Legal mumbo jumbo: I don't own any of these characters (except the ones I create
myself), they belong to AIC and Pioneer corp. I'm not making a single measely penny off
this story either.
Among the stars
Chapter 4: Table for two
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Out in the cold depths of space, a large fleet of vessels sailed through the heavens.
Leading the group of ships was the flagship vessel of the Vhalid pirate clan. It was a
splendid ship, custom built specifications dictated by the leader of the clan himself, he
had named it the Emerald Dawn due to the ships color.
***
Onboard
***
A lone messenger stalked the halls of the Emerald Dawn, in his hands he held a message
for the lord of the clan, Khadi Armina. Arriving at the door to his office, the messenger
was promptly frisked by two guards that were stationed outside the door. With the wave
of a hand they allowed him to enter.
The room wasn't so much large as it was luxuriously decorated. It was filled with
antiques and other priceless works of art. Seated at the large, ornate desk dominating
the room was Khadi Armina. He was a middle aged man of average height and build, he
had short, dirty blond hair and dull green eyes. While he wasn't an imposing looking
man, his brilliance and ruthless streak were enough to strike fear into the hearts of
many.
The messenger immediately kneeled before his clans leader, "Lord Armina, I have
important news."
"Very well, state your information." he calmy replied.
The messenger quickly began reading the note he held, "It appears that the pirate
Ryoko and her partner were seen on Fladucia. At the moment they are headed in the
general direction of the Terafin system."
Khadi closed his eyes and smiled, "Send a message to the special operations chief, tell
him to place all agents stationed at Terafin on high alert." The messenger quickly
nodded and scurried out of the room. Khadi opened his eyes and turned his chair around
to where he faced out the window, "The noose tightens..."
***
On the cabbit ship Ryo-ohki
***
Ryoko angrily turned off the television and let out a frustrated growl, "There's never
anything good on." Just as she said this, she saw Tenchi come out of his room bringing
out a box. "Hey, what's in the box?" she asked curiously.
Tenchi opened it up and took out a chess board, "Oh, just a chess set. I'd thought I'd
play against myself, grandfather says it's supposed to help my mental focus, but I do it
because it's enjoyable." Ryoko quickly became dissinterested, as she was hoping he had
brought out some sort of present for her.
Tenchi stopped for a moment and looked at her, "You wanna play a game of chess with
me? It'd alot more fun than doing it by myself."
She was surprised by his question, "Ummm, no thanks, maybe another time." she
answered uneasily. She didn't want to admit her reason for turning him down was
because she had no idea how to play chess.
Tenchi nodded his head and went back to setting up the pieces, "That's ok, I
understand." he casually replied.
Something about the way he said that got under her skin, "What's that supposed to
mean?" she angrily asked.
Tenchi looked up her with a puzzled expression, "What are you talking about?"
She leveled him with a harsh glare, "You know damn well what I'm talking about! You
think I don't want to play because I'm afraid of losing, is that it? Or you think I don't
know how to play at all? Well I'll tell you something, I could kick your butt at chess if I
wanted to, I'm just not in the mood."
Tenchi shrugged his shoulders, "Fine by me." he simply replied.
This only infuriated her even more, "You want me to play? FINE!" she stormed over to the
seat opposite Tenchi and sat down. It only took a moment before she realized what she
was doing, What was I doing?! I don't know how to play chess! I just HAD to be the
tough girl didn't I? Well now I'll look like an idiot! I'll just have to play along, I'll copy
whatever move he makes, that might fool him.
She was broken from her thoughts when Tenchi spoke up, "Ryoko, it's your move."
"My move? Why is it my move?" she nervously asked.
Tenchi pointed at the board, "Because you picked the white pieces, and white always
goes first."
Ryoko let out a nervous chuckle, "Of course! I knew that."
Sweat was beading on her forehead as she studied the board. She had seen Tenchi
playing chess before, but it wasn't a game she was ever interested in, so she never
payed any attention to any of the moves Tenchi made. Now she was regretting that.
Biting her bottom lip she wracked her brain only to come up with a blank.
"Ryoko...you don't know how to play chess do you?" he calmy asked with a half smile on
his face.
"W-what? Well maybe I don't...that is to say...I don't exactly...have any idea how to play
chess." she finished in a defeated tone.
Tenchi laughed a bit after hearing that, "That's ok Ryoko, I kind of figured. Do you want
me to teach you how to play?" he warmly asked.
She wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't exactly interested in chess, but the idea of
doing it with Tenchi was appealing, "Sure, why not?" she responded.
And so Tenchi began to explain the basic rules of chess and some strategies one might
use. Ryoko didn't want to be embarrassed again so she did her best to pay attention.
She actually found it alot more interesting than she expected. Before, it just seemed a
really long and dull game, but once she started learning about it, she realized how much
skill it takes to win.
"Ok, now let's just have a little test game here. I'll make a move, and then I'll give you
advice on which move you should make." Tenchi told her, and she nodded her agreement.
Ryoko thought she might be able to hold her own against him, but she found that he
constantly set up traps she would fall into. She finally thought she had him when she
moved her queen to take his queen, yet Tenchi stopped her before she made her move
and shook his head, "Nope, bad move. I would just use my knight to take your queen
then. And without your queen I could maneuver towards your king for checkmate. See
what you should have done was this..." He put his hand atop hers and guided it to
where she should have placed her queen. However, chess was the farthest thing from
Ryoko's mind as she gazed at Tenchi's hand holding hers, and she noticed with
happiness that his hand was still lingering atop hers, even though he already showed
her the correct placement of her piece.
After guiding her to the correct move, Tenchi didn't even realize he was still holding her
hand. He followed her gaze down to the board and finally saw this. I never noticed
how soft her hands are... His mind snapped back into focus when he finished his
thought and he removed his hand from hers. Clearing his throat, he continued his chess
lessons, doing his best to avoid looking directly at her face. Ryoko gently smiled at him
as spoke, her mind filled with delight. She knew it wasn't much, him holding her hand,
but he never initiated physical contact, and the memory of how he had kept holding her
hand was making Ryoko almost giddy.
Later on, Tenchi declared the lessons were over and that next time they played, it'd be
for real. Ryoko was eagerly anticipating testing her skills against his. She couldn't help
but find it funny how excited she was about the prospect of playing chess, a few hours
before she wouldn't have believed it.
Tenchi stood up, stretching his arms, "Well, I'm pretty tired, I'm gonna turn in for the
night."
"But Tenchi, you said we could play a real game of chess." Ryoko pouted.
"We can do it tomorrow, ok?" he tiredly asked.
Ryoko crossed her arms and let out a 'hmph', "You're just trying to avoid playing me
because you know I'll kick your ass."
He just smiled at her, "We'll do it tomorrow, I promise." He bid her goodnight as he went
to his bedroom.
"Sweet dreams." she whispered under her breath as his door closed.
***
Four days later...
***
Ryoko studied the board with the eye of a hawk, intently focused on crafting the perfect
move. She had him, she could smell it, she just needed one big move to finish him off. A
plan emerged, and with a crafty smile she moved her rook into position. Yes, it would only
be a few moves before Tenchi is defeated. She noticed with glee how his eyebrow raised
after she finished her move, he must be stunned by her brilliant strategy. He examined
his options for a moment before making his move...
"Checkmate." Tenchi said simply.
"WHAT?!" she shouted in angry shock.
He began to point out her error, "See Ryoko, once you moved that rook you left your
king..." she silenced him with the wave of her hand, "Yeah yeah yeah, I see it. I almost
had you that time Tenchi."
"Don't feel bad Ryoko, you know I still haven't ever beaten my grandfather at chess." he
responded in a consoling manner.
Ryoko straightened up and stared off at the ceiling for a moment before looking back at
Tenchi, "That was Ryo-ohki, we're about to land on Terafin."
He got up and went back to once again pack a bag for a planetside stay, "Hey, how long
we gonna stay on this planet? I wanna know how much to pack this time." He asked
over his shoulder to her.
She put her hand to her chin for a moment, "Hmmm, let's do it for a week."
***
On the surface of Terafin
***
Once they landed at a suitable location, they made the journey through a beachside
village called Waiku. Tenchi was much more comfortable in this type of small town setting
than the huge metropolis of Fladucia. The buildings in this town were made out of a
bamboo like wood and had thatched roofs. Ryoko pointed out a resort hotel up ahead
and they went inside of it.
Before they got to the counter, Tenchi stopped Ryoko, "Ryoko, this time, let me make the
reservations." he wearily told her. She crossed her arms and gave him a mock frown.
