One Week: Monday
By CoupleKeeper
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Disclaimer: I do not own Tenchi Muyo or its characters. I own this plot
though. I also don't own the song Hear You Me, Jimmy Eat World does.
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Rating: It's rated PG-13 for mild language and suggestive dialogue. In
later chapters it becomes R because it will get a little limey. Not by much
though. Let me know if you think I should up or lower the rating.
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*Mind link* "Talking out loud" ~Thoughts~ /Song lyrics/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Author's notes: I know I promised that WTEM would have new chapter, well I've written 14 pages worth of material for that chapter and am still not done. I wrote this in about two hours and it's new series I'm writing. I think it'll be much better than WTEM, a lot less OOCness. Each chapter of this story will be a song fic. Another T/R of course and can be very drama filled at times. Now I'm sure you all want the story so here goes! Oh and all thoughts in the dream sequence belong to the same person. And there is very little OOC in this story. If you can, it's also really nice to listen to Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat world during the first part of this fic. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was two a.m. so everything was completely silent. Everything was sleeping peacefully except for one person. A cyan haired beauty lay in her bed inside of one of her mother's many sub-dimensions, tossing and turning. Ryoko was having a horrible nightmare; she was having a nightmare that was one of her worst fears.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ /Intro music/
Everyone was dressed in black and they all sat in tears. In front of all of them laid a black coffin and on top of it was a picture of Tenchi Masaki. Directly in front of his coffin were eight chairs, all for those who had something to say about Tenchi. They sat in this order: Yosho, Noboyuki, Ayeka, Mihoshi, Sasami, Kiyonie, Washu and Ryoko. As Yosho began walking up to the podium prepared the Jurian Press started taking pictures and rolling film.
Yosho began his speech. "Tenchi was a wonderful grandson, a great friend, and there was no better pupil. He was a model person for so many, but that was never acknowledged about him during his life." ~You're wrong Yosho.~ "He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, especially by his family and friends." Yosho finished as he looked back at the seven people sitting behind him. As he went to sit back down his son-in-law got up.
/There's no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that.
I thought I might get one more chance./
"My son was my only child and the only thing left from my wife. Being a widower and a single father has been hard these past 15 years. My son was young and in-love, but he never got to tell who he loved how much they really meant to him." Ayeka smiled smugly and Ryoko only cried harder. ~Did you really choose me my Tenchi?~ "I am honored in knowing that someone as noble and wonderful as my son trusted me enough to tell me things like that. I was never the best father, but before he passed on he told me I was a great father. How he could say that I'll never know, but I do know that no matter who comes along, there will be no one quite like my son."
/What would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud.
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance./
Ayeka and Sasami both got up at the same time, they had a joint speech prepared. Ayeka began. "Tenchi was my greatest love and like a brother to both my sister and me. I loved Tenchi, but not like I thought. My sister helped me realize that long ago, I just didn't want to give up. Tenchi has taught us both more then we could ever dream of." Sasami then came in to the mix. "Tenchi was a kind soul, people like him are rare and somewhat of a mystery. Tenchi taught me a very important lesson once, he taught me not to worry about other people think because it only matters what you think about yourself." Ayeka continued and finished the speech. "He followed that lesson because when he first met us he made an effort to get know each and every one of us He didn't judge based on our looks or where we came from. There never was and never will be a better man."
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in/
Kiyonie and Mihoshi did a joint speech too. Mihoshi started it, she was crying her heart out, but she was still able to speak loudly and clearly for everyone. "I'm not the smartest person, but I know enough to know that Tenchi was one of a kind. He was a gift to this planet and the fact that he was taken away from it was a tragedy." Kiyonie went on. "Tenchi was better then anyone you could ever meet, he was sweet, kind, strong, and happy, all of that he gave to others. He shared his heart and soul with everyone he met. He never judged right away by appearances or backgrounds, only what he saw underneath and even then he didn't want to pass judgment. He was someone that no one who has met him, can ever forget."
/So what would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud.
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance./
Those two went to sit down and the young redheaded scientist stood up at the stand. First pressing a button to lower the podium though. "I can't say anything about Tenchi that has not already been said or that is about to be said by my daughter. I can say that Tenchi was a boy of higher standards then anyone ever in creation. I can see why he was loved by so many." A teary eyed Ryoko stepped up to the podium receiving a hug from her mother. She pressed a button to move the podium back up then she began her heartfelt speech. ~Tenchi please help me.~
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
"I want to pick up where everyone has left and say that I knew Tenchi more then anyone knows, before Tenchi got into the accident he told me what I meant to him, not completely, but enough for me to know that he loved me. His heart was bigger then beyond all human comprehension. He left behind something though, an unborn child. Tenchi was a complex person in all of his being. In a sense he was perfect, he was and forever will be the only perfect person to live. He was caring and compassionate about everything and everyone. I can't speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself and for what I think. I think that Tenchi was the one man the entire universe could look up to and I hope that now, people will and see how great of a man he truly was."
