Ah My Tsunami Muyo!

by Gaian Knight

The story of a mortal, and a goddess. Sound familiar? Try again. New stories in the pipeline, within the year.

3. As You Came to the Holy Land

As you came from the holy land

Of Walsinghame,

Met you not with my true love

By the way as you came?

How shall I know your true love,

That have met many one,

As I went to the holy land,

That have come, that have gone?

She is neither white nor brown,

But as the heavens fair;

There is none hath a form so divine

In the earth or the air.

Such a one did I meet, good sir,

Such an angelic face,

Who like a queen, like a nymph, did appear

By her gait, by her grace.

She hath left me here all alone,

All alone, as unknown,

Who sometimes did me lead with herself,

And me loved as her own.

What's the cause that she leaves you alone,

And a new way doth take,

Who loved you once as her own,

And her joy did you make?

I have loved her all my youth,

But now old, as you see,

Love likes not the falling fruit

From the withered tree.

Know that Love is a careless child,

And forgets promise past;

He is blind, he is deaf when he list,

And in faith never fast.

His desire is a dureless content

And a trustless joy;

He is won with a world of despair,

And is lost with a toy.

Of womenkind such indeed is the love,

Or the word love abused,

Under which many childish desires

And conceits are excused.

But true love is a durable fire

In the mind ever burning;

Never sick, never old, never dead,

From itself never turning.

Sir Walter Raleigh (As You Came from the Holy Land)

... ... ...

(Ah! My Tsunami Muyo: Part Three - As You Came to the Holy Land)

... ... ...

-May 9, 3417 Early Afternoon-

"Wow! That test was tough."

Aleaic and Tsunami walk side by side, as they pass from one of the numerous study halls, where one of the several proctored testing rooms are, this as Aleaic had just finished the third test, of his two day semester finals. Tsunami walks beside a semi-brain dead, semi-wobbling Aleaic, whom has just left class, after finishing the Multi-holoprograming final. Tsunami readily cheers him up, with a proud tone of... "I feel you did really well Al-chan. You should be proud."

Aleaic manages a nod and half listens, more because the tests so far this day have been a mindblower, than to anything else. Tsunami more than willingly minds this, as they walk along, this as she remembers the tests Aleaic conducted already.

First up was the Datarod test. One with multiple questions that could make a physics major's head spin, (using that whole 'none-of-the-above' choice method, didn't help here period,) and was then followed by a hands-on demonstration, with scanning and duplication of a standard Datarod, done with less than three flaws. Anymore than this, would have gotten a ten percent deduction, and this instructor was harsh about perfection. Al thought he got away with only one, but a second was discovered. Again, strict instructor, but Aleaic managed 'victory', anyway.

The second exam was much more reasonable, as dealing with Micropower Suite questions, and then a practical with one of the mini-applicator programs, with Aleaic getting Sycon 3000Databases was one of Al's favorites. A breeze. Tsunami had to remind him to keep focused however, and not fall into the trap of overconfidence. Still a breeze even with the concern.

And then came the dreaded Holo-programming class. Aleaic still had trouble with a few of the core words, but managed to finagle a tad. Working with QS-Basal 65.7 was never fun. Even if it was one of the three major server farm programming languages that the Network, even Alexandretta itself, relied upon. It was however coincidentally, the one language that had most importance, with the least focus by the economic community. (Server farm programs tended such fates it seemed, in all Networking history.) It all still came down to demonstration understanding, which Aleaic managed effectively enough. The weariness grew from there. One more than one front.

Aleaic then ends his mental review then looked back at his high-celestial cheerleader, enough mental capacity recovered for proper conversing. "I will feel better still, when this headache subsides. Man. I hate it when they throw in the timed questions. I hate rushing tricky stuff. And to get a question about multi-thread weaving, when it had nothing to do with the primary core words question before that? Ugh." Al flusters with moaned breath. Tsunami only giggles. "Poor client." ...trying not to show...

Aleaic just thinks openly, with bemoaning. "Usually, a proctored test usually consists of progressively harder questions, based on whether a question was answered correctly or not At least usually, the following question are in some way related to the previous question, whether right or wrong. I hate it when instructors play nasty tricks. Real world experience they base it on. Yeah right." ...he even adds, with a slap to his leg, as both walk on... "I'll never trust the instructors hints again! WAY off base... and... huh?"

Tsunami just plants a kiss on Aleaic's cheek, easily taking the wind out of the wordy argument. "U... uhm...?" ...Al-mind-mush, thereafter.

Tsui then takes his left arm, and espouses... "You did well. That's all that matters in the end. You should have seen the look on your face, when you knew you got that same question. You always look so happy when you complete a challenge, and that's why I'm proud of you."

Al snickers goofy like. "W... well. I did beat the pants off of that test, didn't I?"

Tsunami just giggles again, as they end up heading towards the cafeteria. A short couple of orders later of salads, with cheese and mushrooms, topped with garlic/basal ranch. A couple of glasses of yellow tea to wash down with, and their meals upon a pair of porta-terminals Aleaic and Tsunami both carry. Both filled within their holo-drives with class materials and study notes, both now used as a pair of ad hoc eating trays. Both souls take their meals outside, with a high sun out, and a great hillside view of the campus, and the gleaming Orbital Rings, to frame the scenery with, with Aleaic's appetite is quite famishing from three tough tests.

Tsunami takes her time, leaning next to Aleaic, whom is sitting back upon a tree, and testing out the taste of this favorite of her 'client's' palate. This as Al munches away readily, and loudly. Tsunami also takes more of a note, of just enjoying being in such a peaceful, and enjoyable time.

This her mind wanders...

Not having worrying about System Upkeep duties, or attending to requests of other System Administrators, or working issues deemed important to Jurai Core, and therefore Earth as a whole, was a serious change for the Alpha's part. "(Being on the other 'side' of the fence has it's perks.)" Tsunami decides for herself.

The fact that her 'client' has allowed her to join him in his classes formally, gave her broader perspectives to enjoy. This all despite a replete number of questions, about where she came from. All not to mention a 'few' resultant admirers. The latter detail, one she was pleasantly surprised, as Al put a foot down on, when a student tried to be too 'forward'. Aleaic, by happenstance, happened to excel at the martial arts for a Physical Requirement, along with his mecha extracurricular studies, and standard college schooling. It all made him a toughie of sorts, though until 'that' point, not bothered with. As such it helped to make short work of the said offenders jaw on that particular red letter day.

Tsunami was amazed at this audacity, (even a level of possessiveness equal to her own,) as no one had done that for her benefit before, gentlemanly speaking. Thinking upon this makes her blush reflexively. Aleaic just explained it all away, at the time, as to keep others from treating Tsunami as some form of 'biological property'. Tsunami decided to look at this in another loving light instead. Keturia exacerbated later on, with the ancient knight in shining armor dealio of mode. (And none dared try thereafter hence, to impinge of Tsunami's honor.) Respect for the relationship grew from there, all unto even the 'club' iotas, Aleaic moaned about these days. Consequences of one's actions, Ket as such egged Al with.

But after all that eventually faded, Tsunami and Aleaic found that they were being touted as a class act couple on campus. Another thought that Tsunami actively feels with a flush of happiness, and pride. There'd been even a strange 'Best Couple's Club', that kept track of the on campus scene, of highly touted couples. Aleaic bemoans the fact that 'they' keep being near the top of the current list, even after many such successive 'lists'. (Annoying, maybe invasive really. Tsui just chalks it up to being cute.)

Speaking of clubs, Tsunami keeps getting 'chides' from Sasami and Tenchi about the 'Tsunami Fan Club' that appeared almost overnight, after Tsunami first started appearing in the open. But Aleaic already put the 'line' on all that previously, so the 'fans' have to live with 'holo-pics' and the like. Which all of that, is left very much alone!

The only truly hard case with all this so far, as far as Tsunami has seen, is Tasha, Al's Sempai. Tsunami could only presume Tasha's behavior towards her, is a case of jealousy. Whether physical or just emotional, it's been tough getting Tasha to go easy on Al. But still, a good soul could be seen underneath, Tsunami knew that much. If all just lathered with heavy ego and all. Tenchi just tells Tsunami to simply not worry about it. (An unexpected iota, despite the inspection.) Still, Tsunami tries to make inroads, not only for her beloved's sake, but also because she wanted to genuinely learn about these wonderful individuals, that existed in a time and place Tsunami was falling in love with, of its own complete regard. And Tsui 'has' caught whispers of word, when thought out of hearing, of Tasha already being impressed, with her Aleaic. Another blush of mark there.

Despite, all in all, this has been a dream for Tsunami, as much as it has been for her Client.

At least it's better than dealing with all the ruckus occurring at 'home'. And that didn't mean her duties at the Superprocessor. Tsunami did enjoy, and understood the importance of her prior duties, but... now... Home had a different meaning for her now. Not that it wasn't truly kosher there at present. This as her brow turned a tic weary, upon her, against her behest.

"Aleaic-kun?" Aleaic turns from looking at a small cargo convoy hovering overhead, heading towards the Tekomi Spaceport. "Yup?"

Tsunami looks semi-solemn, the worry of 'home', now on her mind. "I'm sorry for my current behavior pattern. What with the way I've been acting when Washu is around. I'm also sorry that she's been giving you such a hard time. It's... it's not proper for a Dimensional to act such a boorish way, in front of a client." Tsui, as she forks a piece of her meal, and a part of Aleaic's, cutely.

Aleaic looks neutral at the grass however. "Well, I guess any being has a right to be mad once in a while. I'm just surprised you Dimensionals are so rough on each other. Is it really that tough in this... 'Core' place? In Heaven?" Aleaic glances over with.

Tsui mulls over a piece of salad on her utensil, under her pink eyes. "No, it's not really this awful. It's more probably because there is a general sense of.. haughtiness... when it comes to Dimensionals, since we reside in Heaven."

"They tend to look down on Mortals. Heh, nothing new on my Holo-Drive I suppose." ...Aleaic completes the obvious train of thought. Tsui looks meekly at Al, only half believing. "Then you are not angry at us? At Washu?"

Aleaic admittedly sighs, but then turns to look fully at Tsunami, taking a moment to caress her face, with his sight. "Well, as a reasonably objective person: no. Though that episode with that table scanner device, when I went to get her for breakfast that second day, after she arrived. I still don't think that 'Lilly' comment was for a flower." Al says with a shiver in of reflection, which Tsui smiles despite her mood unto.

Al continues... "But, still, Washu hasn't gone out of the way to atomize me or something such, so that has to speak to some sanity we can relate to. I hope." Al finishes with a roll of the eyes. Tsui breathes more a sigh, and takes her bite, now not so skeptical. After savoring the flavors, less of need any actual sustenance. Her words reflect this, to a simple point. "I'm glad. At least you seem more open minded. Washu has had the tendency to drive even those on the Jurai Core High Council, crazy."

Aleaic only nods his head, already the stories about Washu, from the lips of Tenchi and Sasami, were legendary. (World razing legendary it seemed. Maybe Galactic. Sheesh!)

One time of related account, was of Washu apparently causing a Firewall to seal off Jurai Core from Earth for the better part of a day. (Or a week, in Earth terms.) Nothing bad happened then, thank heavens. Then there was the Crab Virus, set off when Earth was in alignment with the constellation Cancer. It caused the Core's Protected files to seem like they were deleted! Giving the Council and Father FITS!

Oh, and there's the rumor she had done work for a Demon High-Administrator named Kagato, though who he was, is still unsaid. Apparently a rather malicious, cheeky fellow indeed. The intent of such work was hardly beneficial in nature. Aleaic just wondered who the heck Washu was loyal to, by that point. It made him wonder, if he 'was' being amicable, with his earlier response to Tsui.

These and other 'wondrous' stories made, is apparent why Washu was a Beta Level, rather than the Alpha license, she 'used' to have. (How even still a Beta, uncertain.) The rest unsaid was better off left alone. But even all that, that's nothing apparently compared to the current problem, which Al realizing, then turns his thoughts to. "You think the Shrine still exists? I thought I heard a few explosions, on the way here today.(And a few while here.) Hope people think it's space traffic, and all."

Tsui just smiles (with an eye twitch.) "Worry not beloved. The Self-Mending Hex I placed as a Ward, should keep those two from creating too much harm, to our home. This all despite that they even are testing me at times." Tsunami sighs, a slight wrinkle of strain that just barely comes across. Aleaic meanwhile sighs even thicker upon this slight shift in topic and scope.

"How can those two, even have agreed to come, through together is beyond me! Or... did they?" Aleaic side glances at Tsunami, with a look of disbelief.

Tsunami can only shrug, as she pulls out a pair of cookies (chip,) from a small subspace portal, created unseen, and hands one to Aleaic. "Who truly knows beloved." Tsunami deflectively says, before another 'wrinkle' comes out. Aleaic however misses this, and slightly blushes at being called 'beloved' again. Aleaic however knows the story behind the subject, so the query was one based more on true disbelief, if anything. He just sighs and munches into the goddess creation of sweetness. The mental joy ping from it, makes Tsui, and Sasami smile, even all while the latter isn't present.

That all is, before the telltale sound of a 'slight' echo from an explosion, can be heard. Most around can only assume it's a rocket engine-bell of a shuttle, breaking the sound barrier.

Al and Tsui know better.

"And the fun continues." Aleaic groans, head in cookie eaten hand, while Tsunami leans her head on the tree, and both end up chuckling for the heck of it. Tsui... "Washu just keeps telling me, that they came through unannounced. But from what I learned about Ayeka and Ryoko, from Brother, they seem to make it, of their Portfolio mutual, to be erratic. And to answer your question beloved... -another Al-blush.- ...I cannot say if they 'agreed' to come, or not. The first thing they did was fight, after appearing unannounced."

Aleaic slits his eyes dryly at the sky, and sighs.. "A rival goddess, and a half goddess-demon seems to be the perfect setup, for erratic. Hands down. At least Sasami likes that cute cabbit-bug catcher thing, that came with.. Ryoko, right? Um... Ryo-ohki wasn't it?"

Tsunami just giggles more amicably... "Yes. Sasami has a thing for Class Twos. It is easy to see why." ..this Aleaic shivers at the sight of such weird creatures of fur. Both of them.

Ryo-ohki: a Class Two System bug catcher, and somehow in the possession of the Demon-Goddess Ryoko, the Class Two found that Sasami made an excellent 'escape' from Ryoko's schemes to 'acquire' Tenchi for herself. This ever since they both arrived here, Ryoko and Ayeka. The three, Sasami and Ryo-ohki, and Ken-ohki were all just a button together. Ryoko however, remained her namesake demoness instead, which became the first obvious problem.