After reserving two rooms for a week, Tenchi went to his room and started unpacking.
Before he barely got started however, Ryoko phased in wearing a small bikini, "Come on,
let's hit the beaches Tenchi!"
Trying hard not to focus on how much skin Ryoko was showing, he thought about her
offer for a moment, "Well, I guess unpacking can wait for awhile."
Sporting a smile, she hooked her arm in his and led him to the shore. Tenchi had to admit
it certainly was a pretty marvelous looking beach, with crystal clear blue waters and soft
white sand. A warm ocean breeze made it perfect for just lounging around. And he
noticed with satisfaction how there wasn't that many people crowding this area either.
Ryoko set down a bag she was carrying and rummaged through it, taking out a large
blanket, an umbrella, and some sunscreen lotion.
"Oh, I forgot my swim trunks, I'll be right back." But before Tenchi made a step, Ryoko
grabbed his arm, "Allow me." she said before phasing out for a moment and appearing a
second later with a pair of his trunks in hand.
"Thanks Ryoko, but I need to have a place to put these on."
Ryoko gave him a feral grin, "You can just change right here, I won't mind."
Tenchi gave her one of his 'no-nonsense' looks and she grumbled under her breath a
moment before pointing out a small changing room on the shore. Giving her a polite
'thank you' he went to change. Once he returned he noticed Ryoko had set up the
umbrella and was sitting on the beach towel. He sat down beside her and took a
deep breath of the ocean air, he knew he was going enjoy staying on this planet.
Ryoko opened up the sunscreen lotion and was about to apply it before deciding to have
a little fun. She took the bottle and squirted a large blob of cream in her hand and began
to sensually rub it in over her body, she watched with satisfaction Tenchi's eyes begin to
widen. She arched her back and made moaning sounds when she started rubbing it in on
her chest above her bikini top. She glanced at him and saw his eyes were transfixed on
her and his face begin to redden slightly.
Tenchi was short of breath and trying to get his mind back into focus when she kindly
asked him if he'd rub some lotion on her back. Reluctantly nodding his approval, he took
the bottle and maneuvered around behind her. She lied down on her stomach and waited
for him to begin. At first he merely tried to gently apply it with as little rubbing as
possible, but Ryoko noticed, "Come on Tenchi, you gotta really rub it in."
"Ok." he weakly said. Still uneasy from her antics moments ago, he wasn't sure if he
should be having any sort of physical contact with her right now in his current hentai
state of mind. Taking a deep breath, he rubbed her back gently, but with some firmness.
Ryoko let out a blissful sigh and muttered a few encouraging words to him.
Tenchi had hoped once he started, he would relax and get used to it. However, rubbing
her silky smooth back was only throwing his mind into further impure realms. Once he
got to her lower back, his eyes kept focusing on her firm rear, only inches from his hands.
Finally, he finished with her back and sat up, wearing a triumphant smile, happy to have
finished.
"Tenchi, you have to do the back of my legs now." she murmured sleepily.
He almost choked on his tounge when he heard that. But taking another deep breath,
he started by her feet, and began to work his way up her long slender legs. The higher
he got, the more difficult it became to think clearly. Soon he was by her thighs, rubbing
the lotion in by her bikini bottom only inches from her most private area, he was almost
drooling by now. Panting, he stood up once he finished applying the lotion.
"Mmm, thank you Tenchi, that felt great." Ryoko moaned while rolling over on her back.
Her golden eyes twinkled and she wore a wicked smile as she caught sight of something,
"Is that for me?" she asked sweetly while pointing to a large bulge in the front of Tenchi's
swim trunks. He gasped and and stammered a few incoherent words before rushing off
towards the water, trying to get as far away as possible.
Ryoko couldn't help but laugh as she watched the crimson faced boy rushing into the
water, Nice to know I have that sort of effect on him. she thought with a smile.
Meanwhile Tenchi sat in the cool ocean water more embarrassed than he had ever been,
How am I even going to show my face around her? He hung his head and beat himself
up for ever letting his mind wander as it had earlier. It's gonna be a long week...
***
3 days later...
***
"Hmm, no no, I think the first one was better, no wait! The third."
"Come on, will you just pick a dress? We've been here forever it seems." Tenchi
complained.
Ryoko paid no attention to him as she looked at herself in the mirror, "You know, I better
just try on those other dresses we passed by earlier."
Tenchi let out a defeated groan and slumped in his chair. While Ryoko went off to gather
up some more clothes to try on, Tenchi began flipping through a very dull magazine about
boating. His boredom was interrupted though when someone walked up to him, "Excuse
me sir, you must be a visitor here on vacation. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Sheyla,
head of the tourist department of Waiku." Tenchi looked up and got a look at the young
lady.
She was about his height and had long black hair and orange eyes. She had a good tan
and by all standards would be considered a beautiful woman, "Hello, my name's Tenchi.
Umm, how did you know I was a tourist?" he inquired.
"That's easy, I could tell by your clothes." she casually replied while sitting down next to
him.
Sheyla tilted her head and twirled a long lock of hair around with her finger, "So tell me,
how long you plan on staying in town?"
Tenchi glanced around to make sure Ryoko wasn't in the area, "About 4 more days."
She smiled at him and leaned in a bit closer, "I know all the great places to eat around
here, maybe I could show you a few, hmm?" she asked in a lower, more inviting tone.
Tenchi leaned back and began to sweat a bit, "I don't think..." before he could finish
however, Sheyla was lifted up off the chair by Ryoko.
"Just WHAT do you think you're doing with my Tenchi you little tramp?" Ryoko angrily
growled at her while holding her up in the air with one hand.
"Hey I didn't know he was with you." she nervously answered, it was obvious Sheyla
was frightened by Ryoko's strength.
Tenchi was getting annoyed by Ryoko's behavior, "Ryoko, stop it, put her down."
"Fine." she simply said while rudely tossing her to the ground. Sheyla hit her head on
the edge of a chair and cried out in pain, rubbing her head. Tenchi went over to see if
she was alright, angry with Ryoko's rude manners, She's always doing this sort of thing,
and I'm sick of it! Well I'm gonna teach her a lesson... Tenchi knew what he was about
to do was almost suicidal, but he resolved to prove a point to Ryoko.
"Sheyla, you know what, I'll go out with you tonight." he stated firmly.
"WHAT?! I THINK NOT!" Ryoko shouted.
Tenchi turned and glared at her, "Ryoko, I'm not your pet ok? I can go where I want,
when I want, and I don't need your permission." he coldly stated.
She was taken aback by this, and tried to offer some retort but Sheyla interrupted,
"Great Tenchi! I'll meet you at The Chiguara around seven o'clock, it's casual dress, so no
need to get a suit." she chirped as she stood up and strode out of the store.
Tenchi crossed his arms and did his best to appear bold in front of Ryoko, but internally
he was sweating bullets, he knew just how jealous Ryoko could be. "Tenchi, you can't
go...I mean I don't wan't you to go...I mean I'm asking you not to go." she pleaded with
him. But Tenchi shook his head, "Sorry Ryoko, my mind is made up."
The next few hours were pretty tense, as Ryoko's emotions fluctuated from whiny
pleading to more angry demands, but Tenchi was resolute in sticking by his choice. She
suspected he was only trying to get back at her for the way she treated Sheyla, but
Ryoko still didn't like the idea of him spending any time with that girl.
In the bathroom, Tenchi was going through some mental struggles of his own, What
am I doing? I know there's going to be trouble if I go out on this date. I mean I don't
even really want to go out with Sheyla, I just want to show Ryoko that I'm not her lap
dog. Oh boy there's gonna be trouble, I can feel it...
He strode out of the bathroom to his room to find Ryoko sitting there on his bed gazing
at him with her puppy dog eyes, "Please..." she pitifully moaned.
Tenchi almost broke down and cancled his date when he saw this, but he mustered the
courage to stay strong, "I'm sorry, I can't do it. Now listen, I don't want to see you
showing up at this restaurant and causing trouble, ok?" he asked her firmly. Stopping at
the doorway, he turned around and looked at her softly, "I hope you have a nice night
Ryoko, and hey, we can go out to eat tomorrow, alright?" he hoped that might lift her
spirits, but she just crossed her arms and looked away as Tenchi left.
How can he do this to me? Well he's gonna pay for this that's for sure. Ryoko resolved.
She felt like punching something or someone. Finding nothing to properly vent her anger
out on, she angrily flipped the TV on and began channel chasing, not really paying
attention to it when suddenly one show caught her eye...
