Chapter 3 'Training session'

Thinking back, the training session that day had begun, much as always.

Rigorous conditioning of the body and its reflexes were forever, an on going process one simply understood.

However, the past few years had witnessed among other remarkable events, a steady lessening in the severity of Katsuhito's more negative commentary as to his performance.

While it had become clear Tenchi, had long since surpassed his grandfather's raw measure of 'holy power', as most 'Jurians' seemed to call it. As crystal also however, was the 'old man's', yet superior ability to skillfully apply it.

While routine perhaps, Katsuhito's wily nature assured training was rarely monotonous. Particularly a recent stunning suggestion out of the apparent blue, that Kiyone join them when her schedule permitted!

Thus Tenchi's adventures over the last few years had taught, if anything, that there was still much to learn and no finer instructor imaginable.

However, on that day it was much as it had been in years past. Not that thinking back to it now Tenchi could say he didn't understand.

The recent events which had 'arranged' a one-year detour in the course of his life also guaranteed the inevitable commentary from his grandfather upon his return.

The gruff fashion in which Katsuhito had gone about his instruction had been littered with references regarding Tenchi's 'laxness' in his training, while on what Katsuhito insisted calling a 'vacation'.

It had however provided another clear indication how deeply his disappearance had effected them all.

On the other hand it had been difficult for Tenchi to get a really decent grasp on. 'It still was'. I mean, from his perceptive only a few days had passed!

"Let us begin with the basic forms." His Grandpa had intoned, adjusting his glasses. It had been just the two of them that day, there on the training grounds.

Kiyone and Mihoshi were 'off planet' for about two weeks there about. Tenchi wasn't clear on that point.

It was becoming progressively harder at times to keep all of the various 'comings and goings' strait in his mind.

Looking at that quiet regal old man, Tenchi never so much as thought the name 'Yosho'. It was simply impossible, even now to think of Katsuhito Masaki by any other title than 'Grandfather'.

"AGAIN?" He had replied, a little too 'smart mouthed' in retrospect Tenchi now believed.

"Whenever reason fails, and logic surrenders nothing." Katsuhito had sighed, his voice a tired yet patient mantra.

For Tenchi, however that quiet sibilance was the same as a force ten earthquake.

"We must always return to the basics." His Grandpa had nodded emphatically.

"The mightiest tree after, is nothing without its roots!"

"Oooh." A crooked smile had stole across Tenchi's features.

"At dusk even the shortest man casts a long shadow?" He had smirked.

Straitening then Tenchi had crossed his arms in a good rendition of his Grandfather's current stance.

"I see, I see." He continued, adopting a gruff tone, copying his grandfather's nod as well while Katsuhito stared.

"A woman who cooks carrots and pees in the same pot is unsanitary?"

The slight pause, which followed merely for effect as Tenchi, hazarded a grin his grandpa's direction.

"That sort of thing?" He then asked, in his own voice.

The reply had been a lighting swift strike, blocked without apparent effort as their boken came together with a thunderous whack! Over the top of which Tenchi took a moment to casually smile.

"Finally slowing down? Eh Grandpa?"

He had blinked even as he said it, because the old man was simply gone!

Tenchi's mind had only started framing the disappearance when a booted foot connected firmly with his posterior.

"No." Katsuhito countered softly, inches from his ear.

Tenchi had instantly whirled, sword extended. His 'roundhouse' swing intercepted almost casually as for the briefest of instants they again stood, eyes locked together over crossed boken.

"Damn sloppy." Grandpa muttered, before shoving Tenchi violently backwards forcing him to tumbling off balance.

Or so it seemed...

Less than a heart beat later, a tactfully extended leg hooked his opponent's left ankle and Tenchi had the satisfaction of hearing a mild gasp as the older man lost his footing.

Rolling to his feet, dropping into a workable attack / defense stance, just as his Grandfather recovered with his usual alarming speed. Insuring again the two faced, some distance apart, each studying his opponent.

Behind his guard, Katsuhito had seemed hesitant in that instant. Yet, years of these sessions gave Tenchi, 'some' ability to read most of his grandfather's moves. Though at times even that seemed in of itself 'an elaborate feint'.

When it came to Grandpa, Tenchi had learned always, to err on the side of paranoia.

As he stared, the short distance between them had allowed him to note the pupils of his grandfather's eyes 'narrowing' ever so slightly. An effect similar to when anyone's eyes were exposed to a sudden flash of light.

In this case however, the direct effect of that minor dilation prompted the small hairs on Tenchi's neck to begin an electric dance. Sufficient warning for him to erect his own defense an instant before a brilliant flash of light erupted to his right. As an incoming clod of earth easily the size of Tenchi's head suddenly exploded against his light hawk shield.

The hard cast of Katsuhito's maroon eyes had 'softened' ever so slightly. The ghost of an approving smile dancing on his lips, permitting Tenchi a small feeling of pleasure.

