Okay, here it is, the last chapter!!!  Again, I really appreciated all of the great reviews I got.  I hope this lives up to your expectations.

Washu sat on the couch between Mihoshi and Ayeka, gazing guiltily at the door to the kitchen.  Mihoshi was still babbling and sobbing incoherently while Ayeka sat with her arms crossed, glaring angrily at the wall across from her. 

"I can't believe that Tenchi is alone in there with that monster woman…I swear this is just another one of her tricks!"  Ayeka continued to mutter under her breath.  Sasami crept closer to the door, her hands clasped and frowning worriedly.  Ryo-ohki bounded up to the door and scratched furiously, meowing urgently.

"No Ryo-ohki…Ryoko needs time to heal," Sasami told her sternly.  Yosho nodded solemnly from his stance beside the staircase.  Nobuyuki sighed sadly and seated himself on the bottom step of the stairs. 

"It seems as if Kagato will haunt Ryoko for the rest of her life!" He complained

"Not if she can let go of him.  Ryoko has to stop living in the past," Yosho replied.

"She's been trying!" Washu shouted.  "Don't you think she's tried?"

"Yes, of course," came the calm response.  "But she has not succeeded, and I imagine that it has been hard with you as a constant reminder."

"So you think I should leave, is that it?" Washu demanded.

"No, however you could try helping her, instead of taking Kagato's place as her tormenter."  Washu leapt to her feet.

"Why you…I am her mother!"

"I believe that Ryoko is the one who pointed out that you seldom act like it."

"This is between Ryoko and me, you have no right to interfere!"

"I have remained silent long enough."  He crossed the room and laid a hand on her shoulder.  "I realize that it must be very difficult for a genius such as yourself to admit when you are wrong.  But, Washu, is your ego really worth the happiness of your daughter?"

"What about you, Yosho?" Washu spat back.  "Ryoko accused you of being a coward!  What exactly did she mean by that?"

"Unfortunately Ryoko still harbors some feelings of hostility towards me for trapping her in the cave."

"No, I am convinced that is not what she meant," Washu replied more calmly, a professional curiosity taking the place of her anger.  "I did not pick up any thoughts of the cave through our link.  I saw you as a young man…and a brief flicker of emotion for Ayeka."  Ayeka sat up straighter and made a sound of confusion.

"Me?"

"Yes, that's right.  It seems unlikely, but I thought she was feeling compassionate towards you, maybe even sympathetic."  Ayeka wavered between incredulity and curiosity, then looked at Yosho.

"I know not what that could mean."  He replied calmly, but tiny beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.  Everyone in the room turned towards him and eyed him suspiciously.  Suddenly the kitchen door swung open and Tenchi stepped out, Ryoko cradled in his arms.  All eyes turned to him, and he stuttered nervously.

"Uhh, she just fell asleep and I thought I should…carry her?"

"That's quite all right, Tenchi.  I imagine she had very little energy left."  Yosho strode over to him.  "Where are her resting quarters?"

"Well…" Tenchi trailed off uncomfortably.  Washu quirked one eyebrow and jerked her thumb up at the ceiling.

"The rafters?"  For once Yosho sounded surprised.

"She never said she was uncomfortable," Tenchi muttered guiltily.

"I suppose compared to a cell aboard the Soja, rafters would be quite comfortable."  Yosho said sternly, a hint of anger in his voice.  "Well I guess she had better come with me to the shrine."  Tenchi looked at him surprised.

"But – "

"I'm afraid that a few of our houseguests might have a problem with her staying in your room, Tenchi.  Besides, there's a small extra room with a cot up at the shrine."  Yosho crossed the room to the sliding door and paused.  "Come along, Tenchi, you'll have to bring her.  I'm much to old."  Tenchi made a small sound of disbelief, and then followed Yosho outside. 

They walked in comfortable silence and quickly reached the stairs.  Tenchi groaned softly.  Though Ryoko was very slender and light, that was a lot of stairs to climb with her extra weight.  "Come along, Tenchi," Yosho called.

