Tenchi's Room:
Late in the Morning:
As the sun began to rise higher and higher in the sky, a very unusual scene was taking place in the room of a certain young man. "Tenchi!" Sasami whined, as she gently shook the sleeping youth doing her best to rouse him. "Come on, you have to wake up now. Breakfast is ready, and it'll get cold if you don't hurry up."
"Huh?" Tenchi mumbled as he sat up, a confused look upon his face. Suddenly, his eyes became wide terror as he saw his alarm clock. "Don't tell me it's that late already! But why didn't my alarm wake me? Ah my chores! If I don't get them done soon, Grandpa will kill me."
Giggling, the small girl leaned back, her hands clasped in front of her waist, giving her a proper and cute look. "Don't worry about that. Ryoko got your chores done for you."
"What? Ryoko!" the brown-haired youth said, appearing to only get more confused as this conversation went on. "But she never does anything with being ordered or yelled at."
"Well," the blue-haired Jurain sighed. It was obvious she had already told this story a few times and that she was not sure if she wanted to repeat it yet again. "Ryoko said your alarm had been going off for a really long time. So she came up here to see why you didn't shut it off. You were still asleep, and she tried to wake you, but you were really asleep and wouldn't get up. Ryoko told me she shut off your alarm, and went and did your chores today. Oh," she said, her voice rising in pitch, "I almost forgot, Ryoko says you owe her big."
"I guess I do," the young man laughed, trying to piece things together from Sasami's story. What's going on here? I know I was up last night, and that Ryoko was beside me, but what if the whole thing WAS a dream… I could have sworn Ryoko was sleeping here all night long. At least that's what I had figured since she was here when I laid down last night.
Looking at his desk, the brown-eyed Jurain saw his gift for Ryoko resting on the desk. With a heavy sigh Tenchi smiled inwardly, as once again he was shown proof that last night had not been a dream. Turning his attention to the little girl beside his bed, there was only one more question left to ask. "Hey Sasami, where is Ryoko now?"
"She's downstairs eating with the others. I made a special breakfast. She seems to be in a very happy mood. I wonder what got her out of the angry mood she was in last night?" Sasami said gazing at the ceiling, then turning her attention to Tenchi. Grabbing one of his arms, she tugged on it as hard as her little body could muster, which wasn't much, in a vain attempt to rouse him from his bed. "Now come on, Tenchi! You have to get up, breakfast is getting cold, and I worked so very hard on it."
"Ok, Ok," Tenchi laughed, coming out of his thoughts as he staggered to his feet. "I'll be down in just a minute, just give me a few minutes to find some good clothes." The pink-eyed princess smiled, nodding approval, before happily skipping out of his room, her task accomplished.
A Few Minutes Later:
The Dinner Table:
Stretching his body to its limits, the young prince was soon descending the staircase, to join his extended family. It was then he noticed Sasami had been correct. Everyone was happily sitting down enjoying the blue-haired chefs awesome cuisine. "Good Morning everyone, sorry I'm late," he apologized as he took his seat among them. Looking over at Ryoko, he could feel his nervousness overtake him. What's going on here? Why didn't she tell them the truth? I mean I figured that would be the highlight of her life. But Ayeka is still here, and not crying. Shaking his head, the young man decided to do his best to follow the lie Ryoko had used. Something tells me this is gonna be a long day, and I'm not going to get a lot of time to eat later…. Tenchi thought as he grabbed a few large helpings of the various things Sasami had prepared. After finishing his delicious meal, the young man looked up, focusing on the golden-eyed woman.
Clearing his throat the brown-eyed youth smiled. "Oh... uh… Ryoko, Happy Birthday," he laughed nervously. "Sasami tells me you did my morning chores for me. Thanks a lot."
Looking up from her food, the golden-eyed woman swallowed down a mouthful of noodles, smiling brightly. As she heard his statements about his chores, her face changed, looking innocent as if it had completely slipped her mind. "Oh yeah... well I don't know if Sasami mentioned it, but you do owe me." Ryoko proclaimed shaking her chopsticks at him. "It was actually a little scary. You almost looked dead. Whatever you did last night must have really worn you out." The young man shifted nervously at her leading remarks, looking up just in time to see her wink knowingly at him. It was an event, which went unnoticed by all the others, as they were barely listening to their conversation. Instead each of the women was happily enjoying Sasami's scrumptious breakfast.
Placing his hand behind his head, the Jurain prince laughed nervously. "It was a pretty long night…." What's gotten into her? I would have bet anything she'd have said something by now. I wonder if she's waiting for something…. Well, Ryoko's normally pretty bad about keeping a secret, so if I don't say anything for a while, I'm sure she'll let one what she's planning.