"Oh Mishra is only going out with Tergin to make Kontu jealous." One of the characters
said.
Ryoko's eyes lit up as inspiration struck, Of course! Jealousy! I never even thought of
using that before. A devious grin formed on her face as she devised a plot to get back
at Tenchi.
She phased into one of her more revealing dresses and flew out of the hotel. She glided
towards one of the busier cities nearby and spotted a local bar. Confidently stepping
inside, she looked around to see if she could spot anyone of use, "Ok, I'm gonna need a
man for tonight, any volunteers?" she shouted to the crowd. Instantly all the men of the
establisment rushed up to her, and a large sweatdrop formed on her head. Quickly
looking over each man, she found one that looked decent enough. He was a tall but lean
man with shoulder length red hair and red eyes, "Ok, you, come on, let's go." she said
while grabbing his arm and pulling him out. She could hear the dissatisfied groans of all
the other men in the bar.
"My name is Jekero." the surprised but happy man said.
"Who cares." Ryoko quickly replied as she phased the two of them outside the hotel she
and Tenchi stayed at.
Jekero was a little stunned by the her traveling methods, but his mood changed when
he saw where they were at, "Woah, already wanna get it on, fine by me babe."
Ryoko rolled her eyes and started dragging him to The Chiguara, "In your dreams,
moron. And my name is Ryoko, not 'babe', got it?"
He just shrugged his shoulders, "Whatever you say, babe."
***
The Chiguara
***
Tenchi had just walked through the door when he saw Sheyla waiting for him, she smiled
and came up to him, "You just wait here and I'll get us a table, it'll only take a minute."
Tenchi agreed and leaned back up against a wall, taking a look around the place.
Much to his chagrin, he saw a familiar mane of spiky cyan hair in the crowd, I told her
not to come here, but I guess I'm not surprised she showed up.
He boldly strode over towards her, "Ryoko, I thought I told you not to come here and
cause trouble." he whispered to her in an annoyed fashion.
Ryoko looked at him with a quizzical look on her face, then she smiled at him, "Oh hello
there, Tenchi. Well, what a surprise running into you here. I'm just here with my date,
Jekero." she motioned towards the man standing next to her.
Tenchi's eyes widened, "He's your...date?" he asked incredulously.
Ryoko nodded her head with a smile and hooked his arm with hers, "Come along Jek, I
see a nice table over there. Oh and Tenchi, have a nice evening." she said cheerfully as
she went to her table.
Tenchi just stood there with a shocked look on his face as Sheyla called out to him from
her table nearby. Snapping out of it, he went over and sat down with her, and noticed
his table had a clear view of Ryoko and Jekero's table. He could see the back of Jekero's
head and Ryoko's face clearly. Who the heck is that guy? Is he some old friend of hers?
while Tenchi was pondering these things, Sheyla was trying to gain his attention,
"Tenchi? I asked you if you thought this was a nice place."
"Hmm? What? Oh, yeah, great place." he mumbled.
The waiter then came up to their table and asked if they had decided yet.
"Oh yes, I'll have the Flordin with the hot sauce, Horkun soup on the side, and a glass of
Tepin Ale." Sheyla answered.
"Very good madam, and for you sir?" he asked Tenchi. However Tenchi's attention was
fixated on Ryoko's table and he didn't even notice the man ask him a question.
"Umm, why don't you just give him the same, alright?" Sheyla told the waiter, he nodded
and left the two alone.
At Ryoko's table, she was getting irratated by Jekero's suggestive remarks and crude
manners rather fast. She put up with it however when she glanced over at Tenchi and
noted with glee that he was looking at them, It's working! she broke out in a huge
grin and pretended to be interested in what Jekero was babbling about.
When Tenchi saw Ryoko catch him staring at the two of them, he realized he needed to
make an effort not to be noticed by her. Casting a quick glace he saw her smiling broadly
and apparently engrossed in her companions comments, She seems to like that guy,
but where the heck did he come from? I find it odd that she just happened to find this
guy on the night I go out. I bet she's just trying to make me jealous, she probably
doesn't even like that jerk. If she thinks her scheme is gonna work, she's wrong. As he
finished his thought, their food arrived.
"Oh this looks wonderful! I know Tepin Ale is pretty strong stuff, but I like to take a few
sips during a meal, it really adds some kick." Sheyla observed.
Tenchi smiled and nodded his head, "I don't drink anything alcoholic, so my glass of
water will do fine." he noted as he began to eat his dinner.
Ryoko cast a quick look over towards Tenchi but frowned when she saw him smiling and
eating, That little tramp better not be trying anything with him. she silently fumed.
"So anyways, I was like, totally drunk and she kicked me out of her place, I mean how
messed up is that?" Jekero said while chewing his food with his mouth open.
Ryoko was getting pretty revolted by his disgusting table manners as well, she didn't
how long she could keep up this charade. She started laughing hard to try and get
Tenchi's attention.
Indeed it did just that, What did that bum say that was so funny? No, I won't let them
get under my skin, I'll focus on Sheyla, she's a nice girl. Sheyla is smart, pretty, and...
she's got a big piece of food stuck in her teeth. Tenchi put on a fake smile and tried to
give her the impression he was paying attention.
Over at Jekero and Ryoko's table, things weren't going too smoothly. After Ryoko began
laughing out loud when he didn't say anything funny, Jekero got the impression she was
mentally ill. However this only made him think he stood a better chance at getting her to
bed. Even when Ryoko spelled it out to him that she'd never have sex with him as long
as she was breathing, Jekero would brush off her refusals as 'Just the pills talking.'
She restrained the urge to punch his lights out when she once again caught Tenchi
peeking at her. She decided to kick things up a notch and leaned over the table to
whisper into Jekero's ear that she'd rather be eaten alive by Delforun slime worms than
have sex with him, and she kept her fingers crossed Tenchi would see her.
Tenchi was just finishing his soup when he took another peek at Ryoko, She's really
crazy if she thinks she's making me jealous, I mean...WHAT is she whispering in that
jerks ear?! No, I refuse to let her distract me! She's just trying to get under my skin, and
I refuse to let her distract me...
"Umm Tenchi, why did you just drink that cup of hot sauce?" Sheyla innocently inquired.
Tenchi's eyes bulged out of his head and his mouth felt like scalding lava had been
poured in it as he realized what he just did. In a frenzy he grabbed for his glass of water
only to find it empty, and he began to cough as the stinging sauce began to burn his
throat as well.
Seeing a glass of what looked like water in front of Sheyla, he lunged for it and
immediately began to drink it, but Sheyla tried to stop him, "WAIT! Tenchi, that's not
water..." Tenchi's face scrunched up as he spit out the drink all over Sheyla, "...that's the
Tepin Ale."
In a heat induced panic he got up and stormed towards the mens room, slamming the
door open. He charged towards the sink and started filling up his hands with water to
drink. He received quite a few odd looks from the others in the room.
Ryoko didn't catch all of what happened, but she saw Tenchi charge towards the
bathroom. She was concerned about him, but she didn't want to blow her cover just yet
by making a fuss over him. Deciding to wait and see what happens, she turned around
and picked at her food.
Tenchi stumbled out of the bathroom several minutes later panting, his mouth still tingling
but feeling much better. He was embarrassed and a bit angry as well, Ryoko is making
a fool out of me! Well I've had enough, I'm going to find out once and for all what her
scheme is, and later on I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind! He reasoned that if he
could eavesdrop on them, he could get the proof he needed to expose her plan.
At the moment he was looking at the back of Ryoko, and as he looked around he saw an
empty table right next to theirs. Thinking that his luck was changing, he used his
practiced stealth skills to sneak underneath the empty table without anyone noticing.
Ryoko hadn't seen Tenchi come back from the bathroom yet, and she was growing
anxious. And Jekero's unending ramblings were wearing her down. Finally snapping, she
glared at him, "Listen you overgrown rodent, I won't ever have sex with you, and I won't
ever see you again after dinner. I brought you here just to make someone jealous, I
don't give a damn about your stupid bar brawls or that your girlfriend kicked you out. I
will actually pay you money to shut up!" she angrily spat.
After hearing this under the nearby Tenchi broke out into a smile, I knew it! I figured
she was up something, I knew she didn't care about that stupid bum. Tenchi felt...
relieved? He shook his head and told himself otherwise. As he was about to get out from
under the table, a woman pulled out a chair and sat down.
