Disclaimer: By now you should know the drill. I don't own Tenchi Muyo or any Tenchi related series and plots. All I own that deals with Tenchi Muyo is a few lovely mangas, some Ryoko pics, and this fanfic which is the result of my imagination. I am not making any money from this. I do this only to entertain you and myself. I also do this for those of the Ryoko+Hotsuma legion.

Chapter 7

When the Dust Clears

Ryoko lent upward and kissed Kagato on the top lip of his opened mouth. With a fierce satisfied look in her eyes she sung Au revoir Kagato. And she pushed the rest of her saber into Kagato's heart.

The hilt of the saber protruded from Kagato's chest as Ryoko let loose a violent cry and a blinding light illuminated from the saber.

Hotsuma could no longer see but he could hear Kagato yelling in pain along with Ryoko's earlier cry.

Hotsuma called shielding his eyes.

Hotsuma couldn't see and all he could hear was Ryoko's and Kagato's screams. But then he heard something else but not with his ears but in his mind.

Ryoko how? Kagato asked

That's simple, I love him. Ryoko answered warmly.

But he's just an illusion. Kagato gasped the approaching death audible in his voice.

It doesn't matter. I love him and he loves me! He makes me happy and that's all that matters. I don't care if he's an illusion. I want to marry him and spend my life with him. Ryoko said increasing her power as she pulled the sword to her upper left. The blinding light intensified more just before a small explosion erupted from Ryoko's powers.

In the lab everyone watched as Ryoko suddenly spun on her heels and stabbed Kagato when they were all sure it was time for Hotsuma's demise.

The scene began to brighten and no one could see anything any longer. Lil' Washu is the picture fading? Tenchi asked.

Maybe you need to adjust the color, or give it a good smack. Mihoshi suggested reaching out for the monitor.

Washu slapped Mihoshis hand away. No, nothing is wrong with the I-spy. Ryoko's causing this. Washu said quickly placing a shield around the house.

The scene on Washu's monitor began to break with static, W-what's happening? Sasami asked as the house began to tremble.

The past is the past and the future is the future,
A man is a man and a woman is a woman,
The present is the present
I am who I am and you are who you are.
That's all there is to it. It doesn't really matter.
Or do we just think it does?

-Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop)

Hotsuma laid stiff on the ground. Even without moving he could feel that every part of him felt sore. He could feel his body slowly healing itself from the wounds Ryoko inflected upon his body.

You can still give a good fight Princess. Hotsuma thought to himself smiling slightly.

The last time he woke up like that was when he fought Ryoko back on that snow and ice planet; well at least it wasn't cold here. The sound of birds and insects rung in his ears, he could feel the early spring breeze flow coolly across his raw cheek.

Hotsuma slowly opened his eyes. A fuzzy bright yellow fooled his vision then a beautiful calm blue with patches of white. Fear elevated into Hotsuma's heart when he thought that the light had distorted his eyesight worst than it already was. But the fear subsided when he remembers he had removed his glasses to transform.

A different fear took over his mind. Ryoko... Did she survive? Where was she?

Hotsuma felt something warm touch his hand.

Hotsuma whispered the panic eased and his heart stopped pounding madly in his chest. With what little strength he had Hotsuma pulled Ryoko up to his chest.

Don't start. Ryoko moaned. Through his squinting eyes Hotsuma could see a blur of cyan then Ryoko's tired golden eyes staring into his.

Did Ryoko really say those things? Does she really mean it? Hotsuma wondered. He felt Ryoko squeeze his hand just before she laid her head down on his chest and passed out from fatigued.

Hotsuma smiled and placed a kiss on Ryoko's forehead. With that his strength was gone, his head dropped and he too blacked out.

Neither Ryoko nor Hotsuma heard the excitement as everyone ran from the house to help them.

Lil' Washu will they be all right? Tenchi asked as he and the others watched Washu check Ryoko's and Hotsuma's vital signs.

Washu looked up at Tenchi. Yes they will be fine. Nothing a little rest and their own healing capabilities won't cure.