Prompting in turn however the air around him to explode from multiple impacts. Clearly, however Tenchi had not dropped his guard, as slowly from the center of a maelstrom of earthen debris, he had emerged.

Deflecting a last incoming missile with almost an indifferent swing.

"Enough!" Katsuhito intoned softy as all about the clearing, chunks of rock, earth and fair sized logs, halted then abruptly fell. Leaving his grandson only slightly ruffled from the effort.

"I believe you may, at last be starting to learn." Katsuhito said, his gruff tone and manner betraying as usual nothing.

As he adjusted his glasses before suddenly turning away.

"Huh?" Tenchi had murmured aloud as his grandfather continued away.

Crossing the clearing toward the distant shed, signaling training was complete for now. Having only just gotten started, Tenchi was understandably confused.

There was no way you could have convinced him his grandfather had been tired, or was 'slowing down', again he simply knew better.

A small noise just then to his left had instructed that he glance the indicated direction, the reason grandfather had stopped practice early becoming abundantly clear.

Maintaining a respectfully distance from the training area, Ayeka, was resplendently dressed as always.

Set off that day however by thousands of hand embroidered bead patterns, streaming from hem and cuffs from a predominately-dark indigo colored gown. Accentuating her beautifully light completed skin.

The usually twin ankle-length hair trains she commonly favored were replaced by possibly as many as fifty French braids laid in concentric rings, holding her hair in place to just above center of her back.

The total effect, stunning. Making her look, nothing less than what she was, a princess.

Her outfit however commanded far less attention than the intensity of her gaze. Her eyes were gleaming like rubies in the morning light. Ayeka appeared to his reckoning to be slightly out of breath. On of her delicate hands clutching her collar as she watched him excitedly. The intensity of her gaze had bothered Tenchi somewhat at that moment, though he had not found her scrutiny completely unpleasant.

"My Lord Tenchi." Ayeka almost gasped.

The first princess had one of the oddest voices Tenchi had always thought. Pleasant, downright melodic for the most part when Ayeka maintained a normal conversational tone that is. Get her even the least 'riled' however and...

Well, a dentist drill would seem soothing by comparison.

Elegantly bowing, a Japanese custom she had adopted, Ayeka then made way toward him. Each and every stride chosen with utmost care till she had again paused at what he could tell was a carefully measured distance away. Before executing a second graceful bow, this time, extending her arms towards him.

"I thought you might be hungry!" She told him carefully.

Almost concealed within her elaborate sleeves were two square bundles, tied in what Tenchi could already tell were very extravagant wraps.

Bowing automatically himself to receive them, he paused, noting curiously that Ayeka seemed to be trembling.

"I wonder if she's tried cooking again?" He thought unpleasantly, already mentally 'bracing' to endure an afternoon of indigestion, if indeed that were so.

Leaning close as he was, Tenchi caught the aroma of her perfume. Instantly further focusing his attention, immediately recognizing 'Dark Moon Woo' a fragrance which he only recognized because it was one Kiyone always wore.

A bit of a shock, as Tenchi distinctly remembered remarking to Key only recently then, that he liked the scent!

"Yes?" Ayeka asked hesitantly. Forcing he realize he'd been 'bowing' longer than was proper.

"Oregoto Ayeka" Tenchi had said, mentally kicking himself while attempting to recover.

"And I'm certain they'll be delicious!" He added tactful, perhaps a bit too elaborately, again in retrospect.

Hey, hind sight as they say is always twenty/twenty. But as they both straitened, he had then noticed Ayeka's face more then slightly flushed.

Glancing over his shoulder at that moment had given him a moment to consider. It had also allowed him to break eye contact. Moreover, automatically 'sighting' grandfather where Katsuhito stood toweling himself, Tenchi had been very glad to be able to share what was certain to be another intense culinary adventure, as misery loves company to be sure.

"And I'm certain grandpa's hungry as well!" He said buoyantly without looking directly at her. It was clear that he had not been 'thinking strait'. Not that, that was any attempt at an excuse for his being just plain dense.

"Oh?" Ayeka had answered lightly. Too quickly, he only now realized, once again in retrospect.

"Well, why don't you go see?" She added pleasantly. Tenchi did remembered vividly however, glancing at her, noticing Ayeka's eyes were misty behind a very sweet little smile.

He'd been... too preoccupied at the time to notice. The sight of Ayeka had set him to thinking.

In the aftermath of his home coming, 'It had only been a few weeks at that time'. Tenchi had steadily become aware of a certain 'restlessness' in everyone, himself included.

The events which had occurred over a solid year inside of 'Haruna's world' which Tenchi only really knew about because his family and friends had related the information to him. Was less than a distant dream in his mind.