Tenchi froze in place as he realized what a situation he was in. He prayed to anything
that would listen that he wouldn't be caught. However, those prayers went unanswered
as the lady sitting at the table crossed her legs and her right leg bumped into Tenchi.
When she didn't do anything right away, Tenchi thought maybe she didn't notice. Yet a
second later, she leaned down and lifted the table cloth up, revealing an embarrassed
Tenchi waving at her, "Hi." he meekly said.
"AAHHHHHHHHHH!"
The woman overturned the table and began beating Tenchi senseless with her purse,
calling him a pervert and degenerate. Everyone in the restaurant looked towards the
commotion. Ryoko's eyes widened in shock as she saw what was happening, for she
hadn't a clue what was going on.
Inbetween blows, Tenchi tried to explain himself, "I'm sorry miss! I wasn't trying to look
up your dress, I was just trying to eavesdrop on someone!"
Ryoko almost shouted for joy when she heard this, YES! He was jealous! He was trying
to spy on us! wearing a triumphant smile she gave Jekero the money for her dinner and
calmy walked over to Sheyla and paid for Tenchi's meal as well. She then went over and
took ahold of Tenchi's hand and phased the both of them back to his hotel room.
Tenchi looked around and noticed they were back at the hotel, he saw Ryoko standing
there with an ear to ear grin and her hands on her hips.
"You were jealous." she said simply.
Tenchi crossed his arms and looked at the ceiling, "I was not! I was merely trying to
prove what I had suspected, which is that you just dragged somebody there in an ill
conceived attempt to make me jealous."
"You were jealous."
"I was trying to expose you and your silly schemes." he stubbornly insisted.
"You were jealous."
"You should've let me at least say goodbye to Sheyla. Though after spitting out a drink
on her new dress, maybe it's for the best I didn't." he mumbled.
Ryoko phased behind Tenchi and draped her arms around his neck, "You know what? It
doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is that you were jealous, which proves how
much you love me." she happily whispered in his ear.
A slightly blushing Tenchi slipped from her grasp, "Umm, if you don't mind, I'd like to get
some sleep now." he nervously responded.
"Whatever you say my Tenchi." she cooed before blowing him a kiss and phasing back to
her room.
Tenchi stood there staring at the spot she was just at before flopping down onto his bed,
I think it's safe to say I won't be allowed into that restaurant again.
***
2 days later...
***
Tenchi and Ryoko were strolling along the beach together, just enjoying the scenery.
Actually, Tenchi was going to walk alone, but once Ryoko found out, she insisted on
joining him. They had heard storms were coming and would most likely drench the area in
rain, so they decided to spend as much time out on the beach before the rains came, as
the two of them would be leaving soon.
While Tenchi was scooping up some sea shells from the sand, Ryoko put on her
sunglasses and took a look around the beach. Something caught her eye in the distance,
it was a person up on the shore in the bushes. But this person was wearing what looked
to be a dark overcoat and hat, Not your typical beach attire. she observed. She
gasped as realization hit her, and lunged at Tenchi, knocking him out of the way, "LOOK
OUT!" she screamed.
Just as she pushed him out of the way, a shot from an energy rifle went right where
Tenchi's head was a second earlier.
"What was that?!" A stunned Tenchi asked.
Ryoko didn't answer him but instead flew towards the assassin as fast as she could. He
took another shot which tore through her leg, she screamed out in pain but didn't stop.
She formed an energy sword and plunged it into his chest, killing him on the spot. By
now Tenchi was running up to where she was, still trying to figure out who was after
them.
"It was some bastard from the Vhalid clan." she grimaced and fell to the ground while
clutching her wound.
Tenchi looked at the corpse for a moment before realizing Ryoko was hurt, "Are you
alright?" his voice was full of concern. He took a look at the injury, it was a fairly nasty
looking shot to her leg, with alot of bleeding. He knew Ryoko had special healing abilities
that should be able to heal it over a much shorter period of time than with a normal
person.
She gritted her teeth, "It'll heal."
Tenchi took his shirt off wrapped it tightly around her injured leg, "Can you teleport us
back to your room? You should be lying down and resting."
"Oh don't worry, I'm fine." she tried to reassure him, but he could tell by the expression
on her face that she was in a lot of pain, "Come on Ryoko, teleport us back to your room."
he said firmly.
Grumbling a bit, she touched her hand to Tenchi's and phased the two of them to her
hotel room. She tried to stand up to prove she was alright, but once she put weight on
the injured leg, she cried out in pain and started to fall to the floor. However Tenchi
quickly caught her in his arms and lifted her up, "Like I said, you're going to get some rest
while that wound heals." he said compassionately.
Ryoko was too busy enjoying the feeling of Tenchi holding her in his arms to offer much
protest. He swiftly carried her to the bed and gently set her down, "Now you stay here,
alright? I'm going to get some guaze to wrap up your leg in. I'll be right back." In a love
induced daze, she mumbled her quiet approval as he left.
Ryo-ohki bounded up onto the bed next to her and offered a concerned meow, "Don't
worry, it's just a scrape, I'll be back on my feet in no time." she confidently reassured her
cabbit friend.
***
The next day...
***
Ryoko awoke to the sound of thunder and of a serious downpour. Still a bit groggy, her
sensitive nose detected Tenchi's scent nearby, opening her eyes she saw him fully
dressed and drinking a cup of tea. The night before, he insisted on staying in her room in
case the assassins decided to come back and finish her off, of course the idea of him
spending the night in her room was more than alright with her.
"Good morning, I brought you some tea." Tenchi warmly greeted her.
She yawned and muttered her thanks while taking the cup he offered her.
Tenchi's expression turned serious as he went to the window and watched the pouring
rain, "We should leave as soon as possible. They know we're here, and they'll only send
more people after us."
Ryoko felt at her wound, "Sounds like a good plan. And my leg is already healed up, so
I'm ready to go when you are."
Tenchi seemed surprised, "Don't you want to get some breakfast or a bath before
leaving? You just woke up."
"Better to be alive and grumpy than dead." she dryly replied.
Ryo-ohki began to hiss and meow angrily, Ryoko picked her up and gave her a stern
glare, "Oh put a sock in it! I know it's pouring down rain, but you're just gonna have to
tough it out." Ryo-ohki slumped and let out a sad meow.
***
Later, out in space
***
Ryoko walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed and ready for the day. While she
was a little dissapointed they had to leave Terafin early, she knew it was for the best.
She took a look outside the viewing screen and saw they were going right by the ice
planet Icanus which was at the outer edge of the Terafin star system. The thought
of that fridged wasteland made her shiver, for there was one thing she hated, and that
was the cold.
Her gaze wandered over to Tenchi, who was sitting down and reading a book. She
considered trying a little playful seduction to liven things up, but in the end decided
against that. She never got her breakfast that morning and her stomach was letting her
know.
She was on her way to the kitchen when she was telepathicly assaulted by a distressed
alert from Ryo-ohki. The view screen changed to show a huge fleet of ships surrounding
them. "Oh shit." she muttered. She sped towards the ships control crystal just as the first
shot impacted them. Tenchi was jolted from his book and quickly lept up from his seat
and gave Ryoko a questioning look.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, "It's those damn Vhalid pirates, those bastards used
the planets magnetic field distortions to help mask them from our sensors."
A few more blasts rocked the ship, almost throwing Tenchi and Ryoko against the wall.
Ryoko gripped the steering crystal and did her best evasive maneuvers to try and get
them out of there. But just as she thought she saw an opening to go through, she caught
sight of a massive ship, 10 times larger than any of the others.
"The Emerald Dawn." she said in shock.
"What's the Emerald Dawn?" He questioned.
"I heard about it when it was being constructed, it was quite a ship in its day. Though a
bit outdated now, it still can kick some serious butt." she gruffly muttered.
Right after she said that, they both saw a bright light detatch itself from the Emerald
Dawn, it didn't take long before they realized it was heading right at them.
Tenchi gulped when he saw it, "That...doesn't look good." he said with a hint of gloom in
his voice.
Ryoko franticly took ahold of the control crystal and tried to steer hard to avoid it, "DAMN
IT! It's locked onto us!"
Tenchi felt an impending sense of doom as he watched the projectile speed ever closer
towards them, "What now?" he asked fearfully.
She looked into his eyes for what she knew might be the last time, and when she spoke,
it was barely above a whisper, "I don't know..."
And then it hit.
End of chapter 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authors Notes: *snicker* Don't you just love how I end my chapters? Sorry boys and
girls, no spoilers for chapter 5! You'll just have to wait. As always, I hope you read and
review, as feedback is greatly appreciated.
myself), they belong to AIC and Pioneer corp. I'm not making a single measely penny off
this story either.