Without warning Washu's body changed from that of an eleven year-old to that of a full adult. It didn't matter that everyone had seen it before Washu in this matured form before it always took them by surprise. The main surprise was that in that matured state it was much easier to see the resemblance she and Ryoko had to each other. Except for color Ryoko had Washu's eyes and her nose. And Ryoko's spiky uncombed hair wasn't a style it was somewhat genetic. When Washu was an adult her red-pink hair wasn't as long but looked much like Ryoko's. As an adult it was easy to see the Washu was Ryoko's biological mother.

Washu picked up Ryoko then turned to face the others. Stand with your mouths opened like that and you'll catch a fly. A deep womanly voice said to them. C'mon and stop staring! One of you get Hotsuma and help me get them into the lab. Washu said walking away with Ryoko in her arms.

Katsuhito gave Tenchi a small knock on the head.

Ow! Oh right grandpa. Tenchi said running towards Hotsuma. Tenchi pulled Hotsuma onto his feet and swung Hotsuma's arm over his shoulder. Hey can someone help me? Tenchi asked.

Ayeka quickly ran to help Tenchi with Hotsuma.

As Tenchi and Ayeka entered the house Noboyuki stepped outside (Mihoshi finally freed him by accident). Hey the house actually survived this time. Noboyuki said glad they didn't have to sleep outside in sleeping bags again.

Five days passed and both Ryoko and Hotsuma were still unconscious. Everyone pretended they had full faith in Washu but still they worried about the conditions of their friends.

I wish they would wake up soon. Tenchi said aloud sitting down on the couch. Tenchi did not notice Ayeka was already sitting on the couch knitting.

Lord Tenchi, are you actually concerned over the welfare of Hotsuma? Ayeka asked mischievously.

Tenchi smiled, Well yeah. He has Ryoko's affections and he does love Ryoko so much that he fought to save her, he even fought me for her. So I guess he's not a bad person. Tenchi said.

Tenchi this is the first time I've heard you call Hotsuma a person. Ayeka said sitting down her knitting.

Tenchi was about to answer when Washu (back in her childish body) ran from the lab screaming at the top of her lungs. They're awake! They're awake! They're awake! They're finally awake!

Everyone ran into the living room. How are they? Kiyone asked over the happy cheers of Mihoshi.

Hungry! Actually Ryoko's fully awake and the hungry one. Hotsuma's still waking up but it wont be long. Sasami, is there anything for Ryoko to eat? Washu asked.

Well there's still some stew from lunch. Sasami said.

Two large bowls of stew, I'll come back later and get something for Hotsuma. Washu said winking one eye.

Two bowls of stew coming up! Sasami smiled as she ran into the kitchen with Ryo-oki on her head.

Hotsuma stretched as he yawned. When he didn't feel any pain or stiffness in his body he knew he had completely healed.

Hotsuma sat up and tried to get a good look around to gather his bearings. He could see very little without his glasses, only slightly blurry shapes that he eventually made out after squinting at it for a few moments.

Hotsuma looked to his left and saw a figure floating in the air slightly bobbing. Hotsuma closed his eyes and inhaled the air. Sleep well Princess? Hotsuma asked.

Suddenly Hotsuma was on his back; he could feel Ryoko's strong thighs clamp down on his legs. Hotsuma sat up to remove Ryoko from atop him but she quickly grabbed his wrist and forced him back down to the bed.

I've told you about calling me that. She hissed through her teeth.

Please forgive me...Princess. Hotsuma smiled fiendishly.

Ryoko repositioned herself as she pulled Hotsuma's hands down to his sides then closed her strong thighs over them pinning them to his side.

Washu told me to give you these glasses when you woke up but I think Ill hold on to them. Ryoko said swinging the glasses before Hotsumas eyes.

Hotsuma laughed lightheartedly as he phased into the table.

Ryoko protested looking down at the empty table.

Hotsuma reappeared behind Ryoko and softly wrapped his arms around her and planted a caring kiss on her cheek.

Ryoko managed to turn in his arms. You missed me that much? Ryoko asked placing the glasses on Hotsuma's face.