Tenchi walked slowly, soon forgetting his fatigue in the warm night air.  Fireflies danced and winked, weaving in and out of the tall, swaying trees.  A cool breeze tugged lightly at his closely cropped hair.  Ryoko made a soft sound of contentment, and Tenchi smiled tenderly.  Did she really say she loved him?  She always said she did, but then treated it like a game, or a way to annoy Ayeka.  He shook his head and glanced down at her.  The moon bathed her face in its silvery light, giving her an unearthly glow.  Well, he thought, amused, she really isn't from earth.  Still, she was truly beautiful with wild cyan locks, wide golden eyes, an easy smile and pointed chin.  All in all, very cat-like, in an exotic, exciting way.  She even had long, feline shaped ears and occasionally a tail.

"Are you going to bring Ryoko in here, or look at her all night?"  Embarrassed, Tenchi realized he had reached the top of the stairs.  Blushing wildly, he hurried over to his grandfather.  Yosho led the way into a small, bare room and waited while Tenchi settled Ryoko into her bed.

"Goodnight Tenchi."

"Goodnight Grandpa."  Tenchi hesitated.  "Ask her to come see me when she wakes up, okay?"  Yosho nodded.  He waited until Tenchi disappeared outside before looking down at Ryoko.

"Just how much do you know?"  He murmured, and then retired to his room.

*    *    *    *

            Yosho woke at his usually time, 5 o'clock AM.  He glanced in at the sleeping Ryoko, and then began his daily rituals to prepare the shrine for visitors.  When Tenchi showed up, Yosho told him to go home and sleep in longer.  He finished the chores at 9 AM, ate a small breakfast and seated himself in front of Ryoko's bed.  For the next two hours he meditated.  At 11 AM he picked up a book and began reading.  Ryoko woke up two hours later, at 1.  She moaned softly, rolled over, then sat up and stretched luxuriously. 

            "Morning, Yosho," she said through a yawn.

            "Good Afternoon, Miss Ryoko."

            "Is it really that late?  Hmmm…I take it I'm at the shrine.  I guess it would've been difficult for anyone to get me into my bed while I was unconsciousness."

            "I'll ask Nobuyuki about adding on a spare room."

            "Why?  I don't have a problem with the rafters."

            "You are a guest here, Ryoko.  All of our other guests have a room."

            "This room will suit my needs perfectly."  Yosho raised an eyebrow.

            "Oh?  I did not think you would wish to share a room with a coward.  And what about Tenchi?"

            "I don't have a problem with cowards.  It's your decision…If you want to hide behind that old man disguise, it's fine with me.  And what about Tenchi?  As far as I'm concerned he can rot in Hell.  I'm not his little plaything, he shouldn't mess with my feelings like that - "  Ryoko glanced over at Yosho.  He stared at her, looking slightly distressed.  "What?  Surprised I saw through you?  I'm not as stupid as everyone thinks I am.  From the moment I saw Tenchi, I knew he was a descendant of yours.  I could sense it in his blood…I could feel his power.  And when I saw you…I immediately sensed Tsunami's power cloaking your true form.  I'm surprised the others can't see it."  Ryoko looked extremely satisfied with herself.  "Now how about removing that silly disguise, for old times sake."  Yosho continued to stare mutely.  "You don't have to worry, I haven't told anyone else yet, have I?  I do think you ought to tell Ayeka…As much as I detest the spoiled brat, she did search for you for quite a while."  Ryoko looked embarrassed at her outburst, but refused to look away.  Yosho slowly began to relax and reluctantly smiled. 

            "Alright then, Ryoko, I owe you that much."  He brought a hand up and lightly touched the frame of his glasses.  The disguise disappeared.  Ryoko gasped softly, and her right hand crackled with energy.  The young Yosho looked at her pointedly.

            "Sorry," she muttered, the energy disappearing, "But trapped inside that cave I imagined killing you so many times…" Yosho continued to stare.  "It's almost as if I imagined the old you as Katsuhito, an entirely different person."

