having to tell the girls. He looked briefly back and forth between the elder and the girl, slightly reluctant to be sent away. "Yes Sensei," Tenchi said as he took off towards his house, leaving them alone.
Katsuhito turned his attention back to Utena.
"Before I will agree to take you on as my student I expect truthful answers to my questions."
I'll try, Utena silently vowed. Honesty was the best policy. She disliked being deceived. "Yes sir."
"How old are you?"
"15. Well, almost fifteen," she amended.
"I thought you were Tenchi's age."
"Looks could be quite deceiving." Utena said with a tone that held such sorrow. The girl suppressed any memories that threatened to form. Her hand that held the duffel bag tightened painfully at the handle. The older man wondered what put that in her so young. Still the words were multi-layered that can also refer to him and his disguise.
"How did you find your way here?" he asked his next question. "This is no easy place to find."
"I don't know." Her voice held puzzlement. It was the truth as best as she knew. She was in one place one moment and the other the next, the How a mystery. Frowning slightly, Utena shoved her free hand in her coat pocket, clearly trying to give him an explanation, she didn't like giving half answers. Katsuhito gave her a moment to gather her thoughts. "But I guess it was Dios who brought me here." Utena mused, then she shrugged. "After that I followed the aura that I sensed."
Utena waited for another question he might ask of her.
"Thank you. That is all for now." Katsuhito said, seeing a look of surprise on the girl's face. She seemed to be prepared for a series of questions, and willing to answer as best as she could. No he wasn't going to grill her outright. It has been in his vast experience that people revealed far more about themselves through observation than direct questioning.
"As my student you'll do as I say without question." Who is Dios? he wondered filing the information away in his memory. That was a mystery to unravel for another day. "The path of the Prince is not an easy one."
Utena couldn't help the sharp laughter at his words. Words similarly spoken by another. A wry smile was on her lips but it didn't reach her eyes. "So I have been told. Nothing in life worth having is easy. And everything has its price."
"Tenchi!" cried a happy Ryoko as she caught sight of him coming through the door.
Tenchi was as usual was smothered in Ryoko's hug. Ayeka wasn't far behind as she tried to stop Ryoko, the seeds of a fight beginning. "Will you let him go, Ryoko!" the Princess demanded angrily, eyes shooting daggers at the ex-pirate. Ryoko was about to retort when Tenchi spoke up.
"Quit it, the both of you. We have a guest coming." Tenchi said to them, struggling in Ryoko's hold. This was enough to stop both girls who looked at the young man.
"Who is this guest Lord Tenchi?" Ayeka asked always the proper one.
"You'll see soon enough." Tenchi said nervously. He didn't know how they will take the presence of another girl here. A bead of sweat appeared on his forehead at the thought alone. "I need to let Sasami know to set another plate. Round up the rest of the girls please." Tenchi added hastily before he made his quick escape to the kitchen.
"Yes, Lord Tenchi," Ayeka answered as both women watched him leave. This set Ryoko off to thinking. "Who do you think is coming to dinner?" Ryoko asked the princess intrigued.
"I wonder..." Ayeka's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "Given Lord Tenchi's luck with guests in the past..." her words drifted. They had a sudden understanding, both of them locked eyes, wide.
Not another one, Ryoko thought.
The Princess laughed weakly. "Surely not." Ayeka protested, as her unease was reflected in Ryoko's eyes.
Tenchi had gathered all the girls at the dinning table.
"Does everyone's got their stories straight?" Tenchi asked. They had all had to have a cover story to tell the natives whenever they had visitors not from space.
"Yes Tenchi," they all chorused, laughing.
"Good." The young man sighed. But this girl already knows about grandpa and I... He didn't know what to think about that.
Katsuhito and Utena made their way into the home. The scent of various foods reached her nose and made her mouth water. Utena set her bag on the ground, and removed her well-worn boats and slipped into the extra pair of sandals. Sounds of conversations reached her ears along the laughter of a tight knit family, which inexplicably warmed her. The elder ushered her into the eating area.
"If you will," Katsuhito said politely, indicating that Utena preceded him into the room.
"Thank you." Utena said softly.
Utena stopped cold, face suddenly pale. Katsuhito observed the girl's reaction at the sight of Ayeka, her back to them. Her long purple hair trailed down her back in twin ponytails. But the expression of shock on Utena's face was one he didn't expect. He saw her lips form a single word, voiceless.