Hotsuma smiled as he could finally see Ryoko clearly. More than you can ever imagine. Hotsuma said removing the star pendent necklace from his neck. Ryoko's golden eyes sparkled with happiness as she leaned forward and kissed Hotsuma with utmost passion. Hotsuma slowly traced his tongue over Ryoko's fangs as he fastened the catch around Ryoko's neck.

Now that's much better. Hotsuma said staring lovingly into Ryoko's eyes.

You know you look handsome with your hair down. Ryoko smiled running her fingers through Hotsuma's long golden blonde hair. Hotsuma pulled Ryoko towards him once more with a hungry look burning in his pale blue eyes.

Washu walked into the lab with Ryo-oki bounding in behind her. Hey, hey, HEY! Washu called. You two need nourishment now, do that stuff later in the privacy of your room instead of defiling my lab!

Calm down mom. You say that as if you never had sex in your lab before. Ryoko said with a knowing smirk on her face as she and Hotsuma walked out the lab door.

Everyone was waiting outside the lab door when Ryoko and Hotsuma walked out.

Ryoko! Are you all right? Did Kagato hurt you? Sasami asked glassy eyed.

I'm fine Sasami just starving. Ryoko said patting Sasami on the head.

Ryoko Hotsuma you're better! Mihoshi cried giving Ryoko a crushing bear hug.

Ryoko could feel her own spine crack but she sympathized with the bubble-headed woman and returned the hug.

Hotsuma and Tenchi exchanged a look then shook hands. No hard feels I hope. Hotsuma said.

Tenchi glanced at Ryoko then at Hotsuma. Well as they say if you love someone let them free. And more or less Tenchi could confidently say that he did care maybe even was in love with Ryoko. But she had made her decision. No. No hard feelings at all school boy. Tenchi smiled.

Enough of this mushy stuff lets eat! Ryoko said rubbing her hands together.

Sasami watched with joy as Ryoko and Hotsuma ate the stew full-heartedly. I'm happy you two are awake. Sasami said.

Yeah without Ryoko to stuff an extra four bowls into her mouth there was a lot of food leftover. Ayeka said.

Aw! I knew you missed me. Ryoko said in an annoying tone that matched Washus. How about you Ryo-oki? Ryoko asked winking at Ryo-oki.

With a happy purr Ryo-oki leapt onto Ryoko's shoulder and nuzzled against her cheek. Ryoko laughed lightly as she used her chopsticks to feed Ryo-oki the soft pieces of carrots from her stew.

Two weeks later... Everything seemed veiled in a sheet of blue and shards of waxen moonlight caught in Ryoko's spiky cyan hair as she sat on the roof sipping from her small cup. Washu's magenta red hair was now a pale pink from the moon's lighting as she too sipped saki and smiled up at the bright stars above. The saki was just the right temperature in comparison to the brisk night air around them. To Ryoko it felt warm and smooth as she rolled it around her mouth the taste nothing less than pleasing. This was the good stuff, the kind you savored instead of gulping down for the mere intentions of intoxicating oneself. They both were talking about the results of the Kagato incident.

How did I destroy Kagato if whatever harm inflicted on him would also be dealt to me? Ryoko asked.

Kagato likes to play challenging games sometimes. As he said himself there was a way to kill him, just it was seemingly impossible. The impossible case in this scenario is you killing Kagato. Since you were under his power he believed that there was no way for you to kill him. Washu said.

But how did I break free? Ryoko asked.

Don't you remember what happened when you were about to kill Hotsuma? Washu asked.

Ryoko rubbed her right temple with her index and middle finger. I-I remember seeing the necklace, then I started having these flashes... I saw you, Ryo-oki, Tenchi, Ayeka, Sasami, Hotsuma, and everybody else. Then I started to feel something. Ryoko said staring into the bright night.

Um, just as I thought. Washu said rubbing her chin. Ryoko do you ever remember breaking free from Kagato's control before? Washu asked.

Ryoko closed one eye while the other looked upward as if she was searching for the memory with her own eyes.

I remember! Ryoko shouted almost spilling her saki. I remember when Kagato recaptured me before Mihoshi released you! When I thought Kagato killed Tenchi! Ryoko said triumphantly.