            "He is an entirely different person." Yosho replied glumly.  "I feel as though I'm playing a role in a film."  Ryoko grinned, then coughed in embarrassment.  Imagine, her being friendly with her jailer. 

            "Well, I'm hungry…I'm going to the house for a snack."  She climbed her feet and was about to transport when Yosho spoke. 

            "You're going to see Tenchi." 

            "I am not!" She protested furiously.

            "He wants to see you."

            "I doubt it."

            "Ryoko, you love him.  Don't deny it.  You will only make yourself unhappier by staying angry at him."

            "Why do you care so much?" she demanded, "You plan to send him to Jurai, to become King.  Ayeka told me how you pushed the two of them together, that day Kagato came.  I see through you, Yosho.  You are just trying to escape your own fate."

            "How can you be so sure that Tenchi would not like to be King of Jurai?  Maybe you just don't like the idea of Tenchi marrying Ayeka."

            "I know Tenchi.  Unlike Ayeka, Sasami, and Mihoshi, I have known him for longer than a few months.  Tenchi was my only visitor for 700 years."  Ryoko took on a softer tone, gazing out the window.  "He's rather shy, especially around girls.  But people are still drawn to him.  I think it's because he's so good…He has such gentle eyes, and a kind nature.  He dislikes any form of cruelty, but he won't shy away from a fight.  He feels responsible for all of us, to protect and shelter us.  Tenchi freed me from the cave, and from Kagato.  He gave me a home and a family.  How could I not love him?"  Ryoko balled up her fists.  "And he could never be cold and insensitive, like a king has to be."

*    *    *    *

            Tenchi straightened up and leaned on his hoe, wiping his brow.  Ryo-ohki slunk nearby, planning her attack.  As Tenchi bent over to continue his weeding, Ryo-ohki made a flying leap for the carrot basket.

            "Uh-uh, no you don't."  A slim hand reached down and grabbed the cabbit by the scruff of its neck.  "Well, I'm sorry if I foiled your plan, Mater Criminal, but Tenchi has asked you repeatedly to wait until mealtime."  Ryoko lifted the small cabbit so that they were eye to eye.  "Now, I have to talk to Tenchi, so go wait up at the house."  Ryoko released Ryo-ohki and watched her scamper away.  Tenchi had meanwhile noticed Ryoko's appearance and was waiting apprehensively.

            "Uhh, Ryoko, I'm really sorry about - "

            "I didn't come here for an apology, Tenchi."  Ryoko stepped closer, "There is something I need to know, Tenchi.  I'm tired of waiting, and I'm tired of guessing."  She stepped even closer and leaned forward, her face inches from his.  "Do you love me, Tenchi?" she whispered.

            "I can't answer that now, Ryoko."  Tenchi turned away from her, bending over his hoe again.  "I'm only sixteen, an ordinary sixteen-year-old earthling.  I can't decide who I love now."  When he looked up she was in front of him, her eyes filled with tears.

            "I can't wait any longer!" she sobbed.  "Living aboard the Soja with Kagato, I learned to treat life as a game, to hide my emotions constantly.  It was the only way I could keep sane, killing every second of every hour.  He used to make a game out of how long it would take to make me cry.  But everything's changed now."  She attempted to compose herself, "I feel as though my world has crumbled.  I can't pretend indifference; it hurts too much.  The only thing that remains the same is my love for you."  She pressed up against him and wrapped her arms around his neck.  "Now Tenchi," she murmured.  "Why can't you love me?"  He gazed at her, pity and sorrow in his eyes.

            "Ryoko I - " I can't take another rejection from him, she thought wildly.  Quickly she drew his head down to hers and pressed her lips against his.  At first he tried to push her away, but as the kiss intensified, his arms slowly wrapped around her waist, drawing her in closer.  She's so soft, Tenchi marveled, soft lips, soft…  Suddenly Ryoko broke the kiss, panting slightly, a blush rising to her cheeks.