"Himemiya..."
He was slightly concerned and puzzled by such a reaction was about to do reach out to her when the pink-haired girl visibly pulled herself together. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. His hand fell away. Once composed, Utena then looked in his direction.
Together they stepped out of the shadows and into the light.
Ayeka sensed her brother's presence behind her and turned around to face them along with the others.
"Hello, I'm Tenjou Utena," the pink-haired girl said to them all as she bowed slightly in greeting.
"Hello, I am Jurai Ayeka and this is my sister, Jurai Sasami." The princess said standing up for proper introductions.
"Hi, nice to meet you." Sasami said with a smile, waving at the new arrival. Utena unconsciously waved back to the youngster with a smile of her own, eyes warm.
Tenchi's dad introduced himself as Masaki Nobuyuki and another pink-haired twelve-year old with vivid green eyes. Hakubi 'call me little' Washu. Utena's attention fell to the cyan-haired woman who stared at her with golden cat-like eyes as she drank sake. She was Hakubi Ryoko. So Utena took Ryoko and Washu to be sisters, since the resemblance was apparent.
"I'm Kuramitsu Mihoshi," A cute bubbly blonde spoke, with sun-kissed skin and blue eyes. In her enthusiastic greeting, Mihoshi dropped her chopsticks under the table and ducked to retrieve them from the floor. "Oh, darn!" she then bumped her head.
"Please, have a seat and join us!" Sasami piped up, handing her a plate filled with food.
"Thank you." Utena accepted the proffered food with a smile.
Mihoshi finally emerged with chopsticks in hand.
They all enjoyed the first bits of the meal before a conversation started.
Utena was stunned with the taste and flavors that assaulted her senses. Never had she known such bounty. She closed her eyes as she took the time to discover the subtleties of her exquisite meal. One favor and texture flowing into the next, complimenting or contrasting the other.
I had been hungry, all the Years-
My Noon had Come-to dine-
I trembling drew the Table near-
And touched the Curious Wine-
Utena said after consuming the last bite, momentarily forgetting that she had spoken aloud. She opened her eyes to find, Washu looking at her with speculative eyes. Sasami blushed; Ayeka was pleased with the poetic praise for her sister's culinary skills. Tenchi was surprised, while Mihoshi looked on, chopsticks halted in midair, clueless.
"Emily Dickinson." Katsuhito stated.
Utena nodded.
"So, what brings you to this side of the mountain, Tenjou?" Ryoko asked casually, voicing what they all wanted to know.
"Training." The answer was plain and simple. They all looked surprised, and they turned their attention to the head of the house.
"Yes, she will be training alongside Tenchi." Katsuhito confirmed. The girls looked back and forth between Tenchi and Utena. "Little Washu, I trust setting up another room will be no trouble?"
"Not for the Greatest Scientific Genius of the Universe!" Washu stated.
"Hum, Washu aren't you suppose keep quite about that? Utena wasn't supposed to know that we're from space." Mihoshi said, while everyone else sighed in defeat. Leave it to Mihoshi. Oh, well...
"Miss Tenjou knows who Tenchi and I are." Katsuhito said. "It makes no difference that she knows the truth of the rest."
This comment earned Washu's attention. Oh, Really? Her green eyes gleamed. Well, I'll find out about you.
"You are welcome to stay here. Right dad?" Tenchi said as he lifted another piece of sushi. What's another one more girl here? He thought with resigned humor. At least he'll have someone else to spar with besides his grandfather.
"Right, son." Nobuyuki agreed.
This must be some grand Cosmic Joke. How in the hell can this keep happening? Ryoko wondered as she looked over the newest guest of the Masaki household. The old man's going to train her along with Tenchi, damn! Well, I'm not about to let another girl complicate things even more. Think Ryoko! Think!
"She can crash in my room, in the meantime." Ryoko said and ignoring strange looks was receiving. Keep your friends close, and your enemies' closer, was the adage. And Ryoko was a firm believer of all's fair in love and war and she was playing for keeps. What better way to keep an eye on this girl but to share her room?
Utena took a deep breath and released it. "Thanks Ryoko." Utena said meaning it, bowing in her direction. The respect and warmth in those blue eyes threw Ryoko.
Washu studied her daughter, her thoughts her own.
"Did you bring anything else besides your duffel bag?" asked Tenchi.
"No, just that. It's all I need." Utena said.