But Ayeka (the second obvious problem,) had a weapon of her own as well. A second Class Two named Ken-ohki, a whiter cousin of sorts, compared to its brown compatriot. Both 'cabbits', as they were also termed, for a weirded out Al and Ket, kept being used to send notes and what not to Tenchi while he kept on his Inspection task. This all when both rivals, weren't having at each other, and somehow as yet, not had yet blown half the Earth apart! Anywho...

Class Two's look like a cross between a kitten and small bunny. The composition from there though, is mainly that of a computer algorithm, with sentience. Along with, there is the healthy appetite, for nearly any matter they need, though somehow carrots of all things is their top choice for consumption. Reasons only known to the Great Father apparently.

Sasami finally though, put a stop to all this, a good couple of days after arrival, becoming the two cabbits cute benefactor. This especially after both were caught in the middle of a fight, between the two deity suitors, for the current Inspector's primary affections. As it is, at least the cabbits aren't involved within their two former mistresses machinations, now.

But, that certainly didn't end the 'war'. Aleaic quips in bemoaning. "Can we find a new place to live, if we need too?"

Tsui just sighed in tune.

... ... ...

-A smoke ridden residence. At that particular moment.-

Two combatants stare down each other, in the ashen air. Their smoldered features are decently obscured by smoke, dust, and burned cinders. (One heck of a smack down, going down here.)

"I hope that got your attention, Devil Hack!" A purple haired Beta Goddess quips in, on the snide.

The close-up face of a battle-lust filled / smudged, dual Beta-Level Demon-Goddess hybrid, Certified as both, though restricted in power in both Levels of that of a single Beta. Her smudged face only smirks, along with seemingly the battle markings running along her face, creasing with the toothy grin. "Only if that is supposed to tickle."

"OHHH! YOU MISTAKE IN PROGRAMMING!" Ayeka snaps, then LEAPS into the air, and lands a hard punch to Ryoko's Shield Program, just before avoiding Ryoko's counter of a Fire Hex attack!

Ryoko then chases after Ayeka, all through the air, emitting both Fire and Ice Hex attacks, the Two red Program-Node Gems in her arms, pulsating with each discharge! Ayeka's own tactics of flight, while generating a Null-Shield Program are met, as Ryoko's Split Body Hex catches Ayeka by surprise, with one 'Ryoko' punching Ayeka into the other 'Ryoko's' knee!

But Ayeka has the last laugh, as her plummet is joined by two more, both Ryokos feeling the effects Ayeka's Null-Shield! Laced with a Anti-Demon Aura, the enchantment giving a NASTY reflection shock in response to the twin-Ryoko attack! Both Ryoko's end up remerging just as she reaches the ground, catching herself hard on all, fours as Ryoko lands, and then in succession, catches a foot to the chin, as Ayeka catches Ryoko off guard! Ryoko ends up somewhere in the shadows of the forest, her dust tracks through the smoke, trailing where the former Agent ends up! Ayeka hovers in the air, afar from her foe, laughing haughtily! "How did you like my surprise demon? You didn't seem ready for it! I'm sur... WAAA!"

Ayeka is suddenly interrupted by a pair of angry Gravity Hex bolts, that hit a nearly unprepared Ayeka! The goddess then skips several times along the ground, before reactively flip-landing ten feet away, back towards the large temple structure. Only her dynamic Shield Program, saves her from worse than she got!

"Oh, I'm sorry! Did little miss prissy forget the ways of battle?" Mocks out Ryoko, as the black and red combat jumpsuited Demon-Goddess, ominously emerges from the dust and smoke, shadow and haze of the forest, displaying her crimson Energy Hex Sword. "I shall be happy to remind you, for the last time, Relief Reject!"

Ayeka however beats Ryoko to the punch, as a set of small glowing log like devices suddenly surround Ryoko, as a ringing sound begins chiming out! Ryoko gasps, before it all feels like holy church bells RIGHT ON HER EARDRUMS! And worse to her demonic soul-half! Worse added, when the holy energy reacts with blazing electricity, courses through her body! "OWOWOWOWOWOW! OW OW! PLEASE, THAT HURTS! OW! STOP PLEASE! YOU CAN STOP NOW! OW! STOP IT ALREADY!"

"Youuuuu... You 'never' could stand the chimes, of the Holy Guardians. Demons like you are no match for that Spell! AND LORD TENCHI CAN'T SAVE YOU THIS TIME!

I shalt... Eh?! WHOA!" ...such is Ayeka's turn to be flatfooted again, as Ryoko somehow manages to puts a stop to all 'that', with a pair of Fire Beam Hexes that strike the ground around Ayeka! And then to Ayeka's 'surprise' a Holy Spell that billows up from the spot below her, and effectively blinds and doubles over the goddess, to her knees!

Ayeka in realizing turn, then counters with a Absorption-Decomposition Spell, and the light is dispersed rather dramatically! The two then finally halt, and face each other down again.

R: "Priss."

A: "Demon."

End round three. (Today.)

... ... ...

-Inside the residence...-

Tenchi, whom has all this time been inside to avoid any stray shots, breathes a sight of temporary relief. It's in knowing though, that it all could erupt again any moment! (Expected to at that!) The way it has been for the entire two weeks since they arrived! In fact, that's how they DID arrive. A mess now. A mess then. A MESS from the beginning!

Tenchi has in consequence, taken to his intoxicant more: Coffee. This day it is a generic brand, from some mortal economic company, on the west coast of the American Union, Northern continent portion. A brand Keturia imported in. Some deep mocha like flavor with infusion of lemon-like tartness, the exotic flavor infusion of coffee beans. a current trend these days. to these mortals.

How ever it's done, Tenchi likes it. Especially since Ryoko's and Ayeka's tirades have become more vigorous of late. Tenchi just sighs out... "At least Sister's Ward is holding up, or Sensei Aleaic would be lacking a home right now." ...this as Tenchi just hopes they don't take the fighting into, or over town. Tekomi wouldn't last a minute, if they both did! It is somehow Tenchi's one rule, that so far has held up: 'Keep the fights at home, not abroad.'

Tenchi just sighs, a... um... a bit drunk... (go with it,) as he knows he's going to have to step in soon. But... "How?"

"HI!" A red haired face of 'terror' suddenly POPS in front of Tenchi's face!

Along with a thick-heavy-dire-choking URK sound, comes. In celestial heart-attack response... "W... w... Wash... Washu!" Tenchi stammers, almost losing his cup, in all manic reaction! Washu then quips. "What's with the 'urk' sound? I didn't know sound props were used here?" (There was a prop?)

"What are you talking about Washu?!" Tenchi strains in response.

Washu just blinks back, dressed more simply, than when she arrived... "This story was getting too serious. So, got any juicy stuff on the client and his Alpha ward?" Washu asks, reaching for the obvious. Tenchi notes she's trying to grab the tablet Tenchi's been writing on, and YANKS it away from her fast! "If you terribly don't mind Washu."

"Little."

"Pardon?" Tenchi blinks twice.

"Call me Little Washu." ... "Um... why?" Tenchi responds with a 'strange' look.

"Because I AM Little." Washu makes a wacky cute/disturbing gesture with her head and hands. "And it goes with the author's expectations. Just go with it. Okay?" Washu then smiles cutely/disturbingly.

"But you're the same size as I am." Tenchi scratches his head in confusion.

"But the author said..."

"Okay, okay! Little Washu. Just don't call me 'Little' Tenchi, alright? And this stuff is private, so no snooping!" Tenchi ends in overreacting defense of his materials. Washu cocks an eye, then kinks her neck to the side, with a separate cock-eyed look. "Oh sure. You give me orders, but you can't do the same for your little harem huh?" ...this Washu pucks her lips with. "I see where this is going. Just for that, no easy 'Lilly' picking next exam."

Tenchi just shudders at the thought, and makes a dry vocal note, as he looks back at his notes. "Who says you'll get the chance?"

Washu's response is cut off as a new round of explosions shatter the peaceful air outside.

"There's round four." Washu needlessly announces for Tenchi, before heading for the kitchen. "Oh! Cupcakes today Sasami? Gimme!" Washu adds there too. Sasami, within the kitchen... "You had cookies already Washu! You'll ruin your dinner!"

Tenchi meanwhile instantly has a 'god' sized headache. "I need more coffee."

... ... ...

-Tekomi Campus. Late afternoon. Campus park hover-bench.-

A campus with a strange, joyous atmosphere now, as students celebrate the end of Semester studies. As an example...

-PLOP!- "Man! That's it! No more tests! My brain is at meltdown! No mas! I'm on thinking strike! No more thinking!" Aleaic says with profound weariness, even moreso hashed now than before! Tsunami actually feels a bit 'piqued' as well, as the last exam of the day, the semester is finally behind Aleaic. It has taken 'much' of her concentration to keep the Ward up, unbeknownst to her charge. This whom had his hands full with the hands-on test with the Serverfarm Networking simulator, with a troubleshooting spot challenge that the proctor threw in. At least that one particular instructor had warned correctly about such in classes, and Aleaic breezed through, only having to replace a multi-line fiber cable, and reset the communication protocols. It still took time and concentration on the proper program reset procedure nonetheless, which Al was more nervous about, than he needed to be. Needless to say, Aleaic was more than ecstatic to be seeing some rest time, or so he hopes. This he alludes to, with a hungry sounding... "Sasami's cooking already smells so good. Oh, sorry, yours too by far."

Tsunami can only nod at this, the lack of any usual banter or giggle, makes Aleaic look over, and then sees Tsunami's own weary condition. Aleaic immediately asks in outright worry, dropping his own fatigue like a rock! "What's wrong?"

Tsunami suddenly realizes she's more exhausted than expected, but doesn't resist unto with her answer. "My Ward has been hard to keep up for this long, I didn't realize Ryoko and Ayeka would be belligerent still." She says, feeling more lightheaded, with each second passing by!

Aleaic looks aghast at this realization! "You... you're kidding me?! They're STILL fighting?!" Aleaic looks at his wrist chronometer.. ."But th.. that's... seven hours! Are they MAD?!"

Tsunami suddenly holds her at head... "I don't feel so good." ...and then slumps forward some, forcing Aleaic catch her! He pulls her to a bench quickly, unto his left shoulder, and then acts just as quickly. Knowing that just driving back is useless, he pulls out his CPU, and auto-dials the residence! "Common! Pick up... H... HEY!"

": - Kerensky Residence. Washu speaking. - :" ... "(Peachy.)"

": - So it is. What's the problem? Besides the Ward weakening? - :" .. "Bingo! Washu I.."

": - Little Washu. - :"

-Groan.- Better than to argue. "Little Washu. Please... PLEASE make Ryoko and Ayeka stop! I'll do anything... -shiver- ...you ask! Just get them to stop! It's hurting Tsunami!" Aleaic notes with the tone of heavy panic, over the mouthpiece!

": - Hmm.. anything? Those two are firecrackers you know. - :"

"LITTLE WASHU!" ...which startles nearby students into noticing.

": - Okay, okay. Done. - :"

Aleaic cradles Tsunami in his arms, her 'migraine' worsening visibly, just prior to her facade having a settled look of relief suddenly. And then her peaceful face returns, one he caresses in worry. "Tsui! Tsui?! Are you okay?!"

Tsui only responds after a few tense moments, with a flutter of teal, glowing eyelashes. "I'm... fine... I'm... okay." Tsunami meekly says, as she still has pale (though still glowing,) skin, her condition still quite weak. Washu's voice then comes back over the CPU. ": - All done. Just hope you can handle Ryoko. She's pissed. - :" Washu says plainly, as Aleaic nestles the CPU in his ear again, while he keeps caressing Tsunami.

"Little Washu. Thank you. I know I pushed, but..."

": - Just get home, will ya. Sasami's got food waiting. Good cupcakes too. - :" -Click.-

Aleaic sighs and stuffs the CPU into a pocket, and then just keeps cradling Tsunami, whom has fallen asleep. That serene facade, solidifies his feelings, ever further, for the goddess. Several passersby meanwhile, ask if Tsunami's okay, but Aleaic only nods, using the long day excuse and all. Ignoring some choice jibes of 'convenience', he then rises to carry her to the Gelphi Skiff. Another few shots for the fan clubs in doing this, but Aleaic couldn't care less at this point.

Within ten minutes, they're headed back to the house.

With some unnoticed, determined followers.

... ... ...

-Residence, Tsunami's Bedroom-

The covers are placed over by a loving mortal, before he then caresses aside a hair from Tsunami's brow. Aleaic sighs very worriedly.

"She's going to be fine Sensei. It's not the first time she's exhausted herself."

Aleaic looks back at Sasami and simply smiles calmly, though the 'insides' of the mortal are not quite as serene. Then Aleaic considers something he had been thinking of, while driving home in the Skiff, and looks at Sasami. "Where's Washu?"

Sasami looks surprised at Aleaic. "In her Lab Core. Why?"

Aleaic then portrays sternly... "This... this has gone on long enough. They've, Ryoko and Ayeka, been fighting for weeks! Tsunami's been putting a lot of her energy, into protecting this Shrine." Al then stands up, and looks level at nothing in particular. Sasami blinks as she hears further... "They've been making life here in general hazardous. Nevermind they have been eating up all the food here, a LOT for beings that I thought, didn't need mortal nourishment much." ...Sasami just meekly smiling at the last part... "But I don't mind them eating my cooking."

Aleaic smiles over in hearing, which blushes Sasami, before his next look... "It's time we set some ground rules. HARD ones. Civilized too."

Sasami looks at the mortal with concern, in reaction. "You think Ryoko and Ayeka will listen to you?"

Al looks with a bit of uncertainty. (Might be a poisoned look of worry, at that.) "Um... ah... well... Ayeka, well... with discussion I suppose. But... Ryoko I doubt it." Aleaic then sighs again, and then looks solemnly at Sasami. "But we can't be the first one to encounter this... situation. We need someone, or something, to help keep them, or at the very least, Ryoko, in line, so we can relate better. I mean, she's half Goddess for god's sake!" Al states with a wacky flare of his shoulders. Sasami smiles in hearing more... Al: "And besides, Tsui can't keep having to cover for them. That's not why she's here. I'm surprised this is the first time she 'overdid' it, as you say." Aleaic finishes, with folding his hands over his abdomen. "Enough is enough Sasami."

Sasami looks overall uncertain upon Aleaic's suggestion, which does not make Al feel better in noting, about ANY this. Sasami then simply offers. "I'll keep you in mind in the afterlife."

Sure. That helped.

... ... ...

-Washu's Core Lab. Cheeriest place on Terra! (Said with a blaster, to an author's melon.) -

"A chaperone eh?" ...comes from a red headed hybrid.

