Chapter Fourteen: Haruna

A rose bloomed red in the darkness. Two lovers danced beneath a tree at the center of a lake. One was a young man with dark hair, the other a beautiful pale woman with brown hair. As they danced the man got close.

'We're almost there.' he said.

'Yes…' she breathed.

The vision changed and the woman was hacking and coughing bitterly, the man leaning over her. 'Haruna…' he said. 'are you all right?'

'Yosho…' she breathed.

'I'll always be here with you.' he assured her.

But he wasn't. Yosho left her. Left seeking something. And Haruna remained alone. Until at last, she faded.

Washu sat within her subspace lab typing. Screens flashed before her eyes and she scanned over them and took in their information. Before her appeared images of Tenchi's data, then an image of planet earth. Then the various sub-planes surrounding it.

She smiled in satisfaction. 'Hmm…'

Sasami stepped out of Ryo-Oki and glanced up to the Cabbit. 'Thanks for the ride home, Ryo-Oki.'

'Sasami, my little Sasami!' cried Misaki. 'You're home at last!'

'Hi, Mommy.' said Sasami. 'I need to speak to dad in the throne room.'

The countryside of Japan surged by. Ryoko watched the woods and fields pass the train, or was it the train passing them? It didn't matter, it had been six months since Tenchi had disappeared. And they still hadn't turned anything up yet.

In the other seats, Ayeka and Kiyone and Mihos looked almost as down as Ryoko felt. They hadn't had the energy to fight about anything ever since that day. That day when everything had seemed so right until Tenchi didn't show up.

Yosho sat on the doorstep, looking out over the mountains far beyond. It was a beautiful day outside, but he could not enjoy it. For his grandson was gone. And no one knew where he was. Still, Yosho was confident he could take care of himself, one way or the other.

'Father.' said a voice.

Yosho looked up. 'Nobuyuki…'

'I just saw the police.' said Nobuyuki. 'I reported Tenchi as a missing person.'

They should have done it months ago. But with a genius like Washu it hadn't seemed necessary. As they combed every inch of the forest, it had slipped them by. Yosho sighed. 'I see.'

'Autumn has come.' said Nobuyuki as he sat down, loosening his tie.

'It has been six months.' said Yosho.

'Six months and no word.' said Nobuyuki. 'If Tenchi were alive he would have contacted us. I can't bear to think of what might have happened to him.'

'Nobuyuki,' said Yosho, 'Tenchi is strong, and he knows the ways of Jurai.' He stood and walked to stand by the lake. 'Try to have faith. Believe in Tenchi.'

'Yes,' said Nobuyuki, 'you're right.'

Ryoko flipped through the police reports they had provided her, looking for any leads. She sensed Ayeka come up behind her and shut the book in resignation. Then she looked up, already knowing what Ayeka would say.

Ayeka didn't say anything. She just shook her head. And that was enough.

Together they made their way out of the police station and walked back, hands in their pockets. Their eyes were on their feet, and neither knew what to say. Soon enough Kiyone and Mihoshi joined them.

'So I got back the reports on time-space distortions on Earth.' said Kiyone. 'Looks like the Galaxy Police haven't been scanning the region at all. The place is a bit of a backwater. They've started on it now. Mihoshi's family are important, so her request got through, but it'll be a while before we can get a response.

'Any luck on your end?'

'Not a single clue.' said Ayeka finally.

'We'll search.' said Ryoko, trying to stay upbeat. 'Yep, we've got Washu's orb.' She looked at her wristband.

'Well I'm sure we'll run into Tenchi any day now.' said Mihoshi. 'Just you wait he'll come walking around that-'

Then she tripped. And in the process of tripping, she bumped into Kiyone. Kiyone bumped into Ryoko, who knocked down Kiyone and before long they were a pile of limbs on the ground.

'Damn it Mihoshi...' said Ryoko.

'Ow...' said Mihoshi.

Later in a diner, Ayeka waited tables. It was something she'd had to get used to while trying to go undercover. Kiyone had been a big help getting her used to all this. At first, she had hated it, but she would endure it for Tenchi. 'May I take your order?'