Once they all had finished and Utena insisted in helping out clearing the table. She was quite insistent about it, despite it was Ryoko's turn that day. Sasami washed the dishes, Utena wore a borrowed apron, towel dried them, marveling at the little girl's efficiency.
"You have pretty pink hair like cotton candy." Young Sasami commented.
"Yours is the color of a flowing river." The older girl countered. "And you have rose petals for eyes." Utena said, eyes twinkling with amusement, she developed and instant affection for the little girl.
Sasami blushed and giggled at the warm praise.
"Yours are like a clear blue sky."
She immediately took to Utena and told her how they each came to stay at the Masaki household. "Tenchi allowed us to stay here as long as we want." The youngest girl said. "He's the nicest boy." She said with a smile and light blush. Utena correctly deduced that Sasami had a crush on the older Tenchi.
"Yeah, a good guy," agreed Utena who was genuinely amazed that he wasn't jumping for joy at every male fantasy made reality, a guy in a house full of beautiful women. No, she shouldn't judge Tenchi based on her past experiences, with playboys and gifted deceivers. At least I don't have to worry about him, Utena thought with relief.
Tenchi was wiping the table clean as he looked up, his newest houseguest in the kitchen with Sasami. I got to warn her about Dad... Tenchi's thought trailed off, embarrassed by his Dad's behavior around the girls.
Tenchi showed her around his home and the Masaki grounds. They walked out into the carret fields as Utena asked questions about his training and work. Tenchi tried to answer as best as he could.
"That's an awful amount of carrots you harvest Tenchi."
"Yeah, Ryo-Oh-Ki, loves them. Also other vegetables other for Sasami's cooking." Tenchi said with a smile. "Funny how that Ryo-Oh-Ki keeps me so busy just to feed her greedy palate."
"School, practice and field work. Not always in that order."
"That's all you do? Don't you have time for yourself?" Utena asked amazed.
"Yep. I don't mind though. There are days when I must admit that the yoke does chafe. Still, it's all worth it to become a better swordsman."
"How long have you been studying under him?"
"As long as I can remember." Tenchi answered.
"You must be very good." Utena said half to him and half to her self.
Becoming self-conscious, Tenchi rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously "Grandpa says I still have a long way to go."
Utena was not use to modesty from a young practitioner of the arts. Well maybe Miki, she corrected.
"What styles do you practice?" Tenchi now asked his own questions, interested in what she had to say, knowing more about a fellow swordswoman.
"Well, I have an understanding fencing and kendo. I beat the captains of the styles before at Ohtori." She answered. But how much was it my own victory or Dios' presence? I barely managed to get through, the girl wondered. "My empty hand is slightly better. I had been told that I am a natural athlete and a quick study."
"You have hara, and that will be important to have when training with grandpa." Tenchi commented thoughtfully. "We both felt it from the first moment you walked up those steps. You're no ordinary girl that's for sure. You'll fit right in with the others."
"Thank you. But I hope not to add to your troubles." Utena locked her hands behind her head as they continued to walk.
Too late for that, Tenchi thought dryly. He noticed how the girls were eyeing Utena during the meal. "It'll be good to have someone else to train with." Tenchi said with a smile. "Grandpa tends to get all cryptic on me."
"I know how that goes." Utena agreed and the both of them laughed. It felt good to laugh.
Meanwhile back at the house, the others talked about the new addition to the home.
"Tenjou Utena is too young to be on her own." Katsuhito began "that is why she'll stay here as she trains. I will insist that she finish her education."
"I checked her out and most of what she said matches the information." Washu said typing on her floating computer and gave a brief summery.
Name:Tenjou Utena
Age:14
Birthday:December 29th
Blood Type:B
Height:5'4
Weight:101 lbs.
Relatives:Tenjou Sakura - mother (deceased) Tenjou Kenchin – father (deceased) Tenjou Yurika – aunt, legal guardian. Note: currently located Amsterdam, Holland in charge of interior design for a hotel for two years.Schools:Ohtori Private Academy – located in Hou'uo City
Serian Junior High
"She lost her parents when still in grade school. As she said she attended Ohtori Academy but left the school after several months after showing up in the hospital from a fatal stab wound to the heart. It was never known why she was attacked. She disappeared," Washu said puzzled, "and showed up here."
Everyone listened and commented.
Katsuhito was impassive; his face betrayed nothing of his thoughts.