/May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in./
Ryoko walked away from the podium in tears and then she saw she had brought everyone else into tears. Everyone was sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm sorry everyone." She whispered. ~Are you proud of me my Tenchi? Are you watching this?~ Everyone of the Masaki family went into a very large group hug, Ryo-Ohki in her human form came to join and so did Misaki, Fanaho, and yes even Azusa.
/And if you were with me tonight,
I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big,
god wouldn't let it live./
The press started wrapping up; reporters finishing up their live broadcasts and journalists finishing their notes, even they were in tears. Once the family broke off their hug everyone dispersed off on their own. ~You promised me my prince.~ Ryoko walked up to Tenchi's coffin and held his picture limply in her hand. "Were promises meant to be broken? You promised we'd see our wedding day, you promised." She whispered. ~You said you loved me.~
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
Washu came up and gave her daughter a hug. "It's beginning isn't it?" Ryoko asked. "Yes it is, my daughter. Your time is coming to an end, use it well."
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
"Why now?" "I'm sorry Ryoko, time for this game to end, time for these charades to stop."
/On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ryoko awoke with a start. He screams were silent, but her mother heard them telepathically. Washu teleported to her daughter's side almost immediately. "Ryoko, calm down please." Washu held her tightly. *I saw it too Ryoko, but please know it wasn't real. That wasn't really me and Tenchi is still alive.* "The dream you was right though wasn't she? I'm dying?" Washu nodded sadly and pulled her daughter even tighter. "And he still doesn't love me." Ryoko quickly teleported out of her mother's dimension.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ryoko floated over him staring with loving eyes. ~Don't you love me? My time with you is almost at an end.~ Tenchi took a deep breath and mumbled something in his sleep. It was inaudible to her. ~Tell me you love me.~ "Ryoko." Tenchi groaned in his sleep, shocking her from her thoughts. ~What are you dreaming of my Tenchi?~ In truth Tenchi was having a similar dream to what Ryoko just experienced, only this time the roles were reversed and his nightmare held no meaning of the dreamer's passing on. "Not my Ryoko." He murmured, a tear leaking out of his eye.
~His Ryoko?! What is this? Do you love me?~ "I better go before you wake up my prince." She leaned in to kiss him like she usually does when she leaves his room at night. When she reached his lips she got a pleasant surprise. He quickly wrapped his arms about her and pulled her into a very passionate kiss, but it didn't last long. Tenchi woke up and his eyes opened wide at the pair of lips attached to his own. ~Why am I holding onto her like this?!~ He thought then he pushed her off and she backed herself against the wall. "Wha.. what was that?" She stuttered in amazement. "What do you mean what was that? You kissed me! Why are you even in here?" Tenchi nearly shrieked.
"I had a nightmare Tenchi, you were dead and it said I'm dying. I found out I really am dying, mom certified it. I wanted you to know first, I have a week." Ryoko then just disappeared. "No," he whispered, "it's becoming reality."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was now noon and no one had seen Ryoko all day. Tenchi was worried beyond all belief and because of that Ayeka was appalled. "Lord Tenchi, how can you care about her? She is only a worthless demon witch." Tenchi had been sitting there for a while. He was completely enraged, but not showing it. Washu had not left her lab all day and Tenchi had not been allowed in because it was locked tight. Soon though Washu stepped out with her daughter closely in tow.
Washu put her hand on Tenchi's shoulder and whispered. "I'm going to tell them now so take her out of here for a while." Tenchi grabbed Ryoko's wrist and his dad's car keys and quickly pulled her out of the house. "We need to talk Tenchi." "I know, but we'll do that later. First I'm taking you somewhere special." He pulled her along and opened the car door for her. Once they were both strapped in and he had the motor going he was off speeding down the dirt roads.
"Tenchi, what is with you? You're always such a careful driver." Tenchi took one hand off the wheel and grabbed her hand with it. Looking into her eyes he told her why. "We only have a week left, I don't want to waste any of it."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Soon Tenchi reached his destination. It was a beautiful secluded grove covered in cherry blossoms. "I don't want any of my time with you wasted Ryoko. Our time together is going to be short now, I don't want to regret the things that I never did and should have done." He helped her out of the car and pulled a picnic basket out of the back. He told her before she could even ask, "I knew you'd come out of there sometime."
After the blanket was laid out he sat Ryoko down, treating her as if she would break at any second, she laughed at him. "What are you laughing at Ryoko?" He asked as he began setting out their food. "You, just you and how you're treating me." Tenchi's face held a look panic. "What am I doing wrong, I'm so sorry. Please tell me Ryoko so I can..." She put her finger to his mouth and laughed again. "You're not doing anything wrong. I didn't say I didn't like it."
His expression softened as he grabbed a peach out of the basket and threw at her lightly. "Eat up." He whispered. She bit into it and gave him a sly look. "What are you up to my Tenchi?" He leaned by her ear and whispered. "Not what you think." She stuck out her lip out to pout. ~I've still got time to sway you on that, my prince.~ While Tenchi was still by her ear, he got a little bold. ~You only live once.~ He thought as he nipped at her ear. Needless to say she was a little shocked. Tenchi decided to try to play it cool and grabbed himself an apple from the basket.