"So Ryoko," Sasami interrupted, having just finished her breakfast. Wiping her mouth with the tip of her napkin, as her sister had showed her, the little girl continued when she finished. "What do you want to do for your birthday? You can do anything you want, because it's your special day."
"Hmm… anything I want you say…what should I do?" Ryoko wondered aloud, stroking her chin devilishly. "Let me think..." Closing her eyes the golden-eyes smiled mischievously as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table as she tried to think, even though she already knew what she wanted. Suddenly the silver-haired woman's head shot up, "Oh I have a great idea, what I want to do all day long," she cooed casting a seductive glance at Tenchi.
"Really? Well what is it?" Sasami asked innocently, her large pink eyes focusing on the silver-haired woman.
"Well," the sinister seductress began, leaning over the table toward the blue-haired child, as if she were about to tell her a special secret. "What I'd like to take Tenchi here and -" At that moment, Ayeka's head shot up. Out of curiosity she had not said anything to her rival, however the purple-haired princess knew how her adversaries mind worked. But what she knew Ryoko was about to say to her sister shocked her deeply. Dropping her chopsticks quickly, the slender woman threw her hands over the little girl's ears, hoping to save her still naïve mind.
Screaming at the top of her lungs, the first princess of Jurai hoped to block out the vulgar slurs she knew the silver-haired demoness was about to utter. Staring coldly at the now startled golden-haired woman, Ayeka continued to make a high pitch shrill noise until she saw that Ryoko had stopped talking.
"Ryoko!" the purple haired woman snapped looking very angry with the known seductress. "How dare you even think of telling my sister such sick things!"
The birthday woman could only look at her red-eyed rival with a perplexed glare, unsure what had just happened. "What? Ayeka, I think your hair's done up too tight. What are you talking about, all I said was I was going to take Tenchi and…." Suddenly the busty space pirate stopped, as a fit of laughter over took her body, causing her to fall to her back, unable to sit up due to the pain in her sides from laughing this loud.
After a few minutes, when the golden-eyed woman was able to suppress her laughter, Ryoko sat up. Wiping a tear away as she focused on the angered Jurain across from her. "Oh princess, what a mind you have! There's hope for you yet!"
"What is so funny Ryoko?" The Jurain Princess demanded, seeing no humor in the silver-haired woman's attempt to corrupt her sister. Knowing a straight answer would never come from the silver-haired woman's mouth, Ayeka turned her attention elsewhere.
"Washu, what was it she just said?" She asked, positioning her hands near her sister's innocent ears to protect them from anything foul, should the need arise.
"She said she wanted to go on a walk with Tenchi, and maybe hang out with him today. Nothing really odd about that Miss Ayeka," Washu said popping another morsel of food in her mouth, a lack of interest in the whole thing in her voice.
[Ayeka collapse anime style]
"What did you think she said, Ayeka?" Sasami inquired, looking at her older sibling with innocent large pink eyes.
"Never mind that now, I'll tell you when you are older," the proper Jurain growled, clearly not in the mood, due to embarrassment, to answer that question right now. Sipping her tea down loudly, the youthful princess appeared as warm as her steaming drink.
Ryoko wiped one final tear from her eyes, still chuckling. "I haven't laughed that hard in years, thanks Ayeka. What a great present that was."
Shaking her head, the purple-haired woman forced a weak smile. "Uh...yes that was my It was all a joke…." After a few moments of pretending to laugh with her rival, the slender princess could help but wonder at the silver-haired woman's reaction. Odd. That almost seemed a friendly gesture on Ryoko's part. She could have made me seem rather…unladylike, yet she did not. I wonder why. Something must have happened while she was out looking for Lord Tenchi.
Laughing to herself, the red-eyed princess sipped her tea, this time delicately. Maybe she had some kind of karmic growth, or some such thing. Either that or perhaps merging with that Zero Ryoko within her is taking over. It would explain her happy attitude, and why she would volunteer to do Lord Tenchi's chores.
Standing up from her seat, the young princess smiled at those gathered. "Well if that's all you wanna do, Ryoko…" she began, sounding slightly disappointed by Ryoko's minor seeming request, especially since it had nothing to do with her. I guess I can understand Ryoko's wanting to spend all day with Tenchi. I just wish we could spend some time together, after all I did suggest the party, and everything…. Shaking her head, causing her long braids to twirl around her head, the little Jurain continued to speak. "Then you two should go ahead and take a walk. We'll get the party ready," Sasami said, "just make sure you're home by six."
"Of course, Sasami darling." Ryoko smiled as she stood up, stretching herself to the limit, "I wouldn't dream of missing that cake you told me you were baking. Well Tenchi, shall we go?" The golden-eyed space pirate asked, as she reached down quickly to wrap her arm under his, and hefted the young man to his feet.
"Alright, just let me get my jacket." Tenchi said, shaking the busty woman from him.