'Yes,' said the man, 'let's see… I think I'll have a double hamburger. Japanese style with chicken risotto.'

'Yes sir.' said Ayeka. 'Let me see if I have this down right, you would like one double hamburger Japanese style and one chicken risotto.' She paused. 'Oh, and would you like anything to drink with that? We have freshly brewed coffee which is very good.'

'After we finish eating.' said the woman.

There was a shout, and Ayeka looked up to see that Ryoko had gotten in trouble with the manager again. This kept on happening, and if it continued they were liable to get fired. Ayeka needed Ryoko to keep it together.

Tenchi was supposed to be in this area. If Washu was right, that is.

Suddenly there was a clattering, and a crash and Ayeka looked up. Mihoshi had dropped her plate and sent it clattering to the floor. Kiyone had her back to Mihoshi and did not look like she wanted to turn around.

She put her hands into a prayer position. 'Oh please, God, don't let me turn around and see what I think it is…'

It was what she thought it was. Ayeka smiled despite herself.

Later that night they got back to their apartment and promptly collapsed. Ayeka fell to her knees and breathed out. 'I'm exhausted…'

'I am so beat.' said Kiyone, leaning against the wall.

'We're very exhausted.' said Mihoshi, lying on the floor.

'The bathhouse closes at ten.' suggested Ryoko.

'I think I'll pass tonight.' said Ayeka.

'I know we have to,' said Ryoko, 'but holding down a job while we search for Tenchi is so draining.'

'We're lucky they hired us without references.' said Ayeka. 'Everybody comes in there to talk. We might get some news about Tenchi.'

'If we're lucky.' said Ryoko bitterly. 'Fall is here.'

'Yes,' said Ayeka, 'the seasons are changing. It's been six months since…' She trailed off.

Ryoko kneeled by their bags. 'We've traveled to so many places looking for Tenchi.' Then she looked up, brighter. 'Well, I think that everything's going to change now that we're here. The orb as well.'

'Why don't you check it?' asked Ayeka.

'Oh, it's time to call in anyway, I almost forgot.' said Ryoko, before pressing a button on a wristband. A beam of light shot out, and the image of Washu appeared.

'What's up girlfriends?' asked Washu. 'Any big clues?'

'Not even a little clue.' said Ryoko. 'I thought you might have something.'

'Hmm,' said Washu, 'I detected some temporal anomalies around here. They may have something to do with Tenchi so stay in the area. Let's be vigilant ladies.'

'Right,' said Ryoko as the channel cut out.

She stood up and stretched. 'Well, let's get some sleep, huh?'

'Yes.' said Ayeka. 'We'll need an early start tomorrow.'

'Hey,' said Mihoshi 'you know what we should do tonight.'

They looked up, and Kiyone sighed. 'What that? We just did that two days ago.'

'Please…' said Mihoshi.

'You know our budget is really tight.' said Kiyone. 'We can't afford it. Living in an apartment isn't cheap, even with four people working shifts.'

'Please let's go!'

'Absolutely not!'

And that was how they found themselves singing karaoke in a bar. Ayeka went first and thought she did very well, though Ryoko mocked her for her voice as always. Then came Kiyone's turn.

'Take me there, take me there, to the place in my dreams!'

Kiyone was terrible at singing Karaoke, but Ayeka was too polite to say it. Ryoko was a different matter though. 'Wow, you're really awful at this.'

'I'd like to see you give it a try.' snapped Kiyone, tossing Ryoko the mike.

They spent the night singing in turns. However, things were interrupted when Kiyone and Mihoshi were called up. Orders for the Galaxy Police, as always. Ayeka and Ryoko got stuck with the bill.

'That is the last time I let Mihoshi drag me out onto one of these karaoke trips.' muttered Ryoko.

Tenchi awoke with the sense that he had been calling for three people. Maybe three, their names were… Ryoko, Kiyone, and Ayeka. Those three and others stuck in his mind no matter how many times he went to sleep.

He looked up to the kitchen where Haruna looked to be making breakfast. He still felt disoriented, but he forced himself up. 'Good morning.'

'You'd better get up quickly, Tenchi.' said Haruna. 'You'll be late for school.'