Your emotions overpowered the bound Kagato had over you and the gems. When you saw the necklace around Hotsuma's neck that started the memories which held get emotional value to you thus releasing you from Kagato's hold. The moment you were freed our link snapped open again. Washu said.

You head everything that went through my head? Ryoko asked. Washu nodded. Did you access my memory? Ryoko asked. Again Washu nodded, just this time slowly and with a sad stricken frown on her face.

Washu sat down her cup and looked teary eyed at Ryoko. I thought I had lost you again to that spineless bastard again Little Ryoko. Washu said.

Aw Mom. Ryoko whined at Washu's motherly conversation.

Here me out Little Ryoko. Washu smiled. I may not act like much of a mother at times but I...well I- Washu couldn't find the words.

When Kagato recaptured me he tried to turn me by telling me that I meant nothing to you. That you didn't very care about me as your daughter but as an experiment. I tried so hard to prove him wrong but you know how convincing Kagato can be at times. But I know in your own weird twisted way you love me. Ryoko said.

Washu smiled as she sniffed away her tears.

Ryoko then did something that would forever stun Washu. Washu could hear Ryoko's heart beating strongly in her chest. It took Washu a moment to wrap her arms around Ryoko and return the hug.

Ryoko! Princess, where are you? Hotsuma called from the porch.

Ryoko looked over the roof edge, I'll be right down. Ryoko called. I'll be right back don't drink all of the saki! Ryoko shouted jumping over the edge.

Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as she reflected on Ryoko's sudden acts of love and tenderness.

Ryoko landed before Hotsuma and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Need me handsome? She asked.

Hotsuma held her at arms-length from him. Ryoko I wanted to talk to you about something. Hotsuma said.

So I've noticed. You've been walking around with something on your mind for three days now. You know youre no fun when youre thinking like that? Ryoko asked.

Princess, did you really mean all those things you said to Kagato before you killed him? Hotsuma asked.

You heard me?! Ryoko asked with a look of shock on her face.

Hotsuma nodded. Did you mean it? Hotsuma asked.

Ryoko was too stunned to answer Hotsuma. But how did you hear me? Ryoko asked.

Hotsuma grabbed Ryoko by the shoulders and teleported them both to the roof top to Washu.

Lil' Washu can you please answer Ryoko's question so she can answer mine? Hotsuma asked.

Sure, what's the question? Washu asked. Ryoko quickly explained the situation.

Oh that's easy. Because you two have been naughty and had intercourse your gems have been slowly adapting to each other. Ryoko sudden gain of memory was mostly the cause of Hotsuma. But when Ryoko increased her powers to destroy Kagato that snapped the gems' connection into full power. Washu said.

Hotsuma elevated an eyebrow at Ryoko. In simple terms when you and I first...had sex our gems reacted to each other, sort of adjusting to each other. When I kill Kagato my increased power sent something of a feedback through the gem you assimilated with. The results you are linked to me just like Washu. Ryoko said smiling with her eyes closed and her head titled slightly to the right.

Now that you have the answer to your question Princess, I want to answer mine. Hotsuma said teleporting them to the porch again. Did you mine what you said to Kagato? That you loved me, and wanted to marry me and spend the rest of our lives together even if I am an illusion. Hotsuma said.

Ryoko wrapped her arms around Hotsuma's waist and laid her ear to his heart. I am a space pirate, and as you know I'm very powerful. That kinda makes lovers scarce mainly because theyre afraid of you. You never ran away from me Hotsuma, even when I pushed you away you never left me. And I love you for things like that. Hotsuma I meant every single word I said to Kagato about you. Ryoko said.

Hotsuma pulled Ryoko away from him and looked into her lovely golden eyes. Even though I am an illusion? Hotsuma asked.

Ryoko smiled and nodded. Even if you are an illusion.

Hotsuma smiled as he quickly pulled Ryoko towards him and kissed her with all of the passion in his heart. Hotsuma's gentle lips messaged with Ryoko's equally soft lips. Hotsuma grabbed a handful of Ryoko's black and blue kimono as he felt a pleasurable sensation ran through his spine. Ryoko also felt this wonderful feeling going all through her body. Although Hotsuma held her tight with his strong warm arms Ryoko shrived with pure pleasure. (How many of us had a kiss like that?)