While he was taking a bite he noticed Ryoko had a little juice on her chin. Since she was still in shock he decided to help her out and wipe it way with his finger. "Wake up Ryoko or you'll dream the day away." She instantly snapped out of it. "I told you we need to talk and we will Tenchi. I want you to know that I do not want your pity." Tenchi shook his head. "You aren't getting any pity from me Ryoko."
Again she was a little shocked, but she stayed fully aware and very cautious. "Then what am I getting?" Tenchi didn't say a word, he looked as if to be lost in deep thought. He knew his answer, but was scared to say it. ~Please love me.~ Still several minutes passed in silence only an occasional bird could be heard. "What I want to say Ryoko cannot merely be expressed in words." Ryoko's face dawned with understanding and since he was and always will be shy she helped him out a bit. She kissed him lightly on the mouth, but then decided to try for more. So she added more to the kiss with her tongue begging for admittance. Admittance was granted too. Once she pulled away only a few seconds later, Tenchi was a little reluctant to let her.
"Is that what you wanted to say my prince?" Tenchi nodded dumbly, he was far too happy to now have that out in the open. "I love you so much Ryoko, why do you have to die?" Ryoko's expression was one of pain. "I don't know, but I want you to understand how much I love you. Even in the afterlife I won't be able to forget you, you're too special to me Tenchi. You always will be." Tenchi tucked some of her hair behind her left ear. "Ryoko, I'm scared to loose you. I've loved you for a long while, but I was scared to tell you. Now our time has run short and we've only just begun together. I don't want you to go, can't Washu do something?"
A tear rolled down her face as she shook her head. "She tried to find something, but she doesn't even know what's killing me. She just knows it's there and it's eating at me, slowly taking my life away." ~Not slow enough though.~ She thought as her eyes betrayed her, she had begun to cry harder. She laid back on the grass and stared up at her beloved Tenchi. "Lay down with me for a while Tenchi." He gave her hard look that made her giggle. "Not like that my Tenchi. I just want to lay down."
He smiled and laid down next to her, snaking one arm under her back and pulling her close. "Will you be okay?" He asked concern evident in his voice. "Yes, mom says I won't feel it when it happens, I believe her. Now no more questions." She lightly kissed him on the mouth. She snuggled close to him and they sat there in silence for a while. Soon though a question arose in Ryoko's mind. "How do we tell Ayeka?" When she realized she wasn't getting a response she looked over at him, he had fallen asleep. ~Sleep now my beloved prince for later you won't be sleeping at all.~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was dark out and he had just started the drive home. He was going much slower then before. Ryoko was sleeping in the seat next to him, curled up with a fang-toothed grin on her face. He had woken up with Ryoko in his arms and he was in total bliss feeling having her there. "My beautiful Ryoko..." A tear streaked down his face. ~Why not me? Why can't I take this pain for you?~ Tenchi realized that Ryoko was no longing grinning, that she was frowning and shaking uncontrollably, he pulled over immediately and tried getting her up.
When she did he got a huge shock when woke up screaming silently. "Oh Kami, calm down Ryoko. Please, please be all right, calm down for me. Soon she stopped trying to scream and latched onto Tenchi crying. As he held her there until he heard tapping on the window, which's when he saw Washu. She opened the door and started to help calm Ryoko down. "She had that dream again. I think it's the virus that's creating them."
"So it's a virus?" "Yeah, I took some blood samples earlier. It showed up as a type of virus. Still not fully identifiable though." "So it's still fatal?" "I'm afraid so." "Oh." Another tear escaped his eyes.
"I'll bring her back to the house Tenchi, it'll be faster this way." Tenchi nodded and got back in his seat once his love was detached. "Take care of her Washu." She gave a quick nod then transported her and her daughter out of there. "Take good care of her." He whispered and he sort of felt her acknowledgement of it too.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi stepped out of the car and was instantly bombarded. Ayeka was furious and was eager to know what happened at Tenchi's little outing. "Tenchi, what have you and that demon woman been doing all day." ~Falling in love.~ "Ayeka you and me need to talk. As soon as you calm down, come up to my room. I'll be in there soon." Tenchi began jogging towards the house and went straight into Washu's lab. ~Please, please be okay.~ "Washu! Washu where are you?" Tenchi was walking through the lab and fighting a silent battle with himself.
~I have to stop being so shy, there isn't much time, but the girls will be hurt seeing me with her. I don't want to hurt anyone, but then hiding it might hurt Ryoko. I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't though. No matter what Ayeka is going to get hurt, the others not so much, I don't want to hurt any of them at all. But my Ryoko, I can't hurt her, no matter what I cannot hurt her. Never again can I do that.~
Washu had been waving a hand in front of Tenchi's face for minutes. He wouldn't snap out of his funk and Washu was worried about him. ~What is happening with you two?~ "Tenchi? Hello, Tenchi!" He snapped out of it when she yelled. "Sorry Washu, I need to see Ryoko." Washu nodded and beckoned for him to follow her. He did and she led him to a small enclosure where Ryoko sat on a hospital bed swinging her legs off the side. She lit up when she saw Tenchi and instantly ran into his arms.