Only certain impressions... feelings and a vague general sense of... something? Were all that remained. The plethora of actual dreams and occasional nightmares resulting had been almost as unsettling as knowing that someone, some 'thing' had lifted him clean out of his life for slightly over a year.

He supposed he had simply, 'resumed' where he had left off unable, or perhaps unwilling to consider the changes everyone had been force to undergo in his unremembered absence. Perhaps, he was being a trifle hard upon himself in that small respect at least.

But upon hearing what Both Ryoko and Ayeka had done, what they had endured. Tenchi had been filled with a desire to do something for both of them. Something meaning full.

Ryoko had expressed a desire to learn how to cook on more than one occasion. The only problem being that she really couldn't taste food in the conventional sense. Tenchi and most of the household had managed to 'piece' that tidbit of info together over time. Though the occasional informative raves of Washu.

Direct question from the indicated source were never advisable. Hour long impromptu lectures complete with visual aids and bizarre contraptions often ending in someone getting smacked, hammered, mildly electrocuted or 'probed'. Hardly seemed worth the effort for knowledge gained.

The year however that Ryoko and the princess had spent hunting for him had born unexpected fruit in the form of them both having to have taken temporary jobs in a family style dinner type restaurant.

While neither of them had ever exactly 'cooked' while there, Ryoko had at least worked in the back a few times. Enough that she had 'at first begrudgingly' learn a few of the basics.

And an off handed comment that she could now 'boil noodles with the best of them' had helped Tenchi hit upon a plan. Specifically after catching sight of an old ramen cart, abandoned behind Atomy's junk shop in town.

Among the 'other' complaints around the house had always been the one about immediate 'cash flow' with the princess among other making less than veiled comments as to a certain 'lay about'.

'Bum' had been the word used by Kiyone on more than one occasion applied Ryoko's direction. The good constable had gotten a lot more verbal about such things after one of Ayeka and Ryoko's 'tiffs' had blown a wall out of her and Mihoshi's apartment a while back. Resulting in both police woman getting kicked to the curb. Forcing them to sleep in the Olsen until Tenchi had insisted they take his father's old room.

The old cart had seen better days but was salvageable. And with some honest work and a mild investment plus a system he and Sasami had worked out so that Ryoko could just use a chart to add ingredients and spices...

And wah-la! Ryoko's ramin cart was born!

Tenchi, among others had been pleasantly surprised at how fast Ryoko had taken to the notion! Apparently she had always had the desire but had never gotten the proper direction. Ryoko had shown on several occasions she understood the concept of money.

Tenchi's desire to fathom some reward for Ayeka however... had been a lot more elusive. What dose one get for a princess?

Key had been less than helpful at the time he had been stupid enough to ask her advice.

Hey! She was the only woman in his immediate circle who had made it plain she wasn't out to get into his bed, his pants or his genetic code!

However a good stiff 'boning' had not been the kind of suggestion he had been looking for, or expecting for that matter.

His answer had washed up almost at the houses back door the following night.

"Is it Jurain?" Tenchi had asked Sasami a while later still. When the opportunity had at last presented itself.

They were along in the kitchen, the rest of the household mob off doing their various 'whatevers' when he had chosen his moment. The second princess had glance over at what her was holding, her already large expressive eyes widening that much further.

"Reyo's Majesta!" Sasami had gasped in instant recognition.

"Its a bonding pendent Tenchi." She had added, noting his blank expression.

"When a child of Jurian royalty is assigned to a tree, a pendent like that one is created to assist with the process of 'syncing' their life forces. The three stones act as a sort of amplifier to allow a chosen Ouke-no-ki to adapt its self to a specific persons life pattern."

Sasami had reach out then, touching the middle of the set of three white stones, each round and smooth. About the size of a robins egg. As Tenchi watched the stone Sasami touched glowed with a pale residence.

"Huh..." Tenchi had muttered. "Id just assumed that you..." He stopped cold instantly remembering just whom he was conversing with.

"That most Jurians were, I don't know just born joined with a specific tree...?" Tenchi added hastily, trailing of towards the end awkwardly. Aware of how silly he sounded to himself. Frankly after all of this time he still didn't know all that much about Juri, its people or its customs. A few major things yes.

"Not really..." Sasami giggled, looking at him fondly. "No." She then indicated the pendent once again.

"But this one here, this the Majesta which was given to Ayeka so that she could bond with Ryeo!"

"So this thing is really important?" Tenchi had asked, instantly wondering if had stumbled on to something about which he had better rally the troops!

After a lot of really... and I do mean REALLY weird things had started around him after what seems the most insignificant incident.

"No, not really important." Sasami told him, instantly fathoming the start of that wild look in his eyes no doubt.

"Not in a bad way. After the bonding is completed, the pendent really isn't useful anymore as more than a reminder."

"So it has sentimental value then?" Tenchi had asked carefully. Already starting to form the germ of an idea.