As the young man headed to the door, he detoured to grab his light jacket, while the golden-eyed woman stood waiting at the small table. With a fiendish grin, the lithe demoness turned to Sasami, who diligently picked up dishes from breakfast. "One more thing, Sasami dear," she said taking slow steps to close the gap between them. Placing her hand on the little girl's head, she rubbed her hair frantically. "Thanks. Without you I wouldn't have been able to have as much fun as I have."
Laughing lightly, the young Jurain sounded very confused, "but your birthday just started, and all we've done is eat breakfast. How is that fun?"
That monster woman would find eating amusing. She does so much of it after all, Ayeka thought skeptically as she examined the scene before her. As she continued her mental voice became agitated and whiny. And now she's touching Sasami! There's no telling what germs she's putting on my sister!
Chuckling under her breath, the silver-haired seductress shook her head. "It didn't start today. For me it started when you all went shopping. Things really changed for me since then. In so many ways…." Pausing the lithe woman gazed up, looking at the spot where Tenchi's room was, however to everyone else it appeared she was merely looking at the ceiling.
"What do you mean?" The young Jurain asked.
"I'll tell you when you're older." Ryoko laughed, her words clearly meant to mock Ayeka's earlier statement. "Tell Tenchi, to meet me outside, okay?" the busty seducer asked, before with a final smile she vanished from the small dining room.
Meanwhile:
Grabbing his jacket, the young man paused as he slipped on the overcoat. Finally! He sighed. Finally, I can find out what's been going on. Why Ryoko has been acting so weird, how I got up to my room last night, when we were both asleep, and why she didn't bring up last night to Ayeka.
The Dining Room:
Today has definitely been one full of mystery, Ayeka thought while continuing to sip her tea. Normally Lord Tenchi would never rush off anywhere with Ryoko, especially if it meant being alone with her. Perhaps he is merely being kind to her since it is her birthday. Yet for some reason that thought does not make me, or my stomach, feel any better. Perhaps I should-
"AYEKA!" Sasami screamed into her sister's ear, causing the purple-haired woman to collapse anime style. The shock jarred the slender woman from her deep thoughts and back into reality.
"What is it Sasami?" the young princess asked harshly, sitting up slowly. Casting a skeptical glance at her sister, Ayeka sounded rather agitated.
Sighing, the blue-haired sister shook her head, placing one hand on her hip and the other held out, she repeated herself. "I said, 'Will you help me set up for the party tonight?'"
"Oh…" The elder sister muttered. "Of course I will Sasami. I am sorry for my behavior. I should not have snapped at you, I was merely lost in thought about recent events."
Unsure of what her sister was talking about, the young girl bowed respectfully before heading into the kitchen to clean up breakfast, and begin preparations for the rest of the day.
Rising from her seat, the red-eyed woman unconsciously brushed herself off, removing any wrinkles that may have formed in her brief time on the floor. Making her way towards the kitchen, the slender woman stopped by a nearby window, where Washu also stood, watching the two figures move away from the house together. It sickened the young princess to watch her beloved and archrival being so comfortable in each other's presence.
Just as Ayeka's sickness reached its peak, the red-haired genius laughed under her breath once again before walking away towards her lab. Squinting, the purple-haired woman watched the small woman leave, and what is SHE up to? Oh well, I am sure it's nothing too important. I had best go into the kitchen. After all, Sasami is waiting for me. It's not as if Lord Tenchi cannot take care of himself, and if she does try anything with him, then she shall have to deal with me.
"But I still don't get it," Mihoshi said as she stood up from the table.
There is a shock, the young princess laughed mentally.
"Why was it so funny to Ryoko that Ayeka didn't want Sasami to hear about Tenchi and Ryoko's walk?" the ditzy blonde continued, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of anything. The others collapsed, stunned by Mihoshi's slow wit.
Outside:It was a merry sight to behold. The lithe silver-haired woman walked arm in arm with her beloved, Tenchi, in the mid-afternoon sunlight.
I bet this is driving Ayeka crazy, the golden-eyed seductress mentally laughed, taking a moment to look over her shoulder. "So Tenchi," she began turn back to face the brown-haired youth. "It's my birthday, and you still haven't given me my present yet. Don't try to lie to me, I know you didn't spend all night in town to come back empty handed."
Sighing, the love struck youth shook his head, "Ryoko, you know that I can't give it to you until the party. It would be against tradition. But I will tell you this, it's not much." As he said this, the silver-haired woman's eyes cocked oddly, wondering why anyone would say that about the gift they bought someone. "I just wanted to repay you for all the good things that have come into my life because I met you, but I never was sure how…."