'It's funny,' said Tenchi, 'I graduated from one school and went right on to another. The irony is that in this economy I might be better off without a diploma. Don't want to be overqualified.'

She pulled aside the curtains. 'What a lovely day.'

Then she approached and kissed him.

'Feeling better now?' she asked.

'A little.' he admitted.

As they sat down for breakfast, Tenchi fiddled with the television. There was no signal, as usual. Haruna came back with some flowers in a pot which she set down on the table.

'Miso soup with tofu?' he noted. 'I haven't had this in years.'

'Too many instant meals?' asked Haruna, a tone of amusement.

'Well, I just don't go in for traditional food much.' admitted Tenchi. 'I like to experiment.'

As they eat, he thought about things. 'You know, I had this idea for a character some time ago. Sort of this Princess who likes to cook, and she comes to earth and learns to cook earth meals.'

'Sounds like a dead end.' said Haruna. 'You need something more than that to make a story.'

'In my experience, you can make a story out of just about anything if you work at it enough.' said Tenchi, eating a bit. He flinched at the taste. 'Did you use fermented beans for this?'

'Yes, why?' asked Haruna.

'Nothing,' said Tenchi, 'just not my favorite variety is all.'

'I'll keep it in mind.' she said with a smile.

He got his things together and began walking down the street toward school. As he did Haruna came out onto the balcony and waved. 'Have a good day.'

Tenchi waved back. Somehow he felt as though this whole place was new to him though. As he made his way down the street, he glanced back and felt very odd.

Sasami stood within the place where she had died. Where her other self had died. She'd never been in here since the day she was created. She didn't like walking among all these trees in high places. But to find Tenchi she had to.

'I need you to search for Tenchi's wavelength.' Washu's words came back to her. 'Search for traces in the temporal netting. Sasami can you do that for me?'

'I'll do my best.' answered Sasami.

The bus ran through the streets and Ryoko and Ayeka leaned back in their seats, watching the streets go by. Or rather Ayeka was watching the streets go by. Ryoko was sleeping while Kiyone and Mihoshi were still off in space. As usual.

'Kiyone and Mihoshi can't be here to help search for Tenchi. They are Galaxy Police detectives in charge of the public safety.' said Ayeka in irritation. 'So what's your excuse, sleeping beauty?'

'Shut up for a minute.' said Ryoko. 'I didn't get a wink last night because you kept talking in your sleep like a chipmunk.'

'I do not talk like a chipmunk!' said Ayeka. 'Your the one who always runs her mouth.'

'Right, like princesses never do.' said Ryoko.

Then Ryoko's wristband began to bleep repeatedly. Ryoko roused herself at once and Ayeka saw that the band was glowing red.

'Tenchi is nearby.' said Ryoko.

Ayeka looked out the window and saw him. He was walking along the sidewalk as though nothing had happened. Ayeka turned. 'Ryoko I see Tenchi!'

'Driver, stop the bus!' cried Ryoko.

The bus ground to a screeching halt and together they raced out onto the side. Ryoko began to levitate as she surged through the air in pursuit. 'Tenchi!' she called as she reached the other side. 'Tenchi!'

She saw him walking away from her, even if he was long haired and she raced after him as quickly as she could. She had to reach him. Had to-

He passed through a crowd and was gone.

'Damn.' she said.

Tenchi looked up. For a moment he thought he'd heard her, Ryoko, call his name. Yet she wasn't real. He must have been imagining things. He walked onwards.

Ayeka caught up as Ryoko searched the street. 'Ryoko…' she said.

'Are you absolutely sure that was Tenchi?' asked Ryoko.

'Yes.' said Ayeka. 'But he looked different like he'd grown older.'

Ryoko looked up to the looming skyscrapers. There was a lot more to this than a couple of crowds. She knew that much.

In the apartment, later everyone's spirits were all the lower. Reluctantly Ryoko made the call to Washu.

'You lost him, huh?' said Washu later.

'He was right there and then he just sort of vanished into thin air.' said Ryoko.

'Sometimes two different worlds can be partially intersected.' said Washu. 'I'll go back and review the data and see if Sasami has picked anything up.'

Then she was gone.