Hotsuma fought against his love, lust, and other desires to reluctantly part himself from Ryoko's lips. Ryoko you don't know how happy that makes me. Hotsuma said.

I have a small idea. Ryoko sighed still in recovering from the kiss.

Hotsuma smiled. You don't understand Princess. I was worried that you wouldn't want a life with me. Hotsuma said.

What do you mean? Ryoko asked furrowing her brow.

Hotsuma bent down on one knee as he removed a green velvet box from his pants pocket. Ahem. Ryoko Hakubi, my princess will you give me the greatest of honors of becoming my wife? Hotsuma asked opening the case. A gold engagement ring with silver ivy of cherry blossoms wrapping around the band sat on a deep red silk lining of the case. Hotsuma knew before hand that Ryoko had stolen rings far more expensive than what he was offering her. But that didn't matter when he saw that ring in the jewelry store he knew it was meant to be worn around Ryokos finger.

For a few moments Ryoko stared open mouthed at the ring and Hotsuma's hopeful eyes.

Inside everyone watched with anticipation as they waited for Ryoko to answer.

It was Tenchi who told everyone to be quiet and watch for Hotsuma. Tenchi knew even before Washu that Hotsuma wanted to propose to Ryoko, in fact it was Tenchi who convinced Hotsuma to ask this very moment. Not like him it may seem, but Tenchi knew Ryoko's love for him had changed and Hotsuma was the man of her life now. It was time for Tenchi to stop thinking about himself and the peace. That was the main reason Tenchi didn't decide, he wanted things to stay the same. He didn't want any of the girls to feel hurt and feel that they had to leave the house, and leave him as well. That was wishful thinking, things would have changed away. Then he became selfish and wanted no one but Sakuya. If he hadn't none of this would be happening. But isn't that what happens when you make a decision? Isn't that what happens when you don't? You have to deal with the consequences. And now Tenchi was facing up to his.

It's been five minutes now and she still hasn't answered him. Sasami whispered. That brought Tenchi from his thoughts.

She's still in shock. Ayeka said.

Yeah when I proposed to Tenchi's mother it took her a whole hour to snap out of it. Noboyuki said.

I think my Little Ryoko deserves to take as much time as she wishes. Washu whispered as she focused her camcorder on Ryoko and Hotsuma. But if it takes too long I'll answer for her. Washu said.

Ryoko! Answer him! Mihoshi yelled.

Kiyone yelped sweat dropping as she quickly placed her hand over Mihoshi's mouth.

The two oni did not notice the audience watching them from inside.

Ryoko, Hotsuma is waiting give him an answer. Washu said mentally giving Ryoko a knock to the head.

Tears formed in Ryoko's eyes as she took the box from Hotsuma's hand. I will. She whispered. Oh Hotsuma I Love You So Much! Ryoko shouted for the whole world to hear her announcement.

Hotsuma jumped to his feet and held Ryoko in his arms. He kissed her over and over with pure happiness.

From inside there came a loud cheer. Yay! Ryoko said yes! Sasami said.

Ayeka wiped the tears from her eyes as she shouted her congratulations.

Washu released the camcorder allowing it to recode the couple on its own as she began to cry of happiness. My Lil' Ryoko's gonna be a wife.

Toddler form Ryo-oki jumped up and down miyaing her congrats.

This cause for some saki! Noboyuki ran off into the kitchen followed by Katsuhito.

All right Hotsuma! Mihoshi yelled as Kiyone whistle and clapped.

I told ya you could do it Hotsuma. Tenchi yelled.

Ryoko and Hotsuma looked towards their cheering family. Together they laughed as Hotsuma spun them around in circles.

Hotsuma looked into Ryoko tearful smiling eyes. Princess you're beautiful. He thought to himself.

Ryoko smirked. I heard that.

Hotsuma blushed, he had forgotten about the link he and Ryoko now shared.

I think I like being called Princess now. Ryoko sent to his as she kissed him

End Chapter 7

Finally I finished chapter 7. So sorry it took me so long, but as said school's been wearing me thin. A few more to go before this lovely is completed. I'm kinda sad that I will soon be ending this. Well please review.