"Oh ok be that way, and after I did your chores, let you sleep in, and told no one about last night," Ryoko joked, pretending to count on her fingers as she listed the favors she had done for him. "But seriously Tenchi dear… if you wanted a way to thank you, I would have easily excepted a 'thank you.'" Releasing her vice grip on his arm, the golden-eyed woman arched her back, causing her ample chest to press towards the young man's face, in a subconscious attempt to seduce him.
It was then she looked over her shoulder, to see that the house had become quiet distant, and once again, she spoke, but this time her tone was different, becoming less flippant and much more serious. "Tenchi, did you really mean what you said last night?"
"Ryoko," the young man sighed, as his face reddened, showing his embarrassment. "You should know me well enough by now to know I didn't mean to be so cruel. I was just needed to blow off some steam at something and you happened to be there."
"No, not that," she sincerely snapped. "I meant when you said you loved me. Did you really mean it, or were you just saying that to keep me from crying?"
Reaching forward the lithe space pirate grabbed her beloved chin tenderly, holding his head so he could not look away from her. "To be honest, dear. Even if it was, it worked. Although to be honest you didn't have to work so hard to get me to sleep with you."
Laughing weakly, the young man could feel the strain in his neck as she held it in her vice like grip. Clearing his throat, Tenchi timidly began his reply; "I didn't do it just to stop you from crying. I mean, yes, I didn't want to see you cry, but… well you see… Ryoko," he paused, gazing into her eyes. At that moment all time seemed to stop "I do love you, but I also love everyone here. Yet with you it feels different than when I think about the others."
"Thank you Tenchi," she said leaning her head on his shoulder, "I figured that was what you would say. I just wanted to hear you say it, besides if you hadn't said what I wanted to hear, we're too far from the house for anyone to help you now…" she added at the end, trying to sound like her usual joking, happy go lucky self, and not some emotional schoolgirl.
Laughing nervously, Tenchi ignored her idle threat, choosing to return to a topic, which had plagued him since breakfast. "I'm curious. Why didn't you tell anyone the truth about last night?" However, the silver-haired woman merely looked at him with sinister smile. "Oh boy…" the young man declared, shaking his head as they continued walking. "Why do I get the feeling this is one of those situations that I'll never get a straight answer to?"
"Actually, Tenchi dear, it's really very simple." Ryoko proclaimed, turning her head side to side so her long spiny hair flowed side to side. "What happened last night was just between you and me alone? It's my memory, no one else's. If I had told anyone then that memory would be tarnished, and that moment we shared is too valuable to me to do anything like that." Wiping a tear from her eyes quickly, the golden-eyed woman smiled weakly at him. "Not even the look on Ayeka's face."
Those words seemed to bring an awkward silence as the two figures continued to walk together. The night prior changed their lives forever in many ways, some of which they were only now beginning to see. This moment of silence was merely the calm before the storm, one that would rend the extended Masaki family down to the core. There was nothing anyone could do to stop it now, nothing but brace themselves and pray that everything would work out in the end.
Meanwhile:
Washu's Lab:
In the depths of a massive lab, where experiments and wonders never cease. It is in this monument to science and creation that a young looking woman, called Little Washu by her friends, ponders yet another grand mystery. For clutched tightly in her slender hands is a small golden device, appearing to be nothing more than an old fashioned whistle, like a golden cylinder, with a glass top. Turning the device over constantly, the small genius appeared to be looking at it as if it were a doomsday device about to activate.
With a quick motion of her thumb, the young scientist pressed a small button on the objects side, and watched as it projected a holographic scene from the glass end. Before her a man and woman chatted, in what appeared to be a rather heated debate, the woman crying shortly after the speaking ended. Of course it was only an image, so there was no sound, but the red-haired woman knew what had happened. What happened next always shocked her, no matter how many times she watched the scene play out. Slowly the brown-haired man walked over to the crying silver-haired woman, his arms outstretched as he said something to her, trying to ease her pain. It was then the woman turned around, frantically said something to him, and then, without any warning, the two figures shared a passionate kiss. So beautiful, Washu choked mentally wiping a tear from her eyes, as she watched the young man lift the golden-eyed woman into his arms and carry her off. Never in my life would I have thought Tenchi would have the guts to kiss Ryoko. Not like that…. As her mother I wanted him to, but to see it for myself…. Her eyes still wet from tears, the diminutive super genius smiled weakly, and to think if I hadn't been testing out a new surveillance system I might have missed out on watching it all live. I suppose for me it's a good thing I didn't turn off the monitor when I got tired.
Tossing the small device up and down in her hand as if testing its weight, Washu shook her head, to think I was just gonna use it to annoy Ryoko… At least that was what I was going to do when it was just the talking, but once I saw that kiss. Well, I guess there are some things more important than rattling her chain every so often. Besides, I still have plenty of things I can do to tease her. I think it would be best to leave this one alone.