~Here goes.~ Tenchi thought as he took all the boldness he contained and kissed her firmly on the mouth. Ryoko was very shocked, but quickly fell into the kiss. ~My prince loves me after all.~ Washu smiled tenderly at the scene they made together. "My baby girl's all grown up. Just don't hurt her Tenchi." Tenchi broke the kiss, much to Ryoko's dismay and smiled at Washu. "Never again will I hurt her, ever." He said the last word firmly and confidently.
Washu nodded to them and took her leave of the happy couple. "We have to go tell Ayeka about us right now." Tenchi said and began tugging at her sleeve to get her to move. She didn't say anything, but she made her silent agreement.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi stepped into his room with Ryoko right behind him. Ayeka sat with a straight face and was making perfect eye contact with Tenchi as she spoke. "You do not need to tell me anything. I have figured it out on my own." Ryoko breathed a sigh of relief and Tenchi gave a polite nod before letting her continue. "I've known for quite some time and have refused to admit it until I saw you two in the lab just a little bit ago." Tenchi's eyes widened. "You... you were in there?
Ayeka nodded as she stood up. Gracefully, Ayeka walked up to Ryoko and gave her a small hug. "The best girl finally won." Ayeka pulled back and gave her a smile before she moved to hug Tenchi. "Thank you for finally choosing Tenchi." ~That was too easy.~ Ryoko tapped Ayeka on the shoulder and looked her straight in the eye. "You just lied to us Ayeka. What are you hiding?" Ayeka smiled at her and slipped near the door. "I'll tell you tomorrow Ryoko." Then she was gone.
Ryoko had a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "She's up to something and so is everyone else in this house." Ryoko was completely sure of all that she said. Tenchi smiled as he picked her up and brought her towards the bed. Gently laying her down he told her, "you're going to bed now." Ryoko just floated back up and shook her finger from left to right. "Nope, I've got to go take a shower first. I always do at night." Tenchi groaned, "take one in the morning. I don't want you to go." He grabbed her arm and gently pulled her down onto the bed, which also ended up with her on top of him.
Tenchi go a nose bleed after he realized what he had done and she only grinned at him. "Bad, bad boy Tenchi. I don't do that on the first date." She pecked him on the lips and teleported out. Grabbing a tissue he mumbled, "I was not thinking that." "Sure you weren't," came the sarcastic retort of a little red headed scientist. Washu walked through the door and closed it behind her. "We need to talk Tenchi."
Tenchi gave her an understanding smile and told her, "shoot." Washu in a serious and deadly voice replied, "if you hurt her, I will." Tenchi's eyes slightly popped out of his head. "I mean that Tenchi, now we're going to talk about something very important to me right now, my daughter's happiness." Tenchi nodded for her to continue. "I want my little Ryoko to have everything she's ever wanted before she dies. You are needed for three key things in achieving that." Tenchi smiled tenderly at her and gave her one simple reply. "If it's possible, I'll do it all." "It's all possible."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ryoko popped into Tenchi's room dressed in a pair of cabbit pajama bottoms and matching tank top. "Oh, Tenchi!" Ryoko said in a singsong type voice. Instantly she was caught in a pair of strong arms. This time however, it was her who blushed as she was pulled onto the bed. Tenchi was clad only in a pair of blue boxers as he pinned her down on the bed. "You are going to bed now, whether you like it or not." Ryoko gave him a wicked grin and retorted, "I'm going to bed with you aren't I? Of course I'm going to like it."
Tenchi's nose started bleeding again and he quickly reached for a tissue. "Tenchi, I told you, I'm not having sex with you." Tenchi's eyes nearly came out of his head as his nose began to bleed heavier. "I swear to you Ryoko, I was not thinking about that." "You're nose seems to think differently, my prince." Tenchi gave an exasperated sigh and threw the bloody tissues in his bed-side trash can. "You truly are a handful, you know that?" Tenchi asked her as he pulled up the covers and turned out the lights.
"You know you love me." He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a soft embrace. Tenchi smiled sadly, "yeah, I know." A tear betrayed him so she rolled over to look him in the eye. "Tenchi, don't be sad about this. We're together now and that's all that matters." He squeezed her tightly, "but for not nearly long enough." Ryoko rested her head on his chest, sighing quietly she made little circles with her finger on his chest. "Rest up my prince, you're going to need your sleep." She gave a fang-toothed grin and looked into his eyes. ~What are you up to?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
12:00 a.m. ~Six days left.~ Tenchi lay back staring at his alarm clock, his eyes still wet from crying. Ryoko lay peacefully in his arms, dreaming happily for a change. ~Why didn't I just tell you sooner? We could have had so much more time together. We might even have had a family by now.~ Ryoko gripped him tighter and mumbled, "Tenchi," happily in her sleep. "Sleep well love, only six days left." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ End notes: All right, it's over, well at least chapter one is. More chapters to come, I'll write them when I can. I'm not making any more promises as to when they'll be out. I seem to break those too often so as son as I'm done with chapter two I'll post it. Plain and simple.