"How awful!" cried Sasami, her face contorted as Ryo-Oh-Ki comforted the young Princess.
Mihoshi nodded as she sniffed, fighting the tears that were threatening to flow. She was a GP officer, seen many gruesome things, watched victims bleed to death unable to do anything, very few survived stab wounds to vital organs.
Ayeka was horrified. "But how?" the first princess of Jurai asked, as Washu shrugged. I will find out, Washu silently vowed as her curiosity was further piqued.
Ryoko just kept her mouth shut as she looked out across the lake. Utena was honest with them and still Washu went on to investigate her. Now everyone knew about Utena's parents without the girl having shared such personal knowledge. Ryoko didn't want anyone to know things about her own past that she hasn't shared. It was a violation of Utena's person, and Ryoko knew full well of that, being controlled by the will of a madman like Kagato.
Typical Washu, Ryoko thought she faded from sight and away from them.
What they would all eventually come to realize is that all the girls were destined to come to earth. A place where they were able to momentarily remove the mask they often wore and breathe, breathe life to their true self. Accepted with all graces and faults. As well as heal from varying aches and pains in their lives. And by choice, choose to fall in love with one Masaki Tenchi, a young man unlike any in their prominent or infamous lives. Ordinary in one sense and extraordinary in the self, where it truly mattered.
Yet, regardless of how the information came about, Ryoko couldn't simply view Utena just as a potential threat to her plans to get Tenchi. Damn, Ryoko inwardly cursed. Utena was now a girl with a tragic story, by far not as horrid as her own enslavement and imprisonment. However, who's to know what is another's story, and measure of pain and grief.
Ryoko was perched precariously close to the edge of the rooftop. She was lost in thought she heard the sound of laughter reach her ears. She saw Tenchi and Utena laughing with such lighthearted ease. The sound brought a smile to Ryoko. But in that instant she realized that Tenchi hasn't really laughed so freely since he was a little kid. But to hear it again pleased her.
Ryoko couldn't get angry that someone else brought the laughter forth. Although she was wistful because she wasn't the one who made him laugh.
She watched them get closer to the house.
Utena apparently felt Ryoko's gaze, watching them and raised her own eyes in Ryoko's direction.
Ryoko was a little embarrassed to have been so easily caught but the easy smile that was given to her was so open and friendly that she smiled in return. But to have Tenchi look at her the same way made her heart skip a beat. She felt warmed.
"Hey Ryoko, come and join us." Tenchi called and Ryoko didn't need to be asked twice.
Suddenly Ryoko disappeared from sight and Utena was startled to see her appear with her arms around Tenchi. She recalled what Tenchi had said to her. None were ordinary people. Talk about an understatement, Utena thought as her lips twitched with amusement.
"You called, my Tenchi?" Ryoko whispered enticingly causing Tenchi to blush.
"Ryoko... Come on." Tenchi began. "Cut that out. We have a guest."
"Don't mind me." Utena said with a grin. "Carry on."
Ryoko glanced at her briefly before continuing with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "She's fine Tenchi. Now don't be shy... take me!" She demanded.
Tenchi turned beat red as he struggled with Ryoko's advances and Utena burst out laughing at the whole situation. Talk about being terminally shy.
"I had a friend who always jumped me every chance my back was turned. Scared the hell out of me. Heavy as a sack of monkeys though." She added, still laughing.
Ryoko relented and released Tenchi. She turned her attention to the younger girl, eyebrow slightly arched upward. "Yes?"
Suddenly blushing, Utena realized that Ryoko might misunderstand her words. "I don't mean to imply that you-" Ryoko was highly amused at her faux pas and Utena's attempt to fix it. "You're definitely not-" The former space pirate chuckled at the inadvertent insult and unconscious flattery. Ryoko decided to stop Utena before she inserted her other foot into her mouth or pass out from her furious blushing. A nice shade of red colored her cheeks that rivaled Tenchi's.
"Forget it. C'mon Utena, let's get you settled in." Ryoko let go of Tenchi completely and flew into the house. Utena ran to get her duffel bag and followed a flying Ryoko up the stairs.
"That's so cool." Utena whispered, not knowing that Ryoko with her keen sense of hearing caught her words and smiled. Just a kid, she thought.
Ryoko lowered herself to her feet and reached for the door and slid it open, revealing her room.