Aleaic nods warily, after presenting his idea to Washu. Tha mortal already nervous as all heck in the 'first' place about being in Washu's Lab, nevermind not to mention, still not used to there being a hatch where the janitorial equipment was, (...of which, the supplies disappeared by the way,) near where the kitchen hatch is. And far more, just the plain, flat out 'mood' vibes, that this place gives off. (Like creepy epee vibes from techno-Mordor and all.) He despite all such, now has 'nervously' presented his proposal to Washu, to try and deal with the semi-crisis. He then asks, just as warbily... "You... um... know of anyone that helped keep them in line? Or at least used a leash, or bear trap, or something?"

"Why not Tenchi?" Washu quips, already knowing the answer to that, but hey she thinks.

Al considers, but after such... "He could do it, if he wasn't so afraid of them. Or something." ...and sighs at this, after having noted Tenchi's offhandish handling of their mutual situation, added to the one Aleaic was dealing with in lieu of his beloved goddess. Aleaic guesstimates to hazard by, in remarking his thoughts to Washu... "Eventually I suppose. But for now, those two need a focus, or this planet might not survive." Aleaic says, as he looks over into the dark distance off the far left, where a bluish halo glow, of energy binders hold the two unseen antagonists. Tenchi's voice can be lightly heard over there as well, though it doesn't have the tone of harshness to it, as when Aleaic first came in. However, to be certain...

... ...

"You guys just cannot keep doing this! My Sister has been doing too much to prevent harm to this home from your fighting." ...from a still peeved voice of a Hand.

"Not much of a abode you know." Ala a Hybrid. One bound in an energy binder field.

"Just like a demon." ...from a lavender haired goddess rival. (Also bound.)

Tenchi sighs dryly, "Cut it out." ...as the two fems of his life (unwillingly of choice,) cross bolts from their eyes at each other.

Ryoko just snarls next at Tenchi, making her voice 'heard', above them all... and further... "I should do it to this place anyway. Raze it all. Especially after what that sniveling mortal made Washu do to us." ...this Tenchi grows seriously concerned, as Ayeka snaps back with better form. "This is Lady Tsunami's residence, as much as Lord Aleaic's. I would hope you of all things, understand the reason we were caged up like we are now. I admit I am ashamed at the very least, of my conduct."

"Yeah right." Ryoko snips/snarls. "You wanted my code-blood as much as I wanted yours. It's never changed, after all this time."

Ayeka levels a stone gaze back. "Possibly. But not at the cost of innocents."

Ryoko tersely states in counter... "That Wish ended that status. Innocent means zilch here now broad! And you didn't seem concerned with 'costs' earlier, either!"

"Why don't you 'pay the tab' then wretch!" Ayeka in nasty turn.

The two just seethe at each other again, as Tenchi quivers in bemoaning. "I think I need that coffee again." ...and holds his head.

...

Aleaic gulps at the noted area, (his hearing works too well,) as Washu then just continues. "Well, being a mother, I'd hoped my daughter would have been more receptive to me. But, I can't get through her Demon side enough to relate." Washu then looks introspective before she continues. Aleaic misses the meaning of the 'daughter' bit, still too worried about Tsunami in his subjective mind, not to mention drained from exams in the first place. Washu then continues, if warily. "There is one though, but he's probably a long shot. Mainly because of 'how' he kept her in line."

A mortal looks back suddenly, "Um... how?" ...and blinks.

"Weeeeell... for one, they had a pretty nasty fight a very long time ago. Funny thing... um... well, I won't bore the nasty details. But it was a doozy of a fight, one that ended up with far more damage between them two, than Ryoko and Ayeka were causing here. And all because..." Washu sighs slightly, trailing off.

Al's genetically inbred (unwillingly) ambassadorial instincts tells him something about this particular person. One that makes what Washu's suggesting, isn't exactly easy to relate about. Aleaic tries to pull back, for her sake. "Um... do you want to tell me?"

Washu actually smiles, a bit surprised Al's giving a way out. "No, not really. This stuff is pretty... sensitive... to me. And to her. And... if I do this, it'll probably open old wounds. Brutal ones even."

Aleaic nods, knowing not to press on old wounds. "Then find someone else. I don't mind."

Washu just laughs, and shakes her head, the large mane of spiky red hair held in a large ponytail, which glows much like all the rest of the goddesses manes, shakes in stride with the laughter. However defused by the content of it, it was.

Aleaic then takes a moment to note Washu's current attire, a simple red cuffed, gem lined, shimmering white blouse shirt, with a somewhat plain, beige pair of shorts. A pair of orange stockings with ethereal glow-lines etched in, and simple blue slip-on's, are rounded out with a strange bracelet on her left wrist. The same blue glow as Tenchi's head device, in fact, the same is noted on her ponytail band. (Such has been noted on all the celestials, in fact. The tresses as said, is long, spiky, and looks like it could sever limbs if swung just right. The mane also has a single primary streak of gold, set within much of the mane, up to her locks at the temple. Several smaller such 'highlights', split off from the primary, towards the other various locks. An eclectic goddess, to be sure. "(Definite looker... er... oop.)"

Washu 'notes' the look over with an unexpected blush, and then decides to push for Aleaic's sake anyway. "I wish I could. Ryoko... well, let's just say she is pretty choosy of whom she will listen to. You could try." Washu 'suggests', to which Al winces... "I'd probably die messy. (Real messy. Bones in walls, and all.)"

Washu chuckles in agreement. "Yeah. Ryoko knew right off who got her and Ayeka caged." Washu says, as she leans back into her floating goddess seat, of plush silk cushions of red pillows. Aleaic feels a twinge of guilt just then, and sighs.. "I didn't mean it. I just. Tsui was..."

Washu stops this quickly with a wave of a 'light' hand. Sure made Al blink for one. Washu... "Now, Now. I know. I think my daughter and Ayeka are still having trouble realizing the concept of consequences, on this Plane. ~"

"Nooooooo. You think?" Aleaic jibes, and gets a bonk-welt on the head, for that quip. "Don't be cute with other than Tsunami. Now let me get the data lines warmed up, and stay away from Ayeka and Ryoko for a bit." Washu suddenly says.

Aleaic sighs only nods.. "Yeah... okay. Um... and I think I need a nap anyway." Aleaic says, holding his own head. "Those tests were something. Enough without all of this." ...he says, and then bows to a chuckling Washu, and he then retreats. As such, he wonders to himself how this unknown person, Ryoko, and Washu could all be related together.

He puts it aside, when he 'reemerges' and checks with Sasami and Keturia, both working to save dinner. Such all quite messed up due to the situation, before he heads back up to Tsui's room and checks to see that Tsunami is okay. He never comes back down, ending up falling asleep on the side of her hatch. Sasami later finds Aleaic like this, and places a light blanket on him, making a 'shhing' motion, to a then awake (and smiling) Tsui.

At least they both get a good nap in before...

... ... ...

-Dusk-

-SHOUT!- "Huh?! Eh? Wha!?" Aleaic shoots awake at, and realizes he's dozed off, starts to wipe his eyes, when he sees Tsunami is gone! "TSUI?! Eh? Huh?!" Al yelps, looking around WILDLY!

The next manic 'sequence' consists of:

Al getting up and vainly look out the window for any sign of Tsui, hearing the voices downstairs again, one with a 'nasty' tone. (Ryoko.)

Aleaic heading to look downstairs (...still in a semi-awake state...,) forgetting the blanket and then tripping on it, tangling into it.

Hopping in vain to balance himself, and failing.

And then basically physics taking over, as he falls out the doorway, hits the railing, twisting over on the railing in the wrong direction, and then yelling (...screaming girlishly/goofily actually) as he realizes he's falling over into the stairway.

And makes several 'ugly' sounds, as he barrel rolls down the stairs, ending up with a THUD, into a messy heap... (probably broke something nasal again...) ...as a long moan of crying pain, ends this impromptu circus.

"OH MY! BELOVED!" ... "SENSEI!" The first, Tsunami whom rushes over to him, and the latter from Sasami and Tenchi simultaneously, following behind! Keturia also crosses the distance from the living room, as a loud laughter is heard from further behind, in the living room!

"WAHAHAHAHAHAH! THAT'S TOO RICH! WHAHAHAHAHAHA! -piggish snort!-"

Ayeka grinds back at... "You 'would' take advantage of another person's pain." Ryoko who snaps back at... "What'd you say?!" ...causing the two known antagonists snarl at each other again! (So heartwarming.)

"Oh my, these mortals are strange creatures." ... "'You' should fit in perfectly then ditz." ... "Yeah... hey! That's not funny!"

The latter two voices are completely new to Aleaic, as Tsunami leads the foursome in helping Aleaic up, as well as untangle the blanket away. "Are you okay Al?" Sasami asks with genuine concern.

"Oh, we Kerensky's have hard skulls." Al quips, with stars, hearts, clovers, blue diamonds, and goddess in his eyes.

"That's a truth." Keturia adds with deadpan humor. Al just mocks a moan of laughter back, half of it, his head throbbing it out. The slaps to Al's head, from Ket, as she 'laughs' in tune, don't help much. (It makes the other three with them, laugh though.) Soon after, Al is helped to the couch. Ket crosses back to the other side of the room, Sasami and Tenchi just off from the stairwell.

"Indeed. What a strange Client she chose." ...from yet a third new (rather eclectic) voice. Aleaic shakes at his cobweb melon, after sitting down, and finally starts to get a good look at all the gathered. Washu, Ryoko and Ayeka she recognizes. But not so with three 'others'. And then realization sets in. "Whoa! Who invited the gathering?!"

"You did silly." Washu pings back. "Our conversation, remember?"

Al manages to remember, somehow. "Yeah, I remember. Though how, after all the exam testing I did today, is beyond me." ...to some mixed versions of giggles and chuckles about, this as he notes the new faces: An elder looking man in a glowing version of a Shrine kimono/hakama getup. A blond tanned woman in a uniform of some kind. And a dark teal haired, shapely female, in the same uniform type, one trying to apparently move away from the blond, if the body language is any immediate indication.

Aleaic also happens to note rather quickly, that Ryoko is completely avoiding eye contact with the old man, especially when the elder personage attempts the same. Ryoko sees and growls at Al, whom just holds his hands up passively.

And if that wasn't enough... "I got the food warmed up again!" A 'fourth' new voice suddenly calls out! This to which Tenchi suddenly, and quite visibly reddens to the blush, as much as Sasami looks gleeful, more than her noted norms! Al's really having a time trying to figure everything out, as... "Okay Achika! We'll get to it!" ..Sasami calls back, giggling as her two furry companions mew happily along with Sasami, on her shoulders. Aleaic looks at a beaming Tsunami, and then somehow manages to piece enough together, to gather something, and place to start logic from. (Where none really exists for his muddle brain.) Aleaic then gaffs out...! "Four?! 'Four' new Dimensionals!? What is this? A Deity Motel?!" Al yelps, and then feels head pressure and rush from talking too excitedly. "Owwie."

"Beloved, please be calm." Tsui says, as she (yet again...) uses a Healing Spell on Al. (Welt on the head this time. The nose cheers at that.) Al semi-responds back... "Yeah, yeah. I... owwie! Sorry... okay... sorry!" Tsui can be persuasive, as she bonks Al on the noggin, to get him to comply.

"So, where were we?" The elder unnamed (here,) deity starts off, as he continues to try making eye contact with Ryoko, of whom is having none of such!

"Aleaic..." Tsunami starts, as she makes for introductions. "...this is the one you asked for: Alpha Class Dimensional, Lord Yosho Katsuhito Masaki. Washu just brought him in a short while ago." Tsui says, as this Yosho then nods to Aleaic. Aly does likewise, jittery, as he notes further, this 'Yosho' is dressed in a manner very similar to Tenchi's when he arrived a few tumultuous weeks ago. He sports a single, elongated triangle on his forehead, as well as the usual markings, and in fact Al marks to himself for the first time formally, all the deities sport such cheek markings. "(So much for uniqueness.)"

"Indeed mortal." Yosho smiles, which makes Al urk-catch himself, and squeaky-nods a second (quite jittery) time to Yosho, before then hearing Tsui make the next directed intros... "And these, are the Jurai Core Relief Special Services Detectives Mihoshi, and Kiyone Makibi Kuramitsu. Both are Sisters in the service, as of each other akin." Tsunami completes, as Aleaic notes Kiyone winces visibly at this title. What part of it all, he's not sure of yet. But then Al also notes something else, as Kiyone offers... "A good and well pleasure to meet you, Sensei Kerensky." ...this Al bows in his seat in kind. This before... "Hi." ...this Mihoshi cheerfully says, another head bow from Al, that Tsui giggles at a little. Aleaic however 'then' notes Mihoshi is looking 'inordinately' more at Tenchi. Tenchi isn't comfortable, somewhat visibly at this. Oh, and Ryoko and Ayeka don't seem to care for this one bit. The body of details accumulate within an ambassador's son's muddled mind.

But then all of a sudden, this Yosho god-guy then keeps staring down the Ayeka/Ryoko pair, and apparently doing a dang good job of it, as the two celestial fems meekly recoil a bit, when 'they' see Yosho react. It quickly, (to a mortal hazard,) makes Aleaic believe that this may have been worth all of this. "(I hope. Hopehopehope. Err... oops...)" ...this Tsui nudges at Al's head with a finger, and Al begets giggling around, for it.

(Kiyone to Ket: "Is it always like this here? Ket back: "You should see mealtime soon.")

From there, the terse atmosphere settles a bit. Aleaic then as usual, then notes of better detail, Kiyone's and Mihoshi's garbs. Both are dressed similarly, both wearing the usual goddess like attire, though this version seems to be much more militaristic looking. A sea-blue, jacket blouse, with dark blue shoulder pads, and several large, triangular, gold 'button' clasps, each with silver underlay, and blue-glow 'gem' inset in each, the same for the shoulder protection pads. Added, a long sash runs off the right, of their respective right legs, on both the front and rear, 'attached' at the hip each, white with sea-blue colored linings, silver chrome lain atop the seams, as they cover partially the leggings in a sorta half skirt, which is also sea-blue in silken hue. Accompanying, dark blue shin length skintight boots, with silver chrome edgings, finish out the primary accouterments. Also of clear, hard not to miss sight, a pair of white, fuzzy balls of some function, are attached to both of their jacket blouses.

(Al: I stare too much, huh?)

Of individual sisterly detail, Kiyone wears her hair free length, with a bandanna tucked within her bangs, one that seems to be composed of genuine diamond or silk. Maybe a hybrid, knowing these Dimensionals. A single thin side tail is noticeable off the left ear to complete.

Mihoshi's own detail, her tresses are binded within a ponytail, one definitely long. A common theme with all these Dimensionals apparently. (Aleaic: 'I wear a long tail now too, so who am I to think.') Next of details, the mortal male-kun notes that Kiyone and Mihoshi too have a glow to their manes. All such apparently, a common bit among the female deities. Aleaic also has noted, that the male deities have apparently much plainer (relatively) hair, in comparison.

