Disclaimer : I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!, the characters within, or any references mentioned. Shira is copyrighted by me, and remains my creation forevermore.

Chapter 21

Tenchi's POV

Lunch

The morning periods were so much faster than Tenchi expected. And she knew the reason; Ryou. He made her so happy. So happy after...what happened. After...her parents...Tad...

But she tried her best to take her mind off the fact she'd never see them again. She had a future here, at least.

With Ryou...Adare...the Gang...Shira...

Now are you glad I gave you control? Shira walked beside her hikari in her spirit form, and she grinned from ear to ear. I haven't seen you this happy. I'm...glad!

Tenchi resisted the urge to hug her, to prevent herself from looking like she was hugging empty air. Thank you, Shira! If you hadn't forced me to take control-

I would've gotten the kiss, she said. I know. You're acting like a fangirl! she laughed.

The teen blushed, but smiled greatly. No. If you hadn't forced me out, I'd still be sitting on my butt in the soul room... I wouldn't have gotten any happier. Thank you so much...

Aye! Quit it! Shira shook her head, seemingly trying to shake the gratitude off. Tenchi laughed in her mind, and she saw Shira's crooked smile. I just don't want to go through a whole day of teachings that I don't know anything about, okay?

Sure, sure!

With Ryou holding her hand softly, Tenchi walked into the outdoors. People spotted her and whispered to each other. Others eyed Ryou fearfully, which made the girl wonder if his 'Multiple Personality Disorder' was true. But how could it? Nothing like it happened like that before... She stopped herself. Well...There was that first day at school, and her first date with him. He was...a badass, she giggled inwardly. But in a good way.

Sapphire hair was the first thing she spotted, and Adare turned toward her across the field of grass. She watched her friend, looking for a familiar response from her.

Tenchi smiled weakly, and waved.

Adare beamed, and sprinted toward her, throwing her into a tight hug. "Tenchi! It's been ages! Where have you been?!"

Tenchi looked down, but felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see it was Ryou's. he nodded. "Want me to tell them?"

The teen nodded sadly and gratefully. "Please."

So all of Tenchi, Adare and Ryou walked toward the usual table, where the Gang was already seated.

Bakura's POV

So I stood around behind Ryou's chair in my spirit form, watching everyone's reaction on Tenchi's return. The Pharaoh's worthless cheerleaders shot questions at her, but, to my surprise, Ryou silenced them. He then began to tell what happened, and I listened intently, for I had not been present when Tenchi had told him.

When Ryou had finished everyone was silent. I sniffed back my laughter.

And what, might I ask, is so funny? Ryou asked angrily.

I chuckled. The whole murder business. I envy the people who did it! I laughed harder. I sensed Ryou's heart trembling with rage.

"So is that why you didn't respond to me...?" Adare asked Tenchi.Tenchi seemed to pause a moment, then nodded. She looked at the table.

"I'm so sorry, for your parents' death..."

I could see tears well up in Tenchi's eyes. "Not only them...my sensei too. He was like a brother to me; we'd known each other since the age of 7. Tad...and my parents...were murdered...in my place..." The tears started to fall, and Adare immediately went to her side to comfort her.

How pitiful.

Ryou growled inwardly.

I smirked. You really care about her, don't you? You LOVE her? Hm?

Ryou froze. Well, yes, actually-

Because I don't, so don't get any ideas. I'm just gonna...USE her, I grinned demonically. I bet you loved that kiss though, eh?
Ryou's jaw dropped slightly, and I chuckled. Yeah, I watched. Don't think you're safe away from me.

"Well well well! If this isn't a touching reunion?" A cold and nagging voice rang out behind us. I grimaced in annoyance, and I saw Ryou and Adare twist in their chairs in anger to face the voice.

"Leave us alone, Nina," growled Joey.

"Make me, Wheeler," Nina sneered. "Hmm, Tenchi, the little bitch, has returned."

"Oh, give it up, Nina!" Adare snarled. "You are the biggest, ugliest, and sluttiest prostitute in this city!" She had voiced my exact opinion.

Nina smirked. "Now Adare, don't be mean."

"Fuck off! Where's Kile, anyway? Was he BORED with you? Or have you found someone else to share your bed with?" I laughed at Amadare's insult; it was the truth!

Nina growled, but then she smirked. "Actually, I''m looking for a new boyfriend now," She set her gaze on Ryou, and he flinched. "Hi, Ryou..." Her voice oozed revoltingly with seduction. My stomach churned in disgust.

"Grow up, Nina!" Adare snarled, and she stood up from her chair. "Let's finish what we started; I'm sick of your attitude!"

"Hehe, not so fast! Meet the graduates who are going to kick your ass!" I hadn't paid much attention to Nina, but as I turned around, I saw muscular, teenage boys behind her. They have apparently graduated, because they were dressed in dark and gangster clothing. Straight-up punks. They smirked at Adare.

"Oh, another of your tricks, is it?" Adare screeched. "Bring it on!"

And yet, through all this, Tenchi didn't move. She sat in her seat with her back to the world. So she doesn't want to fight, huh? I asked in boredom. What happened to the Tenchi we met a month ago?

Uh...she lost her PARENTS!? Ryou thought in sarcasm. Not to mention her childhood friend!

"Besides, Adare, I don't think I want to fight you. I'm challenging that girl, Tenchi!" Nina laughed. "What's wrong, bitch? Can't stand up for yourself? And to think, that you're the one who broke my nose!"

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Ryou shouted, and in his anger, threw his chair aside. I rose my brow in surprise, and so did Nina, to my disgust.

"Aw, what's wrong, Ryou? You're not stand up for this whore, are you?" Nina said in a sweet voice. She was really getting on my nerves!

"Shut up, Nina! You're the...the...WHORE!" Ryou shouted again. My eyes widened. Whoa, whoa! Such foul language...; you actually swore! I've been quite the influence, haven't I? I sniggered with pride.

Actually, you have been, Ryou's temples throbbed. But this is for Tenchi; not you.

But of course

Nina turned her head to the side and snorted. "Wow...Ryou, swearing! You're quite more different then I'd like..." Her voice dropped lower. "Too bad that's not what I like! I've lost interest. Guys, beat him up, too!"

Ryou stepped forward and beside Adare, with his fists up as well. Oh ho! What do you think you're doing? I asked him.

I'm fighting for something I care for; something I should've done all my life! Ryou growled, and nodded at Adare. Together they leapt forward, and I watched in the sidelines, wondering why the HELL Ryou would fight...for...his love...for Tenchi...?

End of Chapter

Bakura: ... -reads last line of chapter again- Stupid hikari. And that was so OOC!

Vixen: Aw, you're just jealous that Ryou's not fighting for his love for you. X3

Bakura: NO WAY! ...you just wrote him like he was some heroic, brave idiot!

Vixen: Heroic & brave, yes. Idiot, no. This just shows that he loves Tenchi very much ;P -glomps Ryou out of nowhere-

Ryou: Oh my! O/O

Shira: -pinches Bakura's cheek like one would do to a toddler- Let my hikari be XD

Bakura: I don't appreciate being pinched like a child. -/-

Star: Haha XD Vixen's sends her luhv! She hopes you liked the chapter, teehee! -heart-