Merry and Blessed Be everybody!
CoupleKeeper
*Mind link* "Talking out loud" ~Thoughts~ /Song lyrics/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Author's notes: I know I promised that WTEM would have new chapter, well I've written 14 pages worth of material for that chapter and am still not done. I wrote this in about two hours and it's new series I'm writing. I think it'll be much better than WTEM, a lot less OOCness. Each chapter of this story will be a song fic. Another T/R of course and can be very drama filled at times. Now I'm sure you all want the story so here goes! Oh and all thoughts in the dream sequence belong to the same person. And there is very little OOC in this story. If you can, it's also really nice to listen to Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat world during the first part of this fic. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was two a.m. so everything was completely silent. Everything was sleeping peacefully except for one person. A cyan haired beauty lay in her bed inside of one of her mother's many sub-dimensions, tossing and turning. Ryoko was having a horrible nightmare; she was having a nightmare that was one of her worst fears.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ /Intro music/
Everyone was dressed in black and they all sat in tears. In front of all of them laid a black coffin and on top of it was a picture of Tenchi Masaki. Directly in front of his coffin were eight chairs, all for those who had something to say about Tenchi. They sat in this order: Yosho, Noboyuki, Ayeka, Mihoshi, Sasami, Kiyonie, Washu and Ryoko. As Yosho began walking up to the podium prepared the Jurian Press started taking pictures and rolling film.
Yosho began his speech. "Tenchi was a wonderful grandson, a great friend, and there was no better pupil. He was a model person for so many, but that was never acknowledged about him during his life." ~You're wrong Yosho.~ "He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, especially by his family and friends." Yosho finished as he looked back at the seven people sitting behind him. As he went to sit back down his son-in-law got up.
/There's no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that.
I thought I might get one more chance./
"My son was my only child and the only thing left from my wife. Being a widower and a single father has been hard these past 15 years. My son was young and in-love, but he never got to tell who he loved how much they really meant to him." Ayeka smiled smugly and Ryoko only cried harder. ~Did you really choose me my Tenchi?~ "I am honored in knowing that someone as noble and wonderful as my son trusted me enough to tell me things like that. I was never the best father, but before he passed on he told me I was a great father. How he could say that I'll never know, but I do know that no matter who comes along, there will be no one quite like my son."
/What would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud.
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance./
Ayeka and Sasami both got up at the same time, they had a joint speech prepared. Ayeka began. "Tenchi was my greatest love and like a brother to both my sister and me. I loved Tenchi, but not like I thought. My sister helped me realize that long ago, I just didn't want to give up. Tenchi has taught us both more then we could ever dream of." Sasami then came in to the mix. "Tenchi was a kind soul, people like him are rare and somewhat of a mystery. Tenchi taught me a very important lesson once, he taught me not to worry about other people think because it only matters what you think about yourself." Ayeka continued and finished the speech. "He followed that lesson because when he first met us he made an effort to get know each and every one of us He didn't judge based on our looks or where we came from. There never was and never will be a better man."
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in/
Kiyonie and Mihoshi did a joint speech too. Mihoshi started it, she was crying her heart out, but she was still able to speak loudly and clearly for everyone. "I'm not the smartest person, but I know enough to know that Tenchi was one of a kind. He was a gift to this planet and the fact that he was taken away from it was a tragedy." Kiyonie went on. "Tenchi was better then anyone you could ever meet, he was sweet, kind, strong, and happy, all of that he gave to others. He shared his heart and soul with everyone he met. He never judged right away by appearances or backgrounds, only what he saw underneath and even then he didn't want to pass judgment. He was someone that no one who has met him, can ever forget."
/So what would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud.
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance./
Those two went to sit down and the young redheaded scientist stood up at the stand. First pressing a button to lower the podium though. "I can't say anything about Tenchi that has not already been said or that is about to be said by my daughter. I can say that Tenchi was a boy of higher standards then anyone ever in creation. I can see why he was loved by so many." A teary eyed Ryoko stepped up to the podium receiving a hug from her mother. She pressed a button to move the podium back up then she began her heartfelt speech. ~Tenchi please help me.~
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
"I want to pick up where everyone has left and say that I knew Tenchi more then anyone knows, before Tenchi got into the accident he told me what I meant to him, not completely, but enough for me to know that he loved me. His heart was bigger then beyond all human comprehension. He left behind something though, an unborn child. Tenchi was a complex person in all of his being. In a sense he was perfect, he was and forever will be the only perfect person to live. He was caring and compassionate about everything and everyone. I can't speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself and for what I think. I think that Tenchi was the one man the entire universe could look up to and I hope that now, people will and see how great of a man he truly was."
/May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in./
Ryoko walked away from the podium in tears and then she saw she had brought everyone else into tears. Everyone was sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm sorry everyone." She whispered. ~Are you proud of me my Tenchi? Are you watching this?~ Everyone of the Masaki family went into a very large group hug, Ryo-Ohki in her human form came to join and so did Misaki, Fanaho, and yes even Azusa.