Everyone assumed that she was a total slob but her room was clean it can also be attributed to the fact that she rarely slept in it. But the way Ryoko had styled her room amazed Utena as she took in the room. It had simple symmetry. There was futon in the room with crimson sheets and pillows.
The amazing view out the window was very impressive, to be able to fall asleep with such beautiful scenery out there, just a glance away.
A bookcase was filled with CD's and a state of the art surround sound system was mounted there with four speakers placed across the four corners of the room. The colors in the room were the natural wood, rich and sensual, elegance in its sheer simplicity.
Utena stepped in with bag in hand. "Very nice."
"I know." Ryoko agreed. There was no false modesty in her. Utena's lips twitched. "You can take the futon." The former space pirate waved aside any impending protests. "I usually crash on the couch watching TV or up on the rafters. So go ahead."
She sleeps on the rafters? Utena inwardly sighed. "Thanks."
"No big deal." Ryoko shrugged. "You can hang your stuff up in the closet." Ryoko watched Utena unpack, leaning up against the wall. She continued to talk. "Feel free to listen to music as loud as you want. Washu placed noise dampeners in this room."
Utena shrugged off her trench coat and hug it neatly, smoothing out the wrinkles. She then pulled off the sweater and hung it was well. She was left wearing a red turtleneck and worn blue jeans that looked quite comfortable. She transferred other articles of clothing into the closet. Two pairs of black and two light blue jeans, along with various assorted colors of long sleeved t-shirts, (Ryoko understood now the reason for them) and several pairs of underwear, sports bras and socks.
Eventually Utena pulled out something from her bag that caught Ryoko's eye. It was a sheathed sword. The scabbard was simple enough, but what drew her attention was the hilt. The handle was black, a vine-like design beautifully wrapped around the handle crafted out of gold, contrasting beautifully. The guard part of the hilt was also worked in gold and sported a nice-sized square-cut emerald. The pommel held a rose-cut diamond in full bloom. Not just any diamond—a pink diamond.
"What do you have there?" Ryoko spoke, half a question and observation. Utena turned, holding the weapon in her hands and approached Ryoko. She held it out for her to see, not letting her touch it. Ryoko understood they had just met and took no offense. Yet, she sensed that the girl's actions were more due to the significance of what she held. Upon closer inspection of it only confirmed Ryoko's guess the emerald and pink diamond was flawless. That sword truly was a work of art.
"You know what you got there?" Ryoko questioned, meeting those blue eyes. Utena's guileless smile and sparking light laughter was answer enough.
"Millions." Utena answered tilting her head to the side and studied Ryoko in turn. "Many assumed it was just a fake prop. You have a good eye to catch it for the real deal." How did she know? Utena wondered.
"A space pirate has a good eye for treasure." Ryoko answered a question Utena wanted to ask but declined. A notch rose in estimation of her. She saw the sparkle of interest.
"Space pirate? Wow!" Utena exclaimed, eyes wide. "Tenchi said that there were no ordinary people living here. But he didn't mention how truly extraordinary you are." Utena said with a pleased smile of respect and admiration.
Ryoko was once again caught off guard with Utena's comments and genuine sentiments. She felt her cheeks warm. Her words were heartfelt.
"It's dangerous to be carrying something that valuable." Ryoko commented.
"I know how to use it." Utena said. She set it on top of the empty spot on the shelf. Sunlight hit the diamond and the light cast kaleidoscopic dance about the room.
From the look in the girl's eyes Ryoko didn't doubt it.
Ryoko noticed the ring Utena wore on her left hand simmer and glow lightly with a pulse that was in tuned with Utena's words. She caught a glimpse of it at mealtime. A single brow arched in a silent question but said nothing. From a quick glance, Ryoko noticed that it was a silver ring with a rose signets etched and equally as valuable as the sword. How the hell was it possible that this girl was carrying millions, while she wears inexpensive clothing? Ryoko wondered. She's indifferent about it.
"If you're done, I bet that you like some down time. There's a perfect place here to do that."
"Sure."
Utena followed Ryoko until they came down into the open where a great dome floated in midair. The pink-haired girl was impressed and that sight brought to mind the resemblance to a snow globe.
"Wait till you get inside." Ryoko said, guessing what crossed Utena's mind. "That's something to amaze you." She stood before the door labeled "Women" and the other "Tenchi." She slid the door open.
Ryoko was right. Utena was floored with the whole place. It was like piece of Eden on earth. The beauty of the onsen was breathtaking.
"Everyone comes here to shower and just relax."