Pausing the emerald-eyed woman looked at the device thoughtfully, once again recalling that she had not meant to invade the young lover's privacy. That daughter of mine, she sighed, she sure is complicated. I built this little beauty because I figured she would have been bragging about this whole thing by now, but she hasn't said a word. I wonder if that means she's matured? Washu set the devise on a table nearby laughing to herself. Somehow I doubt that. She's up to something, the little red head giggled, unsure what would make her prouder of her daughter, that she was devious, or that she had matured.
Deciding it best to let that particular debate rest for now, the short woman picked up a large colorfully wrapped box from a nearby shelf. "Well, I'll have to think about that a little more later," she said. "For now, I'll just give her this, and if she is ungrateful, then I could give her the device..." With a sadistic smirk the young genius looked at the gift box in her hands, recalling exactly what was inside.
Later:
As morning turned to afternoon, and afternoon to night, the Masaki house continued in its daily rituals as it always did. Yet today everything was done with enthusiasm and excitement, as everyone waited for the party. Balloons were hung, as were lanterns and banners. Such decorations should have been an easy task, however it was Ayeka and Mihoshi who were in charge of that department. Under the first princess's careful, and constant, supervision the ditzy blonde detective did her best to hang each item perfectly. To the blue-eyed woman's credit she only fell off the ladder, and onto the hovering princess, six times.
Meanwhile in the kitchen Sasami cooked frantically trying to make the perfect meal. It had taken the small chef the entire day, but she had finally made the perfect meal, consisting of a wonderful blend of Meso soup, rice, vegetables, fish, and breads. Of course in order to make such a meal, the pink-eyed girl had to have a taste tester, and the now plump cabbit beside her was clear evidence as to who had taken that position.
As Sasami created marvels in the kitchen, Washu and Kiyone dug out the old Karaoke machine, dusting it off and doing any last minute tuning and repairs that needed to be done. Thankfully the teal-haired detective kept a close eye on her small partner. It was a rather noisy job, as the red-haired woman constantly tried to convince her companion the benefits of a new rating system, and a self-destruct device, but in the end, much to Washu's depression, the machine was running perfectly with no strange upgrades.
All these activities made the day pass rather quickly, and before anyone knew it, they were ready to start the birthday bash.
The Party:
As everyone came from the far corners of the house, the festivities began, filling the house with sounds of joy and mirth as everyone shared stories of their days exploits while enjoying some of the wonderful culinary delights prepared by the universe's greatest chef.
After a few moments of idle chatting, Kiyone, Ayeka, and Washu began to take turns singing on the Karaoke machine, while Ryoko discovered yet another bottle of saki.
Once the large extended family had become completely in the party mood, Tenchi and Sasami brought out the cake, which was almost as tall as the tiny chef.
"Go on, Ryoko," Sasami laughed, seeing the busty woman drinking down the last of her current bottle as she argued with a shrub, which she continued to call Ayeka. "You have to blow out the candles, and make a wish."
"A wish…" the seductive woman declared, her head bobbing up. "Here hold this Ayeka," she slurred, dropping the bottle into the pot. "And don't go drinking any of it now!"
From her place behind the cake, the purple-haired princess sighed, angered at her rivals drunken stature. I cannot believe she would allow herself to become so drunk at her own party. It is so shameful. Still, at least this party will be over soon, and she can go pass out somewhere. As everyone sang a merry birthday tune, the red-eyed woman looked at her beloved Tenchi with a smile, knowing that he would never select someone as repulsive as Ryoko over her.
Standing before the massive cake, the silver-haired space pirate thought long and hard about her wish, and finally smiled as she took a deep breath, blowing with all her might. Sadly that was perhaps too much force, as the top layer of the cake flew, landing squarely one Ayeka's head. Yet for some odd reason the caked woman did not seem to notice.
Oh my, the young princess thought, feeling her heart race. I feel so warm it must be the love I share with Lord Tenchi. It was then the Jurain youth noticed the young man talking to her.
"…Ayeka," he said, concern in his voice.
"Excuse me Lord Tenchi? What was that you said? I am afraid I did not hear you." She responded smiling politely at him.
"I said your hair's on fire!" The brown haired youth yelled, pointing to her head.
Peering up, the red-eyed woman screamed as her eyes rested on the cake in her hair, with candles still ablaze up it. With a loud scream Ayeka dashed from the room, followed closely by Sasami, who continued to shout for her sister to calm down.
It was then an obnoxious laugh filled the air, "I guess wishes do come true," the busty space pirate cackled.
A short time later:
When Sasami and Ayeka returned, the purple haired princess's hair was wrapped in a long towel, as her hair had been drenched and no longer looked as appealing as it once had. Indeed it had taken all the persuading power the blue-haired sister had to get Ayeka to return to the party.
"Ok everyone, it's time for Ryoko to open her gifts!" The pink-eyed princess squealed with delight.