            "Tenchi?" she asked softly.  Tenchi tore his gaze from her, picking up his hoe.

            "You shouldn't have done that, Ryoko," he said quietly.  She stared at him in disbelief.

            "But you…" She suddenly glared at him.  "I…You're so…. I hate you Tenchi Masaki!" she finally screamed.  She disappeared, leaving Tenchi alone.

*    *    *    *

            Washu sat at the kitchen table, drumming her fingers on the wood impatiently.  Sasami sat next to her, head bowed, depressed no one was showing up for her lunch.  Mihoshi sat next to Sasami, dozing.  Ayeka sat on the other side of Washu, lips pursed in worry.

            "Tenchi really ought to be here by now.  I think I should go check on him."

            "Don't bother, princess," Ryoko's voice came just as she phased into her seat.  "He's on his way."  Ryo-ohki meowed anxiously.  "Don't worry, he's bringing the carrots."

            "You were probably distracting him, you monster woman.  Really, you are so - "

            "Ayeka!" Sasami cut in reproachfully.  "Don't start a fight now."

            "You'd better listen to your sister, princess, you wouldn't want to break a nail."

            "Why you - "

            "That's enough." Washu said sharply.  "Ryoko, I have to speak to you."

            "You're not tricking me again."

            "It's not like it's difficult," Ayeka muttered.

            "You don't have to go anywhere, Ryoko, I just want you to listen to me."

            "Unfortunately I can't turn my ears off."  Washu took a deep breath.

            "Okay.  I know there's no real excuse for my actions, but I'll do my best to explain.  When I lost both my husband and baby, I was devastated.  I was so desperately lonely, that I began working on a project to create a humanoid.  This time I wanted to make sure that my child could fend for herself.  I endowed her with extraordinary powers and…I gave her an adult form."

            "What?!"  Ryoko spit out her noodles.  "What are you trying to pull Washu?  I was born as a baby and grew up like any other normal person."

            "Then why don't you have any memories as a child?"  Ryoko muttered unhappily.  "It doesn't make you any less of a person, Ryoko.  I did use my ova for you, I simply stimulated the cells that controlled your growth.  In every way that matters, you are my daughter.  You don't have any memories of me because Kagato kidnapped you as soon as you were released from the pod.  When my second child was stolen from me, I guess I sort of lost it.  I promised myself that I wouldn't get close to anyone.  I threw myself into science and ignored my responsibilities as a mother.  I don't deserve a second chance, but I'm asking for one anyway."  Ryoko stared at her.  This was a very different Washu.  She seemed completely serious.  She desperately wanted, needed a mother, but…

            "I don't know," Ryoko said at last.  "Let's just see what happens."  Washu nodded.

            "Fair enough.  One last thing, Ryoko."  Ryoko looked up.  "You'd better take a long look, this is the last time you'll see me in this form."  Suddenly the adult Washu appeared.  "It's time I started acting my age."  She picked up her chopsticks delicately and started her lunch.  "Mmm, this is delicious, Sasami!"

            "Umm, thanks Little Washu," Sasami replied hesitantly.

            "Oh no no no, Sasami.  You can call me Miss Washu.  Or Auntie Washu, yes that will do just fine."  The three girls stared at her disbelievingly.  Someone yawned loudly.

            "Oh, lunch is ready!" Mihoshi glanced around the table.  "Did I miss anything?"          

*    *    *    *

           

            Tenchi grudged home, each step slower than the last.  I've sure made a mess of things.  What am I going to say to her?  He sighed, sifting the weight of the carrot basket on his back.

            "Tenchi!" a voice called.  Tenchi turned around and smiled.

            "Hi grandpa."

            "Tenchi I need to speak with you for a moment."

            "Not now grandpa, I'm really late for lunch, Sasami's going to be so upset.  Plus there's something I need to do…" Tenchi turned back towards the house, looking glum.

            "Tenchi."  Tenchi sighed impatiently.