"Everyone?" Utena wasn't sure that she heard Ryoko right.
Ryoko saw the younger girl's reaction. She grinned. She was going to be such fun to tease. "Just us girls."
"Oh." The relief was evident in her features. And a slight blush at feeling so foolish. Ryoko knew she shouldn't do what she was thinking, one of the things Simply Not Done. But that hasn't stopped her from doing whatever she wanted in the past. Besides, it's much more fun when it's not allowed. The ex-pirate couldn't help herself as she grabbed Utena under the arms and lifted her up off the ground. It happened so fast that Utena couldn't object. The next thing she knew she found herself submerged in water. Utena surfaced spluttering, coughing up water. Hair plastered to her face and clothes soaked.
"Ryoko! What in the world--couldn't you wait for me to undress at least?" Utena spluttered indignant, trying to sound stern, but even then she laughed. "At least the water's warm." Utena managed to say through her laughter. She pushed the wet strands of her out of her eyes.
This pleased Ryoko to no end. To take it in stride being dunked, and not be offended and to be able to laugh at the situation spoke volumes of Utena's personality. Ryoko liked her. She fazed out of her own clothes as she cannoned balled through the air. She splashed Utena with her effort causing more laughter. Genuine laughter of someone having unexpected fun.
"You're alright kid." Ryoko said when she surfaced besides the blushing girl. She was her take in her nakedness in one glance before averting her gaze. Ryoko bit back a laugh. Utena at the moment reminded her of Tenchi. The way he reacted at the sight of her body.
"This place is truly amazing." Utena commented, anything to keep her mind off the naked woman besides her.
"Yeah." Ryoko agreed, with a prideful smile. "It would be since I built this place for us girls, you know, to relax."
"Not happening." Utena muttered under breath. Ryoko hearing this laughed out right. Causing her blush to deepen.
"Of course not. You still have your clothes on." Ryoko said, a chiding tone in her voice but playful.
Utena wondered if Ryoko unconsciously flirted regardless of the person. Well she wasn't going to let her get run over.
"And whose fault is that, I wonder. I never stood a chance against you." Utena protested fighting her shyness. Two can play that game. She thought.
"Okay. I'll turn around." Ryoko said with a grin. She'll respect her need for privacy. That girl had grit. She heard the struggle of Utena trying to remove her wet clothes while still in the water. She was muttering curses under her breath.
"Need a hand?" Ryoko offered, amusement in her words.
"You're having too much fun at my expense." Utena retorted. Ryoko laughed and agreed.
Eventually, Utena was able to get out of her clothes and submerged herself up to her neck in water.
"This feels great." Utena uttered with a sigh, eyes closed, and tilting her head back.
"Mmm," Ryoko agreed truly fond of the onsen.
"How did you build this place Ryoko?" Utena asked, ever curious.
"I used Washu's System of Creation." Ryoko answered, eyes closed. "Ask her to explain." Washu's explanations always made Ryoko's head hurt in confusion and wish she hadn't asked. All that mattered to her that the things worked, as they needed to.
"I'll do that."
The both of them then lapsed into a comfortable silence enjoying their time in the onsen.
So close to each other, Ryoko caught the scent of roses with her acute sense of smell. It was coming from Utena who seemed to have dosed off. Her fatigue and the warm water were enough to make the pink-haired girl succumb. Anyway, the pleasant aroma also came along with a faint presence of power.
Eventually the peacefulness of the moment was disturbed with the arrival of the others. Their voices drifted towards them as Utena force the sleep from her eyes. Ryoko watch her out of the corner of her eye.
"Enjoying yourself Lady Utena?" Ayeka asked politely and Ryoko was aware of the sudden stillness from Utena at being so addressed.
"Um, Yes, thank you." Utena answered, slightly uncomfortable at being so addressed.
"It had to be you Ayeka." Ryoko interfered before anything else would upset Utena. She'll ponder her reaction some other time. "We were having such a nice time too."
As expected, Ayeka rose to the bait. "Ryoko you should be more modest, especially with a guest here." The princess had her towel tightly wrapped about her.
"Why should I? I'm not ashamed of my body." Ryoko announced, crossing her arms over her ample chest. "Unlike a Princess we all know." Ayeka was turning an unflattering shade of red. Ryoko grinned tauntingly.
Utena was trying hard to suppress her laughter. And the effort was causing her shoulders to shake. She let her hair obscure her face from Ayeka's view. The princess however misinterpreted her actions.