Having sobered up slightly, Ryoko reached over and grabbed the top gift, a rectangular item wrapped in plain pink paper. Boy is this boring to look at, the golden-eyed woman thought, must be from Ayeka. Opening it with her usual passion, the silver-haired woman was proved correct, as she discovered the wrappings held a book entitled, 'How to be a lady.' "Gee thanks, Ayeka, just what I 'always' wanted," she grumbled before tossing the book behind her.
The next box was labeled from Mihoshi, and the seductive woman laughed as she discovered it contained a pair of GP handcuffs.
"I figure you'd like them," the blonde woman smiled seeing Ryoko happy with her gift, "since you always seem to steal mine." Thanking the tanned woman, the silver-haired woman cast a very suggestive look at Tenchi, who stepped back, knowing exactly why the busty demoness always stole that particular item.
"Here, Ryoko," Kiyone said, feeling the awkwardness of the situation building highly. "Open mine next."
Casting an odd look at the GP detective, the semi-drunken woman tore into offered gift, pleased to discover it was only a make-up kit.
"Happy birthday, Ryoko!" Sasami yelled startling the golden-eyed woman, before handing her a strange looking scroll. Unrolling it slowly the woman of the hour smiled. "I didn't have much money, but I thought you might like this instead."
Turning the scroll around for all to see, Ryoko revealed Sasami's gift to be a picture, one that portrayed everyone standing together holding hands. At the base of the crayon drawing was an inscription, that read 'to my good friend Ryoko. 'Happy Birthday!'
"I'll hold onto it, and then if you're famous one day, I can sell it for billions," the busty woman said as gracious as she could, despite the fact that it wasn't the best artwork she had ever seen.
"But isn't she already famous," Kiyone interjected, "I mean she is a Jurain Princess and all…"
"Well Tenchi it's time," Ryoko said holding out her hand to wave off the teal-haired woman's comments. Looking around, the young man appeared shocked by the sudden attention.
"Time for what," he asked having been lost in the moment watching the silver-haired woman tear through her gifts.
"It's time for you to give Ryoko your gift, silly," Sasami laughed pushing Tenchi towards the waiting woman. "You didn't forget did you?" she whispered angrily, sounding like a mad mother.
"Oh, yeah, right," the brown-haired youth chuckled nervously, reaching into this pocket to remove a small gift-wrapped package, which he placed tenderly in Ryoko's slender hand.
Closing her hand around the present like a trap being set off, the excited woman shredded the paper wrapping like a wild animal, causing bits of paper flying everywhere. As the last of the paper fluttered to the ground, the golden-eyed woman skillfully popped open the top of the box with her thumb, and gasped. Standing in a state of shock for several moments, her eyes becoming huge and full of joyous tears.
"What is it," Sasami asked, standing on her tip toes trying to peer inside.
"Yeah Ryoko, let us see, please?" The blonde detective asked, clutching her hands before her chest in excitement.
Nodding slightly, the lithe woman dangled the precious locket before her, allowing all the others a chance to swoon at its subtle beauty.
"Oh Tenchi," Ryoko gasped, appearing more shocked than she had meant to be. "It's beautiful! Here," she said excitedly handing the wondrous gift to him, turning around so her back faced him. "Well come on," the lithe woman said after waiting a few seconds for the confused youth. "Fasten the clasp for me," she half asked, half ordered, using one hand to pull her lush silver hair away, exposing her bare neck.
The young man was taken aback momentarily by the young woman's posture. For some reason, the sight of her as she was caused his heart to skip a beat. Then it struck him. Last night, before we kissed, he realized slowly, Ryoko had her back to me. Just before we kissed…. Shaking his head slightly, the brown-haired youth suddenly realized everyone in the room was staring at him. Laughing weakly, he stepped forward, careful not to touch Ryoko as he looped the chain around her, in case someone thought he looked too comfortable. Finally the heart shaped locket dangled in front of Ryoko's heart, as Tenchi closed the clasp.
"It's so pretty," Sasami sighed, as her large pink eyes focused on the locket. "Can I see it?"
"Of course, Sasami dear," the lithe woman said, beaming with pride at her newest possession. Reaching forward, the young Jurain took the twirling heart in one of her tiny hands and read the inscription aloud.
"'To Ryoko, The most beautiful 'monster' I ever met, Love Tenchi.' Aw that is so sweet!" Sasami said accenting the word 'so' heavily, making it sound almost sickening. "Hey, it opens," she exclaimed, moving her free hand to open the golden latch. However just as the tiny princess was about to undo the seal, Ryoko snatched it away.
"I'm sorry," Ryoko said, "but I'm sure whatever is inside here is a little too old for you right now. Right Tenchi?" Tenchi said nothing, instead casting her a look that showed he was as confused by her knowledge of the lockets contents as anyone else.