'Wait, Washu!' said Ryoko. 'Washu!'

'Washu come back!' said Ayeka.

That night Tenchi began to paint, trying to draw pictures. After a moment he glanced up and saw Haruna sitting on the window sill, looking out over the town. She looked very beautiful indeed where she was. Even so, it was a chilly night.

'Aren't you getting cold?' he asked.

'No.' she said, staring up at the moon.

'You must be tired.' said Tenchi.

'I'm fine.' said Haruna.

'Well that does it.' said Tenchi, turning the painting around. 'Here is the sketch.'

'It's a great likeness.' said Haruna. 'It's good Tenchi.'

'I would hope so, given that it took me nearly an hour.' said Tenchi, looking at the picture doubtfully. 'Something about the proportions are off. Unrealistic.'

'I think it's beautiful.' said Haruna, lying down and posing seductively. 'I like the portrait that my Tenchi's drawn of me.'

'You know, not telling someone about the flaws in their art is a disservice.' said Tenchi, feeling the painting looked a bit lifeless.

'I really mean it.' she said, blinking seductively.

'…Haruna,' he said as he set the picture aside.

Making love to Haruna was wonderful. The proximity of her being close to him stirred his imagination. Yet it was also almost dreamlike. He face seemed almost picture perfect, too perfect. As they lay close to each other Tenchi felt oddly detached. He felt like when he held her face, he wasn't really holding her.

'It's so good being close to you.' she said.

'It feels like…' he began breathlessly. 'Like I'm dreaming…'

'Dreaming?' she asked.

'You know, like I'm playing a dating sim, except the game is all around me.' said Tenchi. 'Or like… like looking in at a picture.'

'You're not dreaming.' she said, taking hold of his hand. 'And this isn't a game, my sweet. I'm all real.'

'I suppose you are.' he said with a smile, before embracing her.

'Your hands are so warm and comforting…' she breathed.

Life seemed but a dream. Yet it was a good dream.

It was a seldom trodden path near the Masaki Shrine, veiled beneath the shadow of a cloud. The trees had nearly all fallen from their branches by now, and the trail itself needed repair. Yosho did not like coming here, for it reminded him of his failures. Even so, he walked up, finding himself drawn.

At last, he came before a huge tree blooming with many red flowers. She used to love those flowers. Yet as he stared he came to a dark realization. His eyes widened and he stepped back. 'Oh no…'

Ayeka received yet another shake of someone's head. It told her what she had guessed would be the answer in the first place. They had not seen Tenchi and had no idea where he might be. It had become a routine disappointment. It was made only more frustrating by the fact that it kept happening. Taking back the picture, she bowed and went on her way.

Ryoko was doing the same even now. She probably wasn't having any more luck.

Then it began to rain and things got worse.

Haruna made her way across the streets in the rain, sheltered by an umbrella. Making her way to the crosswalk, she halted there and looked over the many people moving around her. Earth was such a strange place, and it had changed so much since she had first come here.

It was… nice to see them advancing so much.

She saw a man with dark hair appear, but looking at him she saw it was not Tenchi. She sighed in disappointment and continued to wait. Walking to an overhang, she waited there for him. Like she had waited before.

Would he come? Of course, he would.

'Haruna, you didn't have to wait in the rain for me you know.' said Tenchi.

She looked up and smiled. 'I just thought I'd take the afternoon off.' She offered him an umbrella. 'I brought this.'

Then he wrapped an arm around her. 'No thanks, I'll just walk under your umbrella.'

Haruna found herself short of breath for a moment as they walked onward. She smiled as she looked at him. Then Tenchi took note.

'Too close?' he asked.

'No,' she said 'I'm just thinking how handsome you are.'

'Well I am the universe's most eligible bachelor.' he joked.

Both of them laughed as they continued onwards.

Author's Note:

And here we have the adaptation of Tenchi Forever. This movie is actually really good. Even so, I have a number of issues with it, mostly revolving around the fact that not enough happens. I understand they were going for a different tone. But they ought to have done something to make it more climactic.

For now, I've added Mihoshi and Kiyone into the mix, if only to liven up the party.

Oh well. I'll do what I can to make this more interesting than canon.