/And if you were with me tonight,
I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big,
god wouldn't let it live./
The press started wrapping up; reporters finishing up their live broadcasts and journalists finishing their notes, even they were in tears. Once the family broke off their hug everyone dispersed off on their own. ~You promised me my prince.~ Ryoko walked up to Tenchi's coffin and held his picture limply in her hand. "Were promises meant to be broken? You promised we'd see our wedding day, you promised." She whispered. ~You said you loved me.~
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
Washu came up and gave her daughter a hug. "It's beginning isn't it?" Ryoko asked. "Yes it is, my daughter. Your time is coming to an end, use it well."
/May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
"Why now?" "I'm sorry Ryoko, time for this game to end, time for these charades to stop."
/On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in./
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ryoko awoke with a start. He screams were silent, but her mother heard them telepathically. Washu teleported to her daughter's side almost immediately. "Ryoko, calm down please." Washu held her tightly. *I saw it too Ryoko, but please know it wasn't real. That wasn't really me and Tenchi is still alive.* "The dream you was right though wasn't she? I'm dying?" Washu nodded sadly and pulled her daughter even tighter. "And he still doesn't love me." Ryoko quickly teleported out of her mother's dimension.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ryoko floated over him staring with loving eyes. ~Don't you love me? My time with you is almost at an end.~ Tenchi took a deep breath and mumbled something in his sleep. It was inaudible to her. ~Tell me you love me.~ "Ryoko." Tenchi groaned in his sleep, shocking her from her thoughts. ~What are you dreaming of my Tenchi?~ In truth Tenchi was having a similar dream to what Ryoko just experienced, only this time the roles were reversed and his nightmare held no meaning of the dreamer's passing on. "Not my Ryoko." He murmured, a tear leaking out of his eye.
~His Ryoko?! What is this? Do you love me?~ "I better go before you wake up my prince." She leaned in to kiss him like she usually does when she leaves his room at night. When she reached his lips she got a pleasant surprise. He quickly wrapped his arms about her and pulled her into a very passionate kiss, but it didn't last long. Tenchi woke up and his eyes opened wide at the pair of lips attached to his own. ~Why am I holding onto her like this?!~ He thought then he pushed her off and she backed herself against the wall. "Wha.. what was that?" She stuttered in amazement. "What do you mean what was that? You kissed me! Why are you even in here?" Tenchi nearly shrieked.
"I had a nightmare Tenchi, you were dead and it said I'm dying. I found out I really am dying, mom certified it. I wanted you to know first, I have a week." Ryoko then just disappeared. "No," he whispered, "it's becoming reality."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was now noon and no one had seen Ryoko all day. Tenchi was worried beyond all belief and because of that Ayeka was appalled. "Lord Tenchi, how can you care about her? She is only a worthless demon witch." Tenchi had been sitting there for a while. He was completely enraged, but not showing it. Washu had not left her lab all day and Tenchi had not been allowed in because it was locked tight. Soon though Washu stepped out with her daughter closely in tow.
Washu put her hand on Tenchi's shoulder and whispered. "I'm going to tell them now so take her out of here for a while." Tenchi grabbed Ryoko's wrist and his dad's car keys and quickly pulled her out of the house. "We need to talk Tenchi." "I know, but we'll do that later. First I'm taking you somewhere special." He pulled her along and opened the car door for her. Once they were both strapped in and he had the motor going he was off speeding down the dirt roads.
"Tenchi, what is with you? You're always such a careful driver." Tenchi took one hand off the wheel and grabbed her hand with it. Looking into her eyes he told her why. "We only have a week left, I don't want to waste any of it."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Soon Tenchi reached his destination. It was a beautiful secluded grove covered in cherry blossoms. "I don't want any of my time with you wasted Ryoko. Our time together is going to be short now, I don't want to regret the things that I never did and should have done." He helped her out of the car and pulled a picnic basket out of the back. He told her before she could even ask, "I knew you'd come out of there sometime."
After the blanket was laid out he sat Ryoko down, treating her as if she would break at any second, she laughed at him. "What are you laughing at Ryoko?" He asked as he began setting out their food. "You, just you and how you're treating me." Tenchi's face held a look panic. "What am I doing wrong, I'm so sorry. Please tell me Ryoko so I can..." She put her finger to his mouth and laughed again. "You're not doing anything wrong. I didn't say I didn't like it."
His expression softened as he grabbed a peach out of the basket and threw at her lightly. "Eat up." He whispered. She bit into it and gave him a sly look. "What are you up to my Tenchi?" He leaned by her ear and whispered. "Not what you think." She stuck out her lip out to pout. ~I've still got time to sway you on that, my prince.~ While Tenchi was still by her ear, he got a little bold. ~You only live once.~ He thought as he nipped at her ear. Needless to say she was a little shocked. Tenchi decided to try to play it cool and grabbed himself an apple from the basket.