Among the stars
Chapter 4: Table for two
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Out in the cold depths of space, a large fleet of vessels sailed through the heavens.
Leading the group of ships was the flagship vessel of the Vhalid pirate clan. It was a
splendid ship, custom built specifications dictated by the leader of the clan himself, he
had named it the Emerald Dawn due to the ships color.
***
Onboard
***
A lone messenger stalked the halls of the Emerald Dawn, in his hands he held a message
for the lord of the clan, Khadi Armina. Arriving at the door to his office, the messenger
was promptly frisked by two guards that were stationed outside the door. With the wave
of a hand they allowed him to enter.
The room wasn't so much large as it was luxuriously decorated. It was filled with
antiques and other priceless works of art. Seated at the large, ornate desk dominating
the room was Khadi Armina. He was a middle aged man of average height and build, he
had short, dirty blond hair and dull green eyes. While he wasn't an imposing looking
man, his brilliance and ruthless streak were enough to strike fear into the hearts of
many.
The messenger immediately kneeled before his clans leader, "Lord Armina, I have
important news."
"Very well, state your information." he calmy replied.
The messenger quickly began reading the note he held, "It appears that the pirate
Ryoko and her partner were seen on Fladucia. At the moment they are headed in the
general direction of the Terafin system."
Khadi closed his eyes and smiled, "Send a message to the special operations chief, tell
him to place all agents stationed at Terafin on high alert." The messenger quickly
nodded and scurried out of the room. Khadi opened his eyes and turned his chair around
to where he faced out the window, "The noose tightens..."
***
On the cabbit ship Ryo-ohki
***
Ryoko angrily turned off the television and let out a frustrated growl, "There's never
anything good on." Just as she said this, she saw Tenchi come out of his room bringing
out a box. "Hey, what's in the box?" she asked curiously.
Tenchi opened it up and took out a chess board, "Oh, just a chess set. I'd thought I'd
play against myself, grandfather says it's supposed to help my mental focus, but I do it
because it's enjoyable." Ryoko quickly became dissinterested, as she was hoping he had
brought out some sort of present for her.
Tenchi stopped for a moment and looked at her, "You wanna play a game of chess with
me? It'd alot more fun than doing it by myself."
She was surprised by his question, "Ummm, no thanks, maybe another time." she
answered uneasily. She didn't want to admit her reason for turning him down was
because she had no idea how to play chess.
Tenchi nodded his head and went back to setting up the pieces, "That's ok, I
understand." he casually replied.
Something about the way he said that got under her skin, "What's that supposed to
mean?" she angrily asked.
Tenchi looked up her with a puzzled expression, "What are you talking about?"
She leveled him with a harsh glare, "You know damn well what I'm talking about! You
think I don't want to play because I'm afraid of losing, is that it? Or you think I don't
know how to play at all? Well I'll tell you something, I could kick your butt at chess if I
wanted to, I'm just not in the mood."
Tenchi shrugged his shoulders, "Fine by me." he simply replied.
This only infuriated her even more, "You want me to play? FINE!" she stormed over to the
seat opposite Tenchi and sat down. It only took a moment before she realized what she
was doing, What was I doing?! I don't know how to play chess! I just HAD to be the
tough girl didn't I? Well now I'll look like an idiot! I'll just have to play along, I'll copy
whatever move he makes, that might fool him.
She was broken from her thoughts when Tenchi spoke up, "Ryoko, it's your move."
"My move? Why is it my move?" she nervously asked.
Tenchi pointed at the board, "Because you picked the white pieces, and white always
goes first."
Ryoko let out a nervous chuckle, "Of course! I knew that."
Sweat was beading on her forehead as she studied the board. She had seen Tenchi
playing chess before, but it wasn't a game she was ever interested in, so she never
payed any attention to any of the moves Tenchi made. Now she was regretting that.
Biting her bottom lip she wracked her brain only to come up with a blank.
"Ryoko...you don't know how to play chess do you?" he calmy asked with a half smile on
his face.
"W-what? Well maybe I don't...that is to say...I don't exactly...have any idea how to play
chess." she finished in a defeated tone.
Tenchi laughed a bit after hearing that, "That's ok Ryoko, I kind of figured. Do you want
me to teach you how to play?" he warmly asked.
She wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't exactly interested in chess, but the idea of
doing it with Tenchi was appealing, "Sure, why not?" she responded.
And so Tenchi began to explain the basic rules of chess and some strategies one might
use. Ryoko didn't want to be embarrassed again so she did her best to pay attention.
She actually found it alot more interesting than she expected. Before, it just seemed a
really long and dull game, but once she started learning about it, she realized how much
skill it takes to win.
"Ok, now let's just have a little test game here. I'll make a move, and then I'll give you
advice on which move you should make." Tenchi told her, and she nodded her agreement.
Ryoko thought she might be able to hold her own against him, but she found that he
constantly set up traps she would fall into. She finally thought she had him when she
moved her queen to take his queen, yet Tenchi stopped her before she made her move
and shook his head, "Nope, bad move. I would just use my knight to take your queen
then. And without your queen I could maneuver towards your king for checkmate. See
what you should have done was this..." He put his hand atop hers and guided it to
where she should have placed her queen. However, chess was the farthest thing from
Ryoko's mind as she gazed at Tenchi's hand holding hers, and she noticed with
happiness that his hand was still lingering atop hers, even though he already showed
her the correct placement of her piece.
After guiding her to the correct move, Tenchi didn't even realize he was still holding her
hand. He followed her gaze down to the board and finally saw this. I never noticed
how soft her hands are... His mind snapped back into focus when he finished his
thought and he removed his hand from hers. Clearing his throat, he continued his chess
lessons, doing his best to avoid looking directly at her face. Ryoko gently smiled at him
as spoke, her mind filled with delight. She knew it wasn't much, him holding her hand,
but he never initiated physical contact, and the memory of how he had kept holding her
hand was making Ryoko almost giddy.
Later on, Tenchi declared the lessons were over and that next time they played, it'd be
for real. Ryoko was eagerly anticipating testing her skills against his. She couldn't help
but find it funny how excited she was about the prospect of playing chess, a few hours
before she wouldn't have believed it.
Tenchi stood up, stretching his arms, "Well, I'm pretty tired, I'm gonna turn in for the
night."
"But Tenchi, you said we could play a real game of chess." Ryoko pouted.
"We can do it tomorrow, ok?" he tiredly asked.
Ryoko crossed her arms and let out a 'hmph', "You're just trying to avoid playing me
because you know I'll kick your ass."
He just smiled at her, "We'll do it tomorrow, I promise." He bid her goodnight as he went
to his bedroom.
"Sweet dreams." she whispered under her breath as his door closed.
***
Four days later...
***
Ryoko studied the board with the eye of a hawk, intently focused on crafting the perfect
move. She had him, she could smell it, she just needed one big move to finish him off. A
plan emerged, and with a crafty smile she moved her rook into position. Yes, it would only
be a few moves before Tenchi is defeated. She noticed with glee how his eyebrow raised
after she finished her move, he must be stunned by her brilliant strategy. He examined
his options for a moment before making his move...
"Checkmate." Tenchi said simply.
"WHAT?!" she shouted in angry shock.
He began to point out her error, "See Ryoko, once you moved that rook you left your
king..." she silenced him with the wave of her hand, "Yeah yeah yeah, I see it. I almost
had you that time Tenchi."
"Don't feel bad Ryoko, you know I still haven't ever beaten my grandfather at chess." he
responded in a consoling manner.
Ryoko straightened up and stared off at the ceiling for a moment before looking back at
Tenchi, "That was Ryo-ohki, we're about to land on Terafin."
He got up and went back to once again pack a bag for a planetside stay, "Hey, how long
we gonna stay on this planet? I wanna know how much to pack this time." He asked
over his shoulder to her.
She put her hand to her chin for a moment, "Hmmm, let's do it for a week."
***
On the surface of Terafin
***
Once they landed at a suitable location, they made the journey through a beachside
village called Waiku. Tenchi was much more comfortable in this type of small town setting
than the huge metropolis of Fladucia. The buildings in this town were made out of a
bamboo like wood and had thatched roofs. Ryoko pointed out a resort hotel up ahead
and they went inside of it.
Before they got to the counter, Tenchi stopped Ryoko, "Ryoko, this time, let me make the
reservations." he wearily told her. She crossed her arms and gave him a mock frown.