            "Not now, grandpa…Ahhh!"  Tenchi dropped the basket of carrots and gripped his hoe like a sword.

            "Okay, who are you and what have you done with my grandpa?!" he demanded.  The young man in front of him smiled faintly.

            "I am your grandfather, Tenchi."

            "I think I know what my grandfather looks like!"  Yosho deepened his voice.

            "Tenchi!  Are you done sweeping the shrine yet?"  Tenchi looked at him in amazement.

            "Okay…You're some kind of ventriloquist or something."

            "Watch closely, boy."  Yosho reached up slowly and tapped the frame of his glasses.  The old man appearance fell over his form like a cloak.  "Now do you believe me Tenchi?" he asked, retaining his young sounding voice.  Tenchi stared at him for a while, then licked his lips nervously.

            "Ayeka's going to be furious."

*    *    *    *

            "Come on. Little Ryoko.  You have to eat your vegetables!"  Washu held out her chopsticks, trying to force the food into Ryoko's mouth.

            "Would you stop that?  I can feed myself, you know."  Ryoko batted her hands away feebly, half enjoying the attention.  Sasami giggled happily, and even Ayeka had a faint smile on her face.  Mihoshi looked up from her bowl of pickles and began laughing with Sasami.  The family turned at the sound of the sliding door opening and closing. 

            "Oh, Lord Tenchi, you're finally home - " Ayeka began, and then stopped short at the appearance of another young man.  She immediately leapt from her chair, energy logs forming around her.

            "Uh-oh," Ryoko whispered.

            "Who are you, and how dare you impersonate my brother Yosho!" Ayeka demanded.  The young man stepped forward, gazing at her sadly.

            "It's me, Ayeka," he said softly.

            "Don't be ridiculous.  My brother has grown old, he hasn't looked like that in 700 years!" her voice wavered slightly.

            "Ayeka, he's telling the truth," Tenchi spoke up gently.

            "I don't know how he fooled you, Tenchi, but - "

            "Show her, grandpa."  Yosho tapped on his glasses once, appearing as an old man, then discarded the disguise again.  Ayeka gasped, her logs disappearing.

            "Brother…" she whispered, beginning to cry, "How could you?!" she suddenly screamed and rushed forward, beating on him with her fists.  "I loved you!  How could you!"  Yosho grabbed her fists gently.

            "Ayeka, when I crashed on Earth and defeated Ryoko, I felt free for the first time in my life.  I realized that I didn't want the throne of Jurai, and Earth provided my escape."  Ayeka looked up at him, fury in her eyes.

            "During all this time, did you think of me even once?"  She tore away from his grasp and ran out of the room.  Yosho sighed and sat down heavily.  Tenchi looked at him angrily.  "I feel like I don't even know you, grandpa.  You lied to all of us." 

            "Ryoko knew," he said meekly.  All eyes turned to Ryoko, who was busy devouring a bowl of noodles.  She looked up, noticing the silence.

            "What?" she asked, through a mouthful of food.

                                                                                                                                           

*    *    *    *

            Ryoko floated down the hallway idly, deep in thought.  As she passed Ayeka's room, she could detect her muffled sobbing.  She had changed into her blue and tan stripped dress after lunch, and now the attached tail whipped about irritably.  Ryoko sighed as she paused in front of Ayeka's door.

            "I know I'm going to hate myself for this later on," she muttered, then phased into the room.

            "Go away, Ryoko!" Ayeka shouted immediately.

            "Ayeka, you can't stay in here forever."

            "I can if I want to," came the resentful response.

            "And you can't stay mad at Yosho forever," Ryoko continued ignoring the last comment.  Ayeka sat up, turning her red, tear-streaked face towards Ryoko.

            "Why not?" she demanded hotly.

            "Because you love him," Ryoko told her quietly.

            "I love Tenchi."

            "Ayeka, any woman who chases after a man for 700 years, does not fall in love with the first guy that comes along."  There was a long pause.