While he was taking a bite he noticed Ryoko had a little juice on her chin. Since she was still in shock he decided to help her out and wipe it way with his finger. "Wake up Ryoko or you'll dream the day away." She instantly snapped out of it. "I told you we need to talk and we will Tenchi. I want you to know that I do not want your pity." Tenchi shook his head. "You aren't getting any pity from me Ryoko."
Again she was a little shocked, but she stayed fully aware and very cautious. "Then what am I getting?" Tenchi didn't say a word, he looked as if to be lost in deep thought. He knew his answer, but was scared to say it. ~Please love me.~ Still several minutes passed in silence only an occasional bird could be heard. "What I want to say Ryoko cannot merely be expressed in words." Ryoko's face dawned with understanding and since he was and always will be shy she helped him out a bit. She kissed him lightly on the mouth, but then decided to try for more. So she added more to the kiss with her tongue begging for admittance. Admittance was granted too. Once she pulled away only a few seconds later, Tenchi was a little reluctant to let her.
"Is that what you wanted to say my prince?" Tenchi nodded dumbly, he was far too happy to now have that out in the open. "I love you so much Ryoko, why do you have to die?" Ryoko's expression was one of pain. "I don't know, but I want you to understand how much I love you. Even in the afterlife I won't be able to forget you, you're too special to me Tenchi. You always will be." Tenchi tucked some of her hair behind her left ear. "Ryoko, I'm scared to loose you. I've loved you for a long while, but I was scared to tell you. Now our time has run short and we've only just begun together. I don't want you to go, can't Washu do something?"
A tear rolled down her face as she shook her head. "She tried to find something, but she doesn't even know what's killing me. She just knows it's there and it's eating at me, slowly taking my life away." ~Not slow enough though.~ She thought as her eyes betrayed her, she had begun to cry harder. She laid back on the grass and stared up at her beloved Tenchi. "Lay down with me for a while Tenchi." He gave her hard look that made her giggle. "Not like that my Tenchi. I just want to lay down."
He smiled and laid down next to her, snaking one arm under her back and pulling her close. "Will you be okay?" He asked concern evident in his voice. "Yes, mom says I won't feel it when it happens, I believe her. Now no more questions." She lightly kissed him on the mouth. She snuggled close to him and they sat there in silence for a while. Soon though a question arose in Ryoko's mind. "How do we tell Ayeka?" When she realized she wasn't getting a response she looked over at him, he had fallen asleep. ~Sleep now my beloved prince for later you won't be sleeping at all.~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was dark out and he had just started the drive home. He was going much slower then before. Ryoko was sleeping in the seat next to him, curled up with a fang-toothed grin on her face. He had woken up with Ryoko in his arms and he was in total bliss feeling having her there. "My beautiful Ryoko..." A tear streaked down his face. ~Why not me? Why can't I take this pain for you?~ Tenchi realized that Ryoko was no longing grinning, that she was frowning and shaking uncontrollably, he pulled over immediately and tried getting her up.
When she did he got a huge shock when woke up screaming silently. "Oh Kami, calm down Ryoko. Please, please be all right, calm down for me. Soon she stopped trying to scream and latched onto Tenchi crying. As he held her there until he heard tapping on the window, which's when he saw Washu. She opened the door and started to help calm Ryoko down. "She had that dream again. I think it's the virus that's creating them."
"So it's a virus?" "Yeah, I took some blood samples earlier. It showed up as a type of virus. Still not fully identifiable though." "So it's still fatal?" "I'm afraid so." "Oh." Another tear escaped his eyes.
"I'll bring her back to the house Tenchi, it'll be faster this way." Tenchi nodded and got back in his seat once his love was detached. "Take care of her Washu." She gave a quick nod then transported her and her daughter out of there. "Take good care of her." He whispered and he sort of felt her acknowledgement of it too.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi stepped out of the car and was instantly bombarded. Ayeka was furious and was eager to know what happened at Tenchi's little outing. "Tenchi, what have you and that demon woman been doing all day." ~Falling in love.~ "Ayeka you and me need to talk. As soon as you calm down, come up to my room. I'll be in there soon." Tenchi began jogging towards the house and went straight into Washu's lab. ~Please, please be okay.~ "Washu! Washu where are you?" Tenchi was walking through the lab and fighting a silent battle with himself.
~I have to stop being so shy, there isn't much time, but the girls will be hurt seeing me with her. I don't want to hurt anyone, but then hiding it might hurt Ryoko. I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't though. No matter what Ayeka is going to get hurt, the others not so much, I don't want to hurt any of them at all. But my Ryoko, I can't hurt her, no matter what I cannot hurt her. Never again can I do that.~
Washu had been waving a hand in front of Tenchi's face for minutes. He wouldn't snap out of his funk and Washu was worried about him. ~What is happening with you two?~ "Tenchi? Hello, Tenchi!" He snapped out of it when she yelled. "Sorry Washu, I need to see Ryoko." Washu nodded and beckoned for him to follow her. He did and she led him to a small enclosure where Ryoko sat on a hospital bed swinging her legs off the side. She lit up when she saw Tenchi and instantly ran into his arms.