After reserving two rooms for a week, Tenchi went to his room and started unpacking.
Before he barely got started however, Ryoko phased in wearing a small bikini, "Come on,
let's hit the beaches Tenchi!"
Trying hard not to focus on how much skin Ryoko was showing, he thought about her
offer for a moment, "Well, I guess unpacking can wait for awhile."
Sporting a smile, she hooked her arm in his and led him to the shore. Tenchi had to admit
it certainly was a pretty marvelous looking beach, with crystal clear blue waters and soft
white sand. A warm ocean breeze made it perfect for just lounging around. And he
noticed with satisfaction how there wasn't that many people crowding this area either.
Ryoko set down a bag she was carrying and rummaged through it, taking out a large
blanket, an umbrella, and some sunscreen lotion.
"Oh, I forgot my swim trunks, I'll be right back." But before Tenchi made a step, Ryoko
grabbed his arm, "Allow me." she said before phasing out for a moment and appearing a
second later with a pair of his trunks in hand.
"Thanks Ryoko, but I need to have a place to put these on."
Ryoko gave him a feral grin, "You can just change right here, I won't mind."
Tenchi gave her one of his 'no-nonsense' looks and she grumbled under her breath a
moment before pointing out a small changing room on the shore. Giving her a polite
'thank you' he went to change. Once he returned he noticed Ryoko had set up the
umbrella and was sitting on the beach towel. He sat down beside her and took a
deep breath of the ocean air, he knew he was going enjoy staying on this planet.
Ryoko opened up the sunscreen lotion and was about to apply it before deciding to have
a little fun. She took the bottle and squirted a large blob of cream in her hand and began
to sensually rub it in over her body, she watched with satisfaction Tenchi's eyes begin to
widen. She arched her back and made moaning sounds when she started rubbing it in on
her chest above her bikini top. She glanced at him and saw his eyes were transfixed on
her and his face begin to redden slightly.
Tenchi was short of breath and trying to get his mind back into focus when she kindly
asked him if he'd rub some lotion on her back. Reluctantly nodding his approval, he took
the bottle and maneuvered around behind her. She lied down on her stomach and waited
for him to begin. At first he merely tried to gently apply it with as little rubbing as
possible, but Ryoko noticed, "Come on Tenchi, you gotta really rub it in."
"Ok." he weakly said. Still uneasy from her antics moments ago, he wasn't sure if he
should be having any sort of physical contact with her right now in his current hentai
state of mind. Taking a deep breath, he rubbed her back gently, but with some firmness.
Ryoko let out a blissful sigh and muttered a few encouraging words to him.
Tenchi had hoped once he started, he would relax and get used to it. However, rubbing
her silky smooth back was only throwing his mind into further impure realms. Once he
got to her lower back, his eyes kept focusing on her firm rear, only inches from his hands.
Finally, he finished with her back and sat up, wearing a triumphant smile, happy to have
finished.
"Tenchi, you have to do the back of my legs now." she murmured sleepily.
He almost choked on his tounge when he heard that. But taking another deep breath,
he started by her feet, and began to work his way up her long slender legs. The higher
he got, the more difficult it became to think clearly. Soon he was by her thighs, rubbing
the lotion in by her bikini bottom only inches from her most private area, he was almost
drooling by now. Panting, he stood up once he finished applying the lotion.
"Mmm, thank you Tenchi, that felt great." Ryoko moaned while rolling over on her back.
Her golden eyes twinkled and she wore a wicked smile as she caught sight of something,
"Is that for me?" she asked sweetly while pointing to a large bulge in the front of Tenchi's
swim trunks. He gasped and and stammered a few incoherent words before rushing off
towards the water, trying to get as far away as possible.
Ryoko couldn't help but laugh as she watched the crimson faced boy rushing into the
water, Nice to know I have that sort of effect on him. she thought with a smile.
Meanwhile Tenchi sat in the cool ocean water more embarrassed than he had ever been,
How am I even going to show my face around her? He hung his head and beat himself
up for ever letting his mind wander as it had earlier. It's gonna be a long week...
***
3 days later...
***
"Hmm, no no, I think the first one was better, no wait! The third."
"Come on, will you just pick a dress? We've been here forever it seems." Tenchi
complained.
Ryoko paid no attention to him as she looked at herself in the mirror, "You know, I better
just try on those other dresses we passed by earlier."
Tenchi let out a defeated groan and slumped in his chair. While Ryoko went off to gather
up some more clothes to try on, Tenchi began flipping through a very dull magazine about
boating. His boredom was interrupted though when someone walked up to him, "Excuse
me sir, you must be a visitor here on vacation. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Sheyla,
head of the tourist department of Waiku." Tenchi looked up and got a look at the young
lady.
She was about his height and had long black hair and orange eyes. She had a good tan
and by all standards would be considered a beautiful woman, "Hello, my name's Tenchi.
Umm, how did you know I was a tourist?" he inquired.
"That's easy, I could tell by your clothes." she casually replied while sitting down next to
him.
Sheyla tilted her head and twirled a long lock of hair around with her finger, "So tell me,
how long you plan on staying in town?"
Tenchi glanced around to make sure Ryoko wasn't in the area, "About 4 more days."
She smiled at him and leaned in a bit closer, "I know all the great places to eat around
here, maybe I could show you a few, hmm?" she asked in a lower, more inviting tone.
Tenchi leaned back and began to sweat a bit, "I don't think..." before he could finish
however, Sheyla was lifted up off the chair by Ryoko.
"Just WHAT do you think you're doing with my Tenchi you little tramp?" Ryoko angrily
growled at her while holding her up in the air with one hand.
"Hey I didn't know he was with you." she nervously answered, it was obvious Sheyla
was frightened by Ryoko's strength.
Tenchi was getting annoyed by Ryoko's behavior, "Ryoko, stop it, put her down."
"Fine." she simply said while rudely tossing her to the ground. Sheyla hit her head on
the edge of a chair and cried out in pain, rubbing her head. Tenchi went over to see if
she was alright, angry with Ryoko's rude manners, She's always doing this sort of thing,
and I'm sick of it! Well I'm gonna teach her a lesson... Tenchi knew what he was about
to do was almost suicidal, but he resolved to prove a point to Ryoko.
"Sheyla, you know what, I'll go out with you tonight." he stated firmly.
"WHAT?! I THINK NOT!" Ryoko shouted.
Tenchi turned and glared at her, "Ryoko, I'm not your pet ok? I can go where I want,
when I want, and I don't need your permission." he coldly stated.
She was taken aback by this, and tried to offer some retort but Sheyla interrupted,
"Great Tenchi! I'll meet you at The Chiguara around seven o'clock, it's casual dress, so no
need to get a suit." she chirped as she stood up and strode out of the store.
Tenchi crossed his arms and did his best to appear bold in front of Ryoko, but internally
he was sweating bullets, he knew just how jealous Ryoko could be. "Tenchi, you can't
go...I mean I don't wan't you to go...I mean I'm asking you not to go." she pleaded with
him. But Tenchi shook his head, "Sorry Ryoko, my mind is made up."
The next few hours were pretty tense, as Ryoko's emotions fluctuated from whiny
pleading to more angry demands, but Tenchi was resolute in sticking by his choice. She
suspected he was only trying to get back at her for the way she treated Sheyla, but
Ryoko still didn't like the idea of him spending any time with that girl.
In the bathroom, Tenchi was going through some mental struggles of his own, What
am I doing? I know there's going to be trouble if I go out on this date. I mean I don't
even really want to go out with Sheyla, I just want to show Ryoko that I'm not her lap
dog. Oh boy there's gonna be trouble, I can feel it...
He strode out of the bathroom to his room to find Ryoko sitting there on his bed gazing
at him with her puppy dog eyes, "Please..." she pitifully moaned.
Tenchi almost broke down and cancled his date when he saw this, but he mustered the
courage to stay strong, "I'm sorry, I can't do it. Now listen, I don't want to see you
showing up at this restaurant and causing trouble, ok?" he asked her firmly. Stopping at
the doorway, he turned around and looked at her softly, "I hope you have a nice night
Ryoko, and hey, we can go out to eat tomorrow, alright?" he hoped that might lift her
spirits, but she just crossed her arms and looked away as Tenchi left.
How can he do this to me? Well he's gonna pay for this that's for sure. Ryoko resolved.
She felt like punching something or someone. Finding nothing to properly vent her anger
out on, she angrily flipped the TV on and began channel chasing, not really paying
attention to it when suddenly one show caught her eye...