"You have caused Lady Utena enough embarrassment."
Boy was she wrong. Again Ryoko's sensitive hearing picked up her stifled giggles. Ryoko grin became broader.
"Stop it you two!" came Sasami's voice, chiding. "We're here to relax."
"You're right Sasami." Ayeka agreed as she bowed towards Utena's direction. "Please forgive us for our rude behavior, Lady Utena."
"Just Utena." She insisted after she had a hold on the laughter. She turned away from Ayeka's puzzled look.
"Why are you're cloths all wet Utena?" Sasami asked as she spotted the wet heap by the edge.
"Uh, I slipped," Utena said, not wanting to get Ryoko in any trouble.
"You too?" piped up Mihoshi who popped out of the water. "I thought I was the only one." Finally, I'm not the only klutz here! I'm not alone! Mihoshi thought happily.
Sasami giggled.
"Is that so?" Ayeka asked, as she eyed Ryoko, who was smiling broadly. The primness was certain that Ryoko was the one responsible. She wasn't able to say anything to her. Utena's eyes darted back and forth between both women. She wondered if this kind of situation was a common occurrence. She eyed the others in the water, from the looks of it they were indifferent to what was happening.
"Excuse me," Utena said as she spotted little Washu, whom had stepped into the water. Her blue eyes brightened. She waded over to the genius.
"Little Washu, Ryoko told me to ask you how the onsen was built."
"Quite easily really." Washu began, "I made a system with which anything can be created out of elements in the air as long as a plan for it exists. I made it for myself but Ryoko used it for a different purpose as you can see."
"I see that Ryoko is an artist. You must be truly brilliant for creating something that can do that... to bring her vision to life," Utena praised.
Washu was not expecting her praise but welcomed it nonetheless. She grinned smugly. "You may praise me more. After all I am the greatest scientific genius in the whole Universe!"
Utena laughed, not minding. "I do praise you."
"Don't feed her overblown ego." Ryoko grumbled she knowing what was coming next. Everyone looked at a laughing Washu as two Mecha Washu's appeared on her shoulders.
"You're the greatest!" Mecha Washu 1 cried.
"You are number one!" Mecha Washu 2 added.
"Hooray for Washu, you're the greatest!"
"Hooray for Washu, you're a genius!"
"The smartest in the galaxy!"
Washu frowned. "That's 'universe', not 'galaxy'."
"The smartest in the universe!"
"The most incredible scientist of all time!" both Mecha Washu 1 and 2 intoned together. Washu continued to laugh.
Everyone sweatdropped.
"Little Washu?" Utena ventured to speak again.
"Yes Utena?" Washu beamed up at her, immensely pleased with the girl.
"You are in a league of your own?" Utena asked.
"Yes. I am unmatched." Washu bragged.
"Is this true?" Utena turned to ask the others, who reluctantly agreed with her statement. Once she had confirmation she faced Washu.
"Then she has the right to call herself as she pleases." Utena reasoned. Washu laughed in delight.
"But I bet that each of you here is the best at what you do. Ryoko, I assume that you were the greatest space pirate. Sasami the best cook ever-."
"I am the best GP officer on the force," Mihoshi volunteered. They all have seen Mihoshi's record. It was hard to believe, but true.
"Ayeka's the best princess and sister." Sasami added, as her sister smiled at her with affection. Ryoko didn't have the heart to question Sasami's claim. She liked the kid.
Utena blinked, and laughed softly. "Wow, this is a place filled with exceptional women."
"You're pretty exceptional yourself." Washu noted, but Utena didn't seem to hear.
"Pride comes before the fall." Utena said with such blunt honesty that the silence was heavy with tension. What will Washu do to her? They all had been at the receiving end of Washu's displeasure at one time or another. Being turned into sprites and kappas was an unpleasant experience. Being transformed back only at the woman's whim.
They all held their collective breath as Washu stared into Utena's earnest blue eyes. Washu saw beyond the words, however truly spoken. She smiled up cutely at Utena, green eyes shining brightly.
"I like you. Would you like to be my guinea pig?"
"Well... " Utena began, not sure how to answer.
"NO!" everyone exclaimed. Ryoko appeared next to Utena, arms crossed, back towards her. A serious look crossed her face.
"No." That single word spoke volumes to Washu.