Aleaic also notes the fact that they both are apparently armed, with some kind of short polearms of ivory, or of a pearlescent metal, or such. A staff weapon at the very least, though 'what' they do exactly, is conjecture for him. Each is inlaid with small, elegant etched script, in a style format, that Al's seen on other items the Dimensionals carry, or wear embroidered, and upon their jewelry. Al reflexively looks at Tsui's hairpiece, which Tsui just smiles back at him, in all 'knowing'.

From here, Aleaic then introduces himself simply. "Just call me Al." ...with a goofy grin. To which Keturia shakes her own melon. "Bro, you're being simplistic again."

"What?!" Al yelps defensively back at his Sis, which the Dimensionals, minus Ryoko, get a good chuckle out of. Yosho just chuckles... "High strung type." ...which Al hears and chuckles weakly at.

Tsunami then looks towards the kitchen. "And the one in the kitchen is Achika. She is... Oh, here she is." ...such said labeled 'Achika' the enters the room on cue, holding only a towel, with a smile equal to Sasami's. Aleaic sure is taken aback, as a beauty of a eternal youth, one that has emerald-brown eyes, locks them with Al's gazing own. And to detail further here, a very long and 'full' mane of hair, of deep raven, midnight black (also 'glowing' within, shiny aplenty too,) crests upon her back, and shoulders. It even has a ponytail of her own, one that ends well past her feet onto the residence flooring. The entire length even has multiple braids, set within it, all with more of those glowing white-gold and silver clasps, replete on all braided ends.

Achika's clothing of choice, at the moment, is of a single, long, white kimono, with very light, hinted green images of leaves on branches upon it. A kosode smock of white is underneath. A breast plate similar to Tsunami's and Sasami's own upon her chest, where the kimono comes together atop, along with flowing, silken sleeve coverings also set similar to the two Sisters. But she more looks like an overdressed waitress at the moment, almost funny. At least until Tsunami bonks Aleaic on the head, for thinking so poorly. "S... sorry." ...waving his hands in submission.

Ryoko... "Mortals." ... "Indeed." ...Ayeka adds, this before they both suddenly stare at each other! "(Did we just...)" ...of small miracles.

Achika meanwhile walks up with a cup of tea for Aleaic, bowing as she places it on the coffee table, before him. Achika then imparts with a level tone of greeting... "Nice to meet you Sensei Aleaic. I see you've been taking very good care of my daughters and son for me." Achika says 'all' too simply.

Al hears, before then POPPING his eyes about out of his skull!... "D... Daughters?! Son!?" Al spits despite himself, looking at the three 'aforementioned'. Sasami, a reluctant Tenchi, and Tsunami meekly wave their hands back at him.

As Aleaic forces to calm himself again. "Um, I... I... yiyi... I see..." ...he then trades a look, with a head shaking Keturia, and then notes, that as the introductions are completed. After Achika plates down some essentially, leftover food. (Sasami: Man.) And then a sense of pause, saps at the air. Aleaic looks around the room, and finally speaks again. "Soooo... ah... n... now what?"

"That's your choice." In turn starts Yosho, the elder gentleman with his hair set the same as Tenchi's. He simply settles in a crouching position, rather than take a place of actual seating. Aleaic sees, and also 'senses' something about him doesn't seem as 'old' though, though Al can't put a finger on it, and says nothing. Yosho then alludes further. "As Lady Washu informed me, you wished for help to deal with the problem of Ryoko and Ayeka."

"Uhh... yuh." Al simply nods.

"Great, can't keep your nose outta other peoples affairs." Ryoko spits, intended, but not directed for Aleaic. This as her head is turned away in disgust. Al tries to raise a finger, but... "It's your fault that started all this Demon!" Ayeka spits instead, across the room. (No way are 'those' two near each other right now. Or near Tenchi. Give it a thought.)

Ryoko takes this... "You're one to talk Ayeka! You caused this too!" ...well...

"(Uh oh.)" Al and Ket gulp-think in simult.

Ayeka then shoots over, and sticks her rather pointy nose (when angry,) into Ryoko's rather calm face, miffed at the very least, and anywho... "Well! I would have stopped sooner, and not put harm to the Contract, if you didn't keep attacking me in the back!"

And in bile filled kind from... "Who are you to be tactful? You used a LOT of nasty attacks too! And don't you even think you didn't enjoy using them!" ...Ryoko, said with a 'thick' tone.

"I beg your useless pardon!" Ayeka just brushes past, with fangs.

"I'm not the only one!" Ryoko pushes more, with her own.

"(Is that Ward up love?)" Al...

"(No.)" Tsui...

"HEY! You guys like fighting that much?!" Keturia questions, mouth gaped open! She manages not to back down, from the stare Ryoko and Ayeka seethe back with, in emotional OVERFLOW!

"That is why I am here." Yosho speaks unto, unmoving. Eyes now turn at the elder. "Yo! I don't need your help!" Ryoko return snaps at Yosho, in turn!

"Not after we arrest you anyway." with All eyes turn suddenly to Kiyone now. "Huh?! What's that mean?" Aleaic asks. Kiyone then crosses her arms and stabs a look at Ryoko. "We have been sent by Core to 'retrieve' you Demoness." Meaning by tone, 'much' worse than it originally sounds.

"Hey, she's half Goddess you know." Mihoshi snaps out professionally. Kiyone grinds back. "Mihoshi... shut... up."

"Well she is."

"Hah! You two couldn't catch a Bug in a Archaic First Generation System Node." Ryoko sneers with a poisonous laugh.

"They will if I let them." Yosho says next, in injected turn.

Kiyone in turn stabs a look at Yosho. "Excuse me Lord Yosho, but we have 'explicit' instructions to return the Demoness to Core immediately! I'm sorry, but you have no jurisdiction in this matter."

"Wow, I must have really pissed of Daddy Big Boss!" Ryoko laughs mockingly, making Al and Ket 'nervous'. "You know Ayeka, I didn't know you'd have Daddy on your side THAT much! WAHAHAHA!"

While Ayeka simmers as before, she retains calm. "While I did not authorize such an action, I am sure it's more than justified." ..ended with a venomous sneer.

And in turn... "I will not allow my daughter to be taken like a criminal! Father is incorrect in this action." Washu actually, and suddenly leaps to defend her daughter. Al looks at Washu wide eyed. "Daughter?" Al whispers, finally getting the 'gist' he missed of the converse earlier.

"Nor will I." This next one, comes from the elder.

"Yosho, no! Don't do that!" Washu suddenly pleads in the other direction! (Sure confuses the mortals present, all the heck.)

"But I have." Yosho all too calmly replies, with. "I have as much at stake with her, as you do dear. Too much at stake." Ryoko looks over with heavy disdain between Washu and Yosho, and putting two and 'two' together. "WHAT?! He's not my Father! I have none!"

Yosho then looks at Ryoko softly. "But... I am."

The stage is suddenly centered on a professing father, a bewildered Demon-Goddess, and a shattered looking Washu, bowled on her knees, Aleaic noting a lot of pain flowing from all three. He dares not meddle though, even mentally. (He wonders however where this all came from. He just wanted to help Tsui.)

"I HAVE NO FATHER! How can you spread such a vicious lie!" Ryoko stabs with.

"Poor de..."

": SHUT UP AYEKA! :" Ayeka shrinks under Tsunami's powerful Alpha tone, one Al jumps at! The others are focused back unto, as Yosho only sighs sadly. "I couldn't tell you..." ...he starts with... "...Father so disapproved my relationship with Washu, that he forced me to keep silent all these millennium. And then came that blasted battle, when I was forced to hunt down my own blood to not only 'serve' Jurai Core, but to prove my loyalty to Father.

But... I couldn't. I just couldn't do it. My heart was never in that battle from the start."

Yosho looks sternly into Ryoko's wavering eyes, but he then wells tears into them. "I should have refused form the start, but my protégé Tenchi at the time, was about to be chosen as Hand to Father. For me to refuse the Task, would have meant disgrace for Tenchi. I... I couldn't allow that." Yosho looks between a confused Ryoko and pensive Tenchi. Yosho: "And yet you see, I foresaw your current relationship with Tenchi. I am the Portfolio of the Seer after all. And the smallest of glimpses saw this much for you and Tenchi."

Yosho looks hard into Ryoko's disbelieving eyes, as he continues. "I did want to tell you when we did fight, but you were so determined to kill me that I never had a chance, I almost allowed you to succeed. At least until..."

Ryoko speaks with the her stone walled heart, seething... "You can't be my Father! Kagato said..."

"You actually trust what that 'fool' actually says?" Yosho quickly retorts harshly. Ryoko gulps, and then looks down. Ryoko's tone reflects with... "I... I... was his slave for so long, it was the only voice I was allowed to hear until our battle... when..."

"You did something at that battle. It changed you both." Aleaic finally adds in, not able to resist any longer, and knowing full well Ryoko is listening. "Something happened that changed you both so irrevocably. Like glass melted into a new form."

"How... do you do that?" Tenchi gapes in awe at Aleaic. "Ambassador's son." Al and Ket chorus out. Al just flusters comically at Ket, after.

"Perceptive. Verily..." Yosho says with impressed tone, as he decides to sit fully on the floor before continuing, all the same while Ryoko considers flight, with every moment, and syllable, that passes.

Yosho relates further... "Washu and I 'did' have an affair, and she was begotten a child from it, one that Father decided was Bastardized from the start, and taken away from us, from the very beginning." Yosho continues, as he wrings his own hands. "I had no chance to start a relationship... because."

Washu suddenly stands forth in the midst of all this. "Because I'm actually part Demon myself."

"What?" A great number of immortal voices say at once!

"But there was no record of this!" Tenchi blurts out, quite shocked! Ryoko is more so, and now has lost 'all' will of her flight instinct! (For the moment anyway.) Yosho however only nods, knowing this was coming. "Indeed."

Washu then adds. "It's a secret that was kept from me until I met Yosho, and then after, I still lived as I did, even though I embraced the goddess side, rejecting my demon blood. And I mean rejected to the core. Yosho helped me become the person I am now, through this change, even if I am still a bit..."

"Rough?" Al dryly adds to his hazard, though Washu only chuckles instead. "Yes... and because of this, I fell for Yosho so long ago, which led to you Ryoko." Washu says, more sounding like a regular person than her usual norms. Ryoko still looks upon all this, with dire disdain.

Yosho sighs just then. "Of consequence when all such was revealed to the Council, such a thing was forbidden by the laws of our Father, and not to mention an apparent embarrassment to Father, the same. When he also eventually found out of you Ryoko, he barred us from you, and then he locked away your Goddess half, and informed that only a full Demon had been born." ...causing the others look in astonishment at this!

"I... I don't..." Aleaic can only whisper out, as Tsunami clutches at his right shoulder lightly, with her gilded left hand.

Yosho: "We: Washu and I, knew the truth yet. All despite. But Washu was then threatened with a Severing, and I had no will against Father. And we were both so young back then." ...Washu blushing off kilter in Yosho facial tune.

"Um, when was all this?" Keturia queries in confusion, her curiosity beating Al to the punch. "If I can ask?"

"About the time of your Renaissance, over three earth millennium ago." Washu answers with a smirk, and she gets the satisfactory 'whoa' response from the mortals. "I feel young, all of a sudden." Aleaic ekes for Keturia.

"By the time of the battle, Father was growing tired of Kagato's constant raids on the System. And with you as his apparent tool, Father sent me to stop you. And I did, and I failed... because I didn't kill you. I instead reawakened your Goddess half. When that happened, you abandoned Kagato, and began acting independently again." ...such Yosho relates for Al not even asking... "This was seven hundred of your mortal years ago Sensei Aleaic." Yosho imparts, looking between Al and Ryoko, the former still awed by the time spans, the latter fidgeting direly.

Yosho: "During that immediate time, Ryoko grew to serve the System in the way we wished, Washu and I. Washu even set up that fake Enobia Virus Program to allow you the chance to prove yourself. The result was far more than we expected, and with you subsequently being awarded a Beta Level Goddess Certification. It was both Washu's and my proudest day, at least as equal to Tenchi being named the Hand, some eight hundred mortal years ago." Yosho stops, smiling, (Ryoko freaking, worse with,) and then a darker furl to his brow. "But.. we couldn't share in it, as it was still forbidden. And so, until now, I've kept my silence. It was a strain I nearly suffocated from, many a millennium."

Ryoko looks between Washu and Yosho, as the tale seems at a close, before she then growls with self-centered discontent."Yeah, so? What if that's all true? What now? I already found from Washu my motherly half, and now I guess Kagato was lying about my 'father'."

"What did he tell you Lady Ryoko?" Tsunami asks, trying to open her up much further. And it works, with Ryoko responding to the Alpha Goddess. "I was told... I was an experiment... a tool. That all of my existence was... was that of a Demon's will. I was forced to do many things, many despicable things. Assassinations, coups, datawipes and more, all too much more, all so 'he' could assert more and more power. And the more I tired..." The goddess tears are becoming more and more prevalent now. "...to resist, knowing I was being used to do such horrendous things, things something inside me... me... that... said it was all wrong... The more he would punish and revile me, back into a cold Demon." Ryoko then strikes a glance at Yosho, for her next. "That day, that battle... I attacked hoping I would die." Ryoko then lets the bulwark burst at Yosho with complete fury! "B... but, YOU DIDN'T LET ME DIE! YOU AWAKENED MY WORST NIGHTMARE, ALL OF MY HALF GODDESS BLOOD! All that SCREAMED of everything that made me weak! ALL OF IT! All you did was make my existence WORSE!"

Washu and Yosho look only in remorse, which finally causes Ryoko acts on her flight instinct, suddenly snap disappearing in a Dimensional Funnel Program! Kiyone shouts, and of course acts on her own snap instincts, and follows with her own Funnel Program. "OH NO YOU DON'T!"

"KIYONE! WAIT UP!" Mihoshi yells, following in similar fashion, albeit wacky!

"Aw cripes, Jovian style!" Aleaic yelps, as this starts a strange chain reaction, one that ends up with everyone outside in the star filled night! This of course means a 'fun' light show, as Kiyone tries to bring a viciously antagonistic Ryoko down, and Ryoko is making good headway for herself in the process!

"We have to do something!" Washu screams in panic, this is the only thing that could create such an emotion within an otherwise austerely 'calm' goddess. As such, no one else has ANY idea of what to do...

...except...

-Cheer in background!!- "GO DETECTIVE! GO! GET THE DEMON!" Ayeka 'helps' by using two Japanese fans as pompoms! Which promptly makes everyone else look at Ayeka dryly.