"Oh Mishra is only going out with Tergin to make Kontu jealous." One of the characters
said.
Ryoko's eyes lit up as inspiration struck, Of course! Jealousy! I never even thought of
using that before. A devious grin formed on her face as she devised a plot to get back
at Tenchi.
She phased into one of her more revealing dresses and flew out of the hotel. She glided
towards one of the busier cities nearby and spotted a local bar. Confidently stepping
inside, she looked around to see if she could spot anyone of use, "Ok, I'm gonna need a
man for tonight, any volunteers?" she shouted to the crowd. Instantly all the men of the
establisment rushed up to her, and a large sweatdrop formed on her head. Quickly
looking over each man, she found one that looked decent enough. He was a tall but lean
man with shoulder length red hair and red eyes, "Ok, you, come on, let's go." she said
while grabbing his arm and pulling him out. She could hear the dissatisfied groans of all
the other men in the bar.
"My name is Jekero." the surprised but happy man said.
"Who cares." Ryoko quickly replied as she phased the two of them outside the hotel she
and Tenchi stayed at.
Jekero was a little stunned by the her traveling methods, but his mood changed when
he saw where they were at, "Woah, already wanna get it on, fine by me babe."
Ryoko rolled her eyes and started dragging him to The Chiguara, "In your dreams,
moron. And my name is Ryoko, not 'babe', got it?"
He just shrugged his shoulders, "Whatever you say, babe."
***
The Chiguara
***
Tenchi had just walked through the door when he saw Sheyla waiting for him, she smiled
and came up to him, "You just wait here and I'll get us a table, it'll only take a minute."
Tenchi agreed and leaned back up against a wall, taking a look around the place.
Much to his chagrin, he saw a familiar mane of spiky cyan hair in the crowd, I told her
not to come here, but I guess I'm not surprised she showed up.
He boldly strode over towards her, "Ryoko, I thought I told you not to come here and
cause trouble." he whispered to her in an annoyed fashion.
Ryoko looked at him with a quizzical look on her face, then she smiled at him, "Oh hello
there, Tenchi. Well, what a surprise running into you here. I'm just here with my date,
Jekero." she motioned towards the man standing next to her.
Tenchi's eyes widened, "He's your...date?" he asked incredulously.
Ryoko nodded her head with a smile and hooked his arm with hers, "Come along Jek, I
see a nice table over there. Oh and Tenchi, have a nice evening." she said cheerfully as
she went to her table.
Tenchi just stood there with a shocked look on his face as Sheyla called out to him from
her table nearby. Snapping out of it, he went over and sat down with her, and noticed
his table had a clear view of Ryoko and Jekero's table. He could see the back of Jekero's
head and Ryoko's face clearly. Who the heck is that guy? Is he some old friend of hers?
while Tenchi was pondering these things, Sheyla was trying to gain his attention,
"Tenchi? I asked you if you thought this was a nice place."
"Hmm? What? Oh, yeah, great place." he mumbled.
The waiter then came up to their table and asked if they had decided yet.
"Oh yes, I'll have the Flordin with the hot sauce, Horkun soup on the side, and a glass of
Tepin Ale." Sheyla answered.
"Very good madam, and for you sir?" he asked Tenchi. However Tenchi's attention was
fixated on Ryoko's table and he didn't even notice the man ask him a question.
"Umm, why don't you just give him the same, alright?" Sheyla told the waiter, he nodded
and left the two alone.
At Ryoko's table, she was getting irratated by Jekero's suggestive remarks and crude
manners rather fast. She put up with it however when she glanced over at Tenchi and
noted with glee that he was looking at them, It's working! she broke out in a huge
grin and pretended to be interested in what Jekero was babbling about.
When Tenchi saw Ryoko catch him staring at the two of them, he realized he needed to
make an effort not to be noticed by her. Casting a quick glace he saw her smiling broadly
and apparently engrossed in her companions comments, She seems to like that guy,
but where the heck did he come from? I find it odd that she just happened to find this
guy on the night I go out. I bet she's just trying to make me jealous, she probably
doesn't even like that jerk. If she thinks her scheme is gonna work, she's wrong. As he
finished his thought, their food arrived.
"Oh this looks wonderful! I know Tepin Ale is pretty strong stuff, but I like to take a few
sips during a meal, it really adds some kick." Sheyla observed.
Tenchi smiled and nodded his head, "I don't drink anything alcoholic, so my glass of
water will do fine." he noted as he began to eat his dinner.
Ryoko cast a quick look over towards Tenchi but frowned when she saw him smiling and
eating, That little tramp better not be trying anything with him. she silently fumed.
"So anyways, I was like, totally drunk and she kicked me out of her place, I mean how
messed up is that?" Jekero said while chewing his food with his mouth open.
Ryoko was getting pretty revolted by his disgusting table manners as well, she didn't
how long she could keep up this charade. She started laughing hard to try and get
Tenchi's attention.
Indeed it did just that, What did that bum say that was so funny? No, I won't let them
get under my skin, I'll focus on Sheyla, she's a nice girl. Sheyla is smart, pretty, and...
she's got a big piece of food stuck in her teeth. Tenchi put on a fake smile and tried to
give her the impression he was paying attention.
Over at Jekero and Ryoko's table, things weren't going too smoothly. After Ryoko began
laughing out loud when he didn't say anything funny, Jekero got the impression she was
mentally ill. However this only made him think he stood a better chance at getting her to
bed. Even when Ryoko spelled it out to him that she'd never have sex with him as long
as she was breathing, Jekero would brush off her refusals as 'Just the pills talking.'
She restrained the urge to punch his lights out when she once again caught Tenchi
peeking at her. She decided to kick things up a notch and leaned over the table to
whisper into Jekero's ear that she'd rather be eaten alive by Delforun slime worms than
have sex with him, and she kept her fingers crossed Tenchi would see her.
Tenchi was just finishing his soup when he took another peek at Ryoko, She's really
crazy if she thinks she's making me jealous, I mean...WHAT is she whispering in that
jerks ear?! No, I refuse to let her distract me! She's just trying to get under my skin, and
I refuse to let her distract me...
"Umm Tenchi, why did you just drink that cup of hot sauce?" Sheyla innocently inquired.
Tenchi's eyes bulged out of his head and his mouth felt like scalding lava had been
poured in it as he realized what he just did. In a frenzy he grabbed for his glass of water
only to find it empty, and he began to cough as the stinging sauce began to burn his
throat as well.
Seeing a glass of what looked like water in front of Sheyla, he lunged for it and
immediately began to drink it, but Sheyla tried to stop him, "WAIT! Tenchi, that's not
water..." Tenchi's face scrunched up as he spit out the drink all over Sheyla, "...that's the
Tepin Ale."
In a heat induced panic he got up and stormed towards the mens room, slamming the
door open. He charged towards the sink and started filling up his hands with water to
drink. He received quite a few odd looks from the others in the room.
Ryoko didn't catch all of what happened, but she saw Tenchi charge towards the
bathroom. She was concerned about him, but she didn't want to blow her cover just yet
by making a fuss over him. Deciding to wait and see what happens, she turned around
and picked at her food.
Tenchi stumbled out of the bathroom several minutes later panting, his mouth still tingling
but feeling much better. He was embarrassed and a bit angry as well, Ryoko is making
a fool out of me! Well I've had enough, I'm going to find out once and for all what her
scheme is, and later on I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind! He reasoned that if he
could eavesdrop on them, he could get the proof he needed to expose her plan.
At the moment he was looking at the back of Ryoko, and as he looked around he saw an
empty table right next to theirs. Thinking that his luck was changing, he used his
practiced stealth skills to sneak underneath the empty table without anyone noticing.
Ryoko hadn't seen Tenchi come back from the bathroom yet, and she was growing
anxious. And Jekero's unending ramblings were wearing her down. Finally snapping, she
glared at him, "Listen you overgrown rodent, I won't ever have sex with you, and I won't
ever see you again after dinner. I brought you here just to make someone jealous, I
don't give a damn about your stupid bar brawls or that your girlfriend kicked you out. I
will actually pay you money to shut up!" she angrily spat.
After hearing this under the nearby Tenchi broke out into a smile, I knew it! I figured
she was up something, I knew she didn't care about that stupid bum. Tenchi felt...
relieved? He shook his head and told himself otherwise. As he was about to get out from
under the table, a woman pulled out a chair and sat down.
Tenchi froze in place as he realized what a situation he was in. He prayed to anything
that would listen that he wouldn't be caught. However, those prayers went unanswered
as the lady sitting at the table crossed her legs and her right leg bumped into Tenchi.