"Hey, excuse me!" Washu yelled, "but you still have a present from your mother! It's something I know you need." With a beaming pride, the young looking mother handed her daughter the large wrapped gift.
Taking the gift into her hands slowly, the lithe woman carefully and slowly opened gift. With extreme caution the golden-eyed woman peered inside. Seconds later, Ryoko's caution turned to rage as she pulled the contents from the box.
"What in the world is this," The silver-haired space pirate demanded. In her hands was a bra, one with a label, which said 'lifts and separates.'
"Well I keep telling you your breasts are sagging." Washu chirped smiling. "I just thought I'd give you a little hand in the fight against nature." Soon Ayeka laughter filled the air, yet the golden-eyed daughter did not find this situation anywhere near as funny as her archrival, and soon began to throttle the tiny genius. With expert timing, Tenchi stepped between the quarreling duo, and pried the angry daughter off her mother before any real harm was done.
"Well if you are going be so bratty I don't think I'll give you your real present," the tiny red-haired genius growled indignantly. "Too bad to, it would have really made your day..." She mentioned, knowing her daughter was easy to sucker into things that involved her own happiness. "Since I am a good mother, I suppose, my little darling, I can let you off the hook today. But if you want to get your gift you'll have to follow me back to the lab."
As the thought of further gifts appeared in her head, the young space pirate smiled, and raising her hands to the sky made her reply. "Oh all right," she chanted. "I'll go down to your stupid lab." Just remember, Washu, if this is another bra, Tenchi WON'T be there to rescue you.
"Such a 'good' girl," Washu commented, shaking her head side to side. Oh don't worry, Little Ryoko, it's nothing like a bra…. Turning away from the agitated woman, the emerald-eyed scientist smirked once again, blocking her thoughts from her daughter. Nothing at all like a bra….
Washu's Lab:
Inside the depths of Washu's lab, Ryoko waited as patiently as she could, which is to say not at all. Tapping her foot constantly as she glared around the room, her arms crossed over her chest.
"All right Washu," the angry woman shouted into the darkness, where moments ago Washu had disappeared. "Where is it? Let me have it."
"Just a minute, I swear you must be the most impatient daughter..." a voice echoed from somewhere around the busty space pirate, although the exact source of the voice could not be discerned in the vastness of the lab.
Not too far away:
Searching frantically through numerous cabinets Washu threw things over her shoulder as she pulled them from their drawers. I just had it a few hours ago; I can't believe I lost it already! At that exact moment, the little woman's hand bumped into something resting on the desk she was searching through, causing her large emerald eyes to focus on it. Before her rested the golden projector she had created for Ryoko earlier the night before. Hmm… I might as well just give it to her now….
Back where Ryoko stood:
"Here it is," Washu said, steeping out of the shadows behind her daughter suddenly, catching the young space pirate off guard.
With an angry scowl, the silver-haired woman took the golden item from her mother looking it over quickly with disdain. "Oh wow…" She said in mock joy. "It's great. I love it. Can we go now?"
Turning from her mother, the silver-haired woman barely took a single step, before a sharp pain exploded from her rear. "OW!" Ryoko roared, dropping the device to the floor as her hand swung around to find the source of this new pain.
"Oh you're just as bad as Ayeka. It's just a little prick," The little genius laughed teasingly. Whirling on her heels, the lithe woman saw that Washu held a drained syringe, one that was still pointed towards her rear.
Ignoring the furious look on her daughter's face, the diminutive genius bent down and picked up the fallen gift, realizing she only had a few seconds before the angry youth attacked. As she spoke her voice changed from joking to a very serious tone. I'm sorry if I hurt you Little Ryoko, but it was the only way I could think of to get your full attention. I think we need to have a little talk, but first I want you to know that Tenchi has no idea this exists. She explained holding the little projector in Ryoko's face.
Even my getting it was an accident. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time you could say. The red-haired professor's words caused the busty space pirate to pause, for some reason the silver-haired woman felt a need to focus on Washu's words, waiting for the little woman to reach the point of what would probably become long story.
Get to the point, Washu! Ryoko replied. I've just been stabbed in the butt, and it doesn't' exactly feel good. I just want to get back to the party, because….
Ignoring her daughter demands, the little woman proceeded to take her time, selecting her words carefully. I know you love Tenchi, that's obvious to anyone. I also know that he loves you.
"Yeah, he loves all of us," Ryoko replied verbally, not wanting any of her shock to show through their mental link. Why did she single me out? Probably because it's my birthday. I bet the little idiot thinks I was going to try and sleep with Tenchi tonight. Although that idea isn't too bad…
"But not like you," Washu whispered, her hushed tone catching her daughter's attention once again. "Ryoko, you are a grown woman. The real reason I called you down here wasn't really to give you this, but to talk to you about something very important.