"I should call her here." Achika quips. Al blinking blankly... "Who now?"

All ignored as... "Kiyone! Hey Kiyone!" Comes Mihoshi's voice somewhere in the high dark.

"Mihoshi!" The sisterly service voice come from far off above them.. "Help me out here you bubblehead!" Mihoshi jumps into Detective mode and leaps into the fray.. "~ You can count on me Kiyone... YEEK-WHAAAA!"

Ryoko replies in suddenly 'kind'... "EAT THIS!" -Fired volley-

-Thud-

-Crash-

-SMASH!-

-Traded volleys-

-A bunch of screaming and cursing back and forth.-

-WHAM!-

-Thud xMultiple-

-Rapid fire shots-

-Some amount of screaming and harsh cursing, directed.-

-A slam, with a sarcastic laughter trailing away from it.-

-A GREAT amount of screaming and cursing, VERY directed.-

"Some help you are Mihoshi! Some Detective." ...Kiyone holding her head, on her back now.

"I'm sorry Kiyone! Are you mad at me?"

"YES I'M MAD AT YOU!" Kiyone screams, as she shoves Mihoshi off, and leaps up, opening a hand waved Program Portal, as she does! "Help me with this nullifier cannon! QUICK!" Kiyone yells a touch more harshly than required, but Mihoshi complies, and snap-too helps set up the shoulder mounted weapon. Ryoko looks down from laughing, and sees too late. "A Nullifier cannon?! You got to be... HOLY CORE!"

A massive plasma bolt rings out from the dark forest they all ended up in, and NAILS Ryoko in the chest. A 'surprised', not to mention '- painful -' scream trails down to a resounding crash onto the forest floor below, noted by the green trail of light, of afar looking.

"GOT HER! We got her!" Kiyone beams with pride, as she almost has a tear from finally catching a real perp. "I can't believe we did it!"

"We did it Kiyone! We really did it!" Mihoshi jumps up and down in glee. Kiyone then pulls out a set of glowing, rune etched manacles. "Let's finish this job Sister!" ...Kiyone says happily to Mihoshi. The latter still hopping. Both Detectives then rush with every bit of intent of actually bringing in a former top class Demon agent... (...Kiyone with 'intent' anyway, Mihoshi's still worried about Tenchi, all despite despite.)

This of course causes the inevitable.

"There she is. Be careful Mihoshi, she's still a threat." Kiyone...

"Alright." Whom that warning was given was ill directed, because with Mihoshi's mind still distracted, she accidentally finds out about one of Earth's best kept secrets: An above ground tree root.

Mihoshi fails to keep balance, and falls on the nullifier cannon.

Kiyone never sees the nullifier blast coming.

-PAINFUL SCREAM!-

(Ket afar: "Oh dear.")

... ...

Two miracle-esc quiet minutes later, as most the rest of the residents/drop-in's find them three. "Good lord. What happened here?" Aleaic sees twitter-blare eyed!

A scorch blasted, glowing cyan, spiky haired head pops up, glinted by the light of the city behind them all. "What do you think mortal-moron, a dance party?! Someone help me OUT of this thing." Ryoko whines within her predicament.

"Why, that suits you well Lady demon."

"Haha miss prissy! Haha!"

From the other two forms, splayed over one another, a muttering of curses, and a series whining 'ow' sounds.. "This all just gets better and better. -sob-" Kiyone sob-groans in lessening pain, as Mihoshi is out cold from the nullifier back blast.

Tsunami just groans, shaking her head. Strange that the 'tempo' of the shaking matches Al's.

... ...

Journal Entry - 12th April, 3417

*Recording Terminal / Module 0015A*

Mind me talking like a Kashik yodel, after a few too many stiff ones. I really need to put all this down, after what happened. (Course this is all just for moi, right?)

Um... well, so much for worrying about what to do with all the extra rooms now. All three residences are now being well used, though at least Sasami made them all keep up after themselves. Only the Temple itself is saved from immediate occupation. (Wonder how long that will last.)

The primary problem now, at the moment is keeping the peace, which is now more realistic since I put my foot down on the fighting, now with Lord Yosho's impressive help, and with Tsunami's health being my decry of cause. But 'much' worse now, apparently, is the news that Mihoshi is an apparent third suitor, much to Tenchi's chagrin, and to Ayeka's and Ryoko's displeasure. The stress levels are now even higher!

I don't know though, whether to console the poor chap, or laugh my butt off. The latter at great risk to my health. Where does it end? (Or should it?)

(Related of note: Tenchi is also quite loved by his Sisters and Mother. This matter I 'dare' not josh about!)

Of Achika's part of all this stuff, I learned came with Lord Yosho out of pure loneliness, as apparently even the 'insignificant' amount of mortal time Tenchi has been here has been quite great in this Jurai Core. If I didn't know any better, and like I ever have so, I'm starting to get the feeling these people are coming here to escape something. Though 'what' that could be, I have no clue. The time spans possibly involved aren't helping either apparently. As it is, I see Achika fawning over Tenchi like a good mother should, coming from experience. =^^=

And... maybe it's me or something... this Father of theirs doesn't seem that bad though, even with the story Washu, Yosho and Ryoko relayed. Maybe it's just me, again, but I think my Wish started a chain reaction that will end up solving a great many issues. I... sense. I just however get 'some' feeling that this Father is not as bad as it may seem. Got me why I feel it as such. Anywho.

And don't know why I'm talking this part out on the recorder here... The current, minor, immediate 'problem' caused by all this, (as if the larger problems weren't enough,) is that I still can't get used to being called Sensei by these obvious betters over my meager, human nature! Heck, my Sempai still doesn't respect me fully, and here I have very real gods doing it! Heck again, if Tasha ever found out my true life here, I'd think that she'd have a conniption! For all the interrelationships these beings already have for baggage, they seemed to have agreed on that one iota in a short span.

However, the relationships with Ayeka and Ryoko are still a bit on the cool side. I think if it weren't for Tsunami, not the Wish even withstanding, I'd be so much space dust! Even with the 'title' bit and all. I think on more of that, the title is just a word to them. The word depending on the individual. One learns a lot about individuals by their tone of words. Not that I really blame them all though, Ryoko or Ayeka of most note. (Wait... if not for the Wish, then I wouldn't be going through all this... is that good or bad? =Oo= )

Ryoko, is still quite 'frosty' towards me, because I dragged Yosho into the equation. Ayeka though is 'warmer' (not that I think she'll invite me to goddess parties for the moment,) because I was the one that had her imprisoned briefly. I guess Ayeka's ego is as tough to work with amicably, as Ryoko's nature is with her vein. But Ayeka understood that she was as much at fault as Ryoko for causing Tsunami's condition. And interestingly enough in fact, this pinning alone has led to the fact that I 'could' step my foot down and make it count. Retrospectively speaking, I scratch my head still. (And how not to push all the same.)

And surprising (doubly again,) is the fact that Ayeka is becoming a bit... um, (jealous..?) ...of my Tsunami. This concerning our relationship, even without the Wish withstanding. Unless I'm wrong (I hope,) I think I keep noticing her slipping hints to Keturia about marriage issues, and I don't remember Ket finding anyone lately. Is Ayeka playing games too now?

Yet again, my life is being steered it seems.. =uu=;; (Or is it Tenchi's? Hmm.)

Yosho meanwhile has taken to the now expanded Shrine Office unit, one with a bedroom and extra study area added, though the terminals were removed by request, as apparently Yosho was not all that a techy, even for one from such a super-technical existence. His presence 'does' help keep fights between Ryoko and Ayeka from occurring, by sometimes offering alternatives under the guise of competition, ones meant to gain more and more respect for each other. Defuse with their own devices, (rule #104 my own Father uses,) it's amazing how much the stuff I know, meshes with what these beings know. My own dad might like it here. Err...

As it is, Tsunami now enjoys much less stress on her powers, not to mention seeing Tsui back to her normal, cheery self, 'certainly' alleviates my worries. Guess my meddling got the main point dealt with. Costs to come I presume, will be replete anyway.

But all this doesn't do much about the Mihoshi situation, one whom actually is adept at finding ways to be near Lord Tenchi. (And I thought the situation just with Ayeka and Ryoko was bad.)The only reason as it is, that Ayeka and Ryoko don't blow her up, is Mihoshi's apparent Portfolio: Luck. You... or someone... figure it out. I don't even try too. I've seen too many weird things from her happen, in this short time span since arriving, so there. They try something, Ryoko and Ayeka, it backfires. Mihoshi tries something, it goes either way, and usually with Tenchi in her lap! Golly.

Kiyone's own Portfolio on the other hand is 'Duty', and her demeanor shows it. Despite being gentle in manner, it's a silken fist. And with Ryoko tied down by Yosho, she's decided to hole up at the residence until new orders arrive. (I sense her normal duties are not to her liking.) Part of her likes the Plane she's currently on, the other seems begging for an excuse to drag Ryoko back to this Jurai Core with her. Kiyone is an interesting book to read, as she likes to give stories about all kinds of events she and her self-said hair brained Mihoshi partner have worked on. And despite Mihoshi's seemingly lack of real time cognitive processes, Mihoshi does have a knack for excruciating detail, and they do apparently seem to be effective together. If nutty to witness.

Kiyone though just bemoans her literal fate being born in the same clutch as Mihoshi, and it's admittedly funny to watch. They haven't said much about my Wish, or the Contract I have with Tsunami. But I sense the same from them, that Ayeka has at present. (Emotion vibes wise. I'm worried.)

On far more better smelling fronts, food that is, Sasami meanwhile keeps getting cuter and cuter so, as Ryo-ohki and Ken-ohki constantly play with each other, and with Sasami, all three beaming happiness and joy into the Shrine. Tsunami doesn't even need to help there it seems. And now with Achika around (said there was food,) there's a threesome in the kitchen, and the food is becoming more than a five star restaurant could stand to approach! Or at least are such the common compliments to the three, from Ket and I be I. (Which has made my old habit of the late night egg roll snack, a 'dead' art, as somehow a platter of 'much' better food always awaits me when I think I can sneak otherwise. Even in the dead of night.)

Still further, Achika is a literal goddess send in any literal stretch, as it comes to technical issues. My Semester break studies, I mention here. In fact all the other Dimensionals really are, but Sasami has been the most forth helping, even surpassing Tsunami by a tad, even dropping her tasks to help out! (Uh... Wow.) I think at times the gals compete with each other at times even. I sure don't ask for that, but I keep getting it. It's because of that, that all terminals and network hybrid hubs are all up and running, perfectly by goddess standards even... (With 'actual' documentation as proof!) And the three even made a special dinner just for the unexpected occasion. (Didn't know finishing Terminal Network stuff here would cause such.) I think they overdid the excuse just to get 'drunk' on intoxicants.

Something there about that, in fact. How each and every one of them has a 'type' of intoxicant, is baffling! Even the reserved Yosho rounds out with, and I 'still' can't believe this: pudding, as his version! HOW... WHY... I don't... whatever. (Oh, I had to avoid another 'episode' with Tsui that particular night, when I survived 'that' party.) Those goddesses are 'frightening' at times when... well... drunk. I think it takes enough to get them going, much like human liquor and all.

Moderation. I need to teach moderation. (And fast!)

Keturia, meanwhile, is slightly becoming a tick overwhelmed by it all, though I just find it (strangely) all now reasonably normal. (Lords why I 'do'.) I just remind Sis that we can be as wild at home at times, albeit without fantastic powers and abilities. (Unless the old 'monthlies' count.) Ket for her part, has taken to Kiyone as well as Tsunami, both the more 'sane' members to turn to, and talk to. They be forming a small tea circle of sorts, as my Mom calls it. That helps to keep her sane, though it's a shame she has mentioned she has to go soon. Her presence has been at least if nothing else, my lone 'connection' to this planet. This, les I begin thinking myself as more than mortal, and one a foolish and stupid prospect to think myself as.

This I tell Ket, and to keep a bottom line in our respective lives. She tells me to keep my relationship with Tsui, as focus in the end. It's helped us both keep the waters calmer, mortal speak anyway. In fact, and anyway more as it is, I like being mortal, it's just a feeling that is part of my current motherboard. I've got nothing against immortals, wacky or beautiful... um, and 'both' as they are. I just feel it's not who 'I' am, or even barely feel comfortable thinking of myself as. I am born flesh and blood, and my entire life has been reflected in that. Maybe someday I'll change my mind, but definitely not now. And only for one goddess, at that.

Heh, maybe that's why I treat Tsui as other than a Goddess, giving her attention as per like a normal mortal should, and as much I think as proper. Though I joke about her lineage sometimes, it's meant only to get a chuckle. If anything, I feel her appreciation for this kind of treatment, though at times I actually do worship the feet she floats upon. Nothing can honestly 'ever' change that. 'Ever'. Truly ever.

I only hope I can truly prove to what is now relentlessly growing inside my gut. One of a deep and unrelenting force within, that is slowly screaming louder and LOUDER at me to selfishly take and hold onto this treasure, cherish it, and do it so openly without a damn to the world at large! Any world at all! And damned and divined if this Father of Whatever of Tsunami's ever dares take Tsunami away from me, this I swear. Even if I have to storm the gates of this heaven to get her back, if ever needed.

I... uh, just hope a cooler solution presents rather than anything harsh, at least for Tsui's sake.

S... sorry. Guess my feelings got the better of me. Heh, I think I'll try out a trick of Father's when he first dated my Mom.

Poems are a good tool, always have been.

*End datarecording: 0712.10*

... ...

-Kitchen, early morning.-

Aleaic comes downstairs to a empty living room, and then pokes his head into the kitchen and looks around. "Good morning Lady Sasami, Lady Achika.." ...progressing fully into the kitchen.

"Good morning Sensei." The two celestials say at once, which Al semi-cringes to, both giggling at the fully well known intent of such. Aleaic then notes Achika sports more normal human Spherical style clothing: slacks, blouse, the same as most the other females of celestial note, other than Ryoko, whom is keeping her deity attire out of spite.

"Did you sleep well?" Achika asks soon after.

"Like a log. Or on one anyway. I though swore I heard talking out here last night." Al reactively rubs at his neck.

Sasami giggles broadly. "Ryoko and Kiyone got into a drinking binge." Al blinks at this. "I think they are paying for that outside right now." Achika finishes.

Aleaic turns a bit pale, the sounds of retching playing across his mind.. "Thanks for the... uh... warning." Al meekly stammers, and then thinks. "Um, where's Tsui? Uh, not taking hints again is she?" Aleaic says with a chagrin.

"She went upstairs for something, just before you came down." Sasami announces. "I'd thought you'd both see each other."

Al blinks again, looks back, and only shrugs . "Guess not. I can check though."