"Very much so!" Sasami had nodded.

She then reached out again with a fingernail, tracing the delicate patterns of metal and wood that the stones of the Majesta were set into.

"Each and every pendent is unique. And signifies the bond between a Jurain and their tree." Sasami's eyes then turned a tad wistful as she added.

"Ayeka was heart broken when she realized this had been lost in the crash."

Tenchi had spent the next three days meticulously cleaning the Majesta, then making a box in which to place the pendent. He had simply been waiting for the right moment to spring his surprise.

Upon seeing Ayeka that morning at the training ground, he supposed his brain had simply 'switched off'.

...

"I'll be right back." He had said, somewhat concerned. Without really putting a lot of thought into the matter.

Always moody, Ayeka's manner had seemed somehow slightly stranger than usual.

Hesitantly, Tenchi had started toward the shed, certain the princess would prefer not crossing the dusty training area in her elaborate dress. A second glance as he neared Grandpa confirmed he was right.

It also started him thinking about how nice it would be to see Ayeka face when he present her with her lost pendent.

Yes, he had decided later that day would be the perfect time!

"See what Ayeka's brought us!" He announced when finally only a few feet away from grandpa.

Katsuhito instantly started. The rarity of such an occurrence enough for Tenchi to mirror the gesture.

His sense of wonderment only growing as his grandfather then turned, regarding him oddly.

"W-what?" The old man actually stammered!

"A-Ayeka made lunch!" Tenchi supplied with increasingly less enthusiasm, continuing to hold the lunches out for Katsuhito's inspection.

"Eh?" The old man grunted, numbly accepted the offered package. Obviously, Grandpa had been concentrating on something else?

"I guess she figured we'd be hungry after today's training." Tenchi continued cautiously with a shrug.

"Though I can't figure out what the occasion is."

"Or why she's choosing not to stay while we eat?" Katsuhito inquired softly, gesturing over Tenchi's shoulder.

Turning in response, he had been just quick enough, to catch the briefest last glimpse of Ayeka's back Retreating as the princesses hurriedly away vanished over the hill.

Dumbfounded, looking then bewildered, back towards his grandfather to see Katsuhito in the act of unwrapping the boxed lunch he had been given.

"Look." His grandfather had said fixing Tenchi with an almost hateful glare. Holding the box lunch out so the contents could be more easily viewed.

Inside, the body of ingredients had been arranged in the shape of a heart, surrounded by white rice to all edges of the tin. That and general selection of content, showed meticulous attention to detail.

Though the appearance of some of the ingredients themselves 'indicated a certain crudeness?' as to their preparation.

Clearly however this was not Sasami's handy work.

"Uh…" Tenchi muttered stupidly, breaking into an embarrassed half grimace that wasn't a smile. But seemed to have the effect of gasoline tossed on a fire, when his grandfather suddenly erupted.

"What kind of thoughtless idiot have I and your father raised?" Katsuhito muttered hotly.

"Are you so clueless and stupid as to think this was meant for me?" He continued his tone uncharacteristically harsh.

"I… Uh?" Tenchi had attempted.

"Your inability to understand, even the most blatant advance by the opposite sex never ceases to astound!" Katsuhito snapped clearly unwilling for any back talk.

"I find my self wondering, if you truly have any of your father's blood in your veins!"

Tenchi must have blinked, several times as the angry words slowly began to penetrate his astounded consciousness.

"NOW WAIT JUST A SECOND!" Tenchi had managed instantly hostile, not believing how completely pissed his grandfather suddenly was!

"NO!" Katsuhito thundered.

"It is you! Who have waited far, far too long! Do you expect these women to wait forever?" He gestured curtly at Tenchi almost spilling the contents of the lunch tin.

"For you, to make up your, simple mind?"

"Well I…" Tenchi gaped, totally at a loss.

"And what of Mayuka?" His grandfather interrupted harshly.

"Surely, she deserves a mother? Well as..." The old man paused, his eyes, if even possible growing even harder.

"My apologies!" He added thickly sarcastic.

"I had forgotten for a moment to whom I'm apparently speaking!'

Tenchi had just stood there, unable to believe what he was hearing, let alone who was saying it!

With a final disgusted snort, Katsuhito had turned and walked away, letting the boxed lunch fall at the feet of his astonished grandson.

"Grandpa!" Tenchi had almost begged. "Wait!"

He was wondering if he should even try to explain, wasn't certain if he could. At the moment Tenchi had been too overwhelmed to even start the process of piecing what had happened together.

However, Katsuhito never paused, never looked back as he walked slowly along the path towards the distant shrine.

"Life isn't a game boy!" His grandpa had sighed tiredly, casting his final words over his shoulder just loud enough to carry.

Words, which still burned Tenchi's spirit, like fire.

"You have got to think about the future!"