~Here goes.~ Tenchi thought as he took all the boldness he contained and kissed her firmly on the mouth. Ryoko was very shocked, but quickly fell into the kiss. ~My prince loves me after all.~ Washu smiled tenderly at the scene they made together. "My baby girl's all grown up. Just don't hurt her Tenchi." Tenchi broke the kiss, much to Ryoko's dismay and smiled at Washu. "Never again will I hurt her, ever." He said the last word firmly and confidently.
Washu nodded to them and took her leave of the happy couple. "We have to go tell Ayeka about us right now." Tenchi said and began tugging at her sleeve to get her to move. She didn't say anything, but she made her silent agreement.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tenchi stepped into his room with Ryoko right behind him. Ayeka sat with a straight face and was making perfect eye contact with Tenchi as she spoke. "You do not need to tell me anything. I have figured it out on my own." Ryoko breathed a sigh of relief and Tenchi gave a polite nod before letting her continue. "I've known for quite some time and have refused to admit it until I saw you two in the lab just a little bit ago." Tenchi's eyes widened. "You... you were in there?
Ayeka nodded as she stood up. Gracefully, Ayeka walked up to Ryoko and gave her a small hug. "The best girl finally won." Ayeka pulled back and gave her a smile before she moved to hug Tenchi. "Thank you for finally choosing Tenchi." ~That was too easy.~ Ryoko tapped Ayeka on the shoulder and looked her straight in the eye. "You just lied to us Ayeka. What are you hiding?" Ayeka smiled at her and slipped near the door. "I'll tell you tomorrow Ryoko." Then she was gone.
Ryoko had a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "She's up to something and so is everyone else in this house." Ryoko was completely sure of all that she said. Tenchi smiled as he picked her up and brought her towards the bed. Gently laying her down he told her, "you're going to bed now." Ryoko just floated back up and shook her finger from left to right. "Nope, I've got to go take a shower first. I always do at night." Tenchi groaned, "take one in the morning. I don't want you to go." He grabbed her arm and gently pulled her down onto the bed, which also ended up with her on top of him.
Tenchi go a nose bleed after he realized what he had done and she only grinned at him. "Bad, bad boy Tenchi. I don't do that on the first date." She pecked him on the lips and teleported out. Grabbing a tissue he mumbled, "I was not thinking that." "Sure you weren't," came the sarcastic retort of a little red headed scientist. Washu walked through the door and closed it behind her. "We need to talk Tenchi."
Tenchi gave her an understanding smile and told her, "shoot." Washu in a serious and deadly voice replied, "if you hurt her, I will." Tenchi's eyes slightly popped out of his head. "I mean that Tenchi, now we're going to talk about something very important to me right now, my daughter's happiness." Tenchi nodded for her to continue. "I want my little Ryoko to have everything she's ever wanted before she dies. You are needed for three key things in achieving that." Tenchi smiled tenderly at her and gave her one simple reply. "If it's possible, I'll do it all." "It's all possible."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ryoko popped into Tenchi's room dressed in a pair of cabbit pajama bottoms and matching tank top. "Oh, Tenchi!" Ryoko said in a singsong type voice. Instantly she was caught in a pair of strong arms. This time however, it was her who blushed as she was pulled onto the bed. Tenchi was clad only in a pair of blue boxers as he pinned her down on the bed. "You are going to bed now, whether you like it or not." Ryoko gave him a wicked grin and retorted, "I'm going to bed with you aren't I? Of course I'm going to like it."
Tenchi's nose started bleeding again and he quickly reached for a tissue. "Tenchi, I told you, I'm not having sex with you." Tenchi's eyes nearly came out of his head as his nose began to bleed heavier. "I swear to you Ryoko, I was not thinking about that." "You're nose seems to think differently, my prince." Tenchi gave an exasperated sigh and threw the bloody tissues in his bed-side trash can. "You truly are a handful, you know that?" Tenchi asked her as he pulled up the covers and turned out the lights.
"You know you love me." He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a soft embrace. Tenchi smiled sadly, "yeah, I know." A tear betrayed him so she rolled over to look him in the eye. "Tenchi, don't be sad about this. We're together now and that's all that matters." He squeezed her tightly, "but for not nearly long enough." Ryoko rested her head on his chest, sighing quietly she made little circles with her finger on his chest. "Rest up my prince, you're going to need your sleep." She gave a fang-toothed grin and looked into his eyes. ~What are you up to?~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
12:00 a.m. ~Six days left.~ Tenchi lay back staring at his alarm clock, his eyes still wet from crying. Ryoko lay peacefully in his arms, dreaming happily for a change. ~Why didn't I just tell you sooner? We could have had so much more time together. We might even have had a family by now.~ Ryoko gripped him tighter and mumbled, "Tenchi," happily in her sleep. "Sleep well love, only six days left." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ End notes: All right, it's over, well at least chapter one is. More chapters to come, I'll write them when I can. I'm not making any more promises as to when they'll be out. I seem to break those too often so as son as I'm done with chapter two I'll post it. Plain and simple.
Merry and Blessed Be everybody!
CoupleKeeper