"Ahem!" Achika signals loudly, cutting Al, teeth of white off.. "My daughter may be taking her daily ablution shower. So 'instead' why not just get Washu for breakfast for us."

Aleaic looks back, and meekly smiles apologetically, daintily nodding, before agreeing to the ever so dangerous task presented. "If... if... I must. (I need a bat for this.)" Al thinks, which the two goddesses look blandly on, which unto Al proceeds anyway.

"Mortal Men. Never thinking." Achika then tells a smiling daughter after Aleaic departs, before both turn back to finishing. (And both giggling.)

... ...

Journal Entry - 12th April, 3417

-Recording Terminal / Module 0016A-

'When you read this Beloved, I know you may be mad at me. But I felt I needed to know how you truly felt about me.

And now I know. Know that this is a surprise for me to know how far you wished to be able to go to keep me with you. I am growing more and more proud to be with you, and I wish to tell you a secret about me, when I see you later today. By then you will know what it is.

I have no secrets to hide, except one, and that will come in its own time.

If you will accept my intrusion, I will accept your heart fully. I am not afraid to tell you this, I'm only afraid you may face what you fear someday. I hope it will not come to that, and we will have all the time in your world, to explore this all, properly.

Until then beloved client.'

-End datarecording 0723.45-

... ...

Oh, and Tsui does 'perform' her daily requirement next, giggling in her thoughts as she goes about her routine. And for her surprise for this evening to come.

... ...

"-groan-... (I knew it.)"

"And you came anyway? How foolhardy."

Yep, poor Al is binded to a scan table (again.) "You know breakfast is getting cold. And how come Tenchi doesn't get this treatment?"

"Who says he doesn't." Washu plays her fingers all on the controls and pads that display all of Al's vitals: Aura Pattern, Bio Pattern, Electrochemical pattern. Even a few that Al can't make out, heads or tails.

"My my my. Tsunami picked a healthy one to Wish with."

Al shivers and whines upon thus. "Washu! Do you 'have' to say that?!"

Washu smirks back. "What's wrong with that? You're lucky you haven't picked up any burnout symptoms from being near us all for this long."

Al eyes pip. "Burn out?"

Washu cackles and cracks her knuckles. "Mortals and Dimensionals aren't meant to be in contact for this long. Keturia has begun manifesting more symptoms than you." Washu says helpfully.

Aleaic looks thoughtful for a second. "The awed sense of being overwhelmed?"

"Bingo! That and other aspects you don't realize yet. And I think it's Tsunami's abilities that kept you from screaming away like a overcharged Bug."

Aleaic looks quite pale. Gulping... "So. You guys are bad for us?"

"Not with this." Washu then says, and skips over, injecting something into Al's neck. A burning sensation that makes Al yelp! "ICH! That hurt!"

"Good! That'll be the best feeling. And with an occasional injection, your body will grow to adjust to the auras us Dimensionals give off, not to mention a few minor side-effects. Remind your sister to get an injection as well today, okay?"

The binded down mortal slits his eyes. "What... side-effects?"

Washu makes with the innocent (I.e. sadistic..) look. "Why give the fun away? Okay?" ..and a flutter of her eyes, more disturbing. Washu is about to turn to the console, to release poor Al, when.

"Ohhhhhh. What does this button do?"

Washu... "~ Eh? NOOOOO! DON'T TOUCH THAT MIHOSHI!"

"What? This?" -click.-

Al's trajectory: "WAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaa!" -SLAM!- A deck plate meets Al with the greeting of gravity, before a second plate can be heard crashing down back in the far places of the Lab, afterward. "...ow."

"OH MY! I'm sorry!" Mihoshi yells towards Al's inert form, far away. Washu though can only grumble. "Just... 'how' did you get in here anyway?"

"The door silly." Mihoshi quips too simply. Washu smacks her head. "I KNOW that, and I put a multi-spatial algorithmic lock on it, to keep you out!"

"You did? Wow, I'm flattered! It's usually only Kiyone that locks me out." Mihoshi quips as the same tone, which Washu smiley grinds her teeth unto... "Really, I... Ohhhhh... Nevermind... hey! HEY! 'HEY', don't touch that!"

-ZAP!-

"...ow." ...again from afar. Aleaic thereafter, manages to crawl/cry out of the lab in great pain, smoldering, medium rare and tenderized, just before Mihoshi hits a third button, flooding the Lab with carrots.

"Sorry."

"Mihoshi, your Portfolio is on the money. You know that?" -Carrot unto head Bonk-

"Thanks! Everyone else says it's only bad luck."

"THAT'S WHAT I MEANT!"

"...scuse me."

... ...

-Dining area.-

"Tough time poor Al?" Ryoko laughs from across in the living room.

"That's 'your' mother. You tell ME? Owww." Al winces, still smarting/crispy.

"Then you need to eat Al-pooh, come on."

"(Al-pooh?)"

"That's what she said, Contract boy." Ryoko laughs.

Aleaic just groans at Achika's description, and drags his carbon-ashen hiney to the table, next to Tsui. Most of the rest join in soon after, minus Washu and Mihoshi, still cleaning up the mess with 'help'.

"So, they still like carrots, eh?" Yosho remarks, dipping a egg-roll into a clam sauce.

"Indeed. They just inhale them like crazy." Ayeka responds, beaming with Sasami. "They're so helpful with that." Sasami chippers in.

"At least they're happy." Keturia remarks..

"Core isn't still sure how the Class Two's acquired such a taste. It wasn't anywhere in the original programming." Tsunami recalls for humor. Al blinking at... "Never?" ... "Indeed, not even Washu is certain how they acquired such a strange characteristic. But they eat, at least it makes them happy, which right now is a goddess send for Washu." Tsunami remarks out, to Al's noted amusement. The rest giggle in enjoyment, as they continue eating.

As for breakfast, it's a calm and cheerful affair, as Aleaic begins to enjoy a good month long rest before summer classes begin, with minor mid-term studies, though only two will be on that palate: Hyper-Gauss Networking, and Terra-High Frequency Communications Theory. (No programming. Al made sure of that months ago.)

Ayeka and Ryoko meanwhile did spice things up with a challenge to each other for Tenchi, over a game of holo-tennis in the light of morning before breakfast. "(I wish I didn't know how that ended up.)" "A: I'll won!/ R: I'll won!" A pair of rivals respond to Al's mental worry, whom concentrates on his egg-noodle scramble instead. (While outside, the ground had dozens of holo-ball shaped divots everywhere.)

As Al and Ket just chomp down on their meal, Yosho and Tenchi then change to tempo of the converse. Yosho: "You are learning my protégé, your sword technique is becoming quite a challenge to keep up with nowadays."

"Thanks Grandpa, but you still knock me on my butt alot." Tenchi chuckles. Aleaic looks at the two, just prior to chomping on a slice of tender fish. "Sword practice? -slurp-"

Tenchi, more than openly... "Yes Sensei. Grandpa has been teaching me to hone my sword skills as a way to help focus my mind, and especially as a way to deal with the bureaucratic politics of the System. Keeping a sharp mind helps cut through the bureaucracy that Father likes to deal and create with." Tenchi smiles to an impressed Aleaic. Al meanwhile looks thoughtful for a second about this 'Father'.

"Tell me. This Portfolio thing of this Father's, would his be 'Bureaucracy'?"

"Actually dear, 'that', along with Beginning and Structure." Tsui smiles.

Ryoko... "No wonder he's so hard headed." ...dryly comments, and a bunch of nods start shaking around the table suddenly, even Tsunami's, to which Aleaic just chuckles. "Maybe he is related to my Father."

"Related nothing Bro. Common thread!" Keturia suddenly adds with flair.

By the time the laughter dies down, Yosho, after stealing a glance with Ket, is looking at Aleaic, whom is in the middle of slurping up a noodle from some ivory carved chopsticks. "Would you like to join us Sensei?"

"Eh?" Al manages out, mouth full. Tsui wipes a bit of spillage before poking him.

Unexpectedly... "Join us for sword practice. Lady Tsunami's description of your martial prowess is interesting, maybe a little tweak will help you out." ...Yosho offers with insight, more than what Al's comfortable with.

As a result, Aleaic has the look of one having an internal split argument, with the 'half' of the conservative speaks first. "Um, wouldn't it be hard for a mortal to even practice with a god? No offense, but even Tsui and Sasami could probably kick my butt in a fight. Probably those cabbit things too."

After more giggles, Yosho levels even more. "Would it surprise you that, beyond our powers, we are more similar in physical stature that you may expect?" ...unto which Al looks surprised indeed. Yosho then turns wise. "If we were so concerned with the body, the mind would have faltered."

Al points his held chopsticks at the elder celestial... "You 'do' know my Father! I just know it! Heh, um, ah... anywho. I guess I can test that theory out. Just make sure to have Washu's med bed ready just in case."

"Then we shall meet on the dawn tomorrow Sensei." Tenchi raises a cup to Al, as does Yosho. This before Ket informs thusly, that she'd nab Al's holo-stereo there after the 'obvious. Al just stares at a 'smiling' Sister.

"Did Washu tell you guys?" Achika suddenly pings in, garnering expected interest. "The new up-link for the Goddess Network is up and running."

"Oh great!/Yeah!/Swell!" More than a few 'deity' voices respond. "Goddess Network?" The mortals reply with instead.

"It's a special tasking to Core entertainment programming services." Achika answers. Aleaic wishes he hadn't asked, though Ket only shrugs as Al quips. "Holo-vision even in the afterlife. What a concept. Ow! Well it is.. ow! Stop pinching me Tsui, owowowowow!"

The Lab door flies open just then, stunning the lot, as Mihoshi is then unceremoniously dumped out of the Lab by a frazzled Washu. Two happy, jumping cabbits bound out around Mihoshi's crumpled form, twoards Sasami.

"Ouch." Mihoshi whines.

Washu then walks out and locks the hatch behind her. "This Lab is off limits for the afternoon! 'Especially' to Portfolio's with Luck in them!" Washu then just stomps over and plops down next to Yosho and Tenchi. Mihoshi walks, falls once, rises and walks again over next to Kiyone, whom makes a great amount of room for the blond partner.

As they continue eating, Washu then helps everyone understand the way the Goddess TV wallscreen works, as well as the panel/remote to switch to the Terran channels, all 1,213,000+ of them, verses only 100,000 or so for the Dimensionals. (Al" 'And there is still nothing on any them.')

After breakfast, dishes are cleared, and chores are divvied out. Al and Tsui are suspiciously paired together to do the yard work outside. Ryoko gets away with only a trash run, but sticks around Ayeka to make a living heck of her work with the vegetables. Everyone ignores the sounds of Kiyone chasing maniacally Mihoshi with a plunger after the latter somehow tripped the former into the toilet bowl.

The murderous screaming continues to the outside, all the while Yosho and Ayeka are chatting near the garden spring and fountain, with Tenchi admonishing Ryoko in the background, though the latter sports a sweet shiner.

Al and Ket then get into a discussion about the 'worst' chores stories the two had when they went to a summer academy one year with their other sisters, a 'life character builder' bit, their parents did to them, which is replete in anecdotes and embarrassing moments. The immortals near around get one good chuckle after another. The afternoon seems destined to be peaceful by thus point.

And then all of a sudden.

"What are you talking about Washu?!" Sasami's voice carries in the wind. "Washu! Calm down will ya?" Achika's carries next.

"What's going on?" Ket asks from afar. The rest gathering around Al on unintended habit.

Washu stops in the midst of the surprised group, with a HUFF!"I said for NO ONE to enter my Lab!"

"Well, we didn't." Aleaic wide-eyed says, speaking for himself and Tsunami.

"Nor us." Yosho finishes for Ayeka and himself. Tenchi is tentatively included along with Ryoko.

"Are you sure about that hatch being locked Washu?" Tsunami questions. "Not even us types are infallible."

Washu looks at Tsunami a bit 'hard', then, Al looking back and forth at the duo. Washu: "No, it was locked. And someone got into it! Not now, but earlier today."

A bunch of heads turn almost instinctively to Ryoko. "WHAT! What did I do?!" ... "Where do we begin?" Ayeka snips to her amused hazard.

"Actually it's not her. Surprising, but not." Washu informs, defending her daughter, albeit slightly. Ryoko just raspberries her back, as Washu enunciates... "And who it was, is beyond my capacity to understand why she did it. And can only be such done with an ulterior motive! One that has had such a reason all day long." Washu grinds, as a thrumming sound can be heard... growing... "And Only one person would use such a device for such an 'incredibly' selfish purpose." Washu says, starting to level her gaze at her suspect.

"You're not making any sense Washu.." Al says confused, Washu finger butted to his nose! "Quiet!" ...this as Al misses a 'smirk' that was shown, right next to him.

All of course interceded, as the sound, most machine caused, becomes far too loud to ignore... "Eh?" ...most realize...

...and a short moment prior, as Washu continues, despite the 'more' than severe sound approaching.. "It 'only' doesn't make sense, because she's the only one among us capable for getting past my safeguards, which are only Beta Level... and... I said... WHAT is...?" Washu finally can't ignore the sound, nor the incoming sight along with!

"What is that? HUH?!" Tenchi asks, then watches agape with the others, of the detailed sight of a large hovering vehicle, one that comes in low over the residence, with something massive, connected to its underside! The trees around the Shrine sway about fiercely, along with a great deal of debris from around the Shrine. Everyone has to cover their eyes, along with a few thrown up Spell Shields!

"What the HECK is a Power Lifter YH-8900 doing here?! WHOA! Everyone get back!" Aleaic girly screams, as the said vehicle begins unloading something underneath, as it approaches. He also is too consumed with awed confusion to stay behind the Shield Tsunami threw up!

"ALEAIC! Please get back here!" Tsui yells, though it's drowned out by the immense THRUMMING! The goddess ends up following to protect the mortal of growing realization, as in the following span of three minutes, a large connecting superstructure, attached to the underside of the Power Lifter, is lowered in a rather staggered manner, as one end is lowered into a standing position for the other end, and then set into a sitting position. As everyone watches in continued continued confusion, they make sure to give lots of space, as the object, a large metallic humanoid shape is almost ready to be let go, a set of temporary control cables to the large object, helping it to become stable on the ground.

"Isn't that one of those mecha you talk about Bro?!" Keturia shouts through the windstorm generated by the Power Lifter above! Al only nods, though too engrossed to look back at Ket, or even Tsui near him.

The Lifter itself is basically a thick frame, with a cockpit, with four hover exhaust emitters, and a pair of repulsor-graviton generators are set between the two sets of emitters. The yellow and black striped colors denote its purpose, along with the brightly flashing, LED-strobe warning lights.