When she didn't do anything right away, Tenchi thought maybe she didn't notice. Yet a
second later, she leaned down and lifted the table cloth up, revealing an embarrassed
Tenchi waving at her, "Hi." he meekly said.
"AAHHHHHHHHHH!"
The woman overturned the table and began beating Tenchi senseless with her purse,
calling him a pervert and degenerate. Everyone in the restaurant looked towards the
commotion. Ryoko's eyes widened in shock as she saw what was happening, for she
hadn't a clue what was going on.
Inbetween blows, Tenchi tried to explain himself, "I'm sorry miss! I wasn't trying to look
up your dress, I was just trying to eavesdrop on someone!"
Ryoko almost shouted for joy when she heard this, YES! He was jealous! He was trying
to spy on us! wearing a triumphant smile she gave Jekero the money for her dinner and
calmy walked over to Sheyla and paid for Tenchi's meal as well. She then went over and
took ahold of Tenchi's hand and phased the both of them back to his hotel room.
Tenchi looked around and noticed they were back at the hotel, he saw Ryoko standing
there with an ear to ear grin and her hands on her hips.
"You were jealous." she said simply.
Tenchi crossed his arms and looked at the ceiling, "I was not! I was merely trying to
prove what I had suspected, which is that you just dragged somebody there in an ill
conceived attempt to make me jealous."
"You were jealous."
"I was trying to expose you and your silly schemes." he stubbornly insisted.
"You were jealous."
"You should've let me at least say goodbye to Sheyla. Though after spitting out a drink
on her new dress, maybe it's for the best I didn't." he mumbled.
Ryoko phased behind Tenchi and draped her arms around his neck, "You know what? It
doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is that you were jealous, which proves how
much you love me." she happily whispered in his ear.
A slightly blushing Tenchi slipped from her grasp, "Umm, if you don't mind, I'd like to get
some sleep now." he nervously responded.
"Whatever you say my Tenchi." she cooed before blowing him a kiss and phasing back to
her room.
Tenchi stood there staring at the spot she was just at before flopping down onto his bed,
I think it's safe to say I won't be allowed into that restaurant again.
***
2 days later...
***
Tenchi and Ryoko were strolling along the beach together, just enjoying the scenery.
Actually, Tenchi was going to walk alone, but once Ryoko found out, she insisted on
joining him. They had heard storms were coming and would most likely drench the area in
rain, so they decided to spend as much time out on the beach before the rains came, as
the two of them would be leaving soon.
While Tenchi was scooping up some sea shells from the sand, Ryoko put on her
sunglasses and took a look around the beach. Something caught her eye in the distance,
it was a person up on the shore in the bushes. But this person was wearing what looked
to be a dark overcoat and hat, Not your typical beach attire. she observed. She
gasped as realization hit her, and lunged at Tenchi, knocking him out of the way, "LOOK
OUT!" she screamed.
Just as she pushed him out of the way, a shot from an energy rifle went right where
Tenchi's head was a second earlier.
"What was that?!" A stunned Tenchi asked.
Ryoko didn't answer him but instead flew towards the assassin as fast as she could. He
took another shot which tore through her leg, she screamed out in pain but didn't stop.
She formed an energy sword and plunged it into his chest, killing him on the spot. By
now Tenchi was running up to where she was, still trying to figure out who was after
them.
"It was some bastard from the Vhalid clan." she grimaced and fell to the ground while
clutching her wound.
Tenchi looked at the corpse for a moment before realizing Ryoko was hurt, "Are you
alright?" his voice was full of concern. He took a look at the injury, it was a fairly nasty
looking shot to her leg, with alot of bleeding. He knew Ryoko had special healing abilities
that should be able to heal it over a much shorter period of time than with a normal
person.
She gritted her teeth, "It'll heal."
Tenchi took his shirt off wrapped it tightly around her injured leg, "Can you teleport us
back to your room? You should be lying down and resting."
"Oh don't worry, I'm fine." she tried to reassure him, but he could tell by the expression
on her face that she was in a lot of pain, "Come on Ryoko, teleport us back to your room."
he said firmly.
Grumbling a bit, she touched her hand to Tenchi's and phased the two of them to her
hotel room. She tried to stand up to prove she was alright, but once she put weight on
the injured leg, she cried out in pain and started to fall to the floor. However Tenchi
quickly caught her in his arms and lifted her up, "Like I said, you're going to get some rest
while that wound heals." he said compassionately.
Ryoko was too busy enjoying the feeling of Tenchi holding her in his arms to offer much
protest. He swiftly carried her to the bed and gently set her down, "Now you stay here,
alright? I'm going to get some guaze to wrap up your leg in. I'll be right back." In a love
induced daze, she mumbled her quiet approval as he left.
Ryo-ohki bounded up onto the bed next to her and offered a concerned meow, "Don't
worry, it's just a scrape, I'll be back on my feet in no time." she confidently reassured her
cabbit friend.
***
The next day...
***
Ryoko awoke to the sound of thunder and of a serious downpour. Still a bit groggy, her
sensitive nose detected Tenchi's scent nearby, opening her eyes she saw him fully
dressed and drinking a cup of tea. The night before, he insisted on staying in her room in
case the assassins decided to come back and finish her off, of course the idea of him
spending the night in her room was more than alright with her.
"Good morning, I brought you some tea." Tenchi warmly greeted her.
She yawned and muttered her thanks while taking the cup he offered her.
Tenchi's expression turned serious as he went to the window and watched the pouring
rain, "We should leave as soon as possible. They know we're here, and they'll only send
more people after us."
Ryoko felt at her wound, "Sounds like a good plan. And my leg is already healed up, so
I'm ready to go when you are."
Tenchi seemed surprised, "Don't you want to get some breakfast or a bath before
leaving? You just woke up."
"Better to be alive and grumpy than dead." she dryly replied.
Ryo-ohki began to hiss and meow angrily, Ryoko picked her up and gave her a stern
glare, "Oh put a sock in it! I know it's pouring down rain, but you're just gonna have to
tough it out." Ryo-ohki slumped and let out a sad meow.
***
Later, out in space
***
Ryoko walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed and ready for the day. While she
was a little dissapointed they had to leave Terafin early, she knew it was for the best.
She took a look outside the viewing screen and saw they were going right by the ice
planet Icanus which was at the outer edge of the Terafin star system. The thought
of that fridged wasteland made her shiver, for there was one thing she hated, and that
was the cold.
Her gaze wandered over to Tenchi, who was sitting down and reading a book. She
considered trying a little playful seduction to liven things up, but in the end decided
against that. She never got her breakfast that morning and her stomach was letting her
know.
She was on her way to the kitchen when she was telepathicly assaulted by a distressed
alert from Ryo-ohki. The view screen changed to show a huge fleet of ships surrounding
them. "Oh shit." she muttered. She sped towards the ships control crystal just as the first
shot impacted them. Tenchi was jolted from his book and quickly lept up from his seat
and gave Ryoko a questioning look.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, "It's those damn Vhalid pirates, those bastards used
the planets magnetic field distortions to help mask them from our sensors."
A few more blasts rocked the ship, almost throwing Tenchi and Ryoko against the wall.
Ryoko gripped the steering crystal and did her best evasive maneuvers to try and get
them out of there. But just as she thought she saw an opening to go through, she caught
sight of a massive ship, 10 times larger than any of the others.
"The Emerald Dawn." she said in shock.
"What's the Emerald Dawn?" He questioned.
"I heard about it when it was being constructed, it was quite a ship in its day. Though a
bit outdated now, it still can kick some serious butt." she gruffly muttered.
Right after she said that, they both saw a bright light detatch itself from the Emerald
Dawn, it didn't take long before they realized it was heading right at them.
Tenchi gulped when he saw it, "That...doesn't look good." he said with a hint of gloom in
his voice.
Ryoko franticly took ahold of the control crystal and tried to steer hard to avoid it, "DAMN
IT! It's locked onto us!"
Tenchi felt an impending sense of doom as he watched the projectile speed ever closer
towards them, "What now?" he asked fearfully.
She looked into his eyes for what she knew might be the last time, and when she spoke,
it was barely above a whisper, "I don't know..."
And then it hit.
End of chapter 4
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Authors Notes: *snicker* Don't you just love how I end my chapters? Sorry boys and
girls, no spoilers for chapter 5! You'll just have to wait. As always, I hope you read and
review, as feedback is greatly appreciated.