"Alright…" the golden-eyed woman said, starting to get spooked by the little mother's ambiguous wording.
"You've known how you feel toward Tenchi since the moment you saw him, and you've had his whole life to try to understand those feelings. With Zero a part of you, I know you can understand how deep those emotions run. But Tenchi is still young, and although he knows you pretty well, he still doesn't understand you the way you do him. You've always been rather spur of the moment, doing what your heart wants, but with matters like this, sometimes you just have to be patient. Even if he said he loved you, it could be a long time before he is able to understand what that would mean to you. He still is not old enough to truly grasp what that means. I know your heart, Little One, and I know what you want more than anything else is to be with him, to spend your whole life by his side. I think that you and Tenchi have what it takes to be a good, if that's what you want; with out destroying the friendships we all have with each other.
"What in the world are you trying to say you little troll," the lithe woman said, her confusion at Washu's words turning into rage, that coupled with the gag gift and medical shot were not making it easy for her to stay calm and patient.
Sighing the tiny genius continued, "Just take it slow with Tenchi; give him time to make sure he truly loves you. You are my daughter, so I wish you all the happiness in the world, but remember Tenchi is important to us all. If you push him too fast, he may not be able to keep up, and then we'll all lose him. He may get scared of being hurt again..."
"Yeah, Yeah, so basically you're saying you want me to not say anything, for a while, so that it doesn't break up our little band of merry space travelers, right?" Ryoko spouted looking up at the ceiling trying to show that she hadn't been thinking the same thing as her mom.
"Basically what I'm saying is that you have the subtly of one of Mihoshi's landings. Try to handle this situation delicately, Tenchi is not a bottle of saki you can throw out when you're done with it."
"Now, I promised you a present, so here it is." The young mother declared, pointing the glass top towards he daughter before pressing the button on the side. In a flash of light, the scene of Ryoko and Tenchi on the steps to the Masaki shrine played out. The entire time the shocked silver-haired woman could only watch on in stunned silence, not believing anything she was seeing. Holding up her free hand, the red-haired genius stopped her child's questions. "Before you ask, I got this on accident. I was testing out a new piece of surveillance equipment, and while on the steps to the shrine, the two of you showed up. Also, this is the only copy, and only you and I know I've seen it." Smiling warmly, the little woman dropped the device into Ryoko's slender hand, closing her daughter's fingers over the golden machine. "Happy Birthday Little Ryoko."
"Thanks Mom," Ryoko said, kneeling to embrace her tightly. At first the little mother was taken back, both by the gesture and what had been said.
As far back as she could remember, Washu could not once recall her busty child calling her mom, at least not in a friendly tone. Also, the silver-haired woman had never hugged her before, and so at first the emerald-eyed woman prepared to be attacked. This was a rather pleasant surprise. Feeling Ryoko's warm body against her own, the red-haired woman rubbed her daughter's hair gently, feeling the coarse spiky hair caress her hand abrasively.
I think I understand why you don't want me to make a big deal of this whole thing, Ryoko replied quietly. As much as I hate to think about it, Tenchi is part Earthling, which means one day he will die. Probably much sooner than the rest of us. You're not asking me to not love him, but to let the others have a chance to still live with and love him. Well he's mine, but I suppose I can share for a little while. The silver-haired woman declared, still sounding a little shaken, yet by the moment she was continuing to show more and more of her old tough self.
"That's all I'm asking." Washu said, wondering if there was a chance that her daughter might one day mature. "Now let's get back to your party." Helping her daughter to her feet, the two women made their way to the lab's door. Just as they reached the exit, however, the small red-haired woman paused. "One more question Ryoko. Could you give it up?"
"Give what up?" Ryoko replied sounding nearly completely back to normal.
"Everything, flying through space, being an intergalactic space pirate. Do you think you could stand living on this planet with Tenchi for the rest of his life, however long that is?" Washu asked.
For Tenchi… Ryoko paused only a moment taking in the full meaning of her mom's words. "For Tenchi, I could do anything."
"That's all I wanted to hear," Washu told her daughter, opening the door, which she saw to be symbolic of a new road to the future. "By the way, Ryoko," the happy mother began stepping out of the lab just after her daughter. "I still need a sperm sample from Tenchi, and since you were sleeping in the same bed as him, I was wondering…."
In the living room all heads turned to one side, as a blast filled the air, followed by both Ryoko and Washu yelling at each other. Shaking his head Tenchi sighed. Those two… they're impossible….
Next Time: This is the end for Ryoko's Birthday. However the tale of Tenchi and Ryoko continues in my next story. No Need for Proof.
It brings interesting questions to mind, like will Sasami ever learn what Ryoko and Ayeka were talking about, and will Ayeka learn what happened on that fateful night?