Then, as Aleaic is wondering what is going on, a group of hover-trucks pull up along the side of the residence, their hover engines squealing as the vehicles come to a stop, this just as the lifter releases the cable connections, and begins to pull away.

Aleaic is trading looks in both directions of note, before he then sees the face of his Sempai first, followed by the two flunkies, and several Dojo mates Aleaic recognizes: Hiwa, Tora, Sora, Nobuyuki, even Fat Dal came along! "HEY! HEY! WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?!" Aleaic angrily shouts with manic waving arms, as he bares through the suddenly lessening wind, as the Lifter begins to pull away with the last cables retracted. Al question quickly falls mute for a moment, as then he sees a pair just behind them all, one on poly-crutches, the other, a short haired brunette on his supporting shoulder. Al stops near Tasha as the others behind him watch.

Aleaic yelps past the Sempai towards the injured person of note. "Kero? Wh... what's going on?!" Aleaic shouts from Kero to Tasha, as he then stops and looks at the device, now obvious as being a large scale mecha unit, though 'quite' apparently incomplete.

Tasha... "Bad news Sophy. Kero, our primary pilot for the Inner System Race, is out of commission. We need a replacement."

Aleaic looks dumbfounded at Tasha, not sure where this is going. "I don't understand! Kero's been training for that race for months! What happened?!"

Tasha rubs her face as she explains. "Some punk from Rohak Academy jumped Kero two nights ago. We just found out yesterday from a call from his race partner and wife: Alana." Tasha thumbs the brunette looker behind her. "Apparently broke both femurs and an ankle, it'll never heal in time, even with Heal-casts. I hate to say it. And I really hate to say it, but, you're the only one with a high enough certification to enter the race." Tasha says with no hiding of her distaste for that comment.

Quite a few blinking eyes there, as Al's grow in shock. "H... hold a 'BLOODY' second! Where'd you get THAT idea?! I know I certified, but.."

Tasha sticks a large hand in Al's face. "Sophy, you know as much as we do, how important that race is to the Academy here. Heck, even Berlin Institute is entering a pair of units! We-us-you 'can't' back out of this one. And despite our relationship of late, hell, you're the last choice I'd want. But I also do know you are dammed good at being a pilot, and right now we need one."

Aleaic nervously folds his arms, which are barely steady. Tsui's nearby presence isn't helping any for once. "But... I've never run an actual race, just trial runs." Tasha growls again. "Tough. We can't find another pilot in time, and the race is only three weeks away."

"THREE!?" Al snaps back, though Tasha apparently WONT change her mind.

"Like it or not, you're it Kerensky. Live with it." Tasha then turns away from a stammering, frazzled, fuming Aleaic. The idea of being dumped on is nothing new for the Tekomi Sophomore, but THIS isn't even 'decent' in terms of scale! "Wh... whoa...! WHOA, wait! WAITwaitwaitWAIT! You ding dong dang well know the nature and rules of that race!" Aleaic arm-blaring shouts out... "I don't have a certified partner! Even I knew that much!"

"Well, you have three weeks to find one, or at least a good trainee!" Tasha shoots back, before dragging the flunkies back to their vehicle. At the very, least the other Dorm mates stay. Kero then crutches over to a 'flustered' Aleaic. "Sorry about the sudden news Sophy, but we can't skip this one. We even have a bet staked on it."

Aleaic looks over at the black, spiky haired Senior, still in his black pilot suit. Kero's usual attire choice, with a jacket that's a replica of the Cold Hawk Fighter Wing stationed near the Terran Capital of Geneva, Switzerland. More upon which displays many patches of races and tournaments participated in, with either gold, silver, or bronze stars on most of the patches.

Was it mentioned, there's a lot of patches.

Aleaic just sighs, dragging a hand into his mangy hair, quipping. "I won't ask about the 'bet'. But couldn't you guys have called first?"

Kero chuckles. "Actually we tried to, but the cellular signal kept coming back with a strange signal, one that kept playing the song: '~ Genius ~'."

Al looks 'dry' back. "(Washu, you twit.)" Washu raspberries Al from behind him. Aleaic then simply sighs in his usual dejection mannerism. "Are... you SURE you want me to pilot this thing? I'm not exactly that much of a top class pilot. Probably not even middle rung by experience." Al tries in vain to deflect this responsibility away. Again Kero laughs, as Alana speaks next.. "So? We had to start somewhere too. Remember the Sixteenth Outer Rim Runs?" ...to which Aleaic winces, Tsui looking to her Client, with mind-read worry.

"Don't remind me. That race 'wasn't' pretty for any of that competition spread, that race." Al bemoans the fact that even the Tekomi entry didn't make it unscathed through the series of Tesla-Plasma Class Three storms that slammed into the racers, not once, but 'four' times during the runs between the Tri-Worlds Complex of Halni, Cluster Gamma, and New Dalons, near the Crab Nebula.

Was not pretty indeed. Course, the Inner Systems race wasn't a peach either. The history memory plies his mind, as Aleaic then sees the looks in his Dorm mates and the two pilots eyes. He finally melts his resolve against this, against all better judgment. "Well, damn it all. IF I have no choice, then we'd better get started."

The Dimensionals and Sister behind Aleaic, suddenly look nervous at each other. "Brother!" Keturia then runs up and begins protesting. "The Inner Race is very dangerous! What if Dad finds out?!" ..this makes Tsunami listening become seriously reserved.

Al looks back with a sudden look of calm, one Ket gets annoyed with reason. "If? Not and if. And... I'll take the consequences. Heck..." Looking at the other Dojo mates, whom look more semi-relaxed now. Sorta. "...I can't be afraid of his approval or such forever. Still my life in the end to live. And I'm needed here. (Which is a surprise.)" he says, looking back at the other Dorm mates with a mix of resignation and purpose. "So. For the good of the Academy, what do we need to do?"

The Dimensionals look at each other again with a 'now what is Al up to?' look.

... ...

-Very late that evening.-

Aleaic finds himself in awe of the structure he's now enjoying himself, one essentially of a large floating bath. One with multiple tiers, each with small cascades of waterfalls coming down them, the floor tiers made of silvery marble, and lined gold.

The crystal holy water (literally) is even warmer than advertised, although the advertisement came as a shock, as it was Tsunami of all souls, that had actually breached Washu's Lab! This for a working Program model of a Goddess Onsen. How Tsunami truly did it, is still unsaid. But such not really needed unto either.

Aleaic takes his time to also enjoy the incredible crystal dome, one with the stained crystal image of a Jurai Core Rune, a pair of meshed 'W' initials, facing each other, colored blue and green, and with red stained spokes, coming out of several angles. The stars afar, seem to be absorbed into the dome, making them sparkle even more. That's when Aleaic realized what was going on, and why Tsui did all this.

It was the fourth month anniversary of when he and the Goddess, first met. The night and day that started a new phase of life for this once uncertain and overlooked mortal, one now the brunt of the hopes, dreams and respects of nearly all around him.

'That was some darned Wish.'

Aleaic sighs to himself. "I don't know what's going to happen next, but... I guess this race will go well, I just have to try." Aleaic, quite bare formed (now now,) and laying very submerged up to his neck, thinking of how to even begin to bring the hopes of an Academy to fruition.

Al thinks... 'Maybe dentistry would have been simpler. Nah, the practice hasn't changed much in five thousand something years. Still too much screaming.' Plus he mulls in mind, that and his Dad would have kicked him in the butt for not putting his neck out into the real world Al wanted. Even if this will garner a worried retort in motherly reactions. (Despite even the intentions a father had, they both knew better, even if unsaid for the most part, as yet.)

But the hopes right now looked rather bleak, with a semi-complete superstructure, and a bunch of operations modules not even tested for efficiency. Much less unto racing conditions, where kiloquads of commands and slaved mechanical responses occurred every second. Many of which was dependent on so many factors not even tested for yet. (Too many inter-System factors, in fact.) And never mind the containers full of other delicate components. Nightmare dudes, nightmare.

It's no wonder why this Onsen is so relaxing right now.

The Dojo at the 'very' bloody least, agreed to begin work tomorrow, that is after helping move the mecha via specialized remote control. A look behind Al from an Onsen window right now, would show the structure of the head sensor unit, poking out of the trees in places haphazardly. Why though they dragged it here still makes Al's head spin. 'Don't they have a DARNED storage unit for this thing?!'

No, the club budget isn't that spendy for something so 'simple'. 'Flakes.' Thankfully also at least, they all decided to head back to the campus dorm for the night. They can be loud.

Al submerges his head partially, and tries to think of something clever. He raises it back up with it half dripping. "Hmm... maybe I can get help of Darien. Yeah, that would work." Mentioning the head of the Asian Sector of the Corps of Engineers, one Al's Father said he owed a favor. (Once he got past telling his Father. Uhboy.)

And now was a doozy of a time for a favor. Simply figuring things out wasn't an option, though it might actually be fun, mecha is one of his hobbies. (Now a nigh life and death hobby.)

But that thought is squashed by the next glaring problem. 'Who will I choose as my partner? Gee golly gosh.'

"Why is that so important?" ... "Well... I... ACK!"

Aleaic dives under as he turns to look, and realizes Tsunami is standing over him, with only a towel wrapped around her! Aleaic's head starts to heat up, as he scrambled to cover himself somehow.

"Oh do come out love. Tenchi and Sasami are with me." Aleaic's head pops back up, and confirms Tsunami's info. "Sorry! You startled me."

"Al, it's a public bath you know." Sasami scolds Al, then notes. "Is your nose broken again?"

Aleaic dabs a finger at, and realizes his nose is slightly bleeding! He quickly grabs two towels from nearby, one for the nose, the other... well... "Sorry! Sorry! -muffled- ...the ...the hot water did it!" Al says nasally, shifting a lot for decency's sake. Tsunami starts giggling heavily, though Tenchi and Sasami are uncertain for a moment, until they remember their mortal training doctrine.

"Al! You... you naughty boy!" Sasami squeals, partly mad, partly gleeful.

"Mortals, such strange creatures. Really." Tenchi comments dryly.

Al looks blandly. "Are you three going to stand there all night berating me or what?" Aleaic chides, throwing the nose towel aside. The three slip on in, with Tsunami moving opposite of Aleaic, and Sasami sitting next to Tenchi, semi perpendicular in angle to the lovers. The mortal just makes sure he's well covered.

"I hope you like the gift I procured from Washu's Lab." Tsui then comments, this Al responds by looking around again. "Yeah, though... I didn't realize you had a preference for Bath's. This is kinda unusual for one. I like it, if just weird." Al quips, then looks at Tsui plainly. "And you're still not going to tell us how you did it huh?" To which the Alpha Goddess slyly shakes her head.

Tenchi still can't actually believe it, and then looks at the Inspected. "Well, you do look much more relaxed than earlier today Sensei.. How come you were so hesitant to do this race? And what is this race all about anyway?" Tenchi multi-asks, all the while, some sweet honey infused Sake` Sasami had brought, is passed around, the synthetic ivory bottle, one with a crystal lip edge, catching the dim light hinting in from the Onsen holo-lamps. The bottle and matching small goblets glint with the added 'overhead' glow, from the Orbital Ring. (One about as moonlighting anymore, as Luna ever is.)

"Well, I guess I overreacted. Not that Washu helped." Remembering afterwards of the chaos, Washu's egging on, once and after the bombshell was dropped. Aleaic just sighs a migraine away, in continuing.. "That, and the fact I've been at the butt end of so many dumb things from my Dojo, this felt like one of those kinds of things. Another mess shoved onto my shoulders." He says with a sip, and slight induced cough.

"But they didn't just hand you off a simple thing. This sounds really important to them Sensei." Sasami says, enjoying the sweet flavor. Al chuckles somewhat, though not from the brew. "That's probably why it's growing on me. -head scritching- As for the race itself Tenchi, well... woo. This is a big one." Aleaic takes a good stiff pull before starting the setup. The three Dimensionals pull their legs in close to listen, as Aleaic starts.

"Okay. The Inner Systems Race is a major competition among the major Technology Academies all around Human Sphere space. Mostly it involves Sol-Terra System worlds, and a few of the Inner Colonies. The Mid-range and Outer Colonies don't have the backing yet since this race involves a great deal of sponsorship. They don't have big enough universities with proper attention and funding yet. Tekomi meanwhile gets in with the help of several Nippon Territory based companies, mostly to help with raw materials and technical help. The R&D bit is our end of the bargain, plus a place to send... iffy projects. The larger main part of it all, the leg work, is on us students. That's the primary rule of the Races: We have to build it, test it, and fly it.

And... sometimes die in it." Aleaic warns in, gets the appropriate facial expressions. "You're kidding?" Tenchi meekly asks, and Al answers with 'one' shake of the head. Tenchi's immortal code-pulse stammers suddenly. (Nevermind Tsui's and Sasami's own.)

Aleaic continues, with a mulling breath... "Um... If memory serves, the race itself consists of starting off from high Terra orbit, this year from the Orbital Ring, now that it can support such, and taking a Hyperspace Booster unit to jump to each of the Inner Sol System planets in line: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, and sometimes a play with a nearby comet or other phenomenon, if one is near. I heard that the Unis Comet is going to be near Venus this year. Could be fun." Another swig, as the Dimensionals listen with captivation. Al: "The participants booster jump to each planet, and then disengage from their booster units, to run a pair of obstacle courses on each world, after which, it's a race back to the booster. About anything goes enroute. No joke. Save... attacks on the racers." ...Aleaic stops at, wondering there a bit. Tsui cocks an eye on 'reading' this.

"Gods." Tenchi says. Al just goes on. "There are judges, and automated sensors, that keep track of all the participants, and a time limit is set for participants to clear each zone, or there will be a Interdictor Signal Field emplaced, preventing jumping, and basically shutting down the slower mecha in their tracks, at least until the end of the race. They get picked up after jump sessions end though, holding space stations and all that. They live." ...another cup drained, effects being felt by the mortal.

"Wow." Sasami accents leans in, more and more interested.

Al again: "And, simply put, the first one from Earth, all the way past Mercury, and back around Mars, back to Earth, will win. It's a literal race to the finish. -another stiff pull- This with a BIG reward package waiting for the winning team, and for their sponsors. The race is also meant for the end result of the winning Institute's use of its blueprints for military testbeds for the Terran Core Fleet, which means even more credits for the winning institution."

Aleaic sighs, "All of that... and now, I guess I'm stuck in the middle of it." Aleaic shrugs about, semi-drunkenly.

"What about this Kero? What happened to him?" Tenchi speaks, passing a second bottle around. Tsunami meanwhile looks at her cup, listening.