"Aw, you're no fun Ryoko." Washu said pouting covering her surprise. It was just a flippant comment.
"Utena just got here and already you're trying to experiment on her. Isn't there something you won't do?" Ryoko asked disgusted with Washu, she didn't wait for an answer as she faded from sight.
Everyone else was stunned with Ryoko's reaction that they didn't know what to say. What was that about? Utena didn't know the dynamics of the family to gauge anything. So she didn't know that Washu was not one to touch casually. Utena laid comforting hand on the genius shoulder and squeezed gently. Utena was grateful for Ryoko trying to protect her from something they all thought as a very bad idea. She had no idea how out of character that was. Still, Utena saw the hurt however brief, in those green eyes at Ryoko's harsh words. She didn't like seeing anyone hurting. There was genuine surprise in Washu's face that Utena just smiled.
Washu was very surprised, at the gentle touch, and the open acceptance and empathy in her eyes and reassuring smile. She spoke her mind with honesty that was rare, without fear of consequences. The touch was warm and kind as her smile. Nothing behind it but what was offered. It moved Washu deeply. She understood Ryoko's reaction. The need to protect such a person. The girl withdrew her hand and Washu felt oddly bereft from her comfort.
Utena asked about the shower stalls and after a final plunged in the water swam to get rinsed off. Washu reassured her about her clothes.
Ever since merging with Zero sort of thrown her behavior off, mellowed her out, causing her to become more in tuned with her emotions, and her emotions were all over the place. There were times like this that Ryoko regretted the melding. Going to one extreme or another, everything she felt seemed amplified. Something a person of Ryoko's nature not accustomed to. Emotions in the field of battle would get you killed.
Washu got to me again, Ryoko thought angry. As she laid on top of the rooftop not worried of falling off. But why did I react so badly? She wondered. I couldn't pin it all on Zero. It surprised even her. "Well, I wouldn't want anyone caught in Washu's lab." She reasoned aloud. She had to admit that Utena was likeable.
Later that evening Utena and Sasami were sitting at the porch, playing with Ryo-Oh-Ki. Utena was amazed that the furry cabbit could eat so many carrots in one sitting. She had the last remaining piece as she playfully teased Ryo-Oh-ki. The cabbit tried to get the last morsel.
It wasn't long when she overheard Ryoko and Ayeka arguing (Well, any one could hear them, she thought). Ayeka was lecturing the cyan-haired beauty about the proper way to fold the clean laundry. Ryoko on the other hand mocked the princess, for being so uptight for every little thing. Ayeka was very angry and the yelling escalated to insults.
"-you uptight prissy royal pain in the butt!-" Ryoko shouted, glaring.
"You foul-mouthed, lazy criminal!" Ayeka shouted back, as she balled her fist in anger.
They glared at each other, ignoring the fact that
"Now girls!" Tenchi was frantically trying to stop the arguing. "Not in the house?"
"Does this happen often?" Utena asked of Sasami as she cuddled the little cabbit. The little critter loved the attention, playing up her kiwi factor. She really wanted that that carrot.
"Uh-huh," Sasami confirmed giggling at Ryo-Oh-Ki's antics.
"Tenchi's seemed to be very worried," Utena continued. "Maybe I should go help."
"Nah, Tenchi's always like that and the girls are always fighting." Sasami said. "It's not serious though."
Not serious? Utena was surprised at the younger girl's words. Then what is?
"They hadn't destroyed anything yet." Sasami added.
The carrot fell from Utena's hand as she stared at Sasami and Ryo-Oh-Ki was quick to gobble it up.
"Miya!"
Night had fallen and everyone headed off to sleep. Utena had undressed and slipped into her two-piece pajamas. She then slid underneath the comforter, as a yawn escaped her lips. She was tired and was all too happy to turn in.
The day's events were enough to take a lot out of a person. She couldn't help smiling at how they all interacted, Ayeka's and Ryoko's bickering, Tenchi trying to keep the peace along with the rest... just like a big dysfunctional family.
We'll see what the coming day brings, Utena thought sleepily, as she pulled the comforter over her head and drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
To be continued...
Author's Notes:
End of Chapter 1. This is my first endeavor to write a crossover fanfiction between Tenchi Muyo and Revolutionary Girl Utena. After receiving feedback (Thanks again for your time), I have revised the first Chapter and made adjustments. I hope it's an improvement.
So what do you think? Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Please review. Thanks for reading!
---Harunomiya