            "It was so easy to fall in love with Tenchi," she whispered finally.  "He so reminded me of Yosho," she laughed softly and looked up.  "I guess I loved him for all the wrong reasons, didn't I?" 

*    *    *    *

            "Do you think I should check on Ayeka?" Sasami asked worriedly.  Most of the Masaki family was seated at the table, dinner spread out before them.  Yosho and Tenchi were trying to revive an unconscious Nobuyuki, Mihoshi was staring off into space, a glazed look on her face, and Washu was trying to grab Yosho's glasses.

            "I just want to study them for a moment, it won't take long," Washu pleaded.

            "Nobuyuki? Tenchi get some water," Yosho ordered.

            "Ahem."  The soft firmness of the voice was able to draw everyone's attention.  Ryoko stood in the doorway, a slightly embarrassed Ayeka at her side.  Feeling all eyes on her, Ayeka held her head high and took a seat next to Yosho.  He gazed at her worriedly.

            "I want you to know, Yosho, that I haven't forgiven you just yet, but I can't stay angry forever," she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, "can I?"  From the other side of Yosho, Washu smiled slyly.

            "And if you do," she said seductively, "he'll always have me."  She leaned in closer and wrapped her arms around him.  Yosho turned bright red.

            "Miss Washu, how dare you!  Get off him this instant!"

            "How would you like to be my guinea pig, Yosho?"

            "Release him at once, you hussy!  Yosho is mine!"  Ayeka grabbed his other arm.  From the doorway, Ryoko folded her arms and chuckled lightly.  Glancing at Tenchi, she caught him staring at her.  She frowned and stalked into the living room.  I can't stay mad at him forever, but he deserves a few more hours.  Tenchi excused himself from the table and hurried after her.

            "Ryoko!" he called, jogging into the living room.  She turned around and glared at him.  "About this afternoon, I'm - "

            "Sorry?  You're always sorry, Tenchi, that doesn't mean anything to me."

            "But - "

            "But nothing.  You're wasting your time, Tenchi.  I'm obviously not who you want, so why are here?"

            "I - "

            "Why don't you go to the girl you really love.  Who is it?  Ayeka?  I gotta warn you, I think you're too late."

            "No - "

            "Mihoshi, then?  Maybe if you can separate her from her pickles, you'll have a chance."

            "It's not -"

            "Well who then? Huh?  Sasami?  Answer me Tenchi, I have a right to know."  Tenchi remained silent, gazing at her.  Suddenly he reached out and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her to him roughly.  He lowered his head and kissed her softly, bringing up one hand to cradle her head.  They broke apart slowly, Ryoko regarding him with wonder.

            "It's you, Ryoko.  I think I may have always loved you, and I know I always will."  Ryoko shivered with delight, wrapping her arms around him.

            "Well, there's only one thing left to do," she murmured.

            "What's that?"  There was a slight pause.

            "Do you think we should get married at the shrine?"

            "What?!"

            "How about in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are blooming?"

            "Now, wait just a minute, Ryoko - "

            "You're right, that's too far away…autumn, then."

            "Ryoko, I have to finish school!"

            "Relax, Tenchi, I was just joking," she laughed gently and he smiled down at her.

            "Are you ever serious?"

            "As little as possible, now shut-up and kiss me."  Tenchi obliged, just as Ayeka stormed into the room with a bewildered Yosho in tow.  Washu was close behind.

            "Yosho and I are bonded by royal blood!"

            "Yosho wants a mature, intellectual girl."

            "I know what Yosho wants, and it isn't some scheming, scientist hussy!"

            "Oh yeah?  Well he doesn't want an underdeveloped brat who plays with logs, either!"  Yosho groaned.

            "Now I know what Tenchi felt like," he muttered, just as the living room exploded.

           

 

Okay, I tried to post this picture where Ryoko is rising out of a status pod as a full grown adult, but FF wouldn't let me.  Anyway, it supports my theory that Ryoko was never a child, but whatever.  You can find the picture at Ryoko's Cave.  Well, I hope you enjoyed my fic!  Please review and tell me what you think.