"Thug hit. -sip- Someone from Rohak Academy, a technology institute located in the smack middle of the African Union, did it. Apparently they've been trying to sabotage several academies in various ways. They 'would' be disqualified, except if not for the damned fact that the Cairo Daystrom/Lockheed Group, only one of the five most powerful companies in the Human Sphere is sponsoring them. And no one is trying to look into the matter as a result." Al sighs as the Dimensionals look with enthused worry. He just puts out a last. "It'll have to be settled on the racelanes it looks like, if any satisfaction is to be had."

"How come you mortals overdo the competition iota?" Tsunami interrogates cock-eyed, sipping more of the fine brew.

"-sigh- A double sided blade for our species, sometimes it brings the best out. Others, well. I intend to bring the former, as the latter is most dishonorable."

"We will cheer for you all the way." Tenchi toasts Aleaic. The clink is joined by two others.

"But what about this partnership thing?" Sasami asks again, pouring for Tsunami. Aleaic nearly chokes on his cup as a result! "Oh... ack... that... -coughx3-." This topic brings a twinge of conservative forethought, and worse afterthoughts. *Which Tsui reads more than 'well' enough.) Blushing-Al: "A... apparently, the rules were amended this year, as it is the twenty-fifth annual race, and a special clause was agreed upon before last year's race. Um... that a pair of pilots 'must' be in each competition mecha. One male... ahem... and one... um, female." ...this raising certain eyebrows, as Aleaic gulps out further... "Before that, it was optional as to anyone any team wanted. Now the intent is apparently something do with some dumb Adam and Eve trend. I think it's wacko, but I don't make the rules." Al finishes with a sigh, not really noting the effects of the alcohol as much as they are. He however then notes as Tsunami and Sasami suddenly lean in closer. "H... hey! I didn't make the rules up! Besides, both pilots have to be certified."

"Or be in a training status." Tenchi stabs in, much to Al's chagrin. "We have good ears." Tenchi further crackpots out, downing some more sake`. Aleaic only rolls his slightly glazed eyes.

They're all starting to get a tad tipsy at this point, as Tsunami then chimes out... "Oh wow Dear. I think it would be incredible, sharing the stars as the pair of lovers race to gain glory together. It sounds so adventurous." She says, a twinkle in her eye. Sasami and Tenchi only down their cups simply. Al replies back more in defensive reflex. "Not all the pairs are lovers, it is still skill that helps determine the race."

"You don't think she can do it?"

Everyone, Aleaic moreso, spin around, and see of all people, Kero, still using his poly-alloy crutches, still set for a bath, with Alana helping him out, also 'attired' for the same. Al just slurs out.. "Huh? I thought you were back at the campus! And what do you mean by that anyway Kero?"

Kero crutch-staggers over with Alana's help across from Al, into the water. "I heard about this spa place after the others left, so we decided to try it out. And second: You know what I mean Sophy. Or should I say Sensei?" Kero accuses, as Alana giggles with the other females, as Al squirms and turns a beet red. "I, um, well... did, that is didn't, well I... um..."

Alana then bursts out loud laughing, making Kero laugh too. The lass former... "Goodness. I thought that color of red only existed on the underside of a shuttle on reentry!" This as Aleaic begins to submerge himself.

Kero then just snaps his fingers and chides the submerged Sophomore. "Oh, do get up Sophy. I think you two would do very well." Kero says, making the half submerged head of Al look thoughtful for a second, it then looks at a semi-embarrassed, or is it... hopeful... Tsui?

Al's then pulls his head fully back up and looks at Kero. "H... how do you know?" Aleaic lightly/drunkenly interrogates. Kero then replies as one would with an introspective mindset. "I can feel talent. It was how I met Alana here. Our ability to almost see obstacles and handle crises have been highly hailed upon, which is how we won so many competitions."

Kero then looks level, at his replacement. "And somehow I see you two in the same wavelength. It just strikes me how much, with what everyone on campus talks about you two." Kero chuckles. Aleaic silently just berates the campus clubs most gregariously at this point.

"I really think you two would 'very' well. Maybe even better than I consider." Kero finishes. "Course that's just my opinion. Not reality."

"We... um, wow... I didn't know." Aleaic reacts nonetheless, and looks over at Tsunami, whom has the look of flooded emotions. The one emotion she wants to hold onto is being swirled by many others. Aleaic's next act helps calm that raging storm, as he already knew somehow who he would ask anyway. He starts again with a sigh and a chuckle. "Well, then, I suppose ignoring it is futile, I was meaning to do this anyway, I guess, but was foolishly hiding it. But this seals it I guess."

"Al..." A goddess senses, as Aleaic looks at Tsunami's glassy eyes, almost sensing a similar 'question' likely to come one day. Aleaic lays it thicker than needed here, but such seemed appropriate for two still young lovers. He looks over and begins. "It would be a truly cherished honor, to share the controls of our mecha in the upcoming race, with one I cannot think of a better partner. Would you be that, I can call compatriot?"

Both the Dimensionals, as well as Alana and Kero, are surprised it came out like that, in so calm a manner. Tsunami just giggles at Aleaic's chivalrous and patriotic-like proposal, and responds. In the similar: "I would be most honored in cherish, to help pilot the behemoth we now share."

Tsunami's and Aleaic's laughter mixes along with most of the others. This lasts a good bit, just before Tsunami considers, and then surprises Al (and everyone else,) with a dearly passionate kiss, one that seems to be even hotter than even Alana's reentry joke description earlier.

So much so in fact... "Um, I think take we'll that bath... um... elsewhere now." Kero uses as a polite retreat, Alana likewise.

"I think I've had enough tea for tonight." Tenchi announces to no one in particular, and 'convinces' (drags) Sasami away out of the bath with him. The only sound a short (or long, depending) minute later is the slight moans coming from the kiss, with a slight amount of roaming.

It seems to go on forever, except that Tsunami suddenly pulls away, finally catching herself. "O.. oh! I'm sorry...! Sorry!"

"wAh... ha... what is it?" Al stammers, also struggling with composure.

"I'm so sorry! I was allowing my emotions to get the better of me. I didn't mean to force myself onto you." Tsunami pleads, her hands in front of her in self imposed shame. Aleaic just blinks, half his brain cells mush at this point. "yOu.. Ack... ahem... you didn't do anything wrong Tsui. If it's anything, it's my fault for taking advantage of you." Al says, imitating Tsunami exactly with his own hands!

"Oh no, you didn't take advantage of me. It's just that our Contract..."

"The heck with the Contract! That's not why I feel this way for you!" Aleaic retorts, and Tsunami looks in surprise at. "I... I... I mean, l... look at everything that's happened! All these... um, people, and everything that's happened! All the stuff we have gone through together. All this already in so short a time! You've... you changed my life so much, ever since you first came here Tsunami. I cannot see a life now where you didn't exist!"

Is Tsui blushing? Hmm...

Aly: "I... I... I... I just... wish I could repay everything you have done to turn my life around! I... I really feel everything becoming better with each sunrise. Each day I first look at you when I come down for breakfast. Each thought you can hear from my casaba melon of a head. I wish I could read yours sometimes too. I also wish I could understand more... No, I want to understand everything about you! I. I don't know life without you anymore! And, well, I don't... mind, um... the stuff we were doing. Even here. Really I don't." Al blushes as hard as Tsui does. "Al."

Aleaic even hazards out... "I... I just don't want your mom mad at me. But... I may not care about 'that' soon either, at this rate. I care for you too much now." ...put with a soft knead of her arms.

Each word has sprouted more and more tears, each happier than the last, many dropping into the crystal waters of the Onsen. It finally overwhelms Tsui's restraints, as the bear hug she gives Al almost cracks several ribs. But this pain is joyously shared. The skin contact among other such 'contact' swamps his mind. Tsui just whispers out. "I don't know what to say." Then she pulls away. Blue-Al... "Oh... -GASP- ...nothing much... needed. Air is good too."

Tsui giggles, but then offers on the same train of though. "But, I know what to show you. I think you should know what else I can do."

Aleaic looks with expectancy. "Huh? W... what do you mean?" ...and nervousness.

Tsunami just pecks Aleaic quickly, then pushes away in the large bath pool, just before then serenely floating above it, leaving her feet partially submerged. Her towel falling into a pile onto the marble bath edge, as water drips from her like a falling mist. Aleaic, wide eyed, is about to question her intent, (and reach for the 'nose' towel again,) when Tsunami closes her eyes, and makes a prayer like motion with her hands, and a flood of light literally blossoms from directly behind the Goddess! Aleaic is terribly blinded for a second, only to force himself to see through the light. "TSUI?!" ..at first, before then... "Oh... ...oh... my goddess."

He gapes in truly struck awe of the sight before him, as a second formal sentience has emerged from behind Tsunami, or more like, from within her slender back! A second female format with dark, long flowing red and pink hair, with strands of gold in it, and skin of a 'very' deep tan, regaled in a set with angelic robes, and very long, and rather extravagant Angelic Wings. Ones apparently very soft too, as one Wing, and a few feathers brush and flutter by Al's cheek and chest. They don't even get wet with contact with the water, instead making the holy water sparkle, where they touch.

The lower waist of the Angel turns ethereal at sight of point, as a large, glowing white cloud-like mist, silver-lined with a teal blue glow, swirls as the 'cloud' merges/melds into Tsunami's back, with showers of sparkles melded back. But the face, the same features and loving softness as the hostess, with glowing silver-blue eyes, that makes Aleaic suddenly sure of one something of a thing. Whatever religion Aleaic believed in just realigned spectacularly. (The religion of Cupid Light on the Planet: Hosh V, seems much more appropriate now. That sect, a religion based on love alone was the path, one Aleaic doesn't even try to argue with. And instant convert, go fig.) =^^=

"Oh... wow... what... is... is that... that you Tsunami?" This as Aleaic's stance now, is that of one in prayer, unconsciously mimicking Tsunami's pose. "W... who... who are... you...?" ...he puts, as if the new sight, was a formal person, all her own. Such as what Aleaic saw in seeing her the Angel.

Tsunami opens her eyes, which are joined by the Angel's. A slightly unnerving effect on top of all of Aleaic's mishmash emotions at this point. She then introduces. "This, is my merged Soul Partner and Angel: Angelic Creation. I hope I didn't frighten you too much by introducing her."

Al just waves back, blankly. "M... m... m... me? Frightened? N... no way, except for... ACK!" Realizes his 'stance', and relaxes it quickly, as well as 'modestly', back down into the water. Al then sees the Angel has its own 'will', as it sorta floats and moves with just enough self will, like it almost was separate in will, yet obviously still of the same mindset as it's gorgeous 'owner', as it moves it's head when 'willed', yet again with enough independent movement.

Perfectly so in Al's mind. "That... that is so 'amazing' Tsunami. Wow...!"

Tsunami and the Angel, linked as they are, both smile at the same time.. Aleaic chuckles heavily as she(s) does this. He just remarks to his earlier confession in this kind. "Well, I asked for it."

"Indeed." Tsunami giggles, Angelic Creation mimicking. "All Dimensional Goddesses are imbued with Angels from our moment of creation-birth. We invoke them as we wish, but it is nothing that harms us when we do so. Also, only goddesses can do this, as male Avatars have a different format to use. And now you know, because... because you deserve to know everything about us. About me. And to also know what's within my heart." Tsunami completes, all the while as Al drinks all this in, getting ten times more 'drunk' off of this, than the sake` earlier imbibed upon. Aleaic only nods blankly, and quietly stares, totally captivated for a good bit, (as Tsunami expected him to be,) which makes her even eternal heart feel more warm and comforted.

Then without warning. "Wow, can you be 'anymore' special?" Aleaic says, as he looks at the way the slight breeze from outside sways both the feathered Wings, and both manes of hair of the hostess and angelic. both share stares with their 'client'.

They stare at each other for a long time. For a very long time.

... ...

A mother sighs at the sight of this continued glow from the Onsen, the rest situated at the posterior of the main residence, as she sips some sake` herself. She then hears from next to her. "They seem to be at it again."

"I know." Achika says before sipping her cup. Yosho looks over with a cocked eye, before they note the mortals Kero and Alana heading for the guest buildings, and then Achika's own kin approaching. Achika just accuses lightly. "I see a mother does not have much use here anymore."

Tenchi just balks. "Aww come on mother. Isn't Sister a grown goddess now?" ...unto this, Achika slurs back. "It's not her I worry about." ...and this Sasami just comments. "At least Sensei has the gawking part down pat."

"What a bore." ...this heard in annoyance nearby. "Just rock the house, if they both want it." ...Ryoko comments out, blandly.

"I'll have you keep such comments to yourself 'lady'." Achika objects dryly. Another voice just 'agrees'. "No kidding demon. You have no sense of romance. I'll be sure to teach Lord Tenchi properly in your stead then." ...ever one for Ayeka to combat with.

Ryoko just rolls her head 'up', from her lain back position, looking at Ayeka 'upside down' as a result, and quips. "Romance still leads to one thing. This planet crawls with that end result."

Ayeka just moans and looks away, not interested in another tiff. Tenchi just sighs meanwhile. "Um, can we talk about something else now?"

Sasami openly beams out, for her part... "Sensei did ask Big Sis to help him pilot that thing. Sister Tsunami seems really happy about it." ...as she thumbs the hard to miss mecha.

Achika looks a bit dour at this, as Yosho then offers. "Then should we all not assist as well?"

"I'm going to." Tenchi says without hesitating. Yosho cocks an eye at this, before Sasami adds. "I'm in too. This race Sensei described sounds really exciting." ...with a couple soon added meow, from bouncing to shoulders, to head, cabbits.

"And dangerous." Tenchi reminds Sasami. Ayeka blinks over on hearing. "Good heavens. Would this be a reckless decision then?"

"And yet the young Sensei seems to have confidence enough from his peers. I plan to do the same then no less."

Everyone gives Yosho an off kilter look, before Achika then remarks. "Then we shalt do no less either. A family should always stick together. No matter what."

Tenchi and Sasami gives a warm smile, despite the worry in Achika's spell encoded heart.

"Might as well help to see who crashes." ... "Ryoko!" Most the celestial gathered chides.

"Then we're all agreed." ...this the noted look back, as Washu and Kiyone stand at the back entrance, all then looking at the Onsen still aglow. Kiyone just remarks. "Might as well believe as much as they do. Even if that thing looks like a pain in the ass." Kiyone remarks to the inert pile of mecha nearby. Even Washu feels a migraine coming on, just looking at it. "Yeah. Mortal vices. Ugh."

Achika decides to comment at the last, her worries more ancient than just ones immediately apparent. "I just hope it all works out better this time."

No one comments further from there.

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-Aleaic's room. Early morning.-

Journal Entry - 13th April, 3417

-Recording Terminal / Module 0016A-

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I love her.

-Silence for several minutes.-

-End datarecording.. 0710.12-

(End Part Three)

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